Publisher Dennis Sun outlines challenges of the beef industry Page 2
AFBF President Zippy Duvall discusses benefits of year-round E15 Page 2
Lee Pitts admits fake meat makes him mad Page 8
Postcard from the Past highlights advantages of vocational training Page 10
Check out upcoming events in this week’s up-to-date calendar Page 10
The Sage Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT) will host a meeting on Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Headquarters in Cheyenne. No virtual option will be available. The tentative agenda includes updates on the Bureau of Land Management’s Sage Grouse Resource Management Plan Amendment, SGIT’s adaptive management strategies, federal executive orders and sage grouse stewardship areas. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/wyomingwildlife/sage-grouse-management/sage-grouse-executiveorder#SGIT
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) will host a public webinar on Dec. 17 at 12:30 p.m. titled “Building Wyoming’s Future: Critical Minerals Beyond the Rocks,” to discuss how Wyoming can move beyond extracting rare earth minerals to build a comprehensive value chain to leverage the Cowboy State’s people and ingenuity. For more information or to register, visit wbc.pub/BWF_ Rocks
A long-time goal of the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame (WCHF) has been to have a physical hall of fame to celebrate inductees. In 2026, this will finally become a reality. WCHF announced it is designing and developing an exhibit located at the Rockpile Museum in Gillette. WCHF obtained a grant from Wyoming’s 250 Task Force, established to celebrate America’s 250 birthday in 2026, which will enable WCHF to undertake design on the hall of fame and some of the production. To help fund the hall of fame, WCHF is offering inductees, families and friends an opportunity to place their brands on one of the exhibit walls. The cost is $500, and space is limited. Interested individuals can e-mail their brands or questions to wchfassistant@ gmail.com with the subject line “Brand Exhibit.”
This year, University of Wyoming (UW) Sheep Extension Specialist Dr. Whit Stewart stepped away from his day-to-day work juggling research, teaching college students and conducting producer outreach in Wyoming
to spend a sabbatical in New Zealand – one of the most efficient and globally-competitive sheep industries in the world – where he got an inside look at large-scale, pasture-based sheep production outside of the U.S.
Upon returning to Wyoming, Stewart has made a few appearances to share highlights from his experiences abroad, which he claims have given him a renewed sense of purpose and a
Wyoming Stock Growers Association hosts annual gathering in Casper
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) held their annual Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper Dec. 8-10.
Themed “Enabling Technology in Ranching,” the event brought together cattle producers and industry leaders from across the Cowboy State for three days of education and connection.
The convention was well attended by longtime WSGA members and newer faces alike, according to
WSGA President Reg Phillips, who was grateful for “good weather and good cattle markets” in addition to a successful convention.
“This was an excellent convention with a lot of great people,” said Phillips. “We covered a lot of important issues and had a great turnout.”
“We had a lot of younger producers present, which is what we really want to see,” Phillips continued. “We need involvement from the next generation – they are
Please see WSGA on page 9
Honored guest – Gov. Mark Gordon thanked ranchers and industry leaders for their contributions to Wyoming agriculture during the annual Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show, held Dec. 8-10 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper. WYLR photo
On Dec. 10, several individuals were honored during an awards luncheon held as part of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show.
Every year, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) joins WSGA in recognizing the efforts of law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond for Wyoming producers.
In addition, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) presents awards to landowners who collaborate with the department to provide hunting access on private land through the AccessYes Program.
Law enforcement recognitions
This year, Lieutenant Herb Irons and Deputy Erik Wacker of the Goshen County Sheriff’s Department were honored with certificates of appreciation from WSGA and WLSB.
WLSB Senior Criminal Investigator Chris Strang and WLSB Criminal Investigator Cody Meyers nominated Irons and Wacker for consideration in recognition of their dedication to protecting producers in Goshen County and beyond.
Strang, Meyers and WLSB Director Steve True were present at the ceremony to congratulate Irons and Wacker.
“Law enforcement are the folks I thank every day, and I know the people in this room feel the same way,” stated True ahead of presenting the awards.
Access Recognition Program awards
Since 2012, WGFD has partnered with the Wyoming Board of Agriculture to honor landowners with Access Recognition Program (ARP) awards.
Four awards are given to landowners enrolled in the AccessYes program in each of WGFD’s designated
NILE posts English cattle results
Cattle producers across the West gathered in Billings, Mont. for the 2025 Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE), an annual stock show and rodeo held from Oct. 10-18.
Throughout the week, breeders, exhibitors and consignors had the opportunity to show off top-notch cattle in 14 open and junior breed shows, four junior fed market shows, a pen show and multiple breed sales.
Cattlemen from Wyoming and neighboring states impressed during the NILE’s multiple English breed shows this year. Aberdeen show results In the Junior Moderator Division of the NILE Aberdeen Show, Peyton Koch of Parker, Colo. received top honors with the Grand Champion Junior Moderator Female DR Mallory 17M, sired by DR Trilogy.
Ava Poser of Culbertson, Mont. exhibited the Reserve Champion Junior Moderator Female 4 Skors Lavender, sired by EZ Hollywood.
Sierra Skor of Williston, N.D. had the Grand Champion Junior Moderator Steer 4 Skors Nick Wilde N2, sired by 4 Skors Ehlert. Meanwhile, Idaho breeders and exhibitors swept the Junior Aberdeen Show.
Molly Isaacson of 2025 Results
The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) hosted its annual awards luncheon on Nov. 20 during the 80th Annual WACD Convention.
According to WACD, the awards program aims to honor the hard work of districts, partners, cooperators and others who work to make conservation and agriculture in Wyoming successful.
David Tysdal and Andrea Sun-Zink emceed the ceremony, and WACD President Ryan Fieldgrove was present to distribute the awards.
Water quality training certification recipients included Olivia Bergeron, Kamryn Kozisek, Amber Robbins, Rodney Carter and Kenny Wolfley.
Additionally, David Lee and Carmen McIntyre were recognized for achieving the recertification and field audit requirements required by WACD every four years in order to maintain certification status.
The ceremony began with a recognition of members who attained district employee certifications and water quality training certifications in 2025. Earning district employee certifications were Cathy Rosenthal, Crystal Kellebrew, Gary Booton, Grant Stumbough, Karla Schwartz, Leonard Pullis, Lisa Ogden, Mary Montieth and Timothy Heward.
Please
The beef industry is not unlike many other businesses – a certain amount of risk always exists, you just have to plan for it and hope for the best.
Despite what some may hear, along the beef chain there is always someone taking a loss and someone making a profit. It doesn’t matter what cattle prices or beef markets look like.
According to the Sterling Profit tracker, during the week of Nov. 29, meatpackers saw the highest weekly margin since August 2022 with Sterling’s estimated margin averaging $87.48 per head, while the feedlot margin for the week was $15.42 – the lowest since April 2024.
Major meatpacker Tyson Foods, Inc. reported a loss of $1.13 billion for the fiscal year ending in September, and they projected an estimated loss of between $400 and $600 million in Fiscal Year 2026.
These figures are due to the low number of cattle and because meatpackers cannot find the numbers of cattle to keep packinghouses running at capacity.
Exports have always played a role in the beef business, but now there are some challenges with countries like China. With U.S. tariffs, China stopped importing U.S. beef and U.S. soybeans. They have since started importing soybeans but not beef.
China canceled most of U.S. packinghouse registration, along with cold storage plants. Now they are dragging their feet in registering our U.S. plants.
China has cited issues with labeling, implants and other health requirements, along with other issues they can come up with. Really, they are doing all of this because they can. They realize their population has a growing middle class, and they have tasted U.S. beef and want more.
China also has the world’s largest hog industry, and maybe they don’t want any competition for it.
The European Union has really strict requirements to allow U.S. beef into their countries for a number of reasons. I’m not sure what they all are, but as we all know, some blame cows on climate change, some just don’t like cows and some would rather eat horse meat.
The U.S has to put up with tariff issues from Australia and New Zealand.
On the other hand, we can’t blame all of the nation’s export issues on tariffs, as there are plenty of non-tariff barriers from a lot of countries. Some are worried allowing more U.S. beef in their country will hurt their trade balance.
At some point our cattle numbers are going to be rising and the U.S. beef industry is going to have to have some strong export markets. Now is the time to develop those markets.
The one thing the U.S. beef industry realizes facing these challenges in today’s global market is people around the world want the quality and consistency of our U.S. lamb, pork and beef, and most are willing to pay for it.
Most cattle producers are quick to fault meatpackers for one reason or another. At times, meatpackers don’t play fair, and we claim they are fixing the prices. There are laws currently out there to correct these wrongs, we just need to enforce them.
The U.S. cattle industry needs large packinghouses to process their products. Cattle producers just want a fair and level playing field.
Making E15 available across the country year-round would deliver real benefits for farmers, consumers and the country.
America’s farmers are always looking for how we can do better for our families, our rural communities and our nation. We are committed to growing nutritious food for families across the country, and we are proud to help deliver products to make Americans’ daily lives more affordable and sustainable.
Biofuels like E15 are boosting farm businesses, improving the environment and reducing costs at the pump. E15 can help refuel the farm economy
Farmers are facing the toughest farm economy in a generation, with historically low row crop prices and record-high and ever-increasing production expenses. Some farm families are uncertain whether they can hang on for another season.
Since 2017, we have lost more than 160,000 farms, and this number will only rise if relief doesn’t come soon.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has been calling on Congress and the administration to deliver short- and long-term solutions to ensure our farms and rural communities not only survive but thrive.
The challenges facing our farms are as diverse as the crops we grow. There’s not one quick solution for all of the farm economy, but there are plenty of clear steps lawmakers can take to help, from
By Zippy Duvall
addressing the labor crisis to finally passing a new, modernized farm bill.
Earlier this fall, AFBF sent a letter to Congress and President Donald Trump outlining several policy solutions to help farm country.
A top priority on this list is making E15 available year-round.
At the beginning of November, I had the opportunity to meet with senior White House officials to discuss this issue.
Today, about 33 percent of total U.S. corn production goes to ethanol, and authorizing permanent ethanol-blended fuels all year could increase demand for corn by up to 2.4 billion bushels a year.
But as it stands now, federal law restricts the year-round sale of E15 in many parts of the country because of an outdated regulation from almost 50 years ago.
If E15 were available year-round, drivers could see significant savings – an estimated 10 to 30 cents per gallon. This is cutting costs up to 18 percent at the pump, which can make a real difference for tight budgets for families across the country.
E15 boosts savings and sustainability
Beyond the clear savings at the pump for drivers, E15 is critical to our energy independence as a nation.
Conflicts across the globe are a clear reminder of how important it is for our nation to fuel and feed itself.
Farmers, and the American-grown products we deliver, are essential to our national security.
Overall, biofuels also play an impressive role in sustainability in this country, along with the regenerative practices farmers use to grow them.
Roughly three trillion pounds of corn have been used to produce clean, renewable fuel in the last decade.
Behind those trillions of pounds of corn are farmers dedicated to reducing emissions and improving soil health, and their efforts are making a difference beyond the farm too. A simple change to nationwide E15 would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 17.62 million tons per year.
This is equal to taking nearly four million cars off the road, which is roughly the same as taking one-half of the cars in Los Angeles County off of the road for a whole year.
While farmers can’t do anything to reduce rush hour traffic, we can make a difference for sustainability and family savings if lawmakers increase access to American-grown biofuels like E15.
With high prices putting a squeeze on America’s families – including farm families – E15 can deliver a win for us all.
Farmers are ready and eager to deliver more affordable, Americangrown fuels. Let’s join together in calling on Congress to give drivers a choice at the pump to bring savings for families and expanded markets for producers.
Zippy Duvall is the president of AFBF. This opinion column was originally published in his weekly column “The Zipline” on Nov. 19.
The office will be closed Dec. 22-26 and Jan. 1-2 Advertising deadlines: Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 editions: Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. Jan. 3 edition: Friday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website for providing no-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags for exhibition swine is now live.
These tags will be available to sow and exhibition swine producers to strengthen national swine disease traceability, which is vital to the safety and marketability of the U.S. swine herd.
Producers can order tags directly through Merck Animal Health’s website at 840swinetags.com/
The program is unique in the fact it is a direct, manufacture-to-swine premises, distribution model. Merck Animal Health will receive, process and ship orders directly to producers and exhibitions, removing APHIS as intermediaries and expediting putting tags directly into producers’ hands and pigs’ ears.
