WDA Director Doug Miyamoto emphasizes importance of recovery and restoration after a fire Page 2
UW Extension highlights the importance of water quality for livestock consumption Page 7
Wyoming sheep and wool producers offer insight during panel discussion Page 8
Dairy heifer inventories predicted to shrink before rebounding in 2027 Page 15
The Wyoming FFA Foundation’s Annual Blue Jeans Ball is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. in the ANB Bank Ballroom of the Laramie County Community College’s Clay Pathfinder Building in Cheyenne. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wyoffafoundation.org/bluejeansball
The University of Wyog (UW) Rodeo Team will kick off the fall season with five rodeos over the next month and a half. The fall rodeo run began at Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb. Sept. 5-7. The season will continue at Central Wyoming College in Riverton Sept. 19-21; Sheridan College in Sheridan Sept. 26-28; Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colo. Oct. 3-5 and Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne Oct. 10-12. For more information, visit gowyo.com/sports/ rodeo
In celebration of 80 years of serving Wyoming’s land, water and communities, the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) is looking to the future with a refreshed look. WACD invites submissions for a logo concept reflecting the mission and future of the organization. The winning concept will guide a professional graphic designer in developing the official new logo, which will be unveiled at the WACD Annual Convention in November. For more information or to enter, visit conservewy.com
Tickets are now on sale for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, set for Jan. 16-Feb. 7, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. The 23 days of jam-packed action will feature livestock and horse shoes, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival rides, shopping and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fwssr.com
On Aug. 28, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a new plan aimed at addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians and boosting the large animal veterinary workforce across the nation.
The Rural Veterinary Action Plan (RVAP) details five actionable items aimed at supporting veterinarians, bolstering the veterinary workforce, protecting livestock and safeguarding producers in rural communities.
Details of the plan were announced by Rollins during a press conference at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Rural veterinarians are vital for
State and national associations are gearing up for a busy season of meetings and conventions throughout Wyoming and across the nation.
With hay harvested, cows and sheep gathered off of the mountain and calves weaned and shipped, fall work for many producers is winding down, just in time for them to attend this year’s schedule of events. Fall conventions
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture will kick off the fall convention season lineup with its annual meeting, set for Sept. 14-17 at the Hammons Convention Center and Embassy Suites Northwest in Rogers, Ark.
Guided by this year’s theme “Securing Our Future Through Agriculture,” leaders from across the nation’s ag industry will partake in panel and policy discussions regarding the vital role agriculture plays in safeguarding the U.S. food supply, strengthening
the economy and protecting national security.
From Sept. 16-18, the Public Lands Council will host its 57th Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Flagstaff, Ariz., while the 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium will be held Sept. 17-18 at the D & N Event Center in North Platte, Neb.
The Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming will keep the ball rolling in October with its annual meeting set for Oct. 13 in Riverton, and a few days later, the Second Annual Water Quality Conference will take place at the University of Wyoming Conference Center in Laramie Oct. 15-16, where the Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Quality Division will share its mission of protecting and restoring Wyoming’s water quality for current and future generations.
On Oct. 22-26, Hereford enthusiasts will converge in Kansas City, Mo. for the 2025
Please see CONVENTIONS on page 5
The University of Wyoming (UW) has welcomed accomplished Weed Scientist Dr. Brian Mealor, director of the Sheridan Research and Extension Center (ShREC), as interim director of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station (WAES).
Mealor assumed his role on Sept. 2, following outgoing Director Eric Webster’s retirement on Aug. 29.
“I am deeply grateful for the leadership Eric has provided to the WAES and our college. His steadfast commitment to the land-grant mission and his success in expanding support for our research and Extension centers have left a lasting impact,” says Kelly Crane, Farm Credit Services of America Dean in the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR).
“I am equally excited to welcome Brian to our leadership team,” Crane continues. “With many years of service to Wyoming, Brian has excelled as a researcher, Extension specialist, educator and administrator. His strong commitment
September recognized as National Fruits and Veggies Month
After long, sunlit summer days of weeding, watering and care, the first whispers of harvest float on the breeze, marking September as National Fruits and Veggies Month – a nationwide campaign dedicated to encouraging healthier diets through increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
Launched by the Produce for Better Health Foundation in 2019, the month-long celebration touts the slogan “Every Time You Eat, Have a Plant” and furthers public engagement by equipping participants with educational resources and other helpful information and tools.
Health benefits
Overall, the National Fruits and Veggies Month campaign recognizes the treasure trove of health benefits produce provides, including vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants which are all essential for maintaining everyday wellness.
According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive problems and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
It may be the first week of September, but trusted Wyoming Meteorologist Don Day, Jr. already has his predictions for the upcoming 2025-26 winter season.
Day’s long-range winter weather forecast offers predictions on the time period spanning October 2025 to February 2026. His observations on what to expect during the “heart of winter” are based on a combination of meteorological data and historical patterns.
According to Day, Wyomingites can expect winter-like weather to be off to an earlier start this year, with bouts of colder and snowier conditions moving across the Cowboy State in waves rather than settling in during extended cold fronts.
Areas expected to see the biggest impacts of snow and cold are the northern half and eastern half of the state. Day notes, expected conditions for this winter will likely be comparable to conditions observed in the 2019-20 winter season.
Overall winter forecast
Day’s predictions are rooted primarily in a practice called “analog forecasting” which involves looking at data to identify past winter weather patterns which may offer clues on what to expect in the months to come. Although weather doesn’t necessarily repeat itself, Day notes patterns often rhyme.
I’ve always felt, no matter what business a person is in, they need to belong to a supporting organization with common interests. It doesn’t have to be the largest or the smallest organization, but it should be one for all age groups and especially one they feel comfortable with.
For those in the agriculture business, it is really important to belong to and support an organization to stay in the know. In today’s world it seems prices, policies and restrictions are always moving fast one way or the other.
Those involved in animal production – mainly cattle and sheep – certainly need to be a member of a livestock organization. Find an organization that aligns with your values and beliefs, and get your family involved as well.
Here at the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, we belong to many national, state and county ag and livestock organizations for two purposes. One, for the Roundup to support our readers and second, for the ranch to support ag organizations which assist with livestock, private and federal lands and water regulations issues.
On the national front, with livestock and farming, there are so many issues today it is hard to stay informed. It is good to have ag organizations in Washington, D.C. to lobby for us and to keep us informed.
With all of the pressing issues today, I think it’s important to have someone at the table to share our opinions and listen to others.
One of the bigger issues with agriculture, especially in Western states, is private lands rights. Many agree there has been more pressure coming from recreationists to go where they want, and some have a disregard for private lands. They don’t understand the laws of their backyards also apply to ranchers’ and farmers’ land – our backyards are just bigger.
Illegal meat coming into the U.S. from Brazil to Central America where the U.S. is fighting the New World screwworm, bringing in labor from other countries and allowing other countries to purchase land in America, are just a few of the issues agriculture faces today. All of these come back to affect local farmers and ranchers. It takes a strong organization to be involved in these issues.
If you are in agriculture and belong to ag organizations, I thank you for helping to keep these organizations strong. If you have served on boards or have been an officer of an ag organization, I thank you for your time and your time away from your operations and families.
If you are an executive officer, staff or volunteer in an ag organization, thank you for your long hours of lobbying, dealing with issues, reviewing court decisions and assisting those on the ground. Thank you for helping to keep us informed on pressing issues so we are always in the know and can sustain our operations at home.
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By Doug Miyamoto
Fire can wreak havoc on a community in the blink of an eye. This past year, hundreds of thousands of acres of ag land across Wyoming were impacted by fires. It has been, without a doubt, a brutal fire season with immediate and significant impacts on our ranching and rural communities in Wyoming.
While it’s easy to only focus on the immediate response and impacts of a fire, those impacts do not magically end once the flames are extinguished.
Recovery and restoration of ag lands is vitally important to the producers who use it and the overall health of the landscape for our agriculture industry and wildlife in Wyoming. Invasive plants
One of the key players in the restoration and revitalization of our rangelands will be our weed and pest districts throughout the state. Along with producers and landowners, Wyoming weed and pest districts, in addition to other organizations, will work to restore the area and limit growth of invasive plants which are detrimental to the health of the landscape.
Wildfires provide an opening for invasive plants to extend the negative impacts of fires into the future.
Cheatgrass, ventenata, medusahead and other invasive grasses have been problematic across the state for years. These invasive grasses can be difficult to manage and crowd out ben-
eficial native grasses.
They often have lower nutritional value than native plants, which leads to reduced forage for livestock and wildlife and can impact habitat for a variety of species in the state.
These plants also have water needs which limit available water for native grasses and wildlife in the area. They tend to dry out quickly in the spring and form dense, dry fuel loads which can facilitate the quick spread of fires.
Statewide mitigation efforts
Invasive plants have dramatic impacts on the landscape, and every year work is done across the state to try to limit and control their spread.
Unfortunately, invasive plants like cheatgrass and others, can thrive following a wildfire.
There are and will continue to be concerted efforts by weed and pest districts across the state to try and mitigate the rise of these plants, but it will not be an easy fix. The sheer amount of land burned and the cost of treatment are only a couple of aspects making this process so difficult.
Because of this, it’s important to be vigilant in monitoring what is growing and take quick action in problem areas where invasive plants are taking hold.
Coupled with this effort, conservation districts across the state continue to work on soil conservation and water quality issues which arise after a fire to help restore impacted rangelands.
A smart, and targeted, control effort for these invasive species, along with soil and water work, will not only help limit the growth of these plants, it will also help reduce the risk of these types of fires happening in the future.
Along with this, it’s important to utilize good grazing practices as the landscape recovers from fires.
An area which used to be able to graze 100 cattle may not be suited for this number in the upcoming year. Diligent management will help encourage native growth on these lands in coming years and will help sustain longterm health of the ranges.
While we can’t control when and where a wildfire starts and where it goes, smart management of grazing lands and strong control of invasive plants will help reduce fire risk in the future.
This isn’t the first time Wyoming producers have had to adjust and adapt their operations depending on the health of the range, and it won’t be the last.
Thankfully, we have some of the best producers in the world when it comes to dealing with these types of challenges and adversity. They are the best stewards of the land, and the work they do will help rangelands thrive for years into the future.
Doug Miyamoto is the director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and can be reached by visiting agriculture.wy.gov
To advertise in the 2025 Fall Cattlemen’s Edition, contact Denise or Jody at 800-967-1647, denise@wylr.net or jodym@wylr.net.
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In August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Wyoming’s leadership in coal and energy by proposing to approve Wyoming’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) program application. This proposal would allow the state, rather than the federal government, to manage coal ash disposal in surface impoundments and landfills.
In a ceremony at the Capitol, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA Region Eight Administrator Cyrus Western joined Gov. Mark Gordon and Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) to advance the proposal.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) first proposed state management of the program in 2023.
CCR is produced primarily as a byproduct from burning coal in coal-fired power plants. After reviewing Wyoming DEQ’s application, EPA determined its application meets the standards for approval. If finalized, Wyoming is expected to be the fifth state in the U.S. to have an approved CCR permit program.
“The EPA’s announcement recognizes the stellar work the state of Wyoming and the dedicated staff of our DEQ have achieved in this area,” said Gordon. “The environment, industry and Wyoming will all benefit from this proposal. I appreciate Zeldin and Western’s efforts making this a priority in the first year of the Trump administration.”
The announcement was also welcomed by industry partners who will benefit from the improved efficiency and responsiveness that comes with Wyoming DEQ oversight.
EPA will accept comments on this proposal for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. During this comment period, EPA will hold a public hearing on Oct. 30 for interested parties to present information and remarks about the proposal.
On Aug. 28, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall commented on a federal court decision that vacates a burdensome and unfair disaggregation labor rule, which is part of the 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate Rule.
“AFBF is pleased the U.S. Department of Labor and a federal judge recognized elements of the 2023 labor rule created an unfair wage structure which forced farmers to pay employees for jobs they may not usually perform,” Duvall said. “Farmers care about the men and women who choose to work on their farms and they support paying good wages for their employees, but the rule did not align compensation with work performed.”
“AFBF has long advocated for reforms to the H-2A guestworker program to ensure workers are treated fairly and farmers can afford to fill their labor needs. We appreciate the administration for listening to those concerns,” he continued. “We encourage leaders to continue along the path of reforming a broken system by improving the H-2A program and stabilizing our workforce for our farm families.”
