President Trump signs EO to boost wildfire prevention Page 8
Cost of summer cookout nearly unchanged from 2024 Page 14
Preventing PI calves starts with strong biosecurity and vaccination protocols Page 16
Quick Bits
Office Closed
The Wyoming Livestock Roundup Office will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day. The Roundup team wishes all of our families, friends and dear readers a very safe and happy Fourth of July.
Leadership
Senior-aged 4-H members from across the state of Wyoming are encouraged to join the State 4-H Leadership Team, which provides opportunities for youth to represent 4-H through leadership and service at the state level. Applications are due on July 13, and those interested can register at tiny.cc/26SLT
WSFD Rules
The Office of State Lands and Investments’ Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD) has submitted a notice of intent to adopt rules and regulations and is opening a public comment period to accept comments related to Chapter One, Wyoming State Forester Rules. Comments are encouraged on any related concerns, questions or issues and may be submitted via e-mail to kelly. norris@wyo.gov. The public comment period will end on Aug. 11.
Xtreme Bulls
For the first time, Cheyenne Frontier Days will host two action-packed nights of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Xtreme Bulls, where the world’s best bull riders will compete for crucial money in the world standings. The action will take place July 21-22 starting at 8 p.m., and tickets are available at axs.com/ festivals/900258
NCBA Grant
Individuals interested in attending upcoming events hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are encouraged to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which is designed to offer financial support to cattle producers hoping to attend and gain insight from impactful educational events. For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/42ThBjY
Dean highlights CALSNR’s connection to the Cowboy State
During the Wyoming Stock Growers Association’s (WSGA) 2025 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, held at the University of Wyoming (UW) Conference Center in Laramie on June 2-4, UW College of Agriculture, Life Science and Natural Resources
(CALSNR) Dean Kelly Crane took to the stage to provide an update on the college.
His talk emphasized CALSNR’s deep connection to the Cowboy State, highlighting some “bright spots” in the college and its obligation to remain “rel-
The Wyoming Livestock Roundup is pleased to announce Juan Reyes of Wheatland and Doug Miyamoto of Cheyenne will join an elite list of previous honorees in the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame (HOF) as the 2025 inductees.
The Wyoming Ag HOF has been honoring selfless agriculture leaders from across the Cowboy State since 1992. Reyes and Miyamoto will be recognized for their decades of service to the industry during the
evant, responsive and accountable” to the people of Wyoming.
Land grant mission
Crane began his address with an enthusiastic welcome to an audience composed of cattlemen and cattlewomen
In a transformational commitment to the University of Wyoming’s (UW) land grant mission and one of the state’s most vital industries, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) has established the Farm Credit Services of America College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) Deanship at UW.
This marks the fourth named deanship in the university’s history and represents a milestone in UW’s pursuit of academic excellence, industry partnership and regional impact.
Support for the gift was provided, in part, by state matching funds.
Endowed deanships are among the most prestigious gifts a university can receive and are essential to attracting visionary leadership, driving innovation and expanding the university’s reach far beyond campus.
“The agricultural traditions of Wyoming shape who we are,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “With this extraordinary gift, FCSAmerica is helping ensure our university remains at the forefront of preparing students and communities for
Wyoming Agriculture HOF Picnic, held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Riverside Park in Douglas.
“We’re honored to induct both Doug and Juan into the Wyoming Ag HOF,” states Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun, an inaugural HOF inductee. “Each in their own capacity have served the ag community in Wyoming for many years and have helped ag in the state greatly. We thank them for all
Please see HOF on page 6
stripes and strawberries
What’s in season for a farm-fresh fourth in the Mountain West?
As vibrant fireworks light up the big Western sky, rural families across Wyoming and beyond will gather for the kind of Fourth of July celebration only farm and ranch country can truly deliver.
There will be homegrown meat on the grill, kids and dogs chasing each other around a wide-open yard, a cooler full of cold ones and, in some cases, fresh produce lining the table.
While many Americans will likely enjoy their Fourth of July bounty without thinking twice about where it came from, it’s important to remember freedom is fed by agriculture and the West serves up plenty.
Red: Berries and summer starts In the high plains and mountain valleys of the West, strawberries are generally considered one of the first fruits to ripen, and if the frost cooperates, they’re often ready just in time for the Fourth of July.
Because of Wyoming’s harsher climate and shorter growing season, berry
College rodeo champions crowned in Casper
The 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) has officially come to an end.
After a week of intense competition from some of the best college rodeo talent in the country, three Wyoming athletes came out on top.
Cowboy State champions
In a sweet ending to her college rodeo career, Haiden Thompson of Gillette College was crowned the Women’s AllAround Cowgirl for the second time. A week of competitive runs in the goat tying and breakaway roping helped boost the Yoder native to victory once again, having won her first title in 2023.
During Saturday’s short go, Thomp-
son posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo in the breakaway, smoking the competition with a 1.7-second run. A 2.1-second run in the first round, a no-time in the second round and a 2.2-second run in the third round landed her in seventh place overall in the breakaway roping.
Thompson did not make it back to the short round in the goat tying, but a consistent week of goats that stayed tied landed her in 14th place and contributed to allaround points.
The national champion bareback rider also hailed from Gillette College.
After three years of qualifying for nationals and a reserve title last year, New
Kelly Crane Courtesy photo
Doug Miyamoto and Juan Reyes tapped for 2025 Wyoming Ag Hall of Fame
Doug Miyamoto – Courtesy photo
Juan Reyes – Courtesy photo
No matter what business a person is associated with, they have to trust their customers to be successful. This is especially true for those in the food business today, and specifically for those in the meat business.
In the last few years, cattle and sheep producers have begun realizing they are actually in the meat business.
When a producer is asked what he or she does for a living, the usual answer is, “We raise sheep or we raise cattle.”
While this is true, I don’t think this is the answer we should be giving people.
A better answer would be, “I raise beef or I raise lamb.”
I’ll bet some good questions arise from this comment.
It is especially important these days with the high price of beef and lamb, as consumers want to know more about the meat they eat and, to an extent, where it came from.
Today, beef and lamb producers are fortunate to have such loyal consumers, as demand for our beef and lamb is staying strong despite higher prices.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Director of Scientific Affairs Mandy Carr-Johnson was a featured speaker during the 2025 Beef Improvement Symposium, and she says, “Consumers make protein choices based on five critical factors. These key purchase drivers include eating experience, convenience, price, nutrition and understanding how cattle are raised and grown for food.”
“Beef satisfaction is high, with more than 90 percent of consumers reporting a positive eating experience for steaks and ground beef, at home or at a restaurant. Convenience is crucial, with 73 percent of consumers preparing more meals at home,” she adds.
“Consumers are increasingly embracing online shopping, particularly younger generations. They typically shop at multiple outlets, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers and club stores. Online grocery shopping has stabilized, with most consumers using these platforms monthly or weekly,” she continues.
Additionally, Carr-Johnson notes, while beef is recognized as a high-quality protein source, consumers still perceive chicken as healthier, but the rise of high-protein diets and weight loss medications has created opportunities for beef to position itself as a nutritious protein option.
Carr-Johnson continues, “One-quarter of consumers claim to be familiar with food production practices. They want to hear directly from farmers and ranchers about their practices. The Beef Quality Assurance program has been effective in helping to address consumer concerns.”
In addressing media and consumer perception, she adds, “Media coverage of beef production is mostly neutral, with traditional media being less negative than social media. Sustainability stories about beef are relatively small compared to overall sustainability discussions.”