Allflex RFID tags will need to be applied with the appropriate Allflex RFID tag applicator, which is not supplied through this program.
Producers must provide a valid premises identification number, contact and shipping information, the number of pigs registered for the show or exhibition swine producers and the number of sows and exhibition pigs on farm. For more information, visit allflex.global/na/840swinetags/.
The American Lamb Board (ALB) is excited to share a new seasonal promotion designed to help drive consumers to restaurants proudly featuring American lamb and to highlight the hard work of U.S. sheep producers.
This year, ALB launched the Feast It Forward Giveaway, giving consumers the chance to win a gift card to their favorite restaurant serving American lamb. It’s a holiday incentive which keeps American lamb top-ofmind during one of the busiest dining seasons of the year.
Participants can enter the giveaway by visiting “Holiday Headquarters” at americanlamb.com, nominating their favorite restaurant that serves American lamb and submitting their entry. Winners will be announced at the end of December.
“The Feast It Forward Giveaway is more than a fun holiday promotion – it’s a celebration of the chefs, restaurants and producers who bring the American lamb experience to life. Our sheep producers work tirelessly year-round, and this campaign helps ensure their dedication is recognized at the peak of the holiday season. We’re proud to support the restaurants that champion American lamb and to give consumers another reason to enjoy it at their favorite local spots,” said ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert.
On Dec. 8, President Donald Trump, alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and others, announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs which are still impacting farmers following four years of disastrous Biden administration policies resulting in record-high input prices and zero new trade deals.
These bridge payments are intended, in part, to aid farmers until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including reference prices which are set to increase between 10 to 21 percent for major covered commodities such as soybeans, corn and wheat, will reach eligible farmers on Oct. 1, 2026.
Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, which provides broad relief to U.S. row crop farmers who produce barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame and sunflower.
The FBA Program applies simple, proportional support to producers using a uniform formula to cover a portion of modeled losses during the 2025 crop year. This national loss average is based on USDA reported planted acres, Economic Research Service cost of production estimates, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates yields and prices and economic modeling.
Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28, 2026. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by Dec. 19. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of the month.
Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the FBA Program. However, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new OBBBA risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.
The remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA Program, such as specialty crops and sugar, for example, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs.
Gov. Mark Gordon is encouraging Wyoming’s agriculture community and stakeholders to participate in sharing industryrelated insights through the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative questionnaire.
The questionnaire is located at agriculture.wy.gov/cowboy-state-ag-initiative. The opportunity to provide input will end on Dec. 15.
“I encourage every producer, landowner and citizen to take a few minutes to share their ideas,” Gordon said. “Your thoughts will help
to keep Wyoming agriculture strong, innovative and resilient for generations to come.”
George A. Logan
Nov. 21, 1961 – Nov. 10, 2025
On Nov. 10, George A. Logan passed peacefully under his Lord and Savior’s magnificent sky in Livermore, Colo. – the place where he grew up, worked and lived much of his life’s
WEANED CALVES
story. He was surrounded by his wife, close friends Mark and Cathrine Moen, his cattle and dogs.
George was born on Nov. 21, 1961 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo. to Nancy (Bressler) Logan and William Jarvis Logan of the Virginia Dale/ Livermore, Colo. area.
A proud fifth-generation Wyoming and Colorado rancher, George carried forward the Logan family’s Hereford legacy started by his great-great-grandfather William in 1876 and his namesake. The land, cattle, mountains and work of
ranch life shaped him from the beginning.
George began his schooling at the Virginia Dale Community Schoolhouse. When the school closed after his third-grade year, he continued his education with Poudre Valley schools in Laporte, Colo. Finding he enjoyed wrestling, he attended Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colo.
When his father became ill, George set aside a year of high school to help run the family ranch – an early reflection of the loyalty and grit he became known for.
He went on to earn recognition in forestry management through independent study and was a proud member of FFA. He graduated with his diploma, as well as vocational certificates in agriculture and forestry.
Slip Knot Ranch 200 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 500#, Weaned 45 days, Running out on Hay Meadows, Cake
be calling in)
Throughout his life, George embodied the work ethic and self reliance of a true western craftsman.
He operated a sawmill, trapped and hunted and crafted braided rawhide, leatherwork and horsehair cowboy gear. He was a skilled welder and, under the mentorship of Gene Harris, learned the art of horseshoeing
These varied talents supported both his livelihood and his love for horses, cattle and the land.
In 1999, George met Cindy Sharpe at the horse facilities of friends Rich and Sharron Holmes in north Fort Collins, Colo. Their partnership grew as naturally as the life they were building together.
With the help of family and friends, they built
a home in Laporte, Colo. George’s father gifted them a cow – Curly Girl – which became the start of their herd in 2002.
In 2007, they purchased cattle property in Bosler, eventually developing a small cow/calf operation of Hereford-Red Angus cross cattle.
George and Cindy shared a life filled with hard work, horses, good dogs, a few cats and deep companionship.
George lived life by the belief, “Don’t weaken – it’s worth the ride,” a phrase he offered when times got tough. His words captured both the grit and resilience that guided him.
George is survived by his wife Cindy Sharpe; father-in-law John Massaro; aunts and uncles Guy, Cheryl Massaro, Kay Ficter
and Roy Lilley; cousins Jim, Joe and Dianne Whitney, along with their children Joseph and Jessica; many members of the Edwards family; niece Colleen Boyle; nephew Joseph Boyle III; Cindy’s sister Kerry and her husband Joseph Boyle; siblings Robert and Donna and niece Sorcha.
A memorial will be held on Dec. 17 from 3-6 p.m. at the Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80526. A potluck barbecue will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Holiday Toys for Veteran Families at a local Legion Post or to the Livermore Fire Protection District, PO Box 28, Livermore, CO 80536. There will be collection boxes at the memorial.
Doug, Susie & Warren Carr 121 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 375-475#, Weaned 60 days, Hay Fed, Branding Shots & Pre-cond. Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse SQ, Vision 7 w/Somnus + Spur, Poured w/Dectomax Powder River Land & Cattle LTD 82 Char-x few Blk/Rd Strs & Hfrs, 430-610#, Weaned since Nov 6, Hay Fed, Cake Broke, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots: Vista Once, Ultrabac 7 w/Somubac, No Implants, Steers are Knife Cut Newman Ranch 66 Mx Strs, 600-725#, Weaned 45 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding Shots: Vision 7, Vista, Endovac, Implanted w/Ralgro, Weaning Shots: Vision 7 Somnus, Vista, Ivomec, Jason Goertz 27 Red Angus Hfrs, 450#, Weaned 60 days, Bunk Broke, Been on Grass/Alfalfa Hay & Oats, Branding Shots: Vision 7, Pyramid 5, Safeguard, Weaning Shots: Vision 7 Triangle 4, Colorado Serum Pasteurella Dancing Winds Cattle Co. 19 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 450-600#, Weaned 45+ days, Free Choice Hay, Lick Tubs, Bunk Broke, Branding Shots A W Manning 6 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 400#, Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed, Calf Creep, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots: 7-way, Multimin ****6 Red/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 500#. Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed, Calf Creep, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots: 7-way, Multi-min Rodney Wagner 10 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 400-550#, Weaned 60 days, Hay Fed, Branding Shots: Vista 5, Ultrabac 7, Weaning Shots: Vista 5, Ultrabac 7 PRE-COND. CALVES
52 Ranch/Steve Paisley 130 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 540-560#, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Ultrabac 7+Somubac, Pre-cond. Shots: Express 5+SH, Zoetis One Shot Ultra 7, Calves are all Angus and Angus/Hereford-x, Calving Dates: March 18 thru June 1 Bill Nichols 70 Blk/Bwf Strs, 500-650#, Shots at Birth: Alpha 7, Multim-min, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Precond Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Autogenous Bacterium, Poured, No Implants, Home Raised, Running out on Stalks, Electric Fence Broke
Daniel Ozuna 32 Blk Sim/Angus Strs & Hfrs, 400-450#, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots: 7-way, Wormer
M Diamond 11 Blk Brd Cow SM/Mar-Apr 1466
Ben Thoman 10 Brd Cow SS/Mar-Apr 1413 $2,775.00
Flag Ranch LLC 56 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1278 $5,050.00
Flag Ranch LLC 21 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1209 $5,050.00
Adam Warner 43 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1217 $5,000.00
Whetham Family 10 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1149 $4,950.00
Whetham Family 168 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1131 $4,750.00
Richard Lamb 2 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1190 $3,775.00
Red Mountain 47 Blk Brd Cow SM/May-June 1320 $3,750.00
Farthing Ranch Co 4 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Apr 1436 $3,750.00
Mr Angus 16 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/June 1417 $3,575.00
Red Mountain 5 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/May-June 1089 $3,550.00
Richard Lamb 1 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/Mar-Apr 1425 $3,500.00
Mr Angus 1 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/May 1340 $3,450.00
Red Mountain 14 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/May-June 1094 $3,450.00
Pestch & Rollins 1 Blk Brd Cow 3-4/May 1290 $3,400.00
Red Mountain 8 Blk Brd Cow SM/Summer 1246 $3,025.00
Robert Barr 36 Blk Brd Cow SS/Mar-Apr 1276 $2,950.00
Robert Barr 1 Blk Brd Cow SM/May 1200 $2,925.00
Farthing Ranch 13 Blk Brd Cow SS/Apr-May 1410 $2,850.00
Hardgrass Inc 26 Blk Brd Cow ST/Mar-Apr 1325 $2,800.00
Ben Thoman 43 Blk Brd Cow ST/Mar-Apr 1356 $2,800.00
Bar X LLC 15 Blk Brd Hfr Feb 1223 $4,500.00 Lyman Ranch Co 20 Blk Brd Hfr Mar 1085
Lynde & Petersen 13 Blk
Douglas
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Dec. 4, 2025
Sitz Angus Ranch, Harrison, Mont. Auctioneers: Roger Jacobs, Joe Goggins and Jace Thompson
442 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $13,186
289 Commercial Bred Heifers Avg. $5,178
129 Commercial Bred Cows Avg. $5,486
Top Sellers
Lot 55 – Sitz Empire 11454 – Price: $115,000 DOB: 2/4/24 Sire: Sitz Royalty 1299 Dam’s Sire: Sitz Logo 8148 EPDs: BW: -1.5, WW: +87, YW: +151 and Milk: +34 Buyers: Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas and GKB Cattle, Desdemona, Texas
Lot 1 – Sitz Apex 10554 – Price: $80,000 DOB: 2/10/24 Sire: Sitz Threshold 9901 Dam’s Sire: S A V Rainfall 6846 EPDs: BW: -1.7, WW: +83, YW: +137 and Milk: +24 Buyer: JC Heiken and Sons, Broadview, Mont. Lot 135 – Sitz Resilient 11824 – Price: $75,000 DOB: 1/31/24 Sire: Sitz Reslient 10208 Dam’s Sire: BUBS Southern Charm AA31 EPDs: BW: +1.5, WW: +89, YW: +144 and Milk: +23 Buyer: Fintail Ranch, Twin Bridges, Mont. Lot 5 – Sitz Prevail 10114 – Price: $50,000 DOB: 2/13/24 Sire: Sitz Continuity Dam’s Sire: Sitz Accomplishment 720F EPDs: BW: +0, WW: +85, YW: +151 and Milk: +30 Buyers: Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas and GKB Cattle, Desdemona, Texas
Lot 3 – Sitz Logo 12214 – Price: $40,000 DOB: 1/28/24
Sire: Sitz Logo 8148 Dam’s Sire: Sitz Intuition EPDs: BW: +0, WW: +84, YW: +145 and Milk: +21 Buyers: Barber Ranch, Channing, Texas and GKB Cattle, Desdemona, Texas
Dec. 31, 1936 – Nov. 23, 2025
Donna Fae Pennington, age 88, passed away on
Nov. 23 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper. She was born on Dec. 31, 1936 in Lusk, the daughter of Benjamin F. Wolfe and Rose Marie (Hitchcock) Wolfe. Donna grew up and attended school in the small town of Lusk. She graduated from high school with the Lusk High School Class of 1955. During her high school years, Donna also held a few jobs in town. Her favorite was being a “soda jerk” at the local drug store,
March 14, 1944 – Dec. 4, 2025
It is with heartfelt sadness we announce Judy Simonton Catchpole, age 81, of Casper passed away on Dec. 4 at Central Wyoming Hospice from heart and stroke complications.