The Trump administration will soon propose a new Clean Water Act rule which could eliminate federal protections for many wetlands across the U.S., according to an internal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presentation obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News
Under the proposed rule, the federal government would regulate wetlands only if they meet a two-part test – they would need to contain surface water throughout the “wet season,” and they would need to be abutting and touching a river, stream or other water body flowing throughout the wet season, the presentation said.
Fewer wetlands permits would be required under the new language, according to a slide from the presentation, which was confirmed by two EPA staffers briefed on the rule.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed the draft is going through review and will likely come out for public comment in coming weeks.
Zeldin said EPA’s goal is to make the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule simple. The agency wants Americans “to be able to understate the definition of what WOTUS are without having to hire an attorney.”
“The previous administration’s definition of WOTUS placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business,” Zeldin said. “Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs and families to help ʻPower the Great American Comeback.ʼ”
In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in Sackett vs. EPA only wetlands with a “continuous surface connection” to a “relatively permanent” body of water are protected by the law.
The Idaho Cattle Association (ICA), proudly marking its 110th year serving the state’s beef industry, invites members, producers and allied industry partners to its Annual Convention and Trade Show, scheduled for Nov. 10-12 in Sun Valley, Idaho.
The focus of the convention is to blend insightful dialogue and informative and entertaining presentations from leading industry experts, which are all designed to equip attendees with valuable connections, knowledge and strategies for advancing their operations.
The event will also feature a unique Strolling Supper, the President’s Banquet, a fundraising auction hosted by the Idaho Cattle Political Action Committee to support industry advocacy and a trade show.
This year’s keynote presenter is Lucas Mack, a seasoned marketing executive from Kubota who spearheaded North America’s brand rollout and global brand strategy. Attendees will gain insights into aligning brand with human experience.
Attendees may call the Sun Valley Resort at 800-7868259 to book under the ICA room block or book online.
For more information, to view the full agenda or to register, visit idahocattle.org or call the ICA office at 208-343-1615.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is advancing a key coal project in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin which could unlock access to more than 440 million tons of federal coal.
The BLM has released a final environmental impact statement for the proposed West Antelope III coal lease-by-application project. The lease area covers about 3,500 acres next to the existing Antelope Mine in Campbell and Converse counties. The project allows Navajo Transitional Energy Company to expand its operations and continue supplying low-cost, reliable energy from federal lands.
The agency held a public hearing on the project’s fair market value and maximum economic recovery on Sept. 3 in Wright.
This action aligns with the Trump administration’s commitment to unleashing America’s energy potential, reinvigorating the coal industry and creating high-paying jobs in energyproducing communities.
Additional information and planning documents are available at eplanning.blm.gov. For more information, contact BLM Acting High Plains District Manager Todd Yeager at tyeager@ blm.gov or 307-684-1141.
Cases of New World screwworm (NWS) infections in Mexico have climbed by more than 50 percent since July. As of Aug. 17, Reuters said Mexico has documented 5,086 cases of the flesh-eating screwworm in animals, a 53 percent rise from July, according to numbers released by the Mexican government.
The updated numbers previously unavailable to the public show 649 currently active cases of screwworm infections.
“This is incredibly concerning,” said Neal Wilkins, who told Drovers a 50 percent increase in the number of cases from July to August, particularly in extreme heat, means Mexico hasn’t gotten the parasite under control.
Drovers also said the increase in the number of reported cases likely comes from Mexican cattle producers more closely inspecting their cattle and reporting suspicious wounds or pests.
Eighty-five percent of the cases in Mexico have been identified in cattle, but it has affected other livestock as well. The pest can affect any mammal, and collecting information on infestations in wildlife is very difficult.
To combat the threat NWS presents to the U.S. livestock industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has rolled out millions in resources, including $750 million in federal funding planned for a domestic sterile fly production facility at an airbase in Texas. This facility will have the capability of producing 300 million flies per week.
Another $100 million was allocated to find cuttingedge technologies to help combat the spread of NWS.
On Aug. 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a memorandum announcing a new policy directive prioritizing land use efficiency when evaluating proposals for power generation projects on U.S. National Forest System lands.
Rollins says the memorandum underscores the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commitment to strengthening American energy production and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources, like foreign adversary-manufactured solar panels, while protecting lands for future generations.
The memorandum instructs the U.S. Forest Service to develop new screening criteria to measure and prioritize the amount of energy produced per acre of land while ensuring projects are consistent with environmental stewardship, multiple-use principles and economic benefits for rural communities.
Projects demonstrating higher land use efficiency – producing more power with less land disturbance –will be prioritized.
the agricultural economy in the U.S.,” stated Rollins during the conference. “Our farmers and ranchers rely on these critical services to prevent the transmission of animal disease, protect our food supply and support America’s rural economy.”
“As the number of rural food animal veterinarians continues to decline, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting farmers first to ensure we build back the first line of defense in our animal food production system – the rural veterinarian,” Rollins continued.
Understanding challenges
Rural areas are populated by producers who rely heavily on veterinary services. However, several studies have highlighted a concerning decline in the rural veterinary workforce throughout the past several decades.
Factors like financial burdens, unpredictable hours and physical demands often create barriers to entry, leading many veterinarians to pursue companion animal
practices in urban areas.
“Animal health threats, foodborne illnesses and increasingly complex trade barriers underscore the need for highly qualified food animal veterinarians,” reads the RVAP’s introductory text. “However, veterinary schools and associations across the nation have publicly recognized a growing shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural areas.”
“These shortages are partly due to the amount of debt veterinarians incur in veterinary school – with the average debt for graduates in 2024 being $202,647 – and the alarmingly high amount of veterinary school graduates entering companion animal practices which offers more competitive pay and benefits,” the text continues.
A 2022 report by the Farm Journal Foundation notes roughly 500 rural counties nationwide were in need of veterinarians and emphasizes less than five percent of recent graduates from veterinary schools pursue careers in “livestock or other food animal practice
areas – a stark decline from 40 years ago when about 40 percent of graduates specialized in this area.”
The total number of mixed animal and food animal veterinarians in the U.S. decreased by 15 percent in the past 10 years, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Data collected by AVMA in 2023 reflected only 8,100 veterinarians working in a food animal or mixed animal practice, compared to 68,400 veterinarians working in companion animal medicine.
AVMA data also reflects a stark salary difference between mixed animal and companion animal veterinarians. The lowest mean salary in 2024 was attributed to mixed animal and equine associate veterinarians at $100,000.
In contrast, the mean salary for a companion animal exclusive associate veterinarian was $133,000.
For recent graduates carrying debt from veterinary school, lower-paying jobs in rural areas can be unattractive and unsustainable. Combined with unpredict-
able hours, extensive travel and stressful situations often encountered on the job, many beginning veterinarians are exiting large animal practices early or opting out of them altogether.
The RVAP outlines several actions to address these issues and combat the shortage of rural veterinarians, noting the inability to fill such positions is “alarm-
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ing” and “threatens the supply chain.”
About the plan
The RVAP aims to bolster the rural veterinary workforce by expanding grants and financial assistance, streamlining loan applications, investing in research, creating an accessible catalog of federal resources available to beginning veterinarians and recruiting more students from rural America to veterinary programs.
According to USDA, the department will make changes to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and the Veterinary Services Grant Program later this year. These changes include streamlining applications to an online portal and increasing funding for programs with proven success rates.
USDA will also focus attention on analyzing rural veterinary shortages to better understand industry needs. The USDA Economic Research Service has been tasked with studying and collecting data on the scope of the rural veterinary shortage crisis, with a report on findings due mid 2026.
The RVAP also emphasizes the importance of recruiting and retaining USDA veterinarians. According to USDA, rural posts, port inspections and export certification roles are particularly hard to staff, especially when the pay offered by private practices in urban and suburban areas is more competitive than government pay.
To address this, USDA is exploring the introduction of special pay rates and potential recruitment bonuses for federal government veterinarians, as well as increased tuition reimbursements.
USDA also seeks to partner with universities, communities, farmers and youth groups to recruit “the best and brightest next generation of talent and bring more jobs to America’s countryside.”
Additionally, USDA will create a catalog of federal resources available to help aid in the process of starting a rural veterinary practice to better educate veterinary schools
and recent graduates about available financial resources.
Finally, USDA is pledging to work more closely with veterinary schools and other industry stakeholders to understand barriers to entry and increase recruitment from rural areas.
The agency will hold listening sessions between now and Oct. 1 to hear from stakeholders and determine what additional actions can be taken to recruit food animal veterinarians to federal and rural area positions.
According to the department, all of these actions reflect USDA’s commitment to “ensuring rural America has access to quality veterinary care for large animals, critical to preventing the spread of diseases and building upon the strong food safety inspection systems which protects American families and the food supply.”
Support for the plan
Support for the RVAP has been widespread, with industry stakeholders and government officials alike noting its timeliness and importance.
“Without veterinarians, our farmers and ranchers cannot thrive, and without thriving farms, our rural towns and communities cannot survive,” says Mike McCormick, president of the Mississippi Farm Bureau. “We remain strong advocates for our rural communities, knowing full well the future of agriculture depends on access to veterinary care.”
“As a cattle producer and co-chair of the Senate Veterinary Medicine Caucus, I know how urgently rural areas need more veterinary support,” comments Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). “I applaud Secretary Rollins and USDA for making important changes to strengthen our veterinary workforce. This announcement shows real commitment to protecting animal health and supporting our American farmers. Food security is national security, and this is exactly the kind of leadership we need.” Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to
World Hereford Conference, a global event designed to bring breeders and industry leaders together for networking and educational opportunities.
Casper will host the last two events scheduled for the month of October – the Wyoming Farm to School Conference set for Oct. 27-28 at the Wyoming Sports Ranch and the 2025 Wyoming Water Association Conference set for Oct. 29-31 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center.
November will give way to even more state and national events, including the Montana Farmers Union 110th Annual Convention, held Oct. 31-Nov.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rawlins Field Office, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, Wyoming Conservation Corps and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, led a largescale restoration effort this summer in the Muddy Creek watershed, an important tributary to the Colorado River system.
1 in Lewistown, Mont. and the 2025 Angus Convention, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Kansas City, Mo.
The second weekend of November will be a busy one for Wyoming’s ag community.
On Nov. 6-7 the Wyoming Association of Irrigation Districts will hold its annual conference at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper, while the 32nd Annual Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium will take place at the Red Lion Hotel in Gillette.
Additionally, the West Central States Wool Growers Convention will return to the Cowboy State and is
scheduled for Nov. 6-8 at the Buffalo Bill Resort in Cody.
The lineup continues into mid-November with the Idaho Cattle Association’s 2025 Annual Conference set for Nov. 10-12 in Sun Valley, Idaho; the 42nd Annual Governor’s Business Forum set for Nov. 11-13 in Laramie; the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation’s (WyFB) 2025 Meeting and Vendor Fair set for Nov. 13-15 at the CAMPLEX in Gillette and the Nebraska Beef Summit set for Nov. 13 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center in Ithaca, Neb.
Conferences scheduled later in the month
include the 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention and Trade Show Nov. 17-20 in Missoula, Mont.; the 80th Annual Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Convention Nov. 19-21 in Gillette and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Annual Convention Nov. 20-22 at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne.
Winter conventions
Following a long list of fall conventions, the highly anticipated Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show, hosted by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, will take place Dec. 8-10 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper.
At the start of the new year, the National Bison
Association will host its annual winter conference in Denver on Jan. 21-14, 2026 during the National Western Stock Show, while the American Sheep Industry Association will hold its annual convention Jan. 28-31, 2026 in Reno, Nev.
At the beginning of February, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will head to the heart of Nashville for the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, set for Feb. 3-5, 2026.
The convention is the largest cattle industry event in the nation and is held in conjunction with CattleCon and the Cattlemen’s College – two extensive educational programs geared exclusively toward cattle production in
During June and July, youth conservation crews installed 98 new beaver dam analogs (BDAs), repaired 40 existing structures and built a large riparian exclosure to improve stream habitat. The work benefited a 14-mile stretch of Muddy Creek, located south of Rawlins. Historically, beavers
shaped the Muddy Creek landscape with their dams, creating wet meadows and meandering streams. The decline of beavers led to stream downcutting, erosion and reduced riparian habitat.
BDAs built from posts, willows, aspen and sod mimic beaver activity by raising water tables,
On Aug. 27, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken the next step in the rulemaking process for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule by opening a public comment period.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is publishing a notice seeking public comment on its intention to develop an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed rescission of the rule. The notice details the reasons for rescinding the rule, the potential effects on people and resources and how national forests and grasslands are managed.
