The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held its 101st Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum on Feb. 27-28 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., where various updates were presented.
During the Livestock and Poultry Outlook, a panel of experts, including USDA World Agriculture Outlook Board Member and Livestock Analyst Michael McConnell, provided information on production and pricing.
Outlook
McConnell opened the outlook session by highlighting a positive trend in total red meat and poultry production for 2024, which is expected to increase nearly one percent to 107.6 billion pounds, indicating a recovery after the decline experienced in 2023.
“The increase was due to higher pork and broiler production, as well as flat beef production,” he stated.
The projected total production of red meat and poultry in 2025 is anticipated to rise by one percent, reaching 108.4 million pounds.
This increase is expected despite a decline in beef and turkey production, as gains in the pork and broiler sectors are predicted to compensate for these decreases.
McConnell added, “Tighter supplies of cattle and resilient demand for beef are expected to support fed steer prices, and hog prices are expected to increase as well. Broiler prices are forecast to increase, while turkey prices are forecast to rebound in 2025 after two years of price declines resulting in reduced production in 2024.”
Cattle and beef outlook
The cattle inventory contracted for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, according to USDA’s recent cattle report, estimating the number of cattle and calves as of Jan. 1 was 86.7 million head, marking the lowest level since 1951.
McConnell reported the 2024 calf crop was estimated at 33.5 million head, suggesting better utilization of the breeding stock and survival rate for calves during 2024.
“Although the decline in cattle numbers slowed and there was a robust calf crop, the herd is not currently expected to expand in 2025,” he said. Due to a smaller cow population and strong feeder cattle prices indicating value for future calves, cow slaughter in 2024 has decreased by 15 percent, a trend expected to continue into 2025.
McConnell remarked, “It will likely take more than the upcoming year for producers to build the breeding herd to the point where herd expansion is realized.”
According to recent reports, the total number of cattle on feed in U.S. feedlots of all sizes as of Jan. 1 was 14.3 million head, a one percent decline from the previous year.
“Commercial beef production in 2025 is forecast to decrease nearly two percent to 26.6 billion pounds.
Tighter domestic feeder supplies are expected to constrain feedlot placements, which will result in lower steer and heifer slaughter,” McConnell mentioned.
Additionally, McConnell shared, in 2025, beef exports are forecasted to decrease by seven percent, while beef imports are forecast to increase three percent.
Hogs and pork outlook
McConnell continued to report on the hog and pork outlook for 2025, noting commercial pork production for the year is forecasted to increase by three percent to 28.5 billion pounds.
According to the December 2024 Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, the breeding herd was virtually unchanged from the previous year and producer farrowing intentions for the first half of 2025 are above 2024 levels, indicating growth in the domestic pig crop is expected to support higher commercial slaughter and pork production in 2025.
“For 2025, pork exports are forecast to increase three percent to 7.3 billion pounds, and the increased domestic production and continued strong international demand for pork is expected to support U.S. exports,” he remarked. “For 2025, imports are forecast to increase two percent to 1.17 billion pounds, reflecting continued demand, particularly for specialty pork products.”
National base lean hog prices, averaging 51 to 52 percent lean, are expected to reach $65 per hundredweight (cwt) in 2025, which represents a three percent increase from the 2024 average of $61.56 per cwt.
While the availability of hogs is projected to increase, prices will be bolstered by strong domestic and international demand, as well as higher beef prices.
Sheep and lamb outlook
McConnell further discussed the future of the sheep and lamb industry, stating, “For 2025, commercial lamb and mutton production is forecast to be 134 million pounds, essentially unchanged from 2024.”
The Jan. 1 Sheep and Goats report estimated the total inventory of sheep and lambs at 5.05 million head, up slightly from the 2024 estimate of 5.03 million head, marking the first yearover-year increase since 2016.
When discussing trade, McConnell explained,
“Imports in 2025 are forecast at 365 million pounds, while the U.S. market is expected to remain attractive for exporters.”
It’s reported lamb prices in 2024 began the year above 2023 levels, although they declined in the second half of the year.
However, McConnell noted the slightly larger domestic inventory numbers and stable supplies resulted in the 2025 National Choice/ Prime slaughter lamb price forecast of $182 per cwt, a five percent decline from the 2024 average of $191.31 per cwt.
Broiler meat and turkey outlook
McConnell stated, “For 2025, broiler meat production is forecast to increase one percent to 47.1 billion pounds on lower feed costs, higher prices for competing
meats and steadily increasing average live bird weights.”
He indicated growth rate may be limited by flock size, which was four percent lower as of Jan. 1 compared to a year earlier, along with hatching rates continuing to recover toward historical averages.
“U.S. broiler meat exports for 2025 are forecast to decrease two percent to 6.61 billion pounds,” he added. “This comes off of the seven percent decline seen in 2024 exports.”
However, the national composite wholesale broiler price is forecast to average $1.32 per pound in 2025.
“Turkey production for 2025 is forecast to decrease three percent to 4.97 billion pounds,” he stated. “Flock depopulations in late 2024 and into early 2025 due to highly pathogenic
avian influenza (HPAI) are expected to continue to constrain production in 2025.”
It’s forecasted turkey exports for 2025 will decrease four percent to 465 million pounds due to lower production and less competitive prices, the 2025 price forecast predicts a three percent increase to 97 cents per pound.
Eggs
To close his presentation, McConnell provided an update on the egg industry, noting total U.S. egg production in 2025 is expected to be 8.96 billion dozen, a nearly one percent decline from 2024.
“This outlook is based on the assumption of no additional animal disease outbreaks from what was reported at the time of the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates
release on Feb. 11,” he stated.
Reports show, as of Jan. 1, the table egg laying flock was estimated at 304.3 million birds, a two percent decline from the previous year, with subsequent HPAI reports likely further reducing the table egg laying flock.
“Total egg production is not expected to increase relative to the previous year until the second half of 2025,” he added. “For 2025, exports are forecast to decline 11 percent due to the continuing tight supply of eggs, while imports are forecast at 32 million dozen, an increase of seven percent.”
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
along with her siblings Jerry, Chuck, Patty, Richard and Chris.
It wasn’t easy. She recalled living almost handto-mouth with winter walks to the outhouse, hauling water for cooking and washing, canning meat in the summer because there wasn’t any refrigeration, sleeping three in a bed and taking baths in a big tub in the kitchen. She believed she inherited the “dive in and get it done” attitude from her mother.
She was baptized as a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 17 and remained a strongly devoted member thereafter.
She was able to attend the University of Wyoming (UW), where she developed a lifelong loyalty for the Cowboys – she was a cheerleader and Cowboy Joe handler and had to run him around the field after scores. “Ragtime Cowboy Joe” was part of the lullaby rotation for her babies.
During her time at UW, she developed lifelong friends, including future sisters-in-law Pat Mangus Proffit and Lola Proffit Baldwin and her roommate Fran Booth Jones. It was also where she found her partner in life, Don Proffit.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nurs-
ing and taught university nursing classes for two years afterward. She and Don were married on Dec. 26, 1963.
Before settling and ranching south of Evanston, they lived and worked in Owyhee, Nev. on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and in Woodruff, Utah where Don worked on Deseret Land and Livestock for two years. In both places, they built friendships that lasted their whole lives.
Adventures, challenges, beauty and joy were the staples of raising kids and ranching in Wyoming with their “gypsy cows.” Their cows were well traveled, which comes from having to lease pasture all around the region.
The 2025 Wyoming Ranch Camp will be held at the Ladder Ranch in Carbon County, WY. WRC is a five-day camp covering all aspects of ranch management. Participants spend the week learning and developing their own ranch plan tailored to the host ranch. Courses are taught by UW Extension personnel and local producers.