She concludes, “Authenticity is key. Consumers trust information from farmers and ranchers most. They want to understand how their food is produced, and they appreciate transparency about production practices. It’s not about telling your story. What I think is important is being able to be open to questions. It is seeing there are real life people behind the production of beef.”
These are all great key purchase drivers, and the same can be said for lamb.
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GUEST OPINIONS
Friday marks the 249th celebration of our great country’s independence. Many of us will likely spend the afternoon engaged in a great American tradition – the backyard barbecue.
As you sit down to enjoy your perfectly cooked cheeseburger or bite into a hot, buttery ear of sweetcorn, don’t forget to thank one of the most enduring symbols of our independence – the American farmer.
It was American farmers who put
By Rhea & Kaiser
down their shovels and hoes, picked up rifles and went off to war to fight for our independence during the Revolutionary War.
In fact, historians estimate farmers made up more than 50 percent of the militiamen during the Revolutionary War. Without them, it’s likely we would have no reason to celebrate this week at all.
This sense of fierce independence lead farmers west during the great expansion period in the middle of the
19th century.
While the U.S. government signed the Homestead Act in 1862, it was the American farmer who had the fortitude and sheer will to pack up and chase opportunity across a vast plain of empty prairieland to build a future for themselves and their children.
Perhaps one of the most underappreciated things the American farmer has done is to build the foundation for
H-2A changes coming
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the administration is looking at ways to improve the efficiency of the H-2A guestworker program and make it easier for growers to use. Rollins made the announcement during a meeting of the Western Governors’ Association held in Santa Fe, N.M.
The administration will have more details coming soon, as well as announcements from the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security.
Rollins acknowledges Congress will play a key role in larger H-2A visa reform.
“It’s a Congressional act,” she says. “Significant changes can’t occur without our partners on the Hill.”
She adds H-2A reform is a bipartisan issue, and while long-term fixes are on the table, there’s an opportunity in the short term to alleviate the burden of the application process.
“We have all been directed by the president to come up with solutions to fix and solve this problem immediately,” Rollins says.
NIRA to reorganize
For the past four years, membership numbers in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) have seen steady growth.
The NIRA started as a nonprofit organization in 1949 and defined three geographical regions to govern a student-led board. By 1972 the organization had grown to 10 regions. For over 30 years, members have competed in 11 regions.
In 2022, there were 3,493 members. This number has grown to 3,815, with over 800 of those members competing in the Southwest Region which includes schools in West Texas and eastern New Mexico.
Coaches and representatives from member schools in this region recently made a proposal to split into two regions which was approved by the NIRA Board of Directors during the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR).
Starting with fall rodeos, the newly formed Lone Star Region will consist of Texas schools – San Angelo State University, Cisco College, Ranger College, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University, Vernon College and Weatherford College.
The newly-formed Caprock Region will include Eastern New Mexico University, Clarendon College, Frank Phillips College, Howard College, New Mexico Junior College, Odessa College, South Plains College, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University and Western Texas College.
For the 2025-26 season, each of the NIRA’s 12 regions will have 10 rodeos just as they have in the past. Qualifications for the CNFR will also follow the same structure as they have in the past with the top three in each event at the end of the season advancing to nationals as well as the two men’s and women’s teams with the most points.
The reorganization of the organization is expected to add approximately 35 more athletes to the CNFR to compete for national championships.
our powerhouse economy.
Many economists are quick to point out American farmers exported $140 billion worth of product in 2017 alone, and while this is indeed impressive, it’s only a small fraction of how farmers power our economy.
I am referencing another type of independence – food independence. It’s one of the key drivers of American innovation over the last 75 years, and many of us never stop to think about it.
Farmers have taken on the challenge of building a stable, affordable and safe agricultural system which requires less than two percent of the population be directly involved in production agriculture, while requiring a national average of less than 15 percent of household income be spent on food. This often-overlooked fact is what has driven American innovation for the last 75 years – freeing up a huge labor force to pursue innovation and technology, while creating a population with more disposable income left to spend than anywhere else in the world.
American farmers helped establish American independence in 1776, and they’ve been working hard ever since to preserve this independence for all of us. So, this Fourth of July, don’t forget to reflect on how critically important farmers are to the American dream.
You can use it as an excuse to eat the last hotdog or enjoy one more cold beer. You’re just being a patriot, doing everything you can to support our farmers.
Happy Independence Day!
Rhea & Kaiser is a marketing and communication agency focused on agriculture, animal health, food production and ag innovation and technology. For more information, visit rkconnect.com
Raffle winner announced
Gov. Mark Gordon recently announced Andrew Merritt of Kemmerer as the 2025 winner of the Wyoming Governor’s Wild Bison Raffle.
The raffle is a component of the Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition, dedicated to supporting efforts to sustain wildlife populations and enhance critical habitat projects throughout the state.
This year’s raffle raised $5,540.
“Congratulations to Andrew and best of luck for a successful wild bison hunt this year,” Gordon said. “Thank you to Wyoming residents who purchased a raffle ticket. The money raised through this – and all of our license raffles – goes to support Wyoming’s incredible wildlife and the on-the-ground conservation efforts essential in preserving the unique hunting opportunities Wyoming offers.”
The Big Game License Coalition raises more than $1 million annually through the sale of designated complimentary big game licenses as authorized by state statute.
Partnering with organizations including the Mule Deer Foundation, Muley Fanatics Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, the coalition allocates funding to conservation projects, ranging from habitat improvements to wildlife safety projects such as roadway crossings.
Programs terminated
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will terminate more than 145 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) focused awards, totaling a maximum savings of $148.6 million.
“Putting American farmers first means cutting the millions of dollars being wasted on woke DEI propaganda. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, I am putting an end to the waste, fraud and abuse that has diverted resources from American farmers and restoring sanity and fiscal stewardship to the USDA,” said Rollins.
Programs to be terminated include $575,251 for educating and engaging socially-disadvantaged farmers on conservation practices; $192,246 for creating a new model for urban forestry to lead to environmental justice through more equitably distributed green spaces and $2.5 million for expanding equitable access to land, capital and market opportunities for underserved producers in the California Bay Area.
WGFD meetings scheduled
Two public meetings will be held in the Big Horn Basin to gather public input and answer questions regarding proposed changes to Chapter 52 - Take of Nongame Wildlife from within Wyoming of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations and the proposed new regulation, Chapter 71 - Commercially Guided Fishing Boats.
The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. June 30 at the Thermopolis Fire Hall in Thermopolis and the second meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 1 at the Cody Game and Fish Regional Office in Cody.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is proposing a new regulation, effective Jan. 1, 2026, to govern commercially guided fishing boats and trailers, as directed by the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year. This regulation will establish registration requirements, annual fees and the issuance of registration stickers.
Copies of the proposed regulations are available at wgfd.wyo.gov/get-involved/public-input and at the Cody Game and Fish office. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on July 31 for the Commission's review before its Sept. 9-10 meeting in Lander.
Comments can be submitted at wgfd.wyo.gov/getinvolved/public-input, at a public meeting or mailed to Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Regulations, 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82604.
McGowan selected
Delaney McGowan of Harrisburg, Neb. has been selected to serve on the inaugural Student Board of Directors for the National Block and Bridle Club. She will represent both two-year institutions and the Western Region.
McGowan, who will be a sophomore at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) this fall, is majoring in agribusiness and sciences after earning her Beef Production Certificate this spring. She will also serve as the 2025-26 secretary of the EWC Block and Bridle Club and as the swine representative for the EWC Fitting and Showing Club.