USFS published the notice in the Federal Register on Aug. 29.
While the rescission would apply to roadless areas in Alaska, state-specific rules for Colorado and Idaho, which were part of the Administrative Procedure Act petitions, would not be affected by the proposal. In total, the 2025 rescission would apply to
nearly 45 million acres of the nearly 60 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the U.S. National Forest System.
The proposal aligns with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14192, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, to get rid of overcomplicated, burdensome barriers which hamper American business and innovation. It also supports EO 14153, Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential, which directs USFS to exempt the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 Roadless Rule.
The public is invited to comment on the potential effects of the proposal to guide the development of the EIS no later than Sept. 19. Public comments will be considered during the development of the draft EIS. Additional opportunities to comment will occur as the rulemaking process continues. For more information or to submit comments, visit usda.gov
improving water quality and creating diverse habitat for fish and wildlife.
Youth crews from the Wyoming Conservation Corps and the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps carried out the bulk of the construction. Local volunteers, including students from the Saratoga 4-H chapter, also joined in.
According to project partners, early results from the restoration are already visible, including water depth increases, streambanks starting to soak up moisture and cutthroat trout seen swimming above a BDA minutes after construction.
The Muddy Creek project is part of more than
the U.S. WyFB’s Young Farmer and Rancher program will hold a joint conference with Colorado, which will kick off on Feb. 6, 2026 and run through Feb. 9, 2026. For more information on upcoming events, check out the events calendar on page 10 or visit wylr.net Keep an eye out for coverage of these conventions in upcoming editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Hosting a meeting that isn’t in this article? E-mail roundup@wylr.net with event details.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article or submit your event information to roundup@wylr.net.
30 years of coordinated conservation, and future work will include spawning gravel augmentation, channel restoration, riparian plantings and fish barrier removal. Monitoring will track soil moisture, water quality and habitat diversity, with support from Trout Unlimited and the University of Wyoming.
Longtime Meeker, Colo.
resident Mary Crocker Strang, age 87, peacefully passed away on Aug. 25 at her home surrounded by her family.
Mary was born June 25, 1938 in Princeton, N.J. to the late Rev. John C. Crocker, Sr. and Mary Hallowell Crocker. She was the youngest of six children.
At the age of two, Mary’s family moved to Groton, Mass. when her father became the headmaster of Groton School. She spent her childhood summers at the family home on the island of North Haven, Maine. While
here, Mary, her siblings and her other cousins were given tremendous freedom to use the skiffs off the dock and explore various features of the Point, including its mudflats.
Mary’s gusto for adventure, regardless of how dirty the task, earned her the fond title of “Dirty Gert.” How she played as a child is indicative of how she approached life.
Mary attended Concord Academy and graduated high school from Milton Academy. She attended Smith College in Northampton, Mass.
At age 16, Mary and a friend traveled to Ralston Creek Ranch near Golden, Colo. She met and fell in love with Bart Strang that summer. It’s a wonder the decision to go to Ralston Creek one July ended up changing her life forever, and at a young age, she decided to leave life in New England and jump into being a rancher’s wife.
Mary and Bart were united in marriage on Sept. 13, 1958 in Groton, Mass. Four girls – Mary, Ellen, Lisa and Sarah – were born to them.
Mary and Bart spent their first years of marriage on the family ranch at Ralston Creek. In 1960, they moved to Carbondale, Colo. They purchased their first Hereford cattle in 1962 while they were ranching in Carbondale with Bart’s brother Mike and friend Tom Turnbull.
In 1968, they moved to their own place on West Sopris Creek in Basalt, Colo.
In addition to their registered and commercial cattle business, they operated a summer program for teenagers, serving as surrogate parents to 40 teens for eight weeks. Each summer, the Strang family of six grew to 60 as everyone shared life on the ranch in the Colorado high country.
Mary prepared three meals a day for her large summer family of 60. It was routine for her to bake 20 loaves of bread, make 10 pies and prepare large amounts of meat, salad and vegetables.
Alongside managing the
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summer business and raising four daughters, Mary helped Bart develop their herd of Hereford cattle. She took weekend ski trips to Buttermilk, assisted with 4-H projects, attended bull sales and junior rodeos and served as a trustee for the Rocky Mountain School. The friendships she formed during this time lasted until her death.
The family moved to Meeker, Colo. in 1973 and focused solely on raising cattle. Mary quickly became involved in many facets of the community, including the Episcopal Church, school, 4-H and community choir, to name a few.
An advocate for youth and education, Mary volunteered her time in classrooms and boardrooms, never passing up the opportunity to help someone.
The cattle operation became the center of Mary’s life. She found joy in the simple tasks of dragging fields in the spring and cleaning stalls during calving season. She learned to manage a website, edit videos and market bulls with the best.
Annual bull sales and showing carloads of yearling bulls at the National Western Stock Show in Denver were
her working vacations. Throughout her life, Mary devoted immeasurable effort to supporting the youth of each community she lived in. She was a staunch supporter of education and enrichment for all students, believing the arts were an integral part of every child’s education.
She spent many years on the Meeker School Board and was the driving force behind the creation of the Meeker Education Foundation, which now provides crucial funding for the Meeker School District.
This New England schoolgirl did not hesitate to embrace the life of a rancher’s wife, even though, in retrospect, she was asking herself to make a huge adjustment in the way she lived.
As a dear friend wrote, “And with each challenge that came along, she rose up, as if it were no big deal and turned herself into a hero in my eyes, not just a cherished friend. One of a kind she was.”
Mary is preceded in death by her husband Bart Strang, her daughter Ellen Nieslanik, her parents and her five siblings.
She is survived by daughters Mary (Greg) Cunningham, Lisa (Tom) Walsh and Sarah (Clint) Hjelm; son-in-law Joe (Ellen) Nieslanik; 11 grandchildren, Ben (Rachel) Cunningham, Charlie (Cami) Cunningham, Hannah (Ben) Cunningham-Hollinger, Meg (John Colavita) Nieslanik, Jake (Paige) Nieslanik, Sam (Katie) Nieslanik, Nate (Kalyn) Walsh, Anna Walsh, Stephen Walsh, Wyatt Hjelm and Hannah Hjelm, plus seven – soon-to-be eight – great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Kit Strang and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Mary will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 12 at St. James Episcopal Church in Meeker, Colo., followed by a reception at the Meeker 4-H Building.
Instead of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to St. James Episcopal Church, in care of Grant Mortuary.
Mary was the epitome of the do-it-yourself person. She taught herself to refinish furniture, do the finish work on her house, enjoyed landscaping and woodworking, and she was not afraid of technology. There was nothing she couldn’t do.
By Sara Fleenor, UW Extension Educator
Producers know the importance of having available water for livestock, but consideration for the quality and cleanliness of this water might be overlooked.
Water intake increases feed intake and promotes growth, lactation and reproduction. If livestock are drinking water, it must be
The institute further claims eating non-starchy vegetables and fruits like apples, pears and leafy greens promotes weight loss by preventing blood sugar spikes, which decreases appetite.
Kansas State University (KSU) Food Scientist Karen Blakeslee reiterates these claims.
In an Aug. 29 article published by KSU’s Research and Extension News Service, Blakeslee says, “Consuming more fruits and vegetables lowers calorie intake, reduces weight gain and reduces the intake of high-calorie foods. Whether they are fresh, frozen, canned or dried, fruits and vegetables can be consumed year-round.”
Both the Harvard and KSU experts encourage individuals to eat a wide variety
two gallons of water per 100 pounds of weight each day. Outside temperature, humidity and lactation will affect water consumption. Additionally, fresh forage will produce some moisture for cattle and reduce actual water intake.
Cattle prefer water between 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing or hot water will reduce overall consumption.
adequate, although this isn’t always the case. If there is only one source of water, cattle will drink it regardless of the consequences.
Unsavory water supplies can lead to economic loss for producers and even death for livestock.
Water requirements
Cattle typically need
of produce to benefit from the different nutritional advantages they each provide.
The Harvard School of Public Health notes, “At least nine different families of fruits and vegetables exist, each with potentially hundreds of different plant compounds that are beneficial to health. Eat a variety of types and colors of produce in order to give your body the mix of nutrients it needs. This not only ensures a greater diversity of beneficial plant chemicals but also creates eye-appealing meals.”
In an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables, the Harvard School of Public Health recommends keeping washed and ready-toeat fruit on the counter or in the fridge where it is easily accessible, exploring the pro-
While all fruits and vegetables offer nutritional value in some way, shape or form, September’s National Fruits and Veggies Month campaign shines a spotlight on fresh, local produce, and despite its harsher climate and shorter growing season, Wyoming offers an abundant harvest.
According to the Wyoming Harvest Calendar, produce such as apples, raspberries, pumpkins, corn and winter squash reach their peak from latesummer through September in the Cowboy State, while blackberries, blueberries and strawberries wrap up their seasons as well.
The use of everbearing and day-
Common sources of water include ponds, moving water such as rivers and streams and stock water tanks.
Water quality
There are several criteria to assess when analyzing water quality, including odor, taste, chemical properties – pH – toxic compounds
duce aisle and frequently trying something new and trying new recipes that include more vegetables.
At each meal, Blakeslee recommends filling half of the plate with fruits and vegetables and mindfully choosing produce as a snack over something less nutritious.
Food waste and education
In addition, the national campaign comes with a reminder to cut food waste, citing Environmental Protection Agency data which claims nearly 40 percent of food waste occurs at home.
The Produce for Better Health Foundation recommends utilizing preservation methods like freezing, canning or pickling to minimize food waste and extend summer’s bounty into colder months.
Blakeslee further suggests adding perishable foods to casseroles, salads and/or
neutral strawberry varieties allow Wyoming growers to harvest in the fall, in addition to the primary summer yield which extends the strawberry season further into September.
The University of Wyoming (UW) notes, beyond cultivated crops, Wyoming is home to wild-harvested fruits like black chokecherries, which typically ripen from August through September, although it is important to note their poisonous stems and pits require careful processing.
UW further notes other native fruits include American plums, serviceberries, gooseberries, buffaloberries, wild currant and Woods’ rose.
like heavy metals, excess minerals and bacteria.
Ponds can pose a variety of risks. If runoff is low in a drought year or as ponds start drying up, the concentration of salt and toxins increase in surface water. Additionally, stagnant water in hot, dry weather make ponds more susceptible to cyanobacteria or blue-green algae.
Symptoms of algae exposure include diarrhea, lack of coordination, labored breathing and death.
High-saline water will only be ingested if it’s the only water source. Salt poisoning signs include weakness, dehydration, tremors, seizures, partial paralysis and death.
Excess sulfates in water
soups; avoiding buying items in bulk that can’t be used quickly; preparing fresh produce so it is easy to grab as a snack and composting spoiled food instead of throwing it away.
“When shopping, plan meals and snacks to be a better shopper,” Blakeslee suggests. “Before going to the store, shop your kitchen first. Incorporate what you already have into your menu. Know your schedule and what your family likes to be sure fresh produce is used before it gets wasted.”
Through National Fruits
can also lead to diarrhea, mostly in younger calves. While most cattle will recover health, at very high sulfate levels there will be a performance slump, symptoms of polio and eventually death. High sulfates will deplete copper in diets.
Water testing
Water sources should be checked and tested annually. Noticeable odors of sewage, rotten eggs, mold or animal waste are immediate indicators of unsafe water.
Waterers should be cleared of algae and cleaned with a bleach solution of 1.5 cups of bleach to one gallon of water and left to sit for 15 minutes before being rinsed.
Water testing kits are
and Veggies Month, the Produce for Better Health Foundation also offers a host of educational materials on their website at wicworks. fns.usda.gov
Here, individuals can find a comprehensive list of local farmers’ markets throughout the U.S.; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Eduction’s Seasonal Produce Guide, which offers nutrition facts, recipes and shopping and storage tips; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) Meals of the
available in many county Extension offices or can be found with little effort or cost.
Testing for nitrates and keeping them below 100 milligrams per liter, pH at neutral or alkaline below a seven and total dissolved solids and/or salinity to below 1,000 milligrams per liter is ideal for a healthy water supply.
A simple water analysis can save money on production, disease and livestock mortality.
Sara Fleenor is the University of Wyoming Extension agriculture and natural resources educator serving Crook County. She can be reached at sfleenor@uwyo.edu or 307283-1192.
