Roundup 7.22.23

A Look Inside

Crossword puzzle answers provided Page 4

Consistent mineral supplementation tips on range and pasture provided Page 6 National Junior Angus Show champions named Page 7 Old Stoney’s 100th birthday celebration set Page 16

Quick Bits

Correction

An article entitled “Environmental Stewardship Tour: Big Creek Ranch honored for land stewardship and conservation,” published in the July 15 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup included misinformation regarding cutthroat trout. The article stated, “Big Creek now provides excellent habitat for cutthroats to create the next generation of trout.” However, this is not true. Cutthroat do not exist in Big Creek and never have. The fish passageway project provides excellent habitat for brown and rainbow trout, which allows them to freely access their historic spawning areas. The project reconnected Big Creek, an 18-mile tributary of the North Platte River, essential for brown and rainbow trout migration.

SGIT Meeting

The next Sage Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT) meeting will be held in-person Aug. 2, starting at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department headquarters in Cheyenne. The focus of the meeting will continue the review and discussion on core area mapping revisions. A virtual, listen-only option for the meeting will be available at us02web.zoom. us/j/86097612834

Dairy Program

The Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) was created to assist certified organic dairy producers facing a unique set of challenges in recent years, including higher costs attributed to the pandemic and drought conditions across the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency is providing financial assistance for a producer’s projected marketing costs in 2023, based on 2022 costs. ODMAP provides a one-time cost-share payment, based on marketing costs, on pounds of organic milk marketed in the 2022 calendar year. Organic dairy producers need to apply for ODMAP by July 26 at their local USDA service center.

CoBank report says U.S. economic slowdown likely ahead

The U.S. economy continues to defy gravity and remain strong despite lingering inflationary pressures, higher borrowing costs and a barrage of other headwinds. Consumers con-

tinue to spend aggressively on services, businesses are still investing and the labor market remains incredibly strong. However, looming risks to the economy are increas-

ing in number and size.

According to a new quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the full impact of monetary policy actions – raising interest rates, quantitative easing

and contracting the money supply – have yet to be felt.

Those policy actions, combined with depleted consumer savings, tighter commercial bank lending

FARM BILL PRIORITIES

Fighting flies

Experts offer considerations for controlling flies on pastured cattle

A perfect storm of wet and warm weather conditions during peak breeding season has led to an influx in fly populations across the West. Many cattle producers have taken note of the pests, as their cattle spend most of the day bunched up in pasture corners fighting flies.

However, despite measures taken to control pest populations, many ranchers have become frustrated with the lack of relief they provide to livestock and have turned to experts for advice.

Wyoming senators host roundtable to gather input

Casper - U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) hosted a Wyoming Farm Bill Priorities Roundtable on July 14 with Sen. John Boozman (R-AR). Boozman is the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and a primary author of the upcoming farm bill.

Wyoming State Legislature members and representatives from Wyoming’s agriculture industry joined the senators to discuss the farm bill and its impacts on Wyoming.

The current farm bill expires in September 2023, and over the past year, lawmakers on the U.S. House and

USDA welcomes Byam

Casper – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) welcomes Jackie Byam as the Wyoming state conservationist.

Byam began serving in her new role in February, following the departure of Astrid Martinez, who served as the Wyoming state conservationist for the past 10 years. Byam has worked with NRCS for 19 years and has served in multiple NRCS field offices before taking on various leadership roles in multiple states.

NRCS invests in individual and local communities to keep working lands functioning, stimulate rural economies and increase American agriculture while improving the quality of air, water, soil and habitat.

Background and experience

A native to Minnesota, Byam grew up on her family’s farrow-to-finish hog farm, where they also grew corn and soybeans. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Conservation from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, starting her career with the NRCS in her hometown after graduation as a soil conservation technician.

Senate Agriculture committees have been drafting a new federal farm bill which will impact farm, conservation, food and nutrition programs across the U.S. for the next five years.

Farm bill history

The farm bill is a legislation package passed every five years, impacting farming livelihoods, how food is grown and what foods are grown.

According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, the bill covers programs ranging from crop

Please see FARM BILL on page 9

In a University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension article written in May 2016, UNL Extension Educator Dave Boxler points out producers in Western states need to remember there are three species of fly that can economically impact pastured cattle – horn flies, stable flies and face flies.

“Insecticide resistance is a major problem for these types of flies because they have been exposed to so much insecticide labeled for application to an animal, so producers aren’t seeing as much relief as they were 20 years ago,” states Scott Schell, University of Wyoming Assistant Extension Entomologist, during an

County Fair Series

Sanchez twins carry on family heritage

The Sanchez family has been involved in 4-H and FFA for decades. The family matriarch, Dawn Sanchez, has worked for multiple 4-H Extension offices since 1997.

Dawn is a 4-H educator for Laramie County, where she supports programs at the local military base as well as several after-school enrichment programs. Dawn’s children have grown up around 4-H and FFA and have been active in both organizations from a young age.

The Sanchez family owns and oper-

ates club lamb and goat programs in Burns, where they raise sheep, Boer and Alpine goats, jumbo Pekin ducks, miniRex rabbits, mini-Hereford cows and horses for 4-H projects.

The Sanchez family recently returned from a 4-H International Exchange Program trip to Ireland which Dawn coorganized, allowing students to explore Ireland’s agriculture industry and livestock production practices.

This exchange program is open to Wyoming students 14 and older who are

Please see FAIR on page 14

Jackie Byam Courtesy photo

Roundtable discussion – Casper hosted U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) and John Boozman (R-AR), as well as members of the Wyoming State Legislature and representatives from the state’s agriculture industry for a roundtable discussion on the upcoming farm bill. Courtesy photo

Sun

Congress is in the process of developing and approving a new five-year farm bill, as the current bill ends on Oct.

1. As I look into this sweeping legislative process, it gets a bit overwhelming with the amount of money it requires and all of the programs it involves, including programs not related to farming or food.

The process of writing a new farm bill takes months, sometimes even longer. The 2023 Farm Bill is the 20th farm bill Congress has written since 1933, but I doubt the original writers would recognize what is currently being written.

There is hope Congress will pass a new farm bill by the end of the year so it won’t get tangled up with the 2024 election year. I hope they do since some people are worried if it doesn’t get passed this year, it may be 2025 before the bill is signed.

One cannot overstate the importance of the farm bill to rural America and agriculture – the original intent of the first farm bill was to protect food and agriculture. Food security is a large topic these days, as we saw during the pandemic. Crop insurance and farm programs are vital to rural America and agriculture.

Years ago, urban legislators looked over the farm bill and figured if they had some programs for the urban population, they would get more votes. Well, low and behold, the urban population and food stamps is 80 percent of the current $1.5 trillion farm bill.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will cost around $1.1 trillion in the new bill. Out of this food stamp program, 10 percent of funding will go to those not qualified to receive food stamps.That is a lot of money! If America has a food shortage, what good will food stamps be for qualified people.

On June 14, I had the privilege of attending a Wyoming Farm Bill Priorities Roundtable in Casper hosted by Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis with Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

Boozman has raised cattle and farmed, so he knows the ag business and is one of the primary authors of the 2023 Farm Bill. After listening to him, I soon realized his values and Wyoming’s mirrored each other. I commend Barrasso and Lummis for bringing Boozman to Wyoming to get to know to our ag industry.

Some 30 attendees representing Wyoming’s agriculture industry spoke on the state’s needs and impacts of the 2023 Farm Bill, and we heard the inside story on the upcoming farm bill.

The tone of the roundtable was positive and all were respectful of each other’s comments. I came away from the event more respectful of our government getting something done.

We’re really fortunate to have the Congressional members we do from Wyoming and other members like Boozman in Congress. They care about Wyoming’s rural communities and our agriculture industries.

We are all in this together to make sure we have food security to feed America. It takes good people to make it work.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

GUEST OPINIONS

The Hinge of The West

By Dick Blust, Jr.

Geography, of course, is fundamental to all aspects of history, and in few cases is this more profoundly true than in the American West.

Arguably, the most significant – in an emblematic sense, at least – is the TriTerritory Historic Site in Sweetwater County, where the Louisiana Purchase, the Oregon Country and the Mexican Cession all joined at a single spot along the Continental Divide.

Those three acquisitions, with the last coming in 1848, became the overwhelming bulk of the Western U.S. outside of Texas.

During fall of 2022, along with Dave Mead, executive director of the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River, I traveled to the site to photograph it. It’s a lonely place and the vista is breathtaking in any direction, which helps us get a handle on the West’s elemental fact – its immensity.

Dave and I talked about the fact we were standing – figuratively and in a way even literally – at its center.

Look at a map of the U.S. and imagine a circle with a radius of roughly 900 miles with the Tri-Ter-

ritory Site at its center.

Within this circle are the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and a portion of Texas.

As such, the site serves as the base of a great hinge, whose long, sweeping arm extends east to St. Louis,

south to the Rio Grande, west to the Golden Gate and north to the Canadian border – the Hinge of the West.

The Tri-Territory Site may be symbolic, but it is nonetheless a vital symbol. There, the holdings of three empires combined to form what is, for many of us, the most important part of the U.S.

The morality and the

means of how we came into possession of these immense tracts will always be the subject of intense debate, but it is impossible to imagine an America without the West.

Dick Blust, Jr. is an author and staff member of the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River. This op-ed was originally published on wyohistory.org on Jan. 18.

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Ewes missing in Wright

Guy Edwards discovered around 70-80 white-faced sheep, worth nearly $21,000, missing from his ranch in Wright on July 8.

Guy, whose yearling ewes were mixed with his father’s, said he is missing about 50 head of yearling ewes and his father Rich is missing about 20-25 head of yearling ewes. There may be a couple adult ewes missing as well.

Guy immediately reported the missing sheep to the Campbell County sheriff and the livestock board inspector. His ewes are branded with a “GE” in the middle of the back in red sheep paint and have yellow or blue ear tags. Some have a cropped left ear, others don’t. Rich’s are branded with a blue circle on the rump and have bear orange ear tags.

The family brought the bunch in to dock lambs on July 8. At this time, they counted the yearling ewes and discovered some were missing.

Guy then made a careful trip through the pasture and neighboring pastures to look for the sheep. At this time, he found where he believes the sheep had been loaded on a trailer, just prior to gathering them.

Guy believes the incident happened during the late evening of July 6.

Campbell County Sheriff Scott Matheny said the officer assigned to the case is following up on possible leads. He stressed it is not considered a cold case at this time.

Anyone with information about this case should contact the Wyoming Livestock Board at 307-777-7515 or the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at 307-682-7271.

Summer meeting set

U.S. cattle producers will gather in San Diego July 24-26 for the industry’s Summer Business Meeting to discuss critical issues, develop initiatives and establish direction for various projects aimed at improving the beef cattle industry.

One of the highlights of the event is the educational session titled “Optimizing Resources and Leveraging Technology to Build Resilience,” held July 26, which will provide leaders with a glimpse into building resilience.

This session, sponsored by Envu, will feature Dr. James Oltjen, cooperative Extension animal management systems specialist at the University of CaliforniaDavis, with a look at the most recent research on water use in U.S. beef production.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Director of Sustainability Samantha Werth will moderate a panel discussion focused on tools and technologies available to help producers optimize water resources and grazing management.

The Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting includes leaders representing NCBA, the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, American National CattleWomen and National Cattlemen’s Foundation.

