USDA continues efforts to combat NWS Page 7
ASI, PLC provide national updates during annual WCSWG convention Page 10
LCC Ranch Horse Team sees success, sets sights on growth Page 11
Role of artificial intelligence in ag discussed by local rancher Page 20
The 2025 Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Winter Roundup and Trade Show is just around the corner. Themed “Enabling Technology in Ranching,” the event will take place Dec. 8-10 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper, featuring educational breakout sessions, industry updates, committee meetings, guest speakers and networking opportunities. It will also feature the popular Progressive Rancher Forum, Make It With Wool Fashion Show and live and silent auctions. For more information, visit wysga.org/events/winter-convention
Out of an abundance of caution, the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) has made the decision to pause all equine activities due to the EHV-1 outbreak. Winter ropings, open rides and all winter arena rentals are currently canceled. WSF will continue to monitor the situation and will revisit the decision frequently to determine when they will be able to resume equine activities. For more information, contact the WSF Office at 307-358-2398 or info@wystatefair.com.
The Wyoming Department of Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Advisory Board meeting, which was originally scheduled for Dec. 15 in Cheyenne, has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date. For more information, contact Jon Chenchar at 307-777-2068.
In celebration of its 85th anniversary, the Wyoming CattleWomen organization is asking members to share their brands, as well as photos and/ or videos of themselves working on their farms and ranches or at an ag-related event. Photos will be shown at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association Conference Dec. 8-10 in Casper, on their website and on their Facebook page. For more information or to submit photos, visit wyocattlewomen.org
Cattle producers from across the West gathered in Cheyenne Nov. 10-11 for the 2025 Range Beef Cow Symposium, where Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe delivered a forecast for upcoming weather patterns.
Bledsoe, founder of Bledsoe Weather – a company which advises ag producers through private forecasting – opened his presentation with a joke about the “17 weather apps” individuals often scroll through when trying to
understand the upcoming forecast. He said, “My job is to take all of that information and make it actionable and usable in a real-life setting for farmers and ranchers.”
On Nov. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) published a proposal to revise the Clean Water Act’s (CWA) regulatory definition of “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS).
According to the EPA’s corresponding press release, the proposal was written in alignment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 2023 decision in Sackett vs. EPA, which narrowed the scope of CWA jurisdiction and rejected broad applications of the significant nexus test in some instances.
The agencies say the new rule seeks to confirm regulatory language in the court’s reasoning and provide a predictable, administrable test for field staff, landowners and regulated parties.
EPA and USACE further note the proposed rule
was developed using input from multiple sources and “delivers on the Trump administration’s commitment to protect America’s waters while providing the regulatory certainty needed to support the nation’s farmers who feed and fuel the world.”
Key changes proposed
Described by the EPA and USACE as a “clear, durable and commonsense definition,” the proposed revision ultimately narrows and clarifies which waters are federally jurisdictional under the CWA.
Key changes in the proposal include a clear definition of terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection” and “tributary” to properly align WOTUS with the CWA and the precedent set by the Supreme Court in Sackett vs. EPA
Please see WATER on page 5
Fourteen Wyoming agricultural producers and agribusiness men and women from across Wyoming recently graduated from the Wyoming Leadership, Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) Program.
According to Wyoming L.E.A.D. Program Director Cindy Garretson-Weibel, throughout the program, Class 18 participants attended 11 educational seminars to enhance their leadership skills and understanding of all aspects of agriculture and policymaking.
Nine seminars took place in Wyoming, and one was held in Washington, D.C. In addition, the group went to Peru for their international study seminar.
“The diverse backgrounds and experiences of participants enhanced their learning experience. The skills, knowledge and personal growth they gained through the L.E.A.D. Program will be a great asset to Wyoming agriculture,” stated Garretson-Weibel.
Among the Class 18 participants were Acacia Acord, vice president and agriculture and commercial loan office for First National Bank of Gillette. She and her husband Shawn run a cattle ranch and train horses in Weston. Acord is involved in her local cattlewoman’s group and is a 4-H leader.
Seth Allen is a ranch hand for Jack Pfister Ranch, Inc., a cow/calf operation in Lusk. He is currently serving on the Young Farmers and Ranchers Board for the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation.
Cody Alps is an owner and operator on his family farm
The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) 2025 Annual Convention was held Nov. 20-22 at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne.
A division of the National Farmers Union (NFU), RMFU is a grassroots organization representing family farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.
The organization’s annual convention provides a platform for members to come together to celebrate achievements, foster community, discuss important policy and hold elections.
Preconvention speakers
WACD celebrates 80 years during annual convention
Since 1945, the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) has served as a unifying voice for Wyoming’s 34 local conservation districts, working closely with local, state and federal agencies to advocate for sound conservation policy and support on-theground projects which make a lasting impact.
“Prairie to Peak – 80 Years of Wyoming Conservation” was the theme of the WACD 80th Annual Convention, hosted by the Campbell County Conservation District in Gillette Nov. 19-21.
The convention brought together members for three days of sessions featuring comments from agency personnel and partners, as well as several guest speakers.
Additional highlights included the unveiling of WACD’s new official logo, a trade show and an awards luncheon honoring exceptional district employees and key partners from across the state.
New logo To kick off the convention, WACD President Ryan
First, a panel of Wyoming producers spoke about the opportunities afforded by the Food Freedom Act, which allows for direct-to-consumer sales of homegrown foods throughout the state.
As stated by Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) Division Manager Justin Latham, the act “supports small scale agricultural entrepreneurs; encourages the growth of farmers markets, ranches and farms; fosters a vibrant local food economy and promotes agricultural sustainability and community well-being.”
The gathering kicked off on Nov. 20 with a series of preconvention speakers representing agricultural initiatives throughout Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.
Engagement is a powerful word used by many in leadership positions, members of a group and those looking to better themselves.
The dictionary says engagement has a lot of different meanings, from undertaking a conflict to participating with others.
I’ve done both, but I’ve found it’s way more fun to participate with others. Most likely, the first engagement was when Jesus Christ recruited his 12 Apostles, and the rest is history.
In the 2025 fall issue of Cow Country, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) magazine, WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna says, “While the mission statement of WSGA appropriately focuses on protecting the economic and cultural interests of its members, the single word that best describes both the history and current role of WSGA is ‘engagement.’ Beginning with its establishment in 1872, WSGA was known and respected for its engagement.”
As a longtime member and former president of WSGA, I can guarantee WSGA is engaging every day, either with its members or outside of the organization.
Wyoming agriculture is very fortunate, as there are a number of ag organizations to belong to, and they all are great at engaging their members and those outside of the organization.
They work closely with national agriculture, livestock and natural resource organizations and agencies.
We are a state with few people, so we often see some who belong to numerous organizations – both county, state and national – and some who are in leadership positions.
In reality, we see this across the West.
A great example of engaging and working together are the Wyoming State Agriculture Initiative Working Group made up by ag leaders from across the state. They are looking at all parts of Wyoming agriculture and developing opportunities for the future of the state’s ag industry.
We applaud Gov. Mark Gordon for his leadership and vision of Wyoming agriculture.
Another prime example is the Common Ground Coalition made up of livestock producers and leaders across the country who are trying to get livestock producers to stand together in “common ground” and not let the rhetoric and divisiveness ruin the cattle industry.
Here at the Roundup, we witnessed engagement during the course of eight weeks in the fall and early winter.
After the WSGA winter meeting, the Roundup team will have attended and reported on nine ag conventions and symposiums. It’s quite a sight to see different organizations working their way to reach common goals and objectives.
The last convention of the year will be the WSGA Winter Roundup and Trade Show in Casper on Dec. 8-10 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center. This winter meeting is a great place to engage, express opinions and learn about opportunities in the cattle industry. And, you can bet your voice will be heard.
Speakers from Washington, D.C. will discuss federal lands; Dr. Derrell Peel, noted cattle marketing specialist from Oklahoma State University, will discuss cattle prices and other speakers will highlight new technology for the ranch.
And, of course, there will be time to have fun at the auction and visit with old and new friends.
I look at these last eight weeks of conventions as an opportunity for those in agriculture to engage and learn with others and to express their opinions. Don’t pass up the opportunity. See you there.
I’ve spent my life with one foot in the pasture and the other in the classroom.
I’m a cattle producer from Danvers, Ill., where my family and I operate DI Simmentals, a family-based seedstock operation. I’ve also served as a professor at Illinois State University (Illinois State) for more than three decades.
My personal experience in production agriculture has allowed me to relate science to application on a more practical basis. At Illinois State, I conducted both basic and applied research in beef cattle nutrition and management, which helped me understand how dynamic the beef industry really is.
Importance of CBB and the checkoff
This mix of experiences – raising cattle, teaching students and studying nutrition – has shaped the way I look at today’s food and health conversations.
Working with people outside of agriculture also showed me how important Beef Checkoff-funded promotion and education can be to our industry’s future viability. It’s also why I serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) and as the co-chair of the Beef Checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Committee.
Our committee helps guide Beef Checkoff investments in beef nutrition research and consumer outreach, and I’ve seen firsthand how important those investments are.
As new health trends emerge, the demand for trustworthy nutrition science only grows.
This research ensures doctors, dietitians and other health influencers get sound, science-based information about beef, countering the misinformation which is often out there.
Impact of GLP-1 medications
Consider GLP-1 medications,
By Paul “Doc” Walker
for example.
GLP-1s have truly revolutionized the way people approach weight loss.
When I first started hearing about these medications, my reaction was that they could be bad for beef consumption, or they could generate an opportunity.
By slowing digestion and suppressing appetite, GLP-1s help people feel full faster and eat less. To maintain results, patients generally must stay on the medication long-term, sometimes indefinitely.
For those of us who raise cattle, it might be tempting to view this trend with concern, but the data actually tells a different story.
According to a study published by the Meat Demand Monitor in July 2025, nearly 15 percent of consumers surveyed in late 2024 reported using GLP-1 medications to treat diabetes or aid in weight loss, and instead of cutting back on beef, these consumers reported eating it more often than individuals not on GLP-1s – the equivalent of nearly one meal per day compared to two-thirds of a meal for non-users.
This tells us something important –people who are eating smaller portions are also thinking more carefully about the quality of their protein.
If positioned correctly, beef can become the go-to food for people who want fewer calories but more nutrition. Relevance of beef, now more than ever Beef delivers more high-quality protein and essential nutrients than almost any other protein source.
In fact, years ago, our lab at Illinois State compared young women’s diets with varying levels of beef consumption to those with vegetarian diets. We found women consuming beef retained
more zinc and iron than those on a vegetarian diet, and just three ounces per day was as effective as six or nine.
This research, funded by the old Livestock and Meat Board – the predecessor of the CBB and the National Pork Board – proved small amounts of beef can have a big impact.
As I see it, the rise of GLP-1s isn’t a threat to beef demand, we just may need to tell our story in a different way.
As beef producers, we know consumer trends come and go. We’ve weathered fad diets, shifting headlines and changing health advice before. But what hasn’t changed is beef’s place as one of the most nutrient-rich foods people can put on their plates.
The rise of GLP-1 medications is simply the latest reminder our product matters.
Thanks to the Beef Checkoff, this message is being backed by credible science and shared with healthcare professionals who shape millions of food decisions every day.
Beef producers can take pride in raising a product uniquely positioned for this new health landscape, but pride isn’t enough. Investments in research, promotion and education must continue reaching the doctors, dietitians and consumers who help shape demand.
In a world where every bite counts, our checkoff dollars ensure beef continues to be relevant, now more than ever.
Paul “Doc” Walker is a professor emeritus at Illinois State, as well as the owner and operator of DI Simmentals and DI Walker Consulting. He is currently a member of CBB and co-chair of the Beef Checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Committee. This opinion column was originally published by the Beef Checkoff on Oct. 6.
The Black Hills Angus Association (BHAA) will be awarding a $1,500 renewable scholarship for the 2026-27 school year. The application deadline is Jan. 10, 2026.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a graduating high school senior or currently attending an eligible post-secondary institution, including technical institutes for the 2023-24 school term and must be from South Dakota or a bordering state.
For more information or to obtain an application, call 605-892-2875 or e-mail bar69angus@gmail.com.
New World screwworm (NWS) is spreading through Central America and Mexico with over 135,000 animal cases and 980-plus human cases reported since 2023. While not currently in the U.S., this devastating parasite threatens livestock, pets, wildlife and humans alike, making it a critical One Health issue.
The Council for Agriculture Science and Technology is bringing together leading experts from animal health, public health and agricultural sectors to discuss prevention and response strategies during a free webinar, set for Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.
Speakers will include Dr. Phil Kaufman of Texas A&M University, Julia Herman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Megin Nichols of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Lynne Acebey of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Michael Schmoyer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Topics discussed will include current outbreak status and U.S. preparedness efforts; prevention strategies and treatment options; regulatory emergency response tools; importation protocols and quarantine requirements and how producers, veterinarians and regulators collaborate to protect animals and communities.
For more information or to register, visit streamyard.com/watch/kr9TJwpmwepn
According to a Dec. 1 Wyoming Public Radio article by Caitlin Tan, more Wyoming residents will qualify for federal financial assistance to heat their homes this winter. This was in question after the 44-year-old federal program was paused during the government shutdown and had yet to be funded once it reopened.