Month series, which includes recipes from WIC staff and encourages participants to share their own and a link to MyPlate, where individuals can find information on how much fruit and how many vegetables should be consumed daily, factsheets on the important health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables and interactive quizzes to reinforce nutritional education. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Five Wyoming sheep and wool producers offered comments on the state’s sheep industry during a panel discussion at the 2025 Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, held July 11-13 in Buffalo.
The discussion covered a variety of topics regarding the past, present and future of the Wyoming sheep and wool industry and was facilitated by University of Wyoming (UW) Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Micah Most.
Panel highlights
Panelists included Campbell County Sheep Producers Bob Innes and Kelly Barlow, Johnson County Sheep Producers Kirby Camino and Mike Curuchet and Karen Hostetler, owner of Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in Buffalo.
The conversation began with panelists sharing a bit about their operations, from how they got their start to current day-to-day methods. Across the range of comments shared, a common theme was community and continued learning.
Curuchet, Camino and Innes all come from multiple generations of Wyoming sheep producers. Throughout the panel, they shared stories and examples of how their operations have changed over the years, crediting wisdom from previous generations coupled with hands-on experience as factors in their continued success.
“My grandparents came over from the Basque country and raised sheep when they got here,” Curuchet stated.
“My dad carried it on, so I was born into it. I learned a lot from my dad and some other good sheep people around us. You pick up something from any operation you go to. We help each other on the mountains all the time,” he added. Camino echoed Curuchet’s sentiments, crediting experience as the best teacher.
“You learn from people who lead by example,” Camino began. “You try things and if it doesn’t work, you don’t do it again. If it works, you keep trying it. If there’s a different way to make it work better, do it. Always try and stay progressive.”
“There’s no substitute for experience,” Innes said. “Every day and every year there are new things to learn. You have to pay attention and never think you already know it all.”
Innes further remarked on technological advancements as a big aid to the evolution of his operation, which began with his grandfather raising Panamas in the 1930s and has evolved into a predominately Targhee herd. He specifically noted National Sheep Improvement Program technology and surveillance cameras in lambing sheds as tools in maintaining his herd.
Hostetler and Barlow got their start in the sheep industry more recently, but still echoed sentiments about community and continued learning.
Hostetler shared the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill got its start 18 years ago with the help of 10,000
pounds of wool provided by the Camino family. This business partnership has continued to this day and developed into working with several ranching families in the surrounding area.
As stated on the Mountain Meadow Wool website, the mill is “dedicated to quality and sustainability” and “produces 100 percent American-made, Wyominggrown wool crafted with ecofriendly practices and fair prices for ranchers.”
Hostetler noted the mill’s goal is to “make a brand identity for Wyoming wool” and contribute to the continuation of the ranching lifestyle.
Barlow runs Dorper sheep with her husband Eric and their children and markets lamb directly to consumers. After some initial learn-
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ing curves, Barlow said she grew to love working with sheep and producing lamb.
“I love seeing the herd grow,” Barlow said. “It gives me a pride in what I’m doing and the food we’re providing for the world.”
Current challenges
In addition to sharing background information about their operations, panelists discussed current issues facing the sheep and wool industry. Lack of interest in the labor force, increased predator numbers, unpredictable weather and current market conditions were predominant themes.
Camino mentioned fire and drought conditions prevented use of regular lambing pasture on his operation, leading to an unhappy herd and more labor spent round-
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"From the ring, to the video, and in the country, we market your livestock the competitive way."
Weigh Up Cow market slightly higher, Weigh Up Bull market steady to slightly lower. BBQ Yearling Sale next week. Thank you and we appreciate your business!
ing up escaped sheep and repairing fences.
Camino said, “Mother Nature threw us a big challenge with the fire, but we adapted and did the best we could with what we were dealt.”
Hostetler noted the wool mill faces challenges with market conditions and labor force. She explained wool marketing has changed drastically in the past two decades and highlighted the challenge of making sure enough product gets sold in the face of changing conditions.
Hostetler further noted every employee has to be trained from the ground up on how to spin yarn, and help is sometimes in short supply.
“It’s not really a skill you can advertise for,” she noted. “We have some employees who will be with us forever because they love the work, but we have a lot who come and go. Every single employee who comes in has to be trained for the specific job.”
Barlow made note of the challenges involved with marketing lamb to consumers she’s experienced throughout the years, as well as operational challenges posed by lack of willing or available help.
“Everyone is just going in so many different directions now,” Barlow remarked. “It’s a lot of work getting the next generation to be willing to work this hard sometimes.”
Innes and Curuchet both noted predator control, specifically coyotes, as a big challenge which has increased in recent years.
“We used to be in a coyote-free zone – 100 percent control,” Innes said. “Now, we spend so much time, money and resources trying to control coyotes or watch for them and see if we have any impacts.”
Curuchet echoed Innes’ statements and also made note of rising production demands, in addition to the rising costs of labor and land putting a strain on some aspects of operation.
“On our operation, the biggest thing that’s changed over the years is the demand for more production,”
Sharing insight – Local sheep and wool producers answered questions about the Wyoming sheep industry during a panel discussion held at the 2025 Wyoming
Questions were facilitated by
Curuchet said. “The markets have demanded more, and everybody’s production has gone up so much.”
Hope for the future
To close out the conversation, panelists shared their thoughts on the future of the sheep and wool industry.
Comments were cautiously optimistic, noting current market conditions as a point of difficulty but also highlighting a generational attitude of dedication and perseverance shared by sheep producers as a point of hope.
“What’s kept this industry going for so long is the people involved,” Innes said. “Sheep people are a bunch of superstars and have been for generations. They’ve risen to the occasion and challenge time after time.”
“The sheep is a pretty unique, miraculous creature in itself to take a clump of grass and convert it to wool and lamb,” Innes continued. Barlow remarked on the involvement of 4-H and FFA youth as a point of hope.
“It’s hard work, sun up to sun down, so seeing youth who are willing to do it gives me hope,” Barlow said. “This is one of the reasons I stay involved with supporting 4-H, FFA and our county fair, to encourage and help boost it along.”
Camino’s comments also pointed to the next generation.
“For me, it goes back to my kids,” Camino said. “When my six-year-old asks some really tough questions in the shed, it reminds me that little sponge is retaining everything he might need to do what we do. It gives me hope there’s still somebody interested in taking over the family business.”
“I think events like this give me hope,” said Hostetler in closing. “I see faces of people in the audience, and those who are up here, who have spent their whole life raising sheep and living the ranching lifestyle. I believe it’s something future generations are going to want to continue. I think it’s engrained in us as human beings, so it gives me hope.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
by
I feel sorry for sale managers when they stop a sale and make a long speech telling the crowd the animal in the ring is the best bargain since the Dutch bought Manhattan from the Native Americans for some beads and $24 in cash.
Then, after the momentum of the sale has come to a complete stop, he’ll hand it back to the auctioneer who, despite the speech, can’t find another bid anywhere.
This is why it’s important to have an auctioneer and a ring crew who know intuitively when a person is
couple hundred females, a person doesn’t want to be wasting any time.
to keeping UW relevant, responsive and accountable to our state will serve us well in this interim role.”
New role
As the research arm of CALSNR, WAES supports studies on topics ranging from droughtresistant crops and invasive weed management to livestock production and agricultural economics.
In addition to supporting on-campus research, WAES operates four research and Extension centers across the state. Located in Laramie, Lingle, Powell and Sheridan, these centers serve as hubs for local, regional and even international research projects.
As WAES interim director, Mealor will help guide statewide initiatives in collaboration with college leadership, in addi-
done bidding. If you watch a bull sale closely, you’ll see a ring man point to the out gate or shake his head, meaning his bidder is done bidding. I used to use my flat hand in an underhand movement like I was pushing the animal out of the ring.
This is especially important in a video sale where TV time can cost over $3,000 an hour and you want to sell as many lots as you can while still getting every dollar for the consignor. Nowadays, where there are often bull sales with 500 bulls and a
Years ago, we were selling a high-dollar bull, and the auctioneer thought we’d gathered up all the money we were going to get so he said “SOLD” and slammed his gavel down right before a ring man turned in another bid.
It was obvious to everyone the bull had sold, but the auctioneer made the mistake of saying, “You got me right between the SO and the LD,” and he restarted selling the bull.
The man who’d obviously already bought the bull once became very irritated and ended up buying the bull for $30,000 more than he’d paid the first time. He told the owner he’d never buy another animal at his sale as long as he employed the same auctioneer.
UW as an assistant professor of plant sciences and an Extension weed specialist.
tion to fulfilling local responsibilities at ShREC.
“I want to acknowledge the good Eric has done,” Mealor says. “During his time as director, significant improvements were made at all of the research and Extension centers, especially in terms of equipment, and we’re poised to move forward even more efficiently. The team is really good too, and it’s exciting to help support them.”
Previous experience
A professor of plant sciences, Mealor earned his Master of Science and PhD in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management from UW.
Following his postdoctoral research at UW, Mealor served as director of stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming, then returned to
In 2015, he was appointed director of ShREC.
Mealor says he’s fortunate to have worked with collaborators both on campus and in communities across the state.
“It helped me get a broad perspective on what applied research can do to help serve people in Wyoming,” he notes.
A nationally recognized expert in weed science, Mealor specializes in the management of annual invasive grasses in western rangelands.
In addition to his role as director of ShREC, he serves as director of the Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE).
Administratively housed at UW, IMAGINE brings together local, state and
Guess who got fired. I was the announcer for a big video company for 20 years, and we had six world champion auctioneers. I was on the block 95 percent of the time.
In all of this time, I can’t remember two times we had a similar incident because we had such good auctioneers and excellent ring men. We never wanted to sell a bidder out too soon, but we didn’t want to beg and plead all day either.
A good ring man knows instinctively when a bidder is done bidding and conveys this information to the auctioneer who usually trusts his judgement.
I read one time people who’ve had abusive childhoods make excellent ring men because they had to read the mind of their abusive parent to know when to steer clear. I think there’s
regional partners to find solutions for the spread of invasive grasses like cheatgrass, medusahead and ventenata. The organization leads scientific research, provides outreach education and develops practical resources for land managers and landowners.
“We have become one of the most sought-out and trusted resources for strategic management of invasive grasses in rangelands of the western U.S., not just in terms of science but also hands-on support,” Mealor comments.
He further notes he is committed to bringing this practical, proactive approach to his role as interim WAES director.
Mealor can be contacted at bamealor@uwyo. edu or 307-673-2647.
Brooke Ortel is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published by UW Ag News on Aug. 28.
something to this theory, because I learned to read my mean, alcoholic father like a book to avoid a scolding, a swat or worse.
I enjoyed my 50 years as a ring man and made a study of it. I read a book a long time ago that said only one-third of communication takes place through the spoken word, and the book explained how to read a person’s tells and non-verbal behavior.
If you watch car auctions on the internet, you’ll see – practically on every lot – a bidder will tell the ring man he’s through bidding but then goes on to bid several more times. To know when he or she really means it, a ring man studies the bidder’s posture, gestures and movements.
If the bidder says they’re done while covering their mouth, scratching
their nose, covering their ears or their eyes or blinking a lot, he or she will probably bid again.
But if they offer an open palm in the direction of the person they’re bidding against, he or she is done and the ring man can convey this information to the auctioneer with confidence. The same goes for a man turning to his wife and saying, “I’m through.”
He dang well better be. Surprisingly, when a bidder gets up and says, “I’M DONE!” while walking away, it doesn’t necessarily mean he is. I’ve seen countless times where the bidder will stop, turn around and bid again.
Working ring is a lot like playing poker in the Wild, Wild West – only the ring man doesn’t lose any money and no one gets shot. At least so far anyway.
Gov. Mark Gordon has appointed Ranie Lynds as interim director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS), following the departure of Erin Campbell, who has served as state geologist and director since 2017.
Campbell has accepted the position of state geologist for Alaska. During her eight years at the helm of WSGS, Campbell oversaw a wide range of projects in energy, mineral resources, hazards and mapping and expanded the survey’s role in providing timely, science-based information to the public and policymakers.
Lynds joined WSGS in 2012 and has served as energy and mineral resources manager since 2017. Her work has included research on oil and gas, oversight of the STATEMAP and Earth MRI programs and leadership on airborne geophysical surveys across the state. She holds degrees in geology and geophysics from Stanford University and a PhD in geology from the University of Wyoming.