In addition, McGowan is a member of the EWC Livestock Judging Team and the EWC Show Team. This spring, she was honored with the Top Hand Award, recognizing her as one of the agriculture program’s outstanding freshmen.
As a board member, McGowan will participate in officer meetings, contribute to the club’s social media outreach, and work with the host chapter for the upcoming national convention to help promote and support the event. Additional responsibilities will be assigned by the national officers throughout the year.
Underwood, South Dakota native Cooper Filipek finally walked away from the CNFR with a national championship to his name in 2025.
Filipek cleared the competition by more than 10 points, landing scores of 82.5, 82.5, 76.5 and 83.5 for an aggregate total of 325 points by the time the bucking chute gate cracked on his final ride of the week.
Casper College’s James Perrin came out on top in the saddle bronc riding.
A native of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada, Perrin spurred the highmarked ride of the short go with 84.5 points aboard Wandering Witch of Summit Pro Rodeo to clinch the 2025 title, in addition to rides worth 82.5, 80.5 and
77 points in the qualifying rounds.
Two other Casper College T-Birds claimed spots in the top 10 saddle bronc standings, with Eastan West landing sixth and Malcom Heathershaw splitting seventh overall with Bailey Small of Tarleton State University.
Top finishers in each of the individual events were as follows.
Bareback riding
Cooper Filipek of Gillette College was the champion cowboy in the bareback riding with an average score of 325 points on four horses.
Kooper Heimburg of Missouri Valley College trailed Filipek by one point to earn reserve champion, ending his week at
the CNFR with an average score of 324 points on four head.
In third place was Bradlee Miller of Sam Houston State University, followed by Kash Martin of McNeese State University in fourth.
A two-way tie for fifth place between Bryce Eck of Missouri Valley College and Luke Thrash of Southeastern Oklahoma State University rounded out the top scorers in the bareback riding.
Tie-down roping
Tyler Calhoun of Southwest Texas College came out on top in the tie-down roping with a total time of 38.7 seconds on four head.
Brey Yore of South Plains College earned reserve champion with a total time of 40.2 seconds on four head, followed by Tanner Scheevel of Northeastern Oklahoma State A&M (NEOKAM) in third.
Another NEOKAM cowboy, Blake Tatham, landed fourth in the calf roping, followed by Central Arizona College’s Garrett Jepson in fifth.
Breakaway roping
Two cowgirls split top honors in the breakaway.
Kate Eiland of Pearl River Community College and Rylee George of East Texas A&M were crowned co-champions with aggregate times of 10 seconds flat on four calves.
Alissa Erickson of Cisco College took third, followed by Murphy
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Rodney Sharpe 2 Black Cow 1902 168.00 $3,195.36 Gary Wattis 1 Black Bull 985 264.00 $2,600.40
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Gaasch of Cochise College in fourth and Tarleton State cowgirl Jacelyn Frost in fifth.
Saddle bronc riding
Proud Thunderbird James Perrin brought the saddle bronc title home to Casper College by a nearly 10-point advantage, scoring 324.5 points on four horses in comparison to Reserve Champion Montgomery Parsons’ aggregate score of 315 points.
Parsons, who rodeos for Tarleton State, was closely followed by teammate Coleman Shalbetter, who landed third.
Two cowboys representing Fort Scott Community College by the names of Blake Steuck and John
Allen placed fourth and fifth respectively to round out the week’s competitive display of saddle bronc riding.
Steer wrestling
A steer wrestler originally hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii took home the buckle in the “big man’s event.”
Sul Ross State University Cowboy Cameron Haumea led the aggregate in the steer wrestling by more than five seconds, ending his week with a total time of 20.6 seconds on four head compared to Reserve Champion Cole Detton of Montana State University’s 25.5-second finish.
Wyomingite Jace Mayfield of Central Wyoming College took third in the bulldogging, followed by Nathan Duvall of Connors State College and Clay Tom Hurt of Sam Houston State in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Goat tying
Cowgirls from the Lone Star State proved their salt in the goat tying to take home the grand and reserve championship titles.
Tori Brower of Tarleton State took home first with an average time of 24.5 seconds on four head, while Jacee Graff of Weatherford College earned the reserve title with a total time of 25.5 seconds on four.
In third place was Parker McIntyre of Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Maggie Usher of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo finished fourth, followed by Ashley Barrett of Utah Valley University in fifth.
Team roping
Texas cowboys also showed out in the team roping.
Cason Richey of Texas Tech and Cashton Weidenbener of Weatherford College reigned supreme with a total time of 26.2 seconds across four rounds, followed by Jacob Walters of Texas Tech and Jeryn Ellerd of Howard College with a total time of 27.5 seconds.
Third place went to University of Montana Western duo Cole Trexler and Kyler Erickson, followed by McCrae Fillmore and Wyatt Rindlisbacher of Snow College in fourth.
Cael Hilzendeger of Bismarck State College and Ryan Shepherd of MidPlains Community College rounded out the top team
ropers in fifth place.
Barrel racing
Acey Pinkston of Southwest Texas College posted the fastest run of the entire rodeo during the short go. Her 13.9-second-run on Saturday night was the final stepping stone to clinch her 2025 title, making for a total time of 56.23 seconds across four nights.
Tycie Phalen of Dickinson State University came in second place, rounding out her week at 56.89 seconds on four runs.
Adyson Wright of Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) took third, followed by Emma Ricke of Southeastern Oklahoma State and Brylee Grubb of Gillette College. Grubb was also named the 2025 Central Rocky Mountain Region’s Rookie of the Year.
Bull riding
Trace Scarlavai of MidPlains Community College was crowned champion in the bull riding, covering three out of four bulls throughout the week for an aggregate score of 242.5 points.
Gavin Knutson of Montana Western University also rode three throughout the week to land in second place with 221.5 overall points.
Brad Moreno of New Mexico State University found the whistle twice to finish in third place, followed by Lane Vaughn of Western Texas College and Brock Dean Cooper of TVCC in fourth and fifth. Teams and all-around results In the overall standings, the Tarleton State University men’s team swept the competition while Southwest Texas College took top honors on the women’s side. Haiden Thompson was the women’s all-around champion and Brad Moreno captured the men’s all-around title. Trace Scarlavai was the men’s Rookie of the Year and Adyson Wright was the women’s Rookie of the Year. Although it may seem like the arena dust only just settled, plans for the 2026 CNFR to return to Casper are already underway. Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this
to
Riding high – Champion Saddle Bronc Rider James Perrin of Casper College had the high-marked ride of the short go. He spurred Summit Pro Rodeo’s Wandering Witch for 84.5 points to secure the round win and his first national title. Jackie Jensen photo
the future of agriculture.”
The endowment will directly support the leadership and strategic direction of the college, empowering the dean to invest in highimpact teaching, research and community programs to elevate agriculture as a driver of innovation in Wyoming and the Mountain West. It will also serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of natural resources, food systems, environmental stewardship and rural resilience.
“Endowed deanships are game changers,” says CALSNR Dean Kelly
Crane. “They allow us to lead boldly, attract exceptional talent and respond to the complex challenges facing Wyoming communities and the industries which support them.”
FCSAmerica, a mission-driven financial cooperative serving farmers, ranchers and rural residents in Wyoming and neighboring states, has long recognized the value of education and leadership to the health of rural economies. This new deanship builds on a multi-year partnership and continues FCSAmerica’s legacy of making an impact with its philanthropy.