As of Dec. 1, the Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) resumed approving eligible applications. It’s relying on the $9.6 million in federal funds which were recently approved by Congress.
The money trickled into the Wyoming Department of Family Services (WDFS), which administers LIEAP, almost three weeks after the federal government reopened.
Kelly Douglas, WDFS public information officer, said this is because LIEAP is outside of the federal omnibus. Rather, it’s funded annually by Congress through a one-time block grant.
More than 3,900 applications have been pending since the program ran out of money on Oct. 15.
Previous to the shutdown, LIEAP had already approved a little over 1,100 Wyoming households. It relied on funds rolled over from last year.
LIEAP primarily works with utilities to help qualifying residents pay a portion of winter home heating bills, including electricity, natural gas, propane, wood and other costs. The program also offers a one-time “crisis assistance,” which includes funding for a broken furnace, pending utility disconnection or empty fuel tank.
Douglas couldn’t specify dates people will receive notice on applications or funding assistance, but she said the agency is hard at it and trying to contact everyone “as soon as we can.”
In order to qualify, Wyoming households – which include homeowners and renters – must have a total income of less than 60 percent of the state’s median income. For a four-person household, this pencils out to an annual income of $68,902 or less.
Also, priority is given to families with children under five years old, people with disabilities and people 60 years or older.
On Dec. 2, Gov. Mark Gordon issued the following statement regarding TerraPower’s recent announcement.
“Passing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s final safety evaluation is a major milestone for TerraPower’s Natrium project – for Kemmerer, for Wyoming and for America’s energy future. This rigorous review confirms what President Donald Trump, I and many others have long maintained – advanced nuclear power is essential to delivering reliable power, securing our energy independence and keeping America competitive,” he said.
The governor noted Wyoming exports about 12 times more energy than it consumes.
“With the current and expected demand for energy, the Wyoming energy pie only gets larger, so our core energy sources will continue to supply energy to our consumers,” Gordon added. “The nuclear piece will fit nicely in our energy portfolio.”
On Dec. 2, Gov. Mark Gordon announced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Wyoming’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Wyoming is one of 18 states and territories included in this announcement.
“The approval of Wyoming’s final proposal marks an important step forward in our goal of connecting every serviceable location in the state with broadband access,” Gordon said. “As one of the first states to receive approval, this announcement demonstrates Wyoming’s national leadership and the strength of the Wyoming BEAD Program.”
The BEAD Program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, makes available $42.45 billion in federal funds to connect Americans to high-speed internet.
This investment fuels economic development in communities across the country and provides vital service to rural communities in states like Wyoming where access has historically been a challenge.
Wyoming’s BEAD allocation totals just under $348 million in grants to broadband providers. To access these funds, the Wyoming Broadband Office developed a detailed plan to ensure the funding serves Wyoming’s citizens in the most effective way, working closely with the state’s Internet Service Providers.
Laramie, Albany County, Wyoming
6,284± total acres; 5,019± deeded, & 1,265± State lease acres. Live water, 89± acre private lake, year-round access.
$6,500,000
Mark McNamee (307) 760-9510 or Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025
Torrington, Goshen County, Wyoming
5,287± total contiguous acres ; 4,647± deeded and 640± State of WY lease acres. Improved fences and water infrastructure.
$3,900,000
Michael McNamee at (307) 534-5156 or Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025
Broadus, Powder River County, Montana
12,020± total acres, 800± irrigated acres, 11,220± well-water native pasture land. Excellent water rights with improvements.
$12,500,000
Mark McNamee at (307) 760-9510
Lynn Ward at (605) 685-3238
Hermosa, Custer County, South Dakota 40± acres with turn-key horse facility, heated 125x225 indoor arena and MUCH MORE!
$3,030,000
Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025 or Logan Schliinz (307) 575-5236
Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming
1,331.44± deeded acres with current quarry operations on approximately 35± acres.
$12,995,000
Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025 or Mark McNamee at (307) 760-9510
Lander, Fremont County, Wyoming
2,100± total acres; 627.14± deeded acres 1,193± BLM acres & 280± State Lease acres with home.
Reduced to $2,750,000
Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025 or Mark McNamee at (307) 760-9510
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, all boats providing commercial fishing guide services on Wyoming waterways will be required to display commercially-guided fishing boat registration stickers on the stern of the watercraft and tongue of the watercraft trailer.
The new registration stickers became available on Dec. 1 through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) license page. Beginning Jan. 2, 2026, the stickers will also be available at WGFD regional offices and at the Cheyenne Headquarters Office.
Following the passage of Wyoming House Bill 005, which was signed into law earlier this year, WGFD appointed a commercially-guided fishing boat advisory board to help the department develop recommendations for commercially-guided fishing boat registration requirements.
The board and department met multiple times to develop the new Chapter 71, Commercially-Guided Fishing Boats, which the department brought to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in September where it received final approval.
Per new regulations, operators of commercially-guided fishing boats will be required to display the stickers on the boat and trailers when they are being used to guide anglers. The cost for the two stickers is $325. This fee is a flat rate for resident and nonresident commercial anglers.
Those purchasing the stickers will be required to submit reports to the department twice each year detailing where and when guided trips were taken. Registrants will be able to complete these reports on the department website.
The registration stickers will need to be renewed annually. Proof of purchase received at the time of sale will serve as proof of registration for 30 days, giving the department time to ship decals and dashboard slips to the purchaser.
Christmas tree permits for Wyoming residents are available online at forestproducts.blm.gov/. The cost for a permit is $7.50 to $10 per tree, depending on location. Up to a maximum of five permits can be purchased by an individual for personal use.
Permits may also be purchased between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday from a local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming field office, excluding the Newcastle and Cody field offices.
A BLM permit is valid for trees located on BLMadministered lands only. Permits for trees on U.S. Forest Service (USFS)-administered land can be obtained at a local USFS office and at some BLM offices.
Trees taken on BLM lands must be less than 15 feet tall and have a diameter at breast height of less than eight inches. Permit holders must carry a valid permit when cutting trees.
Trees may not be harvested from wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, timber sale areas, campgrounds or boat access sites.
Cutting is not permitted on private land.
All pines with needles in bundles of five, such as whitebark pine and limber pine, are protected and must not be cut or damaged.
Local tree species, including subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine, make excellent Christmas trees and are often found growing in the understory of aspen stands.
Christmas trees harvested from aspen stands and dense young stands will contribute to forest health and improve wildlife habitat.
For additional information, visit blm.gov/wyomingchristmas-trees or contact a local BLM field office.
The Precision Application Technology (PAT) Lab at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, Neb. is launching the Precision Education in Spray Technologies (PEST) Academy, a research-based and hands-on training program designed to equip individuals with the technical knowledge and operational skills needed for optimized, sustainable and data-driven pest management.
The academy, supported by the Nebraska Corn Board, aims to bridge science-based learning with practical, realworld demonstrations to strengthen decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance and enhance the long-term sustainability of crop protection programs.
Private and custom applicators, crop consultants and industry professionals will gain more than 16 hours of professional instruction through the academy.
Learning opportunities offered include guidance on label interpretation, hands-on spray training, enhanced understanding of spray additives and data-driven tools and evaluations.
Upon completing the academy, participants will have the opportunity to earn a University of Nebraska-Lincoln microcredential and Nebraska Department of Agriculture recertification credits in categories 00 and 01.
Each session is limited to a maximum of 35 participants. The first 35 individuals to apply for the academy will receive free registration.
The first session of the PEST Academy is set for Dec. 10-11; the second session is set for Dec. 22-23; the third session is set for Jan. 15-16, 2026; the fourth session is set for Feb. 10-11, 2026; the fifth session is set for March 10-11, 2026 and the sixth session is set for April 8-9, 2026.
For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/ pestacademy
Kent Bamford with Bamford Feedyard in Haxtun, Colo. and Bob Foote with Foote Cattle Company in Bucyrus, Kan. are the 2026 inductees in the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame.
Honorees will be recognized at the 17th annual banquet on Feb. 4, 2026 during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tenn.
Bamford Feedyard started as a small yard, growing to 15,000 head capacity and further diversifying into a farming and trucking operation, as well as a feed additive company.
Foote, who is being inducted posthumously, developed a multi-location family-owned cattle operation with a 285,000-head feeding capacity among other businesses across Kansas and Nebraska.
Additional honorees include Greg Henderson of Kansas, who will be recognized posthumously with the Industry Leadership Award for his award-winning journalism and being a revered voice of the beef industry.
Rick Hibler with Irsik and Doll Beefland Feedyard in Garden City, Kan. will receive the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to improving the cattle-feeding industry.
Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet attendees are invited to participate in CattleCon 2026 – the largest cattle and beef industry event of the year. The annual convention features industry meetings, inspirational speakers, valuable education, entertainment, a massive trade show, producer recognition and much more.
Established in 2009, the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame honors the visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the cattle-feeding industry.
For more information, visit cattlefeeders.org/
Gov. Mark Gordon invites the public to attend the 2026 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, a tradition bringing Wyomingites together in prayer, reflection and community for more than 70 years.
The annual event will take place on Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne.
Over the past eight years, the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast has seen remarkable growth. What began with just under 300 attendees in 2019 has expanded into a sold-out gathering of more than 600 people for each of the last five years, reflecting a deepening interest in faith, unity and community engagement.
Individual tickets are on sale for $75 each, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Governor’s Prayer Breakfast is made possible entirely through private sponsorships, with no state tax dollars used to fund the event. It is organized by the Wyoming Governor’s Residence Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting events and initiatives which strengthen civic and community life in Wyoming.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Black Hills Energy. Supporting sponsors include Downing Strategy and Solutions, GoWest Credit Union Association, NextEra Energy, Rocky Mountain Power, UniWyo Credit Union, Wyoming Bankers Association and Wyoming Hospital Association.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wyoprayerbreakfast.org/
and to reaffirm wetlands must be indistinguishable from jurisdictional waters through a continuous surface connection.
The proposal also seeks to establish that jurisdictional tributaries must connect to traditional navigable waters either directly or through features providing “predictable and consistent flow” and incorporate terminology to help determine whether a water body qualifies as WOTUS.
Additionally, the proposal aims to preserve and clarify exclusions for certain ditches, croplands and waste treatment systems, add a new exclusion for groundwater and strengthen the authority for states and Tribes to make decisions by using their expertise in local resources.
“The definition of WOTUS influences CWA implementation, including whether farmers, landowners and American businesses must secure permits before they can pursue projects which might impact surface water quality,” EPA states. “Having a durable, consistent and clear definition of WOTUS is essential to lowering costs for Americans and accelerating economic growth, while protecting human health and the environment.”
Controversy continues
Unsurprisingly, the agencies’ proposal caused split reactions down familiar lines.
While many agricultural, state and industry groups praised the proposal for its long-needed clarity, environmental and conservation groups reacted less positively, warning the proposal could strip protections from millions of acres of wetlands and small streams which provide flood control, groundwater recharge and wildlife habitat.
Wyoming’s delegation was among those who welcomed new WOTUS clarity, as both Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso (both R-WY) applauded the proposal for protecting local landowners from overreach and bringing about a predictable standard for ranching and energy activities.
“Wyoming farmers, ranchers and landowners shouldn’t have every puddle or gully regulated by Washington, D.C. bureaucrats,” Lummis states. “Folks deserve a clear definition, and this delivers. I’m glad the EPA created a rule people can actually count on.”
Barrasso comments, “I applaud the Trump administration for protecting water resources in the West and respecting local authority. The Biden-era WOTUS rule gave Washington, D.C. control of everything from ponds to prairie potholes. This new proposal stands with Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and landowners by protecting our water from federal overreach.”
Cauffman Land & Cattle - Burlington
1 Blk Cow, 1310# $15900
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1183# $15400 Clinton, Stanford - Cody
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1345# $15800
1 BWF Cow, 1440# $15100 Geis, Nick - Worland
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1370# $15700 Russell Land & Livestock - Basin
2 BWF Cows, avg. 1618# $15500
1 Blk Cow, 1425# $14800 Marriott, Scott - Meeteetse
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1575# $15400 Annand, Kelly - Greybull 1 Blk Cow, 1290# $15300 Carr, Doug - Gillette
1 BWF Cow, 1305# $15000 Shumway, Eddie - Thermopolis
1 Blk Cow, 1180# $14900 Shumway, Beverly - Thermopolis
1 Blk Cow, 1320# $14700 Tharp, Guy - Manderson
Additionally, multiple ag and industry groups voiced their support for the proposal, including the America First Policy Institute, American Chemistry Council, American Exploration and Mining Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Forest and Paper Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, American Soybean Association, Forest Landowners Association, Gas Processors Association Midstream, Global Energy Institute, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), National Cotton Council, National Mining Association, National Turkey Federation and Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, among many others.
NCBA President Buck Wehrbein states, “WOTUS has been a longstanding and frustrating issue for family farmers and ranchers. Every few years, the definition has changed. Often, this meant small water features like prairie potholes or dry ditches suddenly fell under federal regulation.”