For more information, visit wsgs.wyo.gov/
Sept. 7 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Bear Spray Training Event, 2 p.m., National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, Jackson. For more information, contact Mark Aughton at 307-527-7125.
Sept. 9 97th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, 11 a.m., Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wyowool.com
Sept. 9 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Landowner of the Year Award Ceremony, Lander. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
Sept. 10-11 Montana Wool Growers Association 100th Annual Ram Sale, Miles City, Mont. For more information, visit mtsheep.org or call 406-442-1330.
Sept. 10-11 West Greeley Conservation District Ranching for Profit Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., West Greeley Conservation District Office, Greeley, Colo. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail leroy.hall@wgcd.org or call 970-230-7025.
Sept. 11-13 Women in Ranching Education and Development Series, Canyon, Texas. For more information or to register, visit ancw.org/wired
Sept. 12 Homesteader Days Festival Farm-to-Table Dinner, Homesteader Museum, Powell. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit homesteader museum.com
Sept. 12-13 Returning to the Ranch Workshop Series, West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, North Platte, Neb. For more information or to register, visit cap.unl.ed/returning25
Sept. 12-13 Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event, Wyoming Honor Farm, Riverton. For information, visit blm.gov/whb/ events, e-mail wildhorse@blm.gov or call 866-468-7826.
Sept. 13 Homesteader Days Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Homesteader Museum, Powell. For more information, visit homesteadermuseum.com
Sept. 13 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation 11th Annual Wyoming Needs Agriculture Event, 2:15-5:15 p.m., Indoor Practice Facility, University of Wyoming Campus, Laramie. For more information, visit wyfb.org
Sept. 14-17 2025 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, John Q. Hammons Convention Center and Embassy Suites Northwest, Rogers, Ark. For more information or to register, visit web.cvent.com/ event/1c22ebe6-167b-4d43-9dab-5b6c76d38179/summary
Sept. 16-18 57th Public Lands Council Annual Meeting, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff, Flagstaff, Ariz. For more information or to register, visit publiclandscouncil.org
Sept. 17 “The Real Yellowstone” Film Screening, Bighorn Cinema, Cody. For more information, visit shepherdsofwildlife.org
Sept. 17-18 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium, D & N Event Center, North Platte, Neb. For more information or to register, visit cvent.me/1axz03
Sept. 20 Wyoming FFA Foundation Blue Jeans Ball, 5 p.m., 1400 E. College Drive, Cheyenne. For tickets, visit wyoffafoundation.org/bluejeansball
Sept. 20-21 29th Annual Harvest Festival, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, Neb. For more information, visit legacyoftheplains.org or call 308-436-1989.
Sept. 27 Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event, Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary, Laramie. For information, visit blm.gov/whb/events, e-mail wildhorse@blm.gov or call 866-468-7826.
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Oct. 29-31
South Montana Angus Association’s Montana Angus Tour, Butte, Mont. For more information, visit mtangus.org/montana-angus-tour.html
29th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Ketchum, Idaho. For more information, visit trailingofthesheep.org
2025 American Royal Livestock Show, Kansas City, Mo. For more information, visit americanroyal.com
Northern International Livestock Exposition Stock Show and Rodeo MetraPark, Billings, Mont. For more information, visit thenile.org
University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources Ag Day Barbecue, 2-5 p.m., Indoor Practice Facility, Laramie. For more information, uwyo.edu/uwag/students/ag-day-bbq-university-of-wyoming.html
Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming Annual Meeting, Riverton. For more information, visit newsite.icowwy.org
Second Annual Water Quality Conference, University of Wyoming Conference Center, Laramie. For more information, visit deq.wyoming.gov
Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event, Wheatland Off-Range Corral, Wheatland. For information, visit blm. gov/whb/events, e-mail wildhorse@blm.gov or call 866-468-7826.
Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Resource Advisory Council Meeting, location TBD. For more information, visit blm.gov/get-involved/resourceadvisory-council/near-you/wyoming
2025 World Hereford Conference, Kansas City, Mo. For more information, visit worldherefordconference.com
Wyoming Farm to School Conference, Wyoming Sports Ranch, Casper. For more information or to register, visit edu.wyoming.gov/parents/nutrition/ wyoming-farm-to-school/
2025 Wyoming Water Association Annual Conference, Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, Casper. For more information or to register, visit wyomingwater.org
Aug. 27-Sept. 9 Jack Verbree Retirement Online Auction, 208-431-9300, 208-595-8561, bigmountainauctions.com
Sept. 9 97th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, wyowool.com/ramsale
Sept. 10 12th Annual Montana Ewe Sale, Eastern Montana Fairgrounds, Miles City, Mont., mtsheep.org
Sept. 11 100th Annual Montana Ram Sale, Eastern Montana Fairgrounds, Miles City, Mont., mtsheep.org
Sept. 11
Sept. 12-13
Cattle Country Video Frontier Fall Roundup, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Van Norman and Friends 29th Annual Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com
Sept. 13 Open Box Rafter Ranch Quarter Horses 32nd Annual Production Sale Rapid City, S.D., 605-538-4450, rafterranch.com
Sept. 15
Sept. 16
Oct. 3-4
Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com
Colorado Draft Horse and Equipment Auction, Adams County Regional Park, Brighton, Colo., 970-381-3649, 970-381-3547, joshwhiteauctions.com
Oct. 11 Colorado Horse Sale, Montrose County Fairgrounds, Montrose, Colo., 970744-8989, coloradohorsesale.com
Oct. 22
Nov. 1
Micheli Cattle Company Bull Sale, at the ranch, Ft. Bridger, 307-747-7786, 307-747-3897, micheliranch.com
Ochsner Roth Cattle Company Private Treaty Sale, at the ranch, Torrington, 307-532-3282, 307-575-5258, qualitybulls.com
Whitlock, Will - Alcova
Gasvoda, Gretchen - Greybull
1 BWF Bull, 1985# $19350
1 BWF Bull, 1990# $19250 Hoyt, Mark - Basin 1 Blk Bull, 2165# $19200 Galloway Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep
1 Hrfd Bull, 1875# $18850 Diamond S Ranch LLC - Hyattville
1 Blk Bull, 1760# $18800 Graft, Clinton - Powell
1 Blk Bull, 1935# $18700 Lewton, Kent - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 1780# $18300 Baker, Mike - Thermopolis
1 Blk Bull, 1935# $18200 Mills, Irene - Thermopolis
1 Hrfd Bull, 1770# $18200 Kittlemann, Gaylord - Shell
1 Blk Bull, 2270# $18200 O’Donnell, Gary - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Bull, 1850# $17750 COWS Brumley, Dana - Byron
1 Blk Cow, 1120# $22250 Bonita Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep
1 BWF Cow, 1265# $20700
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1420# $16000 Redland, Adam - Burlington
3 Blk Cows avg. 1163# $19700
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1113# $18600 Spear D Ranch, Inc. - Basin 1 Red Cow, 1165# $18600
1 CharX Cow, 1520# $17900
2 CharX Cows, avg. 1650# $17000
2 CharX Cows, avg. 1540# $17000 Walker, Eric - Burlington
1 Blk Cow, 1370# $18250
1 Blk Cow, 1685# $17700 Miller, Joseph - Worland
1 BWF Cow, 1485# $17700
1 BWF Cow, 1395# $16000 Lazy B V Cattle - Meeteetse
3 Rd/Blk Cows, avg. 1498# $17300 Dobson, Martin - Burlington
1 Blk Cow 1355# $17300 Diamond S Ranch LLC - Hyattville
1 Hfrd Cow, 1675# $17100
2 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1563# $15100 Gasvoda, Gretchan - Greybull
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1628# $17100
1 BWF Cow, 1625# $14600 Starbuck Ranch, Inc. - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1460# $16950
1 Hfrd Cow, 1285# $16150
1 Blk Cow, 1540# $15700
J & J Baling - Manderson
1 Blk Cow, 1415# $16900
1 Blk Cow, 1600# $15300 O’Donnell, Gary - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1490# $16700
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1380# $15000 Greer, Tyler - Hyattville
1 Red Cow, 1535# $16600
1 Red Cow, 1300# $14850 Calvo, Joe - Burlington
1 Red Cow, 1265# $16500 Risch, Jediah - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1255# $16500 Brost, Rildo - Lovell
1 Blk Cow, 1275# $16100 Byrd, James - Thermopolis
1 BWF Cow, 1385# $16100 Kittlemann, Gaylord - Shell
1 Blk Cow, 1460# $16100 Pfeifer, Austin - Powell
2 Rd/Blk Cows, avg. 1413# $16050 Cook, Jason - Greybul
1 BWF Cow, 1370# $15900 McIntosh Revoc Trust - Rawlins
1 BWF Cow, 1220# $15900
1 Blk Cow, 1155# $15300
1 Blk Cow, 1200# $17400 Coble, Mike - Burlington 1 Blk Cow, 1690# $17750
1 Blk Cow, 1085# $15800
1 Blk Cow, 1260# $15500
2 BWF Cows, avg. 1415# $15300 Lungren, Luke - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1205# $15300
Hopkin Livestock - Lovell
1 Red Cow, 1575# $15300 HEIFERS
Mac Lewis, Paul - Cody 1 Blk Hfr, 760# $34250 Brost, Rildo - Lovell
3 Rd/Blk Hfrs, avg. 742# $34100
Brumley, Dana - Byron
1 Blk Hfr, 920# $30850
Bonita Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep
1 BWF Hfr, 980# $30000
Whitlock, Will - Alcova
3 Rd/Blk Hrfs, avg. 837# $29750 PAIRS Nicol, Bob - Fort Washakie
1 CharX Pairs $4300/Hd.
• Upcoming Sales • Sept. 11 – Yearling Feeder
Special w/ All Class Cattle
Sept. 18 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goats
Sept. 25 – All Class Cattle
Sept. 29 – Monday • The Bawl of the Fall Feeder Special
Oct. 2 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle
Oct. 9 – All Class Cattle
Oct. 13 – Monday • The Bawl of the Fall Feeder Special
Oct. 16 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goats
Oct. 23 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle
Sept. 11 • Yearling Feeder Special w/ All Class Cattle Broken Back Ranch – 32 PTO yearling heifers, 700-800#. Flying V Cattle Co. – 60 yearling steers, 900-1,000#.
An editorial in the Sept. 1, 1924 issue of The Casper Herald proclaims:
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.
If any man will not work, neither let him eat.
There is no place in the modern world or in society for the idle. Activity of either production or service is obligatory on all.
This is an obligation which springs from the need of society, but even more so from the need of the individual. Work is our protection against moral, intellectual and physical atrophy. The rich man is
not freed from this obligation. He is released from the common burden, but by this very fact, he is the more obligated to serve society.
However, we must not look upon labor as merely the expenditure of muscular or intellectual energy or as a commodity to be bought and sold. There is a moral element which must be considered. Man is not an irresponsible machine. He has intellect and free will –an immortal soul. He is personally responsible for his acts.
Advertising messages in the same issue of the
newspaper further relate:
Today we set aside an entire day in honor of the builders of our nation – our laboring men. It is a day of rest from toil, and a day upon which the whole world honors the working man. All of us are working men in one sense or another, so let us do honor to each other today.
There is no force, however mighty, that can successfully cross swords with the power of labor. Slumbering peacefully and continuing each day with its work of creation, labor is nevertheless a great potential power worthy of consideration by the entire world.
Today we will devote to the worker and producer he or she may review the past year and look with pride upon labor’s strides to advance the welfare of all mankind in the pursuit of happiness.
The cutline under the heading of a full-page advertisement in the Sept. 1, 1924 issue of The Casper Herald reads, “Today – Labor Day – some will labor, some will play!” The advertisement was anchored with this invitation, “All the day long great Labor Day picnic and good time at Riverview Park. Plenty of room. Dancing. Games. Swimming. Riverview Park, Mills, Wyo.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO National Sheep Summary As of August 29, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter lambs steady to firmer. Slaughter ewes sold firmer. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3 San Angelo: 50-60 lbs pkg 275.00; 60-70 lbs pkg 265.00; 7080 lbs pkg 246.00.