Judy loved people and connected them. She used her life-of-the-party personality and musical gifts to gather family, friends, colleagues and strangers around the piano to sing songs during holidays or at important professional events.
She could be counted on to play – by ear, she would always remind you – great sing-along music, including “Happy Birthday,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and her favorite, “Cowboy Joe.” Judy lived her life with no limits.
Judy loved holidays, and she decorated her home to reflect the season. This included Valentine’s Day, May Day, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and an amazing practice of putting up “just one more” string of Christmas lights.
Judy loved parades, bugging main street, marching bands, flags, the Fourth of July, fireworks, shopping, airport and Disney gift shops, Target, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Eggington’s eggs benedict with no egg, Starbucks tea, UW football games – if it wasn’t snowing – her WWW friends, Nancy Messer setting up her stained-glass Christmas village and sending Christmas cards.
Her barrel racing career as a little girl in the Cody Rodeo made her a lifelong lover of all things rodeos and parades, especially Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Cody Stampede.
Her volunteer hours with
Willard’s Drug.
On Jan. 15, 1956, at just 19 years old, Donna married the love of her life, Ted L. Pennington, at the Lusk Congregational Church. The pair made their home at the Pennington Ranch in Lost Springs. There, they made a life together ranching and producing cattle.
After becoming a ranch wife, Donna perfected her skills in the kitchen, cooking countless meals for her family and all guests who made their way to the ranch. Her branding dinners were well known throughout the neighborhood, with her most notorious and most requested branding treat being her caramel cinnamon rolls.
Beyond her duties within the household, Donna worked tirelessly alongside her family doing day-to-day ranch work. Feeding cattle, riding horses and milking the cow were just a few of the things she loved to do.
Donna loved the cattle and was always sad to part with each calf crop at shipping time. She also loved all of the horses and was always grateful to have the blessing of a country home.
Donna and Ted were happily married for 47 years, and they were the parents of two children – their daughter Diane and a son Samuel.
The children were involved in sports and activities in town, which meant
Donna was too. She loved supporting their endeavors and participating in activities as well.
Donna held memberships with the 5280 Homemakers Club, Converse County Cow-Belles and was a lifetime member of the Cowboy Joe Club.
Donna became a grandmother in the summer of 1984. In the years to follow, she was blessed with a total of three grandkids and four great-grandkids.
Her commitment to her role as a grandmother is unmatched. She adored and treasured each grandkid, providing her unending love and support. She is greatly missed.
Donna is preceded in
death by her son Samuel L. Pennington; husband Ted L. Pennington; parents Ben and Rose Wolfe and brother Sheridan Wolfe.
Donna is survived by her daughter Diane (James) Hall; grandkids Kyle (Hollie), Kali (Taylor) and Koel (Josh) and great-grandkids Logan, Sutton, Savanah and Blair.
A service of remembrance was held on Dec. 3 at the Lusk Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts made in Donna’s memory be sent to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions Kloefkorn House, 304 S. Fenway Street, Casper, WY 82601.
the Girl Scouts and Camp Sacajawea, Manor Heights PTA, Casper Children’s Chorale, Methodist Church Cherub Choir, Kelly Walsh High School and other organizations were all geared to make kids’ lives better.
Judy’s family was her pride and joy. No one cheered louder than Judy Catchpole. Everyone wanted her to be on their side, and her children and grandchildren treasured her vocal presence at school activities and sports.
She bundled up to watch many cold outdoor soccer, football and hockey games. She cheered on her grandkids in all of their academic endeavors and shared their successes with friends and families.
Born in Mesa, Ariz. on March 14, 1944 to Jim and Marge Simonton, her family moved to Cody when she was a young girl. Judy was always proud to call Cody her home. She was, at heart, always a Cody Bronc.
She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wyoming (UW) in 1966. She spoke fondly of her time at UW, her Tri Delta sisters and her band called the Slap Happy Singers.
Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart Glenn Catchpole, honeymooned in Jackson Hole and then quickly moved to San Diego, Calif., where Glenn was assigned to his first squadron as a Naval aviator.
As Glenn deployed to Vietnam, Judy had to quickly figure out “life in the big city” of San Diego, Calif. She always recounted driving to her first job as a first-grade teacher on the big interstates of southern California.
During the stressful times of Glenn’s combat deployments to Vietnam, she made great friendships with her fellow teachers and the squadron wives.
When Glenn received orders to Albuquerque, N.M. Judy began teaching first grade. She loved teaching at a small, rural school and often felt like she had the most impact of her career teaching those young students.
She and Glenn had their first daughter Glenda before they moved to Fort Collins, Colo. She and Glenn had their son Fred while living in a small one-room apartment with their two children and their active springer spaniel Tico.
After they moved to Denver, Judy and Glenn welcomed their youngest daughter Katie before moving to Cheyenne.
Judy loved her time in Cheyenne on Ranger Drive, making lifelong friends she continued to stay connected with her entire life.
The Catchpoles then moved to Casper, where Judy became the Methodist Church’s volunteer Cherub Choir director. She also taught preschool at Grace Lutheran. Judy later became the executive director of the Republican Party, as well as a Natrona County School Board member. While on the board, she was proud to have advocated for high school soccer to become a varsity sport within the district.
Her love for people was
obvious in her professional pursuits as well. She valued leading and participating in groups and teams to solve problems and make differences.
Judy served two terms as Wyoming’s superintendent of public instruction from 1995 to 2003.
Throughout her life, Judy was a tireless advocate and cheerleader for Wyoming and the education of children. She particularly had a large place in her heart for early childhood education, and her “Catchpole for Kidsˮ campaign slogan epitomized her profound belief in educating the children of her beloved state.
Judy’s entire professional career was driven by her passion and desire to provide the best education for youth – from her time teaching preschool, serving on the Casper school board, serving as a state education leader to serving on boards and commissions.
She worked hard to ensure equal opportunity education for all students,
not just the ones in the state’s largest districts. She helped work on policies establishing statewide learning standards, quality accreditation standards, sound statewide assessments and effective technology and charter school policies.
She was an active, driven leader who helped set the direction for one of the best education systems in the nation. She partnered and collaborated with folks from all backgrounds and beliefs to ensure Wyoming’s children could attend top-notch public schools.
Judy had an eye for talent. She was a connector and had a knack for bringing passionate and innovative people together to accomplish goals.
In the closing chapters of her professional career, she was a member of the UW College of Education advisory and advocacy boards, and she was elected as a lifetime member of Raising Readers.
She was ultimately recognized with the UW Col-
lege of Education’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and she received an honorary PhD from UW in 2019.
Judy is preceded in death by her father James Simonton, mother Marjorie Simonton and older brother Steve Simonton.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Glenn Catchpole; brother George (Lyn) Simonton; daughters Glenda (Mike) Thomas and Katie (David) Finnoff and son Fred (Beth) Catchpole; grandchildren Kassidy, Tristy, Brax and Dax Thomas, Jackson and Ella Catchpole and Tatum, Tyler and Tass Finnoff and nephews Mike (Natania) Simonton and Ken (Doreen) Hager. Judy’s funeral will be held on Jan. 5, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Casper. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to the Judy Catchpole for Kids Scholarship. Donations can be dropped off at any Jonah Bank location or mailed to Glenda Thomas, PO Box 2302, Casper, WY 82602.
Hayden, Idaho topped the show with AVR Mexicali Rose, sired by Bev Springsteen, and Alysha Lee, also of Hayden, Idaho, followed in reserve with ILC Noble Heart 7N, sired by ILC Keystone 205K.
Additionally, Bristol Burnside of Rathdrum, Idaho exhibited the Grand Champion Junior Aberdeen Steer SRH Karl, sired by TL Julius.
In the open shows, Stardust Ranch of Rathdrum, Idaho had the Grand Champion Moderator Female SRH Angel, a daughter of CF Rocking Rimrock 2, followed in reserve by ILC Nessie 16N, a daughter of DCS Justified 216J exhibited by Idaho Livestock of Hayden, Idaho.
Stardust Ranch also took home honors for the Grand Champion Moderator Bull SRH Fielder, sired by TL Julius, while NY Cattle of Parker, Colo. exhibited the Reserve Champion Moderator Bull known as NY Marion 14M, a son of DR Sure Aman 94F.
Archer Valley Ranch of Priest River, Idaho had an impressive showing in the Open Aberdeen Show, tak-
ing home honors with the Grand Champion Aberdeen Female AVR Leilani, a daughter of AVR Protocol; Reserve Champion Aberdeen Female AVR Mexicali Rose and the Grand Champion Full-Blood Aberdeen Bull AVR Master Craft, sired by Bev Springsteen.
The Reserve Champion Full-Blood Aberdeen Bull was TRG Sassy’s Jackpot, a son of MCR All Jacked Up shown by TRG Ranch of Spangle, Wash.
Angus show results
Livestock Judges Tay Bayer of Ringle, Wis. and John McCurry of Burrton, Kan. sorted through a tough showing of Angus cattle during the 2025 NILE Junior Angus Show and the Angus Roll of Victory (ROV) Show.
Bayer chose Toledo Sil Sandy 0310 5302, sired by PVF Marvel 9185 and exhibited by Lane Toledo of Visalia, Calif., as the Grand Champion Junior Angus Bred and Owned Female, followed in reserve by KR Saras Dream PS 4118, a heifer sired by PVF DLX King Pin 0058 and shown by Payton Scott of Gordon, Neb.
Scott’s KR Creed 4089, also sired by PVF DLX King Pin 0058, was named Grand Champion Junior Angus Bred and Owned Bull and Grand Champion Angus Bull, while Kasey Meyer of Blue Hill, Neb. claimed the reserve-champion slot in the junior show with 4M Dignity 532, a son of BNWZ Dignity 8017.
In the Angus ROV Show, Jayce Dickerson of Paradise, Kan. had the Reserve Champion Angus Bull Bar S Rolex 5823, sired by RW Timeless 304. Colburn Saras Dream 4100, a daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838, was named the Grand Champion Junior Angus Owned Female, the Junior Supreme Angus Female and the Grand Champion Angus Female. She was exhibited by Claire Murnin of Pompey’s Pillar, Mont.
Following with the Reserve Champion Junior Angus Owned Female was SCC Phyllis 4110, a heifer also sired by SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 and exhibited by Adalynn Grace Blankenship of West Burlington, N.Y.
The Reserve Champion Angus Female in the Angus ROV Show was Lazy JB Erica 441, sired
by KR Cadillac Ranch and exhibited by Hadlee Hanson of Ellensburg, Wash. Red Angus show results Bayer and McCurry also had the honor of sorting through Red Angus cattle during the NILE this year.
Both judges placed Bar S Sammette 4110, a daughter of Bieber Spartan E639, first in the lineup, earning Cade Barney of Malin, Ore. honors for the Grand Champion Junior Red Angus Female and the Grand Champion Red Angus Female.
In the junior show, Sawyer James of Bruce, S.D. followed in reserve with a heifer known as Hurlburts Chloe N526, sired by Rose WEBR Powerglide 2109, and in the open show, Kage Kennington of Central Point, Ore. claimed the reserve slot with Rose R2C MS Epic 4017, a daughter of N10 Progressive 1179.
MHC Valentino N214, a son of Gigi Bull L203 shown by Kambrie Murray of Lebanon, Ore., was the Grand Champion Junior Red Angus Bull.
in the bull division of the Junior Hereford Show. Otis’ OR Chico Peak 401, a son of OR Chico Peak 802, was the Grand Champion Junior Hereford Bull, while OR M Guy of Gold Prize 520, sired by JCS El Dorado 3636, followed in reserve.
In the open show, Storey Hereford Ranch of Bozeman, Mont. exhibited the Grand Champion Hereford Bull C SHR Tohono 4130, sired by C Cuda Bell 2111.
Wyoming’s own NJW Herefords brought reservechampion honors home to Sheridan with NJW 217J 2912 Suede 127M, a son of Birdwell New Standard 2912 ET.