For more information, visit ncba.org

Resolution praised

On July 13, cattle industry leaders praised the introduction of a bipartisan Congressional resolution recognizing the importance of commodity checkoff programs, including the Beef Checkoff.

“As a cattle producer who invests in the Beef Checkoff, I know how important this program is to the continued success of America’s cattlemen and cattlewomen. The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers, is run by cattle producers and provides immense benefit to cattle producers,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer.

“I am proud of Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) for leading this resolution and standing with cattle producers to recognize the importance of checkoff programs,” he added. “I hope more members of Congress listen to farmers and ranchers and reject animal rights activist-led proposals like the OFF Act which undermines producer control of checkoffs.”

Every time cattle are sold in the U.S., one dollar from the sale goes to support the Beef Checkoff. These investments are collected by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a producer-led organization overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Each year, industry organizations, research institutions and land-grant universities develop proposals focused on strengthening beef demand through research, consumer education, marketing and promotion efforts.

Cattlemen and cattlewomen who volunteer their time to serve on the beef board, as appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, determine which proposals to fund. The organizations that receive funding become contractors to the Beef Checkoff and undergo regular audits to ensure the judicious use of producer dollars and compliance to the program.

NJAA directors announced

Growing future industry leaders is an important part of the legacy of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). Each year, six junior members are elected to serve on the National Junior Angus Board (NJAB), where they further develop their leadership skills and represent Angus youth.

The new directors were announced during the awards ceremony at the 2023 National Junior Angus Show on July 7 in Grand Island, Neb.

For many members, running for the board symbolizes a culmination of years of involvement and a chance to pursue a dream set at an early age.

The newly elected board members will serve two years on the NJAB – the first year as directors and the second as officers.

They are Jonwyn Ayres of Powers, Ore.; Suter Clark of Gretna, Va.; Kyli Kraft of Fort Collins, Colo.; Alli Perry of Fayetteville, Tenn.; Sawyer Styles of Brentford, S.D. and Mary Wood of Willow Spring, N.C. During their term, board members travel the country assisting with shows and conferences, supporting juniors at state and national events and furthering the mission of the NJAA.

USCA attends roundtable

On July 13, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) participated in a meeting hosted by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss legislative competition priorities.

USCA Executive Vice President Lia Biondo, who attended the convening, stated, “Today’s discussion marks continued progress on the Biden-Harris Action Plan for a fairer, more competitive producer marketplace. Since its release in 2022, the action plan has guided administrative and legislative action to build a more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.”

“USCA is pleased with the Biden administration’s support of critical cattle market reform legislation, as outlined in the action plan,” Biondo continued. “A study compiled by Texas A&M University’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center forecasted, without enactment of legislation like the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, negotiated trade in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico is expected to fall to zero percent by 2026. Zero percent negotiated trade is a wholly, vertically consolidated industry.”

He concluded, “USCA looks forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress to build a better business climate for independent producers, as outlined in the action plan and discussed at today’s listening session.”

Executive director named

The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) and the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation (WNRF) has named Holly Kennedy as the organization’s new executive director, with her tenure starting Aug. 7.

Kennedy currently serves as the assistant director for the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, overseeing the Trust Land Management Division. At the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, Kennedy’s duties include managing a team of 14 individuals whose roles focus on real estate transactions to overseeing all leasing of state lands including agriculture, mineral, renewables and commercial.

Kennedy is a Wyoming native and a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in agriculture business and a minor in communication. She currently resides in Laramie. Kennedy shares, “The most effective land management decisions occur at the local level. No one knows this or affects change more than Wyoming’s Conservation Districts. I look forward to joining them in promoting stewardship of our natural resources.”

BLM pauses decision

On July 13, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning said she directed her state offices to “implement” corner crossing, even though a high-profile Wyoming dispute over the act is headed for appeals court.

On July 14, the BLM walked it back.

“The BLM is reviewing the court’s decision and has not issued any new guidance regarding corner crossing,” the agency’s press secretary said in an e-mail to WyoFile

The about-face leaves the legality of corner crossing in limbo, especially on the nearly six million acres of “corner-locked” land the mapping app OnX has determined is managed by the BLM.

Corner crossing is the act of stepping from one parcel of public property kitty-corner to another without touching adjacent private land. It’s theoretically the only practical way to access millions of acres of public land in the West where the land ownership occurs in a checkerboard pattern of alternating public and private property.

This is the case for 2.44 million acres of Wyoming land, including some sections on the slopes of Elk Mountain. There, Missouri hunters Bradly Cape, Zach Smith and Phillip Yeomans unwittingly put corner-crossing’s legality to the test in 2020-21 when they stepped through the airspace above Fred Eshelman’s 22,045-acre Carbon County ranch without actually touching it.

Criminal charges against the three Missourians didn’t stick, and they prevailed in a civil case in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming. An appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, however, awaits.

LETTERS

Submit your letters to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net. We reserve the right to edit letters.

It is the policy of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup that we do not print letters attacking individuals, groups or organizations within the Wyoming agricultural community.

Dear Editor, Your recent article on the Sage Grouse Implementation Team’s (SGIT) process for expanding the core sage grouse protection areas leaves out some important details.

Executive orders deal with the executive branch of government, but where the governor gets the power to force private land into core areas is a mystery. The

Wyoming Constitution says the governor will faithfully execute the laws of the state. There is no law establishing core areas.

SGIT does not follow the Administrative Procedures Act, as they are an advisory group to the governor. Landowners are never notified their land is to be included, are not allowed due process of law nor do they get compensation.

SGIT claims they are not regulating private land but then they have to have private land in the core. If they are not regulating the use of private land, why do they need it in the core?

The greatest fiction is their idea they can somehow stop the federal government from listing the bird.

Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the dunes sagebrush lizard

when three million acres of land were already in conservation agreements. This will greatly affect Permian Basin oil production and no one knew it was imminent.

Here, SGIT is responding to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) threats to change its resource management plan.

In order to please the BLM are we going to force more private land into core areas?

This whole effort is public relations mixed with a little old fashioned tyranny.

Doug Cooper 7L Livestock Co. Casper

Sheepherder recovering after bear attack

A Peruvian sheepherder is recovering following surgery to treat injuries sustained in a black bear attack.

David Vasquez, 35, was attacked while tending about 750 ewes with lambs in the Weminuche Wilderness, 23 miles northeast of Durango, Colo., near Lemon Reservoir.

Vasquez works for Sheep Rancher J. Paul Brown, who said he was able to call the ranch in the early morning hours following the attack.

Brown said Vasquez was able to move quickly up the trail to meet the medevac team from Mercy Regional

Medical Center in Durango. He was transferred to Grand Junction, Colo. and treated for facial lacerations, a broken arm and puncture wounds.

This is Brown’s 53rd summer in the Weminuche. He said a bear woke him in his bedroll some 40 years ago, but an attack like this hasn’t occurred, something Brown attributes to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) management of black bears.

“We’ve never had this happen before to any of our men – nobody’s ever been attacked,” Brown said.

“He went out that night and

Torrington Livestock Markets PO Box 1097 • Torrington, WY 82240 307.532.3333 Fax: 307.532.2040 www.torringtonlivestock.com

checked the sheep, and the bear was right there growling at him.”

Brown said Vasquez shot the bear, and while his dog fought to protect him, Vasquez slipped and the bear “was on top of him.”

“We’re very thankful he’s going to be all right,” he said. “He’s going to be scarred up, but he’s going to be all right. He has some puncture wounds on his thigh and groin area and a broken arm. He put his arm up to protect himself while the bear was trying to bite his head.”

CPW officials gathered DNA samples from Vasquez,

and officers on scene found two sheep carcasses with wounds consistent with a bear attack. An agent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was called out, and using a team of dogs, he was able to locate a bear in the vicinity and shoot and kill it.

The bear is estimated to be an eight-year-old male weighing 250 pounds. Officers found sheep wool in the bear’s stomach and are confident it was the animal responsible for the attack but will not be certain until DNA testing is completed.

Lex Madden 307-532-1580

Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015 Lander Nicodemus 307-421-8141

BYAM continued from page

Byam later moved to the East Coast as the assistant state conservationist for programs, continuing her leadership roles in Illinois, South Dakota and Kansas before becoming the state conservationist in Wyoming.

She is bringing a vast wealth of knowledge to support various programs in Wyoming.

Byam stated, “There will always be challenges. We are focusing on messaging to improve programs for Wyoming communities and how we can make them work here. We are here to assist.”

Offering assistance

NRCS is a non-regulatory agency and works oneon-one with producers to find solutions to meet business and conservation goals. This partnership ensures the state’s natural resources and the sustainability of local agriculture.

Byam recommends visiting the website to find the local office to get started.

She explained, “The local district conservationist and field offices are the best resources for individuals looking for assistance. The local staff are the experts.”

NRCS provides financial assistance for selected conservation practices and technical support.

ment program to protect the nation’s food supply.

Byam also noted NRCS is a customer-facing agency, in which they focus on staffing to assist producers – prioritizing local staff who can be out in the field working with producers.

Byam stated, “We are staffing up and filling vacancies. NRCS is hiring staff and internally developing plans to provide the best customer service to our base.”

“Our offices are here for small backyard growers to the large producers. We are reaching out and serving all,” she continued. Conservation programs

“Wildlife and working lands are a priority,” Byam expressed.

“NRCS piloted big game migration in Wyoming, and Wyoming was the first state to sign a memorandum of understanding between the USDA and Gov. Mark Gordon, which started in 2022,” she added.

Currently, Wyoming NRCS is working on five priority migration routes, and this pilot program is open to producers in Wyoming statewide, as there are several areas where big game migrations are known to be prevalent.

FRIDAY, JULY 28 - BRED COW SPECIAL & ALL CLASSES WEDNESDAY,

Wyoming currently has several state programs and initiatives, and NRCS is streamlining programs to improve them for landowners, helping producers strengthen programs and build conservation efforts.

“We would be hardpressed not to find a program or an initiative for our ranchers here in Wyoming,” she added.

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Contact us to receive email updates. 307-532-3333 mindy@maddenbrothers.com

TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK AREA REPS

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Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863

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Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513

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One program to mention is the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agriculture Land Easement. It protects working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural land uses through conservation easements. NRCS is currently streamlining its ease-

During the Western Governors’ Association meeting in June, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie announced a significant new focus on private lands programs focused on wildlife conservation efforts.

“Big game migration has evolved, and dedicated funding is being committed to this project,” Byam concluded.

Landowners interested in applying for consideration in any program should contact their local NRCS office.

standards and the persistently inverted yield curve are likely to result in a mild recession by the fourth quarter of 2023.

“There is still a lot of wind at the back of this economy, and we don’t believe a severe contraction is coming,” said Dan Kowalski, vice president of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “But, we do believe it is important to not misinterpret delayed impacts for minimal impacts. Monetary effects can be slow in developing, and history tells us the economy can seem just fine right before a recession hits.”

Labor market

The labor market remains relatively tight, but the situation has improved significantly as female and non-native workers have stormed back into the work force.

The labor force participation rate for women between the ages of 25-54 now stands at an all-time high, up more than four percentage points from the low in April 2020.

Foreign-born employment has increased at roughly double the pace of native-born employment since April 2020. The successes in these two groups have been critical so far in the economic recovery.

But looking forward, it raises the question of

how many more workers are available to be coaxed in off the sidelines. Ultimately, the U.S. labor force challenges are far from over.