Billings: 120-130 lbs pkg 179.00. Ft. Collins: 50-60 lbs 247.50; 60-70 lbs 250.00; 80-90 lbs 212.50-220.00; 90-100 lbs 211.00-227.50; 100-110 lbs 212.50229.00; 120-130 lbs 200.00-21.50; 140-150 lbs 198.00-206.00. Sioux Falls: 50-60 lbs 255.00-265.00; 60-70 lbs 240.00290.00; 70-80 lbs 205.00-251.00; 80-90 lbs 215.00-250.00; 90100 lbs 210.00-240.00; 100-110 lbs 205.00-232.00; 110-120 lbs. Equity Coop: 130-140 lbs pkg 236.00-237.50. Slaughter Ewes San Angelo: Good 2-3 80.00-118.00. Billings: Good 2-3 84.00-92.00; Good 3-4 80.00-91.00. Ft. Collins: Good 2-3 81.00-120.00; Good 4-5 92.50-125.00. Sioux Falls: Good 2-3: 90.00-110.00; Good 4-5: 90.00-100.00. Equity Coop: Good 2-3 pkg 94.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1 San Angelo: No test.
Billings: 40-50 lbs 249.00-252.00; 50-60 lbs 237.00-247.50; 60-70 lbs 229.00-242.00; 70-80 lbs 217.00-234.00; 90-100 lbs 191.00-211.00; 100-110 lbs 193.00-196.00; 110-120 lbs 172.00-194.50.
Ft. Collins: 70-80 lbs 220.00; 80-90 lbs 212.50. Sioux Falls: 40-50 lbs 315.00-320.00; 50-60 lbs 275.00; 7080 lbs 265.00-270.00. Equity Coop: 90-100 lbs 223.50. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: No test.
Ft. Collins: No test..
Billings: Medium and Large 1-2 young and open 127.50 cwt. Sioux Falls: Young and open 130-200 lbs 100.00-115.00. Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 36,000 compared to 32,000 last week and 36,507 last year. Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review As of August 29, 2025 Domestic
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO Wyoming Hay Summary
As of September 4, 2025
Compared to two weeks ago, most hay sales sold steady. Demand was mostly light to instances moderate. Some producers are getting very low-quality hay sold to feedlots, dairies and hay grinders mostly going to out-of-state customers. First week where top quality, high testing dairy hay sold for 1.00 per point. There appears to be a limited amount of that quality of hay produced so far this year in Wyoming. What cutting is a hay producer on one may ask? It varies from second cutting new seeding to third or some just starting on fourth cutting in the East. Producers out west are just on second and are crossing their fingers they will have enough sub moisture for a third cutting. Irrigation water out west has been shut off earlier than normal with some saying Sept 6 in the east with the ditch emptying around the 10th of the month. Still some old crop alfalfa around in different area of the state in large and small square bales. It is interesting as the producer is having a flash sale on the small squares that have been in a shed all the time and put up in better shape than 2025 hay and selling it for less dollars per ton than the new crop hay. The producers have taken the shrink and still can’t move it. That is perplexing the sellers a lot.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry &
Torrington
Colorado Hay Summary
As of August 28, 2025
Compared to last report: Trade activity and demand moderate. Small squares of horse hay sold mostly steady. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s High Plains Summary for August 26, 2025, the High Plains region experienced a mix of drought improvement and deterioration. The region’s most significant drought exists across western sections of Colorado and Wyoming. On August 24, statewide topsoil moisture-as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-was rated 70% very short to short in Wyoming. During the drought-monitoring period, the most significant drought improvement occurred in central Colorado, although there were also targeted improvements in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The next available report will be Thursday, September 11, 2025.
& Northwest
NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN
6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
RANCH HAND NEEDED: Located in northwest South Dakota. Call Will Simpson, 325277-8420 9/13
THE WILLWOOD IRRIGATION DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS WHO POSSESS A CONSTRUCTION SKILL SET AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, PEOPLE SKILLS: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to distribute water to over 200 landowners during the 6 month irrigation season, they should also be capable of performing labor intensive work, in all weather conditions. This is a fulltime, year-round position. During the winter months, the successful applicant will work to repair the system, reconstruct concrete structures, put in pipelines and other maintenance. Individuals who possess a CDL and have experience operating equipment are desirous. Willwood Irrigation District offers Wyoming State Retirement. For more information, call 307-202-1330 9/6
LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME
FARM/RANCH EMPLOYEE:
Seeking a motivated individual to assist in day-to-day operations of our working ranch. The role supports the current foreman and works alongside to ensure smooth and efficient operation of livestock, haying, equipment and facility management. Applicant must have a strong agricultural background and a hands-on approach to problem solving and daily ranch work. The position is long term and offers a clear path to increased responsibilities, pay and leadership over time. Location of the ranch is remote. Housing is provided and on a school bus route. Position open immediately. Please send resume with references by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net. Call 307-736-2461 9/6
FLYING X RANCH OUTSIDE OF WHEATLAND, WY, IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE FOR HOUSEKEEPING/OFFICE FILL-IN:
We are a 23,000 acre remote private recreational ranch. Duties include cleaning 15 cabins, bath houses, the ranch house and pool bathroom. Also, covering the office, checking partners in and out, answering the phone, doing the pools (with training) on days covering the office, helping with events and any other duties as needed. Main responsibilities are housekeeping. The Flying X Ranch is not a developed dude ranch. The focus has always been to stay rustic and to keep the natural beauty of the property. We are a fun group of people, both employees and partners. Amenities include 23,000 acres, 8 stocked lakes, horses, ATV trails, indoor pools, game room, gun range, trap shooting and archery range. Employees have access to all of it on days off. Housing is available. $15/hour to start. Please send resume or job history with skills listed to fxr@myfxr.com 9/13
• Serving Wyoming and surrounding areas
• Licensed bonded and insured
• Headquartered out of Sheridan, WY
For all your trucking of livestock, hay and general freight, call 307-751-2068
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!! 9/6
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE, lazy RM. RRC, RHH, renews in January 2027, 2 sets of hot irons and 2 sets of electric irons, $3,000. Call only, 307-899-3737 8/23
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSH. Registered until Jan. 1, 2035. No horses or cattle with brand. No irons available. $1,500 OBO. Call Ronnie at 303-913-2493, leave a message if no answer 8/16
BIRD AND ANIMAL AUCTION SUN., SEPT. 21: Selling a variety of chickens, geese, turkeys, peacocks, ducks, goats, hoof stock and more. The sale starts at 9 a.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1000 Plum Creek Pkwy., Lexington, NE. For more information, call Jaiden, 308233-1799. Find us on Facebook, JGrace Auctions 9/13
FOR SALE: Wyoming registered 1 iron, 2 letter brand, RRC, RSS, RSH. One hot iron available. Asking $3,500 for this easy to read brand, registered until 2031. Call or text 307254-2790 if interested 9/13
Services
REGISTERED BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES: Parents aggressive, good heelers, first shots and wormed. $500. Call Jim Dacar, 307-896-6274, leave message 9/13
110 BRED HEIFERS FOR
SALE: All solid red Beefmaster, hand picked from 600 replacement females. Calving AprilMay. FOB Hyattville, WY. Call 719-641-9677 9/27
COW MAGNETS FOR SALE: 7,000 AVAILABLE, BULK PRICING!! Prevent hardware disease in beef and dairy herds with high-strength cow magnets, used but in very good condition. Bundled and ready to go. Ideal for Holsteins, Herefords, Longhorns, Angus and more. $1/magnet. Bulk pricing available. Generous discounts on large orders. Local pickup or delivery options available. Willing to travel or meet halfway depending on location and quantity. Based in Logan, UT. Serving UT, WY, ID, CO, NV. Willing to make a deal. Let’s talk and get your herd protected! Call/text 435-915-6481, e-mail boudrero.rob.1978@gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 9/26
RANGE COWS FOR SALE:
Running age, black and red, have been with a bull since June 2. Call 435-353-4065 9/6
OWN A PIECE OF WYOMING HISTORY, OLD WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LTH, originally issued in 1910. Purchased by my grandfather in 1913. Easy to read when placed on cows or horses, $12,500. Call 307631-6838 9/6
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LSS, LSH. Fees paid thru January 2029. Two fire irons, 2.5 and 3.5 inch. Three electric irons, 2.5, 3.5 and 5.5 inch. $3,250. Call or text 307-575-7065 9/6
COYOTE HOUND PUPPIES: Out of proven hunting parents. Protect livestock from predators. Also make loyal companions. First shots. Call for price and pictures, 719-469-3190. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 9/13
LIVESTOCK GUARD DOG
FOR SALE: Spayed female started on sheep, out of great working mother with proven predator control. She is Akbash/ Komondor. Sire is Akbash/Pyrenees/Anatolian. Blue Lady was born July 4, 2024. UTD on shots. Ready to go, with the flock now. $1,000. Near Moore, MT. Call 406-374-2406 9/20
FOR SALE LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG PUPPIES: Great Pyrenees/Anatolian shepherd/Akbash and Maremma cross. From working parents. Shots current. Six months old. Working experience. Currently with goats. Call Donna, 307-262-5699 or Clay, 307-3315762, e-mail cenix@wyomail. com 9/20
PEMBROKE WELSH CORGIS: AKC registered, shots/wormed. Parents are sweet and well behaved. Dad is double registered AKC corgi and American Stock Dog. Crate trained. Beautiful and sweet babies. Call/text 719-3098864. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 9/20
MINI SHEEPADOODLES: Mom (mini sheepadoodle) first generation AKC Old English sheepdog/AKC toy poodle. Sire of this litter is a 5 lb. AKC toy poodle. Perfect little lap babies. Small, healthy, home raised, beautiful babies. UTD on shots, vet checked, microchipped, pellet box trained. $900-$2,000. May be able to help with delivery. Call 307-272-3180. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/13
CUSTOM FEEDING AND FINISHING FOR CATTLE AND SHEEP. Cactus Hill Ranch Company, Fort Collins, CO. Contact AJ Nelson, 970-3728273 9/27
FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/11
PARK COUNTY, WY RANCH NEAR CODY, WY IS AVAILABLE FOR A LONG-TERM LEASE: The ranch has over 50,000 acres and supports an irrigated hay base with BOR water rights. Carrying capacity is 700 animal units year-round with hay production. Willing to split the hay ground and grazing. Please e-mail Honora Beirne (hbeirne@acpg.com) and Melanie Giliati (mgiliati@ acpg.com) for details 9/13
AQHA WEANLINGS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE: Bloodlines include Frenchman’s Guy, Sun Frost, Freckles Playboy, Poco Bueno and many more. Douglas, WY. For more information, call 970-768-4597 or visit www.lefflerlivestock. com 9/20
BULLS FOR SALE: Registered yearling and 2-year-old Black Angus range bulls for sale private treaty. Good selection for heifers and cows. From popular sires and industry leaders. Semen tested and ready to go. CLAY CREEK ANGUS, 307-762-3541, www.claycreek.net TFN
HORSE TEAMS FOR SALE: FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD PERCHERON GELDINGS used on farm equipment and to feed cows. Used in mountain areas and snow. A TEAM OF 4-YEAROLD PERCHERON MARES, perfectly matched, 17.1 hands, gentle. Used to feed cows and pull farm equipment. Both teams have been used for sleigh rides in the winter. For more information and photos, call 970-8464353 9/13
BACK TO SCHOOL SAVINGS!! Large selections with great prices!! $AVE on BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! PURSES, belts, WALLETS, socks etc. 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 9/6
TAKE A LOOK!! REGISTERED BELTED GALLOWAY CATTLE FOR SALE: One weanling registered heifer and 1 weanling bull calf prospect that will be registerable. Pictures and videos available by e-mail. Cattle located in Billings, MT. Transportation options available. For more information, call Gerry Thomas, 406-861-7316 or Patty Thomas, 406-861-3036. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 9/6
SUFFOLK AND SUFFOLK/ HAMPSHIRE CROSS RANGE RAMS: Yearling rams available. B. ovis and scrapie free. Vet checked and semen tested. Ready to work. Raised in eastern Montana for nearly 30 years. Delivery options. Call or text Gibbs Range Rams, Pat, 406-977-2852, Jordan, MT 9/13
COMMERCIAL HERD, KATAHDIN CROSS 2025 LAMBS FOR SALE: Fifty ewe lambs and 60 wether lambs available, $195/head wethers, $225/head ewes. Born March/April. Call or text 307-254-2650. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/20
HAMP/SUFFOLK CROSS, POLYPAY/DORSET CROSS RAMS FOR SALE: These rams are big boned, heavy muscled and high performing. They are not tall frame sheep. We sell all across the Midwest. Call DJ, 605-929-0337 9/13
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17
and hayed in the spring. ALSO CERTIFIED TRITICALE STRAW and 500 bales of triticale hay. Call 308-4303457, for pricing and delivery. Phone calls only 9/27