Miniature Hereford show results
In the 2025 NILE Miniature Hereford Show, Triple 3 Cattle of Cheyenne had an impressive showing, taking home grandchampion honors across all divisions.
Reserve-champion junior honors went home with Tassyn Wright of Roberts, Mont., who exhibited Wright Noise Soko Manhanttan, a daughter of JSF White Noise 42K, and Peak View Bellodona 2520, sired by Millbrook Tribute and exhibited by Peak View Ranch, Inc. of Fowler, Colo., was the reserve champion female in the open show.
In the junior show, Kealyn Cahoon of Charlo, Mont. exhibited the Junior Shorthorn Grand Champion Bull SMMT 407M, sired by Sull Red Knight 2030 E, and Megan Evelo of Ronan, Mont. had the Junior Shorthorn Reserve Champion Bull Lovems Hey Good Looking, sired by CSF Long Look HC 706.
5 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 635# $41500
Rafter Lazy Y LCC - Ten Sleep
Blk Cow, 1470# $16900 1 Blk Cow, 1570# $15850
Elder Ranch - Ten
Blk Cow, 1190# $16500 2 Rd/Blk Cows, avg. 1555# $16100
3 Rd/Blk Cows, avg. 1433# $16000
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1408# $15900 Black, Vern - Riverton
1 CharX Cow, 1505# $16300
1 Blk Cow, 1880# $15800
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1197# $13500 Lungren Land & Cattle - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1490# $15900
1 Blk Cow, 1250# $13400 Marchant, Lloyd - Burlington
1 Blk Cow, 1580# $13650 HEIFERS Pitchfork Ranch LLC - Meeteetse
12 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 396# $46000 Nicol, Detta - Fort Washakie
2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 413# $44500 Henderson, Tye - Powell
3 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 402# $44500
4 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 500# $41000 Nicholson, Jerry - Burlington
3 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 353# $43500 Preis, J. Gordon - Emblem
4
2 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg.
4 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 449# $41400 Nielson, Hunter - Worland
12 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 496# $40000
35 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 566# $39800 Redland, Mark - Ten Sleep 10 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 566# $39100 Borre, Gene - Burlington
3 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 502# $39000 Moncur, D. Brent - Lovell
6 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 557# $37600 Greer, Lory - Hyattville
11 Red Hfr Clvs, avg. 600# $35900 Cauffman Land & Cattle - Burlington
5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg, 556# $35500 Pries, John - Emblem
3 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg, 580# $35500 Gernant Brothers - Greybull
2 Red Hfr Clvs, avg. 623# $31900 Reuter, Gerald - Basin
2 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 673# $27500 Gillett, Donald - Powell
2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 760# $27100 Denniston, Gerald - Basin
2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 613# $26500 STEERS Lake, Jerry - Thermopolis
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 405# $53900
9 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 485# $47000 Wallingford Ranches - Cody
3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 437# $50000 Pitchfork Ranch LLC - Meeteete
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 490# $49800
10 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 685# $37800 Nielson, Hunter - Worland
9 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 508# $47100
23 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 578# $42650 Greer, Lory - Hyattville
3 Red Str Clvs, avg. 525# $46600
7 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 594# $41900
15 Red Str Clvs, avg. 618# $40900
Vardiman, Jeremiah - Powell
3 BWF Str Clvs, avg, 525# $45500T Tucker, Dwayne - Ten Sleep
7 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 509# $45000
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg,. 534# $43900
454# $42050 Vardiman, Jeremiah - Powell 2 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 443# $41500 Silver Sage Farms LLC - Basin
Stutzman, Herman - Powell
1 Blk Str Calf, 535# $44500
Moncur, D. Brent - Lovell
2 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 558# $44200
Borre, Gene - Burlington
5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 532# $44000 Barnard, Wade - Powell
2 Red Str Clvs, avg. 523# $42100 Lodahl, Kim - Powell
8 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 604# $41625 Redland, Mark - Ten Sleep
16 BWF Str Clvs, avg, 613# $40750
Cauffman Land & Cattle - Burlington
3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 562# $40250
Otto, Jerome - Powell 2 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 590# $40000
Reuter, Gerald - Basin
9 Blk Str Clvs, avg, 659# $38400
3 CharX Str Clvs, avg, 655# $37000
Gernant Brothers - Greybull
3 Red Str Clvs, avg. 615# $37000
Preis, J. Gordon - Emblem
3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 643# $36000
Gillett, Donald - Powell
3 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 763# $35000
Marchant, Lloyd - Burlington
9 RWF Str Clvs, avg. 764# $34600
Lodahl, Kim - Powell
4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 764# $34100
• Upcoming Sales •
Dec. 18 – Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat Dec. 25 – Merry Christmas! Jan. 8 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle Jan. 15 – Feeder Special Jan. 22 – Bred Cow & Heifer
Special w/ All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat Jan. 29 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle
Consignments • 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.
Gavin Shurtleff – 38 bred cows, mixed ages, calve April 20, bred to Leachman and 5L bulls; 40 weighup cows. Lewton Ranch – 50 ST bred black, calve March 10, bred to registered Black Angus, high elevation.
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.
Buckskin Ranch – 10 pairs, black, mixed ages; 1 bred Jersey cross, heifer, calve March.
Klaren Cattle – 7 mostly red steers; 14 mostly red heifers, 400-450#, two rounds of shots plus Nasalgen, weaned 45+ days.
In the open show, Raft Manhattan 468M, sired by N10 Reputation 2009 and exhibited by Rafter C Reds of Clarkston, Wash., was the Grand Champion Red Angus Bull, while KKBR Harvest Moon N512, sired by GCC JBCC Harvest Moon 313K and exhibited by K Bar Ranch of Central Point, Ore., was the Reserve Champion Red Angus Bull. Hereford show results Blankenship topped the leaderboards in the Junior Hereford Show as well with KJ TWJ 907E Cherry 374L ET, a daughter of KLD RW Marksman D87 ET. This heifer was crowned Grand Champion Hereford Female in both the junior and open shows.
In the junior show, Blankenship was followed by Rett Blue of Glenham, S.D. in reserve with Ella Miss Kitty 4014 ET, a daughter of SR Dominate 308F.
In the open show, reserve-champion honors went to ML Queen Charlotte 805M ET, sired by KLD EB Trump D58 and exhibited by Blankenship.
Megan Otis of Emigrant, Mont. claimed both grand and reserve honors
The Wyoming breeder’s T3C Firefly, sired by T3C Angus, was the Grand Champion Miniature Hereford Female; while T3C Zero, also sired by T3C Angus, was the Grand Champion Miniature Hereford Bull and Double K Alabama Slamma, sired by SMH Cyclones Chrome, was the Grand Champion Miniature Hereford Steer.
RM ShaDaisy’s Bunny, a daughter of 6E Jessie James 72A shown by Kallie Rummel of Missoula, Mont., was the Reserve Champion Miniature Hereford Female; LDR Roll On, sired by DF Cascades Traveling Man and exhibited by Beatrice Jensen of St. Ignatius, Mont. was the Reserve Champion Miniature Hereford Bull and KHD Okie Smokeshow, sired by CBD Whiskey on the Rocks and exhibited by Daylen Williams of Sequim, Wash., was the Reserve Champion Miniature Hereford Steer.
Shorthorn show results
Shorthorns rounded out the English breeds exhibited at 2025 NILE cattle shows.
SV CG Red Ruby 2402 R, sired by Sull Red Knight 2030 E and shown by Sara Allard of Sidney, Neb., was the Open and Junior Grand Champion Purebred Shorthorn Female.
Curtis Genetics of Madrid, Neb. had the Grand Champion Shorthorn Bull in the open show – WSC Reality Check 24, a son of WSC Dreams to Reality –and Peak View Ranch, Inc. followed in reserve with Peak View Absolute Value, sired by Peak View Real Value ET.
In both the junior and open ShorthornPlus shows, Cassie Baker of Charlo, Mont. topped the leaderboard with SMMT Cherri’s Legacy, a daughter of Silveiras Style 9303.
Soko Pippin Mercedes, sired by ASL LC Rockin Mercedes and shown by Easton Jones of Columbus, Mont., earned reservechampion honors in the junior division, while Kealyn Cahoon’s SMMT Cookie N’ Dreams 5, sired by Sull Revolution 4383, claimed the reserve slot in the open show.
SMMT Endless Fame 406 M, a son of TJSV End Game 61G ET and shown by Coen Cahoon of Charlo, Mont., was named grand champion in both the junior and open shows. Likewise, CHC Sweethearts Cupid, a bull shown by Cooper Clark of Missoula, Mont. and sired by SKABG Kung Fu Panda 60J was the Reserve Champion ShorthornPlus Bull in both the open and junior shows.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to rounudp@ wylr.net.
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Dec. 2, 2025
ZumBrunnen Angus Ranch, Lusk
Auctioneer: Wes Tiemann
Sale Manager: CK6 Consulting 109 Angus Bulls Avg. $10,545 17 Fall Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $6,647 81 Registered Angus Females Avg. $5,177
Top Sellers
Bulls
Lot 53 – HCC Congress 4102 – Price: $26,000 DOB: 8/6/24 Sire: Crough Congress Dam’s Sire: EXAAR Monumental 6056B EPDs: BW: -2.1, WW: +73, YW: +125 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Joe Netz, Lost Springs Lot 4 – ZA Neo N229 – Price: $25,000 DOB: 2/7/25 Sire: LAR Man In Black Dam’s Sire: BUBS Southern Charm AA31 EPDs: BW: +2.7, WW: +85, YW: +143 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Scott Schaefer, Harrison, Neb.
Lot 14 – ZA Meatball M603 – Price: $22,000 DOB: 4/30/24 Sire: GB Fireball 672 Dam’s Sire: Baldridge Alternative E125 EPDs: BW: +3.2, WW: +81, YW: +148 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Tim Viton, Whitman, Neb.
Lot 11 – ZA Mercedes M322 – Price: $20,000 DOB: 5/2/24 Sire: FUA Baldridge Jumpstart J920 Dam’s Sire: Baldrige Pappy EPDs: BW: -0.3, WW: +80, YW: +140 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Harding Ranch, Albin
Lot 15 – ZA Mike M348 – Price: $20,000 DOB: 5/21/24 Sire: Pine View Omega Dam’s Sire: Schaack Virtue 6090 EPDs: BW: +0.9, WW: +82, YW: +156 and Milk: +31 Buyer: Harding Ranch, Albin
Registered female
Lot 117 – ZA Allie N006 – Price: $15,000 DOB: 3/5/25 Sire: Poss Ultra Dam’s Sire: Fua Baldrige Jumpstart J920 EPDs: BW: +1, WW: +96, YW: +157 and Milk: +43 Buyer: Capitol Angus, White House, Texas
Nov. 19, 1939 – Dec. 3, 2025
Betty Louise Budd Fear was born on Nov. 19, 1939, the daughter of Joe and Ruth Budd of Big Piney. She died on Dec. 3.
Betty graduated from Big Piney High School as valedictorian of her class, then attended Loretto Heights College in Denver and went on to graduate from the University of Wyoming (UW).
She married Frank Fear, and together they had three children – Mark, Susan and John. They later divorced, and in 1995, she married Rod Bennett.
She lived in Big Piney most of her life, the main exception being the winters she and Rod spent in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, where they made many close friends.
Betty will be well
remembered and missed by many in Sublette County and throughout Wyoming. She was truly a warrior for her town and community. She had made a career of working towards “what’s good for Wyoming communities.”
She was on the local school board, the State Board of Education, the UW Wyoming Board of Trustees and was dedicated to the needs of education at all levels. She served as Sublette County commissioner and as a member of the Sublette County Treatment Court, Sublette Community Partnership Board and Sublette Center Board.
Betty founded the Big Piney-Marbleton Community Development Committee, hoping to inspire young community members and
business owners to invest time and energy to keep the community she loved alive and make it thrive.
She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, playing the piano for weekly services for many years. She used her musical abilities to generously give her time to accompany many Big Piney High School aspiring musicians in school competitions and volunteered her time to be assistant director for many high school musical theatrical productions.
In addition, she helped with 4-H activities, was the High School Rodeo sponsor, local rodeo secretary and was the secretary of the Wyoming Rodeo Association.
