U.S. Postal Service reform is discussed in this week’s guest opinion Page 2
Changing trends on seed oils in food is considered Page 4
Columnist Ron Rabou reminds readers the power of staying optimistic despite challenges Page 11
Lee Pitts discusses pinkeye treatments for his cow herd in this week’s column Page 16
The annual American Sheep Industry photo contest is now open. The categories have changed for 2025 and they are Scenic, White Wool Sheep, Naturally Colored Sheep, Hair Sheep and Open. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Mountain Time on Aug. 1. Visit sheepusa.org to submit photos.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its acreage planted report June 30. Corn planted area for all purposes in 2025 is estimated at 95.2 million acres, up five percent from last year. Area harvested for grain, at 86.8 million acres, is up five percent from last year. Soybean planted area for 2025 is estimated at 83.4 million acres, down four percent from last year. All wheat planted area for 2025 is estimated at 45.5 million acres, down one percent from 2024.
It was announced the Trump administration plans to have the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule completed by the end of 2025. The Supreme Court in Sackett versus EPA ruled the socalled “significant-nexus” test in the WOTUS rule was invalid. The agencies held nine listening sessions including two public sessions in West Virginia and Utah and said they “heard from people who are frustrated with the constantly shifting” WOTUS definition.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in south Texas and announced a sweeping fivepronged plan to enhance U.S. Department of Agriculture’s already robust ability to detect, control and eliminate the pest. These urgent actions are necessary to finish the fight against NWS and protect the U.S.
The 20th anniversary of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT) was recognized during the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Environmental Stewardship Tour June 25 at the Robinson Ranch near Douglas.
The WWNRT was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2005 to provide funding for conservation efforts throughout the state. The WWNRT is guided by a nine-member volunteer board who oversee distribution of funds in addition to on-the-
ground site visits.
Since its inception, the WWNRT has provided funding for more than 2,000 conservation projects throughout each of Wyoming’s 23 counties.
Current and former members of the
On June 25, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, awarded the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award to the Jay Butler family of Douglas in recognition of their management of the Robinson Ranch LLC.
The award is presented annually to a Wyoming producer who incorporates outstanding environmental stew-
ardship practices alongside productive ranch management. WSGA members, government representatives, friends of the family and award sponsors including Audubon Rockies, Farm Credit Services of America, the Nature Conservancy, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Wyoming Livestock Roundup were present at the tour to
Please see BUTLER on page 5
Environmental stewardship – The 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award was awarded June 25 to the Robinson Ranch and the Jay Butler family of Douglas, highlighting their ranch management practices. The award was presented by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) to the family at the ranch with a day celebrating their achievement. Pictured left to right is WSGA Environmental Stewardship Selection Committee Chair Nate Kane, WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, Conservation Ranch Director for Audubon Rockies Dusty Downey, Ranch Owners Linda and Jay Butler and their daughter Beth Butler, WSGA President Reg Phillips, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant State Conservationist for Partnerships and Initiatives Brian Jensen, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Angie Bruce and Wyoming Department of Ag Director Doug Miyamoto. WYLR photo
Neil Long has been selected as the Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) 2025 Educator of the Year.
Long currently teaches fifth-grade writing and science at Baldwin Creek Elementary School in Lander.
Long began teaching at Baldwin Creek Elementary School in 2023. Recognizing a need for an enriched curriculum incorporating social studies and science with literacy, Long introduced Wyo Wonders.
Neil Long Courtesy photo
Students in Long’s fifthgrade class complete the Wyo Wonders Outdoor Recreation and Tourism unit before writing an opinion essay on the importance of responsible stewardship of Wyoming’s land. In these essays, students demonstrate understanding of the interdependence of Wyoming’s key industries and how the land, wildlife, people and industry all have a part to play in keeping the state vibrant and thriving.
A quote from one student’s essay reads, “It is very important to be a good steward for many reasons. The reasons could be health, education, industry, money, recreation,
From broken bones to belt buckles, Merrilee Michael of Douglas has accumulated plenty of memories and accolades in her four-year showing career.
The 13-year-old showman exhibits cattle and horses at the county and state fair, bringing a deep level of determination, passion and genuine care to projects each year.
Local roots
Michael began showing livestock at the Converse County Fair as soon as she was old enough to enter. At nine years old,
USDA updates livestock insurance programs to expand coverage, flexibility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency recently announced a series of updates to improve several livestock insurance programs, with a focus on expanding risk management options for producers nationwide.
According to a corresponding June 23 press release, updates will take effect for the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) and Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) programs beginning in the 2026 crop year.
Updates will include new coverage options, adjusted termination dates and billing timelines and expanded eligibility for forward contracts and specific livestock classes.
LRP updates
The USDA’s LRP program provides protection for livestock producers looking to insure against declining market prices and offers coverage levels ranging from 70 to 100 percent of expected ending values.
Key changes being made to the LRP program include adjusting the termination date to Sept. 30 and moving
she took home her first grand and reserve champion overall titles with a pair of miniature Hereford heifers named Itsy and Bitsy.
Michael also exhibited Itsy in the Converse County Cow-Belles’ annual Supreme Cow Contest, a program for 4-H and FFA youth involving three phases spaced out over multiple years.
Exhibitors show their first heifer in phase one before bringing the same animal back as a cow/calf pair in phase two.
Every so often I’ll receive an e-mail which seems so outlandish, you think this can’t be true, and you really don’t want it to be true saying, “Say it isn’t so.”
This happened to me a while back when I received an e-mail from an animal rights group stating, “After over a year of advocacy, Xanterra Travel Collection, which feeds mil lions of Yellowstone Park visitors annually, has committed to making 50 percent of its entrees plant-based by 2026.”
The e-mail went on to say, “This is the company’s first ever quantified plant-based goal and directly impacts Amer ica’s first national park at peak summer tourism season.
First, thinking this information was false, I looked up the website of Xanterra Travel Collection and sure enough, it was on their website, which read, “One of the most impactful ways we can meet commitment to inclusive menus, healthy cuisine and environmental sustainability is by offering more plant-based menu items. These local and seasonal plant-based ingredients have a lower environ mental impact and align with the growing demand for food which is both delicious and responsible. Xanterra offers vegetarian menu options at all food outlets and strives to increase plant-based food offerings to 50 percent by 2026.”
Xanterra has contracts with many national parks and other recreational venues around the country, and claims to be operators of over 50 restaurants.
Beef and lamb producers need to be aware of what is happening at some places and restaurants across the coun try. One would hope Xanterra will realize plant-based and fake meat is not going over well across the country, as their stocks and values drop. I’m sure they have read the list of ingredients and see all the additives involved to get it to taste like meat.
I can’t imagine tourists going all the way to Yellow stone National Park wanting to share the Western culture by eating some glorified dog food. Instead they will want some locally-raised beef or lamb.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is on the brink of a self-induced collapse. The failed policies of the Delivering for America Plan have driven away customers through a combination of sky-high rate increases and degraded service.
David Steiner, who will take over as postmaster general on July 14, has a tough job to do and little time to do it
Another issue, I don’t understand is the push to have a mandated Country of Origin Labeling.
We all want Country of Origin labeling on our beef products as we are proud of our beef and how it was raised. We realize we have the tastiest, healthiest and safest beef in the world that is substantiated by the demand for U.S. beef exported abroad.
Those making policy and laws in Congress, tried this over 10 years ago. Really nothing has changed since, and now the American Beef Labeling Act is set to mandate.
The Canadians will go to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and cry foul, the WTO will tell the U.S. it can’t do it with a threat of a large penalty, and the U.S. will have to back off. Unless the U.S. has different trade agreements now, Canada is going to act.
I was in Canada at an International Cattle Conference at the time of the first legislation and we visited with the agriculture minister. He was adamant Canada was going to stop the mandate and they did.
The large U.S. meatpackers will also fight it and if approved, will pass down the expense of processing our meat to the producer and feeder.
Livestock Roundup (USPS # 005-774) is published weekly by Maverick Press, Inc. P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602
with some estimates indicating USPS could be insolvent as soon as 2028.
Congress has a key role to play in helping him right the ship but must get off the sidelines and act.
A useful step occurred earlier this week with a hearing before the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations. The National Newspaper Association (NNA) provided a statement for the hearing which lays out key actions Congress can take to help restore the USPS.
We emphasized National Newspaper Association (NNA) members serve their communities, providing news on local events and civic matters not covered anywhere else, and they depend on the USPS to get their
Make plans to attend the Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, July 11-13 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo.
On Friday, July 11 the agenda includes a tour of Mountain Meadow Wool; a sustainable sheep grazing workshop sponsored by the National Grazing Lands Coalition; a wool evaluation workshop; an art and woolcraft opening reception and a sheepherder panel discussion.
On Saturday, July 12 attendees can attend a Basque heritage wagon tour; a marketing lamb locally discussion; the Basque Ball Sheepdog Trial; a Mountain Meadows Wool hands-on dyeing demonstration; a wool education discussion; a “Lamb, it’s What’s for Dinner” cooking demonstration and a shearing demonstration, along with an all-day vendor fair and other demonstrations and events throughout the day.