Ranch Economics
• Ranch Business Management & Economic Tools
Ranch & Tour Diversification
• Employee Management & Ranch Diversification
Animal Science
• Managing livestock genetics, nutrition & health
Soil & Ranch Science
• Sustainable pasture & range management, as well as stocking rates & grazing timing
Ranch Management Plan Day
• Complete & present your team’s ranch plan to a panel of judges
Applications are due by April 4, 2025 Class is limited to 16 participants
Cost: $200 – Full scholarships available, covers meals & lodging For an application, email Chance Marshall (cmarsha1@uwyo.edu) or McKenna Julian (mbrinton@uway.edu)
The little place on the Bear River south of town was their home base and where their kids got to be close to grandparents and cousins with space to roam and play. Claudia devoted a lot of years to homemaking, mothering and church service, and she loved and excelled at it.
Claudia “resembled” and got a kick out of the joke, “Behind every successful rancher was a wife who worked in town.”
In 1986, she went back to work as a nurse, spending most of her career in the operating room. She was fascinated by surgery and frequently wanted to share some of the gory details, often at dinnertime, which wasn’t always appreciated by her kids.
It wasn’t uncommon for her to get called in during a big ranch job or in the middle of church, and she’d fly into town dressed however she was to the delight of her coworkers.
She enjoyed serving people in this capacity, supporting the ranch and her family and building lasting bonds with her “O.R. family.”
Claudia eventually retired from the hospital, but not from the ranch, and she and Don became mostly inseparable in all of the cow jobs and running the ranch in years when most people enjoy their retirement – and
while both preferred step stools to get on their horses. They could still outlast and outwork their kids, who had always been their ranching help.
Don died in February 2019, and Claudia waited six more years before joining him. She missed him greatly. She soldiered on bravely, though, fighting cancer, leading the ranch, keeping up their cow operation and focusing on relationships with her grandkids – all a reflection of her work ethic, ability to face hard things straight on, love of family and her way of just getting on with things.
Claudia and Don raised and are survived by six kids – Clint (Veronica) Proffit, Nonie Proffit, Cody (Marty) Linford, Kim (Jill) Proffit, Liberty (David) Day and Tiko (Morgan) Heaps. She was also proud of and loved very much the 18 grandkids and nine great-grandkids who followed. She is also survived by her siblings Pat Potter, Richard (Carol) Hamilton and Chris Aimone; her inlaws – and friends – Larry (Pat) Proffit, Lola (Mel) Baldwin and Deanne Richins and many nieces and nephews who were a big part of her life.
Funeral services were held on March 3 at 11 a.m. at the Evanston South Stake Center.
Feb. 19, 1949 – Feb. 17, 2025
William “Bill” Leslie Haas died unexpectedly at his home on Feb. 17, two days short of his 76th birthday.
Bill was born on Feb. 19, 1949 in Torrington to Hubert Louis and Lora Mae (McIntosh) Haas. He grew up and lived his entire life in the Veteran area and spent his life farming and ranching, raising and showing Angus cattle.
In 1966, he was the highest individual in 4-H livestock judging at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Bill was a 10 year 4-H member.
He graduated from the first class of Goshen Hole High School in 1967. He attended Eastern Wyoming College and Nebraska Western College before graduating from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.
Bill married Kathy Atkins, and they later divorced. He then married Dana Fleenor on Nov. 22, 1975 in Torrington.
He served on the Goshen County Fair Board where he was instrumental in the improvements made there. He also served as president and board member of the Wyoming Angus Association.
Bill was an avid sports fan and followed high school, college and pro sports. He was a Cyclones fan, a University of Wyoming Cowboys fan and
a Denver Broncos fan –sometimes – and he got to see Michael Jordan live.
Bill never met a stranger and loved a good time, a good beer and good friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Lora Mae Haas, both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles and his brother-inlaw Bill Ward.
He is survived by his wife Dana Haas of Veteran; siblings Marilyn (Pat) Herring of Veteran, Carolyn Ward of LaGrange, George Haas of Torrington, Kenny (Heather) Haas of LaGrange, Jackie (Kevin) Nickel of Veteran and Sherry (Dan) Espeland of Douglas; numerous nieces and nephews, including special nephew Jay Ward and sisters-in-law Lesley (Don) Bartlett, Kim Moore and Jamie (Lex) Madden. Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on March 20 at the Rendezvous Center on the Goshen County Fairgrounds in Torrington with Julie Newman officiating. Casual dress is requested.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Goshen County Supreme Cow Program at 5150 Road, Torrington, WY 82240, which Bill and Jerry Simonsen originally started or the Waggin Tails Animal Shelter. Condolences may be sent to colyerfuneralhome.com/
Claudia Ellin Hamilton Proffit, age 83, was born in Evanston to John and Lola Hamilton and grew up on the ranch near Fort Bridger,
William “Bill” Leslie Haas
SALE REPORTS
Lucky 7 Angus “Cowboy Bulls” Sale
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor
March 1, 2025
Riverton Livestock Auction Auctioneers: Lander Nicodemus and Colby Hales
50 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $10,040
58 Fall Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $8,534
267 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $8,080
Top Sellers
Lot 134 – Lucky 7 Special Focus 3196 – Price:
$25,000 DOB: 4/19/23 Sire: Lucky 7 Special Focus
9071 Dam’s Sire: Lucky 7 Special Focus 448 EPDs: BW: -1.2, WW: +78, YW: +127 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Charles Price, Daniel
$17,000 DOB: 1/30/24 Sire: Lucky 7 Special Focus 9071 Dam’s Sire: Lucky 7 Grand Total 871 EPDs: BW: +0.2, WW: +72, YW: +120 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Sand Mesa Angus, Riverton
Lot 22 – Lucky 7 Maternal Plus 444 – Price:
$17,000 DOB: 2/21/24 Sire: 9 Peaks Maternal Plus J738 Dam’s Sire: Lucky 7 Esquire 900 EPDs: BW: -0.5, WW: +67, YW: +120 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Sand Mesa Angus, Riverton
The liberals who have been trying to legislate the weather lately are now saying we are facing a “national climate emergency,” and continue to rant and rave it’s all the cow’s fault.
Universities and greenie groups are insisting we need net-zero cows so we won’t face “the sixth mass extinction.” These net-zero cows will be “more climate friendly” because they’ll contribute zero methane, but one wonders, what would a netzero cow look like?
Believe it or not, there are efforts afoot to come up with an expected progeny difference (EPD) ranchers can use to breed less gaseous cows. It’s been predicted such an EPD might be five years away, but it could be accelerated if a corporation like McDonald’s suddenly wants beef from climate-friendly cattle.
Then, the Big Four packers will supposedly pay a premium to ranchers who produce net-zero cattle. So instead of breeding for cattle that taste good, grow fast and efficiently and calve easily, we will all be breeding for cattle that burp less.
These new net-zero cows will probably weigh 600 pounds because smaller cattle produce less methane.
According to scientists, net-zero cows will wear an on-board digester gas mask on their face. But if the gas mask covers the cow’s entire face, how will they eat?
Without any feed, the cows will die, making them netzero because dead cows don’t burp very much. This would really please the greenies who dream of ridding the world of cows.
Although this is counterintuitive, we’re told cattle on grass actually produce 20 percent more methane than cattle in a feedlot.
Grasses supposedly produce more methane than corn. So we can’t just spray the feed in a bunk with bicarbonate of soda because we have not addressed what we’re going to do about grazing cows.
I checked online and found Gas Ex Maximum is $17.99 per bottle and Beano Ultra 800 is $20.79, so we’d need one endless line of tanker trucks full of prod-
ucts like Pepto Bismol, Extra Strength Mylanta or Immodium to spray all of the grasslands in America.
I suppose one could distribute it in block form, but it’s hard enough to get cows to lick their mineral block so I don’t think they’ll be lining up to dine on the Kaopectate Extra Strength Gas Relief block.
Speaking of things cows won’t eat, seaweed isn’t exactly a cow’s version of filet mignon, and yet, it has also been put forth as another answer to gaseous cows.
Because I live by the ocean, I gathered up a bunch of prime fresh seaweed and dumped it in front of 100 nearly-starving cows. Not only would they not eat the wet seaweed, they peed and pooped on it to show their disdain.
They wouldn’t touch the dried seaweed either.
And not many cows are raised right on the ocean, so there would be the additional cost of transporting the stuff. I guess one could make the seaweed in bolus or pill form, but who wants to gather their cows every day to come up with a solution in search of a problem?
