EHV-1 outbreak prompts urgent response
A recent multi-state outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and its neurologic form – equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) – has halted major equestrian events across the U.S. during one of the busiest
Quick Bits
Beef Donations
Foster Love with Beef, a charitable organization supporting foster children by providing nutritious beef, are seeking one-time donations of roast and five pounds of hamburger to gift foster families this holiday season. All donations are appreciated, but donations are especially needed in Goshen, Niobrara and Weston counties. Pickup locations are located in Torrington, Douglas, Wheatland, Lusk and Newcastle. For more information, visit fosterlovewithbeef.org or e-mail fosterlovewithbeef@gmail.com.
Art Contest
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) 2027 Conservation Stamp Art Contest will feature the Arctic grayling, a distinctive native fish, recognizable by its large, sail-like dorsal fin. Winning artwork is featured on the state’s annual collectible conservation stamp. Professional entries will be accepted from Jan. 2 through March 31, 2026, while submissions for student categories are open now until April 10, 2026. For more information, to view a complete set of contest rules or to submit artwork, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
2026 WCHF
The Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame (WCHF) aims to preserve, promote, perpetuate, publish and document Wyoming’s working cowboy and ranching history through researching, profiling and honoring individuals who broke the first trails and introduced cowboy culture to the state. Nominations for the WCHF Class of 2026 are now open and are available at wyomingcowboyhalloffame.org
UW Rodeo
Both the men’s and women’s University of Wyoming (UW) rodeo teams are sitting first in the fall standings with 2,830 points and 1,875 points, respectively. Josie Mousel is the women’s allaround leader, ranked first in the region – and in the nation – in goat tying and third in breakaway roping. Tate Talkington is the men’s all-around leader, ranked first in the region in tie-down roping.
months on the Western performance horse calendar.
While there have been no cases confirmed in the state of Wyoming as of Nov. 25, state officials are tracking potential exposures connected
to horses which recently traveled to events in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming.
The outbreak, which emerged after several large Western-performance horse
WINTER FEEDING
Experts weigh in on cold-weather nutrition considerations
As temperatures dip and winter weather begins to move in, cattle producers should turn their attention to forming a winter-feeding strategy which best fits the needs of their herd.
Winter feeding strategies look different from operation to operation and can vary based on a multitude of conditions.
However, across the board, primary emphasis should be placed on understanding and meeting nutri-
tional needs to ensure a successful winter season.
Meeting nutritional needs
In a Nov. 15 BEEF Magazine article titled “Nutrition is the fuel to drive animal performance,” Director of Research and Nutrition New Generation Supplements Dr. Paul Davis emphasizes energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and water are the nutritional fuel behind animal performance.
on page 7
UW honors outstanding staff, partners
Recently, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension honored employees and partners who go above and beyond to serve the communities of Wyoming.
Awards were presented on Nov. 5 at an annual conference held in Laramie.
Foundation receives inaugural award
This year, UW Extension created a new award to honor exceptional partners who advance its mission to engage people, strengthen communities and improve lives.
The John P. Ellbogen Foundation, a valued and long-time partner, is the first recipient of the Heart of Extension Award.
“The John P. Ellbogen Foundation has set the standard for supporting our efforts and sustaining the outward expression of the mission, vision and values of Extension,” says UW Extension Director Mandy Marney. “By standing with Extension, the foundation helps us reach further and do more.”
Since 2015, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 to UW Extension educators through the Wyoming Communities, Agriculture and Rural Living Project Fund.
These grants enable educators to implement programming to help the people of Wyoming thrive. Funded projects have focused on everything from helping livestock producers recover from wildfires to teaching youth how to balance a checkbook.
AG Women IN
Two Maids a Milking Creamery serves Cowboy State
Although Wyoming may be betterknown for its beef industry, dairy cattle still contribute to the Cowboy State’s diverse agricultural economy.
Mother-daughter duo Tomi Strock and Sibylle Smith have deep roots in Converse
Grassroots Policy
Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation sets policy for coming year
Livestock identification, wildfire response, water protection and election integrity were among the many topics addressed in policy adopted at the 106th Annual Meeting of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB).
Held in Gillette Nov. 13-15, the meeting continued the grassroots policy development process which shapes the organization’s advocacy work each year.
“Our grassroots policy development process provides a solid foundation for the advocacy work we do for our members,” said Kerin Clark, WyFB executive vice president. “The work we do is guided by a process beginning with members discussing policy issues of concern at their county meetings. Those resolutions passed at the county level are forwarded to the district level. Those passing the district phase are discussed and voted on at the state level.”
Livestock and disease traceability
Livestock branding and disease traceability were major areas of discussion. Delegates reaffirmed Wyoming’s brand program should remain the primary form of identification for
County and are making their mark on the local food economy with quality products from their family-owned dairy business, Two Maids a Milking Creamery.
Business beginnings Before pasteurization and refrigeration made commercial dairy production possible, dairy cattle were common fixtures of ranches throughout the West.
Strock and Smith both grew up with milk cows, drinking fresh milk and cream daily.
Strock fondly recalls the first time her father allowed her to start helping with milking around the age of eight, and Smith has cherished memories of racing her brothers during morning milk chores to see who could fill their pail the fastest.
WYLR photo
GUEST OPINIONS Big News for Regional Beef Producers
The last several years have brought some segments of the U.S. beef industry positive economic times and other segments have seen negative times, mostly due to the lowest U.S. cattle numbers in 75 years. It all depends on which part of the industry you’re in.
These low numbers are mostly caused by drought, higher prices for all classes of cattle, higher input prices for producers and a cattle cycle that’s went bonkers.
Producers are finally receiving what their cattle are worth. Cattle feeders are kind of hit or miss, depending if they can find cattle to fill up their pens. Meatpackers are making a little but also going in the hole a lot depending if they can keep all shifts busy.
It is packinghouses now making big news, as more are closing down. Across the nation, these shutdowns are taking place with packers paying premium prices for fat cattle while having to shut down shifts because of the low numbers of cattle.
A Nov. 24 CattleFax article stated, “Leverage is expected to shift more in favor of the packer as a result of these plants closing. However, it is important to note the U.S. beef industry will still be operating with excess slaughter capacity in 2026 regardless of plant closures. This is not positive for all packinghouses.”
Across the nation last week, there were 585,000 head of cattle processed, down from last year’s numbers at 635,000, which is 50,000 head of cattle a week – a huge number.
While some of the cattle processed were from Canada, last year at this time there were cattle from both Canada and Mexico being processed.
The big news this week is the Tyson packinghouse in Lexington, Neb. closing down. The packinghouse has operated over 30 years, employs over 3,200 people and processes around 5,000 fat cattle a day. This packinghouse is one of the largest of the 11 Tyson has nationwide.
According to the latest U.S. Security and Exchange Commission report, “Tyson Foods reported an operating loss for the beef division of $1.13 billion for the fiscal year ending on Sept. 27, with adjusted operating losses of $426 million, according to company reports.”
Tyson has also reported the cost of buying cattle was up $1.57 billion compared to a year ago.
In a Nov. 10 news release, Tyson said, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated U.S. beef production will decrease around two percent in 2026 compared to year 2025. This would place Tyson’s operating loss for an estimated loss of between $400 and $600 million in the 2026 fiscal year.”
Tyson is also reducing its Amarillo, Texas packinghouse to a single full-capacity shift, and it will increase production at other packinghouses around the nation.
On a positive note, a nearly $300 million packinghouse is operating near North Platte, Neb., owned by ranchers, feedlot owners and others, with Walmart having a minority stake.
Cattle producers and cattle feeders need packinghouses to process their cattle. The big four packinghouses which process some 84 percent of the cattle in the U.S. have not always been the best friend of ranchers and feeders. We can only hope this will change.
It’s Time for Congress to Protect the Workforce That Puts Food on Our Tables
There is no shortage of reasons to protect farmworkers.
Our agriculture industry – responsible for food production and, by extension, food prices – relies on a myriad of factors, including a stable labor source.
Farmworkers are not just the backbone of America’s food system but also fundamental to a thriving economy relying on production to meet demand. The need to protect this vital labor source is not only a moral imperative but an economic necessity.
Farmworkers also embody a significant untapped pipeline for addressing the generational labor declines present in U.S. farming industries. They represent more than labor. They represent America’s agricultural future – a fact that is taking root in national conversations regarding our food security.
Addressing a complex issue
Generally, labor shortage issues can be complex, and measures to
By Ron Estrada
address them are often either too expensive or lack consensus.
In lieu of permanent policies, elected leaders have generally turned a blind eye to farm workforce policy reform, largely because farmwork labor policy is so entwined with immigration reform, and agricultural workers have typically been treated poorly, often not extended the same protections as other workers.
There are currently bills introduced in Congress which aim to only expand the H-2A program, created solely to serve as a stopgap for farm labor shortage. These bills weaken protections for farmworkers – foreign and domestic – and thereby create opportunities for exploitation and abuse.
When protections are strong for H-2A workers, it benefits and strengthens protections for U.S. workers.
Upon returning to session this month, Congress should immediately stand with farmworkers and demand
their vital role be recognized and safeguarded in law.
Recently introduced bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives addresses both parties’ priorities – border security and providing pathways to legal status for undocumented workers.
Specifically, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act seeks to address our nation’s farm labor needs through a comprehensive approach. It provides undocumented farmworkers and their families with paths to legal immigration status.
At the same time, as part of a negotiated compromise, it includes revisions to the federal nonimmigrant visa program for farmworkers – the H-2A program. These revisions address the critical needs of employers while also protecting the interests of workers.
Addressing labor issues in the agriculture sector must include a pathway
Please see WORKFORCE on page 3
From the Publisher Dennis Sun
NEWS BRIEFS
Packing plant closes
Tyson Foods has announced they will be closing their Lexington, Neb. meat packing plant in January 2026. The plant has the capacity of processing up to 5,000 head of cattle a day and employs roughly 3,200 people in the town of just 10,000 people.
The move comes as Tyson Foods’ beef business suffered adjusted losses of $291 million over the previous year. The meatpacker projected the unit will lose $400 million to $600 million in the 2026 fiscal year.
Tyson Foods also announced they will reduce operations at a beef plant in Amarillo, Texas to a single, fullcapacity shift, affecting about 1,700 workers. The plant in the Texas Panhandle can process roughly 6,000 head of cattle a day.
The announcement drew disappointment from cattle groups and elected officials.
In response, the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors stated, “We are disappointed by Tyson’s decision to permanently close the Lexington, Neb. beef processing facility – especially in light of today’s U.S. Department of Agriculture data indicating Nebraska cattle on feed inventories remain slightly above year-ago levels in spite of the ongoing cyclical tightness in overall U.S. cattle numbers.”
“We firmly believe there isn’t a better place to efficiently and economically raise cattle and produce beef than Nebraska,” the group continued. “As this will have a profound impact on the community of Lexington, Neb. and many cattle producers, we hope the plant will continue operations under new ownership.”
Senate passes legislation
The U.S. Senate voted to pass Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ (R-WY) legislation undoing the Biden administration’s Buffalo Field Office Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA), which aimed to completely end future coal mining in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.
“The passage of this legislation through both the Senate and the House is great news for Wyoming and our workers in the Powder River Basin,” said Lummis. “Wyoming energy has powered this country for decades, and we won’t allow farleft Biden administration bureaucrats to unilaterally destroy entire industries and communities just because they wanted to please their environmental donor base. I’m glad we are sending this bill to President Donald Trump so he can sign it and help secure America’s energy future.”
“Today, the Senate voted to support Wyoming’s energy workers and coal communities. We reversed another one of the many bad Joe Biden runaway regulations,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY). “This outrageous rule cut off access to one of our strongest resources – Wyoming coal. I’m proud of our delegation for fighting until we reversed this job-killing rule for good. Together with the Trump administration we’re unleashing Wyoming energy and getting America back on track.”
This legislation now goes to Trump’s desk where he will sign it, officially terminating the Biden administration’s Buffalo RMPA.
Lummis introduced and led this successful effort in the U.S. Senate, alongside Barrasso. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) led the effort in the U.S. House.
WORKFORCE continued from page 2
to legal status for U.S. workers as well as strong protections for H-2A workers.
We need a permanent solution which will ensure a stable labor source to secure our food supply and economic stability. Whatever the consensus, one thing is certain – time is of the essence in agriculture. Importance of a permanent solution
The long-term effect of such action would be to help establish a stable, respected and legally-protected farmworker labor force. A labor force that doesn’t live in poverty but rather participates in opportunities for economic mobility.
Such a labor force would serve as the foundation of a resilient, fair and future-ready agricultural sector.
When we invest in people and honor their dignity, we don’t just transform lives – we transform the future of the nation itself.
As the son and grandson of farmworkers, I share the lived experience of farmworker families who’ve labored the fields for generations.
Neither the agriculture industry nor the American consumer can afford for Congress to delay.
The country recognizes the role of agricultural labor as fundamental to the economic and social prosperity of all Americans. Congress should do the same.
Ron Estrada is the chief executive officer of Farmworker Justice. This opinion column was originally published by AgriPulse on Sept. 1.
CWD detected
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer for the first time in two new hunt areas – Deer Hunt Area 106 in the Cody Region and Deer Hunt Area 150 in the Jackson Region.
To ensure the public is informed, WGFD announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area or a state-run elk feedground.
CWD is 100 percent fatal to infected deer, elk and moose. Continued monitoring of CWD is important to help WGFD understand the potential impacts of the disease and to evaluate future management actions.
Hunters can assist in data collection by submitting samples for free CWD testing, especially when hunting in priority or mandatory CWD testing areas.
For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
USDA purchases fruit
On Nov. 24, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.
“President Trump is standing with America’s farmers, especially right now while the farm economy recovers from years of neglect under the last administration. Certain commodities are experiencing a surplus and USDA is ensuring these crops do not go to waste and instead go to Americans in need across the country,” said Rollins.
Lofink Farms Live
USDA will purchase $30 million worth of fresh fruit, including $15 million in oranges, $10 million in grapefruit and $5 million in mandarins.
Saturday,
DOI revises ESA
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced four proposed rules to restore Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations to their 2019-20 framework.
The actions advance President Donald Trump’s directives to strengthen American energy independence, improve regulatory predictability and ensure federal actions align with the best reading of the law.
The proposals would revise Biden administration regulations finalized in 2024 that the Trump administration says expanded federal reach, created unnecessary complexity and departed from the statute’s clear language.
These actions implement executive orders to direct agencies to remove regulatory barriers which hinder responsible resource development and economic growth while maintaining core conservation commitments.
The four proposed rules include changes to listing and critical habitat determinations, interagency cooperation, threatened species protections and critical habitat exclusions.
“These actions reaffirm our commitment to sciencebased conservation which works hand in hand with America’s energy, agricultural and infrastructure priorities,” said FWS Director Brian Nesvik. “By restoring clarity and predictability, we are giving the regulated community confidence while keeping our focus on recovery outcomes, not paperwork.”
The proposed rules will be published in the Federal Register and became available for public inspection on Nov. 19 at federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current
The public is encouraged to submit comments during the 30-day comment period beginning Nov. 21.
NEWS BRIEFS
CSA hosts annual meeting
Export data reported
According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, August pork exports totaled 236,311 metric tons (mt), down one percent from a year ago, valued at $685.9 million, which is down two percent.
Tours, honors and networking were part of the Colorado Simmental Association’s (CSA) 55th annual meeting, held on Nov. 9.
Following an early glimpse of the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) campus changes, CSA members heard a report from Chad Cook of Walsh, Colo., who gave an American Simmental update and group planning for upcoming events, including the 2026 NWSS.
Hill noted the long-term efforts of outgoing director Willie Altenburg of Fort Collins, Colo., who has served on CSA board leadership for 26 years.
Hill stated, “Altenburg continues to dream up ideas to make strides for CSA and our part of NWSS. He pushes the rest of us to be better and think harder. To thank him for his service, we present this award, noting his exceptional role as
CSA President Paul Hill of Nunn, Colo. presented the awards.
CSA’s leader, promoter and innovator.ˮ
CSA also recognized two outstanding youth with $500 scholarships to pursue their ag studies.