July 12 ends with the Sheepherders Come Bye Awards Dinner and dance featuring live music by Tris Munsick & the Innocents.
Sunday, July 13 will feature Moon Hitch Wagon Co. tours and cowboy poetry.
Registration for some events is required beforehand and may be limited depending on the number of participants. For the full agenda and event details, visit wyomingsheepandwoolfestival.com
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) has appointed Sarah Kauer as the Interim Executive Director of the organization. Kauer previously served as the development and outreach director.
“We are grateful for her leadership during this time of transition. Sarah and the team remain deeply engaged in the vital work of the WSGLT throughout this busy summer season – from stewarding conservation easements and site visits, to planning for our upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration and Ranch Tour. Their continued dedication ensures that working lands, wildlife habitat and Wyoming’s agricultural heritage are protected for generations to come,” stated WSGLT Board Chair Marissa Taylor.
In addition, WSGLT is planning a 25th Anniversary celebration for the evening of Aug. 22 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center. The day with also include an optional ranch tour on the conserved Jaw Bone Gulch Ranch in Laramie County before the evening celebration.
For more details or to purchase tickets for the event, visit wsglt.org or call 307-772-8751.
papers to subscribers.
The USPS – and by extension the small businesses in the communities they serve – faces an immediate and existential crisis.
We urge Congress to act swiftly and compel meaningful reform at the USPS.
Here are three actions Congress can take right now to get the USPS back on track and keep commerce in America moving.
1. Demand the USPS Board halt the Delivering for America Plan, including the large rate increase planned for July 13.
This increase, far above the rate of inflation, will only deepen the hole and ties the hands of Steiner, who should have the opportunity to assess the situation.
The same holds true for the network consolidations and service cuts. Every customer lost through these increases and service reductions is one less Steiner can rely on in the future.
2. Modernize and empower the USPS regulator.
Effective checks and balances are needed to keep
WyoGives, an initiative of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, is a powerful statewide 24-hour online fundraising event designed to raise funds and awareness for Wyomingʼs nonprofits.
On July 16, join in celebrating and honoring the work being done in communities to enrich lives every day. With over 430 organizations participating, participants can easily find organizations whose mission is important to them.
Donations can be made anytime during the 24-hour period on Wed., July 16, through the website wyogives.org
In some cases, donations may be enhanced by a partner recruited by the nonprofit or boosted by the Hughes Charitable Foundation Incentive Pool, which are showcased on a live ticker.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on June 30 risk-based port reopenings for cattle, bison and equines from Mexico will begin as early as July 7. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), following extensive collaboration between USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) experts and their counterparts in Mexico to increase New World Screwworm (NWS) surveillance, detection and eradication efforts, are set to begin a phased reopening of the southern ports starting with Douglas, Ariz.
USDA claims to have not seen a notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico, nor any northward movement of NWS over the past eight weeks.
While the Douglas, Ariz. port presents the lowest risk based upon the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico, and if it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks.
For more information, visit usda.gov
the USPS on track. Congress needs to update and modernize the postal regulatory process to better safeguard against excessive rates and poor service by passing House Resolution (HR) 3004, The USPS SERVES US Act.
3. Measure newspaper costs accurately.
Congress should compel accurate measurement of newspaper service and hold the USPS accountable for maintaining and improving service quality by enacting HR2098/S.1002, the Deliver for Democracy Act.
These are all commonsense steps Congress can take to address what has been clearly a failed approach by USPS management. Steiner has a huge job ahead of him and will need all the help he can get.
Congress must act now to make sure the nation’s next postmaster general is not the last one.
Martha Diaz Aszkenazy is the chair of NNA and the publisher of the San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol newspapers.
A spotlight has recently been placed on the U.S. food system, as part of an executive order to address a list of factors claimed to negatively impact public health. One emphasis is placed on seed oil, with activists and critics insisting such oils contribute to inflammation and other major health concerns.
In some circles, seed oils have been described as “poisonous.”
There is a movement to replace seed oils with other dietary fats like butter, lard, beef tallow, olive oil or palm oil.
A ban or restrictions placed on seed oils could negatively impact U.S. agriculture and increase consumer food costs.
Replacing seed oils with other dietary fats could vastly impact the demand of valuable U.S. row crops.
Agricultural organizations have begun assessing the possible financial consequences, considering what might happen economically if seed oils were prohibited for use in food products.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau (ARFB) is one of those organizations, with a white paper published in April titled, “The Critical Role of Seed Oils in U.S. Agriculture.” The report focuses on soybeans, corn and cotton – key row crops in Arkansas.
Brandy Carroll, assistant director of Commodity Activities and Market Information at ARFB said, “While we are not experts on nutrition, we did feel we could address the economic impact of those markets.”
Other contributing authors of the white paper are John McMinn and Tyler Oxner, both directors of commodity activities and economics for ARFB.
The value of seed oils
Critics have categorized seed oils as “the hateful eight.” The list includes soybean, canola, corn, cot-
tonseed, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower and rice bran oils.
These oils are not only used for cooking but also as ingredients in a multitude of grocery items.
Seed oils can be found in anything from mayonnaise and salad dressings to crackers, cereal and cake mixes. They are even ingredients in roasted almonds and coffee creamers.
McMinn said, “The biggest takeaway I have from writing the white paper is how much of the market share seed oils have in cooking oils, specifically soybean oil. If you see a bottle of vegetable oil, it is more than likely soybean oil.”
He underscored soybean oil makes up 60 percent of the market share for U.S. food oils. Other commodities do not come close to this market share, with oils like canola at 16 percent, corn at five percent, cottonseed at three percent and animal fats at four percent.
Row crop commodities like soybeans are not the final product.
When crushed, soybean oil is used for food or biofuel production. The remaining meal is marketed as animal feed.
Between the oil and the meal, McMinn said soybean oil is the price driver – and the most valuable in food use. In the U.S., 50 percent of the soybean crop is crushed domestically, which provides jobs and adds value to the U.S. economy.
A ban or restrictions on seed oils means they would have to be replaced with something. There is a push to replace them with animal fats like butter, lard or beef tallow or substitutes like olive, peanut or palm oil.
Flavor profile changes
If manufacturers are forced to change ingredients, it will likely change the flavor profile of food products and could come
with a hidden price tag.
“We literally do not produce enough animal fat, and we cannot force an animal to a certain extent to produce more fat to make up for it,” McMinn said. “We would have to import oils, and this would also increase cost on the consumer level.”
It is estimated consumers would pay an additional 42.8 percent per year to compensate for the potential loss of seed oils in food production, according to an economic analysis by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES), funded by the United Soybean Board (USB) and published on March 27.
On the farmer level, a seed oil ban would inevitably impact demand of U.S. grown row crops, with a ripple of indirect impacts.
“The biggest consuming group of soybean oil is consumers. If this market representation is gone, then the demand to grow soybeans would be gone too,” McMinn said.
Consider the widespread impact on employment across the agricultural supply chain, spanning seed and chemical corporations to cooperatives and processing plants, along with the communities depending on this economic activity. Furthermore, additional agricultural sectors could experience the effects of these changes.
“The amount of soybean meal we produce could decrease due to a seed oil ban, because if this oil market is not there, then why would we crush the soybeans to begin with? You could potentially look at having less product out there to put into animal feed,” McMinn explained.
Seed oil health debate
Analyses like the WAEES report and the ARFB white paper are in response to criticism of seed oils for food use.
Concerns have been raised by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with a host of health influencers taking to social media to blame seed oils as a cause of major health conditions.
Further debate was sparked after President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14212 on Feb. 13 to establish the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., secretary of HHS.
The MAHA Commission was given 100 days to provide an assessment of what the White House calls “America’s escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases.”
Within 180 days of the order, the commission is to present a strategy based on the assessment findings.
On May 22, the MAHA assessment was published. One of many issues addressed in the report is assertions regarding seed oils that contradict years of health studies which promote seed oils as superior alternatives compared to saturated fats.
Research has consistently shown polysaturated
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fats help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and support other body functions and animal fats and tropical fats, like coconut oil, are higher in saturated fats and are shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Consumer education
The American Heart Association recommends, “For good health, consume foods containing polyunsaturated fats in place of those containing saturated fats and/or trans fats.”
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are major components of polysaturated fats. Each provides an array of health benefits, and the human body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own.
The MAHA assessment questions the refining process of seed oils and suggests this process reduces nutritional content and creates an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Proponents of this notion have suggested replacing seed oils with animal fats like beef tallow and tropical fats.
Thus, the MAHA assessment has caused an uproar, not only within the agricultural community, but also with health professionals
and nutrition scientists who stand behind decades of research on the health benefits of seed oils.
“There is so much information out there, especially on social media, whether it is right or wrong. If you get enough people to read it, people will start believing it. True or false, it works both ways,” McMinn said.