“NCBA has spent years fighting to protect cattle producers from excessive red tape. We went to the EPA, advocated on Capitol Hill and even took this issue all the way up to the
Hampton Sheep Co. - Woland
1 CharX Cow, 1250# $14600 Bolli, Colton - Meeteetse
1 XBred Cow, 1070# $14250 Whitt, Britt - Meeteetse
1 BWF Cow, 1060# $14200
• Upcoming Sales •
Dec. 8 – Monday • The Bawl of the Fall Feeder Special Dec. 11 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle Dec. 18 – Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat Dec. 25 – Merry Christmas! Jan. 8 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle
Supreme Court to protect our members from federal overreach,” Wehrbein continues. “We appreciate the EPA finally fixing previous WOTUS rules and supporting America’s family farmers and ranchers.”
NASDA Chief Executuive Officer Ted McKinney further comments, “NASDA appreciates EPA listening to input from state departments of agriculture and other stakeholders regarding problems with prior WOTUS rulemakings. NASDA is pleased our federal colleagues are now working cooperatively with state coregulators to ensure the goals of the CWA are met while minimizing unjustified interference with agricultural and other activities which feed, clothe and house Amer-
icans and drive our nation’s economy.”
“NASDA is excited to properly reengage with EPA under cooperative federalism to ensure our local water resources are protected and farmers have the information and resources they need to make the best decisions about how to manage their land,” he adds.
Moving forward
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 20, kicking off a 45-day public comment period which will close on Jan. 5, 2026.
After the comment period, EPA and USACE will review input, potentially revise the text and then publish a final rule later in 2026. The final rule itself will be litigated, as past
WOTUS rules have triggered multiple lawsuits and court injunctions. If finalized and upheld, the rule would set the federal baseline for CWA jurisdiction, but states and Tribes would have the authority to assert broader protections by statute, regulation or their own permitting programs. EPA states, “When finalized, the rule will cut red tape and provide predictability, consistency and clarity for American industry, energy producers, the technology sector, farmers, ranchers, developers, businesses and landowners for permitting under the CWA.” Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Blk Cow, 1375# $16300 Geis, Marcus - Worland
1 BWF Cow, 1535# $15900
1 Blk Cow, 1115# $14700 Hoyt, Mark - Basin
1 Blk Cow, 1435# $14600
Consignments • December 8 • Monday • Bawl of the Fall Feeder Special
Lloyd Nielson – 40 black steers, 500-600#; 55 black heifers, bangs vacc, 450-550#, two rounds of shots, long time weaned.
Dave Greer – 25 red steers; 35 red heifers, 500-600#, two rounds of shots, weaned.
Mark Redland – 30 black steers, 600-700#, two rounds of shots, weaned.
Dwayne Tucker – 20 black/red steers, 450-550#, two rounds of shots, weaned.
Gerald Reuter – 13 black steers, 500#, two rounds of shots, weaned.
Jeremiah Vardiman – 9 black & BB steers; 5 BB heifers, 450#, two rounds of shots & Nasalgen. Wallingford Ranch – 5 black steers, 400-500#, two rounds of shots, weaned.
Wade Barnard – 10 mixed black & red, 450-500#, weaned.
Fred Moncur – 10 black heifers, 400-450#, two rounds of shots, weaned.
December 18 • Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat
Deep Creek Ranch, Complete Dispersion – 70 bred black/BWF, 2-4 YO; 80 bred black/BWF, 5-6 YO; 15 bred black/BWF, SM; 15 bred black/BWF, ST, calve March 10, bred to registered Black Angus & Hereford bulls, high elevation.
Klaren Cattle – 39 bred cows, mixed ages, calve April-May, bred to registered Black Angus & Hereford bulls, high elevation.
Lewton Ranch – 50 ST bred black, calve March 10, bred to registered Black Angus, high elevation.
Klaren Cattle – 7 mostly red steers; 14 mostly red heifers, 400-450#, two rounds of shots plus Nasalgen, weaned 45+ days.
Jason Wiechmann – 25 ST bred cows, black, calve March/April, bred to black bulls; 10 bred cows, black, heifers to running age cows, calve mid-April/May, bred to black bulls.
WEANED CALVES
Arleen, Curtis & Alan LeClair 116 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 60 days, Bun Broke, Hay Fed, Shots at Birth: 7-way, Branding Shots: 7-way, CattleActive, Vista Once, Weaning Shots: 7-way, Vista Once, CattleActive, Pour On, Booster Shots: CattleActive Dudley Springs Ranch 62 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 535-585#, Weaned 60 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding and Pre-cond. Shots; 8-way, bovi-Shield Gold 5, Nasalgen, No Implants, Steers are Knife Cut Woody Ranch 53 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 380-400#, Weaned 45 days, Bunk Broke, Grass Hay Fed, Branding Shots: Inforce 3, Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot, Ultra Choice 8-way, Pre-cond. Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot, Ultra Choice 8-way Pryor Ranch/Dick Pryor 25 Blk Strs, 500-550#, Weaned since Nov. 14, Hay Fed, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots (Oct. 31): Vision 7, boviShield Gold One Shot Lee Hall 20 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 600#, Weaned since Nov. 12, Running out on pasture, Free Choice Hay, Branding Shots: Alpha 7, Vira Shield 6+VL5, Pre-cond. Shots (Oct. 11): Pyramid 5+Presponse SQ, Alpha 7, Wormed, No Implants Grant Ranch/Rick Grant 10 Strs, 500#, Branding Shots: 7-way, One Shot & Inforce, Precond Shots: 7-way/Somnus, BoviShield Gold One Shot, Weaned October 25th, 12 to 14 lbs of hay/day
Abraham Cattle 11 Blk Hfrs, 500#, Weaned 6 weeks, Running out on pasture, Alfalfa Hay and Creep Feed, Complete Vac. Program, Producer All Natural Neil Hennek 10 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 600-700#, Weaned 45 days, Been on Grass Hay, Branding & Pre-cond. Shots: Vista Once SQ, 7-way w/ Somnus+Spur, Poured at Pre-cond., Producer All Natural PRE-COND. CALVES
Dennis & Linda Isakson 200 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 450-550#, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots (Nov. 1): Vista Once, Vision 7 w/Somnus+Spur, Poured w/Ivermectin, No Implants, Steers are Knife Cut, No Replacements Kept, Running out on Native Pasture Bobby George 90 Blk Hfrs, 500-600#, 2 Rounds of Fall Shots, No Implants, Started on Hay along side of Mothers, Replacement Quality
and ranch, Alps Land and Cattle, in Yoder, which focuses on the production of beef cattle while also raising other forages for cattle – primarily hay crops.
Beth Butler works on the Robinson Ranch, a family cattle ranch near Douglas. She is a fifth-generation cattle rancher and has an extensive background in the petroleum industry as an environmental engineer.
Amber Edwards runs cow/calf pairs with her husband Andy and their kids in Sheridan. She also serves as a regional credit analyst manager for First Interstate Bank in Sheridan.
Tori Graves is the interim general field representative for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Rural Utilities Service and Electric Program. Graves resides in Buffalo and owns Barnum Bee Co., a small, parttime value-added agricultural business of beekeeping and soapmaking.
Eilish Hanson is a farm loan manager for the USDA Farm Service Agency and resides in Gillette. She is involved in her family’s cow/calf operation near Lusk and a co-owner of her grandma’s ranch.
Jarrod Hendry works alongside his parents on the family ranch, Clear Creek Cattle Company, in Lysite. They run cows and buy bred heifers. They also have 50 head of horses and break and ride colts.
Hills Land & Livestock 200 Blk Angus Cows, Complete Dispersal, 3 yr olds to ST, Bred to Herring Blk Bulls, Ultra-sounded to CF: Group 1: April 7 to May 31 (80%), Group 2: June 1 to July 20 (20%) , Shots at Preg Check (Nov. 12): Vira Shield 6 VLt, Injectable Wormer, Poured w/ Cleanup 2, One-iron, Home Raised, Moderate-framed, Gentle, High Elevation Cows ****45 Exposed Blk Cows, Complete Dispersal, 3 yr olds to ST, Bred to Herring Angus Bulls, CF: July 20 to Aug. 25th, Poured with Cleanup 2 on Nov. 12 Tam & Paula Staman 40 Blk (5 Bwf) Cows, 1175, Complete Dispersal, 3 yr olds, Bred to Ward Blk Bulls or G Bar H Blk Bulls, CF: March 15 for 60 days, Pre-breeding Shots: Vista 5 VL5, Poured on Nov. 1, All Raised a Calf ****60 Blk/Bwf Cows, 1300#, Complete Dispersal, 3-8 yr olds, Bred to Ward Blk Bulls or G Bar H Blk Bulls, CF: March 30 for 60 days, Prebreeding Shots: Vista 5 VL5, Poured on Nov. 1, All Raised a Calf (95% Home Raised) BRED HEIFERS
Todd Farrington 120 Blk/Bwf Hfrs, AI’d Bred to Fireball 672 (+0.1 BW; +11 CED), CF: Feb. 10, Fall Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5 HB, Ivomec Injectable, Poured w/Clean-up, First Round of Scour Guard, High Elevation, All Purchased out of the mountains of Colorado, Never Rebranded Rough Diamond Ranch 50 Bwf Hfrs, 1200-1300#, AI’d Bred to RSL True Balancer (Gardner Angus), CF: Feb. 20, Pelvic Measured, Been on a Complete Modified Live Pre-breeding Program, This Fall SafeGuard Wormer, Poured w/Clean-up, First Scour Guard Shot, Broken Box Origin as Calves, (Not re-branded) ****18 Bwf Hfrs, 1200-1300#, Bred to Calving Ease, Low Birth Wt Angus Bulls, CF: March 9th to 27th (one cycle), Pelvic Measured, Been on a Complete Modified Live Pre-breeding Program, This Fall SafeGuard Wormer, Poured w/Clean-up, First Scour Guard Shot, Broken Box Origin as Calves, (Not re-branded)
Roth Land & Cattle 50 Red Angus Hfrs, AI’d Bred (yellow tags) to LEM STOCKYARD 2001 ET(leadoff bull in the 2023 Lemke Cattle Sale in Lawrence, NE; one of the hottest new young sires in the market with an uncommon blend of calving ease, performance, marbling and phenotype. He ranks in the top 10% for 5 different traits or indexes) & First Cycle Bull Breds (green tags) Red Angus Bulls; Premium Calving Ease Sires (everyone of the bulls used is in the top 10% both calving ease and birth weight), Ultra-sounded by Smylie Animal Clinic on Aug. 13 to CF: Feb. 25 to March 20
****10 Red Angus Hfrs (blue tags), Bred to Red Angus Bulls; Premium Calving Ease Sires (everyone of the bulls used is in the top 10% both calving ease and birth weight), Ultra-sounded by Smylie Animal Clinic on Aug. 13 to CF: March 20 to April 15 All Heifers have Been on a Complete Vac. Program, Shots in March: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Staybred VL5 and Dectomax Pour On, Home Raised Heifers with some Additional hand-selected females from top-tier genetics at K2 Red Angus and Pieper Red Angus. This uniform set is exceptionally gentle and easy to handle; move them on horseback, on foot, or ATV with ease, These heifers were developed o n summer range pasture, Complete Salt & Mineral Program If you want to buy sme sleep-all-night, they don’t better than this!
BRED COWS
Miller Livestock/Randy Miller 40 Blk Cows, SM, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March/April, Poured w/Clean-up in Early October ****80 Blk Cows, 10 yr olds, Bred to Blk Angus Bull, CF: March/April, Poured w/Clean-up in Early October
Cow 3/Apr-May 1143 $4,100.00
SLC Cattle Co 41 Blk Brd Cow SM/Apr-May 1394 $3,960.00
SLC Cattle Co 12 Blk Brd Cow SM/Mar-Apr 1483 $3,575.00
Albertson Cattle 24 Blk Brd Cow SS/Mar-Apr 1398 $3,250.00
Albertson Cattle 39 Blk Brd Cow ST/Mar-Apr 1378 $3,000.00
SLC Cattle Co 12 Blk Brd Cow ST/Apr-May, 1374 $2,800.00
Shining S 22 Blk/Rd Brd Cow SS/Feb 1386 $3,325.00
SLC Cattle Co 196 Blk/Rd Brd Cow ST/Apr-May, 1413 $3,025.00
Albertson Cattle 24 Bwf Brd Cow SM/Mar-Apr 1352 $4,250.00
Albertson Cattle 13 Bwf Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1260 $4,000.00
Shining S 5 Bwf Brd Cow SM,SS/Feb 1411 $3,625.00
Albertson Cattle 22 Bwf Brd Cow SS/Mar-Apr 1238 $3,525.00
Albertson Cattle 8 Mxd Brd Cow 3-SM/Mar-Apr 1184
Marie McClaren lives in Kemmerer and works on her family’s fifth-generation range sheep operation, Julian Land and Livestock. She is passionate about teaching others about the sheep industry and its importance in Wyoming.
Dagan Montgomery of Pinedale is a University of Wyoming agriculture natural resources Extension educator. He and his wife Jenna are both from Kentucky.