Grains, farm supplies and biofuels

With the corn and soybean growing season in full swing, drought across the Central U.S. is driving heightened seasonal market volatility. Markets are balancing the quickly deteriorating crop conditions against the potential for El Niño to bring wetter conditions later in the growing season.

Wheat harvest is advancing northward in the U.S. and is revealing high variability in crop quality. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects the U.S. hard red winter wheat crop to be the smallest since 1957 on substantially higher abandonments and lower yields.

Ag retailers faced a more challenging environment in the second quarter as fertilizer prices continued to fall. Prices were weighed down by reduced demand, as farmers took advantage of pre-payment programs during fall of 2022 to purchase fertilizer in advance.

Despite an overall slowdown in inflation, ag retailers continued to face rising costs, especially for property insurance. Grain and

farm supply cooperatives paid about 50 percent more for property and casualty insurance coverage during the January and April 2023 renewal seasons.

The ethanol complex delivered strong second quarter results with steady production and above-average profitability. Operating margins averaged 45 cents per gallon, nearly double the long-term average.

While the finalized blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard were somewhat disappointing for ethanol, they were incrementally positive for biomass-based diesel.

The new rules call for 2.82 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2023 and 3.35 billion gallons in 2025.

Animal protein and dairy

As the summer grilling season kicked off, beef demand remained incredibly resilient despite elevated prices for consumers.

Retail beef prices averaged $7.50 per pound in May, a record high for the period and an increase of two percent year-over-year.

Robust demand combined with tighter cattle supplies spurred market momentum for cattle. Fed cattle values reached record levels, above $180 per hundredweight (cwt) and feeder cattle shot above $240 per cwt.

While consumers have yet to balk at higher beef prices, things could quickly

change when seasonal support wanes.

Excess hog supply and weak pork demand put hog prices in jeopardy this spring. After a steady start to the year, the CME Lean Hog Index tumbled about $10 per cwt, to $72 from mid-March to late April.

However, more favorable market conditions across the animal protein segment drove lean hog values up 30 percent through May and June. While still down about $15 year-over-year, the pork cutout landed in the upper $90s, gaining about $20 per cwt through the quarter.

Domestic chicken consumption was up about four percent year-over-year through June 1, which has helped chip away at elevated cold storage holdings. Wholesale broiler meat prices have largely rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, following significant declines in late 2022 and early 2023.

Feed costs have come down about 10 percent from 2022 but remain well above their historic averages. For broiler integrators, increased feed costs coupled with higher operational expenses have crimped profitability.

U.S. milk producers continue to struggle in the current price environment.

The national all-in mailbox milk price has

dropped below the $20 per cwt mark after averaging $25.34 per cwt in 2022.

While several factors are to blame for this year’s milk price decline, the sharp drop in American/cheddar-style cheese prices is the most significant. Prices for this category have dropped by onethird since the beginning of the year.

Milk and feed futures suggest producer profitability should improve considerably by October when Class III milk prices are anticipated to increase by about three dollars per cwt.

Cotton, rice and specialty crops

U.S. cotton production is rebounding from last year’s crop, which was devastated by extreme drought across the Southwest. Recent rainfall in top-producing Texas is expected to reduce abandonment following three years of severe drought.

The U.S. cotton crop is now estimated at 16.5 million bales, up 14 percent from last year.

Price inflation for clothing and apparel in the U.S. continues to ease with the moderation of cotton prices, which may work to draw in new consumer demand.

U.S. rice production is expected to recover from 2022’s small crop, although concerns over dryness and

worsening conditions in the mid-South have led to increased volatility of rough rice prices.

With improved water availability this year, California medium-grain rice production is also expected to rebound with planted acreage at 465,000 acres. This is a substantial increase from last year’s planted acreage of 220,000 acres, which were restricted by historic drought conditions.

Sugar prices remain historically high as markets ration tight global supplies. USDA currently calls for a rebound in world sugar production for 2023-24, but concerns are growing El Niño will result in smaller harvests in 2023-24.

In the U.S., there is no relief in sight for high prices as wet weather delayed planting across Northern states this spring, which resulted in a smaller U.S. sugarbeet crop.

CoBank is a cooperative bank and member of the Farm Credit System, serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. This article was originally published in CoBank’s Quarterly Report on July 13.

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Dagan Montgomery, UW Extension Educator

It’s the time of year when most cattle in Wyoming have been turned out on the mountain, range or pasture. The bulls have likely been set to work, and for many ranchers, the season’s focus now moves to the hay meadows and irrigation ditches.

However, as many know, there are still important tasks to keep up with concerning the beef herd, including general health checks, pasture moves, predator monitoring, water and fence maintenance and pulling bulls once breeding is over – the list goes on.

One aspect of summer herd management many know to be important, yet sometimes gets tiresome, is providing mineral supplement consistently and effectively.

Providing the right mix of minerals

Both macro minerals and trace minerals are essential to animal performance, production and overall herd health.

Macro minerals – magnesium and phosphorous, for example – are critical for things like bone development and growth, while trace minerals – copper, iron, zinc, etc. – are needed for immune system function and enzyme activity.

Data from the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) shows many range forages are deficient in one or more essential minerals, which is why producers offer supplements.

The amount of each mineral needed by grazing cattle can vary by stage of production.

General requirements are available from several sources and are usually based on the most recent “Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle,” referred to as NRC.

To see what minerals the forage on a ranch or allotment is deficient in, forage samples can be taken to help tailor a supplement to best

fit a herd’s needs.

However, studies from the U.S. Department of Agricultureʼs Agricultural Resarch Service centers have shown mineral concentration can vary quite significantly across the year and under differing conditions.

It can be costly to have a custom mineral mix prepared or mixed into other feed. Therefore, it is common to purchase a premixed, free-choice mineral supplement for more generalized use.

There are many options available, and the way a producer plans to feed mineral will help them decide if a block, tub or loose mineral will be the best fit for their operation.

Supplementation considerations

The type of feeder a producer uses will also affect how and what they feed.

It is recommended they use at least a simple feeder, as mineral placed directly on the ground can lead to wastage and may harm the soil. Covered feeders further help reduce nutrient leaching from rain. Individuals can also purchase weatherized mineral, which is better able to withstand rain and wind.

Feeder height should be low enough to allow all animals, including calves, to reach the supplement if desired.

Where producers place the supplement will impact how it is utilized by their herd. Often, premade supplements will recommend placing close to water, shade or other loafing areas to ensure cattle are consuming the product.

However, when grazing on a public allotment, it is important to be aware of any regulations stating how far mineral sources must be from riparian areas and other features. Even on private land, one may not want cattle to congregate around mineral sources in sensitive areas.

Encouraging correct amount of mineral consumption

As for how much to feed, this again will be determined by formulation and the form of supplement provided.

Most free-choice mineral supplements are intended to meet animal needs when consumed at around two to four ounces per head per day. If possible, try to keep consumption as close to recommendations

as possible.

Some cattle will really take a liking to mineral supplements and will overconsume, which leads to unnecessary cost. Cattle that don’t eat their share may become deficient in one or more minerals critical to performance.

The main reason cattle are attracted to mineral is their taste for salt, which almost all mineral mixes contain. For issues with cattle not consuming enough supplement, studies from the University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL) have shown adding salt to a free-choice mineral can increase consumption to a point.

Other substances like molasses are often added to increase palatability even further.

At a certain level, adding any more salt will limit mineral intake as they get their fill of salt quicker, which can be used in cases where cattle overconsume.

Many ranchers will place all the mineral needed for the herd for a week or so in the pasture in one or two feeders and find most or all

of the mineral is gone within a few days.

This is often because more aggressive cattle with a taste for mineral will overconsume and prevent more submissive animals from getting their needed amount.

Feeding mineral gradually in several feeders, at least one feeder per 25 to 30 head and in multiple locations can alleviate competition. Feeding in this manner also helps assure an adequate supply of macro minerals, like magnesium and phosphorous, which cannot be stored in the body and require a more consistent intake.

Feeding mineral requires trial and error and will differ from operation to operation.

For help developing a mineral supplement program for a herd, consult a nutritionist or local Extension educator.

Dagan Montgomery is University of Wyoming Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension educator. He can be reached at dmontgo8@uwyo.edu.

Registration for Angus Convention open

Registration is now open for the 2023 Angus Convention held Nov. 3-6 in Orlando, Fla. at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel. This is the first time the Angus Convention will be held in the Southeast U.S.

With the theme of “Experience Angus Convention,” this year’s event promises unparalleled educational opportunities, industry insight and a solutions-based trade show.

Attendees can look forward to a lineup of engaging sessions, renowned speakers and interactive workshops to learn more about production practices, new technologies and marketing. Angus University sessions on Nov. 5 are designed to pique the

interest of any size cattlemen from across the country.

With production topics like artificial insemination best practices, fly control and parasite resistance, association members are encouraged to invite commercial cattlemen customers.

Early bird registration for the convention is now open, with discounted rates available for those who register before July 31. Individuals can visit the official convention website at angusconvention. com to secure their spots and access additional information about the event, including the schedule, tours, accommodations and exhibitor details.

Providing Consistent Mineral Supplementation on Range and Pasture is Crucial

Adobe Stock photo

Over 750 Angus juniors and their families traveled to Grand Island, Neb., to compete in the 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 1-8 at Five Points Bank Arena.

National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members transformed into “Guardians of the Plains” as they exhibited 1,096 entries during the weeklong event which included more than a dozen educational contests in addition to the cattle show.

Jirl Buck of Madill, Okla. judged owned heifers; Ethan Moore of Madill, Okla. assisted in judging 619 owned heifers; Jarold Callahan of Edmond, Okla. judged the 220 bred and owned heifers, 61 bulls and 37 cow/ calf pairs; Ryan Callahan of Edmond, Okla. assisted in judging bred and owned heifers; Brigham Stewart of Washington, Kan. judged 68 steers and Joe Myers of Harrodsburg, Ky. judged 91 phenotype and genotype heifers.

Winning females

Ty Collum of Perkins, Okla. received honors for the Grand Champion Owned Female. Conley DT Georgina 1076 is a September 2021 daughter of Colburn Primo 5153

Champions named at 2023 National Junior Angus Show

and first won Early Senior Champion.

Kathryn Coleman of Modesto, Calif. had the Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female. BCII SC FTZS Sandy 3122 is a March 2022 daughter of KR Cadillac Ranch and first won Junior Champion in division four.

Sara Sullivan of Dunlap, Iowa won Third Overall Owned Female with UDE Queen Ruth 2003. She is the January 2022 daughter of KR Casino 6243 and first claimed Junior Champion in division seven.

Houston Ferree of Sullivan, Ind. had the Fourth Overall Owned Female. Seldom Rest Pin Up Gal 1221 is the October 2021 daughter of Colburn Primo 5153 and first claimed Reserve Early Senior Champion.

Carlee Clark of Muldrow, Okla. captured Fifth Overall Owned Female with CCC Forever Lady 191. She is the January 2022 daughter of Silveiras Haras Primal 8525 and first claimed Reserve Junior Champion in division seven.

Amelia Miller of Gridley, Ill. received the Robert and Marillyn Schultz Angus Scholarship and captured Grand Champion

Bred and Owned Female honors with PVF Proven Queen 2228. The February 2022 daughter of Stag Good Times 201 ET was the first won Early Junior Champion.

Paige Lemenager of Hudson, Ill. had the Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Female, Lemenager Proven Queen K24. The June 2022 daughter of PVF Marvel 9185 was first named Early Summer Champion.