Consumers are encouraged to educate themselves on dietary health, with trusted information.
“There is research saying seed oils are not as bad as they are claimed to be,” Oxner said. “It is about education and bridging the gap to figure out what is scientific and getting it to the public.”
For information on the health of seed oils, specifically soybean, McMinn suggested sources like the USB and the American Soybean Association.
Until then, producers will wait for the MAHA Commission to submit a strategic plan by August 2025 to address concerns laid out in the assessment. Whitney Shannon Haigwood is a staff writer for Delta Farm Press. This article was originally published in Farm Progress on June 16.
The Public Lands Council (PLC) and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association (NMCGA) announced July 1 their support for the Enhancing Safety for Animals (ESA) Act. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), the ESA Act would delist the Mexican gray wolf and separate the populations in the U.S. and Mexico, allowing for proper management of the species.
“Now is the time to recognize the catastrophic impact that bad federal policy has on local communities. For too long, ranchers in states near our Southern Border have shouldered the burden of managing this species with limited tools and little support from the federal government who has imposed all manners of burdens. Ranchers and rural communities face daily challenges such as livestock predation and threats to community safety due to overpopulated wolf packs. We commend Congressman Gosar for introducing the Enhancing Safety for Animals Act and working to bring some relief to these communities.” said PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover.
“The Fish and Wildlife Service has been recovering the Mexican wolf for more than 25 years. Despite what it reports, the wolf is recovered numerically and genetically. During that time, the Fish and Wildlife Service has ignored the threat these apex predators cause our citizens and their livelihoods. Enough. The time has come to delist the Mexican wolf and to stop the insanity of tying wolf recovery in the U.S., where it has been a success, to recovery of the wolf in Mexico, where all work to date has been an utter failure.
Thank you, Congressman Gosar, for listening and acting on this issue,” said New Mexico Cattle Growers Association President-Elect Tom Paterson.
Shelby Holder of Kemmerer set the new record on June 6 with a 14-pound, 15.2-ounce fish caught in the Hams Fork River near Kemmerer. The fish was 31.2 inches long and had a girth of 19 inches.
Holder shattered the previous record set last year by Jaxon Krall of Kemmerer at 12.77 pounds.
Holder caught the fish between Viva Naughton
celebrate the achievement.
The day opened with a series of speeches followed by an awards ceremony and concluded with a tour of the ranch. The Butlers’ commitment to careful and thoughtful stewardship of the Robinson Ranch and surrounding ecosystem was apparent throughout both sessions.
Multi-generational tradition
“We’re particularly pleased to be here at the Robinson Ranch this year and to have seen the wonderful things they do,” began WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna in his opening address.
“Every ranch has a fundamental commitment to doing the right thing, but the right thing varies widely from one place to another. Jay and his family have certainly identified what works on this ranch and are doing it very well,” he continued.
Magagna then passed the presentation to Jay Butler, who introduced his wife Linda and daughter Beth before providing an overview of the ranch’s heritage.
As Jay stated, the Robinson Ranch was established in 1916 by his greatgrandfather Tom Robinson, Sr. who acquired the original ranch through the Homestead Act.
Originally from Nebraska, the Robinsons quickly realized the Wyoming terrain would not support corn farming as easily as the rolling plains they had come from. As a result, Tom Robinson, Sr. pivoted the operation to a sheep ranch, supplementing income with a well-drilling business.
Thus began a multigenerational tradition of thoughtful cultivation and careful conservation carried on by the Butlers today.
Dual legacy
The Robinson Ranch has expanded and shifted its focus from sheep to cattle since 1916 but the core values remain unchanged.
WSGA President Reg Phillips highlighted the “twolegacy ranch” and effective management strategies as insurance for the continuation of the legacy of the land and the generational legacy.
“They fit the projects to
Reservoir and Kemmerer City Reservoir.
Krall’s fish was caught at Viva Naughton, and in 2023, Owen Schaad of Cheyenne set the state record with a 11.93 tiger trout caught from Viva Naughton.
Holder caught the fish with a one-weight fly rod using a brown wooly bugger. Holder said he used eight-pound test line as a
the land, not the other way around,” noted Phillips. “They’re planning for the next generation to be here.”
An array of speakers provided testimony to Phillips’ comment, including former Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist Tim Schroeder and Beth Butler.
As Schroeder recalled, the NRCS’s original involvement with the Robinson Ranch began in the late 1990’s with Jay Butler’s parents, Tom and Ella Robinson. Their first project involved sagebrush control and evolved to focus on water development and enhanced livestock grazing management as Jay and Linda took over operations.
Schroeder also commented upon the impacts of industry in Converse County, noting the implementation of transect monitoring as an example of proactive resource management that has helped the Butlers persevere through challenges presented by the boom of railroads, oil and gas development and wind farms.
Beth learned how to manage transects from Schroeder as a high school senior and continues to oversee the projects today.
Despite living in Laramie, Beth is still instrumental to the Robinson Ranch’s operations and is especially involved with conservation efforts that helped her family earn the award. She has passed down the tradition to her children, who help her plot transects during visits to the ranch.
Stewarding land and community
“The term community stewardship has special meaning here,” Phillips said of the Robinson Ranch. “This family has the heart of educators and they do a lot to introduce people to the intricacies of ranching.”
“The work they do goes beyond environmental stewardship,” he continued. “It goes beyond ranching – it goes even beyond agriculture.”
An array of additional speakers highlighted the Butler family’s deep presence in Converse County, making specific note of Jay Butler’s long career as a science teacher in Douglas as well as his support of First Lady Jennie Gordon’s
leader and it took 30 minutes to land the fish. Holder was fishing for rainbow trout, but had caught tiger trout in that particular hole.
Tiger trout are a sterile hybrid produced by crossing a female brown trout with a male brook trout. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department first stocked tiger trout in Viva Naughton in 2014 and the fish have done well in a
Wyoming Hunger Initiative, the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas and Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom.
“It’s important to be good stewards of the land and good stewards of our communities, and to support our youth in the next generations moving forward,” Jay said.
Conservation in action
The day continued with a tour of the ranch. At each stop, Jay and Beth took turns pointing out areas of successful stewardship efforts throughout several pastures.
Projects include planting and watering cottonwood trees in riparian areas to restore watersheds, implementing wildlife ramps in stock tanks and directing water overflow from rubber tanks into reservoirs.
Their commitment to sustainability was also evidenced in ranching fixtures including tires from nearby coal mines recycled into tanks and spools from wind farm projects arranged into windbreaks for livestock.
Jay also highlighted a beekeeping project, noting the benefits of pollinators for several native plant species.
short period of time, thanks in large part to an abundant food source of Utah chub.
Holder’s catch confirms some of the tiger trout stocked in Viva Naughton have moved into the Hams Fork below the reservoir and possibly further down into the Kemmerer City Reservoir.
“The performance of tiger trout stocked in Viva Naughton has undoubt-
edly exceeded our expectations,” said Jessica Lockwood, Green River Fisheries biologist. “As we hoped,
tiger trout keying into the abundant Utah chub population has produced some exceptional-sized fish.”
Beth discussed the positive impact transect projects have had upon the ranch’s rangeland management practices in greater detail, crediting transects as an effective way to monitor progress in the ongoing battle against cheatgrass.
Following the tour, the day concluded with a celebratory dinner back at the ranch headquarters.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
board, in addition to government officials and supporters of the WWNRT, were present at the ceremony to take turns highlighting the achievements, objectives and future of the WWNRT before receiving the commemorative plaque.
Former Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal and current Gov. Mark Gordon also provided insight to the storied past and hopeful future of the WWNRT.
Each speech highlighted the WWNRT as an example of Wyomingites’ ability to unite across party lines with a common goal, emphasizing an ethic of unwavering commitment to the preservation of the Cowboy State’s natural resources, wildlife habitats and community values in an ethic dubbed “The Wyoming Way.”
Remembering the past
“We’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of something that has real meaning for the state of Wyoming,” opened WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, emphasizing there were numerous discussions and disagreements about the WWNRT before it
became a reality. Magagna then passed the microphone to Freudenthal who expanded upon the history and evolution of the WWNRT. Freudenthal was heavily involved throughout the entire process of establishing the WWNRT, from its first introduction in the 1980s to its eventual passage in 2005.
Freudenthal noted a series of bills introduced between 1981 and 1982 with the goal of establishing a trust to protect recreation resources, all of which failed due to too much authority and responsibility being placed on pre-existing groups such as the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Legislators eventually recognized the need for an independent board “without other missions” to govern the fund, and the WWNRT began to take successful shape in the early 2000s.
Freudenthal credited the WWNRT’s success to the establishment of an independent board that united in the common interest of conservation separate from interests of pre-existing groups. He also gave credit to
Celebrating collaboration – The Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT) began in 2005 and for 20 years it has collaborated with multiple agencies including the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, past and current governors, the Nature Conservancy, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, to name a few, on projects benefiting wildlife and rangelands. The anniversary was celebrated on June 25 during the Environmental Stewardship Award and Tour at the Robinson Ranch in Douglas. WYLR photo
critics of the original bill, including current Executive Director Bob Budd, for speaking out against the original legislation’s deep flaws and seeing the WWNRT through to where it stands today.
thing, but that needs to include a commitment to making sure of its continuation,” emphasized Magagna. He then turned the conversation over to Gordon.