Jason Dias, a Colorado State University student from Fort Morgan, Colo. and Jayme Gittlein of Wauneta, Neb. who will be heading to Murray State University, both received CSA Youth Education Grants.
Gittlein, who is currently serving as the Colorado Junior Simmental pres-
ident, was also named Youth of the Year.
Leah Clark of Monte Vista, Colo. was elected to her initial three-year term as director, with Jolynn Midcap of Wray, Colo. and Susan Russell of Sugar City, Colo. re-elected to third terms on the seven-member board.
Officers were all retained. They include Hill as president; Cody Pitt of Hotchkiss, Colo. as vice president and Russell as secretary/treasurer.
August exports were bolstered by another remarkable performance by leading market Mexico, where shipments climbed eight percent from a year ago to 102,790 mt –the fifth largest volume on record. Export value reached $252.3 million, up nine percent and the second highest on record, trailing only December 2024.
For January through August, pork exports were three percent below last year’s record pace in both volume at 1.93 million mt and value at $5.48 billion.
This gap is mostly attributable to lower exports to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory tariffs. This situation was especially disruptive in the spring months, when tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China temporarily escalated and there was growing uncertainty about the continued eligibility of U.S. plants.
While this situation has since stabilized, China’s total tariff on U.S. pork and most pork variety meat had been 57 percent until Nov. 10, when it was reduced to 47 percent.
August beef exports totaled 83,388 mt, down 19 percent from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value fell 18 percent to $695.5 million – the lowest since February 2021.
While exports to China plummeted, shipments were fairly steady to leading market South Korea and trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean and Central and South America.
For January through August, beef exports were 9.5 percent below last year at 775,188 mt, while value declined nine percent to $6.37 billion.
August exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 220 mt, up 58 percent from a year ago, while value jumped 59 percent to $1.26 million. Growth was led by larger shipments to the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.
Although August exports to Mexico were lower, January through August shipments to Mexico were still up 60 percent in volume at 879 mt – the highest since 2014 – and 75 percent in value at $3.14 million.
For all markets, January through August exports increased 46 percent from a year ago to 2,049 mt, while value was up 29 percent to $10.9 million.
Years of service – Outgoing Colorado Simmental Association (CSA) Director Willie Altenburg, pictured center, was presented a framed hide by Susan Russell and Paul Hill for his years of service. Colorado Simmental Association photo
Youth of the Year – Jayme Gittlein of Wauneta, Neb., pictured center, received the prestigious Youth of the Year Award, plus a $500 educational scholarship. Susan Russell and Paul Hill presented the awards. Colorado Simmental Association photo
Scholarship recipient – Colorado State University Student Jason Dias of Fort Morgan, Colo., pictured center, received a $500 educational scholarship. Susan Russell and Paul Hill presented the awards. Colorado Simmental Association photo
livestock ownership and health tracking.
“WyFB member policy has long supported retaining traditional methods of livestock identification with the option for voluntary, market driven solutions,” Clark said.
“Members spoke up to continue recognizing the importance of Wyoming brand law and its use to identify livestock and trace disease, emphasizing brands have been the identification for livestock for over a century. Many want to ensure this system continues,” Clark added.
Wildfires and recovery
Wildfires across Wyoming over the past two years brought forward significant discussion about suppression, coordination and post-fire reclamation. Members stressed the importance of working partnerships between landowners, grazing permittees and state and federal agencies.
“The impact wildfires from this summer and last had on resources and private landowners were top of mind,” Clark said. “Working partnerships are crucial as landowners and livestock grazing permittees work the land, and they have important knowledge and tools to work with federal and
state land managers to fight fires.”
Clark added financial responsibility after fires remains a concern.
“Reclamation post-fire is also a key consideration for the land and landowners impacted by fires,” she said. “Members expressed concern with the financial responsibility of reclamation on private lands due to suppression and containment lines built on private lands to fight fire on federal lands.”
She noted members also stressed coal seam-caused surface fires should fall under the responsibility of land management agencies.
Water and energy development
Water use and energy development surfaced in several policy discussions. Delegates reaffirmed opposition to producing hydrogen fuel from Wyoming water.
“Our members reaffirmed policy opposing the production of hydrogen fuel from water in Wyoming expressing the concern of preferred water uses being impacted,” Clark said.
Members also adopted policy requesting temporary or long-term storage of radioactive materi-
K2 Red Angus Fall Female Sale
Reported By: Zach Johnson, WYLR Field Representative Nov. 20, 2025
K2 Red Angus, Wheatland Auctioneer: Lander Nicodemus
103 Commercial Red Angus AI-Bred Heifers Avg. $4,267
54 Commercial Black Angus AI-Bred Heifers Avg. $3,972
47 Commercial Red Angus Pasture-Bred Heifers Avg. $4,322 Four Commercial Black Angus Pasture-Bred Heifers Avg. $4,600
68 Commercial Red Angus Three- and Four-Year-Old Bred Cows Avg. $4,371 16 Commercial Red Angus Running-Age Bred Cows Avg. $4,159
Top Sellers Bred heifers Lot 4 – Price: $4,800 x Eight Head Lot 3 – Price: $4,650 x 30 Head Bred cows
Lot 11 – Price: $4,750 x Eight Head
als occur only in the county where it was generated or outside of the state, reflecting long-standing concerns about importing radioactive waste.
Election integrity, utility polity, taxes
Election integrity and access were another priority as delegates voiced strong support for maintaining inperson voting and local precinct polling places.
“Support of in-person voting and the ability for citizens to travel to local precinct polling places led to policy opposing voting centers,” Clark said.
Members also weighed in on utility policies affecting daily life across the state.
“Living in a windy state where red flag warnings are not uncommon led to members expressing opposition to power companies cutting power during those times,” Clark said.
Delegates also discussed
taxation related to government-owned lands, supporting the position only improvements – not the land itself – should be subject to property tax.
“Discussion following a court decision regarding leasing state-owned land for a private company’s use led WyFB members to ask for only improvements on government-owned lands –not the land – to be taxed,” Clark said.
Proposed fuel tax increases and questions about Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) funding led delegates to call for a closer review of the agency’s spending.
“Earlier this year, talk of proposed fuel tax increases and about shortfalls for WYDOT’s road maintenance led to policy discussion on fuel taxes and tolling,” Clark said. “WyFB policy has long opposed increases to taxes leading to a resolution asking for an
efficiency review into how WYDOT is spending their money.”
WyFB continues its commitment to the principles guiding its grassroots work. The policies adopted at the annual meeting will direct the organization’s efforts in the coming year as WyFB remains focused
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 - FEEDER/CALF
on its mission of strengthening Wyoming agriculture and enhancing Wyoming communities.
WyFB is the state’s largest organization of farmers and ranchers with over 11,000 members across all 23 Wyoming counties. For more information, visit wyfb.org
WEANED CALVES Christian Farms 248 Blk/Red Strs & Hfrs, 425-700#, Branding & Precond Shots: Vista Once & Vision 7/Somnus; Booster Shots: Vista Once, Vision 7/Somnus, Nasalgen, Clean Up, Boostered again 21 days after Weaning, Weaned 48 days, Grower Ration, Alfalfa, Millet Hay, Corn, Mineral Program, Black & Red Angus Cross Calves, Northern Bred Cattle back to Montana & South Dakota Stock, Sired by Black & Red Leachman Bulls & Registered Red Angus Bulls.
Rock Lake Angus 60 Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 600-650#, Weaned 75 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding Shots: 7-way, Inforce 3, One Shot BVD, Pre-cond. Shots: 7-way w/Somnus, Inforce 3, One Shot BVD, Weaning Shots: Somnus Bovi-Shield 5, Dectomax Keith Geis 50 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 650-700#, Weaned since Oct. 15, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7, Weaning Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7, Ivomec Pour On, No Implants, Steers are Knife Cut, Producer All Natural Craig Oceanak 44 Red Angus Strs & Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned 40 days, Been on Alfalfa Hay, Lick Tubs, Bunk Broke, No Shots, Producer All Natural PRE-COND. CALVES
Murphy Ranch Inc. 260 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Branding Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Pro-Bac 4, Bar-Vac 7, Pre-cond Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Pro-Bac 4, Bar-Vac 7, Nasalgen 3, Vetrmec Pour On, Knife Cut, Running out Pasture and Hay Meadows supplement with Grass/Alfalfa Hay Mix long side of mothers, Been on a Complete Mineral Program, Nice set of high altitude calves
Cody & Joel Tremain 170 Blk Strs, 500#, Branding Shots: Vision 7, Inforce 3, Pre-cond. Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus, Pyramid 5+Presponse, Poured, No Implants, Home
Robert & Alicia Hawkins 100 Blk/Bwf Strs, 500-650#, Branding & Precond Shots, No Implants, Home Raised Dodge Creek Ranch 69 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 450-550#. Branding Shots: Vision 8, Pyramid 5+Presponse, Pre-cond. Shots: Vision 7, Vira Shield 6, Implanted w/Ralgro, Steers are Knife Cut CALVES
Eight Bar Ranch 200 Mostly Blk/Red few Hereford Strs & Hfrs, 550-625#, Branding Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus w/Spur, Pyramid 5 +Presponse, High Altitude: Running at 8000 to 11,000’, Fancy and Very Green; Coming off dry Fall Pastures Troy Cochran Ranch 94 Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 555-585#, Branding Shots: Rhino Virus Sub Q, 7-way/C & D, Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot, Inforce 3, No Implants, Home Raised, 1-iron, Electric Fence Broke, Steers are Knife Cut, Started on Cake along side of mothers Kent Hunter 89 Blk/Bwf, few Red Strs & Hfrs, 300-450#, Producer All Natural Joseph Pieper 40 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 450-650#, Branding Shots: Alpha 7/Somnus & Express 5, No Brands
DISPERSALS
Flag Ranch 85 Angus Cows, Complete Dispersal of 3 YR Olds, Bred to Angus Bulls from Vermillion, Hoffman & Ellingson, CF: March 1st for 55 days, Pre-breeding Shots: Express 5 Spirovac VL5, SafeGuard Wormer, Been on a Guardian Scour Program, All Raised a Calf BRED HEIFERS Bar X LLC 50 Blk/Bwf Angus Hfrs, 1100#, AI’d Bred to RL Justice AAA #: 19836564 (known for creating beautiful, deep bodied females with excellent feet and udders within out angus program), CF: Feb. 6, Calfhood Shots: 3 Rounds of Pyramid 5+Presponse, 7-way, Fall Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Vision 7 w/C & D, Poured w/Dectomax, ****30 Blk/Bwf Angus Hfrs, 1100#, Bred to Bar X Low Birth Weight/High Performance Blk Bulls, CF: March for 30 days Calfhood Shots: 3 Rounds of Pyramid 5+Presponse, 7-way, Fall Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Vision 7 w/C & D, Poured w/Dectomax (Best sort of 350 heifer calves born on the ranch from last year. Home Raised, 1-iron, No Replacements kept) Fox Ranch 60 Blk Hfrs, Bred to Registered Low Birth Weight Blk Angus Bulls, CF: Feb. 25 for 45 days, Shots: Scour Bos 9, 8-way, Collagen, Poured, Top End of 500 head sort
Lyman Ranch 60 Blk Hfrs, 1100#, AI’d Bred to “Circle Unified” Vermilion Herd Sire, CF: March 13, Full Vac. Progam, Vitamin & Mineral Program, Reproduction Scored & Plelvic Measured to Pass, Out of a Performance Herd, Running at High Elevation 7100’
BRED COWS
Shon Whetham Family Partnership 200 Blk Cows, 3 yr olds, Bred to Ochsner-Roth Bulls, CF: March 27 for 45 days, Shots on Oct. 16: BoviShield Gold FP, Guardian, 7-way, Hot Wired Broke, Cake Broke, All Raised a Calf, 50% is Home Raised bal Originated from ZumBrunnen/Ladder Ranch/Ogallala Ranches as calves
Robert Bark 90 Mx Cows, 5-7 yr olds, Bred to Sim/Angus Bulls, CF: March/May
Double 7 Cattle LLC/Ben Thoman 80 Blk Cows, 1200-1300#, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls: Rousey Gold Strike, Traveler, & Conneally Comrade, CF: March/April, Bangs Vac., Poured w/ Normiacine Ivermec Brady Price 24 Blk/Bwf Cows, SS, Bred to Hereford & SinAngus Bulls, CF: March 22 for 50 days, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Poured David Sherrod 15 Red Angus Cows, Running Ages, Bred to Schuler Red Angus Bulls, CF: March 1 for 60 days, Pre-breeding Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold FP 5 VL5, Fall Shots at Preg Check: Guardian, SafeGuard, Poured
Torrington Livestock is Now On FEEDERS Lex Burgdahl 107 Blk, few Red Strs, 900#, Complete Vac Program, Off Grass
Adobe Stock photo
The pair explain they stopped keeping milk cows in the early 2000s but had dairy goats for several years.
A few years ago, Smith decided the place could use another milk cow, so she asked her brother to partner on purchasing a Brown Swiss and took up the practice again.
At first, Smith says having a milk cow was just a way to keep fresh dairy on hand for family and a few neighbors.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 changed this, however, as more people began to reach out due to the shortage of milk on grocery store shelves.
Increased interest from the local community led to the purchase of two more milk cows, and Strock joined her daughter to help out with the workload.
“We were not a business at first by any means – we just provided milk for our family and people who would ask,” Smith says. “We
didn’t even have a name. We were just two girls milking a couple of cows.”
This spirit remains at the heart of Two Maids a Milking Creamery, which has blossomed into a successful small business for Smith and Strock who live on a ranch just outside of Douglas. For the mother-daughter duo, the dairy business is an expansion of a close partnership a lifetime in the making.
“It’s always been us,” Smith says. “We’re mom and daughter, but we’re also best friends. We’ve always worked hard together, and now we’re running a business together.”
Expanding horizons
Strock and Smith note business has exploded in the past year since they first started selling milk and cream with 307 Prairie Pantry in Douglas – a small country story marketing home-grown products from local producers.
Today, the herd includes eight Brown Swiss and
Montbéliard cattle – breeds chosen for their disposition, hardiness and desirable cream line.
A milk machine has also been added to help cut down on chore time, but the level of love and care going into the process remains consistent.
Smith says she’s grateful for the opportunity to bring quality dairy products free of preservatives and plastics to her community, crediting the Food Freedom Act – which allows for direct-to-consumer sales of homegrown foods throughout Wyoming – as a tremendous win for small producers in the state.
“The Food Freedom Act is a big deal,” Smith says. “It makes me feel really proud to be from Wyoming where we can do this for each other – a lot of other states are not as lucky.”
Strock echoes her daughter’s sentiments, noting the act has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on her own life and the lives of producers throughout the state.
Both Smith and Strock take pride in providing quality products to their customers, whether it be on the shelves of the local market or through special deliveries.
Strock serves as a state representative for Converse County and says deliveries from the creamery have been a highlight of legislative sessions on more than one occasion.
To ensure the highest
To learn more about Two Maids a Milking Creamery, contact Sibylle Smith at 307-359-5252 or Tomi Strock at 307-359-1120 or stop by 307 Prairie Pantry, located at 146 E. Robin Lane in Douglas.
level of quality and safety, education remains at the core of the creamery’s operations. Both Smith and Strock are committed to continued research on the science behind raw milk to grow their knowledge and share it with their community.
“I think there’s a healing power in good, fresh, raw foods like home-grown beef and milk,” Smith says. “I truly believe we’re helping the community.”
Strength in balance
As fourth and fifth-generation ranchers, strength has been a natural byproduct of Smith and Strock’s agricultural backgrounds.
Growing up, Strock and her four sisters rose to the ranch’s demands as well as any male counterpart, and a childhood spent working in step with five brothers taught Smith the value of toughness and hard work.
Their experiences as women – wives, mothers, daughters and sisters – have also brought unique perspective to their lives and careers.
Smith emphasizes she’s always shared a special bond with her mother, who first set the example she continues to strive for today.
To Smith, a special balance of strength and soft-
ness lies at the heart of Wyoming ranch women.
