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 by

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

Broadcasting.

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.”

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