Another way a rancher might produce net-zero cows
is by leasing out his or her land for solar arrays and windmills and acquiring carbon credits in this manner. Their remaining cows will produce just as much methane as always, but the rancher will be able to make his cattle net-zero with the greenie’s stamp of approval.
Of course, wealthy ranchers will do what big corporations do when faced with the questionable climate change crises – they’ll just buy carbon credits on carbon trading platforms to make Wall Street con artists and former Vice President Al Gore even richer. Personally, I think the idea our cows can cause the climate to change half way around the world is the biggest con game since The Sting.
Those who don’t think so should consider this – I looked at several sources and their guesses for how much methane produced by cows contributed to global warming. The answers varied from three percent to 30 percent.
So it’s not exactly settled science, and breeding for netzero cows with the use of an EPD for methane production is the dumbest idea I’ve heard since the motorized ice cream cone. It’s like treating a cold with chemo.
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The University of Wyoming (UW) has reached the highest level of American research universities, reflecting the university’s broad impact and evolution into a world-class hub for research, innovation, entrepreneurship and public scholarship.
UW is one of 187 institutions nationwide designated as an R1 university by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This announcement puts UW in the top tier of U.S. research universities, as just 4.8 percent of the nation’s nearly 4,000
accredited, degree-granting institutions have reached this “very high research activity” category.
“Achieving Carnegie R1 status increases the value of a UW degree; serves as an impressive recruiting tool for faculty, staff and students; enhances our ability to boost the state’s economy; enriches the student experience through research opportunities and builds on the already extraordinary sense of pride among members of the UW community,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “Getting to this point has taken years of
effort. I’m delighted we have achieved this milestone, and we will keep working hard to enhance our value to students and the state of Wyoming.”
Fostering a research enterprise
Through strategic investments in the last few years, such as the formation of the UW Graduate School and new programs to support research, UW has been supporting faculty members and students to foster its research enterprise.
The university now stands at $166 million annually in research expenditures, an increase of 78 percent since 2021, ranking UW 42nd among the 318 public universities without a medical school.
Additionally, Carnegie R1 status is a measure of a university’s scholarly production. UW regularly produces close to 100 PhD graduates each year.
biomedical sciences and artificial intelligence. Boosting research performance
Among the changes made in recent years to boost UW’s research performance were a reorganization of academic departments to better assemble teams for addressing complex problems for which there are large grant opportunities; reworking UW’s Science Initiative to make it more competitive, with interdisciplinary centers which allow faculty and students to do more than they could in just their home departments and starting a School of Computing to link the entire academic enterprise with common expertise.
“Ultimately, this designation sets the stage for economic gains and job growth in Wyoming, beyond even the nearly 14,700 jobs and more than $1.3 billion annually UW contributes to Wyoming’s economy,” says Parag Chitnis, UW’s vice president for research and economic development.
“Most importantly, it will benefit our students, because faculty engaged in research generate new knowledge, which advances the education students receive both inside and outside of the classroom,” Chitnis continues. “Students will be more prepared for careers through inquiry-focused work in labs and creative spaces.”
UW researchers are tackling a wide variety of challenges in fields crucial to Wyoming’s current and future economy, including energy, agriculture, natural resources,
UW has also created an Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships and boosted the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to enhance impact on the state’s economy; expanded the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with new faculty positions and created an Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which includes faculty positions, postdoctoral programs, corporate partners, computational facilities and seed grants across the campus.
“UW graduates have long demonstrated they can compete with graduates of even the most elite universities in the country, but now there’s an added measure of prestige associated with their UW diplomas,” Seidel says.
“And, because the prestige of R1 status traditionally has served as magnet for people looking to work and study at the top of their fields, UW is now even more attractive to top-tier faculty and students from around the world,” he concludes.
This story was originally published by UW News on Feb. 13.
The second of the 2025 Water Webinar series focused on a timely and crucial discussion about groundwater conservation and its role in addressing the West’s growing water scarcity challenges.
The panel, featuring Sarah Parmar from Colorado Open Lands (COL), Dr. Ladona Clayton from the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy (OLWC) and Erin Minks from U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s (D-CO) office, discussed the effectiveness and structure of groundwater conservation programs and easements.
The three explained how these programs may be effective for providing relief to declining aquifers, such as the Ogallala in New Mexico and the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, and what it takes to implement them, both at the local and legislative levels.
The state of groundwater in the West Parmar began the webinar by explaining the San Luis Valley’s agricultural success, which heavily relies on groundwater pumping, has led to a serious depletion of the underlying aquifers and a decline in the collective resource.
As technology for groundwater pumping has improved, water extraction from the aquifers began to outpace the natural recharge rate, resulting in a sharp decline in groundwater levels.
Parmar highlighted the challenges faced by landowners and farmers in the valley, where the agricultural economy is deeply tied to groundwater availability. Despite efforts to reduce water consumption through voluntary programs, the need for a more permanent solution became clear.
Community-led initiatives, such as the establishment of groundwater management subdistricts, allowed local stakeholders to tackle the problem collectively. Landowners elected to create a tax on water withdrawals which is used to fund groundwater banks that would pay landowners interested in retiring their wells and create an immediate financial incentive for landowners to reduce their water use.
However, Parmar noted these solutions were difficult and expensive to implement and fell short of achieving sustainable groundwater levels. Recognition of this led to the development of a groundbreaking idea – groundwater conservation easements.
To the south, in eastern New Mexico, the Ogallala Aquifer has been depleted by an average of approximately 16 feet since predevelopment, resulting in a water crisis. Water use in the region is primarily agricultural, with 95 percent of the water being
Are groundwater easements a solution for the West?
used for farming.
Clayton described how OLWC partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a voluntary groundwater lease program for irrigators, resulting in the savings of almost four billion gallons annually.
DOD’s involvement was critical because of their interest in water security for Cannon Air Force Base, which is completely reliant on water from the Ogallala Aquifer.
A new approach
Minks then delved into how Bennet and other stakeholders recognized the potential value of adding groundwater conservation easements as an eligible category under the Agricultural Conservation Easement program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
In 2023, Bennet introduced the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act, which aims to provide federal support for these innovative programs, while ensuring the voluntary nature of the easements remains intact.
The development of a federal framework is a complicated process because water rights are state-specific and the bill aims to ensure water rights remain with the landowners and do not transfer to the easement holder, even though the landowner’s consumptive use may be reduced.
Minks noted, while the concept of groundwater easements has gained traction, there’s still work to be done to ensure these agreements are understood and respected by all parties involved, particularly in the context of how water rights are handled.
Parmar then discussed how COL explored traditional land conservation tools to address groundwater depletion and also explained, while traditional land conservation easements focus on preventing land development or preserving open space, groundwater easements take a different approach by directly addressing water usage, specifically preventing over-allocation of aquifers.
Groundwater easements can allow landowners to voluntarily reduce their groundwater withdrawals in exchange for compensation, providing a more flexible solution which doesn’t require producers to stop farming altogether.
Instead of fully fallowing their land, groundwater easements enable producers to continue agricultural operations while reducing their water use over time. This flexibility is key to maintaining the long-term viability of both the aquifer and the local agricultural economy.
By tailoring each easement to the specific needs
of the landowner and the unique characteristics of their land, they can balance the necessity for water conservation with the ongoing productivity of the land.
Parmar emphasized this model empowers landowners to find practical ways to achieve water savings, whether through methods like crop rotation, deficit irrigation or shifting to lower-water-use crops, while keeping operations running.
Valuation and compensation
An additional complication of groundwater easement programs is developing a value for the conserved water.
As the conversation shifted to compensation models, Clayton explained the innovative valuation model used by OLWC to determine fair compensation for landowners. The model considers water usage, crop valuation and
income impacts from transitioning to more sustainable practices.
This ensures landowners are fairly compensated while contributing to the long-term conservation of the aquifer.
Clayton also highlighted the key role DOD played in this process. Through a partnership with OLWC, DOD provided crucial funding and support via the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program.