“Just because we can work hard and be strong and brave doesn’t mean we don’t have a feminine side,” Smith says. “We’re good moms and good wives, and we can work alongside our husbands without taking their place.”
“I think this is the beauty of Wyoming ranch women,” Smith continues. “There’s so much pride in being a woman in ag.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Quality and care – Care for animals and community are core values for Sibylle Smith and Tomi Strock, co-founders of Two Maids a Milking Creamery in Converse County. Pictured is Smith in the pen with her dairy cows. Courtesy photo
These factors are important year-round, but especially in winter, since cattle regulate their body temperature by consuming feed. Plentiful forage with adequate nutrients is key to keeping herds healthy throughout cold winter months.
Protein is particularly essential for cattle growth and should be prioritized in winter feeding.
The critical nutrient affects everything from rumen microbial activity and digestion to growth and reproductive health, according to a Dec. 4, 2024 Vitaferm article titled “A Guide to Feeding Cattle in Winter: The Importance of Protein
Supplementation.”
Vitaferm notes popular winter forage options like crop residues and native pastures are often high in fiber but lacking in protein and energy, leading to lower digestibility and, consequently, lower consumption.
In these cases, producers should consider supplementing lower-quality forages with protein-rich supplements like alfalfa hay, soybean meal or commercial supplements for an additional source of energy and protein.
When possible, BEEF Magazine encourages producers to prioritize animal performance over cutting input costs, stating although supple-
ments may come with a steep price tag initially, they will pay off in the end by keeping cattle healthy and well fed.
“It’s cheaper to keep an animal in good condition than at lowered production or no production,” emphasizes Davis. Strategies for supplements
Protein requirements for cattle fluctuate based on environmental conditions and gestation stage and may need to be adjusted as winter progresses.
In a Nov. 7 High Plains Journal article by Lacey Vilhauer, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Specialist Dana Zook recommends consulting with a nutritionist or Extension specialist before introducing a new supplement to any program.
Zook further highlights alfalfa as an effective supplement, but cautions producers to be diligent when feeding, noting the richness of alfalfa can cause upset stomachs if introduced improperly.
To combat this, Zook recommends producers stick with alfalfa as a supplement only, feeding it every third day or as recommended by a nutritionist.
Zook also stresses the importance of storing hay and other supplements properly to avoid damage and checking supplements for signs of spoilage before feeding.
If feeding hay as a supplement, testing bales can help producers get a better understanding of their crop and whether it is enough to meet nutritional needs.
Christmas Corral
Samples are collected through hay probes which can be checked out from local University of Wyoming Extension offices and mailed to labs for testing. After being tested for protein, energy and mineral levels, producers can make a plan for incorporating hay into their feed programs.
Additionally, Zook notes alfalfa cubes pack a nutritional punch in a convenient package, although they can be slightly more expensive than bales.
Overall, she recommends tailoring the supplement option to the operation, reemphasizing the importance of working with a nutritionist or other professional before incorporating any form of supplement.
Additional considerations Even in cold weather, water intake continues to be a crucial aspect of animal health. Making sure water is easily accessible and free from ice is another important part of winter feeding regimens.
Also, shelterbelts and windbreaks can help provide essential cover from the cold, biting winds which tend to mark Wyoming in the wintertime.
Overall, a balanced feeding ration complimented by tailored supplements can help producers maintain healthy, happy herds all season long. Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
SALE REPORTS
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor
Top Sellers
Lot 69 – Redland Exactly 1224 – Price: $35,000 DOB: 4/8/24 Sire: Sinclair Exactly
4U2 Dam’s Sire: GDAR
Game Day 449 EPDs: BW:
Lawrence, South Dakota
Lot 1 – Redland Navigator 1164 – Price: $26,500 DOB: 3/21/24 Sire: Coleman Navigator 1164 Dam’s Sire: O C C Chancellor
Top Sellers
Two-year-old bulls Lot 7 – KL Desert Bond 440 – Price: $18,000 DOB: 3/25/24 Sire: 4T Desert Bond 0007 Dam’s Sire: Desert Master 457 ET EPDs: BW: +3.4, WW: +59, YW: +94, Milk: +25 and M&G: +54 Buyer: Stuber Ranch, Bowman, N.D. Lot 35 – L3 Desert Toro 4000 – Price: $18,000 DOB: 4/23/24 Sire: OR TP Desert Prime Dam’s Sire:
Milk: +17 Buyer: A Mill
Iron Angus, Wyoming
Lot 26 – Redland DO
It All 804 – Price: $26,000
DOB: 3/29/24 Sire: O C C
Do It All 656D Dam’s Sire:
Redland Emblazon 1205
EPDs: BW: -0.7, WW: +50, YW: +81 and Milk: +19
Buyer: Marty Lawerence, South Dakota
L3 Sir Meloria 889 EPDs: BW: +2.4, WW: +62, YW: +102, Milk: +36 and M&G: +67 Buyer: Reno and Sons, Inc., Gillette Lot 38 – TP Mr. Daybreak 433 – Price: $18,000 DOB: 5/3/24 Sire: Pyramid Daybreak 9103 ET Dam’s Sire: TP Mr. Junior 8052 1ET EPDs: BW: +2.7, WW: +59, YW: +93, Milk: +26 and M&G: +55 Buyer: Garrett Ranch, Casper Lot 61 – NL 9027
DOB: 3/29/24 Sire: O C C
Do It All 656D Dam’s Sire: Coleman Rainmaker 1141
EPDs: BW: +0.9, WW: +43, YW: +75 and Milk: +18
Desert Test 445 – Price: $18,000 DOB: 3/29/24
Sire: UPS Final Test 9027
Dam’s Sire: OR TP Desert Prime EPDs: BW: +1.2, WW: +65, YW: +99, Milk: +26 and M&G: +58 Buyer: Bates Creek Cattle Company, Casper Fall yearling Lot 89 – L3 Desert Toro 517 – Price: $15,000 DOB: 9/25/24 Sire: OR TP Desert Prime Dam’s Sire: TP Oasis Jerry ET 229 EPDs:
BW: +1.6, WW: +47, YW: +82, Milk: +36 and M&G: +60 Buyer: Graves Ranch, Wheatland Bull calf Lot 93 – NL Desert CS Fieldman 556 – Price: $19,000 DOB: 5/27/25
Sire: Churchill Stanfield 3122L Dam’s Sire: OR TP Desert Prime EPDs: BW: +4.1, WW: +64, YW: +107, Milk: +39 and M&G: +71 Buyer: Stroh Herefords, Killdeer, N.D.
Buyer: Alex
+1.9, WW: +57, YW: +92 and Milk: +17
767C EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +53, YW: +86 and
Lot 35 – Redland Do
It All 124 – Price: $22,500
Buyer: Eagle Ridge Cattle Company, South Dakota Lot 25 – Redland Zodiac 824 – Price: $22,000 DOB: 4/28/24 Sire: Mc Cumber Zodiac 9119 Dam’s Sire: Mc Cumber Zodiac 9119
tle Company, Montana
Lot 71 – Redland Traveler 984 – Price: $22,000
EPDs: BW: -0.5, WW: +49, YW: +84 and Milk: +21
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000
Buyer: Hancock Livestock,
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is excited to highlight the launch of the new unified New World screwworm (NWS) website, screw-
This dynamic new site centralizes NWS information available across the federal government and reflects a whole-of-government effort to fight this pest through implementation of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ comprehensive five-pronged plan.
The website has targeted resources for a wide range
Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614
Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932
Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666
Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440
Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • Weaned Calf and Weigh Up Special
65 - hd BLK Heifers, FANCY
Lot 39 – Redland Chancellor 1304 – Price: $22,000 DOB: 3/26/24 Sire: Redland Chancellor 410 Dam’s Sire: O C C Emblazon 854E EPDs: BW: +1.1, WW: +55, YW: +90 and Milk: +18 Buyer: Lee Cat-
of stakeholders including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers and the general public. It also has the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities in Mexico and U.S. preparedness efforts.
The website includes information from partner agencies as well as collaborating agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland
DOB: 3/23/24 Sire: Redland Traveler 6008 Dam’s Sire: O C C Chancellor 767C Buyer: Burch Ranch, Wyoming
Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of State.
This new site was built with customers in mind and will help all visitors to the website, whether they are protecting their herds, traveling internationally with or without pets, endorsing health certificates, conducting research, seeking answers to questions or looking for other ways to help.
USDA will continue to work with its partners to update and enhance this site to ensure it has the latest information and updates.
The winter chill has begun to blow through the U.S., and the comfort of a warm fire is a welcome respite.
But as owners move their large animals into their barns to protect them from the elements, there are a number of factors that could lead to an unwanted fire, which can threaten the health and safety of horses and livestock seeking shelter within them.
Dr. Kyle Johnson, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers advice on how owners can shield their barns and their large animals from this threat by providing a plan to execute if the danger of fire engulfs their property.
Preventive fire measures
Horse barns and other agricultural buildings are often full of flammable items such as hay and shavings. Even the barn itself – if constructed of wood – can serve as fuel for a fire.
“Over 80 percent of barn fires are caused by electrical malfunctions or human errors,” Johnson said. “Such errors may include improper disposal of a cigarette or placing a heat source, such as a space heater or hot equipment, near flammable material.”
Another risk factor to consider is the weather, as lightning strikes are also a common cause of barn fires.
“To combat this worry, barns should have professionally-installed lightning protection systems, which are designed to provide lightning with a safe path to follow into the ground,” Johnson said.
Because many barns and other agricultural buildings are located in rural areas where emergency and firefighter response may be delayed, preventing fire is key, according to Johnson.
“Fire prevention is
focused on keeping sources of ignition away from fuel sources and reducing the amount of those fuel sources as much as possible,” he said.
Methods to reduce the risk of barn fires include prohibiting smoking in or around the barn, ensuring electrical wiring is functioning properly, avoiding electrical outlet overloading, prohibiting welding or torch cutting in or around the barn, storing hay and straw in a separate structure from gasoline and diesel and removing cobwebs and dusting regularly.
“Residential smoke detectors often do not work well in barns because of high humidity and high particulate matter in the air,” Johnson noted. “Instead, rely on carbon monoxide detectors or other commercially-installed fire detection alarms. Systems connecting directly to a security system company or the local fire department are ideal as such devices can improve response times.”
Urgent evacuations
Even with the most thorough preparations, a fire may still occur and threaten the safety of horses and livestock.
“If a fire starts in a barn, it can move very quickly, and there may be only minutes to act,” Johnson said. “When ignited, hay, straw and shavings can reach nearly 300 degrees Fahrenheit in less than five minutes, meaning each second is precious to save an animal’s life.”
“It is important to have a properly charged ABC fire extinguisher at each of the barn’s entrances and to ensure everyone knows how to operate them,” Johnson added.
In a barn fire situation, calling 911 and evacuating is the best thing an owner can do. As with house fires, no one should enter as doing so
could result in serious injury or death from the fire or smoke.
“In addition, the threat of heat, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes produced by the burning of plastics and other materials can cause horses and livestock to suffocate,” Johnson said.
Fires can also weaken a barn, thus making it more likely to collapse. With this in mind, it is essential to have an evacuation plan in place ahead of time.
Making a plan
Johnson recommends evacuating large animals by using the following steps.
He suggests keeping a halter or lead rope close to each stall, calmly but quickly leading animals away from the fire, containing animals in a designated paddock or pasture and hosing the animals off thoroughly.
“Hosing animals off can remove any hot embers or fire material and can also decontaminate them,” Johnson said. “Soot from fires contains a lot of nasty substances which can be toxic to horses and humans.”
Following evacuation, all animals involved in or near the flames should be promptly evaluated by a veterinarian.
“Even if a horse doesn’t have evidence of burns, they may have inhaled superheated air and smoke, which can be deadly,” Johnson noted. “Horses may appear healthy at first, but the injuries to the lungs and other tissues can manifest 12 to 24 hours later as pneumonia.”
Proactive planning
Approaching the threat of fire without a plan not only endangers oneself, but also their property, livestock, horses and other loved ones. Therefore, having a barn fire plan is not just a recommen-
dation – it is a necessity.
“Write it down, discuss it with everyone at your barn and practice it,” Johnson said.
“A plan that isn’t written down and rehearsed is only an idea.”
Emergencies can be extremely stressful for humans and animals alike, but being prepared with an evacuation plan can ensure everyone emerges from a barn fire
WYLR photo
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Strategic Planning Conference on Nov. 14 with election of its new officers.
New officers elected Chairing USMEF for the 2025-26 term is Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Company based in Boise, Idaho.
Theiler recalled his early days with Agri Beef, when the company came to realize it could not maximize the value of each head of livestock processed by selling product only in the Pacific Northwest or even in the entire U.S.
“To get maximum value, we had to go to the international markets and include them in our sales,” Theiler said. “I did a lot of overseas trips in the early 2000s and many subsequent trips which laid the foundation for our success. When we traveled to Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, we would meet with USMEF staff, who would paint a landscape of the distributors in the market and help us set up appointments and meetings.”
“USMEF was really an integral part of our company story and our brand story, and I say this today because it may serve as an inspiration for others on how to grow their business and how USMEF can help,” he added.
Looking forward, Theiler said differentiating the quality of U.S. red meat is essential to continued expansion of the global customer base.
“The world doesn’t just buy U.S. meat because it’s available – they buy it because it’s exceptional,” he said. “Our U.S. red meat brand means something. It is the gold standard for quality, taste, safety, sustainability and reliability.”
“Our beef, pork and lamb is sought out as incomes around the world grow, but we can’t take this for granted and we must continue to invest in international marketing, especially as our global competitors increase their quality and aim to compete with us,” he continued.
While emphasizing the need to diversify export destinations, Theiler also noted the importance of defending hard-earned market share with established trading partners.
“We cannot take our longstanding partners for granted,” Theiler said. “Markets like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Mexico are vital and have been reliable trading partners for decades. We must continue to protect and strengthen those relationships, and we must keep earning their confidence and trust.”
Theiler succeeds Steve Hanson, a rancher and cattle feeder from southwestern
Nebraska, as USMEF chair.
The USMEF chair-elect for the coming year is Dave Bruntz, who raises corn and soybeans and feeds cattle in southeastern Nebraska. Bruntz is a past president of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Cattlemen.
The USMEF vice chair is Darin Parker, director of Salt Lake City-based exporter and distributor PMI Foods.
The newest USMEF officer is Secretary-Treasurer Ross Havens, a cattle producer who serves as marketing coordinator for Nichols Farms in Bridgewater, Iowa. Trade barriers discussed
On Nov. 14, the closing business session at the USMEF conference also included a staff panel discussion of opportunities which
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“AMERICA’S PREMIER BRED FEMALE SALE”
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 9:00 A.M. Bred Cows/Heifers
Selling Complete Dispersions - Bred Cows - Bred 1st Calf Heifers
Including Black Angus, Red Angus, F1 and Hereford
View consignments at burwelllivestock.com
View and bid online at DV Auction or Cattle USA
Burwell Livestock Market 308-346-4257
Jake Gideon 308-214-0992 ~ Todd Eberle 308-870-1783
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Wade Dearmont 402-760-2266
could emerge as a result of reciprocal trade agreements and frameworks announced by the Trump administration.
The session focused mainly on two critical regions ‒ Europe and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN).
USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror moderated the panel, which included Vice President of Asia Pacific Jihae Yang, Director of Export and Technical Services Courtney Heller and Director of Export Services Jim Remcheck.
Borror kicked off the discussion by sharing USMEF estimates of substantial additional export opportunities in the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK) and several ASEAN countries if trade barriers ‒ tariff and nontariff ‒ are addressed.
From there, Borror and the panelists walked the audience through an array of trade barriers which continue to prevent the red meat industry from reaching its trade potential in specific markets within those regions.
In the ASEAN region, U.S. beef faces tariff disadvantages because Australia and New Zealand, along with some other suppliers, have free trade agreements throughout the region. The U.S. also faces a host of nontariff barriers.
review of the U.S.-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) and the importance of preserving duty-free access for U.S. pork, beef and lamb entering Mexico and Canada.