Collum won Third Overall Bred and Owned Champion Female with C-4 Lead Lady 2K. She is the February 2022 daughter of Conley Lead The Way 0738 and first claimed Reserve Early Junior Champion.

Bowen Bridges of Edmond, Okla. claimed the title of Fourth Overall Bred and Owned Female. BRDG Sandy 179 is the November 2021 daughter of BRDG Mahogany Prime 904B and first claimed Senior Champion.

Korey Moser of Larchwood, Iowa captured Fifth Overall Bred and Owned Female with K&J HenningProvenQueen 2015. She is the March 2022 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 and first claimed Late Junior Champion.

Gage Long of Vinita,

SRM establishes new award

The Society for Range Management (SRM) recently established the Chuck Jarecki Rancher Land Stewardship Award thanks to a generous donation by its namesake, Montana Rancher Chuck Jarecki.

The award was created to recognize ranch operators who demonstrate outstanding rangeland stewardship and contribute to the ranching profession through local, state and national service.

As an SRM life member, joining in 1967, Jarecki found much benefit in his membership including learning opportunities, research promotion and connection with other like-

minded range enthusiasts.

He led the International Mountain Section of SRM, served on the society’s board of directors and was instrumental in creating an endowment development fund.

His recent gift to SRM was just one more example of his devotion to not only the society but the stewardship of rangelands based on sound ecological principles – a pillar of SRM’s mission.

The Chuck Jarecki Rancher Land Stewardship Award will be a cash award whose recipient is an active ranch owner or operator with a lengthy record of successful ranch management.

Evaluation of award

candidates will be generally based on evidence of rangeland stewardship practices including effective grazing, soil, vegetation, noxious weed and fish and wildlife habitat management.

Special consideration will be given to those who participate in community activities, especially those in service and/or leadership roles to benefit natural resources. Membership in SRM is not a requirement for award eligibility.

Nominations for the award will open in March of 2024, and the first recipient will be honored at the 2025 SRM Annual Meeting in Spokane, Wash. For more information, visit rangelands.org

Okla. showed the Grand Champion Owned and Bred and Owned Female in phenotype and genotype portion of show. Long Lucy 204 is the March 2022 daughter of BJ Surpass and first won Owned and Bred and Owned Division Three Champion.

Alexandra Duckworth of Greeneville, Tenn. led the Reserve Grand Champion Owned and Bred and Owned Female in the phenotype and genotype portion of the show. G V F Ruby 2095 is the February 2022 daughter of G V F MAGA 7009. She first claimed Owned and Bred and Owned Reserve Division Three Champion.

Winning cow/calf pairs

Delaney Jones of Harrod, Ohio showed the Grand Champion Owned Cow/Calf Pair.

SCC Heart N Sole 153 is a May 2021 daughter of Silveiras Style 9303 and first topped the two-yearold division. An April 2023 bull calf sired by SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 was at her side.

Ferree exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Owned Cow/Calf Pair. Conley FRKG Queen Meg 1085 is an April 2021 daughter of BRDG Mahogany Prime 904B. A March 2023 daughter of PVF Blacklist

For a complete set of 2023 National Junior Angus Show results, visit angus.org.

7077 was at side. The pair first won Reserve Champion Two-Year-Old Pair.

Allison Davis of Shelbyville, Tenn. received the Joel Harrison Memorial Angus Scholarship and claimed Grand Champion Bred and Owned Cow/Calf Pair with AED Rita 037H, a December 2020 daughter of PVF Blacklist 7077.

An October 2022 bull calf sired by Stevenson Turning Point was at side. The duo first won Champion TwoYear-Old Pair.

Jayce Dickerson of Paradise, Kan. captured Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Cow/Calf Pair with Bar S Pride 123. The June 2021 daughter of Silveiras Forbes 8088 had a March 2023 son of Malsons Insight 96H at side. They first won Reserve Champion Two-Year-Old Pair. Winning bulls and steers

Kayden Nowatzke of Michigan City, Ind. won Grand Champion Bred and Owned Bull honors with BNWZ Executive Decision 2219. The February 2022 son of PVF Insight 0129 first won Junior Champion.

Austin Nowatzke of Michigan City, Ind. had the Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Bull. BNWZ Paisley 2143 is a January 2022 son of PVF Insight 0129 and was first named Reserve Junior Champion.

Blair Heath of Cooksville, Md. earned Grand Champion Steer honors with Burns Fireball 2252. He is the April 2022 son of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838.

Samuel Jordan of Savannah, Mo. claimed Bred and Owned Grand Champion Steer and Reserve Grand Champion Steer with FairOaks Fitz 206. He is an April 2022 son of Colburn Primo 5153.

Callie Jensen of Plainfield, Iowa earned Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Steer with Jensen Rocky 253 of FAF. He is a March 2022 son of Stag Good Times 201 ET.

Holly Martin is the director of communications for the American Angus Association. This article was originally published by the association on July 14.

The hillsides surrounding Daniel look especially green this year after a wet winter.

Andi James is surveying a pasture on a horse watching a group of heifers work their way across the landscape. This expansive plot is located on a several-thousand acre property, and it’s a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program, which pays farmers and ranchers to maintain open space.

The program helps to preserve a tough but rewarding way of life in a harsh environment. Daniel has a population of just over 100 people. The growing season lasts about six weeks, and the average January temperature is about 12 degrees.

“Weʼd rather be cold than hot. You can always put more clothes on,” James said. “Our fun looks like work to people. But, we would rather go rope calves and ride horses even for fun on our days off.”

James teaches second grade at a nearby school and purchased the ranch in 2021 from her father. To supplement her income and support operations, she rents a cabin on the property on Airbnb and sells hamburgers and cuts of beef directly to passersby.

“Trying to move the ranch from generation to generation now requires us to find out how can we keep it going and whatʼs going to work. The cow herd isnʼt always going to do it,” James said.

A push to preserve open spaces in the West

Keeping a large ranch has its challenges. Hay prices reached record highs last year and land values and property taxes in the Mountain West continue to rise.

The U.S. lost about 1.9 million acres of farm and ranch lands in 2022, with a quarter of this just in Wyoming.

Bill Bunce, state executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Wyoming, said it can be tempting for families to sell out of the ranching business. And, this can have a big impact on local food supplies and air quality.

“If we donʼt do something now to increase habitat and make it economically viable – where people donʼt have to sell off their places – then in another 100 years, it just wonʼt be there at all. Itʼll be another parking lot,” Bunce said.

Recognizing the value of working lands, the USDA is renewing its push for voluntary conservation programs like the one James is involved in. Under Secretary Robert Bonnie said at a recent meeting of Western governors that preserving open space is also crucial for wildlife.

“Most people think about elk, moose, pronghorn and mule deer, and they see them in places like Yellowstone,” he said. “They donʼt recognize they’re usually only there in the summertime, and in the wintertime, theyʼre often on private working lands.”

Increasing participation in Conservation Reserve Programs

Conservation Reserve Programs have been around for decades, but participation in them steadily declined in recent years.

Between 2006 and 2021, enrolled acreage dropped by about 40 percent or 15 million acres. Critics said the program lacked attractive incentives and had a muddled environmental record.

So, the USDA made changes in 2021. Rental minimums for grasslandspecific conservation increased to $13 an acre, which helped boost participation. Now, a landowner can make up to $50,000 a year from the program.

The agency also added incentives for soil and water quality improvement and pushed enrollment for historically disadvantaged groups like beginning farm-

ers or veterans.

In the West, they set up priority zones where conservation is considered especially important, like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and former Dust Bowl areas in Eastern Colorado and New Mexico.

“Economic viability is critical. One of the best tools for conserving grasslands is keeping ranchers ranching,” Bonnie said.

In 2022, for the first time in 15 years, total enrolled acreage increased in Conservation Reserve Programs, and the USDA plans to keep investing in partnerships to conserve wildlife.

Supplemental income may keep ranchers in business

For James, joining a grasslands program doesn’t mean many changes on the ground. She has to abide by certain rules, like not growing hay for part of the year. But, she can still graze and operate her ranch like normal – and this means preserving open space for moose, pronghorn and

other wildlife.

“Theyʼre always up there. We see them all the time, and they live right along with whateverʼs grazing,” she said. “I just saw some babies the other day, actually.”

The difference is these payments provide about $35,000 of supplemental income. James said with this extra money, she can build better fencing and wells, pay off a loan or hire extra help.

“We want to continue doing what we do,” she said. “This is our livelihood, and weʼre looking for programs to help supplement what we love to do so we can keep our land working and operating as a ranch.”

The expiration date of the 2018 Farm Bill is approaching later this summer, and advocates say conservation programs need further reforms to continue to grow enrollment, preserve open space and recognize the value agriculture provides.

Debate over funding and policy will ensue in the coming months, and this will determine how many ranchers the USDA will be able to get on board.

This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau – a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado and KANW in New Mexico – with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau

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Maintaining a livelihood – Daniel Rancher Andi James, pictured with her father and daughter, takes advantage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program to help maintain her livelihood on her family ranch in Daniel. Will Walkey photo

As farms and ranches face development threats, feds renew push to preserve open space

Fig. 1 – Enrolled acreage in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Reserve Programs from 2006-22. USDA figure

insurance for farmers to healthy food access for low-income families and from beginning farmer training to support for sustainable farming practices.

The farm bill sets the stage for the nation’s food and farm systems.

This historical legislative support system, intended to provide economic stability for farmers and ranchers, originated as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation.

The first farm bill was introduced in 1933, focusing on commodity price support, providing relief for farmers and ensuring a steady domestic food supply for Americans during the Great Depression.

The bill, which began nearly 90 years ago as agricultural support, now has impacts far beyond the farm, including programs to create wildlife habitat and address climate change and the nation’s largest federal nutrition program.

Since the bill began, lawmakers have passed 18

farm bills and expanded the reach of the legislation.

In 1985, Congress added a conservation section to the farm bill, and in 2002, added an energy title.

Each farm bill has a unique title, and the most recent farm bill – the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 – has 12 titles, which include programs for commodity crops, nutrition, trade, crop insurance, forestry and rural development.

Showing support

“It is important to get out of Washington, D.C. and visit with stakeholders as we move forward with the farm bill process. I appreciate the invitation from Sens. Barrasso and Lummis to join them in Wyoming to hear from their farmers and ranchers who utilize vital farm bill programs,” said Boozman.

Barrasso noted, “As Congress debates the new farm bill, I wanted to bring one of the key authors of the bill, Sen. Boozman, to Wyoming so he could hear directly from the peo-

ple who provide food and fiber to our nation. I look forward to continuing my work with Sens. Lummis and Boozman and agriculture groups across the state to ensure Wyoming’s priorities are front and center.”

“The farm bill is critically important for Wyoming ranchers, and I was thrilled to host Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman in Casper so he could see firsthand the unique needs Wyoming producers face,” said Lummis.

“Sen. Barrasso and I are committed to ensuring Wyoming is well represented in the farm bill and will continue to work with Sen. Boozman to ensure Wyoming priorities are not forgotten,” stated Lummis. Roundtable discussion

The roundtable discussion began with Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna discussing obstacles Wyoming faces.

“The price of agricultural land has risen tremendously over the years, and

the current farm bill loan programs are not designed to help. They are no longer meaningful,” he stated.

Magagna continued, “Programs to help bring young people into the farming and ranching industry are not viable – caps need to be raised.”