This partnership is essential not only for conserving water but also for ensuring the continued water security needed by critical military operations, such as those at Cannon Air Force Base.
Together, OLWC and DOD have been able to craft agreements benefiting both agricultural producers and national defense interests.
The path forward
The webinar wrapped
up with a forward-looking conversation about the potential for groundwater conservation easements to be used as a tool for addressing water scarcity across the West.
Parmar emphasized the importance of leveraging existing programs, like those promoting soil health and water retention, alongside groundwater easements to maximize water conservation efforts while minimizing the unintended consequences of practices like full field fallowing.
By stacking these tools, producers can continue agricultural operations, maintain soil health and support the long-term sustainability of water resources.
Clayton spoke about how OLWC is using groundwater leases to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer while empowering producers to adopt regen-
erative agriculture practices. These practices are essential for maintaining soil health, water holding capacity and resilience in the face of increasing climate variability.
Minks closed by discussing how the new legislative session and future farm bill discussions could provide opportunities for expanding groundwater conservation legislation.
Despite the challenges, there is hope these innovative solutions will continue to gain traction at both the state and federal levels.
Morgan Wagoner is the Western Water Program director for the Western Landowners Alliance (WLA), where she oversees the development and execution of strategies and policies to facilitate collaborative learning and action to address Western water issues. This article was originally published by WLA on Feb. 25.
EXTENSION EDUCATION
By Chance Marshall, UW Extension Educator
Estrus Synchronization for Natural Service Breeding
uniformity and value.
on natural breeding by bulls in their cow herds.
Estrus synchronization protocols are often associated with artificial insemination (AI) and are not commonly utilized by cow/calf producers. However, the development of natural service estrus synchronization protocols make it possible to improve reproductive efficiency even without AI.
This article describes how estrus synchronization can be a beneficial tool for producers looking to improve the reproductive efficiency of their herds. Why synchronize the cow herd?
With natural service breeding, the distribution of breeding and calving activities can be spread out. This can result in a variation of calf age and size. Estrus synchronization is an effective way to frontload calving and improve calf crop
By utilizing an estrus synchronization protocol, cattleman can concentrate the breeding of more females earlier in the breeding season. This results in a higher percentage of calves being born early in the calving season.
Calves born earlier in the calving season are older and typically weigh more at weaning.
A tri-state study showed when estrus synchronization was used, there was a 13- to 14-day age advantage and calves weighed 22 to 40 pounds heavier at weaning.
It is also well documented heifer calves born in the first 21 days of calving season have greater herd longevity compared to herd mates born later in the calving season. Early-born heifers have improved first service conception rates because they are allowed more days to reach puberty and are born from fertile dams.
Additionally, synchroni-
zation allows for concentration of labor around calving, as more calves will be born closer to the same time.
Thin cows or cows that calved late may not be cycling naturally by breeding season. However, estrus synchronization protocol, including the use of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) implant, could keep a cow from becoming an open cull cow.
By synchronizing with a CIDR, it is possible to prime a cow’s cycle back into action and get her rebred. It is also possible to induce cyclicity in prepubertal heifers.
Efforts to maintain cows in a 365-day calving window is an important economic consideration for cow/calf producers.
Bull power considerations
Before using an estrus synchronization protocol, it is important to make sure there is enough bull power to cover a larger number of females coming into heat during a shorter time frame.
Limiting pasture size and terrain will help with access to females. Also, ensuring producers have an adequate ratio of bulls to cows is important – a one-to-20 or one-to-25 bull to cow ratio is recommended.
Mature bulls with experience tend to be better suited for natural service synchronization protocols compared to yearling bulls.
Conducting breeding
soundness exams on all bulls ahead of the breeding season is highly recommended, especially when estrus synchronization is used.
Natural service protocols
Natural service protocols differ slightly from AI protocols but there are still several proven options available to meet different budgets and labor resources.
Natural service synchronization protocols are designed to shorten breeding activity. It is a misconception all females will cycle at the exact same time. Assuming bulls are fertile and females are in good shape, 60 to 70 per-
cent pregnancy rates during the first 21 days can be expected, which is comparable to expectations for an AI synchronization system.
Four effective natural service protocols include a one-shot prostaglandin (PG) system, where bulls are introduced and one dose of PG per head is administered on the fifth day of exposure; a seven-day CIDR program, where a CIDR is applied and removed on the seventh day, then bulls are introduced; a 14-day CIDR program, where a CIDR is applied, removed on the 14th day and 10 days after removal, bulls are introduced and a melenges-
trol acetate (MGA) program which includes feeding MGA 14 days, waiting 10 days after MGA removal and introducing bulls. This program is for heifers only.
Whether producers plan to AI or let the bulls do the work breeding this year, estrus synchronization could be a valuable tool to improve reproductive efficiency of cow herds. However, being prepared and evaluating resources ahead of time is important.
Chance Marshall is a University of Wyoming Extension educator based in Fremont County. He can be reached at 307-332-2363 or cmarsha1@uwyo.edu.
Four States Irrigation Council honors ag and water infrastructure leaders
The Four States Irrigation Council once again took time to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in the irrigation, agriculture and water infrastructure industries this winter.
During a Jan. 30 awards banquet in Northglenn, Colo., the organization distributed its annual Headgate awards, which are given to industry leaders in each of the four states – Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas – who have been active in and supportive of irrigation and water resources development.
Each year, the Four States Irrigation Council Awards Banquet takes place as part of the organization’s broader two-day annual meeting.
In addition to the annual Headgate awards, this year’s banquet also included awarding the 2025 Water Master, which recognizes individuals who’ve made broad impacts on the Four States Irrigation Council.
Wyoming Headgate Award
Greg Posten is the winner of this year’s Wyoming Headgate Award.
Posten has served the Goshen Irrigation District in numerous capacities for the last 27 years. He started out as a ditch rider, then moved to heavy equipment operator for many years.
For the last three years, Posten has been the water master for Goshen Irrigation District, a very demanding job for a district its size.
The Goshen Irrigation District operates and maintains the Fort Laramie Canal, from Whalen Dam to the state line, while the district is also responsible for approximately 300 miles of laterals and about 200 miles of drains. The district delivers water to about 400 farms, altogether covering 52,484 acres.
Posten will be retiring this winter and taking
with him a wealth of knowledge which will be hard to replace.
Colorado Headgate Award
Jim Yahn is the manager of the North Sterling and Prewitt reservoirs, a position he’s held for over 30 years, and is the winner of this year’s Colorado Headgate Award.
He is responsible for overseeing the diversion and distribution of water to more than 350 farmers. Together, the reservoirs are a source of irrigation water for approximately 70,000 acres.
Yahn is a native of Colorado, growing up on a family ranch which used water from the North Sterling Reservoir system. In June of 2016, Yahn was appointed by the governor to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to serve as the South Platte director and served for five years, including a two-year term as chair.
Yahn has been a member of the South Platte Basin Roundtable since its inception in 2005, serving as chair from 2009-12 and as the roundtable’s representative to the Interbasin Compact Committee.
In the near future, Yahn will be stepping away from some roles in the water world to serve his community as Logan County Commissioner.
Nebraska Headgate Award
A fifth-generation Nebraskan and lifelong resident of Cambridge, Neb., Brad Edgerton, the manager of the FrenchmanCambridge Irrigation District since 2009, is the winner of the Nebraska Headgate Award.
The Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District is a political subdivision of the state of Nebraska, created to enable the people of southwest Nebraska to develop the state’s irrigation potential. Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District delivers natural-flow irrigation water
using four different canal systems to more than 45,600 acres in southwest Nebraska and is the eighth largest irrigation district in Nebraska based on acres served.
Before arriving at the district, Edgerton spent 25 years with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, where he served as field office supervisor for the Republican River Basin from 2000-08.
With 45 total years of experience in water resource management in the Republican River Basin, Edgerton is also currently on the board of directors for the Nebraska State Irrigation Association.
Kansas Headgate Award
Ron Allen, the winner of this year’s Kansas Headgate Award, provided 43 years of dedicated service to the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District.