The Wyoming Way
In spite of shifting political and cultural climates, a deeply rooted attitude of perseverance and care continues to run deep within the state of Wyoming.
tion across party lines to preserve the history and resources of the state.
July 26 - Aug. 2, 2025
July 26
Sundance Rodeo Club Youth Rodeo
Sundance Rodeo Club Team Roping
July 29
Ranch Rodeo
July 29 - Aug. 2
Adventure Zone Inflatables with Pirates Rebellion
July 30-31
Story Time with Miss Tonia
July 31
Youth Rough Stock Rodeo
Aug. 2
Junior Livestock Sale
“You know the dynamic of Wyoming. You had to get people of all stripes to finally sit down and say, ‘Alright, we’re going to give this a shot.’ There’s still that spirit in Wyoming that if there’s a job to get done, we’re going to put up our guard against our biases, put on our gloves and get it done,” Freudenthal concluded.
Securing the future
“It’s very easy to celebrate the history of some-
Gordon looked toward the future of the WWNRT with a tone of cautious optimism, urging audience members to get involved with conservation and truly appreciate what the WWNRT does for Wyoming and what keeps it effective.
“We all should take a little bit of time to celebrate what this great trust has done for Wyoming, but also to remind people in this state that it is constantly a struggle to protect this,” Gordon stressed.
LONG continued from page 1
water quality and future generations. To me, being a good steward of Wyoming land is keeping wildlife and employment up and well.”
Marissa Powell, the instructional facilitator at Baldwin Creek Elementary, remarked, “The incorporation of Wyo Wonders’
curriculum not only captivates and resonates with our students due to Lander’s identity as an outdoor recreational hub, but also provides them with invaluable insights into their local economy.”
“These benefits then extend to the Lander community. However, the
“This truly is the Equality State,” Wyoming State Director for the Nature Conservancy Hayley Mortimer commented. “When it comes to issues that we care about – the issues we will fight over – there’s one thing we cannot deny. We love this landscape, and we love the wildlife that roam through it.”
Budd’s closing remarks celebrated the “Wyoming Way” of doing things the WWNRT exemplifies –an attitude of collabora-
Wyo Wonder’s curriculum by itself would not create these benefits. It is because of Long’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication as an educator which allows students to take ownership of their learning and apply it to their lives,” she continues.
As the 2025 Educator of the Year, Long will be awarded a cash prize of $2,500 through WAIC.
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161 Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690 Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715 Clint Snook • 307-290-4000
Thank you and we appreciate your business!
“The relationship we have in this state between conservation groups, landowners, stock growers and others did not always exist,” said Budd.
He also credited the WWNRT’s current and continued success to strong leadership in the governor’s seat, an excellent board and dedicated partners.
“It’s all about our neighbors – it’s all about what we do,” Budd concluded. “It truly is the Wyoming Way.” Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
The award is funded by the Vermillion Ranch, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and Mantha Phillips.
Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom provides agriculture, energy and mineral and outdoor recreation and tourism curriculum to second- through fifth-grade students. For more information, visit wyaitc.org
the premium billing date to the first day of the second month following the policy end date; allowing coverage under forward contracts or purchase agreements and requiring producers to submit proof of delivery and a copy of the agreement.
USDA also announced they will add two new types of LRP coverage including feeder cattle and fed cattle.
“Unborn calves will provide coverage for beef or beef-dairy cross calves sold within two weeks after birth,” reads the release.
Grocery trips have climbed to new records. Year-to-date, consumers have shopped for groceries an average of 62 times per household, up 4.3 percent from the same weeks in 2024, according to Circana.
Consumers continued to purchase fewer items per trip, down 2.3 percent, per Circana.
“Cull cows will provide coverage for dairy cull cows with a coverage limitation of 13 weeks.”
Additionally, USDA introduced a drought exemption for feeder cattle based on the U.S. Drought Monitor’s Drought Severity and Coverage Index and will require additional records for feeder cattle, including documentation of sex in marketing or purchase records and details of when cattle were purchased and not marketed within 60 days of the policy’s end date.
LGM changes
USDA notes its LGM program provides protection for cattle, dairy and swine producers against unexpected decreases in gross margin, defined as the market value of livestock or milk minus input costs.
The program calculates the expected gross margin for a certain period using future market prices and pays an indemnity to the extent that the actual gross margin is less than the expected gross margin.
For the 2026 crop year, the LGM termination date is being shifted to Aug. 31, with premium billing occurring on the first day of the
second month after the endorsement end date.
DRP modifications
According to USDA, the DRP program is designed to protect dairy farmers from unexpected declines in quarterly milk revenue.
Updates to the program aim to enhance flexibility and address issues related to the potential misuse of premium subsidies.
Changes include a new termination date of Jan. 31 and a premium billing date of the first day of the third month after the policy’s end date.
USDA notes the program will now offer greater flexibility for producers
affected by eligible animal disease, including a clearer process for reporting and adjusting coverage if milk marketing is prevented, but producers must provide written notice within 72 hours of the event.
Minimums for declarable butterfat and protein tests for component pricing have been raised to reflect current herd genetics and nutrition. Now, the minimum declarable butterfat test is four pounds, and the maximum declarable butterfat test is six pounds, while the minimum declarable protein test is 3.2 pounds.
Updates to the DRP pro-
gram also prohibits “subsidy capture,” defined as using DRP premium subsidies while simultaneously using private trade to offset market risk. Producers must now sign a certification statement acknowledging this rule. Additionally, the USDA is authorized to review brokerage accounts if prohibited practices are suspected and there are stricter limits and documentation requirements for correcting errors on coverage elections.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
In some categories, such as meat, volume increased faster than units, indicating a shift to larger pack sizes. This is mostly driven by higher-income households.
In May 2025 – the five weeks ending June 1 – the price per unit across all foods and beverages in the Circana MULO+ universe stood at $4.38. This reflects an increase of 2.7 percent over May 2024. Eggs continued to have a substantial impact on the overall fresh perimeter and total store price points. On a per-unit basis, eggs aver-
aged $6.33, which was down from $7.12 in April but reflected an increase of 46.7 percent compared to May 2024.
Total meat prices across fixed and random weight packages reached $4.89 in May, which was up four percent from May 2024. The increase in the average price per pound was primarily driven by fresh meat in May, which experienced a 5.3 percent uptick.
The average price per pound at the category level was a mix of ups and downs in comparison to May 2024. Pork, exotic meat/poultry –which includes bison and quail – and smoked ham experienced deflation. In contrast, prices for beef and chicken continued to rise.
Meat department sales have been positive since the first quarter of 2024.
Beef continued to astound in May. Despite the 6.8 percent increase in
the average price per pound across beef cuts, pound sales increased 4.7 percent in the five weeks of May when compared to 2024.
The growth in beef pounds exceeded that of chicken and pork. Only lamb had a higher growth rate, at a gain of 15.5 percent, though off a much smaller base.
The pause on several tariffs helped ease consumers’ concerns over prices and the availability of
goods. Yet, consumers continue to spend cautiously. According to Circana, 69 percent of households expect tariffs to increase prices, while 28 percent expect little to no impact on prices. The remaining three percent believe prices will decline.
Nevil Speer works as an industry consultant based in Bowling Green, Ky. This article was originally published in BEEF Magazine on June 22.
Following a spring with below-average precipitation, early indicators signal drought is likely to persist.
With limited forage production likely, producers should begin planning now for potential forage shortages. Producers can ease pressure on feed resources by developing a strategic cow herd depopulation plan.
Identify prime culling candidates first
Only take cow/calf pairs to grass. Non-pregnant cows or cows that have lost calves need to be culled.
Sell cows which have been identified as poor mothers, have unsound udders, teats, feet and legs, bad dispositions and other physical problems – early stages of eye cancer, etc.
Check older cows for sound mouths to ensure productivity.
Use herd production records for data-driven decisions
Identify nonproductive females in the herd. Use the last two to three years of information to identify cows ranking in the bottom 10 to 25 percent in weaning weight, and put these cows on the potential cull list.
First- and second-calf females will usually wean the lightest calves. Use caution when considering placing these cows on a potential cull list.
Utilize pregnancy diagnosis
Check cows for pregnancy soon after the breeding season. Experienced rectal palpators can detect a fetus between 45 and 60 days old. Accuracy is crit-
ical, as producers do not want to sell a pregnant cow palpated as not pregnant.
It is worth doublechecking the pregnancy status of cows identified as non-pregnant to ensure pregnant cows aren’t missed.
To increase the accuracy of pregnancy determination, consider experienced ultrasound technicians. An experienced ultrasound technician can be quite accurate on a 30to 35-day-old fetus.