Boozman replied, “We are behind you 100 percent. The information for the 2018 Farm Bill is outdated, and credit programs need to be reset to reflect today’s data.”

“Wyoming agriculture is at the heart of our communities and is a critical part of our state’s economy,” said Barrasso.

As Congress begins to consider this year’s farm bill, it is vital to recognize the fundamental connection between agricultural lands, water quality and resources and the future of the U.S. food chain.

Wyoming Sugar Company President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Greear stated, “The sugar industry needs to stay in place. It is critical for our country, as it is a critical food source here in the U.S., and our growers and

communities depend on it.”

He continued, “Loan rates have not been revised in years, and they need to be adjusted to keep producers viable year after year.”

Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto discussed issues around globalization and how global pressures impact local agriculture industries and restrict interstate commerce. The trade promotion programs of the farm bill could help these issues.

“China is out investing the U.S. in agriculture research dollars. We need to boost agricultural research as it is important to keep the U.S. as a leader in the agricultural industry,” he concluded.

“When it comes to research and trade deficit, we are moving in the wrong direction. We need to move in the right direction with trade policy and ag research,” Boozman stated.

Food Bank of Wyoming Executive Director Rachel Bailey reviewed topics impacting rural communities and how the farm

bill offers opportunities to strengthen the food bank in Wyoming and enables the organization to improve nutrition programs.

Boozman expressed, “We are committed to food assistance and nutrition programs within the farm bill to help supplement individuals and families who simply cannot make it in today’s economy.”

The roundtable concluded with various discussion topics on forestry, conservation and rural development, all of which are titles within the farm bill which could see change with the new farm bill.

Following the roundtable discussion, Boozman participated in a tour of Miles Land and Livestock outside of Casper. Miles Land and Livestock Owners Chad and Jamie Harkins showed Boozman their cattle operation and highlighted some of the conservation projects they’ve installed throughout their ranch.

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

UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources announces leadership changes

The University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) has added a fourth associate dean to its administrative team and selected a new associate dean of academic and student programs.

Kelly Crane, former director of UW Extension, has taken on the role of senior associate dean, effective July 1. The new position was created to accommodate the addition of the

Botany Department, Zoology and Physiology Department and Life Sciences Program to the CALSNR. Crane will continue to serve as director of the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program.

“As a result of the 2022 reorganization of UW colleges, CALSNR has undergone significant changes and substantial growth,” says CALSNR Dean Barbara Rasco. “These changes necessitated a reassessment

of college leadership.”

Eric Webster, associate dean and director of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, will serve as interim director of UW Extension until a permanent director is selected.

On Aug. 15, Warrie Means will retire from his current position as the associate dean of academic and student programs. Christine Wade, associate professor of family and consumer sciences, will succeed him in this role.

Wade has served as head of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences since 2018, managing five undergraduate and five graduate programs. She earned her PhD in developmental psychology from UW and received undergraduate degrees in psychology and mathematics from Willamette University.

“Wade is highly committed to student success,” Rasco comments. “We are excited to have her take on this new leadership role.”

Kelly Crane Courtesy photo Christine Wade Courtesy photo

July 22-29 Crook County Fair, Sundance. For more information, visit crookcofair.com

July 22-29 Washakie County Fair, Worland. For more information, visit washakiecountyfair.com

July 22-30 Teton County Fair, Jackson. For more information, visit tetoncountyfair.com

July 23-29 101st Annual Days of 76, Deadwood, S.D. For more information, visit daysof76.com

July 23-Aug. 7 Johnson County Fair, Buffalo. For more information, visit johnsoncountyfairgrounds.com

July 24 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Teton County Public Library, Jackson. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

July 24-26 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting, San Diego, Calif. For more information, visit ncba.org

July 24-29 Park County Fair, Powell. For more information, visit parkcountyeventsandfair.com/ park-county-fair

July 25 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

July 26 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Sublette County Public Library, Pinedale. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

July 26-29 Sublette County Fair, Big Piney. For more information, visit sublettecountyfair.com

July 27 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Afton Civic Center, Afton. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

July 27-Aug. 5 Carbon County Fair, Rawlins. For more information, visit carboncountyfairgrounds.com

July 28 Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event, 8 a.m., Wheatland. For more information or to get pre-approved to adopt, visit wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/

July 28 Red Desert Roundup, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs. For more information, visit rdrrodeo.com

July 28-Aug. 5 Niobrara County Fair, Lusk. For more information, visit niobraracounty.org/_departments/_county_extension_service/index.asp

July 28-Aug. 6 Campbell County Fair, Gillette. For more information, visit campbellcountywy. gov/959/County-Fair

July 28-Aug. 6 Platte County Fair, Wheatland. For more information, visit plattecountyfair.org

July 28-Aug. 7 Sheridan County Fair, Sheridan. For more information, visit sheridancountyfairgrounds.com

July 29 Pitchfork Ranch Tour, meet at 9 a.m., Meeteetse Museums. Pre-registration required, call 307-868-2423 or stop in at 1947 State Street, Meeteetse.

July 29-Aug. 5 Fremont County Fair, Riverton. For more information, visit fremontcountyfair.org

July 29-Aug. 5 Uinta County Fair, Evanston. For more information, visit uintacountyfair.org

July 29-Aug. 6 Sweetwater County Fair, Rock Springs. For more information, visit sweetwaterevents.com/p/wbs

July 30-Aug. 5 Goshen County Fair, Torrington. For more information, visit goshencounty.org/goshen-county-fair

July 31-Aug. 6 Albany County Fair, Laramie. For more information, visit albanycountyfair.org

July 31-Aug. 6 Big Horn County Fair, Basin. For more information, visit bighornfair.com

Aug. 1 Bureau of Land Management Public Meeting, 5-7 p.m., Weston County Senior Center, Newcastle. For more information, contact Kathleen Lacko at ktlacko@blm.gov or call 307-261-7536.

Aug. 1-5 Hot Springs County Fair, Thermopolis. For more information, visit facebook.com/ hscfairgrounds

Aug. 2 Bureau of Land Management Public Meeting, 5-7 p.m., Crook County Courthouse Community Room, Sundance. For more information, contact Kathleen Lacko at ktlacko@blm.gov or call 307-261-7536.

July 24-26

Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

July 29 South Dakota’s Elite Horse Sale, Martin Arena, Sturgis, S.D., 605-515-0503, southdakotaselite.com

July 27-Aug. 2 August Farm, Construction & Dairy Auction, online only, 208-431-9300, bigmountainauctions.com

July 31-Aug. 4 Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, Winnemucca, Nev., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

Aug. 8-9 Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic Sale, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Aug. 12 HK Yak Ranch Live and Online Auction, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, 970-4626551, contact@hkyakranch.com, buffalolivestockwyo.com

Aug. 14-15 Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

Aug. 21-22 Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

Aug. 21-25 Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic, Sheridan, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

Aug. 26 Nebraska Quarter Horse Classic Performance Horse Sale, Ogallala Livestock Auction Market, Ogallala, Neb., 319-795-4649, 308-289-2508, 308-458-9685

Aug. 26-29 Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch 2023 QH Production Sale, online only, prohorseservices. com/internet-auctions/, 605-347-6193, 605-280-0698, 605-280-0398, lauingmillironlranch.com

Aug. 27 RQHBA Horse Sale, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-347-3294, 605-639-9482, rqhba.com

Sept. 2 Proffit Ranch 22nd Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Ranch, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.blogspot.com

Sept. 1-3 PRQHBA 46th Annual Futurity and Horse Sale, Powder River County Fairgrounds, Broadus, Mont., 406-853-3554, sales@prqhba.com

Sept. 8-9 Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Auction, Hudson Oaks, Texas, 800-4222117, superiorlivestock.com

Sept. 9-12 Reindl Quarter Horses and Comp Quarter Horses Second Annual Online Horse Sale, prohorseservices.com/internet-auctions/, 605-840-8286, 605-496-4873

Sept. 12 95th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307265-5250, wyowool.com/ramsale

Sept. 12 Western Video Market, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co., Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

Sept. 14 Cattle Country Video Cheyenne Roundup Sale, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Sept. 15-16 27th Annual Van Norman Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-756-6508, 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com

Sept. 18 Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

Dec. 5 Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

Jan. 29 APEX Cattle Annual Heterosis Headquarters Bull, Bred Heifer and Fall Pair Sale, Dannebrog, Neb., 308-750-0200, sales@apexcattle.com

Feb. 19 Weaver Ranch 39th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Fort Collins, Colo., 970568-3898

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Wyoming’s Climate is Changing

Old timers in Wyoming will no doubt have remarked about the difference in Wyoming’s climate during the past 10 or 15 years.

Formerly, it was not supposed for a moment flowers such as geraniums, fuchsias, roses, etc. could be grown out of doors in this climate. All such bloomers were kept indoors in pots and carefully watched and sheltered from the cold.

But, one can go along the streets now and note all kinds of flowers blooming in the open air in great abundance and luxuriance. Ten years ago, a rose bush in the yard which put forth one fragrant flower was a wonder.

The editor of this paper was recently shown one of the most beautiful roses grown by a resident of this town, which he said came from a bush that had been blooming since July and was still producing an abundance of its fragrant fruit.

It has grown to be a very common thing now to see flowers blooming

luxuriantly in every yard where the inhabitants are inclined to plant and water the seeds until they reach maturity.

There are many residences in Saratoga that are yearly made very beautiful and attractive by wellkept lawns and outdoor flower beds which would do credit to localities in such states as Iowa, Illinois and their sister states.

Surely the climate of Wyoming must be changing, or the early settlers were woefully ignorant of its possibilities.

Thus reads an editorial in the Aug. 17, 1911 issue of The Saratoga Sun

Vegetable man – A “doctored” photograph of vegetables supposedly grown on the Laramie Plains around 1900 appeared in a prospectus book concerning the building of the railroad from Laramie to Centennial. Several pioneer publications touted the great farming advantages of the Wyoming grasslands, but most didn’t claim pumpkins could be grown on the Laramie Plains as shown in this “double exposed” photo from the Dick Perue/Bob Martin collection. Historical Reproductions by Perue

MARKETS

from USDA Market News Service information and other sources

FOR THE WEEK ENDING July

21, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

WEEKLY

hair 90-145 lbs 117.00-155.00/cwt.

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: young 168 lbs 105.00/cwt; middle age 172 lbs 100.00/cwt. Billings: young 188 lbs 85.00/cwt.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 32,000 compared with 24,000 last week and 31,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review

As of July 14, 2023

As of July 14, 2023

Compared to last week traditional slaughter lambs 10.00-20.00 higher, others mostly firm to 20.00 higher. Slaughter ewes steady to 20.00 higher. Feeder lambs not well tested. At San Angelo, TX 6,566 head sold in a one day sale. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 400 slaughter lambs in Wyoming and 460 feeder lambs in South Dakota. Western Video sold 540 feeder lambs in Utah and 925 feeder lambs in Oregon. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 2,817 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3

San Angelo: wooled and shorn 120 lbs 174.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 100-115 lbs no test.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 105-150 lbs 205.00-231.00.

Billings: wooled and shorn 105-125 lbs no test.

Equity Coop: wooled 120 lbs 214.75.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2

San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 216.00-228.00; 60-70 lbs 205.00230.00, few 230.00-235.00; 70-80 lbs 200.00-223.00; 80-90 lbs 200.00-224.00, few 230.00; 90-100 lbs 191.00-215.00. wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 206.00-214.00; 70-80 lbs 201.00-210.00, few 230.00; 80-90 lbs 198.00-211.00; 90-105 lbs 198.00-203.00.