Betty touched many in her life through her many professional roles. She worked at the bank in Big Piney, was both the middle school secretary and social studies teacher, Justice of the Peace in Big Piney, real estate broker, co-owner of
the Country Cottage clothing store and original coowner of the Marbleton Inn and Restaurant.
She hired and trained many young people in various capacities. She was never a soft touch. Today, many of her trainees give her credit for their success later in life, because she expected and insisted they do their jobs right.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Rod Bennett, parents Joe and Ruth Budd and her granddaughter Reagan Marie Nelson.
She is survived by her sisters Mary Budd Flitner and Nancy Budd Espenscheid and her children Mark Fear, Susan (Doug) Fear Nessan and John (Jody) Fear, as well as six grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Ceremonial services will be held next summer at the Big Piney Cemetery. Betty will be greatly missed by friends of all ages, vocations and callings.
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Normally, I’m a pretty peaceful guy, but want to know what really makes me mad? It’s these fake meat veg-heads who steal terms like steak and burger to describe their plant-based, lab-concocted vegetarian and vegan products they can’t sell on their own merits.
To get people to buy their rubbish, they are trying to pull the wool over consumers’ eyes and trick them into buying their inferior fare.
And, with several of these fake meat companies going broke and Beyond Meat teetering on the edge
of bankruptcy, the veg-heads are getting really desperate.
We don’t have to guess how this can get out of hand in a hurry unless we nip it in the bud.
Take milk for example. We’ve gone from cow, goat and sheep milk to oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, pea milk, macadamia milk, rice milk, hazelnut milk, flaxseed milk, pistachio milk, banana milk, walnut milk, potato milk, sesame milk, peanut milk and even hemp milk.
What’s next, asparagus milk? How does a refreshing
arugula milkshake sound?
All of them brag they’re better than cow’s milk, despite the fact many lack essential amino acids found in real milk and may contain inflammatory seeds and oils which can wreak havoc on the human digestive system.
Not to mention, most of these new “milks” lack the calcium and vitamin A found in real milk, and many are too high in starch.
Pimply-faced teenagers might also be interested to know some fake milks have been found to cause acne.
was impossible – by naming a vegetable pignut.
What’s next, ham of yam I am? This is starting to sound like a Dr. Seuss story.
If I was from Switzerland, I’d be furious there’s a vegetable called Swiss chard, which is extremely bitter. I’d be annoyed by the implication if I was Swiss.
Poultry growers should also be foaming at the beak since some veggies have coopted their names too, like eggplant, drumstick and even a vegetable called fat hen. This alone should be grounds for a defamation
store and seeing carrot ribs, tenderloin of potato, tomato top sirloin, collard greens ground round, fluted pumpkin flank, celery shanks, cucumber skirt steak, lettuce stroganoff, T-bone of cabbage, back-rib bell peppers, loin of spinach, stew meat soybeans and the vegetable that needs our good name the most – zucchini chateaubriand.
The veg-heads will continue to steal other words usually associated with meat like barbecued Bok choy, aged radicchio and chickweed Quarter Pounders.
Horse people should be infuriated there are vegetables called horse gram, horseradish and sorrel, and there’s no doubt sheepherders have less money in their purse because of an inferior vegetable called shepherds purse – not to mention lamb’s lettuce.
The veg-heads have even managed to insult pig growers – which I thought
There’s not a more lovable animal on the planet than elephants, and vegheads had the nerve to ride on the pachyderm’s good reputation by naming one vegetable elephant garlic and another elephant foot yam. I’m told it tastes an awful lot like elephant foot toe jam.
I’m saying, if we don’t stop this madness of vegheads riding on our good name, it won’t be too long before we end up with ribeye of beet, rump of tofu, brisket of turnip and porterhouse butternut squash.
There will be Brussel sprout filet mignon, turnip green London broil and lima bean steak. Yuck. On one hand, we have the worsttasting foodstuff in the lima bean and the best-tasting food on the planet in steak.
In the future, I can envision walking into a grocery
I ask, where and when will it all end?
It’s bad enough vegetables and fruits have to be identified as to what country they were grown in – an advantage not granted to meat.
To take advantage of their protection from foreign imports, perhaps we should take a page out of the veg-head’s book and start calling beef “secondgeneration corn,” which would be as devious as the veg-heads using our words. Only in this case, it would be entirely true. Cattle eat the corn, and people eat the cattle.
the ones who can keep the open space, protect wildlife and raise the next generation of Wyoming people.”
Day one
The convention kicked off with a series of progressive rancher forums providing insight on an array of ag-related topics.
The morning lineup featured presentations on ranch water rights from Senior Assistant Attorney General Chris Brown; beef nutrition from Purina Animal Nutritionist Elizabeth BackesBelew; herd disease concerns from Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Rose Digianantonio and leadership in the ag industry from Doug Stark, interim director of the University of Wyoming (UW) Ranch Management and Ag Leadership Program.
The Wyoming State Make It With Wool (MIWW) Contest and Luncheon hosted guests for a meal of lamb provided by the Lamb Guys of Douglas, and a fashion show and awards ceremony featuring three talented MIWW competitors.
Following the luncheon, the progressive rancher forums picked back up featuring presentations on livestock risk protection from Land O’ Lakes Livestock Services Business Unit Manager Matt Ramsey; balancing beef genetics from UW Assistant Professor Hannah Hollinger; managing ranch revenue from UW Senior Extension Educa-
tor John Hewlett and wildfire relief, recovery and response by Clear Creek Conservation District Manager Zach Byram and UW Assistant Research Scientist Jaycie Arndt.
The afternoon continued with the Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary and concluded with a reception held at the Branding Iron Bar.
Day two
A jam-packed second day kicked off with comments from two knowledgeable speakers during the opening general session.
First, Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Government Affairs Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover gave an update on natural resource issues in Wyoming and across the nation.
Glover’s comments were optimistic about the level of involvement from groups like WSGA in maintaining rangeland health and reflected a growing international attitude of appreciation for natural resources.
Next, Conner Nicklas, an associate attorney at Falen Law Offices LLC in Cheyenne, spoke on strategies for successful negotiation with energy developers.
The morning continued with committee meetings focusing on private and state lands, ag education, wildlife and ag finance followed by a luncheon.
During the luncheon, the lifetime and achievements of late Sen. John Hines (R-S23)
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Dec. 2, 2025 Ward Livestock Sale Facility, Laramie Auctioneer: Lander Nicodemus
39 Two-Year-Old Hereford Bulls Avg. $12,622
Nine SimFord Two-Year-Old Bulls Avg. $13,778
Nine Angus Two-Year-Old Bulls Avg. $11,444 17 SimAngus Two-Year-Old Bulls Avg. $8,441 95 Commercial Bred Heifers Avg. $ 4,435
Hereford bulls
Lot 7 – SLW 78E Marlboro 410M – Price: $23,000 DOB: 4/8/24 Sire: KJ B002 Cartwright G80 ET Dam’s Sire: C ETF Wildcat 4248 ET EPDs: BW: +3.1, WW: +52, YW: +82 and Milk: +33 Buyer: TCL Enterprises LLC, Kremmling, Colo. Lot 2 – SLW 917E Mohican 467M ET – Price: $19,000 DOB: 4/2/24 Sire: MH 708 Red Time 042 Dam’s Sire: AH JDH Cracker Jack 26U ET EPDs: BW: +3.2, WW: +60, YW: +103 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Sullivan Ranch, Douglas Angus bulls
Lot 50 – DB Gravity M195 – Price: $20,000 DOB: 3/29/24 Sire: McKellar Gravity 1266 Dam’s Sire: G A R Ashland EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +86, YW: +148 and Milk: +28
Buyer: Crow Valley Ranch, Carpenter
Lot 58 – KLB Albion M219 – Price: $20,000 DOB: 5/14/24 Sire: WAR Albion H191 Dam’s Sire: Colburn Primo 5153 EPDs: BW: +3.1, WW: +86, YW: +144 and Milk: +14 Buyer: TCL Enterprises, LLC Kremmling, Colo.
were honored with comments from several members of the WSGA board.
After more committee meetings on livestock health, federal lands, water and labor and meetings of the WSGA board, Wyoming CattleWomen and WSGA Young Producer’s Assembly, attendees reconvened for the highly-anticipated annual WSGA Reception and Banquet.
Special guests Gov. Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon were present for the evening’s events.
Both thanked the crowd for their contributions to ag and preserving the spirit of the Cowboy State, and Gordon spoke about the upcoming legislative session and ag-related work happening in his office, including attention to the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative.
A silent and live auction featuring items donated by WSGA members and partners raised over $50,000 for WSGA – a record number for the annual event.
Day three
The final day featured a panel on bringing technology to the ranch, moderated by Working Ranch Radio Show Host Justin Mills.
Panelists included Sarah
Ryan of 701X Smart Tags, Erin Melton of Halter virtual fencing, Damon Printz of Tank Toad water monitoring and Justin Hossfeld of Envu.
Following the panel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Dr. Derrell Peel gave an update on current market conditions and his predictions for what to expect in the com-
ing months. An awards luncheon hosted by WSGA in partnership with the Wyoming Livestock Board, Wyoming Board of Agriculture and Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) honored recipients of the WGFD Access Recognition Program awards and two exceptional law enforcement officers for their efforts in serving
Wyoming producers. The convention adjourned in the afternoon following a meeting of the WSGA board. Keep an eye out for more from the WSGA Winter Roundup 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.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 12:00 P.M. Cull Cows
FRIDAY,
Had a big run of high-quality Bred Cows for our Annual Bighorn Heart of the Herd Bred Special. Sold them to a full house of buyers. Thank you and we appreciate your business!
3&4, L 1293 5200.00
9 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1271 4800.00
15 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1426 4800.00 HD
6 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1317 4800.00 HD
15 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1297 4850.00 HD 1 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1345 4850.00 HD 11 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1236 4875.00 HD
18 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1322 4800.00 HD
15 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1343 4800.00 HD
30 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1500 4700.00 HD
15 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1508 4775.00 HD
3 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1537 4700.00 HD
12 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1536 4700.00 HD
8 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1450 4675.00 HD
10 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1465 4600.00 HD
31 BLK-BCOW, SS, L 1610 3800.00 HD
11 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1583 3550.00 HD P.A.B JR & LUCY WIDENER, SHERIDAN WY
21 BLK-BHFR, L 1179 4475.00 HD
13 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1182 4550.00
11 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1388 5200.00
6 BLK-BCOW, SM, L 1582 4950.00
7 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1490 3900.00
1 BLK-BHFR, L LATE 1160 3700.00
OHMSTEDE CATTLE LLC, BIG HORN WY
BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1258 4500.00
BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1285 4400.00
BLK/BWF X-BCOW 5, 6L 1477 4350.00
BLK-BHFR, L 1051
3300.00 HD KOLTISKA CATTLE & HAY INC, SHERIDAN WY
BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1186 4300.00 HD
BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1453 3350.00 HD DRY CREEK CATTLE COMPANY, BUFFALO WY
3&4, L 1073 4100.00 HD FRONTIER LLC, MT
8 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1244 4150.00 HD
5 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1357 4150.00 HD
30 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1233 4275.00 HD 14 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1209 4275.00 HD 7 BLK-BCOW, SM, L 1328 4000.00 HD 3 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1467 3550.00 HD JEREMY W. YEAGER, BUFFALO WY 10 BLK-BHFR, L 993 4050.00 HD 15 BLK-BHFR, L 1022 4000.00 HD WYOMING CONSIGNMENT 39 BLK/BWF X-BHFR, L 967 3800.00 HD
EARL R & PATTY MCKEY, WYARNO WY 30 BLK-BHFR, L 1027 3900.00 HD BRIDGIT RYAN DOWNS, DOUGLAS WY 14 BLK/BWF X-BHFR, L 1080 3750.00 HD GARRETT KNEBEL, GALLATIN GATEWAY MT 10 RED-BHFR, L 1064 4400.00 HD SEAN CARROLL, RANCHESTER WY 11 BLK-BHFR, L 1015 3850.00 HD
SWEETGRASS STEINER RANCH, WESTON WY 4 BLK-BHFR, L 1161 3800.00 HD 3 BLK-BCOW 3&4, L 1447 3600.00 HD
MARTIN F MCCARTY, BIG HORN WY 4 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1353 2775.00 HD
DALLAS JAY & ANNA LARUE BURCH, OSHOTO WY
3 BLK-BCOW, SM, L 1465 3450.00 HD
7 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1427 3200.00 HD ALLEN OR KAREN TRIGG, GILLETTE WY 20 RED-BCOW 3&4, L 1124 4200.00 HD FRONTIER CATTLE CO LLC, KAYCEE WY 12 BLK/BWF X-BCOW 3&4, 1028 3900.00 HD 2 BLK-BCOW 5, 6L 1385 3600.00 HD 2 BLK-BCOW, SM, L 1333 3300.00
3 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1458 2950.00 HD 9 BLK-BCOW, BM, L 1253 2550.00 HD EARL R & PATTY MCKEY, WYARNO WY 20 BLK/BWF X-BCOW, BM, L 1257 2750.00 HD GARRETT KNEBEL, GALLATIN GATEWAY MT 5 RED-BCOW 3&4, L 1315 3600.00 HD MARCIA AND LUKE GODDARD, BUFFALO WY 2 BLK-BHFR,
Dec. 17 Wyoming Business Council Critical Minerals Public Webinar, 12:30 p.m., online. For more information or to register, visit wbc.pub/BWF_Rocks
Dec. 22-23 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. 6, 2026
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Beef Systems Research and Management Forum, Knight Museum, Alliance, Neb. For more information, contact Brock Ortner at 308-327-2312 or bortner2@nebraska.edu.To register, call the Nebraska Box Butte Extension Office at 308-762-5616.