Early weaning can save forage for the cow herd
Consider early weaning calves – 60 to 90 days of age – from cows designated for culling after weaning if forage resources are limited. Also consider strategically early weaning calves from first-calf females.
Every two and a half
days the calf is weaned equates to one more day of grazing for the cow.
Nonlactating cows consume 20 percent less forage than lactating cows, and calves consume about one to 1.5 percent of their body weight on a dry matter basis in forage. Leverage calving distribution when deeper cuts are necessary
Use calving records over the last two calving seasons to identify mature – four-year-old and older – cows which continually calve late in the calving season.
These cows often wean lighter calves, and their daughters are less likely to be retained as replacements.
Final considerations
With summer precipitation indicators signaling persistent drought, herd depopulation can be approached with a plan rather than a reaction.
If a significantly larger number of cows are to be sold than is typical, consult a tax preparer or accountant to understand the potential tax consequences.
Brock Ortner and Aaron Berger are University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension livestock educators and Rick Rasby is a UNL Extension specialist. For more from UNL Extension, visit extension. unl.edu
Demand for foods high in protein continues to grow as America’s population ages and people want to develop leaner, healthier bodies and maintain muscle mass later in life.
Similar protein trends are taking place in industrialized regions like the European Union and Oceania and in countries like South Korea and Japan, according to Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist at CoBank.
“In the dairy space, this has been propelling sales of high-quality whey proteins, cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt. In addition to its high-protein profile, yogurt has other health advantages, as the probiotics found in dairy food have been shown to enhance gut health and aid digestion,” Geiger says.
Additionally, yogurt has been shown to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Specific to this claim, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers two cups –three servings – per week of yogurt to be the minimum consumption level for this qualified health claim.
“These multiple nutrition advantages have been boosting yogurt consumption and production, and it’s a win for dairy farmers,” Geiger says.
In 2023, the U.S. produced 4.6 billion pounds of yogurt and climbed 6.3 percent to reach 4.9 billion pounds last year. The 2024 yogurt production total breaks the previous record of 4.76 billion pounds in 2014.
Through the first four
months of this year, U.S. yogurt production has grown another 6.7 percent. In addition, sales were up nearly 11 percent in May, according to data from Dairy Management, Inc.
Making headlines for years
In the U.S., Hamdi Ulukaya revolutionized the yogurt category when he introduced Greek yogurt to the marketplace.
“In just 20 years since its founding, Ulukaya proved American consumers would indeed purchase and consume lower-sugar, high-protein yogurt,” Geiger says. “As a result, his Chobani brand has become the category leader. Last year, the Greek protein category approached $6 billion in sales, accounting for onehalf of all yogurt sales.”
While one would think the upside is limited after this major growth, it’s hardly the case, Geiger says.
“The average American eats about 14 pounds of yogurt each year. Europe, France and Germany have per-capita annual consumption levels well over 40 pounds per person,” he states.
Geiger notes this is one of the reasons multiple U.S. dairy processors have invested even more in the category.
“This March, Chobani announced it would invest $500 million in its Twin Falls, Idaho facility to grow its signature product,” he says. “The company projects the investment will expand produc-
tion by 50 percent.”
Just one month later, Chobani announced a $1.2 billion plant in Rome, N.Y.
“When fully up and running, the plant will process 12 million pounds of milk per day and investment will double the company’s workforce,” Geiger explains. “For those following the overall dairy plant investment in the U.S., these two most recent expansions put total dairy processing investment at over $10 billion. This alone speaks to what dairy processors believe the future of dairy is in this country.”
The Upstate Niagara Cooperative is also investing in plant upgrades, he says.
“The farmer-owned cooperative is investing $250 million into its West Seneca, N.Y. plant. In addition to expanded cottage cheese capacity, the co-op will produce more yogurt and skyr, which is an Icelandic version of high-protein yogurt. Byrne Dairy, located near Cortlandville, N.Y. is also planning an expansion centered on yogurt,” Geiger continues.
Geiger believes these three investments will further cement New York as the nation’s largest yogurt manufacturer. Four categories to shine GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic have been gaining popularity as Americans look to lose weight. These drugs curb appetite and, in turn, people eat less food. This is good news for consumers looking to shed pounds and improve health. However, for food manufacturers, it means lower sales.
To fully consider the potential impact, Cornell researchers evaluated over 40 food categories and determined 36 could realize
fewer sales, Geiger says.
“Among the four that may potentially see gains by those consumers on GLP-1 weight loss drugs are nutrition bars, in which whey protein is often a major
ingredient, meat snacks and fresh produce. Topping the list of four product winners is yogurt,” he states.
This is yet another reason yogurt is having its moment and will shine even
brighter, Geiger says. Fran O’Leary is the senior editor of the Wisconsin Agriculturist. This article was originally published in the Wisconsin Agriculturist on June 16.
July 4-5 80th Annual Ten Sleep Fourth of July Rodeo, Ten Sleep. For more information, visit tensleeprodeoassociation.com
July 4-12 Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, Casper. For more information, visit centralwyomingfair.com
July 7 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Platte Valley Community Center, Saratoga. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
July 8 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Laramie Regional Office, Laramie. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
July 8-11 Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Annual Meeting, Whitefish, Mont. For more information or to register, visit web.cvent. com/event/WASDA
July 8-12 Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information, visit pikespeakorbust.org
July 9 Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Resource Advisory Council Meeting, location TBD. For more information, visit blm.gov/get-involved/resourceadvisory-council/near-you/wyoming
July 9-13 Wyoming Quarter Horse Association 2025 Cowboy Summer Classic, Pepsi Equine Center, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wqha.org
July 11 Sustainable Sheep Grazing in the Intermountain West Free Public Workshop, Buffalo. For more information or to register, visit wyowool.com/grazingworkshop or contact Alison Crane at alison@wyowool.com or 307-265-5250.
July 11-12 2025 Cow Country Rodeo, 7:30 p.m., Manila, Utah. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit flaminggorgecountry.com/cow-country-2024/
July 11-13 Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Buffalo. For more information, visit wyomingsheepandwoolfestival.com
July 11-19 Converse County Fair, Douglas. For more information, visit conversecountyfair.com
July 12-18 University of Wyoming Sheep Program Sheep Innovators Exchange, New Zealand. For more information or to apply, visit bit.ly/4gF2Lm2 or e-mail woolinitiative@uwyo.edu.
July 15-16 Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Meeting, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, Casper. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
July 16
WyoGives Day, online. To donate, visit wyogives.org
July 18-27 Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cfdrodeo.com
July 19 Albany County CattleWomen Ranch Tour, Laramie. For more information, call 307-760-5590 or visit wyaccw.com
July 19-27 Teton County Fair, Jackson. For more information, visit tetoncountyfair.com
July 19-27 Washakie County Fair, Worland. For more information, visit facebook.com/ washakiecountyfair/
July 21-Aug. 2 Albany County Fair, Laramie. For more information, visit albanycountyfair.org
July 7-11
July 7-13
July 11-12
July 14-16
July 15
July 21-23
July 24
July 26
July 28-Aug 1
Aug. 12-13
Aug. 18-19
Aug. 18-19
Aug. 18-22
Aug. 23
Aug. 23
Aug. 23-26
Aug. 30
Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Colorado Horse Sale Saddle Horse Sale, online at coloradohorsesale.com, 970-744-8989
Mile High Summer Classic Sale, Adams County Fairgrounds, Brighton, Colo., 970-381-3649, joshwhiteauctions.com
Western Video Market, Silver Legacy Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com
Ellis-Campbell Ranch Equipment Auction, 12852 Road 51, Torrington, 307532-4976, 307-534-5156, mcnameeauctioncompany.com
Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Stellpflug Cattle Company “New Frontier” Female Sale, at the ranch, Guernsey, 307-351-1712, stellpflugcattle.com
South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Premium Yearling Ewe Sale, Magness Livestock Auction, Huron, S.D., 406-581-7772, sdsheepgrowers.org
Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com
Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Memory Ranches Third Annual Foal Sale, at the ranch, Wells, Nev., 208412-6156, 208-695-0399, memoryranches.com
Colorado Horse Sale, Adams County Fairgrounds, Brighton, Colo., 970-7448989, coloradohorsesale.com
Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch 20th Annual QH Production Sale, online auction only, prohorseservices.com, 605-347-6193, 605-280-0698, 605-280-0398, lauingmillironlranch.com
Proffit Ranch 24th Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Barn, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.blogspot.com
made ‘Dry’ camp Monday
A party of fishermen enjoying a three-day float on the Platte over the weekend “camped outˮ on the river bank a few miles below town Monday night, though they camped a little more ruggedly than they had planned to.
The party, using two boats, and including Gil. Blumenthal, Bob Perue and his sons Richard and Norman of Saratoga and Sam Bromguard, Vern Jewell and Walt Carstaors of Greeley, Colo., embarked Monday morning from Pick bridge below town. They had planned to “dockˮ at the old Overland Trail crossing to camp for the night, but somehow missed their station, and some time later pulled in at Savage corrals.