OBITUARIES
Robert “Bob” John Perino
Jan. 18, 1930 – June 13, 2025
Robert “Bob” John Perino was born on Jan. 18, 1930 and was the youngest child of Felix and Mary C. Perino of Newcastle.
Bob was raised on the
family ranch on Oil Creek with his three siblings –Victoria, Albert and “Little” Mary. Bob grew up learning the ranching way of life and attended the country school down the road before he was homeschooled and received his high school degree in 1951 from the American School of Chicago. Bob spent his entire life on the ranch homesteaded by his grandparents in the late 1800s. He enjoyed sharing stories of milking cows, hitching teams, loading cattle on the train and surviving the flood
Veora “Vee” Pilcher Hageman
Sept. 6, 1932 – June 12, 2025
Veora “Vee” Pilcher Hageman left this world peacefully on June 12 in Green Valley, Ariz. at the age of 92.
A devoted wife, a cherished mother, friend, grand-
mother, great-grandmother and compassionate soul, Vee’s presence enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Vee was born on Sept. 6, 1932 in Douglas, the daughter of Francis Pilcher and Harriette (McKibbon) Pilcher. Vee grew up in Oakland, Calif. and Jackson, before returning to Douglas.
Vee was married for 65 years to her late husband Fred S. Hageman. Together with their daughters, they operated a successful ranch north of Shawnee.
“At FCSAmerica, we believe the future of agriculture depends on strong, visionary leadership. This is why we’re proud to support UW in preparing the next generation of leaders who will sustain and evolve this essential industry,” says Jason Edleman, senior vice president of business development for FCSAmerica.
This gift also aligns with the university’s commitment to securing strategic investments to elevate UW as a national leader in its areas of distinction, including agriculture and natural resource stewardship.
that nearly took the family home, as well as the big fires that swept through the ranch and several broken bones.
Following the passing of his parents, Bob continued operating the family ranch with his brother Albert and sister Mary. Bob was a hard worker and never shied away from any task, but his favorite place to be was horseback and he loved to help his neighbors gather and trail cattle.
In fact, you could count on him to be standing by the county road before dawn with his horse saddled and ready to load in the trailer.
Bob’s fondness for horses and riding started at an early age, and he always had a good horse he could
After retirement, Vee and Fred moved to Arizona for golf and to soak up the sunshine. Vee was an accomplished vocalist and published author.
Vee is survived by her daughters Debby Kovacich, Barbara Dilts and Lauri (Paul) Newton. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service is planned for a later date on the ranch north of Shawnee.
The Gorman Funeral Homes-Converse Chapel of Douglas is in charge of arrangements.
For more information about the Farm Credit Services of America College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) Deanship at the University of Wyoming or ways to support CALSNR, visit uwyo.edu/foundation.
“This deanship is a powerful affirmation of UW’s mission and its growing influence in the West and beyond,” says John Stark, president and chief executive officer of the UW Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to FCSAmerica for their vision and partnership.”
The new endowed deanship in agriculture is part of a larger, ongoing effort by UW, the UW Board of Trustees and the UW Foundation to invest in and support
count on to get the day’s work done. However, none were as special as his horse Curly, which was the last horse he ever rode.
Bob was always used to a full house growing up, since at times, they had other families and children living with them. So, it was no surprise the door was always open to anyone who stopped by.
Bob enjoyed sharing a pot of coffee with visitors at the kitchen table and was sure to offer you a cookie out of a red Folgers Coffee can. Like his sister Mary, he
endowed positions which strengthen faculty and support student success.
This deanship follows similar ones in the Colleges of Education, Engineering and Physical Sciences and Business, helping set UW apart as a national leader for landgrant institutions in using endowed deanships to build strong academic programs.
These positions play an important role in attracting talented leaders, supporting innova-
loved conversation, sharing stories of days gone by and how the “Old Timers” used to do it.
Bob was a humble soul who found joy in the simple things in life like going to the sale barn to sell calves, looking through a horse sale catalog or grabbing a bite to eat at a local diner.
Bob was 95 years old on the morning of June 13 when the Lord led him home to greener pastures.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Felix and Mary C. (Valentine) Perino, his sisters Victo-
tive work and ensuring lasting excellence across the university.
“As Wyoming’s flagship university, UW continues to lead with purpose – preparing graduates not only for success, but for service to the land, the people and the economy of the state and region,” Seidel says. “The FCSAmerica Deanship stands as a bold step forward in this journey.”
This article was originally published by UW News on June 17.
Services were held on June 18 at the Methodist Church of Newcastle. A memorial has been established in Bobʼs honor benefiting Weston County Home Health.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave., Newcastle, WY 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com
ria (Jay) Mayberry and “Little” Mary Perino and his brother Albert (Lois) Perino.
they have done.”
A passion for ag and the American dream
Amid a thick stack of letters submitted in support of Reyes’ nomination, a few themes ring clear – a rags to riches story of the American dream and a man with a fervent passion for the ag industry.
Reyes’ humble story begins in war-torn Cuba during the Communist takeover, where his parents quickly realized the future would be brighter for their children elsewhere. At the age of 11, Reyes boarded a boat with his two older sisters, a small leather suitcase and the clothes on his back to set off for a new life in America.
The three siblings lived in a refugee camp in Florida for roughly eight months before they were moved to Colfax, Wash., and four years later, their parents were able to leave Cuba and join them in the Pacific Northwest.
In high school, Reyes became interested in agriculture and befriended an area farmer who he worked for before enrolling at Eastern Washington State College.
He later landed in Laramie at the University of Wyoming (UW) with a dream of becoming a “real cowboy” in every sense of the word.
After meeting his wife Joni and graduating from UW, the two began purchasing horses, land and cattle, initially leasing the Milnor Ranch in Tie Siding before acquiring 400 irrigated acres in Platte County. Through grit, tenacity
and several savvy business decisions, their farming and ranching operation quickly began to grow, as did their family.
The two welcomed a daughter, Jennifer, and son, Jason, both of whom have their own respective families now and are actively involved in day-to-day operations imperative to the success of the ranch.
“Juan’s greatest success has been his life as a family man,” writes Shively Hardware President Joe Glode in a nomination letter. “He and his wife Joni built the ranch together. Now, they have their children working the ranch with them and their grandchildren beginning to work it too. It is this succession that will protect the future of the Wyoming agricultural way of life. Juan and Joni have not only survived the difficulties of Wyoming lifestyle, they have thrived in it.”
Today, the Reyes family’s renowned MR Angus Ranch is home to about 900 head of registered Angus cows and 100 head of commercial cows, as well as a 6,000- to 7,000-head capacity feedlot facility.
The ranch has a combined acreage of owned and leased rangeland, as well as corn, alfalfa and triticale grown under center pivot and flood irrigation systems.
For over 30 years, MR Angus Ranch has offered their top-of-the-line Angus genetics through an annual sale held annually on the last Monday of February. Each year, they market around 225 to 250 highquality bulls. In 2024, their
record-breaking sale saw all 226 bulls go for an average of $7,961 per head.
Many describe Reyes as a progressive individual who has always thought outside of the box, likely a contributing factor to his success in the industry.
“He is nationally known for his ability train and work cow dogs,” notes Dr. Doug Hixon, professor emeritus and former head of the UW Department of Animal Science. “In fact, he is able to manage his cattle operation with less manpower given his ability to effectively use cow dogs rather than hiring additional ranch hands.”
“In addition, he has implemented pulmonary arterial pressure testing to improve herd genetics, moved his calving from January to June to reduce losses due to cold winters, independently markets registered Angus bulls which sire cattle to withstand harsh Wyoming landscapes and the list goes on.” Hixon adds. “Juan has an innate ability to not only learn, but to teach others about innovative ways to improve agricultural operations. His knowledge and experience are invaluable.”