Allen went to work for the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District in 1967, shortly after graduating from North Central Kansas Technical College. When the district’s head mechanic retired in 1970, Allen was promoted to the position, and in 1984, he was promoted to foreman, a position he held until his retirement in 2010.
Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District is a 42,500acre surface water irrigation district serving agricultural lands in Jewell and Republic counties in north-central Kansas.
As foreman of the district, Allen’s principal duties were to oversee the operations and maintenance of 250 miles of canals and laterals.
During his career, he oversaw the construction of pipelines to replace laterals, as well as many other district infrastructure projects which improved the efficiency of the district.
Water Master Award
Water Master Award
Honoree Dan Keppen is the executive director for the Family Farm Alliance, a
nonprofit association which advocates for family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts and allied industries in 17 western states.
After 20 years at Family Farm Alliance, Keppen will be stepping down from his leadership role later this year.
Keppen – who for nearly two decades has attended and presented each year at the Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting –altogether has about 35 years of experience in western water resources engineering and policy matters. He has testified over 20 times before Congressional committees, primarily on federal environmental, infrastructure and ag policy matters.
He was invited to represent the alliance at the 2016 White House Water Summit and, among numerous
other leadership roles during his career, has served as a board member of the Irrigation Association and Clean Water Alliance – now known as the U.S. Water Alliance.
The Four States Irrigation Council, established in 1952, serves as a forum for farmers, ditch and irri-
gation company representatives, water district staff and board members, engineers, professors, Extension agents, government officials and others to discuss waterdelivery and irrigationrelated issues, exchange ideas and develop solutions. To learn more, visit 4-statesirrigation.org
We are very excited about this year's sale. There will be more than 60 bulls including more than 20 Governor sons Performance, Calving Ease. Longevity and Docility
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-7776397 TFN
Events
GUN SHOW MARCH 15-16: Weston County Senior Citizens Center, Newcastle, WY, Sat., March 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., March 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission $5, kids 12 and under free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Vendor setup Fri., March 14, 3-8 p.m. For more information, call Mike Novotny, 253-678-4825 3/8
includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
PEEGEE RANCH NEAR ARVADA, WY IS LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME FARM/RANCH
EMPLOYEE: This position is open immediately. Applicant must be self-motivated, reliable and responsible with knowledge of haying and farming. Mechanical skills are a must. Farming duties include swathing, baling and raking hay, etc. This is not a cowboy position, but applicant will need to assist in all aspects of cattle work as well. Those duties include calving heifers, feeding hay, branding and gathering, etc. Nearest big town is 60+ miles and nearest K-12 school is 30+ miles away (location of the ranch is remote). Housing is provided and on a school bus route. Please send resume with references by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net. Call 307-736-2461 3/22
SEEKING: WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA FULL-TIME FARM AND RANCH HAND EMPLOYEE ● Housing provided, located on a school bus route ● Vehicle provided to go back and forth to work ● Wages based on experience ● Send references and work history to slawlar@hotmail.com. Call 701-570-6703 for any questions or interest in position 3/22
Services
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!! 3/22
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, $3,000. Call 307-850-8073 3/15
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RHS. Electric iron, $3,000. Call 307-8508073 3/15
WYOMING HORSE BRAND FOR SALE: ID A1616100, LSC, LTH. No horse with brand, branding iron included. $3,500, Call after 5 p.m., 307-388-2456 3/29
RegisteRed Angus Bulls Opening dAy sAle
Sires Include: Regiment • Republic • Brigade Saluda • Armstrong • Statesman Many suitable for heifers. Saturday March 15, 2025 Also see our pen of 6 bulls at Midland Bull Test. B ridger , MT
BULLS FOR SALE: Registered yearling and 2-year-old Black Angus range bulls for sale private treaty. Good selection for heifers and cows. From popular sires and industry leaders. Semen tested and ready to go. Call 307762-3541 TFN
Services Brands
REGISTRED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LSC, RHS, LBH. Registered to 2029, $4,000. Call 307202-0644 3/15
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LRC, LSH. Current through Jan. 1, 2031. $3,000 OBO. Contact Gene at 307-331-1049 3/8
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, renewed to Jan. 20, 2027. $3,000 OBO. Call 605-201 7173 3/8
WYOMING BRAND: “Rocking LS,” LHC, LHH. Registered to 2031, includes a freeze brand iron, $2,500. Call 307-272-2477 3/22
HISTORIC REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RSC, RSS, RSH, renewed to Jan. 1, 2035, good locations, comes with 1 hot iron and 1 paint brand for sheep. Asking $4,000. Call 307-7142484 3/8
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LRC, LSS, LHH. Current through Jan. 1, 2033. $4,500 OBO. Contact Gene at 307-331-1049 3/8
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LRC, LSH. Current through Jan. 1, 2033. $3,000 OBO. Contact Gene at 307-331-1049 3/8
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LRC, LHS, LSH. Current through Jan. 1, 2033. $4,500 OBO. Contact Gene at 307331-1049 3/8
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RHS, RHH. Registered until Jan. 1, 2029. Nice 1 iron brand!! $5,000. Call 307-351-7829 3/22
SALE * CHRISTENSEN RED ANGUS * SALE: Registered, vaccinated and fertility tested bulls. We have a deep carcass, high ADG packaged with moderate to low birthweights available. Call 406-208-4315 or e-mail criters64@gmail.com 3/22
RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE IN NORTHEASTERN UTAH : Out of AI and bull-bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until May 1. $2,700/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435828-1320, barlazytlranch@ gmail.com 6/14
SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: Yearlings and 18-month-olds. All bulls have GE EPDS, are homozygous polled, most are homozygous black. Bulls can be inspected at Dilka Cattle, pictures available by request. Bulls will be fed until April 1 at no cost to buyer. All bulls guaranteed for first breeding season. Information on the bulls may be requested by e-mail at thedilkas@aol.com or calling 970-396-8791 3/29
EXPERIENCED COOK NEEDED FOR SCENIC MOUNTAIN RANCH: Working ranch. Season is April 1 to Nov. 15. Private apartment, board, internet provided. References, driver’s license required. No chefs. Call Sharon, 307-380-6356, e-mail sharonsotoole@hotmail.com or Meghan, 307361-9023 3/15
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, BS. Irons included. Registered through March 2031, $2,000 OBO. Call Mike at 307202-0494 3/22
OLD WYOMING ONE IRON, LEFT RIB BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LHH, 10 year fee paid to March 2035, $12,775. Call 307-334-2760 3/22
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LSS, LSH. Current thru March 2029. Three electric irons, 2 fire irons. $4,000 OBO. Call or text 307-575-7065 3/15
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSS, RHH. Renewed to Jan. 1, 2035. $2,500 OBO. Call 403-894-4411 3/15
YEARLING ANGUS BULLS:
These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 3/8
120 BLACK ANGUS REPLACEMENT HEIFERS: Uniform group created from our closed herd of females. Will make excellent mothers. Registration papers available. Private treaty sales for nearly 50 years. Let our selective breeding program go to work for you!! Clay Creek Angus, 3334 Rd. 14, Greybull, WY 82426. Call 307762-3541 TFN
RED ANGUS COWS AND HEIFERS FOR SALE: Twenty-five red cows, second and third calvers. ALSO, 6 red heifers. All bred to Leachman and Beckton Red Angus bulls April 15 for 60 days. Located in Torrington, WY. Call 307231-2883 3/15
YEARLING POLLED HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Forty-five year breeding program, bred to produce top baldy calves. Balanced trait genetics. Reasonably priced. See us on the web at www.mcmurrycattle. com , for pedigrees, photos and videos. BUY NOW! Call 406-254-1247 (house), leave message or 406-697-4040 (cell). E-mail mcmurrycattle@gmail.com 4/12
Hereford
We have LOTS of hunters and we pay top $$ to ranchers. DCPC Varmint Hunts Est. 1992
Call Dan Cattaneo 406-220-0111
STAIRCASE CHAROLAIS AND RED ANGUS ONLINE BULL SALE: 50+ purebred yearling Charolais and Red Angus bulls SELLING APRIL 12-17
Timed auction online with www.dvauction.com!! Practical bulls bred for balanced traits, functionality, consistency, disposition, efficiency and quality, built to excel in every step of the cattle industry!! For more information, visit www.staircasebulls.com, find us on Facebook or give us a call. Gus, 307-575-5860 or Amy, 308-631-1952 4/12
Charolais
PUREBRED CHAROLAIS
BULLS FOR SALE: AI’d to Lead Time, spring and fall yearlings available. Priced at $4,000/piece. Call 406-671-7451 3/22
LOOKING TO RENT OR LEASE PASTURE FOR 50-150 cow/calf pairs for 2025, longer or yearly lease if possible. Preferably northeastern Wyoming. Call 307-660-0294 and leave a message if no answer.