Kenneth Smith Ramos, a former lead negotiator for the Mexican government who was deeply involved in the negotiation and ratification of USMCA, detailed the mutual benefits USMCA has delivered for the agricultural sectors in both the U.S. and Mexico.
The agreement has enhanced food security in both countries and bolstered the profitability of many agricultural sectors through free trade.
Canada’s perspective.
He stressed the efficiencies duty-free movement of meat and livestock between the U.S. and Canada have fostered and the importance of maintaining this environment.
Masswohl also questioned whether the U.S. truly has an agricultural trade deficit with Canada, citing percapita consumption figures. He noted, based on 2023 data, the average Canadian consumes more than $700 per year in U.S. agricultural goods, while Americans average only $118 in consumption of Canadian ag products.
“We have to chip away and tackle some of these technical market access barriers to trade which are really hindering our opportunities,” said Remcheck. “The single greatest barrier we face is the facility-by-facility approval and registration process. This is sort of an overarching, crosscutting issue we see throughout the region, and it is the primary thing keeping us from reaching our market potential.”
Yang agreed protectionism is a serious problem in the ASEAN and shared an example of how import permit processes can be abused to help protect local producers. Yang also highlighted two other aspects hindering market development efforts in the region ‒ cold chain infrastructure and limited financial capacities of importers.
Yang also detailed U.S. red meat opportunities and several promotional initiatives contributing to the industry’s market development progress in the ASEAN region.
USMCA outlined The Nov. 13 general session focused on the upcoming
Smith Ramos, who is now a partner in the regulatory and trade consulting firm AGON, outlined the possible outcomes of the USMCA review, ranging from a very limited review to the threat of “rupture” if the agreement is reopened and the U.S. threatens to withdraw.
He anticipates something in between, with portions of USMCA – some of which may be contentious – opened up for renegotiation.
“We see a complex USMCA review, but we do not see a scenario where there is an imminent collapse of the agreement,” he explained. “There will be turbulence, but we do not see the plane crashing.”
Smith Ramos added it is critical for the U.S., Mexican and Canadian agricultural sectors to remain vigilant in explaining the benefits of USMCA and the importance of maintaining it as a trilateral pact.
John Masswohl, a veteran of many agricultural trade negotiations during his long career with the Canadian Cattle Association, struck similar themes as he analyzed USMCA from
“This tells me the Canadian market is pretty open, and Canadians like American agricultural products,” he said. “If you scratch into what we are buying, we’re purchasing a lot of high-value U.S. items.”
Individuals honored The Nov. 13 program also included the presentation of USMEF’s Michael J. Mansfield Award to Ted McKinney, former U.S. Department Agriculture undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
Dr. Dermot Hayes, who recently retired as an Iowa State University professor and continues to serve as a consulting economist for the pork industry, received the USMEF Distinguished Service Award.
The next meeting of USMEF members will be at the organization’s Spring Conference in Oklahoma City from May 20-22.
USMEF collects and analyzes market intelligence, implements promotional programs and collaborates with industry stakeholders and governmental agencies to increase U.S. red meat exports. This article was originally published
14.
Michael J. Mansfield Award winner – Ted McKinney, pictured right, receives the Michael J. Mansfield Award from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Halstrom, pictured left. USMEF photo
Distinguished Service Award recipient – Dr. Dermot Hayes, pictured left, receives the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Distinguished Service Award from outgoing USMEF Chair Steve Hanson, pictured right. USMEF photo
New officers – Pictured is the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) new officer team, from left to right, including Ross Havens, Darin Parker, Dave Bruntz and Jay Theiler. USMEF photo
DISPERSIONS
Robinson Lazy JD Dispersion (Selling 1PM Tuesday)
420 RED ANGUS BRED HEIFERS & COWS
120 BRED HEIFERS. 200 2-TO 5-YEAR-OLDS.
100 6-9-YEAR-OLDS
Start calving March 25 to May 15, bred to Westphal & Gibbs Red Angus bulls, longtime reputation family ranch, FANCY. MC Ranch Company Total
Dispersion (Selling 9AM Weds)
1,000 MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving April 1-June 10th, bred to Riverbend, Jorgenson, Diamond Peak Bulls, 200 head 3-4, 450 running age, 300 older cows, all cows on fall shot program (none this fall), steer calves weight 475-500# end of October, cows originated off 6666 Ranch, big country cows that are efficient and big time breeding program, complete dispersion off the famous Pathfinder Ranch.
100 BRED HEIFERS
Start calving April 1-May 30th, bred to Riverbend and Jorgenson LBW Bulls
50 SUMMER/FALL PAIRS
Mixed aged, calves not branded, just later born calves off the ranch, not exposed back. Miller Owl Creek Herd
Reduction (Selling 11AM Tues)
300 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving April 10 for 60 days, bred to Vermilion Ranch Angus bulls, fall Shot program (none in 2025). Really nice set of cows that always have a top set of calves.
KC -Davidson Ranch
Dispersion (Selling 11:30AM Tues)
370 BLACK/BWF MIXED AGED BRED COWS Blue Tags -85 head 2-Coming 3-Yr-Olds, 80 White Tabs calves March 5-April 30th, 5 purple tabs calve May 1-June 20. Bred to Vermilion Ranch Angus bulls, fall shots and poured, Ultrasound Tested. All raised calves / green tags 3 to BM cows. 240 head white & blue tabs calve March 1-April 30. 43 head purple tabs calve May 1-June 20, Ultrasound Tested, fall shots. Lots of cows came off McCarty/Two Dot, Jocko Valley. The Estate of Ty William Stienbach-Dispersion (W)
13 BLACK SIMM/ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start Calving March 1st, Bred to Open Gate and Prickly Pear Simm Angus Bulls, No Fall Shots.
80 BLACK SIMM/ANGUS 3-TO-8-YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start Calving March 1, Bred to Open Gate and Prickly Pear Simm Angus Bulls, No Fall Shots.
BRED COWS
307 Wilderness
150 BLACK ANGUS 3 TO 4 YEAR OLD BRED COWS Calve March 10 to May 1, Bred to Registered Black Angus calving ease bulls. High elevation, big country cattle.
40 Mile
230 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
80 head of 9-and 10-year-old bred cows, start calving March 25th, bred to Angus bulls. Fall shots and poured, 150 head mixed aged June/ July calvers.
Arthun Ranch
90 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving March 20th, bred to Current Creek Bulls, fall shots and poured. Billy Creek Ranch
25 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving April 10 for 60 days, bred to Gaugler and Reminisce Angus Bulls, fall shots.
Arntzen Angus
50 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGE BRED COWS Baumann Livestock
25 BLACK ANGUS 10 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start calving March 20 to May 15, Bred to Hereford and SimAngus bulls. ViraShield 6 VL5 HB, Scour Bos 9, and Ivomec pour on in November.
Billy Creek Ranch
25 BLK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving April 10 for 60 days, Bred to Gaugler and Reminisce Angus Bulls, Fall shots.
Carlson, Gordon
70 BLACK ANGUS BRED 3-YEAR-OLDS
Start calving March 10th, bred to Basin Angus Bulls.
Cedar Creek LLC (Tues. 10AM)
300 BLACK ANGUS COMING 3 & COMING 4
YEAR OLD BRED COWS
80% Coming 3, 20% Coming 4. Ultrasound tested to calve March1st for 35 days. Bred to Botts and Midland Black Angus bulls. ViraShield 4 VL5and Ivermectin in Spring of 2025. Coming off eastern Montana grass.
Circle L Angus
40 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGED BRED COWS
No dye -calve January 19th to March 30th / dye -calve April 1 for 75 days. All cows bred to Circle L Angus bulls, fall shots.
Derks Brothers
34 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving April 10 to May 30, bred to sons of Logo, Justified, Safe Deposit. Only selling later calvers. Good cows.
Durham, Todd
90 BLACK ANGUS COMING 3 AND 4 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start calving March 10 for 60 days, bred to Debruyker and Valley View Charolais bulls. Fall shots and poured.
Gaugler, Mark
20 BLACK ANGUS 3&4 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start Calving March 20 to April 30, Bred to Gaugler Angus bulls. BoviShield Gold FP5 VL5, Ivermectin pour on in Oct., Bangs Vaccinated, home raised, hay fed.
Green, N. (Tues. 10AM)
150 BLACK ANGUS 2&3 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
125 hd bottom notch calve Feb. 15 - March 10, 13 hd outside notch calve March 10 - April 10, 5 hd inside notch calve April 10 - May 10. Bred to C Spear and Midland Test Angus bulls. Outstanding quality early calving young cows. ViraShield 6 VL5 and Long Range in April. Coming off grass pastures.
Johnson, Lance
50 BLACK ANGUS 2 COMING 3-YEAR-OLDS
Calve April 1 to May 31, homeraised, One Iron, bred to Stevenson Diamond Dot bulls, fall shots and poured. Efficient cattle ran in big country.
Johnson, Phil & Peggy
60 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Mostly 3-and 4-yr-olds, bred to Arntzen & GDAR Bulls. Start calving March 20th, fall shots and pour.
Kaufman
18 BLACK ANGUS SHORT TERM BRED COWS
Start calving March 15, bred to Hereford Bulls, spring shot program.
Kinsey, Brad
35 BLACK ANGUS MOSTLY 7 TO 10 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Calve March 7 to Apri 30th, Fall Shots and poured, Ultrasound tested.
Lafond
150 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving March 15 for 45 days, bred to Leo McDonnell, GDAR, Pine Coulee Angus bulls, and 2 Hereford Bulls from Churchill, fall shots, 100% homeraised.
Lee Grain & Livestock
13 SIMANGUS SHORT TERM BRED COWS
Start calving March 20 - May 20, bred to top end
SimAngus bulls from Begger’s Diamond V Ranch and Black Summit Cattle Co. ViraShield 6 VL5 and Dectomax, bangs vaccinated. Steers weighed 681# on 10/31. One Iron/Home Raised. Matt
50 BLACK 2’S COMING 3 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start calving March 15 for 55 days (white tabs)
120 Black 3 & 4 Year Old Bred Cows. Start calving April 5 for 60 days. All cows bred to C Spear Angus bulls. Vaccinations in the Spring-ViraShield 6 VL5, Safeguard and poured with Clean Up. Preg testing shots-ViraShield 6 VL5 and poured .
Melaney Ranch
20 MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving March 1 for 60 days, bred to Connoly, Apex, Arntzen Angus Bulls, steer calves weaned at 760# in October.
ML Livestock
25 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving March 27th to April 30th, bred to Rambeer Charolais Bulls, Multimin, Oral Wormer, fall shots and Poured. Calves weaned at 635# in October.
Murnion, Maurie
45 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving April 1. Mostly 7-10-year-old cows, bred to Prime Cut and Full Bar aons, fall shot program (none this fall).
Roen, Ryan
80 BLACK/RED MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving March 10th, bred to Angus bulls. Ultrasound tested March 10-April 30, May 1-June 15th, fall shots and poured.
Ross Ranch
120 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving March 20th. Mostly solid and short term, bred to Vermilion, Sitz, and Big Dry Angus bulls, fall shots and poured.
S&G Livestock
45 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Mostly 4-6-year-olds, bred to start calving March 10, bred to Angus Bulls.
S&Z Partnership
45 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving February 10th, bred to Angus bulls. fall shots. Over half are registered Angus cows selling. Only selling due to loss of lease. Steer calves weighed 650# October 5th.
Salmond Ranch
65 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving March 15 for 60 Days, bred to Sitz Angus Bulls, fall shots and poured in October. Freeze branded by age, weaned 650# calves every year.
Sampsen, Rick
185 BLACK & BWF, FEW REDS 7-10-YEAR-OLD BRED COWS
Start calving March 15, BWF cows bred Angus Bulls from Bobcat and Vermilion Ranch. Black cows bred to Cooper and Holden Hereford bulls. Schwend, Ross & Cole
15 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
10-and 11-year-olds, bred to calve March 15 to April 30, bred to Mydland, Stevenson, and Hunt Creek Angus bulls. Full Mineral and Lick Tub Program, fall shots and poured, 600# calves every year.
Shaules, Mark
80 BLACK ANGUS 8-10 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start calving April 1, bred to C Spear and Vermilion Ranch bulls.
Sidwell Ranch
15 HEREFORD 3 YEAR BRED COWS
Start calving March 1, bred to black bulls, fall shots, cake broke.
Siewert Ranch
90 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Mostly 3-6-year-olds, start calving March 9 to end of May, bred to black Angus bulls. Good young and middle age cows right out of the middle of herd, not culls, half are AI sired, homeraised 1 Iron cows.
Stampfel, John
3 BLACK ANGUS 7 TO 10 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
2 Black Angus 3 Year Old Bred Cows. Start calving end of Jan. to beginning of Feb., Bred to Pine Coulee Angus bulls, fully vaccinated.
Stroh Ranch
9 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Mostly short term. Start calving March 10-April 30. Bred to Angus bulls. Spring Vacc Program. Poured this fall.
TE Ranch
43 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving March 15 for 60 days, bred to Lucky 7 Angus bulls, fall shots and poured, high elevation cattle.
TG Ranch
118 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGE BRED COWS
69 hd calve March 12 to May 11, 33 hd calve May 12 to May 31, 17 hd calve June 1-30. Bred to Angus and Saler Angus Composite bulls from Skinner, GMAR, Arntzen, GG&T, and FT Logan. Current on Fall shots and pour on.
Vanek, Alan
45 BLACK ANGUS 3-4 YEAR OLD BRED COWS
Start calving March 1, bred to LBW Angus bulls. Mostly 3-and 4-year-olds.
Verlanic Ranch
40 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Start calving May 1st-June, bred to black Angus bulls, fall shots and poured.
Verona Cattle
45 BLACK ANGUS 2 COMING 3-YEAR-OLDS
White Tags-bred to calve March 10-April 30, bred to Vermilion Ranch Angus bulls. Preg checked in October, fall shots and poured. Originated from Montana as heifer calves.
Verona Cattle
30 BLACK ANGUS 2 COMING 3-YEAR-OLDS
Purple tags -bred to calve March 10-April 30, bred to Vermilion Ranch Angus bulls. Preg checked in October, fall shots and poured, homeraised cows.
Walker, Chance
30 ANGUS/SIMANGUS 5-TO-10-YEAR-OLD BRED COWS
Start Calving April 1 to June 1, Bred to LBW Angus and Sim Angus Bulls. ViraShield 6 VL5, Clean Up II, Safeguard oral dewormer, raise big calves every year.
Weidenbach
25 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGED BRED COWS
Start calving February 24 to March 20th, bred to Confidante 2038, fall shots, homeraised.
Winding River Angus
12 BLACK ANGUS MIXED AGE BRED COWS.
Zentner Family Ranch
160 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS
Mostly 3-and 4-year-olds, bred to Angus bulls. Ultrasounded to calve March 1-31 (purple tabs), April 1-30 (yellow tabs), fall shots and poured.
BRED HEIFERS
We will sell many of the bred heifers starting Tuesday at 1:30PM Arthun Ranch
25 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
May calvers, bred to Current Creek & C Spear Bulls, fall shots and poured.
Bassett, Matt
200 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Full Tags -129 head AI bred to Circle L Unified, calve February 1-15 / Bottom Notch. 51 head calve February 16-March 15, bred to LBW King Air Sons from Vermilion Ranch / Double Bottom Notch. 30 head calve March 16-April 15, bred to LBW King Air Sons from Vermilion Ranch. All heifers have had fall shots and poured, home raised, One Iron. Carlson, Gordon
450 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
300 head AI bred to Resilient 10208 and Cleaned Up with Resilient sons to calve March 10 for 20 Days (no notch), 100 head calve April 1-30 (1 notch), 50 head calve May 1-30 (2 notch).
Circle L Angus
65 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
No dye -AI bred to calve February 10th-March 30. AI bred to Circle L Unified and Cleaned up with Circle L LBW Angus Bulls. Dye on shoulder -April 1 for 70 Days bred to LBW Circle L Angus Bulls, fall shots, heifers originated off Harlow Ranch as calves, reputation kind.