Jimmie Perue and his brother Ronald had gone to meet them at the crossing, with food and bedrolls. When dusk came, however, the boats had failed to appear, so the boys ate their supper and rolled out their beds. In the morning, suspecting what had happened, they drove to the corrals, where they found the boaters had camped, sans coats, bedrolls or food.
After a hearty breakfast, however, and with still undampened spirits, the anglers embarked on the last leg of their trip to the Ft. Steele bridge. At the corrals, Jimmie and
Ronald Perue joined the fishermen, and Richard and Norman brought the truck back to town.
The first lap of the three-day trip was made Sunday from Saratoga to Pick, and all returned to town for the night. The fishermen said the float was an enjoyable one, in spite of their lack of bedrolls, and the fishing was good.
(Bob says he is planting a flag at the old trail crossing soon.)
A news item in the Aug. 12, 1953 issue of the hometown newspaper reported this mishap of local fishermen who were treating their out-of-town friends to a three-day
float/fishing trip on the headwaters of the Upper North Platte River.
Youngsters in this area usually learned to row the flat bottom wooden boats on the river as early as 12 years old. By that age most were already seasoned fishermen and responsible enough to handle floating the river. My dad, Bob Perue, would usually take two of us boys in the boat with each of the three of us fishing for an hour and rowing for a 30-minute interval. As my brothers and I – and sometimes even the neighbor kids – became more proficient operating the boat, dad would then start skipping his turn and allow us to fish for an hour and row for an hour while he fished full time and gave instructions on how and where to guide the boat. To this day, at the age of 89, I still love to float the river, row most of the time, fish a little, tell a few tales and teach the kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids how to navigate the mighty Platte.
Float/fishing of the Upper North Platte River became popular prior to 1900 and continues today. Many local youngsters learned how to float the river with the famous flatbottom wooden boats by the time they were 14 and were accomplished guides by the time they were 16.
BY RON RABOU
As a 52-year resident of Wyoming, I guess the longing for warmer temperatures, less wind and more time to spend outdoors without a parka are some things that will never go away for me.
As winter begins to turn into spring, if you can actually call it that, there seems to always be a renewed sense of enthusiasm and anticipation of what the warmer months might bring.
In the winter months, as I gaze through my office window watching the snow – or in the case of this past winter, dust – blow across the fields, I can envision green grass, foliage on the trees and the smell of cool, crisp evening air.
My senses are alert and seem completely real as my mind drifts to the pleasantries the warmer months will bring.
Unfortunately, Wyoming springs always seem to arrive with a great deal of hesitation. Their bipolar attitudes are much unlike other parts of the country, where pleasant springs gradually invite beautiful flowers, lush shades of green and warmer days and nights.
The weather in the Cowboy State, in typical fashion, marches to the beat of its own drum, completely unaffected by what most of us would prefer to imagine for the ideal climate.
Here, the mood swings are real, and sometimes they can be just downright rude. A warm day brings our spirits up, only to be sabotaged by scathing winds usually followed by either more wind, cold temperatures or an occasional blizzard.
The apple blossoms on the nearby tree one day go
from showing their beauty and their potential for the best apple crop in years, to sticking to the side of the house, frozen, the next.
There’s always next year, we say.
As a farmer, I’ve come to fully understand the importance of such a mindset, and I’d venture to say as a Wyoming farmer especially, this statement might be truer than if I did what I do somewhere else.
Rarely, are conditions just right here in eastern Laramie County. This year began with horrendously dry conditions. In fact, it was so dry, even the hearty winter wheat crop began to die in early May. This is if the wheat crop planted last fall, even came up at all.
Only a few short days before most all hope was gone, the great rains of 2025 began to fall. But, as chance would have it, the first big rain brought with it one of the largest hailstorms I have ever seen.
The growing crops were seemingly destroyed in a matter of minutes.
For our wheat crop, nearly 14 months of hard work, stress, expense and hope were gone in the blink of an eye.
There’s always next year, I thought.
Suddenly, in what appeared to be one of the swiftest 180s of all time, the drought disappeared and the rains kept falling – some with such volume and ferocity our freshly planted crops were washed away or buried or both.
So, we went back to the drawing board and repeated the preparation and planting process, sometimes as many as three times over More expense, more time, more frustration.
Truth be told, we are still working through it all, and it will be some time yet before this long planting season will come to an end.
Some of the crops are finally showing potential, while undoubtedly, others have suffered. Some will pull though, others will struggle. Yet through it all, I find myself unwilling to curse the rain. I’ll take it any day over dry conditions.
Through all of the craziness this season has brought, I reminded myself of a conversation I had with a friend as we faced the reality of our drought-stricken lands early in the season.
My comment to him was we were moving for-
ward regardless of what may or may not happen with the weather.
“We’ve got to plant,” I said. “The only sure way to not get a crop is to not plant.”
So there we were, sowing the seeds of multiple crops while hoping and praying for results.
It’s a form of action, and in my opinion, I believe this is what God asks us to do. Nothing will grow, no vine will bear fruit, unless we act.
My profession is really no different than what all of us should be doing each day of our lives.
We should plant. We should plant seeds of hope and encouragement in those who need it; seeds of love and understanding in those who we might be frustrated with; seeds of inspiration in those who may be down on their luck; seeds of happiness, joy and positivity in
those who need a shining light and seeds of grace in those whom we don’t agree or understand.
And when you plant, you’ll discover, as I have, no matter what life throws at you and no matter how torrential the downpours, nothing will grow until you plant, even if you must replant over and over again.
The wheat that got the early hail – thanks to lots of rain and sunshine – now shows incredible promise in the fruit it will bear at harvest, and I have no doubt the other struggling crops will do the same.
It’s all the proof we need.
It’s not up to us to dictate the outcome, the process or the unforeseen circumstances. It’s up to us to plant. Keep farming, everyone. The seed you plant just might be the one the world needs.
THE NATRONA COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
WILL HOLD ITS FY2026 BUDGET HEARING ON JULY 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the USDA Service Center, located at 5880 Enterprise Drive, Suite 100, Casper, WY. All interested parties are welcome to attend. For information or a copy of the budget, please call 307-261-5436, Ext. 4 7/5
NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN
PEEGEE RANCH NEAR ARVADA, WY IS LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME FARM/RANCH EMPLOYEE: This position is open immediately. Applicant must be self-motivated, reliable and responsible with knowledge of haying and farming. Mechanical skills are a must. Farming duties include swathing, baling and raking hay, etc. This is not a cowboy position, but applicant will need to assist in all aspects of cattle work as well. Those duties include calving heifers, feeding hay, branding and gathering, etc. Nearest big town is 60+ miles and nearest K-12 school is 30+ miles away (location of the ranch is remote). Housing is provided and on a school bus route. Please send resume with references by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net. Call 307-736-2461 7/12
HEREFORD SEEDSTOCK OPERATION NEAR CHEYENNE, WY LOOKING FOR FULL-TIME RANCH EMPLOYEE. Duties include: Calving, extensive AI program, calf wintering and extensive fencing and corral repair. Plenty of cattle work but not a lot of riding. Housing and utilities provided and good schools on a bus route within 20 miles of home. Salary and DOE. Please send resume and references to jaberryherefords@msn.com or call 307-634-5178 7/26
CONSTRUCTION BY OATES
ENTERPRISES: Offering custom welding and dirt construction: Livestock pens, feeders, pipe fencing, road work repair, pad building, excavation for mechanical into homes and businesses, pond reclamation, NRCS registered vendor. Free estimates, www.constructionxoe.com Call Levi Compton at 254-4333434, Casper, WY. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/19
ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., LLC, 307-322-3232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or email chuckbrown@wyoming. com 7/5
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-7733545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 7/12
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE, lazy RM. RRC, RHH, renews in January 2027, 2
only, 307-899-3737 6/28
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSH. Registered until Jan. 1, 2035. No horses or cattle with brand. No irons available. $1,500. Contact Ronnie at 303-9132493, leave a message if no answer 6/21
AKC SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPPIES. Health tested. Call 307-5755703 to find your next best friend!! To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 7/12
AKC LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES, yellow, ready July 10, will be vet checked, first shots and dewormed. Very cute and playful. Call 307-272-6738 7/26
CAUCASIAN SHEPHERD PUPS FOR SALE: Four females and 3 males, ready mid-July. Take care of your wolf and predator problems. Protect your family, property and livestock with this Russian sheep dog. Call 406210-4807 7/5
package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
HELP WANTED: LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED RANCH HAND/LABOR. Haying, maintenance, operating equipment, well work, etc. Must be able to work 10-12 hour days if needed. Also, mornings on the weekends occasionally. Free room and board, outside Medicine Bow, WY. Call 605-580-0493 7/19