On top of his lifetime achievements and success in building a thriving multifaceted operation, Reyes has successfully served and led numerous local, county, state and national organizations and boards. He has been appointed by and served as a trusted advisor to governors of both political parties and has been an avid supporter of youth in agriculture.
Reyes has served as a member of the Albany County Stockgrowers, Wheatland Irrigation Dis-
trict’s Board of Commissioners, UW Ag College Advisory Committee, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and American Angus Association.
He also served as president of the Wyoming Angus Association and American Amerifax Association, a founding member and president of the National Cattle Dog Association, a board member of the American Border Collie Association and was appointed to the Wyoming State Ag Board from 2003-11.
“Juan is a living example of the American Dream. He not only embraced this dream, he lived it and excelled at it,” state Reuben and Shelly Ritthaler. “He is an inspiration for anyone who wishes to pursue a dream in the ag field of America. It is a very difficult dream but not an impossible one, and Juan is proof.”
AgriBridge Chief Executive Officer Jason Fearneyhough comments, “Juan is a Wyoming treasure. He embodies the true Wyoming ranching spirit – fiercely independent, pragmatic, community minded, tough and kind. Beyond this, he has passed these qualities on to his family who are a living legacy to his living legend. I can think of no one who is more deserving of this honor than Juan.”
In acceptance of this honor, Reyes states, “My greatest honor is to be respected and liked by my peers. It is an honor to be considered for the Wyoming Ag HOF. Joni, myself and my family are blessed to have the support of so many friends and peers throughout the region. Without their support, none of our success would be possible. My life
is the epitome of the American dream.”
A strong voice, a selfless advocate, a loyal friend
A UW graduate and iconic Wyoming ag leader, Doug Miyamoto has dedicated his entire professional career to serving Wyoming’s ag industry.
In his early career, Miyamoto worked as a research assistant in rangeland ecology at UW, a water rights analyst in the State Engineer’s Office and served as a U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service liaison to the Western Governors’ Association and the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts.
He also served as deputy director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) and filled the role of head of the Wyoming Livestock Board before returning to WDA as the director where he has served since 2015.
He also served as the president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and hosted the annual NASDA meeting in Wyoming in 2023.
In this role at WDA, Miyamoto has overseen a wide array of diverse programs including natural resource and policy management, food safety inspections, technical services inspections and training and an analytical services laboratory in Laramie.
Additionally, Miyamoto has been a strong voice, a selfless advocate and a loyal friend of producers across the Cowboy State.
He has testified before Congress on numerous issues including public safety, exportation of ag products, invasive species management, habitat man-
agement for important species such as Greater sage grouse and a pilot program leveraging program dollars for use on federal lands.
In a nomination letter, Nevada Department of Agriculture Director J.J. Goicoechea notes Miyamoto’s devotion to Wyoming producers was never more apparent than in the early months of 2023.
“As I am sure many recall, the West was experiencing record-setting snow and cold temperatures that winter. The lack of feed resources and transportation issues associated with wind and snow were having devastating impacts on producers,” Goicoechea writes.
“Doug led a coalition of western state agriculture leaders in urging the Farm Service Agency to implement flexible and innovative solutions, delivering vital relief to not only Wyoming producers, but all producers across the storm-ravaged West. Because of his efforts, a disaster designation was granted for Wyoming and other western states and support was made available to struggling producers,” adds Goicoechea.
“Doug is personally committed to and invested in ensuring Wyoming agriculture continues to grow and is a prime example of the values benefitting not only agriculture but society as a whole,” he continues. “I, like so many others, always look to Doug on matters related to western lands, because we know he has producers’ best interest at heart and the knowledge that comes only from a lifetime of service to the ag industry.”
Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna writes, “Wyoming agriculture, from producer to consumer, has been well represented and served by Doug. Today he is deserving of the recognition that comes with being honored as a member of the Wyoming Agriculture HOF.”
In receiving the award Miyamoto humbly states, “It’s a great honor to be included in the Wyoming Agriculture HOF. I know almost all of the previous honorees, and it is an impressive list. To be fair, I think much of the credit I am given is attributable to the employees of the WDA. I’m fortunate to have been nominated by Jim Magagna and to receive this honor the same year as Juan Reyes. It’s more than I deserve.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
OBITUARIES
Bruce Lavel Richardson April 4, 1936 – June 8, 2025
and other industry representatives from across the state of Wyoming.
“We love it when WSGA comes to Laramie and to UW,” said Crane. “It is an honor to be here.”
He continued with a brief history lesson emphasizing CALSNR’s role within the university system and the state of Wyoming.
“We’re the college that really embodies the land grant mission,” Crane said of CALSNR. “You’ll hear about the land grant mission a lot in Wyoming, in our legislature,
He was born in Webster City, Iowa on April 4, 1936 to Harold and Jennie Richardson.
Bruce attended Meeteetse High School and graduated from the University of Wyoming. He proudly served our country as an Army helicopter mechanic during the Korean War.
In 1956, he married Andrea “Angie” Carmin. The next few years were spent in a variety of employ-
in the original land grant.”
As Crane explained, the land grant mission is rooted in the Morrill Act of 1862, which provided federal land grants to states to establish colleges specializing in agriculture and the mechanic arts. UW was established in 1886 under the Morrill Act of 1862.
The goal of the Morrill Act and land grant mission was to make higher education available to a broader demographic than just the wealthy elite. According to Crane, Morrill argued for a
ment opportunities, including time as a county Extension agent and as a ranch manager in the Rawlins area.
In 1974, Bruce and Angie moved their family of five to a ranch they purchased near Shoshoni to farm and raise sheep. Though this lifestyle demanded much of Bruce’s time and energy, he still managed to be an active member of the Fremont County Fair Board and the Rural Electric Association Board, spend quality time with family and friends and participate in church activities.
In 1997, Bruce and Angie moved to a ranch on Gooseberry Creek near
in agriculture as “the foundation of current and future prosperity.”
“Something we’re very proud of in our college and the university is many of us come from the sons of toil,” Crane expressed. “If it was for the elite, I would’ve never been in college. Most of you wouldn’t. Most of our faculty wouldn’t. It’s a real source of pride.”
Bright spots
Crane highlighted multiple “bright spots” within the college, including CALSNR’s new Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership program and the rapidly growing fisheries and wildlife and agri
Worland to raise cattle with their son Barry and his family. The ranch became a family gathering place for several years, allowing Bruce and Angie a wonderful place to enjoy time with all of their young grandchildren.
After selling the ranch in 2007, Bruce and Angie retired and moved to Riverton. They enjoyed a few of the following winters in the warmth of the Arizona sun.
Bruce enjoyed dressing as a mountain man to attend local rendezvous, complete with his black powder rifle. Later in life, he thoroughly enjoyed time spent with friends at the local fly-
within the university which allow professors funds and resources to “really focus” on research that will matter to the coinciding area of study.
Relevant, responsive and accountable
Crane emphasized the state of Wyoming is CALSNR’s “biggest donor” and as such should be taken into the utmost consideration when thinking about how to delegate funding.
“In our college, it’s our aspiration to be nationally and even internationally recognized,” said Crane. “But we also want to ensure we are relevant, responsive and accountable to Wyoming.”
ing club, learning how to fly remote control planes and how to put them back together again when his flying skills failed him.