Derks Brothers
6 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving April 15-April 30, bred to Sons of Safe Deposit and Exclusive, homeraised. Only selling because they are later calvers. Glennie Ranches
35 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving Feb. 22 for 42 days Bred to LBW Angus bulls from Vermilion and Bobcat Grapevine Ranch (W)
60 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Calve in 2 cycles-March 1st for 30 days, April 1st for 30 days, Bred to LBW Black Angus bulls from Pine Coulee and Botts Angus. Fall shots and pour on Griffin Land & Cattle
130 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
AI bred to calve March 1, AI bred to Vermilion Spur E119, calves are sexed, fall shots and poured.
Griffin Land & Cattle
37 WAGYU BRED HEIFERS
Start calving March 20th for 30 days, bred to Wagyu Bulls, fall shots and poured. Harris, Destry
35 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving March 10 to May 10, bred to Hilltop Angus LBW bulls.
Johnson, Lance
155 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
35 head AI’d to Baldridge Moving On calve
3/1-3/10. 25 head calve 3/11-3/31. 25 head calve 4/1-4/20. 50 head calve 4/21-5/10. 20 head calve 5/11-5/31 homeraised, One Iron, bred to Stevenson Diamond Dot bulls, fall shots and poured. Efficient cattle ran in big country, heifers calve on pasture.
Johnson, Phil & Peggy
80 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
60 head calve April 7-25 (Bottom Notch), 30 head calve May 1-20 (Side Notch) bred to LBW Angus bulls, fall shots and poured, homeraised, reputation cattle.
Lafond
160 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving February 15 for 45 days, bulls in May
15, bred to Leo McDonnell, GDAR, Pine Coulee Angus bulls, and 2 Hereford bulls from Churchill, fall shots, 100% homeraised.
Lesh, Monty
250 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
238 head start calving March 10th for 21 Days, bulls in June 6th (White Button L Ear and Yellow Button R Ear)
90 head start calving April 1st for 21 Days (Yellow Button L Ear)
40 head start calving April 25th for 21 Days (Red Button L Ear)
Heifers bred to LBW but high growth and performance bulls from Vermilion Ranch, Larsen, Sandrock, and 44 Farms. All heifers either orginated from Griffin Ranch or Dollata Ranch. Carrying one iron and year branded. Full Vacc program and have had Virashield and Safeguard this fall. These will be great outdoor heifers that have years of program behind them.
Lowell, Eric
88 RED ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
AI bred to start calving February 6th for 60 days. Bred to Feddas Amsterdam and cleaned up with Feddas Definitive sons. Home raised, all originated off the Arnold Ranch.
Matovich, Gary
30 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving April 1, bred to LBW Vermilion Ranch Angus bulls, fall shots and poured.
Patterson, John
8 BWF BRED HEIFERS
Start calving April 1, AI bred to Hoffman Thedford, fall shots, big, gentle.
Pierce
90 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
50 hd bottom notch calve Feb. 15 - March 10, 25 hd outside notch calve March 10 - April 10, 8 hd inside notch calve April 10 - May 1. Bred to Vermilion Calving Ease Bulls. No brands.
Stock Ranch
70 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving March 29th-May 15th, bred to Circle L and Wheeler Mtn Angus Bulls, One Iron, homeraised.
TE Ranch
50 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving March 1 for 60 days, bred to Lucky 7 LBW Angus bulls, One Iron, homeraised, fall shots and poured, high elevation cattle.
Thompson
35 BWF BRED HEIFERS
Bottom notch calve Feb. 15 - March 10, outside notch calve March 10 - April 10. Bred to Vermilion Calving Ease Bulls. Spring Pre Breeding shots and pour on. Very good quality and disposition. Coming off grass.
Veltkamp Angus
50 BLACK ANGUS AI BRED HEIFERS
Start calving March 1-5, Bred to Raven Republic. Purchased off local ranches, big and gentle, always bring good ones
Verona Cattle
46 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Red tags -AI bred June 2-3 to Vermilion Leo to calve March 1-10. Heifers originated off Lowell Angus. Many are AI sired themselves. Big and fancy, fall shots and scour bos shot in August, ultrasound tested.
Verona Cattle
48 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Pink & green tags -AI bred June 2-3 to Vermilion Leo to calve March 1-10. Heifers originated out of Vermilion Spring Sale, fall shots and scour bos shot in August, ultrasound tested.
Vision Enterprises
240 BWF BRED HEIFERS
AI to calve February 8-10, AI bred to OCC Grand Marshall, fall shots and poured. Big fancy BWF bred heifers, 1,100#s.
Warren, Cade
35 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
AI bred to Sitz Contractor for February 25th. All come off Swope Ranch as heifer calves, fall shots and poured, 1,150#, big fancy heifers.
Warren, Lafe
110 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
70 head AI bred to Sitz Contractor for February 25th, homeraised (red and blue tags), 40 head AI bred to Sitz Contractor for February 25th. Purchased from Vermilion Sale (yellow tags), fall shots and poured, 1,150#, big fancy heifers.
Weidenbach
15 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS
Start calving Jan 24 to February 18, AI bred to LT Confidante & Kesslers Freewater. Cleaned up with VDAR Sonny Boy Son, One iron, homeraised, big fancy heifers.
By Paul Dykstra
CAB Market Update
The fed cattle market continued its downward trend during the second week of November, as pressure from live cattle futures and lower boxed beef values weighed on the total beef complex.
The larger volume of cash cattle traded in the north with Nebraska and Iowa prices, averaging $224 per hundredweight (cwt) for the week.
Much smaller negotiated head counts in the south were led by Kansas feedyards receiving an average of $230 per cwt with Texas right behind at $228 per cwt.
Yearlings see weight increases
Total harvest volume increased on the week by 16,000 head to reach 576,000 head total. Just 10,000 head of the increase came from fed steers and heifers, putting the weekly total at 459,000 head.
Carcass weight data remains unavailable despite the government reopening but estimates average steer and heifer weights should now be near or above 950 pounds.
Excellent feedlot pen conditions and moderate October through November temperatures have likely added to the year-over-year weight increases which have averaged an increase of 24 pounds over last year.
Carcass cutout values have been weaker in November, a pattern which is not atypical for the month.
The comprehensive cutout has averaged a three percent decline from the beginning to the end of November in the past three years.
With the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s unlikely spot market beef business will be sharp enough to support upward wholesale beef prices for the third and fourth weeks of November.
Tracking premiums to the source
Merchandising carcasses is not an easy task.
When asking any ranchto-table producer what their largest pain points are, one is likely to hear finding a customer for all of the end meats can be a challenge. The producer likely has excess ground beef supplies just waiting for a customer with a similarly large need.
The middle meats are typically easier to move and undersupplied in comparison.
This issue has plagued startup branded beef programs for a few decades. A solid cattle supply plan coupled with a promising marketing niche has been undercut time and time again by the inability to sell end meats at the necessary premium to make the business model profitable.
Certified Angus Beef (CAB) faced the same challenges in formative years, as the first branded beef label set out to garner specification-based premiums in a market where none existed.
carved out premiums over commodity U.S. Department of Agriculture Choice from end to end of the carcass.
On a dollars per primal basis, the loin is untouchable when it comes to the CAB markup with a heavyhitting combination.
Constituting 21.3 percent of total carcass weight, the loin’s key premiumgrabbing cuts, such as the tenderloin, strip loin and top butt, push the loin primal to the top of the carcass without fail.
In the brand’s 2025 fiscal year, the loin premium added $51.06 per head to CAB carcasses over Choice.
Many are surprised to learn the chuck primal is the second-largest premium contributor to the CAB carcass, calculating a $38.84 per head premium. The chuck edges out the rib’s total return simply because of its distinct weight advantage at 2.6 times that of the rib.
Interestingly, the chuck’s average CAB premium per pound over Choice has advanced such that the chuck moved up to second in the premium hierarchy as recently as 2023.
The CAB rib, unsurprisingly, captures just over double the premium per pound when compared to the chuck. The rib added $30.39 per head over Choice in Fiscal Year 2025 data, contributing just 11.4 percent of total carcass weight but 18 percent of the total premium contribution to the carcass.
The round is the last of the four major carcass primals when it comes to the brand’s premium contribution.
Now in its 47th year, the brand has successfully
At 22.3 percent of carcass weight, the round has traditionally offered less premium opportunity, as these cuts are often less tender than others, often utilized for roasts and ground beef.
These factors tend to limit the CAB round premium, landing at $17.68 per head value-add for the year.
Total CAB premiums per head quickly diminish
as weight rapidly declines across the brisket, plate and flank. Premiums per pound are quite attractive for briskets and plates, nearing 13 cents per pound for the year.
Yet those two combined are just 12 percent of total carcass weight, limiting their impact as compared to the much heavier primals carrying even larger premi-
ums per pound.
Paul Dykstra is the director of supply management and analysis at CAB. He can be reached at pdykstra@certifiedangusbeef.com.
gatherings – including the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, Texas – has already resulted in confirmed EHM cases and equine deaths in Texas and Oklahoma.
Because horses can shed the virus before showing symptoms, nationwide efforts are being made to take aggressive precautions.
Signs and symptoms
According to Dr. Jared Janke, a clinical associate professor of equine internal medicine in Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, EHV-1 is a highly contagious equine virus, which is easily spread via direct contact; in aerosol droplets up to 30 feet; on shared tack, stalls, buckets and trailers and on handlers’ hands, clothing and equipment.
Symptoms of EHV-1 and EHM include fever, nasal discharge, cough, incoordination, hind-limb weakness, urinary dribbling, pregnancy loss in broodmares and, in severe cases, the inability to stand up.
Janke notes clinical signs of EHV-1 will usually appear within five to 10 days or even longer in cases of EHM.
“EHM signs, caused by damage to blood vessels in the spinal cord and brain, often include high fever, lack of coordination, weakness, urinary dribbling and decreased sensa-
tion in the tail and perineal area,” Janke explains in a Nov. 21 Texas A&M University Newswire article. “Less commonly, the horse may show symptoms related to the brain, such as neurologic facial signs and head tilt.”
While fever is the most consistent sign of EHV-1, Janke notes it usually isn’t persistent and may come and go throughout the day, meaning individuals should check their horses’ temperatures at least twice a day.
He also points out some infected horses never show outward signs but still shed the virus.
Prevention and treatment
If a horse does exhibit signs of EHV-1, officials encourage owners to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to help with diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis can occur by sending a nasal swab and blood test to a veterinary diagnostic lab, in which results are typically available in one to two days.
Since the virus has such high outbreak potential, state animal health officials require animals to be quarantined.
According to Janke, supportive care remains the primary approach to treating the virus, so infected horses are usually given intravenous fluids and antiinflammatory and/or antiviral medications.
“When these medications are used, they appear to
be most beneficial when initiated before clinical signs or at very early stages of disease,” Janke says. “Unfortunately, once a horse loses its ability to stand, the condition becomes much more difficult to treat.”
Although EHV-1 vaccines do exist, Janke points out no current option on the market directly prevents clinical signs of the virus, and he notes the best form of prevention includes keeping healthy horses away from infected horses.
Exposure and response
In a Nov. 20 press release, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) confirms no horses in the state of Wyoming have tested positive for EHV-1 or EHM.
However, a single horse traveling from the WPRA event in Waco, Texas which later attended shows in Cheyenne on Nov. 15 and Wheatland on Nov. 16 later tested positive for EHV-1 in Colorado, meaning there is potential horses in Wyoming could have been exposed.
WLSB officials say they are prepared to issue immediate hold orders if trace contacts are confirmed.
“This outbreak serves as a reminder of the potential disease risks associated with large equine events,” WLSB states. “It shows the importance of timely reporting of diseases and ensuring movement requirements are followed, such as veterinary inspection, health certificates and current Coggin’s tests prior to travel.”
National events postponed or canceled
A growing list of high-profile Western horse events has been canceled or postponed in response to the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak.
Among the most notable to be canceled were the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship in Guthrie, Okla.; Boot Barn Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Mulvane, Kan.; San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Qualifier in Uvalde, Texas; Fiddler’s Turkey Run Barrel Race in Ocala, Fla. and all National Barrel Horse Associationsanctioned events nationwide.
Additionally, the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway in Phoenix, Ariz. has been rescheduled and the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas has been postponed.
On Nov. 21, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) announced the National Finals Breakaway Roping, PRCA Permit Challenge and Benny Binion Buck-
For those who have attended a multi-state equine event in recent weeks, the agency recommends isolating horses for 21 days after last possible exposure; avoid sharing equipment, water sources and/or handlers; implementing strict barrier precautions; monitoring body temperature twice a day; paying close attention to respiratory or neurological signs and reporting any concerning symptoms to a veterinarian immediately.
WLSB further suggests
ing Horse Sale will not take place as scheduled at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas. New dates and venues are being considered.
A long list of WPRA rodeos and jackpots has also been affected, including rodeos in Uvalde, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas and the Prairie Circuit Finals and jackpots in Brookhaven, Miss.; Okeechobee, Fla.; LaBelle, Fla.; Murray, Ky.; Sheridan, Ill.; Fort Scott, Kan.; Tulare, Calif.; Verndale, Minn. and Huron, S.D.
Two Wills Point, Texas jackpots have been moved to February 2026. The Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum has removed all horse-mounted events for the next two weeks as well.
During this period, no contestant horses are allowed on the grounds, time events and bronc riding are paused, rodeos have shifted to bull riding only or mixed non-equine entertainment and the facility is undergoing comprehensive cleaning and disinfection. For more information or for
Gifford, Max - Cowley
avoiding travel to commingled-equine events until the outbreak stabilizes and maintaining strict biosecurity measures at home and on the road.
They also note horse owners should expect new health certificate windows and reminds them to follow individual state import requirements, as many will likely change temporarily at this time.
Event organizers are urged to consult local veterinarians and consider postponement.
If events continue, WLSB says they should require short-window health certificates, increase sanitation, limit barn-to-barn movement and provide temperature logs on entry.
Veterinarians must report acute neurologic disease to WLSB and submit paired samples – a nasal swab and whole blood sample – due to variable viral shedding.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
3
Irene - Thermopolis
4 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 513# $31750 Miller, John - Worland
3 Blk Strs, avg. 933# $32000
3 BWF Strs, avg. 927# $31200 Schatz Irrevoc Trust - Lovell
1 Blk Str, 900# $32000 STEER CALVES Weber, Larry - Lander
4 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 463# $48250 Fiddleback Ranch - Meeteetse
3 Red Str Clvs, avg. 467# $47750 Cashelin, Trisha - Fort Washakie
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 476# $47500 Scolari, Shawn - Thermopolis
37 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 444# $47100
14 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 515# $44325 Starkey Farm & Livestock - Lovell
3 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 387# $46500 Shurtleff, Gavin - Kinnear
17 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 505# $46300
7 Rd/BWF Str Clvs, avg. 679# $36500 Graham, John - Lovell
3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 545# $45200 Schatz Irrevoc Trust - Lovell
5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 506# $44700
9 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 646# $36750 Bower, Eric - Worland
15 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 522# $44000
29 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 614# $38900
12 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 682# $35750 Greet Ranch, Inc. - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Str Calf, 520# $42700 Nicol, Wade - Fort Washakie
8 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 586# $38750 Miller, John - Worland
13 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 613# $38500
5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 695# $35250 Thunder, Marvene - Fort Washakie
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 574# $38250 Weaver, Reuben - Powell
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 610# $38250
2 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 678# $35200 Schwarz, Ben - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Str Calf, 635# $38250 Lewton, Lonnie - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Str Calf, 635# $38250
5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 602# $31500 Madson, Linda - Lovell 2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 670# $31250 STEERS HP Livestock - Burlington
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 526# $38000
O’Donnell, Gary - Ten Sleep
6 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 635# $37750
6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 690# $35000 Mitchell, Scott - Meeteetse
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 640# $37500
6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 651# $36250 10 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 737# $34000 Alexander, Cory - Powell
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 609# $37250 Miller, Jacob - Worland
8 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 646# $36250
Hicks, Rob - Cody
2 Rd/BWF Str Clvs, avg. 648# $36250 Hook, Jana - Worland
1 Blk Str Calf, 585# $35500
Klassen, Bruce - Powell
1 Blk Str Calf, 615# $35000
Homewood, Lucky - Frannie
2 Rd Str Clvs, avg. 670# $34900
3 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 715# $33500
Nicol, Bob - Fort Washakie
2 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 683# $34750 Ostby, Troy - Lovell
2 Rd Str Clvs, avg. 780# $31000 Weber, Layne - Riverton
1 Blk Str Calf, 765# $30000
1 CharX Str Calf, 770# $29500
• Upcoming Sales • Nov. 27 – Happy Thanksgiving! Dec. 4 – All Class Cattle Dec. 8 – Monday • The Bawl of the Fall Feeder Special Dec. 11 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle Dec. 18 – Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat Dec. 25 – Merry Christmas!