Averi Reynolds Davies is the conservation and stewardship director for the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust. She and her newlywed husband Stryker live in Bar Nunn. Laramie Seymour is an ag loan officer at First Northern Bank of Wyoming in Gillette. Seymour resides in Rozet with her husband Cheyenne, where they run their own set of cows in Crook County.
Katie Shockley is the ag and equine pathway coordinator at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne. She also oversees the agriculture internship program at LCCC and grew up on a farm and feedlot in Wheatland. Mattie Stevenson is the ranch unit manager of Ring Tail R Cattle Company in Jeffrey City. She lives near Alcova and runs some personal cattle.
Applications for the next Wyoming L.E.A.D. class will be available after the first of the year.
Founded in 1984, Wyoming L.E.A.D. is an adult education program designed to hone the skills for individuals who aspire to become leaders in agriculture and Wyoming communities. The program aims to develop highly-motivated and well-informed rural leaders who will act forcefully, serve effectively and speak articulately for agriculture and Wyoming communities. For more information, visit wylead.com
As the threat of New World screwworm (NWS) creeps closer to the U.S. border, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is continuing its efforts to combat the invasive pest.
In June, the department rolled out a five-pronged plan aimed at detecting, controlling and eliminating NWS before it crosses the border, combining prevention, preparedness and active suppression to stay ahead of the fly’s northward march.
Recently, USDA added a few more tools to its toolbox in fighting NWS.
Collaborative effort
At the beginning of November, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins led a trade mission to Mexico City, in what she described as the “largest trade mission in the department’s history to Mexico.”
According to a Nov. 13 USDA press release, the mission brought together 41 U.S. businesses, 33 cooperators and ag advocacy groups, six state departments of agriculture and 150 participants who conducted more than 500 business-tobusiness meetings over the course of three days.
Discussion addressed the ongoing NWS outbreak and collaborative efforts being made to control and eradicate the pest, as well as expanding Mexican market access for American ag products.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters following the mission, Rollins notes while the U.S. is not ready to open its border to Mexican cattle imports yet, she is pleased with the country’s recent efforts to contain the pest and says President Donald Trump has made it
a priority to reopen the border, which has been closed to livestock trade since May.
“We’re still not at the point where I am comfortable opening the ports, but I think every day that goes by we get a little bit closer,”
Rollins tells Reuters. “I want to have every confidence we have overturned every stone, we understand every nuance and we are deploying every tool in the toolkit.”
“The trading and diplomatic relationship between our two countries is of the utmost importance to President Trump and American farmers and ranchers,” she says in the press release.
“Whether it is securing the Southern Border from illegal migration, combating NWS or expanding market access for American agricultural products, we are working every day to put American interests first.”
Dispersal facilities
Additionally, on Nov. 13, USDA announced the opening of a sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, which will allow the department to release sterile male screwworm flies aerially across northeastern Mexico.
USDA explains aerial dispersal helps cover larger areas – including those inaccessible from the ground –making it a critical tool in the agency’s containment strategy.
“The opening of the Tampico, Mexico sterile fly dispersal facility is another incredibly important tool in our arsenal to stop the spread of screwworm,” Rollins states. “The facility will ensure flexibility and responsiveness in northern Mexico, giving us a greater
ability to drop sterile flies and continue to push the pest south.”
USDA also announced it will invest $21 million to support renovation of a fruit fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, which will double as a NWS production facility when it is completed in the summer of 2026.
Further, the agency has begun construction on a sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, which is projected to begin operations in early 2026, and the department is expediting construction on a production facility in southern Texas with a targeted capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week.
Meanwhile, USDA continues to disperse 100 million sterile flies per week in Mexico.
New website
Among the lineup of initiatives rolled out in November, USDA also launched a new website to central-
ize information regarding NWS, including updates on surveillance, guidance for producers, maps of risk zones, ongoing efforts and resources for stakeholders in both the U.S. and Mexico.
The website includes targeted resources for everyone from livestock producers, wildlife professionals, veterinarians, animal health officials and pet owners to healthcare providers, researchers, drug manufacturers and the general public.
It also includes the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities, as well as information from USDA’s partner agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of State.
The agency notes the site aims to increase transparency, keep producers informed and provide a
single, reliable source for developments in the fight against NWS.
“The Trump administration is leading a whole-ofgovernment effort to protect our nation’s cattle industry from NWS. To ensure timely and effective communications, this new unified website will be a onestop shop for all screwworm related information and will help our stakeholders be better informed as new information comes available,” Rollins says.
“We are grateful for robust interagency collaboration, and we continue to work every day with our state and industry partners to implement our screwworm plan. This is a national security priority, and it has the full attention of our team,” she adds.
Current movement
While Mexico continues confirming new NWS cases, the department notes the overwhelming major-
ity have remained in the far southern part of the country, with no significant northward expansion in recent months.
The two northernmost detections occurred in Nuevo León, Mexico in September and October –approximately 70 and 170 miles from the U.S. border – in young cattle transported from Chiapas, Mexico.
The agency asserts no additional detections have occurred in the area and neither case remains active.
USDA also maintains the pest has not been detected in the U.S., with over 30,000 fly samples trapped in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico and tests on 6,600 wild animals across 28 species in 120 U.S. counties all confirming negative for NWS infestation.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Top Sellers
Bulls Lot 5 – Diamond Galactic 1N94 – Price:
$35,000 DOB: 1/10/25
Sire: VAR Galactic 1469
Dam’s Sire: RB Black Ranger 458 EPDs: BW: +0.6, WW: +76, YW: +137 and Milk: +34 Buyer: Conner Barnes, Cody, Neb. Lot 51 – Diamond Prolific 0215 – Price: $31,000 DOB: 2/5/25 Sire: Ellingson Prolific Dam’s Sire: Square B True North 8052 EPDs: BW: +3.5, WW: +91, YW: +146 and Milk:
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Nov. 28-29, 2025
PAYS, Billings, Mont.
Auctioneers: Roger Jacobs, Joe Goggins, Ty Thompson, Bill Cook and Greg Goggins 166
+30 Buyer: Conner Barnes, Cody, Neb. Lot 14 – Diamond Bronc 3N94 – Price:
$30,000 DOB: 1/16/25
Sire: 2XL Bronc 8153
Dam’s Sire: Diamond Spur
H124 EPDs: BW: +1.5, WW: +93, YW: +163 and Milk: +27 Buyer: John Latham, Camp Crook, S.D. Lot 1 – Diamond Galactic 2565 – Price:
$21,000 DOB: 1/6/25 Sire: VAR Galactic 1469 Dam’s Sire: CAR Hobson EPDs:
Sire: Ellingson Three Rivers 0065 EPDs: BW: +2.8, WW: +102, YW: +166 and Milk: +19 Buyer: Grimmius Cattle, Hanford, Calif.
Lot 6 – Vermilion Jameson M816 – Price: $37,500 DOB: 8/19/24 Sire: Basin
Jameson 1076 Dam’s Sire:
S A V Raindance 6848
EPDs: BW: +0.8, WW: +85, YW: +139 and Milk: +30 Buyer: Fintail Ranch, Twin Bridges, Mont.
Lot 100 – Vermilion
Rise Above M754 – Price:
$33,000 DOB: 7/31/24 Sire: Stellpfug Hoffman Rise
Long Teton M820 – Price: $45,000 DOB: 9/10/24 Sire: Long Teton 107 Dam’s
Above Dam’s Sire: Connealy Countdown EPDs: BW: +2.3, WW: +81, YW: +133 and Milk: +20 Buyer:
BW: +0.5, WW: +87, YW: +148 and Milk: +33 Buyers: Cross Ranch, Pine Bluffs
Lot 4 – Diamond Galactic 12N6 – Price: $20,000 DOB: 1/13/25 Sire: VAR Galactic 1469 Dam’s Sire: RB Black Ranger 458 EPDs: BW: +0.4, WW: +76, YW: +135 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Hooks Ranch, Big Timber, Mont.
Lot 74 – Diamond Silver Bullet 397N – Price: $20,000 DOB: 1/14/25
MR Land and Livestock, Billings, Mont.
Lot 2 – Vermilion Jameson M792 – Price: $32,500 DOB: 8/15/24 Sire: Basin
Jameson 1076 Dam’s Sire: Connealy McIlroy EPDs: BW: +0.4, WW: +96, YW: +161 and Milk: +31 Buyer: Peckenpaugh Angus, Carthage, S.D.
Lot 4 – Vermilion Jameson M799 – Price: $32,500 DOB: 8/13/24 Sire: Basin Jameson 1076 Dam’s Sire: Vermilion Charge On EPDs:
BW: +1.4, WW: +97, YW: +157 and Milk: +31 Buyer: Bob Stoddard, Newcastle Lot 180 – Vermilion Growth Fund M236 – Price: $30,000 DOB: 3/13/24 Sire:
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR
Sire: Byergo Silver Bullet Dam’s Sire: Basin Safe Deposit 9324 EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +92, YW: +160 and Milk: +29 Buyers: Larson Ranch, Forsyth, Mont.
Vermilion Growth Fund
K343 Dam’s Sire: Vermilion Spur B008 EPDs: BW: +0.8, WW: +78, YW: +148 and Milk: +20 Buyer: JH Minor Company, Hyannis, Neb.
Registered bred cows
Lot 301 – Vermilion
Evergreen 8080 – Price: $17,500 DOB: 1/25/18
Sire: Connealy Countdown Dam’s Sire: Connealy Spur EPDs: BW: +1.4, WW: +59, YW: +113 and Milk: +25
Buyer: Half Dozen Ranch, Billings, Mont. Lot 315 – Vermilion
Evergreen 8130 – Price: $15,500 DOB: 2/10/18 Sire: S A V Sensation 5615 Dam’s Sire: Connealy Countdown
EPDs: BW: +2.3, WW: +77, YW: +137 and Milk: +26 Buyer: C Spear Angus, Huntley, Mont.
Registered bred heifers Lot 544 – Vermilion Blackbird 4455 – Price: $9,000 DOB: 2/17/24
Sire: Deer Valley Growth Fund Dam’s Sire: Connealy Countdown EPDs:
BW: +0.9, WW: +81, YW: +151 and Milk: +33 Buyer: Dustin Focht, Pratt, Kan. Lot 586 – Vermilion Mary 3714 – Price: $9,000 DOB: 9/16/23 Sire: Vermilion Leo Dam’s Sire: Connealy McIlroy EPDs: BW: -0.7, WW: +71, YW: +124 and Milk: +19 Buyer: Dustin Focht, Pratt, Kan.
Following the panel, AgWell Director Carlyle Stewart and Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) Foundation Executive Director Renée Middleton spoke about AgWell and the CFD PickUp Man Campaign, which work to increase advocacy about mental health challenges facing agricultural producers in Wyoming and other rural areas.
Next, Kelly Pingree and Livy Lewis, co-directors of the Wind River Food Sovereignty Project, discussed efforts to fight food insecurity and diet-related diseases on the Wind River Reservation through regenerative agriculture and education.
Finally, Cheyenne Robinson, Nicole Borner and Davey Madison, co-owners of the Trillium Cooperative, highlighted the power of collaboration in agriculture through a demonstration comparing the co-op structure to preparing for a branding.
Convention highlights
The convention kicked off on the morning of Nov. 21 with opening ceremonies and a welcoming address from RMFU President Chad Franke.
“It’s an honor for RMFU to serve and represent a diverse range of farmers, ranchers and other agriculturists,” Franke began. “Amplifying their thoughts, opinions and voices is a privilege we don’t take lightly.”
The morning continued with comments from Wyoming Livestock Board Executive Director Steve True, former Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, NFU President Rob Larew and WDA Deputy Director Joe Budd.
Additionally, members honored the retirement of RMFU Chief Executive Officer Ben Rainbolt, thanking him for his years of service representing the interests of Colorado agriculture.
The day continued with discussions of state policy and concluded with the annual Harvest Moon Gala.
Policy and elections
Every year, RMFU derives its policy democratically based on input from members, who propose ideas in local groups throughout the year or from the floor during annual convention.
This year, members from all three states participated in lively discussions on a wide group of topics, ranging from water rights and protecting private property to funding opportunities for food assistance programs and Farm to School initiatives.
“Members made several additions to our policy to address the needs of family farmers and ranchers based on what they see in the state and what they have heard from the interim committees,” says RMFU Government Relations Advocate Era Aranow. “It was wonderful to be in a room of passionate people agreeing, disagreeing, learning and working together for what they think best for fam-
ily farmers in Wyoming.”
A detailed list of both state and national policies adopted during the 2025 convention will be available at rmfu.org/legislation later this month.
The convention wrapped up on Nov. 22 with elections.
Franke and District One Director Danny Wood were reelected to their respective
positions, and Jenna Anderson and Todd Hagenbuch were appointed as directors for District Three and District Four, respectively.
Keep an eye out for more highlights from the RMFU 2025 Annual Convention in future editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Sheep and wool producers from across the West converged in Cody Nov. 6-8 for the 2025 West Central States Wool Growers (WCSWG) Convention, complete with networking opportunities, educational insights and industry updates.