FULL-TIME FARM/RANCH HAND WANTED: Experienced in farming, haying, irrigation, equipment maintenance, fencing and livestock care/handling. CDL and welding experience preferred, references required, location northeast Wyoming. Please email tamij.jci@gmail.com, fax, 307-896-3164 or call 877-8962261 7/19
WE’RE HIRING!! LOOKING TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS AND ARE WILLING TO TRAIN: MEAT CUTTER, SLAUGHTER FLOOR OPERATIONS AND WRAPPERS. Located in Dayton, WY about 20 miles from Sheridan, WY. Starting pay is dependent on experience. We are starting between $20-$30/hour and will train you. If interested in any of the positions, please call 307-655-2551. You can also stop into our plant to apply or for more information, Valley Meat Co., 297 Hwy. 343, Dayton, WY 82836. If you have any questions about the positions, please feel free to send us an e-mail at sam@ valleymeatco.com. Thank you and looking forward to your application!! 7/5
WASHAKIE COUNTY IS SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR A FULL-TIME EQUIPMENT OPERATOR WITH THE ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT. CDL is required. For more information, please contact Road and Bridge Superintendent Stuart Bower at 307-3884848 7/12
MYDLAND ANGUS RANCH: Yearling Angus bulls. Performance tested, EPDs available. Home raised. Call 406-5913404 or 406-855-5598 7/19
RED ANGUS 2-YEAR OLD FORAGE BULLS FOR SALE: Bulls for heifers and cows. Smaller framed, efficient, easy fleshing, good dispositions. Not fat, but in great shape and ready to go to work. Have been worked with dogs, on foot and horseback. Raised in rugged, rough, steep, rocky, high elevation country. Red Fork Red Angus, Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-7382247, cell 307-267-0724, email gravesredfork@rtconnect.net 7/19
CUSTOM FEEDING AND FINISHING FOR CATTLE AND SHEEP. Cactus Hill Ranch Company, Fort Collins, CO. Contact AJ Nelson, 970372-8273 7/5
FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding, and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/11
PARK COUNTY, WY RANCH NEAR CODY, WY IS AVAILABLE FOR A LONG-TERM LEASE: The ranch has over 50,000 acres and supports an irrigated hay base with BOR water rights. Carrying capacity is 700 animal units year-round with hay production. Willing to split the hay ground and grazing. Please e-mail Honora Beirne (hbeirne@acpg.com) and Melanie Giliati (mgiliati@ acpg.com) for details 7/19
STANDING 4-YEAR-OLD
HAFLINGER STUD: Fee $250. Small draft style, blonde, docile, great for work, packing, riding and driving. Located south of Buffalo, WY. For more information, call Daniel Yoder, 307217-9737 7/5
FIVE-YEAR-OLD SADDLE
MULE: One brand and imprinted, 16.2 hands tall, broke to ride, pack and drive. Sweet disposition. $10,000 or will consider reasonable offer. He will sell himself!! Call 406-860-0106 or 307899-3700 7/5
$AVE on BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Large SELECTION of quality TACK at reasonable prices. WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 7/5
SDSGA PREMIUM YEARLING EWE SALE, SAT. JULY 26 at 2 p.m., Huron, S.D., Magness Livestock Auction. Offering approximately 500+ head of top quality registered and commercial replacement ewes born from Jan. 1, 2024Dec. 31, 2024. The sale will include Dorset, Hampshire, MerinoX, Polypay, Rambouillet, SAMM and Targhee breeds. Plus other fine and medium wool crossbred ewes. SDSU EXTENSION PROGRAM AT 10 AM, free noon lamb lunch and viewing of ewes offered prior to sale. INTERNET BIDDING available at www.cattleusa. com . For more information, please contact Lisa Surber, 406-581-7772, e-mail lisa@ sdsheepgrowers.org or visit www.sdsheepgrowers. org . Check us out on Facebook, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 7/5
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17
LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 7/5 Seed
FIRST AND SECOND CUTTING ALFALFA AND GRASS/ ALFALFA, round bales. For more information, call 307-7545864 7/5
HAY FOR SALE: Approximately 430 tons of 2024 straight rye grass and grass/alfalfa mix. No sorting, Cody, WY. Call 307899-4532, early mornings or before 9 p.m. 7/26
HAY FOR SALE: 2022 first and second cutting alfalfa. 2023 first and second cutting alfalfa, milo and grass/alfalfa. 2024 first and second cutting alfalfa, grass/alfalfa. ALSO, haybet barley, call for feed analysis. GRINDING HAY also available. UPCOMING 2025 NEW CROP, first cutting alfalfa and grass/alfalfa mix. All in netwrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-290-4418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 7/26
90 NET-WRAPPED ROUND BALES, 1,500 lbs. grass/alfalfa mix, 2024 crop, $125/ton. Located in Cody, WY. Calls only, 307-899-3737 7/26
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your summer/fall needs, Barry McRea, 308-235-5386, www.valleyvideohay.com 7/19
TONS AND TONS OF HAY FOR SALE!!! Alfalfa, alfalfa/ grass mix, straight grass (crested wheat and native grasses), winter wheat, 1,3001,350 lb. net-wrapped round bales. Deliveries are available if needed or come and get it. Sheridan, WY area. Call the ranch, 307-737-2680 or 307751-2068 (cell) 7/5
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE
PURE ALFALFA HAY: Small squares, covered. 2023 first cutting available for a reduced price. 2024 first, second and third cutting available. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS, $16/cwt. Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-254-0554 8/16
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2024 crop $40/bale. 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 8/16
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 307762-3878 or 307-899-4714, leave message 7/12
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-6314104 12/27
BENNY HERNANDEZ IS IN THE AREA AND HAS PLENTY OF HELP TO CLEANUP AND HOE YOUR CROPS. Call 307-431-7160 7/5
FOR SALE: 2008 FORD
F350, 4x4, 6.4 diesel, Super Cab, 170,000 miles, deleted with Many Max Tuner at 70,000 miles, air bags, grill guard, Bradford flatbed with boxes, fifth wheel ball, tires above average, $15,000. 2012 CHEVY C2500, 4x4, 4 door, gas, 243,000 miles, power windows, power locks, A/C, grill guard, flatbed with toolboxes below and both rails, fifth wheel ball, excellent tires, $7,500. 2003 TOYOTA PRERUNNER, 4 door, 2WD pickup with 4 cylinder, 180,000 miles, hail damage, excellent tires, $2,000. Reese 16k fith wheel camper hitch, $500. For more information, call 719-688-8971 7/19
LIVESTOCK TRAILERS FOR SALE!! 2013 4-STAR STOCK TRAILER, 8’x40’, 3 axle, 2 cut gates, Sure Step rubber floor, excellent condition, $40,000. 2021 WILSON CATTLE TRAILER, 53’ long, dual-dual lift, plank nose decking floor 75% to 80%, 22.5 tires 75%, half doghouse, 10’ nose, 15’ tail, ready to go to work, excellent condition, $72,500. 2022
EBY LIVESTOCK TRAILER, hog friendly, like NEW condition, 3/4 doghouse, 22.5 tires, winter kit with toolbox extruded post, stainless steel nose and rear, extra light package, black skin, trailer has been sitting for a year, does have salvage title, $80,000. Located in Blomkest, MN. Delivery available. Call 320-905-4490. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 7/12
2012 FORD F650 FLATBED: 6.7L Cummins, Allison automatic. Good condition, 18’ flatbed, Vanair PTO driven air compressor, 161,000 miles. Golden, CO. Call Eric at 720-312-9582. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 7/5
JOHN DEERE 4230, 70-SERIES: Cab, A/C and heat, power shift with John Deere 158 loader, 9,000 hours. $15,000 or consider trade. Call 406-847-2636 7/26
FOR SALE: Lorenz 16’x29’ 17 ton bale mover. Tonutti 9 wheel finger rake. Rowse 9’ pull type mower. Rowse 9’ 3 pt. mower. H&S 14 wheel high capacity v-rake. New Holland H7460 16’ pull type discbine. 2024 AGT mini excavator H13R with tracks, new machine, $5,000. Ford 7N tractor with wide front, runs great. John Deere 3975 silage cutter with 3RN green cutter head. Burns portable calf creep feeder. Burns portable loading chute. For-Most cattle working chute with palp cage and automatic headgate. 2020 Freightliner, automatic transmission, DD13 engine, 178” wheelbase, 407,673 miles, runs and drives nice. Miller Pro 5100 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. 12’ HD box scraper with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 7/26
CALL FOR ANTIQUE TRACTORS/ENGINES/MACHINES to Antique Tractor Pull July 19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Gillette, WY. For more information, call 307-6825723, Campbell County Rockpile Museum 7/5
CASE 1070 TRACTOR: 5,000 plus hours, with Du-Al loader and grapple. $12,500. Calls only, 307899-3737 7/26
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: John Deere 71 Flex 8 row corn planter on a 24’ stackable bar. AC Model 1300 30’ ripper with rakes. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). 24’ Model 630 John Deere tandem disc. Safety pull with a bull hitch. 2003 IHC 9400I Eagle semi fifth wheel truck, CAT engine, 26’ end dump trailer with roll tarp. 1997 Kenworth T800, Detroit engine, 20’ box with hoist, roll tarp, both beet and grain end gates. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Contact Greg Keller at 406-679-1136 7/19
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 7/12
915 JOHN DEERE RIPPER ON A CADDY. $8,500, good condition. Call 970-520-1320 7/12
1960 JOHN DEERE 95 COMBINE, round back, 16’. All new belts, stored inside, overhaul on engine. $2,500. Call Ivan, 307629-0974 TFN
Copper wire is being stolen from electrically powered pivot systems world-wide. Many growers have resorted to 24-hour guards, razor wire, floodlights and daily disassembly to protect themselves. T-L’s hydraulically powered pivot systems can be designed with little or no wire to steal. Stop theft and discover T-L’s
FOR SALE: 2005 JOHN DEERE 6420 TRACTOR, with 640 self-leveling loader and round bale spear, 2,950 hours. Call 307-745-5517 7/5
MEXICO RANCH 209+ ACRES, 38 miles to Albuquerque, N.M. Incredible mountain views and your livestock from
Two car carport, 2 car garage and RV bay. Pipe corrals, grow out pens, hay/ implement/livestock barns, horse/tack/tool, riding arena, round pen area, vet clinic. $1,450,000. First Class Realty Services, Susan Wilson qualifying broker/realtor 505-328-4172, contact Jay 505-263-7419. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/5
MANUFACTURER OF HEAVY DUTY CONTINUOUS FENCE: Corral panels, farm gates, free standing panels and more. Call for pricing and delivery, Rocky Ridge Welding, Nevada, MO, 417549-1077 8/9
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts. com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
PIPE 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 7/26
The showman with the most points from the show, interview and record book components at the end of phase two wins a heifer donated by a Converse County rancher to exhibit in the final phase.