CALENDAR
EVENTS SALES
Dec. 1 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Cow Clinic, Burwell Livestock Market, Burwell, Neb. For more information, contact Bethany Johnston at 402336-2760 or bjohnston3@unl.edu.
Dec. 2 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Cow Clinic, Gordon Livestock Market, Gordon, Neb. For more information, contact Brock Ortner at 308-3272312 or bortner2@unl.edu.
Dec. 3 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Cow Clinic, Beatrice 77 Livestock Sales, Beatrice, Neb. For more information, contact Barry Weber at 402335-3669 or s-bweber12@unl.edu.
Dec. 3 Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Resource Management Plan Public Meeting, 3-6 p.m., Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs. For more information, visit eplanning.blm.gov, e-mail BLM_WY_RockSpringsRMP@blm.gov or call 307-775-6015.
Dec. 3-5 55th Annual American Gelbvieh Association National Convention, Margarita Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. For more information or to register, visit gelbvieh.org.
Dec. 4-13 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Las Vegas. For more information and tickets, visit nfrexperience.com
Dec. 5 Cornhusker Economics: Ag Outlook Meeting, 9-11 a.m., Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center, Scottsbluff, Neb. For more information or to register, visit cap.unl.edu/outlook or call at 308-632-1230.
Dec. 5-7 Cody Gun Show, Cody Auditorium, Cody. For more information, contact Michael Salisbury at 307-250-2107.
Dec. 6-7 Rapid City Gun Show, Monument Civic Center, Rapid City, S.D. For more information, call 605-391-8843.
Dec. 8 Nebraska Extension Unit Cost of Production Workshop, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Center, Atkinson, Neb. For more information, contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122. To register, contact the Holt County Nebraska Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or e-mail Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.
Dec. 8-10 Wyoming Stock Growers Winter Roundup and Convention, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, Casper. For more information or to register, visit wysga.org/events
Dec. 8-10 American Lamb Board Solar Grazing Workshop, Franklin, Ky. For more information or to register, visit lambboard.com
Dec. 9 Nebraska Extension Unit Cost of Production Workshop, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Center, Atkinson, Neb. For more information, contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122. To register, contact the Holt County Nebraska Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or e-mail Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.
Dec. 9 Natrona County Predator Management District 2025 Annual Meeting, 3 p.m., Casper Room, Agricultural Resource and Learning Center, Casper. For more information, e-mail ncpmd1@charter.net.
Jan. 8, 2026 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Virtual Fencing Educational Symposium, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Central Pavilion Building, the CAM-PLEX, Gillette. For more information or to register, visit content.govdelivery.com/attachments/ WYWGFD/2025/10/31/file_attachments/3443525/Virtual%20fence%20symposium%20agenda.pdf
Jan. 10-25 National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com
Jan. 16-Feb. 7 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit fwssr.com
Jan. 21 Beef Cattle Research Council Hormone Implant Webinar, 7 p.m., online. For more information or to register, visit beefresearch.ca
Jan. 21-24 National Bison Association Winter Conference, Broomfield, Colo. For more information, visit nationalbison.org/events
Jan. 23 Larry Higgins Bison Junior Judging Contest, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit bisonranchers.com/events/the-larry-higgins-bison-junior-judgingcontest
Jan. 24 The National Bison Association Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit nationalbison.org/event/gold-trophy-show-and-sale-gtss
“It should promote feelings of thankfulness as an American citizen to remember our country is at peace,” reads the banner of the Wyoming Tribune of Cheyenne in its Nov. 28, 1912 issue.
In a prominent place below the flag and banner was the following Thanksgiving message penned by Rev. George Davidson, rector at St. Mark’s Church.
The joy of gratitude is the gift of happiness. A nation’s act of Thanksgiving to God must result in God’s gift to the nation of continued prosperity. We
do well, therefore, to set aside one day out of the year for a general Thanksgiving Day.
To allow the day to go by without some act of praise and thanksgiving to “Him who giveth all” is to defeat the very purpose for which the day is intended.
We are patriotic or unpatriotic, we are religious or irreligious, according as we as a nation to keep the spirit of this Thanksgiving Day.
To be good people according to our respective lights and abilities, to do right, to grow in grace, to develop character and
Nov. 28-29
Dec. 1
Dec. 2
strength and unselfishness, to love and to be loved and as far as within us lies to promote righteousness on this earth are aspirations and ideals which are not too lofty for us as a nation.
The goal they point to is really towards which we would direct our course. Let us thank God today for the progress we as a nation have made toward this end.
If greediness and harsh exactions are the price of riches, we would rather be less rich. If self-seeking and egotism are the price of fame, we would rather continue somewhat obscure.
In so far as our principles are sound and wellfounded, we hold them to be beyond price and would not deliberately sacrifice them for apparent advantage. Let us thank God today for all the moral stamina and courage of conviction to which the people of this nation have attained.
A nation which chooses
Vermilion Ranch Fall Performance Sale, PAYS, Billings, Mont., 406-6700078, 406-672-5844, vermilionangus.com
Stevenson’s Diamond Dot Angus 65th Annual Fall Production Sale, at the ranch, Hobson, Mont., 406-366-9023, 406-374-2250, stevensonsdiamonddot.com
ZumBrunnen Angus Annual Bull and Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Lusk, 307-216-0198, 307-334-2265, zbangus.com
Dec. 2 Ward Livestock Sixth Annual Red, White and Blue Bull Sale, at the ranch, Laramie, 307-399-9863
Dec. 2 Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com
Dec. 2 Sundling and Lane Ranch 10th Annual Bred Female Sale, Billings Livestock, Billings, Mont., 406-580-1518, 406-220-7144
Dec. 3
McDonnell Angus Beef Country Genetics Sale, Midland Bull Test, Columbus, Mont., 406-780-0176, mcdonnellbeefcountry.com
Dec. 4 Sitz Angus 60th Annual Fall Bull and Female Sale, at the ranch, Harrison, Mont., 406-683-5277, 406-581-9153, 208-670-2364, sitzangus.com
Dec. 4
Hewitt Land Company Real Estate Live and Online Auction, Cable Ranch, Haakon County, Philip, S.D., 605-791-2300, hewittlandcompany.com
Dec. 5 KG Ranch Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Three Forks, Mont., 406600-7514, kgranch.com
Dec. 6 Leachman Cattle High Altitude Bull Sale, Loma, Colo., 970-568-3983, leachman.com
Dec. 6 T-Heart Ranch High Altitude Female Sale, at the ranch, LaGarita, Colo., 719-850-3082, 719-850-3083, t-heartranch.com
Dec. 6 Frederickson Ranch Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Spearfish, S.D., 605254-4872, 605-645-4934, fredericksonranch.com
Dec. 6 Lofink Farms Live Hay Auction, Lofink Farms Stackyard, Thermopolis, 307921-1825, 307-921-1864
Dec. 7
Grygiel and Kemnitz Angus Bull Sale, River Hills Sale Facility, Platte, S.D., 605-520-9973, 605-680-2167
Dec. 8 Hollow Top Angus Fourth Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Pony, Mont., 406-552-0491, 208-365-8862, hollowtopangus.com
Dec. 8 Cross Diamond Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bertrand, Neb., 308-991-2452, crossdiamondcattle.com
Dec. 8-14
Dec. 10
Dec. 13
Dec. 18
Dec. 18
Colorado Horse Sale Top 2025 Consignors Sale, online at coloradohorsesale.com, 970-744-8989
Hewitt Land Company Real Estate Live and Online Auction, Box Butte Ranch, Meade County, Faith, S.D., 605-791-2300, hewittlandcompany.com
Amdahl Angus Fall Bull and Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Piedmont, S.D., 605-999-6487, 605-929-3717, amdahlangus.com
The Wyoming Angus Association 15th Annual Wyoming Select Female Sale online at anguslive.com, 307-630-1593, 307-575-2709, wyomingangus.org
Bobcat Angus 21st Annual Production Sale, Western Livestock Auction, Great Falls, Mont., 406-937-5858, 406-788-3272, 406-788-3244, bobcatangus.com
Jan. 6 Western Video Market, North Platte Stockyards, North Platte, Neb., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com
Jan. 10
Rafter T Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307736-2415, 307-299-4569, raftertangus.com
Jan. 15 Ingalls Angus Annual Production Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 307-349-3097
Jan. 17
Redland Angus Annual Range Calved-Range Raised Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-250-1548, redlandangus.com
Jan. 20 Ken Haas Angus 45th Annual Right Combination Bull Sale, at the ranch, LaGrange, 307-631-0844, 307-575-0095, kenhaasangus.com
Jan. 23 McConnell Angus Bull and Female Sale, at the ranch, Dix, Neb., 308-2355187, 308-230-0430, 970-215-3204, mcconnellangus.com
Jan. 24 Little Goose Ranch Ninth Annual Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-751-1535, 307-622-8330, 307-689-1072, littlegooseranch.com
Jan. 25 Triangle J Ranch 36th Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Miller, Neb., 308-6275085, 308-457-2505, 308-293-9241, trianglejranch.com
Jan. 26 Douglas Booth Family Angus 34th Annual Bull Sale, Torrington Livestock Market, Torrington, 307-532-5830, 307-532-6207, boothfamilyangus.com
Feb. 5 K2 Red Angus Winter Bull Sale, K2 sale barn, Wheatland, 307-331-2917, k2redangus.com
Feb. 10 G Bar H Genetics Angus Bull Sale, Torrington Livestock Market, Torrington, 307-575-5520, 307-575-0373
high ideals as the goal towards which its people must struggle is wise in these preferences, for what we are after is not so much the means to buy happiness, as happiness itself, and we know the basis of happiness is the love and contentment which flows from a clean heart and a Christian conscience.
What we as a nation have reason to fear is not that we should choose the baser part, but to fear the baser part as the thin end of the wedge which in time might separate us from our ideals.
Let us be thankful, then, for all the right choices we make when we have to choose, for all the unseen influences which help us to choose aright, for whatever withholds us or diverts us from a course which is not our true course and for the Everlasting Arms which are around about us withholding us from any ideal of apparent advantage or present ease which might
This undated, unsigned cartoon appeared in the Bessemer Michigan Herald, according to a note scribbled on the back of the image. It is from the collection of Bob Martin who passed this and thousands more historic photos, drawings, manuscripts and historic scraps of paper on to this writer years ago. Now I am happy to share these “treasures” with the faithful readers of this column. May each and every one enjoy Thanksgiving as much as these cowboys appear to be. Historical Reproductions by Perue
constrain us from a nobler destiny.
To which I must add, “May the spirit of Thanksgiving bless every citizen every day and may each
and every one realize every citizen has much for which to give thanks.” I join scores of others who are thoroughly appreciative of this fact. – Dick Perue
continued from page 1
Springs County, received the 2025 Jim Debree Excellence in Extension Award for his 21 years of service. This award recognizes an employee who demonstrates a high level of professionalism, performance and leadership.
Throughout his career, Stam has helped lead many of UW Extension’s most iconic and impactful programs. For example, he co-founded UW Extension’s annual Ranch Camp, a weeklong program providing eligible applicants with practical ranch management experience.
“What sets Stam apart is his remarkable ability to build relationships,” says Gretchen GasvodaKelso, Big Horn County 4-H educator.
From local livestock producers to federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Stam has a talent for gaining trust. As the program leader of UW Extension’s agriculture and natural resources team, he
mentors educators across Wyoming.
Recently, Stam mobilized support for Wyoming residents impacted by the Red Canyon Fire, which burned more than 114,000 acres in Hot Springs County this summer.
Nominators highlighted his ability to stay calm and inspire others to think things through, particularly in challenging situations.
WORTH educator wins Newer Employee Award
In recognition of her enthusiastic attitude, ability to connect with the public and aptitude for creative problem solving, Wyoming Jay Kemmerer Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute Extension Educator Hailey Sorg received UW Extension’s JR Broadbent Newer Employee Award.
This honor recognizes innovation, initiative and collaboration in employees with no more than six years in UW Extension.
“As the only WORTH educator in the state, Sorg
manages a tremendous workload and covers a unique topic area which had not previously been represented within UW Extension,” says McKenna Julian, Lincoln County Extension educator. “I can’t imagine anyone better suited for the role. Her dedication and effectiveness are unmatched.”
Since joining Extension in 2023, Sorg has helped brainstorm, design and lead innovative programs to fulfill community needs, including Wyoming Walks; Ag and Art Tours and Ready, Set, Explore.
Though she is based in Natrona County, she regularly travels to help other Extension educators with local events. Her presence, knowledge and bright personality have enriched programs across the state.
Team recognized for meaningful programming
The UW Extension Team Excellence Recognition celebrates groups who have gone above and beyond to create innovative, high-impact programs.
This year, the Harvest Bucks Team received the award for expanding
access to fresh produce, supporting local food producers and helping build stronger, healthier communities across Wyoming.
The Harvest Bucks Program was led by Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) Manager Kali McCrackin Goodenough, with Community Vitality and Health Educator Vicki Hayman and CNP Educators Stephanie Anderson, Tanya McCoy, Angela Michael and Mary Evans.
Through the program, Wyoming residents with limited resources received “harvest bucks” they could use to buy fresh produce at local farmers markets in Evanston, Ranchester, Sheridan and Thermopolis.
Many participants had never attended a farmers market before.
“The Harvest Bucks Program didn’t just help produce vendors, it helped the market overall,” says Thermopolis Market Manager Kim Bartlett. “Some people who came with Harvest Bucks spent additional monies at other vendors. It seemed the more produce we could bring in, the more we could sell.”
Despite recent changes in federal legislation which eliminated significant funding for CNP, the team remained dedicated to strengthening local communities and increasing food security across the state.
The Harvest Bucks Program was funded by a grant from Farm Credit Services of America.
CNP celebrates Debbie Kelly
Debbie Kelly, a longtime CNP educator, received CNP’s highest honor – the Linda Melcher Award.
This award, named for CNP’s first director, recognizes educators who excel at helping individuals with limited resources make healthier nutrition and physical activity choices.
“Kelly shows compassion and empathy for people experiencing food insecurity,” says CNP Director Mindy Meuli. “She has been an advocate and champion for people with limited re-sources to help improve access to healthy foods.”
Due to the cessation of Supplemental Nutri-
tion Assistance ProgramEducation funding, Kelly retired from UW this fall after working as a CNP educator for more than two decades.
Since her retirement, she has remained involved with Wyoming’s food security efforts through First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative (WHI). She serves as a regional director, helping WHI effectively address food insecurity in northwest Wyoming.
As a CNP educator, Kelly taught youth, adults and families about nutrition; built community partnerships; encouraged physical activity for youth and helped connect people with limited resources to local produce and meat.
“Kelly has been an integral part of the CNP team,” says Meuli. “She provided humor and levity over the years with her positive outlook. We will miss having her as part of our team.”