Bruce will be remembered, in part, for his love of a rousing game of cards with family and friends, his mentorship as a 4-H leader, his peanut butter and butter sandwiches and his wonderful sense of humor.
He fulfilled his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend with loads of love. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Bruce is survived by his sons Brett of Burlington and Barry (Linda) of Hyat-
a state-supported university” but rather a “state-funded university,” noting around 50 percent of the college and university’s budgets are funded by the state legislature.
He went on to outline a strategic action plan which would involve “real opportunities to lean into exceptional areas” and use the uniqueness of Wyoming to the college’s advantage.
“The overriding theme of strategic planning is to look for opportunities where we can be excellent at a national scale through focusing on what Wyoming needs and what we can do better than anyone else,” Crane continued.
tville; daughter Lisa (Dave) Price of Powell; grandchildren Kate, Alex, Jenna, Allison and Andrea; four great-grandchildren; brothers Noel (Jeanne) and Jack (Betty); three nieces and three nephews. A celebration of life was held on June 27 at the Riverton United Methodist Church.
Donations can be made in Bruce’s memory to the United Methodist Church in Riverton and/or to the Big Horn Basin 4-H Camp, PO Box 609, Worland, WY 82401. Please be sure to include a note that the donation is in memory of Bruce Richardson.
CALSNR’s agreement with the board of trustees to secure faculty funding for positions which directly serve the state of Wyoming, including individuals with diagnostic responsibilities in the State Veterinary Lab and field-based Extension coordinators.
“We have very few faculty positions, and it’s a tough decision of where they will go,” Crane said. “But positions that serve this state are going to automatically be filled.”
He ventured UW is “not
Crane also discussed
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
WASHAKIE COUNTY FAIR
Bruce Lavel Richardson passed away peacefully on June 8 after a long battle with cancer.
President Trump signs EO to boost wildfire prevention and response
On June 12, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) to streamline federal wildfire prevention and response efforts through an interagency memorandum of understanding and collaboration with local, state and Tribal authorities.
Trump was joined in the Oval Office for the signing of the EO by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and several U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters including North Carolina National Forest Supervisor James Melonas, Helena Hotshot Superintendent Charlie Palermo and Flathead National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer Justin Kaber.
“The devastation of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires shocked the American people and highlighted the catastrophic consequences when state and local governments are unable to quickly respond to such disasters,” Trump writes in the EO. “In too many cases, including in California, a slow and inadequate response to wildfires is a direct result of reckless mismanagement and lack of preparedness.”
“Wildfires threaten every region, yet many local government entities continue to disregard common sense preventative measures. Firefighters across the country
are forced to rely on outdated technology and face challenges in quickly responding to wildfires because of unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy,” he adds.
“The federal government can empower state and local leaders by streamlining federal wildfire capabilities to improve their effectiveness and promoting common sense, technologyenabled local strategies for land management and wildfire response and mitigation,” Trump continues.
Rollins comments,
“American farmland, forests and communities have suffered the devastating consequences of slow and inadequate fire response caused by reckless mismanagement and lack of preparedness.
President Trump’s suite of EOs show this administration will not sit back and watch the destruction of our forests and property.”
“We have the largest and most well-respected wildland firefighting force in the world, and the Trump administration is working in lockstep to reduce fire risk and respond quickly to emerging fires,” she concludes. “We will keep working to ensure no American town or family is left vulnerable to wildfires.”
EO highlights First, the president’s EO directs federal agencies
To read President Donald Trump’s Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response Executive Order in its entirety, visit whitehouse. gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/ empowering-commonsense-wildfireprevention-and-response/.
to consolidate their wildfire programs within 90 days, merging offices, budgets, procurement systems and research initiatives to “achieve the most efficient and effective use of wildland fire offices.”
It also tasks agencies with modernizing and expanding wildfire prevention and firefighting efforts and mandates a national technology roadmap be developed within 180 days, utilizing artificial intelligence, satellite data, weather forecasting and maps to improve detection, prediction and response.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency are directed to consider amending or rescinding any rules limiting prescribed burns and the use of fire retardants.
To address ignition risks, the U.S. Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must review ways to better manage vegetation around powerlines and transmission
corridors within 90 days.
The U.S. Department of Defense must identify and expedite access to excess aircraft and parts used for firefighting and declassify historical satellite imagery within 120 days to improve wildfire modeling.
Other federal agencies are also directed to review and revise regulations which hinder rapid wildfire detection prevention or response efforts, while performance metrics – including average response time and annual acreage treated – are to be included in the Fall 2025 Unified Regulatory Agenda.
Positive response
Shortly after signing the EO, support for Trump’s wildfire prevention efforts rang through the ag industry and the state of Wyoming.
On June 13, Public Lands Council President and Colorado Rancher Tim Canterbury issued a statement, saying, “Western communities have faced years of devastation from catastrophic wildfires, and we need every tool available
to protect our nation’s scenic rangelands from burning. There is no single solution for protecting the West from catastrophic wildfire, but by using livestock grazing to reduce fine fuels, increasing active land management and making our federal response more efficient, we can protect lives and livelihoods from suffering due to wildfire.”
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) also voiced her appreciation for the EO, stating, “Wyoming families know the devastating reality of wildfires – they’ve destroyed our ranches, threatened our communi-
ties and burned through the landscapes we call home. This EO marks an important shift toward practical forest management by eliminating regulatory obstacles, strengthening local authority and utilizing innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, to bolster our firefighting capabilities.
“We must eliminate every bureaucratic hurdle that delays our fire response and amplifies these disasters,” he concluded.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Oval Office affair – On June 12, President Donald Trump signed an executive order and memorandum of understanding to bolster federal wildfire prevention and response efforts. He was joined in the Oval Office by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and several U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters including North Carolina National Forest Supervisor James Melonas, Helena Hotshot Superintendent Charlie Palermo and Flathead National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer Justin Kaber. U.S. Department of Agriculture photo
patches are limited and localized. However, small farms in milder areas such as Sheridan, Powell and Torrington harvest enough berries to grace farmers’ markets and roadside stands before the big holiday.
Additionally, some raspberry varieties have proven to bear fruit twice a season, with an initial harvest in mid-summer, while the American plum, native to Wyoming, blooms from late April to early May and is often ready to eat by Independence Day.
According to Wyoming Farm to Table, other earlyblooming produce in the Cowboy State includes arugula, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, chard, cherries, cilantro, green onions, leafy greens, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, parsley, peas, peppers, radishes, rhubarb and spinach.
In neighboring states, u-pick berry farms thrive in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, northern Utah and western Colorado’s fruit belt. Montana’s Flathead region is also known for its seasonal fruit, including strawberries and cherries, which often ripen just in time to top a flag cake or fill a homemade pie.
While blueberries are less common in Wyoming due to the climate, some higher-elevation farms on Colorado’s Western Slope or in southern Utah manage limited harvests.
White: Dairy, grains, corn and potatoes
In addition to the whipped cream on the strawberry shortcake, white represents essential staples produced across the region.
Dairy farms in Idaho, Utah and western Nebraska contribute to the butter,
cream and cheeses gracing many tables on Independence Day.
Often slathered in butter, corn is one of the most significant crops produced in Wyoming, generating about $30 million annually according to 2024 data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Meanwhile, the hard white wheat grown across the plains of Montana and South Dakota is milled into hamburger buns, sandwich rolls and holiday desserts.
And the humble potato – grown in abundance in Idaho and western Colorado – makes its way into a plethora of side dishes at holiday gatherings all across the West.