Jan. 8 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. 8 Sage Grouse Implementation Team Meeting, 10 a.m., Wyoming Game and Fish Department Headquarters, Cheyenne. For more information, visit wgfd. wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/sage-grouse-management/sage-grouse-executiveorder#SGIT
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 @JohnsonCountyCattlewomen.
Jan. 19 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Calving College Series Part One, 6:30-7:45 p.m., online. For more information, contact Lindsay WaechterMead at 402-746-3417 or lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu. To register, visit cvent.me/GOYAra
Blevins new all-metal stirrup buckle in 3”& 2-1/2” widths. The 3” and 2-12” widths have the posts set horizontally and fit standard holes while the 2” width has the posts set vertically. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum, the same as our leather-covered buckles.
Sleeves same as on regular style buckle. The tongue has no hinge or strap. Available in 3” and 2-1/2” widths.
Easy to change stirrup lengths quickly and easy to install – won’t slip or stick. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum. Sleeves covered with leather. Order either improved, regular or four post buckles. Also new all-metal buckle in 3”, 2-1/2” and 2” widths. At your dealers or:
Dec. 8-14
Dec. 10
Dec. 13
Dec. 18
Dec. 18
Jan. 6, 2026
Jan. 10
Colorado Horse Sale Top 2025 Consignors Sale, online at coloradohorsesale.com, 970-744-8989
Hewitt Land Company Real Estate Live and Online Auction, Box Butte Ranch, Meade County, Faith, S.D., 605-791-2300, hewittlandcompany.com
Amdahl Angus Fall Bull and Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Piedmont, S.D., 605-999-6487, 605-929-3717, amdahlangus.com
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., 530-3473793, 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
Jan. 17
Jan. 20
Jan. 22
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
Jan. 25
Ingalls Angus Annual Production Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 307-349-3097
Redland Angus Annual Range Calved-Range Raised Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-250-1548, redlandangus.com
Ken Haas Angus 45th Annual Right Combination Bull Sale, at the ranch, LaGrange, 307-631-0844, 307-575-0095, kenhaasangus.com
Marcy Livestock 64th Annual Angus Bull and Female Sale, Gordon Livestock Auction, Gordon, Neb., 308-430-2005, marcylivestock.com
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
Vocational training is criticized as tending to classify society. Well-todo pupils are given a “liberal” education, but those who must earn something as early as possible are shunted off into the manual and technical departments and educated to be carpenters, machinists and/or lumbers.
There is some ground for this criticism now, but there will be none when public education is properly made over.
The remedy will finally be found, not by stopping the so-called vocational education, but by stopping the other sort.
Public education ought to be founded squarely on modern industrial life. Schools should not make an exception of certain pupils on the theory they will be obliged to earn a living. They should deal with every pupil on the theory he or she will be obliged to earn a living.
The education, which on the whole is most suitable and most valuable for machinists, plumbers, farmers, salesmen, printers, lawyers, doctors and policemen, is the only sort the public ought to furnish.
This does not mean education should be less “liberal.”
There is as good a road to Shakespeare through a book on gardening as through one filled with silly rules for conjugating verbs. There is far more real education in teaching a child of 12 how shoes come to be on his feet than in bewildering him by tricky problems
in fractions. There is infinitely more American his-
tory in a toy steam engine than in the dates of battles. Public education should be designed, frankly and expressly, to “cash in.” It is not so designed now – and it doesn’t. – Saturday Evening Post
The above article is from Wyoming Farm Bulletin No. 10, undated, but believed to be about 1925.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington National Sheep Summary As of December 5, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter wooled and shorn lambs sold unevenly steady. Slaughter ewes sold weak. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3: San Angelo: 60-70 lbs 320.00-340.00; 70-80 lbs 310.00-320.00; 80-90 lbs 323.00; 100-110 lbs 260.00-265.00.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: 90-100 lbs 300.00; 100-110 lbs 255.00; 110-120 lbs 265.00; 120-130 lbs 225.00-235.00 140-150 lbs 250.00. Sioux Falls: 80-90 lbs 290.00-315.00; 90-100 lbs 290.00; 100110 lbs 263.00-310.00; 110-120 lbs 235.00-250.00; 120-130 lbs 230.00-238.00; 130-140 lbs 238.00-239.00; 140-150 lbs 232.00-242.00; 150-160 lbs 233.00-243.00. Slaughter Ewes: Good 2-3: San Angelo: 105.00-132.00.
Billings: 100.00-132.50.
Ft. Collins: 100.00-135.00.
Sioux Falls: 100.00-120.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1: San Angelo: No test.
Billings: 50-60 lbs 295.00-317.50; 60-70 lbs 280.00-322.00; 70-80 lbs 250.00-280.00; 80-90 lbs 242.00-274.00; 90-100 lbs 244.00-265.00.
Sioux Falls: 70-80 lbs 325.00; 80-90 lbs 310.00; 90-100 lbs 295.00-310.00.
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: No test. Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 40,000 compared to 34,000 last week and 37,322 last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review As of December 5, 2025 Domestic
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO Wyoming Hay Summary As of December 11,
Compared to two weeks ago all reported hay sales sold fully steady. Demand was moderate to instances good on large squares and round bales with very good demand for small square bales. Many loads of small squares getting shipped to the eastern side of the USA and to the local markets. Quite a lot of good or better hay has been sold with several tons of the lower quality hay sitting around the state waiting for a
or even a rancher to purchase the hay.
Source:
Torrington
Montana Hay Summary
As of November 28, 2025
Compared to last report(11-14-25): Hay sold unevenly steady. A two tier market is starting to develop as hay in the northern portion of the state has seen prices remain steady to firm while the same class of hay sold in the southern portions of the state have softened over the past few weeks. Sales have been limited on light demand. Many producers in the southern portion of the state continue to hold onto supplies as demand has been very light. Weather conditions have finally changed after a mild and dry fall. The first measurable snowfall was seen in many locations this week, making it one of the latest first snows of the season on record going back to the 1930s. Hay usage remains low as many cows remain out on pasture and range especially in southern Montana. According to the drought monitor 52.63 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 0.94% from 2 weeks ago. 26.33% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 1.17% from 2 weeks ago. 3.70% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 2.53% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 69.68% of the state is abnormally dry, up 1.88% from 2 weeks ago.
Alfalfa - Good
N/A - Hay Conventional
Large Round 125-160
Large Square 3x4 160
Straw - Conventional (Barley) Round 60
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Billings, MT
Producers and community members are invited to attend the “Beef Systems Research and Management Forum” on Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Knight Museum in Alliance, Neb. The event is held in partnership with University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension and the Cattle Capital Cattlemen’s Affiliate.
The educational beef cattle program will feature presentations from UNL Extension specialists, including Dr. Karla Wilke who will discuss management considerations for confinement feeding cows prior to turnout on grass, including nutrition and system design and Dr. Mitch Stephenson who will share findings from his ongoing research on virtual fencing technology and its potential applications in rangeland management.
A meal will be provided. Registration is required by Dec. 30, and the cost to attend is $10, payable at the door.
To register, contact the Nebraska Box Butte Extension Office at 308-762-5616
For more information, contact Brock Ortner at 308327-2312 or bortner2@nebraska.edu.
Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN
RANCH, RODEO, ROPING, BARREL RACING PROSPECTS: 2024 APHA black solid and sorrel Tobiano geldings. 2025 AQHA bay, red roan, bay roan colts. 2025 AQHA bay and APHA sorrel Overo fillies. 2025 grade buckskin colt. Visit www. brokenbackranchquarterhorses.com Call for pricing, 307-2725509. Ten Sleep, WY 1/3
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 12/27
LOOKING FOR CALVING, FEEDING AND SPRING WORK
HELP: Feb. 20-June 1. POTENTIAL to become long-term job which includes: Riding, welding, fencing, irrigation and all general ranch-required jobs. Christian family ranch, high QUALITY horses to ride, vehicle provided, COMPETITIVE pay with healthcare and housing included. Must be willing and able to get along with others. Addicts and abusers please do not apply. Must want and be willing to be a part of a team. Please send resume to ghenry1984@gmail.com 1/3
REGISTERED WYOMING FOR SALE: LHC, LSH, expires January 2027. Small iron available. Asking $2,500. Call 307-214-1511 or 307-630-9621 11/29
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, RHH, no earmarks, registration #A0715200, renewed to Jan 1, 2027. Comes with cattle irons and horse irons. $750 OBO. Call/text 520-9048305 or e-mail griz-2006@hotmail.com 1/3
FOR SALE AHA REGISTERED POLLED MINIATURE HEREFORD BULL CALF: Born July 2025. Available following weaning, about February 2026. Documented pedigree. Located in Powell, WY. Shots and RFID tagged. Call Bob or Linda at 307-254-7047 1/3
TWO-YEAR-OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS, top bloodlines. Call Donald, 208201-6213 1/17
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
WANTED RECIP COWS: Must be open!! Two to 6 years old, Red Angus or Angus-based cows. For more information, call Corie Mydland, 406-8555598 (cell), Trans Ova Genetics, Joliet, MT 12/13
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
FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/11
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 1/3
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, 701-2904418, if no answer, send a text or keep trying 1/3
HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 and round bales of grass or alfalfa/grass mix. Delivered only. Call 605840-0015 12/13
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
Ranch Lease Wanted
LOOKING TO LEASE A RANCH FOR APPROXIMATELY 150-200 HEAD OF COWS. Prefer area in Johnson and Sheridan counties. Call 307290-1643 1/3
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
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17
COWBOY SANTA SHOPS HERE!! 5 STAR saddle pads and MOHAIR cinches. MONTANA Silversmith and AUSTIN Accent jewelry, MONEY clips, barrettes and MORE… Tom BALDING and DUTTON BITS and SPURS. It’s ALWAYS a great day to $AVE on BOOTS: HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! RIDE, ROPE, WORK and play!! LEATHER belts, WALLETS, checkbook covers. SILK SCARVES and more!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 12/20
COMMERCIAL WHITE FACED RAMBOULLET RAMS FOR SALE: Askin Livestock purchased the entire ram band from Ladder Livestock’s 50+ year genetics program this spring. We 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, 307-351-4875 or e-mail saskin12@gmail.com 1/3
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
OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORN out produces hybrid for silage and grazing quality grain, $69/bushel +S/H. Call 217-857-3377 or text cell 217343-4962, visit website www. borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 12/27
HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, grass/alfalfa mix, millet, forage wheat and straw. Round bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 1/3
CATTLEMEN, ARE YOU NEEDING HAY FOR YOUR CATTLE? We have alfalfa, barley hay, mixed grass, oats and pea hay. Been in the hay business for 25+ years. Trucking available. Call 701-290-2363 12/13
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 1/3
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
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 1/31
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-631-4104 12/27
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
400 TONS DURUM STRAW: Round bales, 1,000 lbs., $40/bale, 780 bales available. Excellent bedding or feed. Call 406-7657172 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
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
FOR SALE: 2013 20’ steel Titan livestock trailer with Oilite bearings, in good condition. $5,000, Newcastle, WY area. Call 307680-9834 12/13
FOR 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
working scales and side discharge conveyor. Well maintained and ready to mix and feed today. Selling due to a death in the family so we are no longer able to run cattle. Asking $25,000 OBO. Located between Shoshoni and Riverton, WY. Call 307-851-1100. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 1/3
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 1/3
LODGEPOLE OUTDOOR FURNACES, 307-223-2046. Your authorized Central Boiler Dealer. Get your outdoor wood furnace today!! $2,000 tax credit on qualifying models!! Efficient wood heat. Heat multiple buildings. Invest in your heating, don’t just pay for it!! See us at www.cb.lodgepoleproducts. com!! 12/27
FOR SALE: WATER TRAILER with (4) 1,500 gallon water tanks, 3 cones, 2 pumps, 50 ft. hose, electric start. ALSO, International 1256 tractor and John Deere 4520 tractor. Call 701290-2504 12/13
Morristown, S.D. Working Ranch & Farm: Corson County, S.D. $2,499,000 See Ranch video on YouTube https://youtu.be/g1abP9970Z8.