The morning sessions on both Nov. 7-8 featured presentations from Public Lands Council (PLC) Secretary Robbie LeValley and American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) President Ben Lehfeldt, who provided updates on federal policy, trade activities, labor reform
and the shifting regulatory landscape in Washington, D.C.
Securing wins in Washington, D.C.
On Nov. 7, programming kicked off with LeValley’s discussion on current happenings in Washington, D.C., which she delivered on a positive note.
“It is encouraging we
wins on Capitol Hill this year, including rolling back the U.S. Forest Service’s Old-Growth Amendment and eliminating the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) instructional memorandum which would have made it impossible to renew federal grazing permits and perpetuated the risk of contact between Bighorn and
including reform to the Fix Our Forests Act.
“We are looking to implement regulatory reform that will last beyond the next Congress, fad or social media buzz,” she stated. “We are truly looking for long-term gain, and we look forward to continuing our hard work on pushing for reform.”
During his presentation on the morning of Nov. 8, Lehfeldt also emphasized several wins ASI achieved in the OBBA, including securing critical baseline funding for the Wool Trust Fund at $2.25 million annually through 2031, providing stable support for wool programs.
He also mentioned the Loan Deficiency Payment rate increase for non-graded wool from 40 to 55 cents, which will go into effect in 2026 and is the first adjustment in 20 years, as well as an increase in Sheep Industry Improvement Center funding from $2 to $3 million over the course of five years and expanded export funding, which will assist U.S. wool producers in navigating challenging foreign markets amid Chinese tariffs.
“These are the first meaningful upward adjustments we have seen in decades,” Lehfeldt said.
Requesting a safeguard investigation
years of trade remedies, giving domestic producers time to rebuild market share.
Continuing the fight
While the fight for federal policy reform has been mostly successful, the two speakers emphasized there is still work to be done.
LeValley shared some of the things PLC continues to work on include practical and producer-oriented Endangered Species Act (ESA) modifications and migratory bird policy changes, especially to address black vultures and ravens which are increasingly problematic for Western livestock operations.
She further noted PLC is still in the process of rolling back the 2001 Roadless Rule, which established prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction and timber harvests on nearly 60 million acres of national forests and grasslands; the BLM’s Public Lands Rule, which recognizes conservation as an essential component to public lands management and Greater sage grouse plans, which affect grazing permits.
While many of these issues have been ongoing for years, LeValley emphasized meaningful headway is finally being made.
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Lehfeldt spent the majority of his presentation outlining ASI’s legislative and trade priorities, particularly highlighting the association’s filed request to the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 201 safeguard investigation into lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand, citing “substantial injury” to American producers caused by a surge in foreign imports.
The association compiled injury data representing 37 to 40 percent of the domestic lamb industry – a threshold Lehfeldt said ASI has never reached in previous trade actions.
He pointed out, if the International Trade Commission (ITC) joins the case – which ASI anticipates – the process will move swiftly with three to four months of subpoenas, surveys and data gathering, followed by a formal hearing on injury, a remedy phase proposing actions to restore competitiveness and final authority resting with President Trump.
“We can prove all the injury in the world, but if the administration doesn’t sign off, nothing will happen,” Lehfeldt said. “This is why political push has to continue daily.”
He noted the case is expected to cost over $1 million, which will be drawn from ASI’s producer-funded Guard Dog and Fund II accounts, while a formal fundraising effort will launch once the ITC responds.
If successful, Lehfeldt said a safeguard action could secure up to eight
In his presentation, Lehfeldt reiterated ASI’s top farm bill priority is securing a true risk management tool for sheep producers who currently lack futures markets or sectorspecific insurance.
He also emphasized the need for H-2A labor reform, effective predator management and streamlining the ESA, and he touched on ASI’s expanding partnerships with the Solar Grazing Association and the American Lamb Board, noting strong demand for sheep in vegetation management projects across the Midwest and other eastern states.
Both LeValley and Lehfeldt underscored the strength of collaboration among ag industry groups such as PLC, ASI, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, state associations and western lawmakers.
“It is the team effort that gets wins over the finish line,” LeValley noted.
“You are all part of it every time you answer an action alert or talk to your Congressional delegation.”
Lehfeldt concluded his presentation by acknowledging the retirement of longtime ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick, noting ASI is finalizing a leadership transition plan while conducting an extensive search for candidates to fill the position.
“We want the right person, so we’re not going to rush this,” he stated.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments
The horse programs at Lamar Community College (LCC) in Lamar, Colo. have earned a reputation as some of the best educational opportunities for equine majors in the nation.
LCC’s Ranch Horse Team has gained momentum in the past couple of years and recently wrapped up a particularly successful fall season.
As ranch horse versatility grows in popularity throughout the region, the program is recruiting more riders who are looking to join the community and make their mark on the discipline.
About the program
The LCC Ranch Horse Team has grown from a volunteer-run program to collegiate competitive status since it was first started by Savanna Mauch and Kelli Gaines in 2022.
Gaines and Mauch continue to volunteer with the team alongside Head Coach Cole Bennett, who joined the staff in 2024.
Bennett’s experience as a competitor and judge in the versatility ranch horse industry has contributed to the program’s growth, alongside the efforts of Mauch, Gaines and a team of hard-working students.
The goal of the team is to help students sharpen their ranch horse versatility skills to compete at the collegiate level and build community in the equine program.
Team information
The LCC Ranch Horse Team is a funded athletic program offering scholarship opportunities for students and a chance for members to grow their knowledge of the equine industry daily.
Membership on the ranch horse team is open to any LCC student with riding experience and an interest in the discipline.
“We have a wide range of students on the team,” Mauch notes. “There are some who have never shown before, bring their horse from home and work hard to gain skills and experience, and we have some who have grown up showing and are really competitive at all of the shows we go to.”
Many of the members are studying under LCC’s horse program, and Bennett notes the ranch horse team is a great blend of knowledge and practical application.
“The ranch horse team is really good for LCC,” says Bennett. “It ties into our Horse Training Management Program and our Equine Business Management Program, and the students really benefit from the team aspect of competing.”
Team practices are held five days a week, and members compete in roughly three to four shows in both the fall and spring. Classes include reining, cow work, ranch trail and ranch riding.
Shows are organized by the Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska Stock Horse Association (CoWN); Stock Horse Association of Texas
(SHTX); Slidin’ Daze and the National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association (NIRSHA).
LCC team members have made their mark on a variety of invitational shows.
Not every member participates at every show, but all members attend practice and are given the opportunity to work towards a spot on the travel roster, which ranges from four to six competitors across the open, limited and novice competitions depending upon the show division.
Unique opportunities
In addition to competition, members of the LCC Ranch Horse Team enjoy a variety of unique opportunities including one-on-one coaching, chances to practice real-world cow work and opportunities for financial aid.
The team’s smaller size makes it possible for Bennett to devote individual attention to students working to sharpen specific skills in addition to larger team practices.
For riders of all levels, the team is a great platform to practice skills which will serve members even after graduation whether or not they continue to show competitively. Clinicians are brought in as often as possible to provide additional perspective.
In addition to weekly practices, students are allowed the opportunity to work cattle in ranch settings on Mauch and Bennett’s respective cow/ calf operations.
Unlike many collegiate teams, LCC is able to cover a portion of show entry fees and lodging for riders on the points team.
An additional highlight is access to LCC’s stateof-the-art equine facilities, including Vitafloor, Magnawave and Solarium therapy technology.
“Any member of the ranch horse team gets free use of all the therapy equipment for our team horses to keep them feeling good and sound,” Bennett explains.
Since the equipment is managed by students and supervisors in the Equine Business Management programs, this perk is also a way to form community with other LCC students.
“Everybody’s pretty close knit here at our equine facilities,” Bennett notes.
“The students put in a lot of work, time and effort, but they get a lot out of it too.”
Goals and growth
Following a successful fall season with top-three finishes at several shows, the LCC Ranch Horse Team is continuing to set their sights on growth and big goals.
“The success of this program has kind of proven itself over the past year and a half,” Bennett says. “We’re growing and getting better.”
“We’ve got good kids and good horses who are willing to put the work in and listen,” he continues. “We just need to keep recruiting.”
LaForest, Josie Waite, Bay Milne and Mareea Decker. Courtesy photo For more information on the Lamar Community College Ranch Horse Team, contact Head Coach Cole Bennett at 806-338-0055.
Bennett has goals of increasing LCC’s competitive edge for seasons to come, and Mauch says a good attitude and desire to learn are key components to the program.
“The biggest thing is how hard students want to work and what their goals
are,” Mauch says. “If they have goals of making progress, we’re willing to work with them.”
The spring season is set to kick off Feb. 4-5, 2026 at the Bridles and Brains Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas.
In the meantime, the team is actively recruiting
more riders. Those interested are encouraged to visit the program’s website or get in contact with Bennett for more information.
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000 Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
"From the ring, to the video, and in the country, we market your livestock
Light run of Spring and Weaned Calves today, selling on a steady to stronger market. Good run of Weigh Ups selling on a softer market. Thank you and we appreciate your business!
943 252.50 WT 2,379.81 CATO SOLDIER CREEK RANCH, SHERIDAN WY 1 BLK-HFRTTE 920 249.00 WT 2,290.80
FADDIS-KENNEDY CATTLE CO, SHERIDAN WY
4 HERE-HFRTTE 830 242.50 WT 2,012.75
TUCKER OR BRITTANY CARROLL, RANCHESTER WY
2 BLK-HFRTTE 973 242.50 WT 2,358.31
DIAMOND N LIVESTOCK CO, LINCH WY 1 BLK-HFRTTE 930 242.00 WT 2,250.60
PRODUCERS LIVESTOCK, SUNDANCE WY
6 BLK/BWF HFRTTE 1038 240.00 WT 2,492.00
POWDER RIVER LIVESTOCK CO, ARVADA WY 1 BLK-HFRTTE 1140 237.50 WT 2,707.50
PERRY RANCH INC., SHERIDAN WY
6 BLK-HFRTTE 1053 236.00 WT 2,485.86
CLINTON SMALL, LODGE GRASS MT
1 BLK-HFRTTE 915 235.00 WT 2,150.25
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3 BLK-HFRTTE 1008 233.00 WT 2,349.41
TREVOR SCHLEGEL, OSHOTO WY 1 BLK-HFRTTE 1090 230.00 WT 2,507.00
WELLES RANCH, BUFFALO WY 2 BLK-HFRTTE 1145 227.50 WT 2,604.87
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PHILIP W & JEANNE
Fieldgrove offered opening comments, welcoming attendees and thanking sponsors before unveiling a new WACD logo.
“As we mark our 80th year and celebrate the challenges we’ve overcome, we felt it was time to consider a fresh new logo,” Fieldgrove remarked, explaining WACD sent out a call to members of conservation districts throughout the state to gather logo concepts for the new design.
The new logo is a culmination of concepts submitted by Tracy Berg of Sublette County Conservation District, Gary Barton of LingleFort Laramie Conservation
District, Lisa Shaw of Niobrara County Conservation District and Janet Hoffman of Washakie County Conservation District.
The new logo features depictions of the sun, an outline of the Teton Mountain Range, a group of trees and a softer yellow tone –all of which are meant to symbolize the strength of conservation districts and reflect Wyoming’s natural resources.
“Barton’s incorporation of the sun was something we wanted to highlight as the giver of life, and Berg’s submission included mountains we altered to be an outline of the Tetons,”
Fieldgrove explained.
“Hoffman eloquently stated trees – like our districts – strengthen over time, and Shaw’s design inspired the softer, more versatile yellow we are adopting which draws us to remember Wyoming’s vast prairies,” he continued.
“We hope you love this design as much as we do,” concluded Fieldgrove. “We are excited to embark on the next 80 years of conserving natural resources for our future.”
Following Fieldgrove’s opening address, representatives of two WACD partner agencies – the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Wyoming Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) – offered updates from their respective organizations.
DEQ updates
Wyoming DEQ Director Todd Parfitt provided a brief update on the department’s upcoming budget provisions before highlighting some ongoing environmental issues the agency is working to address.
Parfitt began by highlighting the success of a recent water quality conference where more than 150 guests gathered to exchange information on water policy.
He then explained the department is hoping to expand its workforce to keep up with growing interest in carbon sequestration, including hiring one additional full-time employee in the department’s water quality underground and protection control program and additional employees to staff new facilities.
provided an overview of some ongoing legislation concerning the DEQ, highlighting conversations on permitting reform, cooperative federalism, artificial intelligence and updating the definition of “waters of the U.S.”
He also noted DEQ is in the process of preparing a fiscal note to assess the impact of aircraft emissions and pollutants from balloons, as well as supporting a pending bill within the Select Water Committee which would provide funding for the department to expand wastewater infrastructure.
In closing, Parfitt praised the partnership between DEQ and WACD.
“A lot of invaluable collaboration goes on between DEQ and conservation districts,” he stated.
“When we work together, we work better and we get more accomplished.”
get makes provisions for several key programs, including the Agricultural Management Assistance program, the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
She also highlighted potential funding which is still being finalized for several other programs.