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 215.00; 60-70 lbs 195.00-

60.00-80.00, hair 80.00-97.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 82.00-100.00, hair 90.00-97.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) hair

73.00-98.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 60.00-76.00; hair

65.00-80.00; Cull 1 40.00-50.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test.

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 30.00-65.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 30.00-65.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 25.00-45.00; Cull 1

14.00-25.00.

Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 55.00-63.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy)

57.50-67.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 49.00-57.00; Cull 1

Domestic wool trading had no confirmed trades reported this week. Prices reflect trades FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack, bellies out, some graded, and 76 mm or longer. No allowance made for coring, freight, or handling fees at the warehouse level to reflect net grower prices. Wools shorter than 75 mm typically discounted .10-.20 clean. Classed and skirted wools usually trade at a .10-.20 premium to original bag prices..

Wool

5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE

Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO

Wyoming Hay Summary

As of July 20, 2023

Compared to last week bales of alfalfa sold unevenly steady. Pellets and hay cubes steady. Demand for good, green hay is very good and it has been rather hard to get produced this season. Some areas in the west have had decent haying weather and are trying to finish first cutting of hay this week. Several hay producers might have one less cutting of hay than normal due to the late cutting of first and the frost that will come this fall. Mother Nature is in control and producers do the best they can to work with her in their lively hoods. There needs to be a lot more of good to premium hay produced so people know where to price there tons of rained on first cutting hay. Many contacts are lost in away, as they haven’t produced that type of hay for a very long time. The market will short itself as winter comes along.

rain damaged hay. There are several tons of rained on hay from west of Grand Island to Wyoming and sellers are having to sit on that type of hay at this time. Not much good green hay has been produced in this large area, so it has been hard to determine fair market value for the rained-on hay. On a bright note, rain showers have started in some areas in the eastern third of the state allowing producers to cut and bale hay fields that were previously dormant. These July rains have brightened the moods of all dryland crop owners. Tonnage is still rather light in that area, but most producers think they will get at least one more and maybe two cuttings of alfalfa or grass if the rains keep coming.

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

Services

Scott Blakeley, Owner ppr@pronghornpump.com www.pronghornpump.com

267-1022

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!! 8/12

Ranch/Pasture Lease Wanted

HEREFORD BULLS FOR

SALE: Home of the Champion Pen of Bulls at the 2021 Wyoming State Fair. Big, stout, sound Hereford bulls with calving ease and high growth potential. Lots of pigment and no extra white. Get 30-40 lbs. bigger weaning weights on your baldy calves through the heterosis factor from these bulls. BUY WYOMING FIRST!! Gene Stillahn, Sticks & Stones Ranch, 307421-1592 7/22

LOOKING FOR RANCHES/ PASTURES TO LEASE: Experienced stockman and rangeland management professional. Land will be used for a custom grazing business using intensive grazing practices. I can make improvements and add value to leased land. Please contact Andrew at 830-4469378, e-mail amainini24@ gmail.com 8/12

Meat Processing

COYOTE DAYS 2023: The largest gathering of predator control and fur harvesting experts in the world. Twenty instructional demos on all aspects of the industry. Come learn about an outdoor activity that can be very rewarding. AUG. 18-19, NIOBRARA CO. FAIRGROUNDS, LUSK, WY. Vendors, drawings, banquet, fur fashion show and more. For more information, call 307-334-9930 8/5

THE

Brands

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC. One iron, easy to put on, easy to read. $15,000. Call 307-660-5755 8/5

Dogs

WORKING BORDER COLLIE

PUPPIES FOR SALE: Born March 30. Located in Powell, WY. Parents onsite. Asking $300-$500. For pictures or more information, call 307899-3533 7/29

WE HAVE A LITTER OF 8

GREAT PYRENEES LIVESTOCK GUARD DOGS: Ready to go now. They’ve been exposed to various types of livestock. Have sweet and loving personalities. $400/pup OBO. For more information, contact Casey or Cristy Davis, 605-431-2067 or 605206-0495 8/5

Kip Fladland Horsemanship Clinic kipfladlandhormanship.com

August 4 - 6, 2023 Circle T Arena

Hermosa, S.D.

Classes: Foundation & H1

$550/per class/per rider

FMI call or text

Lori at 605-415-8701

Yaks

MINIATURE HORSES FOR SALE OR TRADE: Pretty lawn ornaments, sweet and gentle. One stallion, 2 mares and 1 two-year-old colt. Call or text Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 307-258-2175. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/5

Help

Help Wanted Swift Creek

Help wanted in the Tetons: Trail Ride Wranglers, Fall Pack in Camp Cook, Fall Mule Packer ( 307) 730- 8830 OR (307) 856-1226

Check Out Our Website www.horsebackadv.com

MTC LOGISTICS HAS PARTTIME DRIVER POSITIONS

AVAILABLE FOR DRIVER CLASS B & A CDL WORLAND TO CASPER AND CODY TO CASPER. ALSO, for the downtown area in Casper, WY. Must have clean driving record, no felony record and able to pass extensive background check and drug test. Class B license also required, $28/hour. E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@ yahoo.com or call Matt, 801641-4109 7/22

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF RANGE MANAGER: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references to: Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307-921-0574. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 7/22

SUMMER HELP WANTED: Haying and fencing. Call 605-3473403 or 605-499-9088 7/22

Services

Financial Services

ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., WY LLC, 307-3223232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@ wyoming.com 7/22

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES:

Born May 23. Out of ranch raised, working parents. Four black and white males. Good with kids. Need homes where they can work cattle and/or sheep. Have had first shots and wormer. Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-738-2247, e-mail gravesredfork@rtconnect. net 7/29

FOR SALE KELPIE/ENGLISH

SHEPHERD CROSS PUPPIES: Two males and 8 females born July 6. Both parents are working dogs and friendly with children. Asking $300. Call 605-866-4882 7/22

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES:

Born May 22, out of working parents, $500 each. Call 307-2369047. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 7/29

Angus

SAT., AUG. 12 AT 1 PM BUFFALO LIVESTOCK MARKETING SELLING 90 YAKS FROM HK YAK RANCH, IN BUFFALO, WY. There will be a mix of steers, cows, calves, yearlings and bulls. Downsizing our herd to 60 head so we can better manage it for future operations. Online at www.cattleusa.com For questions, pictures or additional information, call HK Yak Ranch, 970-462-6551 or e-mail contact@hkyakranch. com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/29

Custom Feeding

CALF BACKGROUNDING, PASTURE AND feedlot options available. ALSO, seeking cows on shares from now until 2024. Hemingford, NE. Call Ian, 307-421-9116 8/5

Angus

BULLS FOR SALE

RED ANGUS 2-YEAR-OLD

FORAGE BULLS FOR SALE:

Bulls for heifers and cows. Smaller framed, efficient, easy fleshing, good dispositions. Not fat, but in great shape and ready to go to work. Have been worked with dogs, on foot and horseback. Raised in rugged, rough, steep, rocky, high elevation country. Red Fork Red Angus, Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-738-2247, cell 307-2670724, e-mail gravesredfork@ rtconnect.net 7/29

Pasture Wanted

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. Call 701-523-1235 7/29

46TH ANNUAL POWDER RIVER QUARTER HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION HORSE SALE: SEPT. 3, BROADUS, MT, POWDER RIVER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. Offering weanlings and yearlings from some of the top producers in the area. Ranch broke horses and young prospects. Lance Bateman Memorial Ranch Horse Classic, Fri. Sept. 1 Two-year-old futurity, Sat. afternoon, Sept. 2 Performance Yearling Futurity and Youth Halter Futurity Sun., Sept. 3, 8 a.m. Horse sale preview to follow. HORSE SALE 1 PM ON SUN., SEPT. 3. For more information, call Dan Davis, 406-427-5420 or 406853-3554 7/29

Saddles & Tack

WELL STOCKED FOR ARENA, RANGE AND ABOVE THE PLAINS!! Gear up for SUMMER!! Large SELECTION of SADDLES, head stalls, REINS, saddle PADS and more!! 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 7/22

Sheep

GERDES HAMPSHIRES HAS 30 REGISTERED PUREBRED HAMPSHIRE RAMS: Born in the fall of 2022 and winter of 2023. Our rams are fast growing with plenty of depth, muscle and bone. These are wether-type Hampshires without excessive leg length but possess tremendous thickness of loin and leg. Rams are sired by stud rams that we purchased from leading Hampshire sheep breeders at national sales and are sired by sons of Unicorn and Jackalope. For more information, call 402-760-0104. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 8/12

Sheep

RAFTER 7 MERINOS

19.3 FLEECE

138 ewes: Two & 3 years old with lambs

EWE & MARCH/JUNE

LAMB UNIT

$475 each OBO 970-710-1659

Need a new sheep camp or the old one restored? Call us at 785-734-2663.

Our camps are handcrafted with hand-forged iron work. We also offer wooden wagon wheel restoration, wheelwright services.

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-4625300, heidi@wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 7/22

Seed

TRITICALE SEED FOR SALE: Great cover crop. Call 719-8501143 8/12

GRASS SEED FOR SALE: Manifest wheatgrass, Manska wheatgrass, cache meadow brome, good germination, $3.90/lb. Call Big Horn Seed Company, 307-202-0704 or 307-645-3322 TFN

Hay & Feed

GOOD QUALITY HAY FOR

SALE: Straight alfalfa, 3x3 square bales, $225/ton. Alfalfa/ orchard grass mix, net-wrapped round bales, $200/ton. Wheat/ alfalfa mix, net-wrapped round bales, $185/ton. Nisland, S.D. For more information, call 605892-5676 7/22

2023 FIRST CUTTING GRASS

HAY, meadow brome and orchard grass. Certified weedfree, small squares. $275/ton, Cody, South Fork, WY. Call 307272-4354 8/12

HAY FOR SALE: 2023 winter rye grass, 5’x6’ large rounds at an 1,100 lb. average, net wrapped, approximately 250 tons available, $125/ton. Near Nisland, S.D. Call Jake at 605-892-5218 for more information 8/12

LOTS AND LOTS OF HAY FOR

SALE!!! 1,350 lb. round bales, net wrapped. Grass/alfalfa mix, native grass, brome grass, straight alfalfa… Come and get it. For pricing, call 702-501-4243 (c) or 307-737-2680 (h) 8/5

HAY FOR SALE: 2023 alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mix and intermediate grass. ALSO, two loads of 2022 CRP grass mix, cut early, good green. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 8/5

TWO SEMI LOADS ALFALFA/ GRASS MIX AND 4 LOADS

ALFALFA: First cutting, netwrapped rounds. Hemingford, NE. $185/ton. Call 307-4219116 8/5

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: New crop of alfalfa available soon. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-2355386 7/29

WANTED: STANDING HAY, straw, alfalfa, CRP, cornstalks or damaged wheat straw. Southeast Wyoming, western Nebraska or northern Colorado. Call for competitive rates, 307214-5290 307-630-3046 7/22

Fire Extinguishers

The most POWERFUL FIRE EXTINGUISHING TECHNOLOGY is here!! FIRE PRO Extinguishers feature a concentrate used for over 30 years by fire departments, race tracks and the military. This formula is a non-toxic, powerful cooling liquid with foam and requires no maintenance!! Economical, do-it-yourself refill kits are also available. Choose the best for your equipment today!! For more information, call Arlen Coblentz at 307-8509663 7/29