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
ruralands.com 12/13
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
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/27
USED IRRIGATION PIVOTS FOR SALE, www.zimmag. com ● 2014 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,286’, 2,764 hours ● 2014 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,286’, 5,132 hours ● 2020 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,286’, 500 hours ● 2013 Valley 7000 7 tower 1,336’, 3,882 hours. Call 402-910-3236 12/27 Irrigation Systems
The choice is simple.
VELVET RIDGE RANCH COW ELK HUNTS: Fill your freezers!! Private elk ranch. No license required. Alfalfa raised. CWD tested negative, $3,000/each. Call 970-631-5921 12/27
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
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 12/27
CODY, WY PROPERTY FOR TRADE OR OUTRIGHT
SALE: Eight acres with 3 dwellings on Lower Diamond Basin Rd. Nine miles from Walmart on Southfork Rd. Two new 1,700 sq. ft. houses, 2 bed/2 bath (each) and 1 car garage (each). Horse property with corrals, round pens and small tack shed. Seven acres with water rights, 2 ponds, gated pipe, lake view canal with some fence. Year-round live water from Diamond Creek. End of the road BLM access. $800,000 (may be some terms to the right buyer). For more information, call 307-578-6345 12/20
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 $1,250,000. Pictures at www.buyaranch.com. Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307-532-1750 TFN
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 11:15-11:30 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. 30, 31 & JAN 1 : PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING
7-7:20 a.m.,
:
Fork Station/Sinclair; Cokeville 8:10-8:30 a.m., Flying J Truck Stop; Afton 9:30-9:50 a.m., Afton Country Village; Thayne 10:05-10:20 a.m., Farmer’s Feed (drive thru); Etna 10:20-10:30 a.m., Etna Trading Post (drive thru); Alpine 11-11:30 a.m., Grey’s River Saloon; Hoback Jct. 12-12:20 p.m., Hoback Market/Exxon; Bondurant 12;50-1 p.m., Elkhorn Bar (drive thru); Bondurant 1:051:15 p.m., Post Office (drive thru); Daniel 1:50-2:10 p.m., The Den; Pinedale 2:40-3:10 p.m., Gannett Sports; Big Piney 3:50-4:10 p.m., Public RR Visitor Info. lot; La Barge 4:30-4:45 p.m., All American Fuel (drive thru call/text Greg); Fontenelle 5-5:15 p.m., (drive thru, call/text Greg); Green River 6-6:30 p.m., Hitching Post. JAN 1 : Rock Springs 7:30-8:15 a.m., WY Wool Warehouse; Wamsutter 9:15-9:30 a.m., Wamsutter Conoco (drive thru); Rawlins 10:10-10:40 a.m., Tractor Supply; Saratoga 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Saratoga Feed & Grain; Elk Mountain 12:501 p.m., Conoco on I-80 (drive thru); Hanna 1:05-1:15 p.m., Hometown Market (drive thru call/text Greg); Medicine Bow 1:20-1:30 p.m., JB’s (drive thru); Rock River 2:15-2:30 p.m., Rancher’s Supply (drive thru); Laramie 3:20-4 p.m., West Laramie Fly Shop. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www. petskafur.net 12/20
long list of ideas he believes could help strengthen U.S. sheep production far into the future.
Stewart provided a virtual presentation during the West Central States Wool Growers Convention, held in Cody Nov. 5-7 and guest starred on the American Sheep Industry Association’s Research Update Podcast in midNovember.
New Zealand sabbatical
Stewart explained his goal for spending a sabbatical in New Zealand was to better understand how Extension and research inform one another and how U.S. Extension programs can be more effective in working with sheep producers to stay productive in a rapidly changing environment.
In a country where the sheep flock is roughly five times the size of that in the U.S., Stewart also saw an opportunity to evaluate a large-scale, pasture-based system where the entire industry is based around adapting to global consumer expectations and constant market pressure.
He also noted the sabbatical served as a “gut check” for him personally.
“I think we all get in stages of our career – no matter what we do – where we’ve got to do a gut check and ask ourselves if we are still listening, still learning, still adapting to change and still working to be a better asset to the people we are serving,” he
stated. “This was really the motivation for me.”
During his months abroad, Stewart spent time with Beef and Lamb New Zealand and Lincoln University, where he taught undergraduate classes and certificate-level courses, mentored honors students and worked with faculty on everything from forage agronomy and parasite management to animal welfare and pasturebased production.
He also partnered with Headwaters Genetics to host two study tours for Wyoming producers and UW Extension’s Sheep Task Force.
Industry highlights
Stewart noted once he got past the initial shock of how enormous New Zealand’s infrastructure is compared to the U.S. – from processing plants to genetics companies and feed systems – he was struck by how similar the challenges are between the two countries.
“Once I got past the initial awe, I realized something – and this sounds cliché – but a lot of our producers here in the U.S. and those in New Zealand are not that different, especially in the challenges they face,” he said. “I think we assume our competitors are living high on the hog, but they’re struggling too and they’re facing pressures that mirror ours.”
Stewart noted producers in New Zealand are dealing with land-use pressures as sheep country is being con-
continued from page 1
quadrants, and awardees receive a glass statue and a check as thanks for their contributions to increasing public hunting and fishing access on private lands.
AccessYes coordinators from each quadrant and WGFD Chief of Wildlife
Dan Smith were on site to present the awards.
Gary and Judy Raymond
Gary and Judy Raymond of the Ferris Mountain Ranch received the 2025 Southwest Quadrant ARP Award.
The Raymonds live on a ranch outside of Rawlins, where their participation in the AccessYes program provides access to elk, antelope and bear hunting in the Ferris Mountain Range.
They are committed to balancing traditional ranching with wildlife stewardship and promoting hunting which is an integral part of Wyoming’s culture.
The Raymonds’ collaboration with WGFD is crucial to managing big game populations in the area, according to Southwest Wyoming Access Coordinator Jon Desonier.
“The Raymonds are a voice for wildlife and kind folks,” said Desonier.
Jim and Cathy Atkinson
The 2025 Southeast Quadrant ARP Award was presented to Jim and Cathy
verted to pine plantations and dairies; environmental regulations such as nitrate leaching, water quality rules and emissions proposals; depressed wool markets and crippling labor shortages.
On the other hand, one of the largest differences Stewart noted between the two countries is that New Zealand lambs are typically finished on pasture with minimal grain inputs and slaughtered at 120 to 150 days of age at 80 to 85 pounds liveweight.
This is opposite of the American system where lambs are often fed in feedlots to heavier weights, nearing a year of age before slaughter.
Composite breeds, especially Romney-influenced bloodlines, dominate New Zealand flocks, and heterosis is embraced instead of avoided.
Stewart further explained most sheep in New Zealand are sold on a carcass-based pricing grid versus “on the hoof,” and he mentioned the country’s genetic selection mainly focuses on maternal efficiency, growth rates, carcass yield and parasite resistance.
Additionally, Stewart noted New Zealand’s parasite control methods are a model worth mimicking. One of the most memorable lessons he learned involved targeted selective treatment for internal parasites.
“New Zealand producers often manage mobs in the thousands, using digital tools which combine pasture conditions, animal weights, growth
Atkinson of Atkinson Land and Livestock and Sheep Creek Ranch LLC.
The Atkinsons have been involved with AccessYes program since 2002, providing hunting access on their property near Medicine Bow.
WGFD notes the Atkinsons have gone “above and beyond to assist the department’s wildlife management goals while providing the public with ample opportunities to hunt.”
Southeast Wyoming Access Coordinator Kelly Todd presented the Atkinsons with their award during the luncheon.
Jim Pike
Although he was unable to attend the luncheon in person, Jim Pike was recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Northeast Quadrant ARP Award.
Northeast Wyoming Access Coordinator Brian Olsen noted Pike will receive his award in January 2026.
Pike owns property near Powder River which has been a cornerstone of the AccessYes program since 2005, according to WGFD.
The area supports livestock as well as a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, antelope, chukar, sage grouse and gray partridge.
trajectories and environmental risk,” he explained. “Apps and automated drafting systems generate a ‘worm-risk score,’ which tells producers exactly which animals need treatment, preserving refugia and extending the life of dewormers.”
“Efficiency isn’t just about speed,” he added. “It’s about precision – making sure labor and treatments go where they matter most.”
Stewart further emphasized New Zealand’s use of technology isn’t about getting hands on the newest, flashiest equipment. Instead, producers utilize what they have available to make real-time, onthe-ground decisions quicker and easier.
Tools like FarmIQ allow producers to estimate grazing intervals, track pasture growth, plan rotations and record lamb performance instantly. Although, like everywhere else, adoption is varied.
“People everywhere are just people – some love technology and some avoid it,” he said. “What impressed me, though, was how the Kiwis translate technical information into something everyone can use.”
Community spotlight
One of the things Stewart valued most about New Zealand’s sheep industry during his time abroad was the culture of intellectual debate, including morning teas, farm visits and conversations where ideas could be challenged without defensiveness.
He pointed out commu-
Law enforcement recognized – In recognition of their dedication to protecting Wyoming producers, Lieutenant Herb Irons and Deputy Erik Wacker of the Goshen County Sheriff’s Department were honored with certificates of appreciation from the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) and the Wyoming Livestock Board (WSLB). Pictured from left to right are WLSB Director Steve True, Wacker, Irons, WLSB Criminal Investigator Cody Meyers and WLSB Senior Criminal Investigator Chris Strang. WYLR photo
Quadrant – Gary
and
WGFD further notes Pike is currently working with the department to provide access to a 13-acre pond which has potential to restore angling opportunities for trout and other warm water species.
D.J. Healy, LU Ranch
The 2025 Northwest Quadrant ARP Award was
nity-driven learning groups serve as the backbone of the country’s Extension model, and programs like Hogget 101 allow farmers to meet up at a host ranch, discuss challenges, share real-world outcomes and stay connected long after the in-person visit ends.
“I think one aspect that makes Hogget 101 work so well is that there is a community in which producers engage with each other,” he said. “These producers had a WhatsApp group chat, where, in the evenings when they would get back to their houses and put up their feet after a busy day of running around, they were able to dialogue.”
“A passionate group building connections with each other to solve problems is a good thing,” he continued. “In the world we live in where isolation is increasingly becoming a problem, sitting down and connecting with people is also a good thing. A natural consequence of farmer-to-farmer learning groups is building networks and friendships in the industry.”
Perhaps one of Stewart’s strongest takeaways was New Zealand’s urgency to invest in its next generation.
“Lincoln University is incredibly holistic,” he noted. “They’re training a pipeline of students who can step into managing agricultural enterprises immediately.”
He also mentioned time spent at New Zealand’s cadet training farm, a full-scale working operation that hosts high school students pursuing
pathways into agriculture.
“In the U.S., we have got to double down on pathways for the next generation. A pathway to getting more people in our industry is not in an internship and not in one or two companies – it’s everybody getting involved in getting the next generation passionate about and trained to be successful in our industry.”
Stewart also pushed back against the belief sheep aren’t profitable for beginning producers and the next generation.