Itsy did well in phase one, so Michael set to work overseeing the breeding and calving process to begin the second phase. Michael returned to the ring with Itsy in 2022 with the addition of Itsyʼs calf Jack. The cow/calf pair won the second phase of the Cow-Belles contest.
That year, the phase three heifer was donated by Jay Butler of the Robinson Ranch, LLC. Michael and her parents John and Clarice Hartung traveled to the ranch outside of Douglas to pick out the calf, a Black Angus heifer who seemed to select Michael as much as she selected her.
“As I was sorting the third group I looked behind me and there was this calf licking my jeans,” Michael recalls.
She evaluated the heifer with the help of her dad and the decision was final.
“Jay asked me what I
wanted to name her and I instantly said, ‘I want to name her Rosie,’” Michael recalls. “And he said Rosie was the name of his grandmother’s favorite milk cow and the name of the pasture next to us.”
Thus began a lifelong friendship between Michael and the Butler family.
Jay has continued his support of Michael and other Converse County youth. For the past two years, he has purchased Michael’s show steers in partnership with Anadarko Oil and donated the beef to the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas.
Michael says she appreciates the ability to give back to her community in this way. Saying goodbye to her animals is never easy, but it helps to know they are helping others.
Determination and connection
From the first look to the final farewell, Michael shares a deep bond with all of her animals. She works hard to earn their trust, training them to lead and set up, and is determined to be the last one to load them on trucks following the sale.
Michael and her mom recall a year where an accident days before county fair threw a wrench in their plans. Michael was helping a friend with a steer when the animal knocked her down and stepped on her leg. Michael hit her head on a nearby tank and passed out. When she came to and tried to stand up, she couldn’t.
“I felt like there was jelly in my boot,” she remembers.
That feeling turned out to be a broken femur, resulting in a wild ride to Denver Children’s Hospital through bad weather involving a helicopter, an airplane and two separate ambulances.
After undergoing surgery which placed a metal rod from her hip to her knee, the then 10-year-old Michael got right back to business focusing on her animals. She recalls a conversation with her parents about the upcoming county fair, now only 11 days away.
“My dad didn’t know who was going to show my steer named Steel,” Michael recalls. “I said, ‘I’m going to show him!’”
Still determined to show, Michael took to the show ring on crutches to exhibit Itsy and Steel with the
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:
help of two friends, Lydia Capelle and Tavie Miller.
That year, Steel won grand champion at the Converse County Fair. Michael went on to show him in the Champion of Champions at State Fair, where she was excited to exhibit without crutches.
Achievements and future Michael has amassed an impressive collection of 28 belt buckles awarded for excellence in exhibiting cattle and horses at both the county and state fair levels. Her repeat wins of showmanship classes with both species are a testament to her deep connection with each of the animals she shows. Michael takes primary responsibility for developing a care and feeding routine best suited to each of her animals’ individual needs. Her horses get atten-
tion every evening after long days dedicated to feeding, rinsing and exercising her cattle.
“She works really hard, and she puts in the work every day,” Clarice says.
Michael says she is looking forward to the chance to add to her buckle collection
this summer. She’s also set her sights on learning how to fit and clip show cattle in order to help the next generation of showmen.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
please contact Danny Vigil at 307-388-0781 or the office at 307-347-9201. We will start with our first Thursday sale on September 4, 2025. We appreciate your understanding.
by Lee Pitts
When pinkeye raged through my kindergarten class, we all looked like a bunch of crybabies who’d been ballin’ our eyes out because our class hamster, Hieronymus, died of suspicious causes.
Mothers back then were pulling their kids out of class faster than an Arizona road-
runner with its tail-feathers on fire, and pretty soon, the weepy-eyed teacher and I were the only ones who showed up for school.
So I know what the pinkeye calves are experiencing right now in my neck of the woods.
We had a weird year of rainfall. We didn’t get very
much but what we did get was timed perfectly so now the rye grass is as tall as I’ve ever seen it and the seeds and chaff are eye-high to the calves.
The face flies are also thicker than bedbugs in a bunkhouse, so I’m starting to see little white spots in my eyes everywhere I look.
I’ve tried everything in the book to rid my herd of the peeper-problem, from buying goggle-eyed Hereford bulls to actually injecting milk into a calf’s eye according to the theory the antibody police would rush to the scene of the crime.
This last solution was recommended to me by an old
cowboy and his idea seemed to work, but I always got a little squeamish performing the procedure.
I’ve used dust bags, pourons, fly control, vaccines, etc., but the only thing that worked 100 percent of the time was to catch the pinkeye early, dust the calves eyes with magic powders from my vet and then cover the eye with a Levi or Wrangler patch.
I glued the eye patches on with the back-tag glue they use at auction markets.
I’m sure you’ve seen 20 or 30 head enter an auction ring and a savvy buyer will indicate he wants one head taken off, usually because he spotted a calf with a little round spot of white in its eye.
In this case, the female clerk – it’s always a female clerk – who is writing down the price and the buyer as she counts the number of head in the ring while also checking for a bad eye, will reach for a back tag, put a glomp of glue on the back to give it weight for better aerodynamics and then throw it 20 feet and it
will land squarely on the right calf’s back where it will stay for 100 years.
I’ve seen plenty of yearlings headed for the feedlot with a big circle of dried-up glue around one or both eyes long after the patch has rotted away, dooming the cattle to buyer’s scorn and a lower price.
The worst case I ever saw was a pen of stockers that had been on carrots, as is custom in my part of the world. Besides giving them an orange butt, 50 percent of those calves had the distinctive circle of glue around one or both eyes.
So much for the theory carrots are good for your eyesight.
Another problem with patches is some men and women are such good cattle persons, they don’t use up all of their old jeans making patches, while others, like myself, have a big problem because my wife will only buy me two pair of Wranglers per year which doesn’t even come close to meeting my herd’s pinkeye needs.
This is a dead giveaway when comparing yourself to your fellow cattlemen.
If they are wearing new –or nearly new – jeans to work cows or build fence, it means they have a pinkeye problem and they are trying to catch up by having to buy way more jeans per year than they can hardly afford.
In my research, I’ve found a good cattlemen should wear out two pair of jeans per year for every 100 cows he or she owns. This is what I famously named the “jeans-to-pinkeye ratio.”
Wrangler and Levis could save as all a fortune if they’d just come out with a new product – fairly priced packages of pinkeye patches that don’t leave any residue. But they probably won’t because they’d probably sell a lot fewer jeans as a result.
I’m currently attempting to get a $1 million grant from either Wrangler or Levis in order to do further research to determine which brand of jeans works better than the other.
The Office of State Lands and Investments (OLSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Barlow as the new deputy director. Many may recognize Barlow, who grew up on her familyʼs ranch near Gillette.
After earning her law degree from the Univer-
sity of Wyoming, she worked for Sen. Mike Enzi and Sen. Cynthia Lummis (Both R-WY) in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Wyoming, she served as a senior policy advisor for Gov. Mark Gordon.
In her role as deputy director for OSLI, Barlow will be a valuable asset in
advancing the mission to provide funding for K-12 public schools. She will focus on strengthening customer service, fostering collaboration and implementing common-sense solutions that benefit our communities. Barlow can be reached at elizabeth.barlow@wyo. gov or 307-777-3428.
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