Blue: Big skies and barbecue smoke
The main course for many Fourth of July feasts will likely be ranch-raised beef sizzling on the grill, much of it produced in the heart of the Mountain West.
In fact, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Colorado and South Dakota are all among the top beef-producing states, and chances are, if there is a burger on the plate in rural America, it likely came from close to home.
Nationwide, over 74 million Americans plan to fire up their grill on the Fourth of July, with 85 percent preferring burgers, 80 percent opting for steak, 79 percent cooking up hotdogs and 73 percent choosing chicken.
More specifically, RFDTV notes Americans buy roughly 190 million pounds of red meat and pork for the holiday, as well as 750 million pounds of chicken and 150 million hotdogs.
Many beef hot-
Educator joins Extension
University of Wyoming (UW) Extension
welcomes Lauren Faurie as the new 4-H youth development educator for Niobrara County.
Faurie earned her bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She specialized in outdoor education. During her time at the university, she worked as a ropes course facilitator, where she directed youth and adults to follow safety guidelines and helped coordinate events.
Most recently, Faurie served as an outdoor recreation technician for the Bureau of Land Management. In this position, she helped collect data, collaborated with volunteers and other land management staff and maintained recreational areas, campgrounds and wilderness zones.
Between the ages of eight and 18, Faurie was involved with 4-H in Archer County, Texas. She believes her personal history with 4-H and her community-oriented career experience will help her be an effective 4-H educator in a new state.
“I lived in Rawlins for a few months last year while working a seasonal job, and everyone I met was so kind and welcoming,” says Faurie. “The shared values across communities here are also similar to what I grew up with living in rural areas.”
Faurie began her role with UW Extension on June 2. She can be reached at lfaurie@uwyo.edu or 307334-3534.
dogs, steaks and burgers are sourced from Texas, Nebraska and Kansas, while
chicken likely comes from Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyo-
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000 Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
June 25, 2025
to
Good run of summertime Weigh Ups. Continuing to hold steady and in good demand. Thank you and we appreciate your business!
BLKCOWETTE 1175 191.00 WT 2,244.25
BLKCOWETTE 1145 182.50 WT 2,089.62 PRODUCERS LIVESTOCK - AS, SUNDANCE WY 1 BLK-COW 1645 156.50 WT 2,574.42 BILL OR MARY H. OWENS, CASPER WY 2 REDCOWETTE 1093 191.00 WT 2,086.67
3 RED-COW 1268 164.50 WT 2,086.40
2 RED-COW 1278 165.50 WT 2,114.26
2 RED-COW 1250 160.50 WT 2,006.25
1 BLK-COW 1285 173.00 WT 2,223.05
1 RED-COW 1260 161.50 WT 2,034.90
1
PURDY RANCH LLC, BUFFALO WY 1 BWF-COW 1545 156.00 WT 2,410.20
DEAD HORSE CREEK CATTLE C, BUFFALO WY
1 BLKCOWETTE 1105 180.00 WT 1,989.00
1 BLK-HFRTTE 1100 225.00 WT 2,475.00
1 BLK-COW 1385 161.50 WT 2,236.77
LITTLE RANCH CO INC, LEITER WY
2 CHAR-COW 1205 166.50 WT 2,006.32
3 BLKCOWETTE 1098 203.00 WT 2,229.61
BLK-HFRTTE
Lauren Faurie Courtesy photo
CALENDAR
June 28 Inaugural University of Wyoming Extension Ag and Art Tour, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Park County. For more information, visit bit.ly/ag-art-site or e-mail wyagandarttour@gmail.com.
June 28-July 5 2025 National Junior Angus Show, Expo Square, Tulsa, Okla. For more information or to register, visit angus.org/
June 30 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Analyzing Stocking Rates for the Modern Cow Workshop, 10 a.m., Mid-Plains Community College, Valentine, Neb. For more information or to register, contact the Sheridan County Extension Office at 308-327-2312 or the Cherry County Extension Office at 402-376-1850.
June 30 Wyoming Game and Fish Department public meeting, 6p.m., Thermopolis Fire Hall, Thermopolis. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events
July 1 Wyoming Game and Fish Department public meeting, 6 p.m., Cody Game and Fish Regional Office, Cody. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/ news-events
July 1 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Analyzing Stocking Rates for the Modern Cow Workshop, 8 a.m., Cody Community Building, Cody, Neb. For more information or to register, contact the Sheridan County Extension Office at 308-327-2312 or the Cherry County Extension Office at 402-376-1850.
July 1 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Analyzing Stocking Rates for the Modern Cow Workshop, 12:30 p.m., Gordon Community Building, Gordon, Neb. For more information or to register, contact the Sheridan County Extension Office at 308-327-2312 or the Cherry County Extension Office at 402-376-1850.
July 1 24th Annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament, The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Course, Sand Springs, Okla. For more information, visit angus.org/ foundation or call 816-383-5100.
July 1 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Laramie Regional Office, Laramie. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
July 4 Wyoming Livestock Roundup Office Closed. Wishing all of our families, friends and dear readers a very safe and happy Fourth of July.
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
Whitlock, Robert - Lander
2 BWF Cows, avg. 1398# $16300
Apanashk, Kanton - Powell
July 1
July 7-11
July 7-13
July 11-12
July 14-16
July 15
July 21-23
July 24
July 26
Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase, UW Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
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
July 28-Aug 1 Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Aug. 12-13
Aug. 18-19
Aug. 18-19
Aug. 18-22
Aug. 23
Aug. 23
Aug. 23-26
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., 208-4126156, 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
POSTCARD from the Past
Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com
Hoffman, Ronnie - Thermopolis
1 Blk Bull, 2205# $20450 Lyman Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 1930# $20450 Whitlock, Robert - Lander
1 Blk Bull, 1975# $20250 1 Blk Bull, 2015# $20150 Gillett Farms, Inc. - Powell 1 Blk Bull, 2035# $20100 Cary, Casey - Powell 1 Blk Bull, 2245# $19100 Araphoe Ranch - Thermopolis
2 Rd/Blk Bulls, avg. 1755# $18800 Meeks, Debbie - Riverton
1 Blk Bull, 2125# $18600 Larsen Ranch Co. - Meeteetse
1 Blk Bull, 1875# $18500 Holland, Pamela - Worland
1 Hrfd Bull, 1835# $18400 Otter Creek Grazing Assoc - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Bull, 1850# $18150 Spear D Ranch, Inc. - Basin 1 Red Bull, 1805# $18100 COWS Stewart, Kennth - Cody
1 Blk Cow, 1370# $17100 Pokorny Ranch - Lander
1 Blk Cow, 1300# $17000
1 Blk Cow, 1320# $16600 Dobson, Martin - Burlington
1 Blk Cow, 1645# $16700 Horton, Duane - Otto
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1350# $16500
Leigh Creek LLC - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1605# $16500 Clinton, Stanford - Cody
1 Blk Cow, 1600# $16500
1 Blk Cow, 1275# $16150
1 Blk Cow, 1360# $15500 McIntosh Revoc Trust - Rawlins
1 Blk Cow, 1540# $16500 Schlattman, Dean - Greybull
1 Red Cow, 1360# $16300
1 Blk Cow, 1815# $16150 TD & Sons LLC - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1585# $16300
Lazy B V Cattle - Meeteetse
1 Blk Cow, 1560# $16300
Wilkinson, Kurt - Basin