WANTING TO RENT PASTURE IN NORTH-CENTRAL WYOMING: Enough for 20 to 50 pairs. Call 605-252-815 3/29
PASTURE WANTED AND/OR RANCH OR FARM LEASE, northwest Wyoming or south-central Montana. References available. Call 307-851-2426 3/8
LOOKING FOR RANCH OR PASTURE TO LEASE FOR 150200 HEAD: Will pay lease or run owner’s cows. Looking for place with corrals. Long term. Call 307689-6172 (cell) or 307-868-2170 (house) 3/22
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17
Hay & Feed
30 TONS THIRD CUTTING
ALFALFA: 4x4 square bales, located south of Worland, WY. Call 307-202-0644 3/15
Warner Ranch Seed
Serving Fremont County, Wyoming and the surrounding areas.
HarvXtra® alfalfa with Roundup Ready® technology, Roundup Ready® alfalfa and conventional varieties available! Plant the best!
Horses
Buffalo Brand Seed for annual forages, cover crops, pasture grasses, small grains and custom mixes.
MIXED QUALITY OF HAY FOR
SALE: Prices range from $60$135 per ton. 1,200 lbs., 3x4x8 bales. 2023 or 2024 hay. Delivery available for a fee. Call Kelly Foianini, 307-780-7027 or Bronson Foianini, 307-7602263 3/8
NORTHWEST WYOMING CERTIFIED GRASS SEED GROWER HAS CERTIFIED GRASS HAY FOR SALE: 3x4x8 bales. 2023 crop approximately 1,200 lbs. 2024 crop approximately 900+ lbs. $25/bale. Powell, WY area. Call Mike at 307-202-0494 3/22
PARK COUNTY, WYOMING RANCH NEAR CODY, WY IS AVAILABLE FOR A LONG-TERM LEASE: The ranch has over 50,000 acres and supports an irrigated hay base with BOR water rights. Carrying capacity is 700 animal units year-round with hay production. Willing to split the hay ground and grazing. Please e-mail Honora Beirne (hbeirne@acpg.com) and Melanie Giliati (mgiliati@acpg. com) for details 3/22
Horses
FOR SALE: Five-year-old gray Quarter Horse gelding. Stands 14.2 HH, well-broke to ride. Good ranch horse. Five-year-old sorrel draft cross gelding. Stands 15.2 HH. Well-broke to ride and drive. Fifteen-year-old mini pony gelding. Well-broke to ride and drive. ALSO, yearling blue roan fillies. For more information, call 307467-5651, leave message for Henry Lambright 3/29
REGISTERED YEARLING
SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS PRIVATE TREATY BULLS FOR SALE: Proven genetics, most are AI sired, calm dispositions, calving ease and growth bulls, black or red available. Will be semen tested and fed until May 1. For more information call, Trenton Adams, 307-751-1515, Warren Adams, 307-737-2429 or 307751-1434, if no answer, leave a message 3/15
SHORTHORN BULLS FOR
SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Yearlings up to mature bulls available. Developed conservatively so they hold up. Remember a red Shorthorn bull on your homozygous black cows will give you black calves. Shorthorns are excellent maternal cattle that produce quality beef. Francis-Millvale Shorthorns, Gene and Roberta Francis Family, 701-331-2403, e-mail francis. millvale@gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 3/29
TWO HORSES FOR SALE: Grandsons of Peptoboonsmal, 1 sorrel, 1 bay, half-brothers, 18 and 15 years old, ride or pack, experienced horseman, $5,000/ each. Calls only no texts, 307272-6895 3/29
BEST OF THE BIG HORNS HORSE SALE, APRIL 12, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, 44 TW Rd., Buffalo, WY. Online bidding through www.cattleusa.com, register 3 days prior to sale. Contact Ellen Allemand, 307-7518969 or Kay Lynn Allen, 406697-5882. Visit us on Facebook for updates 4/5
NEW YEAR, NEW BUILD! Call us at 785-734-2663. Our camps are handcrafted with hand-forged iron work. We also offer wooden wagon wheel restoration, wheelwright services. McGilvray Farms
MOFFAT COUNTY SHEEP SHEARING SCHOOL, CRAIG, CO APRIL 4-6: This 3-day shearing school provides hands-on, instructed experience in shearing sheep and an introduction to equipment maintenance. No previous experience needed. E-mail megan.stetson@colostate. edu or call 970-826-3402 for registration information and questions 3/22
OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORN out produces hybrid for silage and grazing quality grain, $69/bushel +S/H. Call 217-857-3377 or text cell 217-343-4962, visit website www.borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 3/22
Hay & Feed
2,000 TONS OF ALFALFA, ALFALFA/GRASS MIX AND STRAIGHT GRASS: Prices starting at $95/ton, 3x4 squares. Located near Manhattan, MT. Delivery available. Minimum order of 200 tons. Call Doug, 406581-4124 3/8
HAY FOR SALE: 2023 and 2024, alfalfa, sainfoin, grass and combine grass/straw. Small squares and 3x3x8 bales. Test results available for 2023 and 2024. Will load 3x3s in open truck and trailer. Call 307-250-6005 3/22
QUALITY COW HAY FOR SALE: 3x3’s and small bales. Great blend of native grasses with no weeds. Horse hay also available. Call 719-849-3642 3/22
ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 bales shedded. Priced depending on quality and quantity needed. Farson, WY, trucking available. Call 307350-0350 3/22
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 3/22
GRASS AND ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE: Cow and horse quality. Round bales, 3x3 square bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 3/22
Hay & Feed
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2024 crop $50/bale. 1,000 lb. netwrapped bales. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 5/24
HAY FOR SALE: 2023 milo and grass/alfalfa. 2024 first, second and third cutting alfalfa, first cutting 90% alfalfa/10% grass mix, grass mix, grass/alfalfa, millet cut early and green, milo cut late in the season. ALSO, 2024 haybet barley, nitrates low, protein high, 2023 and 2024 CRP hay. 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 3/29
2024 HAY FOR SALE: First, second and third cutting alfalfa/orchardgrass mix, roughly 50/50, round bales. If tests wanted, they can be obtained. Thirty miles east of Valentine, NE, trucking available needed. Call or text for more information, 402-759-2033 3/15
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-2355386 3/29
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE
PURE ALFALFA HAY: Small squares, covered. 2023 first cutting available for a reduced price. 2024 first, second and third cutting available. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS, $16/cwt. Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-254-0554 4/26
HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 and round bales of grass or alfalfa/grass mix. Prices starting at $70/ton. FOB. Delivered only. Call 605-840-0015 3/8
ANNUAL GRASS HAY FOR SALE, in 4x4 bales. No rain. Protein +10%. Weld County Colorado, $160/ton. Call 970381-6316 3/8
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
CLEAN ALFALFA AND SOME BARLEY HAY FOR SALE in Riverton, WY area with some trucking available. Call 307-8514532 3/15
STRAW FOR SALE: 200 TONS OF BARLEY STRAW, 4x4 squares, $40/ton. Located west of Powell, WY. Call or text 307-202-0532 for more information 3/8
GRASS HAY FOR SALE, 1,400 lb. net-wrapped round bales, $140/bale. Near Laramie, WY. Call 307-760-8429 3/8
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: AC Model 1300 30’ ripper with rakes. 16’ Eversman fold up land plane with S tine rippers. 9600 John Deere combine with 930 30’ grain header and an 893 8 row 30” corn header. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). 24’ Model 630 John Deere tandem disc. Safety pull with a bull hitch. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Round John Deere wheel weights. Contact Greg Keller at 406679-1136 3/29
2007 KIOTI FRONT END LOADER, BACKHOE AND SNOWPLOW: 30 HP diesel, 200 engine hours. Pictures available upon request. Call 303-4427543, leave a message. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 3/8
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!! 3/29
FOR SALE: Mandako 45’ landroller. Farmhand 870 hydraulic grinder/mixer with scale. John Deere 2155 diesel tractor, wide front, nice. 2020 Freightliner, automatic transmission, DD13 engine, 178” wheelbase, 407, 673 miles, runs and drives nice, $28,500. Vermeer BP7000 bale processor. Summers hydraulic rock picker. Miller Pro 5100 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 16’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. John Deere 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. John Deere 1760 12rn planter with liquid fertilizer. Rowse 16 wheel high capacity v-rake. 12’ HD box scraper with tilt. Lorenz 16’x29’ 18 ton bale mover with 10 rails. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 3/8
Shorthorn
Sheep
RAIL TIES: #1-9 ft., #1 and #2-8 ft. USED CULVERTS: Three foot, 2 ft., 18” and various lengths. Call EMC2, 307-6302345 or 307-534-5253 3/22
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
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 7/26
OILFIELD PIPE: PRICE REDUCED!! RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8”, 2 7/8” and 4.5” is available, pricing is coming down. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8” and 2 7/8” are on average 31.5’ long per joint. Pierce, CO. Call for details, 970-3244580 6/28
Irrigation Systems
USED IRRIGATION PIVOTS FOR SALE, www.zimmag. com Irrigation systems are COMPLETE with custom sprinkler package, SORTED, BUNDLED and ready to ship ● 2021 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,297’ ● 2020 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,297’ ● 2020 Zimmatic 8500 8 tower 1,296’ ●
Meet North America’s oldest dino, found in Wyoming, named in Shoshone language
On a tract of public land near Dubois, an extrusion of very old rock –known as the lower Popo Agie Formation – peeks out of a hillside. To the unskilled eye, it just looks like a patch of pinkishred rocks amid the grassy slopes.