Additionally, Byam teased forthcoming changes which she hopes will bring about streamlined efficiency at the national level and discussed the agency’s current hiring status.
“The good news is the hiring freeze is over, but the bad news is we’re waiting to see what the process is going to look like,” Byam said. “We are waiting on guidance from agency leadership on how to move forward with hiring, but hopefully we’ll get movement soon – especially with critical vacancies we were not able to hire last summer.”
Other budget requests will focus on addressing vacancy rates within the DEQ’s air quality and water quality divisions, according to Parfitt.
Parfitt further noted an ongoing departmental effort to reach an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Interior and the state of Wyoming to “create a pathway to continue protecting surface waters and groundwaters within Yellowstone National Park” and clear up the debate of which agency should have ultimate authority.
Additionally, Parfitt
NRCS updates Next, NRCS State Conservationist Jackie Byam offered an update on the current state of NRCS operations.
Byam explained agency functions are slowly returning to normal following the lengthy government shutdown and highlighted a “very healthy financial assistance budget” which has been determined for the upcoming fiscal year.
“One of the positives to come out of the shutdown funding bill is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) NRCS is fully funded through the fiscal year,” Byam began.
She explained the bud-
Finally, Byam gave an update on travel and training policies, noting operational travel has been delegated back to the states, which she expects to lead to an increase in field work with partners across the state and a greater capacity for in-person training opportunities.
Keep an eye out for more highlights from the 80th Annual WACD Convention in future editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Drought conditions persist
To start, Bledsoe walked through a series of precipitation maps broken into sixmonth, three-month and onemonth time frames.
While summer moisture kept much of Wyoming, western South Dakota and southeast Montana in fairly good shape this fall, he pointed to expanding drought conditions in Texas and across the Southern Plains.
“We’re never very far away from drought, and we’re starting to see dryness expand northward. It might not be right it our backyard, but it doesn’t take long for trouble to travel far,” he stated.
Although many northern producers saw adequate subsoil moisture, Bledsoe noted fall months trended drier this year, and he warned producers to stay aware of expanding drought conditions, even if they aren’t noticing them now.
“Southeast Montana, northeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado got moisture early on, so they’re doing okay, but in the Plains, we are never very far away from drought,” he said. “There is a lot of country right now dealing with dryness and drought. Just because we have been fortunate in the midsection of the country doesn’t mean other areas aren’t struggling.”
Ocean temperatures flip flop
Bledsoe admitted most of his forecast hinges on what he believes is a “highly-unusual and fastmoving shift” in Pacific seasurface temperatures.
While the U.S. is currently in a weak La Niña climate pattern, Bledsoe said models from forecasting centers in Europe, Australia and the U.S. agree the Pacific Ocean is likely to swing to neutral by early spring and then to El Niño by late spring or early summer.
“The flip flop can happen abruptly in the next few months or so,” he said. “Water shouldn’t change temperatures that fast, but we have a massive pool of warm water in the western Pacific just waiting for trade winds to weaken. When they do, it sloshes east and the pattern flips.”
He noted this transition recently happened in 202224, and he said 2026 could follow a similar – but not identical – trajectory.
According to Bledsoe, another important factor in the winter weather forecast is the Atlantic Quad-Pole Mode, a pattern of sea-surface temperatures in the North Atlantic which influences winter storms across the states.
Last year, the North Atlantic was warm, but this year it’s significantly cooler. Bledsoe pointed out this difference could steer storms into the northern tier more frequently while keeping the southern tier comparatively dry.
“We’re looking at a blend of what the pattern did last winter and what it’s setting up to do now,” he explained.
“And the message is pretty clear – the further north you are, the more active this winter will look.”
Cold winter, wet spring
Regarding winter, Bledsoe shared temperature and precipitation forecasts for the next three months based on the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting model.
From December through January, he said there will likely be cold anomalies across Montana, the Dakotas, northeast Wyoming and northern Nebraska, with a sharp north-to-south gradient expected across the midsection of the country.
“In February and March, we should see it start to warm back up a little bit, with a few little cold pockets in the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies. Then in April, we start to lose some of that, and the warmth starts to magnify across the fourcorner states out West,” he shared.
When it comes to precipitation, Bledsoe said the Pacific Northwest, Wyoming and the Dakotas will most likely see recurring moisture, while California, New Mexico, Arizona and West Texas will be the most likely to struggle with persistent dryness.
“The further north you go, the rougher the winter this going to be. I would plan accordingly,” he stated.
Additionally, Bledsoe explained the transition from La Niña to El Niño – especially when it aligns with the seasonal spring shift – can fuel volatility.
“March could be wild,” Bledsoe said, pointing to historical analog years which saw large temperature swings and active storm tracks.
He noted encouraging signs for April and May precipitation across the central and southern Plains states, with the European model showing a notable “cool pocket” in southwest Nebraska, western Kansas and West Texas, which is often a precursor for aboveaverage spring moisture.
Key takeaways
In conclusion, Bledsoe compared the emerging weather pattern to 2023 – the last La Niña to El Niño year – when California saw record snow, the Southern Plains flooded in May, the central U.S. dealt with a mid-summer heat dome and fall turned off very warm for many western producers.
He expressed particular concern for continued dry patterns througout California, the Southwest and the Southeast this winter and urged producers in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, Northern Plains and parts of the Midwest to prepare for a cold and snowy winter.
“Historically, La Niña produces some pretty extreme and volatile pattern change, with wild swings in temperature. There are some pretty significant cold fronts in history when dealing with La Niña that I would also like to draw attention to,” he said.
For the coming spring, Bledsoe said his concerns are that the transition usually produces active weather and big storms, meaning producers should be prepared for late-season blizzards during calving season.
“History suggests when we have an El Niño in the summer, we have to be very
wary of drought potential, and I think this is especially true for the Pacific Northwest, the Northern Rockies, parts of the Great Plains and the Corn Belt,” he said.
“Producers need to be prepared for the pattern to pivot and to be quite different from what happens in the spring. El Niño summers can be hot in the West, the Southwest and the South.” Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
events to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net.
Dec. 18
Jan. 6, 2026
Jan. 10
Dec. 4-13
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Las Vegas. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nfrexperience.com
Dec. 8 Nebraska Extension Unit Cost of Production Workshop, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Center, Atkinson, Neb. For more information, contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122. To register, contact the Holt County Nebraska Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or e-mail Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.
Dec. 8-10 Wyoming Stock Growers Winter Roundup and Convention, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, Casper. For more information or to register, visit wysga.org/events
Dec. 8-10 American Lamb Board Solar Grazing Workshop, Franklin, Ky. For more information or to register, visit lambboard.com
Dec. 9 Nebraska Extension Unit Cost of Production Workshop, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Center, Atkinson, Neb. For more information, contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122. To register, contact the Holt County Nebraska Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or e-mail Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.
Dec. 9
Council for Agriculture Science and Technology New World Screwworm Webinar, 10 a.m., online. For more information or to register, visit streamyard. com/watch/kr9TJwpmwepn
Dec. 9 Natrona County Predator Management District 2025 Annual Meeting, 3 p.m., Casper Room, Agricultural Resource and Learning Center, Casper. For more information, e-mail ncpmd1@charter.net.
Dec. 10-11
Dec. 22-23
Precision Education in Spray Technologies Academy Session One, Precision Application Technology Lab, West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, North Platte, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/pestacademy
Precision Education in Spray Technologies Academy Session Two, Precision Application Technology Lab, West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, North Platte, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/pestacademy
Jan. 8, 2026 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Virtual Fencing Educational Symposium, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Central Pavilion Building, the CAM-PLEX, Gillette. For more information or to register, visit content.govdelivery.com/attachments/ WYWGFD/2025/10/31/file_attachments/3443525/Virtual%20fence%20symposium%20agenda.pdf
Jan. 10-25 National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com
Jan. 14-15 Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting, Northglenn, Colo. For more information or to register, visit 4-states-irrigation.org
Jan. 15-16
Precision Education in Spray Technologies Academy Session Three, Precision Application Technology Lab, West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, North Platte, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/pestacademy
Jan. 16-Feb. 7 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit fwssr.com
Jan. 17 15th Annual Women’s Agriculture Summit, The Play House, Buffalo. For more information, visit johnsoncountycattlewomen.com or on Facebook @ Johnson County Cattlewomen.
Jan. 21 Beef Cattle Research Council Hormone Implant Webinar, 7 p.m., online. For more information or to register, visit beefresearch.ca
Jan. 21-24 National Bison Association Winter Conference, Broomfield, Colo. For more information, visit nationalbison.org/events
Jan. 23 Larry Higgins Bison Junior Judging Contest, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit bisonranchers.com/events/the-larry-higgins-bison-junior-judgingcontest
Dec. 7 Grygiel and Kemnitz Angus Bull Sale, River Hills Sale Facility, Platte, S.D., 605-520-9973, 605-680-2167
Dec. 8 Hollow Top Angus Fourth Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Pony, Mont., 406-552-0491, 208-365-8862, hollowtopangus.com
Dec. 8 Cross Diamond Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bertrand, Neb., 308-991-2452, crossdiamondcattle.com
Dec. 8-14 Colorado Horse Sale Top 2025 Consignors Sale, online at coloradohorsesale.com, 970-744-8989
Dec. 10 Hewitt Land Company Real Estate Live and Online Auction, Box Butte Ranch, Meade County, Faith, S.D., 605-791-2300, hewittlandcompany.com
Dec. 13 Amdahl Angus Fall Bull and Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Piedmont, S.D., 605-999-6487, 605-929-3717, amdahlangus.com
Dec. 18 The Wyoming Angus Association 15th Annual Wyoming Select Female Sale online at anguslive.com, 307-630-1593, 307-575-2709, wyomingangus.org
Bobcat Angus 21st Annual Production Sale, Western Livestock Auction, Great Falls, Mont., 406-937-5858, 406-788-3272, 406-788-3244, bobcatangus.com
Western Video Market, North Platte Stockyards, North Platte, Neb., 530347-3793, wvmcattle.com
Rafter T Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307736-2415, 307-299-4569, raftertangus.com
Jan. 13 Cattle Country Video Winter Classic, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Jan. 15 Ingalls Angus Annual Production Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 307-349-3097
Jan. 17
Redland Angus Annual Range Calved-Range Raised Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-250-1548, redlandangus.com
Jan. 20 Ken Haas Angus 45th Annual Right Combination Bull Sale, at the ranch, LaGrange, 307-631-0844, 307-575-0095, kenhaasangus.com
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
Jan. 25
McConnell Angus Bull and Female Sale, at the ranch, Dix, Neb., 308-2355187, 308-230-0430, 970-215-3204, mcconnellangus.com
Little Goose Ranch Ninth Annual Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-751-1535, 307-622-8330, 307-689-1072, littlegooseranch.com
Triangle J Ranch 36th Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Miller, Neb., 308-6275085, 308-457-2505, 308-293-9241, trianglejranch.com
Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com
On Thanksgiving night, a local troupe selected from the best talent in town by the O.E.S. put on a play in one act called “Across the Continent” to a crowded and enthusiastic house.
The stage setting was the interior of an elegantly appointed Pullman palace car, which was traveling from New York to San Francisco, and the play was made up of the incidents which happened enroute.
The amazing ability of this troupe can only be imagined, as we are unable to express in either words or type the wonderful beauty of this show.
The very latest songs and jokes kept the house in a steady uproar until tears ran down the cheeks of many. The costumes of the performers were in accord with the car furnishings, which were all very expensive.
We could not do justice to each and every one of the company, hence we refrain from giving due credit to any particular one at all. It is truly wonderful how this class of talent can play here, at least once each year, without some of the worldfamous playwrights hearing of it.
Among this troupe’s stars could be selected for any of the leading operas of the day. In fact, we are informed one of the troupe has been offered a position with a grand opera company. Whether the offer has been accepted, we do not know.
We are at a loss as to why some people are so unappreciative of the talent, like was portrayed the other night. It must be lack of education.
We heard one man say, “That was the rottenest performance I ever attended.”
Another said, “If I ever fall for anything like
that again in this town, I hope they hang me the next day.”
A lady said, “I was mortally ashamed of that bunch when I stopped to think part of them were my friends.”
A small boy, who had been told all day long if he wasn’t good he couldn’t go to the show, said during the performance, “Papa, when does the show commence, you know I have been good all day.”
Another party said, “Of all the half-cooked outfits I ever heard of, that bunch took the beans.”
A gentleman said, “The posters stated ‘A Big Laugh for an Hour,’ but the only laugh I had was to myself after it was all over when I thought of what Barnum said, and I smiled when I looked over the crowd as they filed out of their seats and saw plainly by their faces there had been no decrease or race suicide among a certain kind of fish.”
But above all, the mutt who said, “Nobody’s home in that crowd but the clock, and it’s run down.”
Now kind friends, what do you think of people who would make such remarks about a perfectly good home talent show. It shows ill breeding and poor taste.
A dance and supper followed.