HAY FOR SALE: 1,400-1,500 lb. net-wrapped bales. Alfalfa, mixed and grass. Located in Slope County, N.D. Will load. Still cutting, will have approximately 1,000 bales. $110/ton. Call 701-440-1764 9/13
HAY FOR SALE: Alfalfa, mix and grass. Rounds and squares. Call 605-670-9242 9/6
STRAIGHT ALFALFA: First, second and third cutting, 3x3x8 bales, 850 lb. average. Loading and local delivery available. $70$90/bale. Powell, WY area. Call Casey, 307-250-3070 9/20
90 NET-WRAPPED ROUND BALES, 1,500 lbs., grass/alfalfa mix, 2024 crop, $125/ton. Located in Cody, WY. Calls only, 307-899-3737 9/20
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-631-4104 12/27
2025 OAT HAY FOR SALE: 300 tons put up in soft dough stage. Net-wrapped bales put up with a John Deere 569 baler with average bale weight of 1,300-1,350 lbs. Call for exact pricing/pickup options. Located in Java, S.D. Call 605-281-3002 9/6
2025 HAY AVAILABLE: Round bales and small squares. Grass/ alfalfa mix and alfalfa. ALSO, have certified grass and alfalfa. Located in Powell, WY. Call JK, 307-254-8201 9/13
COW AND HORSE QUALITY
HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, forage wheat and straw. 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307630-3046 9/13
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE
PURE ALFALFA HAY: 2025 second cutting available in 3x3 squares, averaging 750800 lbs. 2025 first and second cutting also available in small squares, averaging 70-80 lbs. ALSO, 100+ tons of 2024 hay with weather damage. Would be good cow hay or great for compost. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS: $16/ cwt. Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-254-0554 10/11
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your summer/fall needs, Barry McRea, 308-2355386, www.valleyvideohay. com 9/13
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2025 crop 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales. $50/bale. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 11/8
2025 CERTIFIED GRASS HAY SMALL SQUARE BALES: Barn stored, $10/bale, 71 lb. average. 2025 GRASS ROUND BALES, net wrapped, $200/ ton. 2025 ALFALFA ROUND BALES, net wrapped, $200/ton. 1,300 lb. average on rounds. No rain on any. ALSO, some 2024 net-wrapped grass and alfalfa bales available, reasonable offers considered. Powell, WY. Call 307-254-4865 9/6
BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN OATS, wheat and barley, $20/cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-899-4714, leave message 9/6
2014 FORD F-350 LARIAT: Crew cab, 4x4, fifth wheel hitch. Original owner. $27,500 OBO. For more information, call 719-465-4655. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/13
2006 KEYSTONE SPRINGDALE BUMPER PULL CAMPER TRAILER, 26’ long with one 12’ slide out. Tub/shower combo. Second owner, new tires, used twice. Excellent condition. Please call 307-349-2230 or 307-3492834 for more information 9/6
FOR SALE: Pickett one step bean cutter, 8 row. Serial #9060, model 8022-1-B. Call for price, 307-754-2304 9/20
FOR SALE: John Deere 3975 silage cutter with 3RN green cutter head. Lorenz 16’x29’ 17 ton balemover. Gehl manure spreader with slop gate, double floor chains, 2 beaters, tandem axle. Meridian 240 PT seed tender, all hydraulic and roll tarp. Bale King 3000 Vortec hydraulic bale processor. Sitrex 7 wheel finger rake. Rowse double 9’ hydraulic mower, like new. Rowse 9’ pull type mower. Rowse 9’ 3 pt. mower. H&S Hay Machine II hydraulic windrow fluffer. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear truck tires. Ford 7N tractor with wide front, runs great. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. 2019 Kenworth T680 automatic with PACCAR MX13 engine 455 HP, non-sleeper, air-ride suspension, aluminum wheels, 185” wheelbase, 438,900 miles. For-Most cattle working chute with automatic headgate and palp cage. Burns portable calf creep feeder. Burns portable loading chute. John Deere 716A chuckwagon with John Deere tandem running gear. Miller Pro 5100 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. 14’ HD box scraper with tilt. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 9/20
CASE 1070 TRACTOR: 5,000 plus hours, with Du-Al loader and grapple. $12,500. Calls only, 307-899-3737 9/20
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: John Deere 71 Flex 8 row corn planter on a 24’ stackable bar. AC Model 1300 30’ ripper with rakes. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). 24’ Model 630 John Deere tandem disc. Safety pull with a bull hitch. 2003 IHC 9400I Eagle semi fifth wheel truck, Cat engine, 26’ end dump trailer with roll tarp. 1997 Kenworth T800, Detroit engine, 20’ box with hoist, roll tarp, both beet and grain end gates. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Contact Greg Keller at 406679-1136 9/13
2023 KIOTI RX7320: Power shuttle with creep, 73 HP, 3 remotes, live hydraulics to the front, fluid in tires, block heater, 92 hours and Bluetooth stereo. $47,500. For more details, call 307-388-3300 9/6
FOR SALE: WATER TRAILER with (4) 1,500 gallon water tanks, 3 cones, 2 pumps, 50 ft. hose, electric start. ALSO, International 1256 tractor and John Deere 4520 tractor. Call 701290-2504 9/6
ORIGINAL ROUND BALER BELTING FOR ALL MAKES: Save $100s. Free shipping, www.balerbelts.com. Call Hammond Equipment, 334627-3348 10/25
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/27
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
and
tenance cost. T-L irrigation systems are
HYDRAULIC SQUEEZE CHUTE with 8’ alley and 16’ round tub. PORTABLE LOADING CHUTE. Saint Ignatius, MT, delivery available. For more information and pricing, call 406531-1036 9/27
MONTANA RAILROAD SERVICES: Railroad ties, switch ties and other railroad materials for fencing and landscaping. Best pricing and quality in the region. Call 406-9623514, Silesia, MT. Located 10 miles south of Laurel, MT (off of Clarks River Rd., the old highway). Visit our website at www.mtrrservices. com 9/6
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
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K2 Ranch - Clark, Wyoming • For Sale: $3,450,000
Unmatched Privacy & Outdoor Adventure • 1,268 Wyoming Acres
Rare Opportunity! Own an expansive tract of mountainous sage steppe land, offering rare seclusion, incredible wildlife and breathtaking dramatic landscape. This extraordinary property shares over 6.5 miles of border with U.S. Forest Service, BLM and State of Wyoming lands.
Two developed springs provide water for both livestock and thriving wildlife: 200 elk winter/calve on the property deer, antelope, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bears and an astounding variety of bird species. For the ornithologist or nature lover, this property is a dream come true.
A private, one-mile driveway leads to a truly remarkable building site featuring a passive solar-designed southwest-style home which is self-sustaining, powered by solar energy with 18,000 Kwh battery storage and a 5,000-watt backup generator. Two 1,500-gallon cisterns ensure backup water supply. The guest house offers its own full kitchen, bathroom, laundry area and a covered deck with panoramic views. Livestock corrals, loafing sheds, a wildlife drinking pond and a spring-fed water system for animals. The property is protected by a conservation easement, preserving its natural beauty and ecological value. Whether you’re seeking a secluded getaway, a wildlife sanctuary, or a truly unique Western retreat, this is a once-in-a generation offering.
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Brokerage West, Inc. Cody, WY | 307-587-6234 | CodyLiving.com
PRAIRIE COUNTY, MONTANA RANCH FOR SALE: 2,910 acres, 165 animal units, 640 acres dryland, hay springs, well, reservoirs and pipeline. Several pastures. Two homes, shop, storage shop, barn and corrals. $3,000,000. Sidwell Land & Cattle, Richard Sidwell broker, 406-861-4426 9/13
qualifying broker/realtor, 505-328-4172 or contact Jay, 505-263-7419. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/6
“We see this upcoming season rhyming with the fall and winter of 201920,” says Day, emphasizing it was the last overall cold and snowy fall and winter period in the past several years.
“Compared to the last couple of winters, I think there is a strong likelihood we’re going to have more snow and colder weather starting earlier in the year,” Day notes. “What we haven’t seen in the last two or three years is some cold, wet, snowy periods in October and November, but it looks like we’ll break this pattern with some early season storms this year.”
Day points to warmer temperatures in the Pacific Ocean as a clue to how winter will go, noting winter conditions are influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern. The ENSO involves changes in the Pacific
Most of the sunflower crop has been rated in the good-to-excellent category in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota throughout the growing season. This means yields should be above trend, assuming normal weather through the rest of the fall and the lack of an early freeze.
The exception to this would be areas affected by drought, where yields will likely be affected. Overall, most market analysts are expecting U.S. sunflower yields to be close to or slightly above the five-year average this year.
Increased planted acres
In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued its initial outlook for 2025 sunflower production and usage for the 2025-26 marketing year.
The area planted to oiltype sunflower varieties was estimated at 881,000 acres, which is up 48 percent from 2024.
Harvested area for oil types was expected to increase 49 percent from last year to 848,200 acres.
Planted acreage of nonoil varieties, estimated at 117,000, is down eight percent from last year. Harvested area is expected to decrease six percent from last year to 109,500 acres.
Given the higher oiltype acreage, sunflower seed crush was increased by 64 million pounds to 758 million pounds on higher 2025 production.
The other use category – nonoil use and residual – was increased by 145 million pounds to 1.9 billion pounds. Ending stocks are forecast to rise to 254 million pounds, a 26 percent increase from Marketing Year 2024-25 but well below the five-year average.
USDA will provide its updated yield and production estimates for sunflowers in October.
Increased global production
USDA increased global sunflower seed production in Marketing Year 202526 to 55.1 million metric tons due to higher production in Argentina, Russia and Ukraine. The Black Sea area had an extended period
Ocean’s surface temperature and is observable in three phases – La Niña, El Niño and a neutral phase.
“The Pacific Ocean is critical to understanding how our weather patterns evolve in Wyoming, especially during the winter season,” Day says. “This winter, we’re expecting a neutral ENSO with a neutral or very weak La Niña. Historically, this phase has led to colder and snowier winters.”
Rather than extended cold fronts, Day predicts conditions will be fluid and variable, with several storms bringing cold weather for a few days followed by warmer periods.
“In winters like this, you don’t tend to be stuck in one particular pattern for too long. You get a lot of variability,” Day says. “Since we’re expecting the frequency of storms to be higher this year, we expect to see patterns of weather which don’t stay
To listen to Don Day’s extended forecast for the 2025-26 winter season in its entirety, visit youtube. com/watch?v=Opuuiq-u5hc.
for too long.”
“This has its pluses and minuses, obviously,” Day continues. “If you don’t have five straight days of sub-zero temperatures, that’s good, but you also trade it for more frequent storms.”
Day points out this fluid storm pattern is indicative of increased moisture, which may come as a relief to Wyomingites living in areas plagued by drought and wildfire conditions throughout the summer.
Regional impacts and looking ahead
“Winter weather patterns do not affect Wyoming evenly,” Day emphasizes.
While Day’s research points to cold and snowy conditions across the Cowboy State, he suspects winter weather will
of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation in May, June and July, causing some concern for sunflower production prospects in the region.
Traders will be watching this region closely during harvest and monitoring yields as Russia and Ukraine are the largest sunflower producers in the world. Higher production could result in global sunflower seed ending stocks increasing by five percent in the 2025-26 marketing year.
With the higher global seed supply, the 2025-26 marketing year global sunflower crush is forecast to reach 50.7 million metric tons (MMT) on higher crush volumes in Russia and Ukraine, slightly above the 2024-25 marketing year.
Global sunflower oil production is expected to be 21.36 MMT.
Despite the higher global supply of sunflower oil, global sunflower oil stocks are projected to be 2.47 MMT by the end of September 2026, which is down three percent from last year. This is all good
hit portions of northern and eastern Wyoming the hardest.
Further, Day stresses his long-range winter predictions only encompass October through February – intentionally excluding March, April and May as there is not yet enough data available to make accurate predictions about those months yet.
“Some of our bigger snowstorms in Wyoming happen in those three months,” Day notes. “As we get closer to late November and early December, we’ll reassess that timeframe.”
Finally, Day notes long-range forecasts –particularly computergenerated models – are not an exact science but rather “part of the equation” in understanding the weather. Actual conditions are affected by a wide range of varying factors and can change in an instant.