But in 2013, a team of scientists who specialize in ancient history visited the site and found much more. The extrusion was rife with fossils, enough to keep the scientists busy for the dozen years that have since passed.
Along with revisiting the site to look for more samples, the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum team has been doing painstaking work to date the rock and recreate the creatures’ bones which were fossilized there.
What they found is remarkable – North America’s oldest-known dinosaur.
The discovery brought scientific advances which revise the understanding of reptile evolution on the planet. It also broke a long scientific naming tradition with a nod to Wyoming’s Indigenous people.
Meet Ahvaytum bahndooiveche. The dinosaur is slightly larger than a chicken, with a long tail, beaklike mouth and feathers. It lived a very, very long time ago – 230 million years in the past.
Along with being the oldest-known dinosaur found in North America, it’s also the first dinosaur named in the Shoshone language – scientists teamed up with Eastern Shoshone Tribal members on the project.
“So this is kind of the back side of this story that to me is the most important,” said Dr. David Lovelace, a research sci-
entist at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum who co-led the work with Graduate Student Aaron Kufner. “And then the icing on the cake is the dinosaur itself is a big deal. Scientifically, we didn’t quite recognize how big it was until we got actual radioisotopic ages.”
Bones and stones
Lovelace grew up in Casper. He originally set out to become a nurse after high school, but Casper College Geology Professor Kent Sundell opened his world to paleontology and he never turned back.
“I love bones and stones,” Lovelace stated.
Once he finished his doctorate, he became a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum. On his very first field season, he took students to the Wyoming site, which he notes was just “a tiny little pocket of exposure surrounded by much, much younger rock.”
They discovered the Ahvaytum fossils on the ground surface during this first trip.
Such a notable discovery with so little effort is very lucky, Lovelace said. But it’s not totally random. Lovelace was driven by a curiosity about the Popo Agie Formation, which he said is “one of the most understudied late Triassic rock units in the U.S.”
Because of factors like access, the Popo Agie is a difficult layer to study compared to other Triassic outcrops, like ones in the desert Southwest, he said. As a result, there is a lot of knowledge about the Southwest rocks and fossils, but not so much about the Wyoming ones.
“And so, even knowing how the Wyoming Triassic
correlated, how it is related to those rocks, was not studied at all,” he said. “This has been my passion – trying to solve that problem.”
The team found fossils of leg bones on the first prospecting trip and knew very quickly it was a dinosaur – and Wyoming’s oldest – Lovelace said. But because “nobody knew the age of the Popo Agie,” they didn’t know how ancient it was.
“It literally had a 30-million-year potential range of what it could be,” he said. “We knew right off the bat, we had Wyoming’s oldest dinosaur, which was pretty cool. But my study, or my interest, is to really dig deep and flesh out the whole story.”
In order to pin down the dino’s age, Lovelace and his team needed to precisely date the rocks. It took years of painstaking work to conduct the stratigraphy – the study of rock strata – and analyze the fossils of both Ahvaytum and other species they discovered.
Ultimately, the team dated the dinosaur fossil at 230 million years.
The dino’s age is remarkable because it challenges the mainstream view on how reptiles emerged, with evidence they were present in the Northern Hemisphere millions of years earlier than previously understood.
“When we saw it, it kind of blew our minds,” Lovelace said.
What’s in a name?
When publishing about the new dinosaur, Lovelace’s team began going down the traditional path dictated by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, which stipulates the use of Latin and character style and often honors
a notable scientist.
At the time, there was a lot of social reckoning taking place, Lovelace said, and his team started thinking about the ancestral land where the fossils were discovered. They reached out to their campus Tribal liaison, who connected the team with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes.
“This started a partnership which is still ongoing,” Lovelace said.
The team worked with Tribal elders and school groups, visiting the site together and exchanging knowledge, and in the end, the dinosaur was named in the language of the Eastern Shoshone, whose ancestral lands include the discovery site.
Elders like Reba Teran were instrumental in helping identify the terms.
Ahvaytum bahndooiveche broadly translates to “long ago dinosaur” in the Shoshone language.
Several Tribal members are named as coauthors in the published work. This includes Teran and Amanda LeClair-Diaz, the Native American edu-
cation coordinator at Fort Washakie School.
“The continuous relationship developed between Lovelace, his team, our school district and our community is one of the most important outcomes of the discovery and naming of Ahvaytum bahndooiveche,” LeClair-Diaz said in a news release.
“Typically, the research process in communities, especially Indigenous communities, has been one sided, with researchers fully benefiting from studies,” LeClair-Diaz continued. “The work we have done with Lovelace breaks this cycle and creates an opportunity for reciprocity in the research process.”
“The old way of naming was often divorced from the communities of people connected to the land or species,” Lovelace said. “But our philosophy is it needs to go beyond just naming it after something. We really want to incorporate the community.”
Diminutive cousin
Though the dinosaur is small, Lovelace’s team believes Ahvaytum bahnooiveche is likely related to
sauropods, a group of enormous herbivorous dinosaurs which include wellknown titanosaurs.
His best guess is the Ahvaytum lived in a landscape much like presentday coastal Texas, with periods of both wetness and aridity. Although scientists haven’t found its skull material, based on other similar dinosaurs, it was likely omnivorous.
The discovery site has also been a source of fossils for a new species of amphibian, other dinosaur fossils and notable tracks. And, Lovelace said, “there’s still work to be done.”
It goes to show the depth of knowledge which can be gained with some curiosity – even in what appears to be an unremarkable patch of rocky soil in the middle of Wyoming.
“There’s so much history tied up in the rocks,” Lovelace said.
Katie Klingsporn reports on outdoor recreation, public lands, education and general news for WyoFile This article was originally published by WyoFile on Jan. 21.