Thus reads a front page story in the Dec. 3, 1914 issue of the Saratoga Sun
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Natonal Sheep Summary
As of November 21, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter wooled and shorn lambs sold firm. Slaughter ewes sold firm. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3: San Angelo: 70-80 lbs 317.00-325.00; 80-90 lbs 260.00; 90100 lbs 246.00-285.00; 110-120 lbs 235.00-242.00; 120-130 lbs 230.00-241.00.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: 40-50 lbs 350.00; 60-70 lbs 295; 70-80 lbs 285.00289.00; 80-90 lbs 252.50-267.50; 100-110 lbs 235.00-275.00; 110-120 lbs 252.50-260.00; 120-130 lbs 215.00-260.00 140-150 lbs 180.00-207.50; 150-160 lbs 187.00-200.00. Sioux Falls: 70-80 lbs 240.00-285.00; 80-90 lbs 243.00-270.00; 90-100 lbs 235.00-265.00; 100-110 lbs 221.00-250.00; 110-120 lbs 225.00; 120-130 lbs 215.00-230.00; 130-140 lbs 221.00225.00; 140-150 lbs 224.00-229.00; 150-160 lbs 223.00-229.00. Slaughter Ewes: Good 2-3: San Angelo: 117.00-120.00.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: 80.00-130.00. Sioux Falls: 100.00-115.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1: San Angelo: No test.
Billings: No test.
Sioux Falls: 70-80 lbs 275.00-285.00.
Ft. Collins: No test. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2: San Angelo: No test.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: No test.
South Dakota: No test.
Sioux Falls: Young WIN 140-150 lbs 380.00/unit; Middle aged WIN 170-180 lbs 385.00-400.00/ unit. Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 37,000 compared to 40,000 last week and 38,041 last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review As of November 28, 2025
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO Nebraska Hay Summary As of December 4, 2025
Compared to last report hay sales sold mostly steady. Demand remains mostly light with some buyer inquiry picking up in the east after the snow last weekend. Dehy operators still cutting alfalfa that has been dormant and making it into dehy pellets. Reporting either side of a 1⁄2
per acre after going through the dehydration chamber. Interesting, this late in the year are most of the alfalfa is still rather green. Some farmers continue to bale cornstalk residue. But, not as many cornstalk bales sitting around the area as previous years.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Kearny, NE
Colorado Hay Summary
As of December 4, 2025
Compared to last report: Trade activity light on moderate demand. Small squares and medium square 3x3’s of horse hay sold unevenly steady. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s High Plains Summary for December 2, 2025, on this week’s map, only minor changes were made in the region. In eastern Kansas, two areas of lingering Moderate Drought (D1) were removed in response to improving conditions during the past 90-day period. For the week, some beneficial snowfall was observed across the northern Plains, with accumulations ranging from 1 to 14 inches. The highest accumulations were logged in areas of North Dakota. In terms of average temperatures, cooler-than-normal
temperatures (5 to 20+ degrees F below normal) were observed across the region, with the greatest anomalies observed in the Dakotas. According to NWS NOHRSC, the Upper Midwest region is currently 94.4% covered by snow (area) with an average depth of 3.7 inches and a maximum depth of 22.2 inches. The next available report will be Thursday, December 18, 2025.. Northeast
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contact the
Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397
ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., LLC, 307-322-3232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or email chuckbrown@wyoming. com 12/6
out an application or visit our website at Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
RANCH HAND/GROUNDS
KEEPER: Full-time position at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails lawn care, irrigation, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, equipment maintenance, building maintenance and overall residential and agricultural property maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter and enjoy working outdoors. Benefits include health, with optional dental and vision; paid-time off and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. For the right candidate housing on property is also available. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice.com 12/6
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, 303-7733545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 12/27
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSS, RHH. Expires Jan. 1, 2029. Electric iron included. $2,500 OBO. Call 307-575-6589 12/6
LOOKING TO CUSTOM FEED
100 HEAD OF HEIFERS OR STEERS in Powell, WY. Call Aaron at 307-250-6005 12/6
FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/11
Sheep
HEELER PUPPIES FOR SALE: Both reds and blues, out of working parents. Born Sept. 19, wormed. Asking $400. Call 307314-8949 12/13
SIX BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Five females and 1 male. Both parents work and work hard. The dad has papers and the mom comes from papered dogs but is grade. Eleven weeks old, showing interest in stock and are ready to go. Working homes preferred, Cody, WY, $250. Contact 307-272-6510. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/20
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD/ BORDER COLLIE MIX PUPPIES: Ranch raised. Six weeks old. Working parents on site. Have had first shot, dewormed, tails docked and dewclaws removed. All different colors available, $650/each. We also offer and work with Veterans who need service dogs. For more information about these wonderful puppies, call or text 307-272-0509. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/6
120 FANCY BLACK BRED
HEIFERS FOR SALE IN LARAMIE, WY: Bred to calve the month of April by low PAP, strong maternal, calving ease, Black Angus bulls from Sitz, Walter, Spring Cove and TJS Angus. Ranch developed, deep bodied, medium framed. Summered in the foothills around Laramie up to 7,400 feet of elevation. Top shelf vaccine and deworming program. FMI, photos and video, call 970-556-5657 12/6
FOR SALE: HIGH ELEVATION BLACK 3-YEAR-OLD COWS: 250 head bred to calve the month of March. All PAP tested 43 and under as 2-yearolds. Summered south of Woods Landing, WY up to 8,600 feet of elevation. Home raised and purchased from reputation ranches in Wyoming and South Dakota. Fancy, deep bodied, gentle and already have one calf under their belt. Out of and bred to front end, highly maternal, low PAP, registered Black Angus bulls selected specifically for good feet, structure, performance in the feedlot and longevity in the cow herd from all the top programs, i.e. Beartooth, WXW, TJS, XLAR and more. For information, call 307-760-3837 12/6
FOR SALE: 300 head of commercial Angus and F-1 baldy bred heifers. Hand selected and purchased from top ranches in the region. All Miller Angus Farms customer genetics. UTD on vaccinations, pelvic measured, dewormed. Pregged/sorted into calving window groups. AI bred to elite calving ease bull GB Mogul M64J and cleaned up to top tier calving ease bulls. Group 1 due March 1. Group 2 due March 16. Group 3 due March 28. Group 4 due April 1 for 30 days. Group 5 due May 1 for 30 days. Will go on to make a productive, high performing cow that will add value to your program. First come, first served. Small loads to pot loads and volume discounts available. Free delivery. Miller Angus Farms, Kody, 605-690-1997 or Brady, 605-690-5733 1/3
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
SELLING DEC. 11 AT VALEN-
TINE LIVESTOCK Special Bred Female Sale, 100 HEREFORD HEIFERS, 1,050 lbs., bred to LBW Angus bulls, calve March 23 for 30 days. ALSO, SELLING 30 HEREFORD HEIFERS PRIVATE TREATY, 1,100+ lbs., bred to LBW Hereford bull, calve March 23 for 40 days. For more information, call Turner Ranch LLC/Lawrence Turner, 402-376-5248 12/6
2-YEAR-OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, top bloodlines. Call Donald, 208-2016213 1/17
SHORTHORN BULLS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Yearlings up to mature bulls available. Developed conservatively so they hold up. Remember a red Shorthorn bull on your homozygous black cows will give you black calves. Shorthorns are excellent maternal cattle that produce quality beef. Francis-Millvale Shorthorns, Gene and Roberta Francis Family, 701-331-2403, e-mail francis.millvale@gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/6
WINTER CARE AVAILABLE FOR 200+ HEAD OF CATTLE. Cody, NE. For more information, call 605-488-0301 12/27
SUMMER PASTURE WANTED FOR YEARLINGS: Seeking summer grass for 2026. For 500-1,500 head. Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota. Prefer long-term potential, competitive rates offered. Call Jon, 831-240-5795 TFN
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 12/13
BOOT UP NOW!! CHRISTMAS is coming!! $AVE on BOOTS: HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Great selection of SADDLES and TACK. SILK SCARVES, WOOL WINTER CAPS and socks…. KENETREK RIDING PACKS. WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 12/6
have plenty of extra rams and are selling choice Rambouillet breeding rams of various ages. All have already had the bottom sorted out. These will sell with a negative B. ovis test from this April. If you missed the Wyoming Ram Sale and still want the same quality genetics to cover your band, please consider this offering. $650/head choice. Forty to choose from. Volume discounts for 5+. Available at Jay Em, WY. These are fine wooled sheep that sold fleece at 20.5 micron in May 2025. They have good feet, strong pasterns, bred and raised on Wyoming’s Red Desert. They will go anywhere in the continental U.S. and work for the range producer. Call or text Sage Askin for more information, 307-3514875 or e-mail saskin12@ gmail.com 12/6
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17
Seed
OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORN out produces hybrid for silage and grazing quality grain, $69/bushel +S/H. Call 217-857-3377 or text cell 217-343-4962, visit website www.borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 12/27
EXCELLENT QUALITY PRAIRIE HAY: Big round bales, weighing 1,400-1,500 lbs. each. Located near Chambers, NE. Call for price and delivery, 402-583-9924 or 402-340-2218 (cell) 12/27
400 TONS DURUM STRAW: Round bales, 1,000 lbs., $40/ bale, 780 bales available. Excellent bedding or feed. Call 406765-7172 12/27
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 12/27
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: 2025 third and first cutting available in small squares, averaging 70-80 lbs. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS: $16/cwt. Combine run, great for seed or feed. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Certified scales on site. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-254-0554 12/6
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-462-5300, heidi@ wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 12/6
YEARLING HORNED RAMBOUILLET BUCKS FOR
SALE: Average on herd micron is 18.6. 64% yield while maintaining a 3” staple, ewes average 11 lbs. fleece. Look us up on Facebook @ Edwards Rambouillet or call for questions, 307-670-3360 12/20
FOR SALE: THREE ONE AND A HALF YEAR-OLD RAMS, 2 Hampshire and 1 Hampshire/Texel cross. SEVERAL NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT/ HAMPSHIRE CROSS RAM LAMBS For more information, call 406-679-1576 or 406-6701800 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: First, second and third cutting alfalfa, alfalfa/orchardgrass and grain hay options, net-wrapped round bales and 3x3 square bales. Delivery available. WE ALSO OFFER CUSTOM TRUCKING, hay hauling and side dump to haul gravel. Call Cheney Trucking/Jonathan Cheney, 605-569-0469 12/6
QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Grass, grass/alfalfa mix and straight alfalfa, net-wrapped large round bales, no rain. Western Nebraska location. Pick up or delivery available for fee. Call or text 303-906-2691 12/20
STRAW FOR SALE: 400 TONS OF BARLEY STRAW, 4x4 squares, $40/ton. Located west of Powell, WY. Call or text 307-202-0532 for more information 12/13
FOR SALE: 200 tons of millet hay in large rounds, approximately 1,100 lbs., $155 at the stack. Call 307-259-5485 12/13
HAY FOR SALE: 1,400-1,500 lb. net-wrapped bales. Alfalfa, mixed and grass. Located in Slope County, N.D. Will load. Still cutting, will have approximately 1,000 bales. $85/ton. Call 701-440-1764 12/6
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR
3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-631-4104 12/27
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your winter needs, Barry McRea, 308-235-5386, www. valleyvideohay.com 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, millet, forage wheat and straw. Round bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: 2025 grass/ alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa, millet, haybet barley and CRP hay. 2024 first cutting grass/alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa and CRP hay. GRINDING HAY also available. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-290-4418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 12/6
HAY FOR SALE: Triticale, barley, pea blend with alfalfa. Nice hay, 3x3 bales. ALSO, alfalfa with some rain, 3x3 bales. Shed stored. $170/ton. Farson, WY. Call 307-350-0350 12/6
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2025 crop 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales, $50-$60/bale depending on variety. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307254-2645 1/31
EAR CORN FOR SALE. NON GMO, no pesticides. Minatare, NE. Call Byron, 303-818-8152, leave message 12/6
1988 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER: Four door, 5 speed manual Toyota transmission, completely rebuilt turbo diesel engine with all genuine Toyota parts, $26,000 OBO. 1997 GMC TAHOE YUKON GT, 4x4, good running condition, rear end totally redone, everything works, needs tires, $6,500 OBO. 1988 CRESTLINER CUDDY, 2017 135 Merc motor with low miles, new tires, maintained yearly, $9,000 OBO. 2022 WELLS CARGO/CAMPER TRAILER, single axle, 2 propane tanks, 2 gas tanks, heat, fridge, stove sink and more, $7,000 OBO. For more information or pictures, call 307-272-0509. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/6
SALE: John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear, truck tires. Hesston/AGCO 5556 big round baler with mega wide pickup, twine and netwrap, 8,600 bales on monitor. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. Gehl 410 bushel manure spreader with slop gate, double floor chains, 2 beaters, tandem axle. Meridian 240 seed tender, all hydraulic and roll tarp. Vermeer BP 7000 bale processor. 2019 Freightliner, DD13 engine, 12 speed automatic, daycab, good rubber, air ride, 318,000 miles. Burns portable loading chute. 14’ HD box scraper with tilt. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 12/13
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buckand-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: John Deere 71 Flex 8 row corn planter on a 24’ stackable bar. AC Model 1300 30’ ripper with rakes. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). Safety pull with a bull hitch. 2003 IHC 9400I Eagle semi fifth wheel truck, Cat engine, 26’ end dump trailer with roll tarp. 1997 Kenworth T800, Detroit engine, 20’ box with hoist, roll tarp, both beet and grain end gates. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Contact Greg Keller at 406-679-1136 12/6