Maya Gilmore is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally
CLASSIFIEDS
The Natrona County Predator Management District is holding its 2025 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 9th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the ARLC Building, Casper Room, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, Casper. All producers, Wyoming Game and Fish representatives, Wildlife Service representatives and the public are invited to participate. Tentative agenda items will be reports from the NCPMD trappers, game and fish, ADMB and Wildlife Services representatives. At the conclusion, we will conduct Election of Officers and set Predator Fees. For additional information, please contact the NCPMD office at ncpmd1@charter.net
CODY GUN SHOW DEC. 5-7: Located at the Cody Auditorium, 1240 Beck Ave., Cody, WY, $10 admission for 3 day weekend pass. Open Fri. 12-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. SPECIAL ON SATURDAY 11 a.m.-1 p.m. the RAWHIDE JAMMERS will be playing. Contact Michael Salisbury, 307- 250-2107 11/29
RAPID CITY GUN SHOW: Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.2 p.m. Monument Civic Center, Rapid City, S.D. 57701. Buy, sell and trade, $5 daily admission. For more information, call 605391-8843 11/29
RANCH HAND/GROUNDS
KEEPER: Full-time position at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails lawn care, irrigation, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, equipment maintenance, building maintenance and overall residential and agricultural property maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter and enjoy working outdoors. Benefits include health, with optional dental and vision; paid-time off and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. For the right candidate housing on property is also available. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice.com 12/6
Brands
OWN A PIECE OF WYOMING HISTORY, OLD WYOMING BRAND FOR
SALE: LRC, LTH, originally issued in 1910. Purchased by my grandfather in 1913. Easy to read when placed on cows or horses, $12,500. ALSO, RANCH SADDLE manufactured by Fred Mueller Saddle Co. Denver, CO, good condition, located in Cheyenne, WY, digital photos available, asking $400. Call 307-6316838 11/29
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 11/29
SIX BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Five females and 1 male. Both parents work and work hard. Dad has papers and the mom comes from papered dogs but is grade. Eleven weeks old, show interest in stock and are ready to go. Working homes preferred, Cody, WY, $250. Contact 307-272-6510. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/20
WANTED RECIP COWS: Must be open!! Two to 6 years old, Red Angus or Angus-based cows. For more information, call Corie Mydland, 406-8555598 (cell), Trans Ova Genetics, Joliet, MT 11/29
REGISTERED WYOMING FOR SALE: LHC, LSH, expires January 2027. Small iron available. Asking $2,500. Call 307-214-1511 or 307-630-9621 11/29
Dogs
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD/ BORDER COLLIE MIX PUPPIES: Ranch raised. Six weeks old. Working parents on site. Have had first shot, dewormed, tails docked and dewclaws removed. All different colors available, $650/ each. We also offer and work with Veterans who need service dogs. For more information about these wonderful puppies, call or text 307-272-0509. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/6
HEELER PUPPIES FOR
SALE: Both reds and blues, out of working parents. Born Sept. 19, wormed. Asking $450. Call 307-314-8949 11/29
BULLS FOR SALE: Registered yearling and 2-year-old Black Angus range bulls for sale private treaty. Good selection for heifers and cows. From popular sires and industry leaders. Semen tested and ready to go. CLAY CREEK ANGUS, 307-762-3541, www. claycreek.net TFN
120 FANCY BLACK BRED HEIFERS FOR SALE IN LARAMIE, WY: Bred to calve the month of April by low PAP, strong maternal, calving ease, Black Angus bulls from Sitz, Walter, Spring Cove and TJS Angus. Ranch developed, deep bodied, medium framed. Summered in the foothills around Laramie up to 7,400 feet of elevation. Top shelf vaccine and deworming program. FMI, photos and video, call 970-5565657 12/6
Hereford
SELLING DEC. 11 VALENTINE LIVESTOCK Special Bred Female Sale, 100 HEREFORD HEIFERS, 1,050 lbs., bred to LBW Angus bulls, calve March 23 for 30 days. ALSO, SELLING 30 HEREFORD HEIFERS PRIVATE TREATY, 1,100+ lbs., bred to LBW Hereford bull, calve March 23 for 40 days. For more information, call Turner Ranch LLC/ Lawrence Turner, 402-3765248 12/6
2-YEAR-OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, top bloodlines. Call Donald, 208-2016213 1/17
Saddles &
Tack
BOOT UP NOW!! CHRISTMAS is coming!! $AVE on BOOTS: HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Great selection of SADDLES and TACK. SILK SCARVES, WOOL WINTER CAPS and socks…. KENETREK RIDING PACKS. WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 11/29
Sheep
YEARLING HORNED RAMBOUILLET BUCKS FOR SALE: Average on herd micron is 18.6. 64% yield while maintaining a 3” staple, ewes average 11 lbs. fleece. Look us up on Facebook @ Edwards Rambouillet or call for questions, 307-670-3360 12/20
COMMERCIAL WHITE FACED RAMBOULLET
FOR SALE: 300 head of commercial Angus and F-1 baldy bred heifers. Hand selected and purchased from top ranches in the region. All Miller Angus Farms customer genetics. UTD on vaccinations, pelvic measured, dewormed. Pregged/sorted into calving window groups. AI bred to elite calving ease bull GB Mogul M64J and cleaned up to top tier calving ease bulls. Group 1 due March 1. Group 2 due March 16. Group 3 due March 28. Group 4 due April 1 for 30 Days. Group 5 due May 1 for 30 Days. Will go on to make a productive, high performing cow that will add value to your program. First come, first served. Small loads to pot loads and volume discounts available. Free delivery. Miller Angus Farms, Kody, 605690-1997 or Brady, 605-6905733 1/3
FOR SALE: HIGH ELEVATION BLACK 3-YEAR-OLD COWS: 250 head bred to calve the month of March. All PAP tested 43 and under as 2-yearolds. Summered south of Woods Landing, WY up to 8,600 feet of elevation. Home raised and purchased from reputation ranches in Wyoming and South Dakota. Fancy, deep bodied, gentle and already have one calf under their belt. Out of and bred to front end, highly maternal, low PAP, registered Black Angus bulls selected specifically for good feet, structure, performance in the feedlot and longevity in the cow herd from all the top programs, i.e. Beartooth, WXW, TJS, XLAR and more. For information, call 307-760-3837 12/6
LOOKING TO CUSTOM FEED
100 HEAD OF HEIFERS OR STEERS in Powell, WY. Call Aaron at 307-250-6005 12/6
PENS AVAILABLE: Rockin B Feeders of Newell, S.D., has space available to background calves and replacement heifers. Family owned. Call Tyrel Bonnet, 605-949-0934 or Terry Bonnet, 605-569-0271, e-mail terrybonnet77@gmail.com 11/29
FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/11
RAMS FOR SALE: Askin Livestock purchased the entire ram band from Ladder Livestock’s 50+ year genetics program this spring. We have plenty of extra rams and are selling choice Rambouillet breeding rams of various ages. All have already had the bottom sorted out. These will sell with a negative B. ovis test from this April. If you missed the Wyoming Ram Sale and still want the same quality genetics to cover your band, please consider this offering. $650/ head choice. Forty to choose from. Volume discounts for 5+. Available at Jay Em, WY. These are fine wooled sheep that sold fleece at 20.5 micron in May 2025. They have good feet, strong pasterns, bred and raised on Wyoming’s Red Desert. They will go anywhere in the continental U.S. and work for the range producer. Call or text Sage Askin for more information, 307-351-4875 or e-mail saskin12@gmail.com 12/6
FOR SALE: THREE ONE AND A HALF YEAR-OLD RAMS, 2 Hampshire and 1 Hampshire/Texel cross. SEVERAL NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT/ HAMPSHIRE CROSS RAM LAMBS For more information, call 406-679-1576 or 406-6701800 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: 1,400-1,500 lb. net-wrapped bales. Alfalfa, mixed and grass. Located in Slope County, N.D. Will load. Still cutting, will have approximately 1,000 bales. $85/ton. Call 701-440-1764 12/6
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-631-4104 12/27
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your winter needs, Barry McRea, 308-235-5386, www. valleyvideohay.com 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, millet, forage wheat and straw. Round bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 12/6
Cattle
Angus
QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Grass, grass/alfalfa mix and straight alfalfa, net-wrapped large round bales, no rain. Western Nebraska location. Pick up or delivery available for fee. Call or text 303-9062691 12/20
HAY FOR SALE: 2025 grass/ alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa, millet, haybet barley and CRP hay. 2024 first cutting grass/alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa and CRP hay. GRINDING HAY also available. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-290-4418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: Triticale, barley, pea blend with alfalfa. Nice hay, 3x3 bales. ALSO, alfalfa with some rain, 3x3 bales. Shed stored. $170/ton. Farson, WY. Call 307-3500350 12/6
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2025 crop 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales, $50-$60/bale depending on variety. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307254-2645 1/31
EAR CORN FOR SALE. NON GMO, no pesticides. Minatare, NE. Call Byron, 303-818-8152, leave message 12/6
NORTH DAKOTA HAY FOR SALE: Upland $45/bale, alfalfa $50/bale, all this year’s hay. ALSO, last year’s hay available, call for price. Trucking available. Call 701-341-1929 11/29
BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN OATS, wheat and barley, $20/cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307762-3878 or 307-899-4714, leave message 11/29
EXCELLENT QUALITY PRAI-
RIE HAY: Big round bales, weighing 1,400-1,500 lbs. each. Located near Chambers, NE. Call for price and delivery, 402-583-9924 or 402-340-2218 (cell) 11/29
400 TONS DURUM STRAW: Round bales, 1,000 lbs., $40/ bale, 780 bales available. Excellent bedding or feed. Call 406-765-7172 11/29
LARGE ROUND BALES OF CERTIFIED WEED FREE GRASS HAY FOR SALE, $85/ ton. Bales are approximately 1,175 lbs. Contact Lee at 307-254-5115 or Bill at 406480-1248 11/29
HAY FOR SALE: Barn stored, 3x4 and small squares, straight alfalfa and straight grass. First and second cutting, trucking available, Riverton, WY area. Call 307-7096290 11/29
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE
Trailer Services/ Repairs
Trucks & Trailers
FOR SALE: 2013 20’ steel Titan livestock trailer with Oilite bearings, in good condition, $5,000. Newcastle, WY area. Call 307680-9834 12/13
1988 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER: Four door, 5 speed manual Toyota transmission, completely rebuilt turbo diesel engine with all genuine Toyota parts, $26,000 OBO. 1997 GMC TAHOE YUKON GT, 4x4, good running condition, rear end totally redone, everything works, needs tires, $6,500 OBO. 1988 CRESTLINER CUDDY, 2017 135 Merc motor with low miles, new tires, maintained yearly, $9,000 OBO. 2022 WELLS CARGO/CAMPER TRAILER, single axle, 2 propane tanks, 2 gas tanks, heat, fridge, stove sink and more, $7,000 OBO. For more information or pictures, call 307-272-0509. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/6
Equipment
FOR SALE: WATER TRAILER with (4) 1,500 gallon water tanks, 3 cones, 2 pumps, 50 ft. hose, electric start. ALSO, International 1256 tractor and John Deere 4520 tractor. Call 701290-2504 11/29
Equipment
1932, 1933 OR 1934 FORD WANTED, in any condition, unrestored or restored. Call 605-290-3208 11/29
1997 FORD LOUISVILLE
ROLL BACK TRUCK: Like new 3-year-old steel Vulcan bed with winch, 3126 Cat engine, air brakes, 72,500 original miles. Retiring, nice truck, $20,000. For more information, call 262-210-6086, after 6 p.m. 11/29
BIG SQUARE BALER FOR SALE: MF Hesston 2150, has preservative applicator and bale ejector, very good shape. Retiring. For more information, call 608-606-9529 11/29
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: John Deere 71 Flex 8 row corn planter on a 24’ stackable bar. AC Model 1300 30’ ripper with rakes. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). Safety pull with a bull hitch. 2003 IHC 9400I Eagle semi fifth wheel truck, Cat engine, 26’ end dump trailer with roll tarp. 1997 Kenworth T800, Detroit engine, 20’ box with hoist, roll tarp, both beet and grain end gates. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Contact Greg Keller at 406679-1136 12/6
stainless steel couplers. Call EMC2, 307-630-2345 or 307-5345253 11/29
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts. com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
Pipe
PURE ALFALFA HAY: 2025 third and first cutting available in small squares, averaging 70-80 lbs. 2025 second cutting also available in 3x3 squares, averaging 750-800 lbs. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS: $16/cwt. Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Certified scales on site. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-2540554 12/6
STRAW FOR SALE: 400
TONS OF BARLEY STRAW, 4x4 squares, $40/ton. Located west of Powell, WY. Call or text 307-202-0532 for more information 12.13
FOR SALE: 200 tons of millet hay in large rounds, approximately 1,100 lbs., $155 at the stack. Call 307-259-5485 12/13
HAY FOR SALE: 1,400-1,500 lb. net-wrapped bales. Alfalfa, mixed and grass. Located in Slope County, N.D. Will load. Still cutting, will have approximately 1,000 bales. $85/ton. Call 701-440-1764 12/6
FOR SALE: John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear, truck tires. Hesston/AGCO 5556 big round baler with mega wide pickup, twine and netwrap, 8,600 bales on monitor. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. Gehl 410 bushel manure spreader with slop gate, double floor chains, 2 beaters, tandem axle. Meridian 240 seed tender, all hydraulic and roll tarp. Vermeer BP 7000 bale processor. 2019 Freightliner, DD13 engine, 12 speed automatic, daycab, good rubber, air ride, 318,000 miles. Burns portable loading chute. 14’ HD box scraper with tilt. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605999-5482 12/13
RETIREMENT SALE!! Brand new medium weight corral panels, 12 ft. long x 5 ft. high, if buy minimum of 100, $90/panel. Brand new Cattle Master squeeze chutes, $2,850. John Deere 6400 tractor, $38,000. Peterbilt 379 and step deck trailer. Calls only, no texts, 208-651-8698 12/13
NEW DIRECTION EQUIPMENT 804 MIXER/GRINDER WAGON: Clean, solid unit with dual augers, working scales and side discharge conveyor. Well maintained and ready to mix and feed today. Selling due to a death in the family so we are no longer able to run cattle. Asking $25,000 OBO. Located between Shoshoni and Riverton, WY. Call 307-851-1100. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/6
LODGEPOLE OUTDOOR FURNACES, 307-223-2046. Your authorized Central Boiler Dealer. Get your outdoor wood furnace today!! $2,000 tax credit on qualifying models!! Efficient wood heat. Heat multiple buildings. Invest in your heating, don’t just pay for it!! See us at www.cb.lodgepoleproducts. com !! 11/29
Livestock Equipment
Property for Sale
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/27
Irrigation
of steps to a large, heated pool and BBQ’s. All furniture and appliances included. Just a short stroll to the heart of Old Town in Scottsdale, AZ. Priced to sell. Call 701-375-6821 11/29
100 ACRES 7 MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBUS, MT: Half mile of Stillwater River frontage, 3 bed, 2.5 bath home with heated oversized 2 car garage. Two 48’x30’ metal pole barns and corrals, 100+ irrigated acres on the Stillwater River. Excellent location, 45 minutes to Billings, MT. Mountain views. Wildlife is very abundant, deer, elk, pheasants, ducks, geese, turkeys, trout fishing and more. $2,500,000. Sidwell Land & Cattle, Richard Sidwell broker, 406-861-4426 12/6 Wanted to Buy
WE WILL PICK UP SCRAP IRON: On-site processing and removal. Receive $$$ top dollar $$$ for your junk!! Call for details, Pacific Steel and Recycling, 307-234-6006. Casper/ Central Wyoming 11/15
Hunting & Fishing
DEC. 10-14: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LO-
CATIONS: DEC. 10: Bill 6:156:30 p.m., Bill’s Store (drive thru, call/text Greg). DEC. 11: Wright 6:50-7:20 a.m., Rest Area; Newcastle 8:30-9 a.m., Voelker’s Body Shop; Upton 10:15-10:30 a.m., Joe's Food Center; Moorcroft 11 a.m.11:30 a.m., The Coffee Cup; Gillette 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m., T&T Guns and Ammo; Gillette 12:30-1 p.m., Rocky Mountain Sports. DEC. 12: Sheridan 7-7:40 a.m., Sportsman’s Warehouse; Buffalo 8:50-9:20 a.m., Good 2 Go; Ten Sleep 10:50-11:20 a.m., Pony Express; Worland 11:50 a.m.12:20 p.m., Bighorn One Stop; Manderson 12:50-1:10 p.m., Hiway Bar (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Basin 1:30-1:45 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru); Greybull 2-2:15 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru); Lovell 2:40-3 p.m., Good 2 Go; Powell 3:30-3:50 p.m., Murdoch’s; Cody 4:154:45 p.m., Nature’s Design Taxidermy; Meeteetse 5:305:45 p.m., Elk Horn Bar (under lights in front of fire haul, drive thru, call/text Greg). DEC. 13: Thermopolis 7-7:30 a.m., Renegade Guns; Shoshoni 8:15-8:30 a.m., Fast Lane (NW corner, drive thru); Riverton 9:15-10 a.m., Vic’s Body Shop (behind the Dollar Tree); Lander 10:30-11 a.m., Zander’s One Stop; Jeffrey City 12-12:20 p.m., Split Rock Café (drive thru, call/text Greg); Muddy Gap 12:30-12:40 p.m., truck stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Casper 1:30-2:15 p.m., Wagner Outdoor Sports; Glenrock 3:30-3:50 p.m., east exit on interstate (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Douglas 4:15-4:30 p.m., Douglas Feed (drive thru).