“I will always challenge the concept that there is no money in the sheep industry,” he said. “There is no livestock species with more potential for favorable capital investment than sheep. We just need to build the systems to help people succeed.”
Now that he’s back in the Cowboy State, Stewart said he plans to launch farmerto-farmer learning groups modeled after those in New Zealand, integrate real-time decision support tools into Extension programs, expand applied forage and genetics work and create pathways for Wyoming youth to enter sheep production.
“New Zealand reminded me why this work matters,” he concluded. “Our producers deserve the best science, the best support and a system built for the next generation –not the last one.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
presented to D.J. Healy of the LU Ranch.
According to WGFD, the LU Ranch is a fourthgeneration, family-owned operation located in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains in Park and Hot Springs counties.
The LU Ranch has been enrolled in the AccessYes
program since 1999, making it one of the first hunter management areas in the state.
WGFD further notes the LU Ranch partners with various organizations to implement wildlife and livestock management projects aimed at improving habitat and water resources, with a focus on long term sustainability and science-based practices. Northwest Wyoming Access Coordinator Spencer Carstens presented Healy with the award to round out the luncheon.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Tysdal also thanked the many other conservation district employees and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service partners who attended various trainings throughout 2025.
Outstanding annual plans and reports
The next awards presented were the Outstanding Annual Reports and Plans.
Weston County Natural Resource District earned the Outstanding Annual Report, while Converse County Con-
servation District received honorable mention.
Recognition for the Outstanding Annual Plan of Work went to Weston County Natural Resource District Conservation District, and Converse County Conservation District received honorable mention.
Poster and photo contest winners
Five students earned top honors in the WACD State Poster Contest. They received a certificate and a $100 prize, and a chance
to compete in the national poster contest.
Elliot Borntrager of Uinta County was the winner of the kindergarten through first grade division, and Roan Langley of Converse County was the winner of the second through third grade division.
Kyler Larson of Uinta County won the fourth through sixth grade division, Sophia Richmond of Uinta County won the seventh through ninth grade division and Abigail Ostrander of Converse County won the 10th through 12th grade division.
Winners of WACD’s Annual Photo Contest were recognized as well.
Photos submitted by Janet Hofmann won the Conservation Practices and Conservation in Action categories, while Lisa Shaw earned top honors in the Close-Up Conservation and Conservation/Ag Across America divisions.
Outstanding individuals
To close out the ceremony, awards were presented across a range of outstanding individual categories.
First, Alex Hargrave was honored as the Outstanding News Reporter of
the Year for her contributions to environmental journalism in Wyoming with the Buffalo Bulletin.
Next, Amy Swisher was honored as the 2025 WACD Educator of the Year, and Dru Bower Palmer was recognized with the Outstanding Cooperator Award.
In addition, Cherette Bonomo earned the Outstanding Technician Award, Mary Thoman was honored with the Outstanding Elected Official Award, Todd Caltrider received the Outstanding Conservationist Award and Lisa Ogden earned the Outstanding
Employee Award for her work with Natrona County Conservation District. Finally, Wayne Garman of Crook County Natural Resource District was honored with the 2025 Darrell Walker Outstanding Supervisor Award, and U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) received the distinguished President’s Award for her legislative work advocating for Wyoming’s natural resources.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Top Sellers
Lot 1 – KG Impulse
4011 – Price: $30,000
DOB: 1/21/24 Sire: Sitz
Impulse 732J Dam’s Sire:
HA Cowboy Kind 8157
EPDs: BW: +0.7, WW: +90, YW: +156 and Milk: +30 Buyer: Bobcat Angus, Galata, Mont.
Lot 2 – KG Impulse 4102 – Price: $26,000 DOB: 2/5/24 Sire: Sitz Impulse 732J Dam’s Sire: GDAR
Justified 861 EPDs: BW: -0.2, WW: +78, YW: +141 and Milk: +34 Buyer: TNT Angus, Rocklake, N.D.
Lot 5 – KG Impulse
4020 – Price: $21,000
DOB: 1/23/24 Sire: Sitz
Impulse 732J Dam’s Sire:
KG Cowboy Kind 0256
EPDs: BW: -1, WW: +79, YW: +127 and Milk: +22
Buyer: Dry Fork Livestock, Kaycee
Lot 4 – KG Impulse
4445 – Price: $20,000
DOB: 2/28/24 Sire: Sitz
Impulse 732J Dam’s Sire:
KG Solution 0018 EPDs: BW: -2.4, WW: +67, YW: +121 and Milk: +32
Buyer: Dry Fork Livestock, Kaycee
Lot 18 – KG Badlands 4091 – Price: $19,000
DOB: 2/4/24 Sire: Ellingson Badlands 0285 Dam’s Sire: HA Opportunity
H695 EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +67, YW: +112 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Oxbow
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Dec. 5, 2025
KG Ranch, Three Forks, Mont.
Auctioneers: Joe Goggins and Greg Goggins
247 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $9,460
148 Commercial Bred Heifers Avg. $4,545
Ranch, Wolf Creek, Mont. Lot 9 – KG Impulse
4131 – Price: $19,000
DOB: 2/13/24 Sire: Sitz
Impulse 732J Dam’s Sire:
Vermilion Charge On G333
EPDs: BW: +0.4, WW: +84, YW: +145 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Yale Johnson, Laketown, Utah
MOUNTAIN VIEW
5 Cow, 1237# $154.50
RIVERTON 11 Cow, 1205#
POWDER RIVER 2 Cow, 1120#
CROWHEART 10 Cow, 1364#
4 Steer, 487#
4 Heifer, 377#
40 Bred Cow, 1285# $5,200.00 40 Bred Cow, 1289# $5,000.00
50 Bred Cow, 1116# $4,700.00 THERMOPOLIS
41 Bred Cow, 1329# $4,700.00
4 Bred Cow, 1365# $4,700.00
61 Bred Cow, 1096# $4,600.00 22 Bred Cow, 1145# $4,500.00
2 Bred Cow, 1070# $4,325.00
3 Bred Cow, 1201# $4,300.00
2 Bred Cow, 1065# $4,200.00 SHOSHONI 14 Bred Cow, 1091#
17 Bred Cow, 1201#
17 Bred Cow, 1083#
5 Bred Cow, 1110# $4,100.00
SLEEP
11 Bred Cow, 1234# $3,950.00
16 Bred Cow, 1358# $3,900.00
6 Bred Cow, 1300# $3,800.00 16 Bred Cow, 1124# $3,675.00
Bred Cow, 980#
Bred Cow, 1106#
Bred Cow, 1448#
1053#
Bred Cow, 1194#
Bred Heifer, 830# $3,600.00
873# $3,450.00 HEIFERETTES
THERMOPOLIS 18 Heiferette, 712# $387.00 86 Heiferette, 824# $380.00 4 Heiferette, 868# $339.00
COKEVILLE 10 Heiferette, 883# $337.50
THERMOPOLIS 13 Heiferette, 958# $335.00
RIVERTON 6 Heiferette, 1003# $290.00
MALAD, ID
16 Heiferette, 1011# $263.00 COWS
TEN SLEEP
1 Cow, 1080# $200.00
THERMOPOLIS
1 Cow, 1015# $196.00
BIG PINEY
1 Cow, 1190# $182.50
CROWHEART
13 Cow, 1146# $181.00 10 Cow, 1088# $177.00 BIG PINEY 3 Cow, 1093# $171.00
DANIEL 19 Cow, 1054# $168.00
SHOSHONI
1 Cow, 1365# $168.00
EVANSTON
4 Cow, 1155# $166.50
POWDER RIVER 2 Cow, 1402# $166.50
THERMOPOLIS
12 Cow, 1120# $165.50
6 Cow, 1097# $165.50
WOODRUFF, UT
3 Cow, 1433# $163.00
CROWHEART
9 Cow, 1339# $161.00
RAWLINS 5 Cow, 1209# $160.00
POWDER RIVER 7 Cow, 1203# $159.00
COKEVILLE
6 Cow, 1436# $158.00
BIG PINEY 4 Cow, 1151# $157.00
COKEVILLE 6 Cow, 1234# $156.00
RIVERTON 4 Cow, 1187# $155.00
BOULDER 18 Cow, 1178#
POWDER RIVER
2 Cow, 1215#
LANDER 10 Cow, 1318#
MCKINNON
2 Cow, 1360#
RIVERTON
4 Cow, 1335#
DANIEL
3 Cow, 1256#
FARSON
1 Bull, 1990#
SHOSHONI
1 Bull, 1885#
RAWLINS
1 Bull, 1985#
RIVERTON
1 Bull, 1980#
JACKSON
1 Bull, 1610#
BIG PINEY
3 Bull, 2066#
DANIEL
1 Bull, 2045#
BIG PINEY
1 Bull, 1800# $179.00
JACKSON
2 Bull, 1972#
BIG PINEY
2 Bull, 1737#
JACKSON 1 Bull, 2020#
SHERIDAN
1 Bull, 1860# $174.50
KINNEAR
2 Bull, 1827#
SHERIDAN
1 Bull, 1920#
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 COW SALE W/ SHEEP & HORSES
Burgener – 2 yr old mare 2 yearlings mares 18-year-old. Brood Mare. 5-year-old. 30 days of riding
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 A.M.
CALVES
Waldo & Emmi Tarango- 300 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500-650#. Rec Vista Once PMH & 7 way + Spur @ branding; Inforce 3, Vista Once, 7 way w/ Somnus & wormed @ weaning. Weaned 60 days. Good set of high elevation calves! C&D Enterprises- 85 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 300-500#. Rec Enforce 3 & MultiMin @ birth; Enforce 3, BVD & Ultrachoice 8 @ branding; & Bovishield Gold, Ultrabac 8 & Multimin @weaning. Weaned since 10/24. Hay fed. Choice, high altitude calves! Armstrong Ranch- 70 Red & Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 450-650#. Weaned 90 days on meadow & #1 Distillers Cake. Rec Nasalgen 3 PMH, C&D 7 way @ birth; Vista Once SQ & 7 way @ branding & weaning. Poured w/Clean-Up & Safeguard @ weaning. Enrolled & tagged w/ 840 tags in the Angus Access Program. The bull battery averages are in the Top 28% for every carcass trait! Good, high desert calves!
Steers Ranch- 45 Blk Ang Strs 500-550#. 25 Blk Ang Hfrs 450-500#. Rec 7 way & Nasalgen 3 PMH @ branding & Precon. Poured this fall. Weaned 10-1, been running on meadow w/ some
hay. High elevation. Reputation calves!
Jay Rodewald- 41 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500600#. Rec Once PMH IN, Vision 7 w/Somnus & Vista 5 @ branding; Once PMH IN, Vision 7 w/ Somnus, Vista 5 & Safeguard @ Precon. Fenceline weaned 70 days. No implants. Full access to minerals w/Bio-Mos. Bunk broke. Knife cut. Sired by JO bulls & powerful Black Angus bulls. Boreen Hay and Cattle- 25 Angus/Polled Hereford Cross Strs & Hfrs 500#. Rec 2 rounds of Nasalgen, 5-way Presponse w/ Mannheim, 8-way clostridium, and poured. Long time weaned, bunk broke to hay. Run on high desert all summer. No hormones. No
COWS Abernathy Ranch- 120 Blk Ang & AngX Bred ST Cows. Bred to Powerful Black Angus bulls to calve March/April. Rec Virashield 6VL5, Guardian, Poured & Clean-Up this fall.
of high desert, reputation cows! Dillon Hedges- 8 Blk & Red Sim/Ang 3-6 yr old Bred Cows. Bred to Chet Jackson & Warner Ranch Simmental Bulls to start calving March 1st- May 15th. Rec Virashield 6 VL5 & 7 way w/Somnus & poured w/Clean-up this fall. Big, stout powerful cows! Calves averaged 625# 1st week of Oct. Run on high desert. Some of the cows originated from PT Livestock.
2 Red Roan Shorthorn Bred ST Cows. Bred to Black or Red Sim/Ang bulls to start calving March 1st- May 15th. Rec Virashield 6 VL5 & 7 way w/ Somnus & poured w/Clean-up this fall. Big, stout powerful cows! Calves averaged 625# 1st week of Oct. Run on high desert.
JANUARY 27
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
FEBRUARY 17