RETIREMENT SALE!! Brand new medium weight corral panels, 12 ft. long x 5 ft. high, if buy minimum of 100, $90/panel. Brand new Cattle Master squeeze chutes, $2,850. John Deere 6400 tractor, $38,000. Peterbilt 379 and step deck trailer. Calls only, no texts, 208-651-8698 12/13
FOR SALE: 2013 20’ steel Titan livestock trailer with Oilite bearings, in good condition. $5,000, Newcastle, WY area. Call 307680-9834 12/13
be some terms to the right buyer). For more information, call 307-5786345 12/20
100 ACRES 7 MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBUS, MT: Half mile of Stillwater River frontage, 3 bed, 2.5 bath home with heated oversized 2 car garage. Two 48’x30’ metal pole barns and corrals, 100+ irrigated acres on the Stillwater River. Excellent location, 45 minutes to Billings, MT. Mountain views. Wildlife is very abundant, deer, elk, pheasants, ducks, geese, turkeys, trout fishing and more. $2,500,000. Sidwell Land & Cattle, Richard Sidwell broker, 406-861-4426 12/6
HIGHWAY 92 HIGH PRODUCTION FARM: Prime 200+ acre farm featuring 2 Zimmatic center pivots, excellent soils, 2 older, livable homes and 191 acres of reliable water rights from the Goshen Irrigation District. Unbeatable location along Highway 92, 6 miles south of Torrington, WY, for convenient access. A strong producer and solid investment at
DEC. 22-23: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: DEC. 22: Pine Bluffs
3:35-3:50 p.m., Sinclair; Burns 4:05-4:15 p.m., Antelope Truck Stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Cheyenne 4:50-5:10 p.m., Home on the Range Processing (drive thru, call/text Greg). DEC. 23: Cheyenne 7-7:40 a.m., Tractor Supply; Chugwater 8:30-8:45 a.m., Stampede Saloon (drive thru, call/text Greg); Wheatland 9:40-10 a.m., Wheatland Travel Plaza; Guernsey 10:20-10:40 a.m., Crazy Tony’s (drive thru, call/text Greg); Fort Laramie 10:50-11:05 a.m., Ft. Laramie Bar/Grill (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lingle 11:1511:30 a.m., Ty’s Pit Stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Torrington 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Insight Precision Arms; Scottsbluff, NE 1:30-2 p.m., Murdoch’s (north side). For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 12/13
DEC. 10-12: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: DEC. 10: Bill 6:15-6:30 p.m., Bill’s Store (drive thru, call/text Greg). DEC. 11: Wright 6:50-7:20 a.m., Rest Area; Newcastle 8:30-9 a.m., Voelker’s Body Shop; Upton 10:15-10:30 a.m., Joe’s Food Center (drive thru, call/text Greg); Moorcroft 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Coffee Cup; Gillette 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m., T&T Guns and Ammo; Gillette 12:30-1 p.m., Rocky Mountain Sports. DEC. 12: Sheridan 7-7:40 a.m., Sportsman’s Warehouse; Buffalo 8:50-9:20 a.m., Good 2 Go; Ten Sleep 10:50-11:20 a.m., Pony Express; Worland 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Bighorn One Stop; Manderson 12:50-1:10 p.m., Hiway Bar (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Basin 1:30-1:45 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru, call/text Greg); Greybull 2-2:15 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lovell 2:40-3 p.m., Good 2 Go; Powell 3:30-3:50 p.m., Murdoch’s; Cody 4:15-4:45 p.m., Nature’s Design Taxidermy; Meeteetse 5:30-5:45 p.m., Elk Horn Bar (under lights in front of fire hall, drive thru, call/text Greg). For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 12/6
DEC. 13-14: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: DEC. 13: Thermopolis 7-7:30 a.m., Renegade Guns; Shoshoni 8:15-8:30 a.m., Fast Lane (NW corner, drive thru, call/text Greg); Riverton 9:1510 a.m., Vic’s Body Shop (behind the Dollar Tree); Lander 10:30-11 a.m., Zander’s One Stop; Jeffrey City 12-12:20 p.m., Split Rock Café (drive thru, call/text Greg); Muddy Gap 12:30-12:40 p.m., truck stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Casper 1:30-2:15 p.m., Wagner Outdoor Sports; Glenrock 3:30-3:50 p.m., east exit on interstate (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Douglas 4:15-4:30 p.m., Douglas Feed (drive thru, call/text Greg). DEC. 14: Orin Junction 6:45-7 a.m., truck stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lost Springs 7:15-7:30 a.m., Main St. (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Lusk 8-8:30 a.m., Decker’s Grocery; Alliance, NE 11:30-11:50 a.m., Bomgaars (drive thru, call/text Greg). For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www. petskafur.net 12/6
I’ve been surrounded by a variety of animals my entire life, including our turtle we called Rock because he moved about as fast as one. Rock is not to be confused with the popular gag gift called the Pet Rock, which came long after our pet Rock.
We got Rock as a baby, and he was the perfect pet as we never had to feed him or pick up his poop. Fact is, we only saw Rock about once a year.
We had way too many cows and sheep to individually name and, granted, they were treated more like a commodity than a pet. But there were many creatures that became so special they became part of our family.
Nine times out of 10, they were lovable little babies that were handicapped, orphaned or their mother took one look at them and headed for the hills.
One of our favorites was Two Car, so named because
by Lee Pitts
the leppy calf spent the first few months of his life in our garage. We were leasing a ranch but we lived about 30 minutes away – that was unless the bridge was out, which it often was in winter – meaning going to and from the ranch took an hour and a half.
So, when Two Car’s mother died giving birth to him, it became a lot easier to feed him three times a day at our house which was right in the middle of a subdivision. I can only imagine what the neighbors thought when Two Car started bawling in the middle of the night for his midnight feeding.
Eventually, Two Car became quite the celebrity, and everyone who heard about the orphan wanted to have their picture taken as they bottle fed him. When the bottle ran dry, he’d try to suck their kneecaps off.
One little lamb will live forever in our hearts. We never knew what caused
Angel to be unable to stand on her own four legs. We’d had lambs do this before, only to start walking after a few days, but Angel never did.
I made a sling for Angel and hung her from a tree with her feet barely touching the ground. We gave the poor thing a bottle three times a day for three weeks, but we were gradually losing her.
Usually, I reluctantly took care of euthanizing our dying creatures, but this is the one animal I never could bring myself to do it. So, we took Angel to our friend, the vet, and asked if he would give Angel the needle after we’d left. I bet he thought my wife and I were big wimps.
To this day, I often blame myself and wonder if we’d have given Angel one more week, maybe she would have found her footing in life.
People who’ve never been around a baby pig might think it odd a person could fall in love with such a creature, but then, they never knew Pancakes. We got Pancakes because she was the runt of a big litter, and the man who owned her had a hard heart.
I guess one could say we saved Pancake’s life, but
she rewarded us daily with a good dose of comic relief. Not to mention the occasional nightmare, like the time she erupted from under an avocado tree and charged the entire local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as they left their monthly meeting, arms filled with pieces of my mom’s cream pies. There was carnage and whipped cream everywhere.
After such an escape, there was only one way we could lure Pancakes back into her pen, which was to bribe her with some of my mom’s pancakes.
One of the highlights of my life these days is eating lunch monthly with a rancher I’ve known since college. Tiny is a big man with an even bigger heart, but at our last visit, Tiny looked exhausted – with good reason. He had five calves on the bottle.
Trying to get a good laugh, I told Tiny some of the names of the orphans, leppies and bummers we’d raised, but he easily won the day when he told me the best name ever for an orphaned animal.
I spewed soup from every orifice on my face when he said, “Michelle No-mama.”
The Department of the Interior (DOI) has issued a new executive order aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and cutting costs on Bureau of Reclamation (BuREC) construction and maintenance projects – changes the administration says will ultimately benefit farmers, irrigation districts and power customers across the West.
Order No. 3446 authorizes local government partners – such as irrigation districts, counties and public utilities – to take on greater responsibility for procuring and managing federally-funded construction and maintenance work at BuREC facilities.
The move is designed to streamline project delivery, reduce administrative delays and lower overall costs.
According to the order, many partners have demonstrated they can complete similar projects up to 20 percent cheaper and more quickly under their own non-federal procurement systems.
Federal delays, rising material costs and regulatory requirements have long been a
point of frustration for water users who must repay the government for project investments.
The administration argues shifting more control to “qualified entities” will reduce costs for producers and consumers by accelerating infrastructure improvements tied to water storage, irrigation systems and hydropower facilities.
BuREC will now begin modifying contracts to allow qualified partners to manage project work, provided they demonstrate financial stability, engineering expertise and proven project management capacity.
The order also directs BuREC to integrate the policy with ongoing efforts to streamline environmental compliance, technical reviews, cost-share programs and internal project initiation processes.
DOI officials say a targeted communications campaign will soon roll out to water districts, counties, national association and other stakeholders to explain how the changes could lower infrastructure costs and speed up critical project work.
Abernathy Ranch-
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
Rec Virashield
Hedges- 8 Blk & Red Sim/Ang 3-6 yr old Bred Cows. Bred to Chet Jackson & Warner Ranch Simmental Bulls
& poured w/Clean-up this fall. Big, stout powerful cows! Calves averaged 625# 1st week of Oct. Run on high desert.
Preg Checking/Bleeding Cattle: Cattle need to be in the yard by 2:00
Rancher
During the 32nd Annual Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium, held Nov. 6-7 in Gillette, Justin Mills, fourth-generation Wyoming rancher and host of the Working Ranch Radio Show, gave a presentation on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in ranching.
In his presentation, Mills discussed the importance of embracing change in order to advance in agriculture.
Additionally, he emphasized the role of education in navigating the ever-changing technological landscape in order for producers to make informed decisions about incorporating AI and other new technology.
Adapting to advance
To kick off the conversation, Mills acknowledged technological advancements have always marked the agricultural industry.
“In ranching, there are various levels where we’ve seen the evolution of technology come into existence,” Mills stated. “As we evolve, we make adaptations to our operations.”
He provided examples of machinery like four-wheelers and tractors, and even the presence of more cattle operations in a state which used to be primarily sheep country, as examples of successfully incorporated change.
Although the impact of AI is new and unprecedented, Mills believes the technology to be a tool ag producers can learn to work with and make profitable.
“I believe if we don’t get some kind of mental clarity around what AI and newer technology can do, we are going to get left behind,” Mills emphasized.
“When it comes to change, we get two choices,” Mills said, explaining although change is inevitable, producers can either choose to embrace change and navigate the process proactively or be forced into it when other methods fail.
Although he views change as a necessary component of advancement, Mills also acknowledged the level of apprehension which often accompanies change.
According to Mills, people are often resistant to change for three main reasons – difficulty, risk and apprehension about losing tradition. He acknowledged these factors, but at the same
time, stressed the alternative option poses a risk of being left behind.
“Sometimes we’re resistant to change because there’s pride in our heritage, and there’s nothing wrong with it,” Mills said. “I do not want to see our heritage go away, but I also firmly believe we have to be efficient.”
Staying sustainable Mills then turned his focus to the topic of sustainability in ranching, which he defined as the ability to continue to make a living in agriculture and pass down the operation through the generations.
Sustainability hinges directly upon efficiency, according to Mills, who noted a lack of efficiency leads to a waterfall effect of decreased profit and decreased sustainability.
He explained, in order for a business to be sustainable, it must be profitable, and in order to be profitable, it must be efficient.
When used correctly, Mills asserted AI can help boost efficiency.
He gave examples of using ChatGPT to summarize potential impacts of agrelated legislation, incorporating virtual fences to cut down on labor inputs and using accounting software like Ambrook to manage and track finances.
Importantly, Mills emphasized these platforms are tools which can be used to enhance operations rather than total replacements for traditional ranching practices and critical thinking.
He urged the audience to verify findings from ChatGPT and continue to stay informed while incorporating AI technology.
Remaining informed
In closing, Mills emphasized the importance of seeking educational opportunities and staying informed about the changing technological landscape.
Determining when and whether to incorporate AI or other technology into a ranching program depends upon a producer’s individual needs.
Analyzing individual programs while increasing awareness of technological “wearables” such as smart tags and virtual fencing collars through events like field days, symposiums and webinars can prepare producers to take the next step in embracing change.
Mills concluded his talk by saying change is inevitable but producers can exercise control over whether they have to change or want to change.
He compared the concept of change to a knife, saying producers should try to stay on the cutting edge of technological advancements and incorporate change in a viable manner rather than being forced into it as a last resort.
“It’s not about being on the tip or at the hilt, it’s about being on the cutting edge,” he stated. “This is how we have to embrace technology.”
“To stay in production agriculture, we have to create a life that’s livable,” Mills emphasized. “We don’t use new tools because they’re trendy – we use them because we want our ranches to be around for another 50 years.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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