Trucks

FOR SALE: 1992 International 4900, S/A, DTA 466 250 H.P. 10 speed, gooseneck, plus air slide fifth wheel included, California truck, very clean 103K miles, a/c, 2-line wet kit, have line setting, $19,500. Call 970-6862250. Windsor, CO 8/12

Livestock Trailers

2019 MERRITT LIVESTOCK

TRAILER: DDL triple crank up nose, fold down doghouse, lowered doghouse, 139 tall, low pro 22.5 tires, 90% brakes, 75% low mileage trailer, 77 lights, rear load lights, no step ramp to the top. Excellent shape. For more information, call 701-400-2665. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/29

Travel Trailers

2005 AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL FOR SALE: Sleeps

5, mint condition, factory solar system, microwave, flat screen TV, stereo system. Brand new 8 ply tires. Four batteries. Loaded!! Call 307870-7605 7/22

Equipment

FOR SALE: Rowse 3 pt. 9’ sickle mower. Rowse double 9’ sickle mower. Hesston/ AGCO Allis 5556 big round baler, wide pickup, net wrap/ twine. Nine wheel pull type finger rake. 7’ 3 pt. rotary mower. John Deere 2155 diesel tractor, wide front, 3 pt., runs great. H&S 7+4 17’ chuckwagon with tandem 14 ton running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. J&M 325 gravity box with 12 ton gear and roll tarp. Meyerink 12’ box scraper with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 8/12

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: White 30’ disk; John Deere 960 26’ cultivator; Lawson 12x30 double drum land aerator; 3 John Deere 9600 combines; New Holland 1075 balewagon; John Deere 567 baler; CIH 8570 3x3 baler; Massey Ferguson 2190 4x4 baler; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; CIH 1015 pick-up header; New Holland 357 grinder mixer; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Freightliner grain truck; Freightliner sleeper truck; WS sleeper truck; Kenworth crane truck, 18 ton, 82’; WS 90 bbl vac truck, Pete 80 bbl vac truck; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Wilson 53x102 tri axle cattle pot; Cat 262D skid steer; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. View equipment at www.bigskyeb.com. Call 406-254-1254 7/22

Equipment

FOR SALE!!! 2021 Earthquake brand pull behind deck mower. Model Acreage RC 4432. ONLY USED ONCE!! Can be pulled by a four wheeler, side-by-side UTV or a lawn tractor. Has been tarped since new. Comes with a new battery. Located in Cheyenne, WY. Photos on request, $1,500 OBO. Call Bev, 307-214-0113, if no answer please leave a message 7/22

FOR SALE: Rawhide large portable corral, WW hydraulic chute. ALSO, 2021 John Deere C500 MoCo, only cut 60 acres. R2800 Vermeer hydraulic rake. Kramer 14 bale retriever. Call 605-842-5515 8/26

Livestock Equipment

Pipe

Pipe Hay & Feed

ONLINE AT www.wylr.net

Livestock Equipment

24' Free Standing Panels

5’ High 7 Rail

5’6” High 8 Rail

Delivery and Truckload Prices Available Big Horn Livestock Services, Inc. 307-851-1634 • www.bighornlivestock.com

Hay Equipment

HAY EQUIPMENT: 38 John Deere 9’ mower, $1,200; Hesston 5580 round baler, good condition, bales hay, $1,800; New Holland 56 side delivery rake, $1,200. Keystone, S.D., delivery possible. Call 605-593-6637 8/12

VERMEER 605N SELECT ROUND BALER: Excellent shape. Call for more information, 701-690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 8/5

2019 JOHN DEERE 560M ROUND BALER: In good working condition, has 9,000 bales on it. Large flotation tires. Net wrap and twine tie options included. $40,000 OBO. Near Pinedale, WY. Call 307-3609386 7/29

Fencing

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 11/8

OILFIELD PIPE: RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3.5, 5.5, and 3/4” sucker rod is available. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8 and 2 7/8 are on average 31.5’ long per joint. 3.5” and 5.5” are 42+ lengths. Pierce, CO. Call for details, 970-324-4580 8/26

Hunting & Fishing

WANTED: PROPERTY TO ARCHERY HUNT IN THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER REGION BETWEEN GUERNSEY, WY AND NEBRASKA OR NEARBY.

Whitetail deer only. Must be east of I-25 and south of U.S. Hwy. 20. Open to a lease or permission based day-to-day agreement. I do not sublease or guide. It’s just me. I work well with duck and deer hunters. Call 970-227-8598 7/29

Irrigation

Irrigation Systems

The choice is simple.

Copper wire is being stolen from electrically powered pivot systems world-wide. Many growers have resorted to 24-hour guards, razor wire, floodlights and daily disassembly to protect themselves. T-L’s hydraulically powered pivot systems can be designed with little or no wire to steal. Stop theft and discover T-L’s reliability, simplicity and low maintenance cost. T-L irrigation systems are easier on you - for life.

Big Horn Truck and Equipment Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net • 800-770-6280

Property for Sale

RANCH AT MELVILLE, MT, SWEET GRASS VALLEY: Beneath the majestic Crazy Mountains lies 1,410 acres that have been under the same ownership for over 90+ years. 840 acres irrigated. Sweet Grass Creek flows through the ranch providing cover for wildlife and fishing. A full complement of improvements plus 2 homes. Call for pricing. Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406-322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwellland.com 7/22

Powder River Hay & Hunting Ranch

Kaycee, WY

1,780+ deeded acres • $9,500,000

1-844-WYO-LAND chasebrothersllc.com

Lic. in WY, MT, SD & NE Call or scan for more information!

OREGON RANCH, Baker City, Baker County, OR. The Alder Creek pasture contains over 2,000 acres of native spring, summer and fall pasture. The rangeland is situated just east of Baker City, OR. The property is in good condition and has good perimeter fencing. The range is gently south facing slope with a variety of native grass. FIRST TIME OFFERING at just over $500 per acre for deeded and contiguous ownership, $1,095,000. Give us a call at 541-523-4434, Intermountain Realty, Inc., Greg Sackos, Principal Broker, James Dunlap, Broker, www.intermountainland.com 8/12

Raffle

3 TUBS RANCH: 3,316 + deeded acres in the treed canyons of 66 Mountain, LaGrange, WY. Lush meadows and mountain outcroppings. Deer, antelope, turkey and sage grouse. Run cows through 12 pastures, plus improvements. Excellent calving facilities. $5,100,000. Casey Essert, Land Broker; Empire Realty, Torrington, WY, 307532-1750 7/22

Antique & Vintage

LOOKING FOR NATIVE AMERICAN and Mexican jewelry, items and textiles. Call Ray, 307-267-4205 7/22

Read it in the Roundup

2023 Apprentice Lineman

Scholarship Fundraiser

SPECIAL DRAWINGS! $100/TICKET with only 350 tickets sold!

Special limited-entry drawings for a WINNER’S CHOICE:

2023 Polaris Ranger 1000 Side-by-Side OR

Mule Deer Hunt at Crook County D-Ranch

Drawing will take place Saturday, August 26 during the PRECorp Annual Meeting in Buffalo. Participants do not need to be present to win. Second drawing gets remaining prize. Winner of hunt must be eligible to hunt in Wyoming and is responsible for purchasing appropriate state licensing. Winner of side-by-side is responsible for applicable federal tax.

For tickets, call Rick at 307.283.4930 or PRECorp at 1.800.442.3630 www.precorp.coop

New 4-H educator joins UW Extension

The University of Wyoming (UW) Albany County Extension Office welcomed Amanda Dougherty as its new 4-H youth development educator.

Dougherty earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and biochemistry from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and achieved her PhD in animal and veterinary sciences at the University of Wyoming.

Most recently, Dougherty worked as a research associate at UW’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

Dougherty enjoys sharing knowledge and inspiring youth and adults to get excited about science.

Since 2016, she has volunteered with the Wyo-

ming Game and Fish Department as a hunter education instructor. She has also led outreach and educational workshops for the first Wyoming seed bank, which she cofounded.

Dougherty’s scientific expertise and volunteer work is complemented by her lifelong interest and background in agriculture. She is a third-generation farmer raised on a dairy farm in northern Illinois, and to this day, she runs a small hobby farm in Laramie.

Dougherty says, “Working in laboratories has taught me how to problem solve, be resilient and how to find reliable information, all of which I can bring to my new role. I am excited to become a part of the thriving 4-H community in Albany County and

learn how the program can grow and change to meet the needs of its members.”

Dougherty began her

work with UW Extension on July 5. She can be contacted at afluegel@uwyo. edu or 307-721-2571.

involved in 4-H and FFA. During this year’s trip, a group of 50 made the trek to Ireland to advance their cultural understanding and develop skills and abilities to live and work effectively in a global society.

Continuing the family legacy

Dawn’s youngest children Cooper and Blair, are juniors at Burns High School and have been involved in 4-H since they were only five years old. Since then, they have raised various livestock on their family farm.

This year, Cooper will show sheep, goats, rabbits and ducks at the Laramie County Fair. When Cooper is not competing in the livestock ring, he participates in the local Burns FFA Chapter and competes on the Burns High School football, wrestling and track and field teams.

“This summer, I focused on my animals, putting work and sports to the side, and as a result, I have a better understanding of my animals,” stated Cooper.

Cooper continued, “What I enjoy most about 4-H is the traveling. We just got back from a 4-H International Exchange Program trip to Ireland.”

During the 10-day trip to Ireland, Cooper said, “We visited Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Howth and Galloway. We toured oyster, strawberry, dairy, beef and sheep farms and learned about Ireland’s farming philosophy. We tried fresh beef prepared especially for our group,” Cooper explained.

He expressed, “The people and guides were great, and it was beyond my expectations. I would definitely do another trip again.”

Creating new traditions

When it comes to Blair’s 4-H experience, she reflected on the influence she had from her older sister and cousin who competed in the horse world.

Since Blair started with the Cloverbuds, she has loved showing her animals. Starting with sheep and goats raised on

the family farm, she has grown her livestock showing experience to include cattle, horses and ducks.

“I have been very fortunate, as I have been the recipient of the CatchA-Calf program at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS),” Blair stated.

The program is designed so successful participants secure their spot in the program by catching a calf in January. Then, in May they receive a live calf to feed out and raise, and one year later, they return with the animal as a market-ready steer at NWSS in Denver.

Blair continued, “This year, I am showing Ody, short for Odysseus –a wether Boer goat. He is the best. Raising an animal from birth is amazing, and you really get to know the animal and its personality.”

Blair explained showing year-round is a fulltime job, and when she isn’t working with livestock, she stays involved as a high school wrestling manager. She also competes in livestock judging competitions, and she is her 4-H club’s current reporter and FFA chapter vice president.

“What I enjoy most about 4-H and FFA is coaching kids,” Blair added.

Blair was part of a team which hosted the Banners-R-Cool showman clinics for Worland and Jackson kids this summer Blair explained, “4-H and FFA have allowed me the opportunity to become a great leader and develop my communication skills, all while learning to work with others. It’s a great opportunity.”

Cooper and Blair are currently prepping for the Laramie County Fair, where they will participate in various 4-H livestock events held Aug 2-12 at the Archer Complex in Cheyenne.