DEC. 14: Orin Junction
6:45-7 a.m., truck stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lost Springs 7:15-7:30 a.m., Main St. (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lusk 8-8:30 a.m., Decker’s Grocery; Alliance, NE 11:3011:50 a.m., Bomgaars (drive thru, call/text Greg). For more information, call Greg, 308750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 2/6
Livestock Field Services
Lee Pitts IT'S THE PITTS
by
Creative Cowboy Cussin’
After attending a saloon session at a cow buyer’s convention, my wife made the astute observation cattlemen and women have the disgusting habit of swearing terribly.
I couldn’t agree more, and I think it’s time we all made an effort to upgrade the quality of our swearing.
When done properly, cussing is an art form, and in many situations around the ranch, it can help one achieve their desired objective.
For example, suppose a person is gathering cattle in steep country and they are riding the ridge, kicking cattle off of the sheer slopes. Invariably, there will be a cow about half way down the hill refusing to budge and practically daring the cowboy to come
and get her.
The person is faced with a dilemma. If they ride down to get the cow, they will then have the arduous task of climbing back to the top of the ridge. This is where a dog and a few proper cuss words of encouragement can make life a lot easier.
“Get that barren bleep you no good, flea-bitten, louse-laden, chickeneating, lop-eared son of a sheepdog,” the person might say.
Please note it is not necessary to use off-color words. These are everyday terms clean enough to use around women, kids, female preachers, Extension agents and mother-in-laws.
Cuss words can also come in handy to relieve
stress and ease pain.
If a person is exhibiting a 2,000-pound bull in the show ring and the bull accidentally steps on their arthritic toes, it is not necessary to use language that would make one’s mother hide her head in shame.
Merely say, “Yeeeooow!” followed by the words, “Oh, my,” as the bull gradually grinds said toes into the tanbark. There now – doesn’t that make you feel better?
After being turned down by a banker for any further credit because he wanted to see the cash flow statement and a five-year plan, but all you had was a cigar box full of tobacco stained receipts, there are several words a person can use to express their displeasure without offending him and thereby destroying the possibility of borrowing any more money from him in the future.
Among these creative cowboy cuss words would be, “I’ll be darned, gosh, jeeeeeminy crickets, oh my, golly jeez and dad gummit.”
Any stockman worth his salt knows animals often react positively to proper swear words.
When attempting to catch a horse when he bolts and runs just as you were about to get the halter around his ears, it would do you well to remember these simple words, “You ewe-necked, broom-tailed, slobberin,’ no good bag of bones, if you don’t halt right this minute I am going to sell you for glue.”
I know this stops my horse Gentleman dead in his tracks every time.
Sometimes cussing can just flat make a person feel better and improve their outlook on life.
I know when I was exhausted from pulling an enormous calf, thereby saving both the cow and calf from further distress and possibly even death, the cow then flicked her manure-drenched tail right across my face.
When I opened my mouth and said “Shooooooooooot,” my wife says it left a much bet-
ter taste in her mouth than if I had said the more common four-letter word starting with an “S” and ending in “T,” although it would have been far more accurate.
Admittedly, there are those rare occasions when the proper terminology will allude you.
For example, say a person is loading a bunch of steers and they follow a particularly stubborn beast up the loading ramp by grabbing its tail and shoving on its posterior with their knee. And suppose the ungrateful steer responds by kicking them squarely in the shins or, even worse, right below their bulging belly and the belt buckle they got for winning the calf roping at their county fair.
At this point, they may have a hard time finding exactly the right words to express their feelings because they can hardly catch their breath.
So, simply turn to your wife and whisper between clenched teeth, “Dear, would you please say something appropriate?”
SCLT pilot project explores virtual fencing opportunities
In recent months, the topic of virtual fencing has risen to the forefront of discussions about developing technology in ranching.
A pilot project in Sheridan County is exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of virtual fencing.
The Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) is partnering with three local ranchers to utilize virtual fencing technology from Halter – a New-Zealand based virtual fence company founded in 2016 and expanded to the U.S. last year – to study impacts throughout different terrains.
The SCLT pilot program is backed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with support from the World Wildlife Fund, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Sheridan County Conservation District, according to information from the SCLT website.
On Nov. 3, a virtual fencing field day was held in Sheridan, where attendees got a firsthand look at Halter technology in action.
Project background
The goal of the SCLT pilot project is to observe how virtual fencing technology holds up in real western rangeland conditions across three separate areas in Sheridan County.
SCLT Director of Conservation John Graves believes virtual fencing technology promises benefits for ranchers and wildlife alike, from preserving riparian areas to cutting down on labor inputs.
Following introductions from Graves, Halter Representative Emery Fine and Sheridan County Rancher Dan Reinke provided insight to Halter technology and impacts during
the field day.
About Halter
In her role as Wyoming territory manager for Halter, Fine works with producers to explain the benefits of the system and see if it is the right fit for their operations.
According to her presentation, the Halter system consists of solar-powered collars, an app and towers which transmit data from the collars to the app and allow ranchers to set and shift remote fencelines.
The collars utilize three separate cues – sound, shock and vibration – to condition cattle to respond and shift virtually.
Additionally, the GPS function allows ranchers to maintain accurate herd numbers and cuts down on time spent tracking down missing cattle.
The ability to set virtual fence lines and locate cattle remotely cuts down on time and labor input. Fine emphasized Halter is intended as an aid and not
as a replacement for perimeter fencing.
“This is not a replacement for ranching,” Fine emphasized. “It’s a tool to help producers be more efficient and not have to fix and build fence so much.”
Fine says a few benefits for ranchers include grazing flexibility, increased pasture utilization and reduced workload. Better pasture utilization yields a more robust calf crop as well as the ability to increase herd sizes in some cases, according to Fine’s examples.
There are also environmental benefits, such as the ability to easily keep cattle out of riparian areas, creek bottoms and areas affected by wildfire without implementing fenceposts.
Rancher experience Following Fine’s introduction to Halter, Reinke shared his firsthand experience with virtual fence technology.
He said the impact of incorporating Halter into his operation has been positive.
Reinke began by explaining the basic functions of the technology, highlighting the convenience of not having to change batteries thanks to the system’s solar-powered hardware and discussing different app functions like redrawing boundary lines.
Reinke explained one administrator has access to all of the primary app functions and can add users in order to share information.
Additionally, Reinke noted he started out with 120 collars but ended up increasing to 400 collars following a successful first month, he highlighted several benefits from reduced labor input to ease of locating cattle.
“I think it has potential to really work into savings all across the board,” Reinke said.
Reinke admitted cell coverage, which is sometimes hard to come by, is needed to make changes like redrawing boundaries but noted lack of service has not
presented many issues in the overall scheme of things.
Future opportunities
The SCLT pilot project is set to continue into 2026, and another educational opportunity has been scheduled for the new year.
The Northeast Wyoming Virtual Fence Symposium is set to take place on Jan. 6, 2026 at the CAMPLEX Central Pavilion Building in Gillette.
The symposium will feature comments from four different virtual fence manufacturers including Halter, as well as livestock producers using the technology. There is no cost to attend, but those interested should register by Dec. 15.
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit sheridanclt. org/events/northeast-wyoming-virtual-fence-symposium/ Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
New technology – Virtual fencing has been a hot topic in the ranching community in recent years. To explore the potential benefits and drawbacks, the Sheridan Community Land Trust partnered with Halter and three local producers to conduct a Wyoming-based study. Oklahoma State University photo
BREEDING EXCELLENCEBuy with confidence. Our #1 goal is customer satisfaction. wintering - Free delivery -1 year guarantee
JD Amdahl: 605-999-6487 Tim Amdahl: 605-929-3717
SELLING: 105 BULL 2-YEAR-OLDS AND YEARLINGS, 100 COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS, & 45 REGISTERED FEMALES
SIRES REPRESENTED
WAR CRY 4212 REG: 20975821
1 Steer,
8 Steer, 348#
4 Steer, 308# $500.00
1
3 Steer, 543#
3 Steer,
2
3 Steer, 710#
9 Steer, 933# $336.00
7 Heifer, 320# $452.50
7 Heifer, 424# $446.00
10 Heifer, 336# $440.00 FORT WASHAKIE
2 Heifer, 357# $437.50 EVANSTON
4 Heifer, 341# $420.00
4 Heifer, 480# $395.00
10 Heifer, 405# $388.00 LANDER
2 Heifer, 582# $374.00 ETHETE
5 Heifer, 516# $351.00 FARSON
6 Heifer, 573# $348.00 PAVILLION
3 Heifer, 676# $307.00 BRED COWS FARSON
13 Bred Cow, 940# $3,050.00 BONDURANT
15 Bred Cow, 1130# $2,975.00
11 Bred Cow, 1350# $2,750.00
4 Bred Cow, 1283# $2,700.00
21 Bred Cow, 1257# $2,625.00
3 Bred Cow, 1136# $2,525.00
2 Bred Cow, 1220# $2,500.00
2 Bred Cow, 1397# $2,500.00
4 Bred Cow, 1287# $2,425.00 BRED HEIFERS
3 Bred Heifer, 1028# $2,750.00
2 Bred Heifer, 837# $2,600.00
1 Heiferette, 840# $305.00 23 Heiferette, 917# $289.00
8 Heiferette, 796# $287.50
7 Heiferette, 840# $280.00
3 Heiferette, 850# $274.00
Heiferette, 975#
Baldridge War Cry, Huwa Steadfast, RRR Grit, Raven Unite and Amdahl Flagstone ...,
Baldridge War Cry, Huwa Steadfast, RRR Grit, Raven Unite and Amdahl Flagstone
WATCH & BID ONLINE AT
DVAuctlon
1 Cow, 1020# $225.00 RIVERTON 1 Cow, 1085# $210.00 BONDURANT 1 Cow, 1140#
1020#
1090#
4 Cow, 1153# $190.00 1 Cow, 1135# $182.50
BIG PINEY 1 Cow, 1165# $181.00
6 Cow, 1196# $178.00
BONDURANT 1 Cow, 1175# $177.00
CODY 1 Cow, 1025# $171.00
SHERIDAN
2 Cow, 1157# $165.00
BONDURANT
2 Cow, 1275# $165.00
BIG PINEY 1 Cow, 1265# $164.00 ETNA
3 Cow, 1283# $163.50 BIG PINEY 9 Cow, 1184# $162.50
ETNA
4 Cow, 1453# $162.50
BIG PINEY
4 Cow, 1276# $161.50
DANIEL 10 Cow, 1180# $161.00
RIVERTON
1 Cow, 1195# $161.00
BIG PINEY 5 Cow, 1409# $160.00
LANDER
9 Cow, 1195# $159.50
MANILA, UT
4 Cow, 1130# $159.50
MCKINNON
3 Cow, 1253# $159.00
BIG PINEY
4 Cow, 1353# $158.50
MCKINNON
2 Cow, 1262# $158.50 BIG PINEY 6 Cow, 1269# $158.00
MANILA, UT
5 Cow, 1293# $158.00
LANDER
2 Cow, 1420# $158.00
RIVERTON 2 Cow, 1207# $158.00
ETNA
2 Cow, 1360# $157.50
CROWHEART
2 Cow, 1360# $157.00
ETNA 5 Cow, 1556# $156.00
BIG PINEY 5 Cow, 1330# $156.00
SHERIDAN
4 Cow, 1262# $155.50
PINEY 4 Cow, 1143# $154.00
1477#
DANIEL 15 Cow, 1099#
3 Cow, 1225#
2 Cow, 1525#
3 Cow, 1367#
WASHAKIE 1 Cow, 1240#
PINEY 3 Cow, 1215#
Bull, 1945#
1885#
2 Bull, 1655#
1 Bull, 1615#
1 Bull, 1580#
1 Bull, 1780#
1 Bull, 1920#
3 Bull, 1880#
1 Bull, 1750#
2 Bull, 1915#
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
BRED COW SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 A.M. W/ WEIGH-UPS • BRED COWS @ NOON BRED HEIFERS
Fleur De Lis- 120 Blk Ang & AngX Bred Blk Heifers. Bred to LBW Reyes & Lucky 7 Black Ang bulls to start calving 3-1. Rec Virashield 6 VL5, Safeguard & poured w/Clean-UP @ preg checking. Heifers will weigh 1000-1050#. Summered on high desert range (7200’). Big, fancy bred heifers! Bred to good bulls!
Greet Ranch- 100 Blk Ang Bred Heifers.
30 are AI Bred to Select Sires Baldridge Movin On & Nelson Ridgeline to start calving end of February. 70 are bull bred to Lazy Double A sons of Dear Valley Optimum 9246 for March/April calving. All heifers rec Virashield 6 VL5 & poured this fall. Bulls are LBW & Low PAP. Nice, reputation heifers!
Cody & Pam Chrisman- 65 Blk Ang Bred Hfrs. Ultrasounded on 9/29 to start calving 3/30-5/1. Bred to LBW, Low PAP, calving ease Black Angus Diamond Peak & David Noble bulls. High elevation heifers. Rec Multi Min, Virashield 6 VL5 & poured w/Ivomec @ preg check. Med framed, good disposition & easy to handle heifers! Currently on pasture, 7lbs of alfalfa & 20% Cattle Active tubs. Real set of heifers!
Barney Ranches- 30 Blk Ang Bred Heifers. Bred to LBW Black Angus bulls to calve in May. Nice high elevation heifers!
BRED COWS
1520# $154.00
3 Cow, 1391# $153.00
Heiferette, 920# $270.00 DANIEL 13 Heiferette, 933# $247.50 COWS RIVERTON 1 Cow, 805# $257.50
V Ranch- 160 Bred Blk Cows (85 coming 4yr olds, 52 coming 5 yr olds, 26 coming 7 yr olds) Rec Dectomax Inj & Clean-Up this fall, Bovieshield 5 Gold FP this spring. Year around mineral program. Exposed 6/11-8/11 to GG&T & Doubet Black Sal/Ang composite bulls, pulled bulls after 60 days. Cows winter on range, with very little hay. One Iron. Cows are 6-7 generations of strategic crossbreeding for longevity, fertility & do-ability. Bred to run in high, arid environment!
HD Ranch- 100 Blk Ang & AngX ST Bred Cows. Bred to Paintrock Black Angus bulls to calve March/April. 40 Blk Ang & AngX Young Bred Cows. Bred to Paintrock Blk Ang & sml % Van Newkirk Hereford bulls to calve May/June. One brand. High elevation. Cows coming off of winter range.
Tim & Anna Rodewald- 87 Bred Blk Ang coming 3 yr old cows. Bred to Hague Angus Ranch blk angus bulls to start calving March 20th for 60 days. Rec Virashield 6 VL5 HB, Vision 7 w/ Somnus, Safe-Guard dewormer & Prozap pour-on this fall. Every heifer raised a nice calf this year. Only one brand on the cattle! Rimrock Livestock - 80 Blk Ang
3 loads Open Heiferettes 1 load Open Yrlng Heifers 3 loads Open Cows Barney Ranch- 72 weighs
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
BRED COW SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 A.M. W/ WEIGH UPS • BREDS @ NOON