The Ahvaytum bahndooiveche – This rendering shows what scientists believe the Ahvaytum bahndooiveche looked like. It was slightly bigger than a chicken and had feathers. Gabriel Ugueto graphic
LREC observes effectiveness of burros as livestock guardian animals
The University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Sheep Task Force held the first installment of its threepart Predator Management Webinar Mini Series on Feb. 25, where UW Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) personnel discussed the university’s use of burros as guardian animals in their sheep flock.
Moderated by UW Extension Program Assistant Dylan Laverell, the seminar featured LREC Director Dr. Derek Scasta, LREC Sheep Unit Manager Kalli Koepke and LREC Equine and Arena Manager Elias Hutchinson, who shared anecdotes and insights on what they have observed while implementing burros as tools to mitigate sheep predation on the university’s farm in southeast Wyoming.
Burro acquisition
To begin, Koepke explained the LREC Sheep Unit runs 450 head of Rambouillet ewes, seven breeding sires and a small flock of Katahdins on nearly 6,000 acres just outside of Laramie.
Flanked by the city limits to the north, the Laramie River to the south, the foothills of the Laramie Range to the east and the Snowy Range to the west, Koepke noted the LREC farm serves as a corridor for wildlife –including predators, particularly coyotes.
“It’s important to note we technically have three safe havens around us – the Laramie city limits, the airport to the north and the city monolith to the west. So, we get a lot of predator pressure every year because of these safe havens,” she said.
Like many Wyoming sheep operations, LREC has utilized the help of Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) to mitigate predation.
However, after inheriting a few Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs originally purchased through a different university program, they began questioning the effectiveness of equine guardian animals.
Hutchinson remarked, “We decided to put the mustangs out with the sheep to see what happened, and we noticed they would always stay between the sheep and our high-pressure zones.”
From there, the idea to purchase BLM burros came about, and the sheep unit acquired four female burros from California –Rose, Sophia, Blanche and Dorothy.
Flock integration
The LREC crew then began integrating the California burros into the sheep flock, and with a lack of information available in research literature, they saw an opportunity to turn the task into a demonstration project.
Scasta explained the burros were split into four separate flocks and pastures and monitored daily
for about 45 days. Distance between the burros and sheep was frequently estimated using a rangefinder and Google Earth to measure if they were “in, near or away from the flock.”
“The first burro, Rose, was immediately integrated into the flock, pretty much within 24 hours,” Scasta said. “This burro was placed in a 17-acre pasture with 102 mature ewes, which was the highest sheep density of all of the pasture combinations.”
“Importantly, there were no equine neighbors, with the exception of a donkey colleague across the road to the north,” he added.
This burro, known as Sophia, was placed in a 55-acre pasture with 105 yearling ewes.
Scasta noted Sophia exhibited strong social ties to Rose in the beginning, but after about two weeks, she stopped standing at the fence.
The third burro, Blanche, was placed in a 102-acre pasture with 114 yearlings and multiple equine neighbors, including 16 horses to the northeast and 15 more to the south.
“Two of the boundary fences had a lot of horses, and she just wanted to socialize,” explained Scasta. “We spent a lot of time intervening – hobbling her and pinning her with the sheep. After about a week, she figured out what was expected of her.”
Dorothy, the oldest burro of the bunch, was positioned in the most complex situation, according to Scasta. She was placed in 700-plus acres of brush, benches and willows bordered by the river. Dorothy’s bunch also had the lowest density with only 50 ewes.
“There were also multiple cross fences with open gates, several water points, a small group of cows and some equine neighbors to the east, which she was quite interested in,” Scasta said, further noting the area is also frequented by several ranch dogs.
“After 25 days, Dorothy hadn’t integrated into the flock at all,” he admitted. “We ended up moving her to a more ideal situation – an 18-acre meadow with 30 ewes and a ram –and within five days, she had integrated into the group.”
Ultimately, LREC observed all burros had integrated into their respective flocks within 35 days of introduction, and the qualitative data gathered showed burros were “in the flock” 90 percent of the time.
Scasta remarked, “Some people may argue it comes down to personality and individual variation, but I am going to argue it’s setting. It’s the size of the pasture and the complexity. The burros need to be set up for success.”
He added, “However, it’s also important to note, it
was possible for us in every situation with some adjustments, some patience and some teamwork.”
Advantages and disadvantages
While the first phase of the project certainly allowed LREC to make some important observations, the paramount goal of acquiring burros was to reduce predation on UW’s sheep flock.
According to Koepke, although the farm still saw a lot of predator pressure, they measured a 50 percent reduction in sheep loss after integrating the burros.
The LREC crew also compiled information on the advantages and disadvantages of running burros as livestock guardian animals.
First, Scasta noted the purchase price of burros is generally pretty low compared to LGDs, and they often cost less in terms of veterinary and healthcare expenses.
“Burros are really suitable to existing fencing and feed resources,” he added. “They respect fences that contain sheep, unlike dogs which may slip under the wire and roam, and they
eat the same forage as the sheep.”
Additionally, burros generally have a longer working life, require minimal supervision and have a fairly quick learning pace.
On the other hand, one of the biggest challenges the LREC team faced were equine neighbors since the burros naturally gravitated to their equine counterparts instead of the sheep they were supposed to bond with.
Koepke also noted she ran into a few challenges when it came to herding.
“They’re kind of easy to stress out, and they react to stress poorly,” she said. “When we first go out to herd, whether we are using dogs, horses or four-wheelers, the burros will do everything they can to create chaos, but it usually only lasts for a couple of minutes and then they figure it out. We’ve just had to learn to be patient with them.”
Because of their poor reaction to stress, Koepke also noted the LREC team had some issues when donkeys were gathered into tight barns or alleyways.
Koepke, Hutchinson
and Scasta agreed running burros may require some prior equine knowledge and comfortability, as well as a good management strategy for keeping up on hoof health and body condition.
“We tried to use a pretty practical management style, so whenever we brought in the sheep – to swap rams, switch pastures, etc. – we would go ahead and trim their feet,” Hutchinson said.
To do this, burros were roped by their feet, stretched out and tied down quietly to reduce stress.
“In a typical management system, I would assume this procedure needs to be done no less than two times a year,” Hutchinson added. “When the BLM does this, they use a stanchion, and honestly, in a lot of cases, I think one could restrain them in a horse trailer to do it as well.”
Moving forward
Now that LREC’s bur-
ros have bonded to the sheep and proved beneficial in multiple capacities, Koepke said she is curious how they will fare as the team begins moving the flock around within production groups and across the landscape.
“We are also really curious about how they will work with lambs,” she acknowledged.
Although most literature recommends removing burros from the flock during lambing, LREC’s next experiment will examine how Rose, their gentlest burro, reacts to labor and fresh lambs.
“We’ve been thinking about all of the other opportunities there are to observe these burros in the future,” Koepke concluded.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Flock integration – With little information published in research literature on the subject, the University of Wyoming’s Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) saw an opportunity to make observations on how well burros can bond with sheep and integrate into the flock. LREC photo
Equine guardians – In an effort to mitigate predator pressure, the University of Wyoming acquired four female Bureau of Land Management burros out of California to use as guardian animals in their sheep flock at the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC). LREC photo
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Vaccine coming soon
Medgene, a global animal health company based in Brookings, S.D., reported on Feb. 25 it has signed a distribution agreement with Elanco Animal Health to accelerate the company’s support of the U.S. dairy industry, pending a final decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to vaccinate cattle against highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1).
According to a news release from the company, Medgene’s H5N1 vaccine for dairy cattle has met all USDA requirements for platform technology guidelines and is in the final stages of review for conditional license approval.
While it’s waiting for departmental review, Medgene is working with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to test the vaccine in turkeys and egg-laying hens, and it’s completed a pivotal field-safety study in turkeys.
It’s also collaborating with Cornell University to test its H5N1 vaccine in cats, which can become infected and die from consuming H5N1-infected products or wild birds.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on Feb. 26 the agency is investing up to $100 million in a targeted and thoughtful strategy for potential new generation vaccines, therapeutics and other innovative solutions.