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

A longstanding tradition – Pictured left to right with their FFA Advisor William Luna, twins Blair and Cooper have been showing livestock since they were only five years old and will be competing at the Laramie County Fair this summer. Courtesy photo

Amanda Dougherty Courtesy photo

interview with the Wyoming Livestock Roundup

The two experts outline the differences between the three species and offer some control options to help producers mitigate fly damage during summer months.

Horn flies

Schell explains horn flies, which are the smallest in size, are usually the most dominant of the three species in Wyoming. They can be found on the backs, sides, poll area and sometimes on the belly of cattle.

“With more moisture, cow manure where horn flies breed will stay wetter long enough for them to emerge more successfully than they do in drought,” he says. “When it is dry, manure patches will dry out before maggots complete development, which is why there are more horn flies this summer.”

Horn flies are blood suckers and can eat up to 30 blood meals per day.

“Economic losses associated with horn flies are estimated at more than $1 billion annually in the U.S.,” notes Boxler. “Horn fly feeding causes irritation,

blood loss, decreased grazing efficacy, reduced weight gain and diminished milk production in mother cows. Additionally, horn flies have been implicated in the spread of summer mastitis.”

Boxler refers to several studies across the U.S. and Canada which have proven horn flies impact weight gain and can negatively affect weaning weights up to 15 percent. More specifically, a study conducted in Nebraska found weaning weights were 10 to 20 pounds higher in calves whose mothers received horn fly control treatments.

According to Boxler, there are multiple insecticide application options available to help manage horn flies including backrubbers, dust bags, insecticidal ear tags and strips, pour-ons, oral larvicides, low pressure sprayers, mist blower sprayers and the Vet Gun.

Schell notes, with the help of Derek Scasta, PhD and UW Rangeland Extension Specialist, he recently published a bulletin on horn fly management in Wyoming, which includes

alternative control methods to combat insecticide resistance.

“Having multiple methods of control will give producers the best relief,” he states.

Stable flies

Like horn flies, stable flies are also blood suckers, and they mainly feed on the front legs of cattle.

However, according to Boxler, stable fly bites are more painful, and animals will usually react by stomping their legs, bunching up in pasture corners or standing in water to avoid getting bitten.

Boxler and Schell note although stable flies pose a serious threat to feedlot and dairy cattle, they can also have just as serious of an impact on pastured cattle as well.

“We are seeing more stable flies attacking livestock on pasture, especially in areas where hay was fed and there is a lot of waste hay residue,” Schell explains. “This is what stable flies like to breed in.”

“UNL research recorded a reduction in average daily gain of 0.44 pounds per head with animals receiving no insecticide treatment compared to animals receiv-

To read UW’s Horn Fly Management for Wyoming Cattle Bulletin, visit wyoextension.org/publications/Search_ Details.php?pubid=2108&pub=B-1386.

ing a treatment,” says Boxler. According to Boxler, animal sprays are the most effective control method for adult flies on grazing cattle.

“Sprays can be applied using a low-pressure sprayer or can be applied with a mist blower sprayer. Weekly applications of these products will be required to achieve reduction in fly numbers,” Boxler says.

Schell points out, for cattle on range, this may not always be feasible or cost effective. Instead, he suggests using indirect methods of application such as dust bags. He also notes, although expensive, producers may consider using oral insecticide products.

“Sanitation or clean-up of wasted feed at winter feeding sites may reduce localized fly development. If sanitation is not possible, these sites may be treated with a larvicide like Neporex,” Boxler adds. “But, the application of either procedure may not totally reduce the economic impact of stable fly feeding.” Face flies

Lastly, as the larger and darker of the bunch, face flies more closely resemble house flies and are non-biting flies, feeding mostly on animal secretions and nectar.

Face flies cluster around animal eyes, mouths and muzzles, causing irrita-

tion and annoyance. These flies are present all summer – along waterways, areas with a lot of rainfall, canyon floors with trees and irrigated pastures – but populations usually peak in late July and August.

For cattle producers, the biggest concern with face flies is the transmission of pinkeye, a highly contagious inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva of cattle.

“Female face fly feeding causes damage to eye tissues, increases susceptibility to eye pathogens and Moraxella bovis (M. bovis), the causal agent of pinkeye or infectious bovine keratoconjuctivitis,” Boxler explains.

“If coupled with the infectious bovine rhinotrachetis virus, M. bovis can cause a much more severe inflammatory condition,” he

adds. “Controlling face flies is essential in reducing most pinkeye problems.”

In order to control face flies, Boxler suggests producers utilize daily insecticide application options such as dust bags, oilers, sprays or insecticidal ear tags and strips. He also notes both cows and calves must be treated to achieve maximum control of the pest.

“Pinkeye vaccines are available and should be considered if face flies and pinkeye have been a recurring problem,” Boxler concludes. “Currently, commercial and autogenous pinkeye vaccines are available, but please check with a local veterinarian about the use of these products in your area.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Tuesday, August 15th • 5:30pm

Champion of Champion Showcase • 4:00PM

Wednesday, August 16th • 7:00pm

Military Appreciation Pre-Show • 6:30pm

Thursday, August 17th • 7:00pm

PRCA Rodeo

World Champion Mutton Bustin’ • 6:00pm

Friday, August 18th • 6:00pm

Saturday, August 19th • 6:00pm

Adobe Stock photo

IT'S

by Lee Pitts

People are creatures of habit, and like most folks, I get attached to things. I’ve been married for nearly 50 years to the only girlfriend I’ve ever had. We are cut from the same cloth, in that both of us are fiercely loyal to products we grew up using.

I’ve been a lifelong customer of Union Oil because they employed me in the oil-

fields when they really didn’t have to. I was paid $5.85 an hour when the minimum wage was $1.25, and I could never have gone to college without them.

In the course of writing my syndicated column for 40 years, I’ve used a hardbound Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary every day, which was given to me by a school teacher when I gradu-

ated from high school.

It’s got my name imprinted on it in gold, and it’s the best gift I’ve ever received. I bought my Macintosh computer in 1984, and it made me a much better writer at a time when I could use all the help I could get. I became a lifelong fan of everything Apple.

In the lefthand pocket of my jeans is the Case knife I bought after I sold my first grand champion steer. Although it has cut me to the bone on a couple occasions, I don’t think it did it on purpose, and one will never find me without it.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve worn Pendleton shirts, Justin roper boots and J.C. Penney underwear.

RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION

Early Consignments

TUESDAY,

Every time I grab one of my great grandfather’s wood planes, it feels like we are shaking hands across the ages. In my shop rests the family anvil which was made in 1845 and it still rings true.

I could never go into a Sears store without buying a Craftsman tool, and now I have a shop full of them. The new Craftsman tools made in China just aren’t the same.

Whenever I mounted up, it was in my grandpa’s saddle, and I’ve never used a bit, reins or a pair of spurs that weren’t his. I wear a Stetson hat because he did. I used the same trucker to haul our cattle until he retired because he always had the latest copy of our livestock newspaper in his cab.

My wife and I drew up the plans to our home and have been the only ones to live in it now for 36 years. I can’t stand the thought someone someday will be living in our house. I can

find my way to the bathroom in the black of night without ever turning on a light, and I know all our home’s groans and moans.

Practically every piece of furniture in our house came from my family or my wife’s. She sleeps in the same bed her parents did, and I write on my greatgrandma’s desk and eat off of the same table I did when I finally escaped my baby high chair and got to sit with the grownups.

I’ve never owned a bulldozer, but if I did, one can bet it would be a Caterpillar (Cat) because the Cat dealer in my county bought my second grand champion steer, which allowed me to buy my first cows, which set me on my cattleman course for life. I wore the Cat hat they gave me until it was in tatters, and I used a pocket watch just so I could attach it to the watch fob they gave me.

I’ve been a General Motors (GM) fan for life – ever since a GM dealer bought another grand champion steer of mine, which allowed me to escape a toxic home life.

My wife and I bought eight Oldsmobiles in a row from a GM dealer who became one of our best friends. When GM stopped making Oldsmobiles, our friend took us to the Buick dealer and told him to treat us well.

He did, and we’ve driven the same Buick Lucerne for 15 years now. We drove our last Chevy truck for 25 years.

Why am I telling readers all of this?

Well, if one owns a business and they are sitting on the fence about buying a 4-H or FFA animal at the fair this summer, let my life be a lesson. They’ll not only be helping a youngster, they could very well be buying a lifelong customer as well.

Old Stoney celebrates 100 years of history

lery and gift shop, as well as a large, state-of-the-art conference room, a shareable workspace and three rentable office spaces for local businesses.

birthday celebration for Old Stoney. The party will be held later in the afternoon, following a host of exciting events planned throughout the day.

yr olds. 1

Great dispositions and come from good genetics. Fertility tested and ready to go! YEARLINGS

Arapahoe Ranch – 150 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 600-700#. Lots of condition. 100% all natural. High elevation. No hormones. Sired by Diamond Peak & small % Colyer Hereford bulls. Very high quality!

Allen Stamey – 14 yr old Tennessee Walker Gelding, 19 yr old Tennessee Walker Mare. Both broke to ride.

yr old Tennessee Walker Filly. Ready to start. 14-month-old Racking Molly Mule.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 - No Sale

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Tyler & Elizabeth Foxworthy – 170 Blk Ang ST exposed cows. Exp to Blk Ang bulls for late March-April calves.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 - No Sale

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29 - No Sale

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

A building made from local Crook County stone holds deep meaning to the smalltown community of Sundance where it stands, tall and iconic. Fondly known as Old Stoney, this historical four-story building will celebrate its 100th birthday in August.

According to Crook County Museum Chairman Pam Thompson, a group of local history buffs and friends of Old Stoney have planned a huge celebration to honor the monument’s milestone anniversary, commemorate its involvement in local history and celebrate its role in bringing the community together.

A local landmark

Built from materials out of the same ground it stands on, Old Stoney was originally constructed as a schoolhouse for students across the northeast corner of Wyoming and is considered one of the most unique, historical school buildings in the state.

In recent years, the building has undergone numerous upgrades and renovations and has taken on a new life as the Old Stoney Business and Cultural Center, which officially opened in June of this year.

The main level of the building houses an art gal-

The Crook County Museum is located on the second floor, and fundraising efforts are ongoing to help finish the third floor.

Once completed, Old Stoney’s top floor will house an auditorium and stage, with original ornate-tin ceiling tiles, a kitchen and a party/meeting room.

For the people of Crook County, Old Stoney has become a beloved local landmark, where many have attended business meetings and conferences, funerals and weddings.

But, the love the community holds for this historic building goes far deeper than the events they have attended there.

Crook County Museum Director Rocky Courchaine said the building has brought many friends and family together to make and share cherished memories. Overall, Old Stoney provides a wonderful gathering place for the community.

A milestone event

On Aug. 19, Crook County will throw a 100th

Thompson noted there will a farmers’ market, food trucks, vendors, a silent auction, live music and other entertainment. The night will conclude with birthday cake to top off the celebration.

Thompson and Courchaine share this celebration means more than getting together to eat food and buy goods.

“It’s about saving part of our community, making memories to share and creating stories to tell,” said Thompson. “Many thought this building would not stand, but it has, so that is really something to celebrate. This celebration proves our community is dedicated to saving our history and celebrating 100 years of education.”

Old Stoney holds a special place in the hearts of everyone in the community and even those throughout Wyoming.

“Everyone has a story to tell about Old Stoney,” stated Thompson.

Preslee Fitzwater is an intern for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Courtesy photo