Day provides daily updates on Wyoming weather in a column for Cowboy State Daily, as well as every weekday morning through his DayWeather podcast. Day’s full predictions on the 2025-26 fall and winter outlook for the Western U.S. are available in the Aug. 14 edition of the DayWeather podcast.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
news for sunflower prices moving into the new marketing year.
In preparation for harvest, producers are cleaning out storage bins, and deliveries to crush plants have been on the rise. The situation in Russia and Ukraine
bears watching, as they are the largest exporters of sunflower oil.
The potential reduced availability of sunflower seed and oil production poses risks for global markets, and U.S. sunflower prices could be responsive to the potential production shortfalls.
The U.S. dairy industry is facing a potential shortage of its most important resource – milk cows. The number of replacement heifers available to enter the dairy herd as milk producing cows has already fallen to a 20-year low.
Based on new CoBank research, replacements could fall even further over the next two years before a recovery begins in 2027.
These declining heifer inventories could limit growth in the milk supply, a looming concern for dairy processors with expansion plans underway – the U.S. is currently experiencing a historic $10 billion investment in new dairy processing facilities expected to come online through 2027.
The decline in dairy heifers over the last several years is closely tied to beef and dairy market dynamics. Tight cattle supplies and recordhigh prices for beef calves prompted many dairy farmers to produce more calves destined for beef feedlots and fewer for milk barns.
At the onset of this trend, raising dairy heifers to enter the milk cow herd was a money-losing proposition due to extremely low heifer values and high rearing costs.
Dairy heifer inventory
While the economics have shifted and the shortage of replacement dairy heifers has sent values soaring,
replenishing the pipeline of heifers available to enter the milking herd is a three-plus year proposition.
According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the national dairy heifer shortage could persist and grow deeper in the next two years.
Based on CoBank’s predictive modeling, heifer inventories will shrink by an estimated 800,000 head over the next two years before beginning to rebound in 2027.
In the meantime, dairy heifer prices have reached record highs and could climb well above $3,000 per head.
“The U.S. dairy industry stands at a unique inflection point,” said Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist with CoBank. “Beef sales are contributing a larger share of dairy farm profitability with each passing year, and the market for beef-on-dairy calves shows no signs of slowing down.”
“In order to maintain sufficient dairy cow numbers and milk production in the near term, dairy farmers will need to put the brakes on dairy cow culling, and this could be difficult given how much they’ve already pulled back over the past two years,” he continued.
Beef-on-dairy dynamics
The economic incentive prompting dairy farmers to produce calves destined for the beef supply stems from
the historic contraction in the U.S. cattle supply, which currently stands at a 75-year low. Limited beef supply and strong consumer demand have driven beef prices to record highs.
Most dairy farmers breed their cows via artificial insemination, which gives them the option of using beef semen to produce calves well-suited for beef production. Based on semen sales data, many dairy farmers did just this.
Total U.S. beef semen sales nearly tripled from 2.5 million to 7.2 million units from 2017-20. While a demographic breakdown of semen sales at the time was not available, the upward shift primarily came from dairy farmers, not beef cattle ranchers who largely rely on natural service bulls.
In 2020, the National Association of Animal Breeders began tracking beef semen sales to dairy farmers. Those numbers tell a more dramatic story. Of the 7.2 million units of beef semen sold that year, five million units were purchased by dairy farmers.
This ratio eventually climbed to 7.9 million of the 9.7 million units sold in 2024. Their skyrocketing purchases of beef semen reflect the extent to which dairy farmers chose to produce calves destined for beef production rather than
dairy herds.
Rebuilding the herd
As the supply of dairy heifers has dwindled and their value has climbed, dairy farmers are culling fewer cows to keep the milk flowing. They have also made significant changes in semen purchases to help remedy the shortage of replacement heifers by purchasing more gender-sorted units to create more dairy heifer calves.
But rebuilding the supply will take time. It typically takes two years before a newborn dairy heifer calf is available to enter the milking herd.
Geiger said the decline in heifer inventories raises the question of whether there will be enough milk cows to supply the additional demand created by new dairy processing facilities.
“The short answer is it will be tight. Those dairy plants will require more annual milk and component production, largely butterfat and protein, and it will take many more dairy heifer calves in future years to bring the national herd back to historic levels,” he said.
CoBank is a cooperative bank 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. Headquartered outside of Denver, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
By Paul Dykstra
The fed cattle market moved to higher values again during the third week of August with a $1.55 per hundredweight (cwt) increase in the six-state fed steer price.
Negotiated cash trade volume was active in the North, with Iowa and Nebraska prices averaging $245 per cwt live and $386 per cwt dressed. Limited Kansas and Texas negotiated head counts sold for $239 to $240 per cwt.
Prices may relax moving into September
On Aug. 25, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusted the prior week’s estimated weekly cattle harvested up from 547,000 head to 551,000 head. This was 15,000 head larger than the prior week’s abysmal 530,000 head and the largest harvest volume since the second week in July. Still, it is 58,000 head smaller than the same week last year.
Steer carcass weights remain heavier than a year ago by 14 pounds per head and 38 pounds heavier than
the same week in 2023.
The annual weight increase has narrowed in the third quarter, averaging 18 pounds heavier than last year. This compares to the first quarter jump of 30 pounds per head and the second quarter average of 21 pounds per head.
Weights are expected to increase into the fall, but the pace of the increase from the summer low – 931 pounds –is slower than it has been in the past two years.
Cutout values have been increasing at blistering speed over the past two weeks. Given roughly 20 percent of boxed beef is typically available on the weekly spot market trade, buyers have had to compete for very small volume with fed cattle harvest 10 percent below a year ago in recent weeks.
Cutout values have now surpassed their late-June highs following the July slump which took prices down six percent. Since recovering from
the summer low, the comprehensive price is now the second highest in history, only surpassed by the May 2020 COVID-19 spike.
With retailers through their last-minute Labor Day buying, there is a strong likelihood prices may relax, as is their tendency moving into September. Demand tends to wane after the holiday, prior to normal fourth quarter increases.
Holding on for the ride
The comprehensive cutout value, including all grades and delivery periods for fed steer and heifer beef cuts, has rapidly escalated from the late-July summer low of $364.54 per cwt to the Aug. 26 $393.98 per cwt quote.
This eight percent increase is not much larger than the typical seasonal price hike for the same period, averaging 6.5 percent in the previous five years.
While August boxed beef inflation is more normal than one might think, it is capturing attention this year given the slightly sharper incline and the resulting comprehensive price which is now 25.6 percent higher than this time last year.
The magnitude of this year-over-year price advance is a difficult reality for retail and foodservice sectors to digest. Even so, it’s a smaller percentage increase than
that of the 2013-14 period when the comprehensive price jumped 29.6 percent in the same August-to-August annual comparison.
Restricted cattle harvest as a result of weather-driven cow herd reductions was also the culprit in the 2013-14 beef market run-up. Tracing the fed cattle price reaction for these periods provides yet another interesting comparison.
From August 2013 to August 2014 the fed steer price increased 24 percent while the current 12-month price adjustment has, so far, brought on a 33 percent increase in fed steer value.
Continuing the theme, evaluating similar market dynamics roughly a decade apart, shows dramatic differences in carcass quality price spreads.
Starting at the top of the quality grades with the smallest spread difference, the latest price spread between USDA Prime and Choice is just 13 percent larger than in August 2014. This is logical given Prime carcass volume and share of fed beef supplies has more than doubled in this period.
Next, the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) cutout premium over USDA Choice, currently $22.25 per cwt, is more than triple that of the August 2014 market.
Finally, the Choice/Select
price spread in the third week of August averaged $23.39 per cwt, just over twice the magnitude of that in August 2014.
Bear in mind these wholesale boxed beef prices are 60 percent higher today than they were at the time, tempering the impact of today’s price spreads by comparison.
With fed cattle supplies projected to tighten even further into 2026, the beef industry isn’t equipped to mark any peak on the price charts for this phase of the supply cycle.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
LANDER 1 Heiferette, 920#
COWS LANDER 1 Cow, 1160# $205.00
2 Cow, 1465# $188.25
1 Cow, 1155# $186.00 PAVILLION
3 Cow, 1638# $185.50
2 Cow, 1480# $172.00 1 Cow, 1615# $171.00 LANDER
1 Cow, 1540# $170.00
1 Cow, 1570# $169.50 SHOSHONI
1 Cow, 1470# $169.00 BAGGS 1 Cow, 1400# $168.00 JACKSON 1 Cow, 1835# $167.00
1445#
1335#
1565#
320# $517.50
446# $508.00
2 Steer, 440# $475.00 3 Steer, 438# $472.50 3 Steer, 505# $455.00
Steer, 561# $400.00
Steer, 587# $398.00
Steer, 868# $350.50
Steer, 882# $346.00
945#
1135#
509# $417.50
& YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
YEARLINGS
Eastfork Livestock- 315 Blk, BWF, RWF, small % Hereford Yrlng Strs 850-925#. 150 Blk, BWF, RWF, small % Hereford Spayed Yrlng Hfrs 800-850#. Cattle have rec Nasalgen & 7 way @ branding, Vista Once SQ & 8 way w/Somnus @ weaning. Sired by great Herd bulls. This is a reputation set of High Elevation, High Performance Yearlings!! Rafter Cross Ranch- 100 Blk Ang Yrlng Strs & Spayed Hfrs 900-950#. 2 Bar Livestock- 60 Blk Ang PTO Yrlng Hfrs 725-750#. Peternal Ranch- 50 Blk Ang & AngX yearling steers 8001000#. Ranch raised. Coming off grass, no hormones. Mrs Dixon- 35 Blk Ang Strs 625-650#. Otis Jones- 8 Blk Ang Strs 650#.
CALVES
Gary Horton- 7 Blk Ang & Ang/SimX Strs(5) & Hfrs(2) 500-600#. Rec 8 way @ branding. Nice, home raised, growthy calves!
ADK Farms- 5 Shorthorn Strs 450-500#. Comp vacc @ branding.
BREDS
Steve Ward- 40 Blk Ang & AngX Bred ST Cows. Exposed to Blk Ang bulls to calve March & April.
BULLS
Jenn Stagner- “Herman the Little Gray Bull” – Highland & DexterX mini bull. Mild Temper, very used to people & other animals.
ADK Farms- 1 Shorthorn Registered 6 yr old Bull.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
YEARLINGS
Arapahoe Ranch- 200 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 700-850#. 100% All Natural, no Hormones. IMI Global certified. Grass Fed, Reputation, high gaining!! High elevation!
Lester Horst- 50 Blk & Red Ang spayed Hfrs 750#. CALVES
John Kurtz- 150 Blk Ang & HerefordX Strs & Hfrs 400450#. Rec Vista Once & Vision 7 w/Somnus @ branding. Blk Ang sired. High desert, green & reputation calves!
Bill & Phyllis Mayo- 60 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 400-450#. Rec 2 rounds Vista Once SQ w/Pasturella & Ultrabac 8. High altitude calves. Sired by Lucky 7 Blk Angus bulls.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
What does appear evident, despite total beef market fluctuations is, consumer demand for marbling-rich carcasses meeting consumer expectations are generating substantially larger premiums and gross dollars, compared to the average, than they were under similar market circumstances in 2014.
Paul Dykstra is the director of supply management and analysis at CAB. He can be reached at pdykstra@certifiedangusbeef.com.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 CALVES
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP
Arapahoe Ranch- 400 Blk Ang &AngX Strs 400-500#. High elevation. IMI Global certified. No hormones. Rec Ultrabac 7/Somubac, Inforce 3 & Bovishield Gold One Shot @ branding. Weaned 45-60 days. Hay fed. Sired by Sitz, Stevenson & Walter Blk Ang bulls. Very high quality!
Wyoming Honor Farm- 200 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 550600#. Rec Vision 8, Nasalgen 3PMH & Vista Once @ branding. Sired by Hancock & Northwest Angus Association Blk Ang bulls. Powerful, stout calves!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL • START TIME 9:30 AM
CALVES
Rimrock Cattle Co- 200 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 400-500#. Rec Vista Once SQ, Nasalgen & Vision 7 @ branding. Knife cut. Sired by Blk Ang Bulls. High desert, green & fancy!
Ruby Ranch- 150 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 450-525#. Rec Vista 5, Nasalgen & 7way @ branding. Sired by powerful Blk Ang Bulls (predom. Lucky 7 bulls) High elevation & Fancy!!