1 Blk Cow, 1740# $16300 Lyman Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1480# $16300 TE Ranch Ltd Part - Cody 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1440# $16200 Gillett Farms, Inc. - Powell
1 Blk Cow, 1425# $16200 Durbin Creek Herefords - Thermopolis
1 Hrfd Cow, 1285# $16100
1 Hrfd Cow, 1440# $15800
2 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1358# $15350 Haun, Bill - Worland
1 CharX Cow, 1460# $16100 Lungren, Luke - Worland
3 Blk Cows, avg 1263# $16050 Cary, Casey - Powell
1 Hrfd Cow, 1835# $16050 Parsley Red Angus - Burlington
1 Red Cow, 1890# $16000
Lungren, Luke - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1560# $15900
Herman Livestock LLC - Hyattville
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1297# $15900
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1400# $15400 Bates, Jeff - Crowheart
2 RWF Cows, avg. 2055# $15800
Villanueva, Jose - Cowley
1 Blk Cow, 1500# $15600 Bassett, Jackson - Lovell
1 Blk Cow, 1425# $15500
Gasvoda, Gretchen - Greybull
1 Blk Cow, 1235# $15200
Annand, Kelly - Greybull
1 Blk Cow, 1245# $15100
L-T Livestock - Lander
1 Blk Cow, 1315# $15000
1 Hrfd Cow, 1045# $14400 HEIFERS
Horton, Duane - Otto
1Blk Hfr, 495# $33750
Richardson, Dana - Powell
1 Blk Hfr, 550# $33500
Pearce, James - Powell
2 XBred Hfrs, avg. 615# $30400
16 XBred Hfrs, avg. 595# $29000
10 XBRed Hfrs, avg. 817# $28600
2 XBred Hfrs, avg. 940# $25600
1 CharX Hfr, 1310# $21250
Deep Creek-Foster Ranch - Riverton
1 Hrfd Hfr, 690# $27250 Mueller, Terry - Shell
1 Blk Hfr, 735# $27200
Annand, Kelly - Greybull
1 Blk Hfr, 1135# $23000 STEERS
Richardson, Dana - Powell
1 Blk Str, 475# $36500
Horton, Duane - Otto
1 Blk Str, 530# $36200
2 Blk Strs, avg. 710# $31500
4 RWF Strs, avg. 804# $30600
Sparrowk, Rich Rice - Clements
1 Blk Str, 480# $36000
Pearce, James - Powell
2 XBred Strs, avg. 523# $34500
3 XBred Strs, avg. 608# $31350
2 Xbred Strs, avg. 780# $29100
Casdorph, M Bar Cattle - Worland
1 Blk Str, 595# $32900
Lyman Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Str, 635# $32800
Roush, Dustin - Gillette
2 BWF Strs, avg. 845# $29400
Whitlock, Robert - Lander
1 Blk Str, 1225# $22000
Nye, Barry - Cody
1 Blk Str, 1545# $18100
Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction will be having their last summer sale this coming Thursday, June 26.
We will be tearing out the indoor ring to put in ring scales, the months of July and August. Due to the construction, we will not be having any live auctions during these months. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. If you have livestock that you need to market during these months, 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.
Glorious Fourth for Platte Valley, how Saratoga Celebrated
Ballard public library formally dedicated to the free use and benefit of all
Thus reads the headlines in the July 7, 1892 issue of The Saratoga Sun, with the following news item: Library dedication
Dedicatory exercises of the Ballard public library began at 2:30 p.m.
Rev. Huntington presided and made a short introductory address. He then introduced Rev. McDonald, who invoked the guidance of the Ruler of All Nations in the selection of books with which the library is to be supplied, in order that readers young and old may find only such food for the mind as is conducive to its preservation and retaining, as a kodak, only such pictures on its plates as will assist in reminding young and old of their duty to God, themselves and their neighbors.
The building, prepared and now formally dedicated, is to be the storehouse of the greatest and best thoughts of eminent men and women. It may be regarded as the temple where all who desire may worship at the shrine of the muses.
The orchestra, led by Mrs. W.L. Johnson, rendered excellent and appropriate music, a medley of national airs, popular melodies and classic operas. The interpretation was effective and artistic and enthusiastically received by an appreciative audience.
The orator of the day, Rev. E.H. Parnell of Rawlins, began by disclaiming the possession of any of those attributes entitling him to a niche in the temple of fame alongside of such wielders of words as Homer, Cicero, etc.
Parnell is modest, as becomes his cloth. He is a forceful and experienced speaker and adept in securing the attention of his audience and holding it, by not allowing himself to drift into monotone and sing-song.
Parnell indulged in a general fusillade of wit, which was flavored with just a slight dash of sarcasm. The description of the old man in the bell tower of Independence Hall, anxiously awaiting the result of the deliberations upon
which depended the birth of a nation, was dramatic and called forth enthusiastic applause.
Parnell claimed to be in position to assert there does not exist today more than two Englishmen who would, if they could, desire the repeal of the Declaration of Independence, and America and England now have the same ultimate object in view, namely, the freedom of the entire Anglo-Saxon race.
In conclusion, the speaker passed an able, unbiased criticism upon the character of books people should read.
The Star Spangled Banner floated on the waves of melody, supplied by Mrs. H.S. Brodt of Rawlins, assisted by the choral club.
A blessing by Parnell closed the exercises.
Another headline in the same issue proclaimed, “All kinds of sports and entertainment provided townspeople and many visitors with many interesting articles,” but we will share when we next write.
1890s concerning Miss Ballard and the library. “Miss Ballard was the prime mover in our public library, making a donation of over $200 toward its establishment. The building will include public, reading, meeting and recreation rooms. The association already has from 700 to 1,000 volumes as a commencement for a library. For all of the magazines in the new library named, our people are indebted to Miss Susan Ballard.” The picture is the combination of a photograph and pencil drawing and is one of the rarest images in the Bob Martin/Dick Perue collection. Historical Reproductions by
“Woman with Book” – probably a Bible – is the title of this 1890s image of a lady who is believed to be Miss Susan C. Ballard, founder of the first public library in Saratoga. Here are a few excerpts from the local newspapers in the early
Perue
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO National Sheep Summary
As of June 20, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter lambs 50-90 lbs 15.00-20.00 lower, over 90 lbs. firm and feeder lambs not well tested and slaughter ewes weaker. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 254.00 60-70 lbs 252.00.00-254.00; 70-80 lbs 264.00. Billings: Choice 1-3: 40-50 lbs 247.00-252.00; 60-70 lbs 237.50-247.00; 70-80 lbs 220.00-251.00; 80-90 lbs 222.00243.00 90-100 lbs 200.00-241.50. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 252.50; 60-70 lbs 222.50-242.50; 70-80 lbs 220.00-275.00; 80-90 lbs 235.00270.00; 90-100 lbs 230.00-305.00. Sioux Falls: 50-60 lbs 240.00; 60-70 lbs 200.00-232.50; 70-80 lbs 210.00-235.00; 80-90 lbs 205.00-237.50; 90-100 lbs 212.50-240.00; 100-110 lbs 210.00-225.00; 120-130 lbs 202.50.00-221.00; 130-140 lbs 202.50-219.00; 140-150 lbs 209.00-219.00; 150-160 lbs 191.00-202.50. Equity Coop: No test. Slaughter Ewes
San Angelo: Good 2-3 102.00-135.00.
Billings: Good 2-3 80.00-88.50; Good 3-4 74.00-86.00. Ft. Collins: Good 2-3 80.00-132.50; Good 4-5 80.00-135.00. Sioux Falls: Good 2-3 65.00-95.00; Good 4-5 60.00-90.00; Utility 1-2 60.00-85.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1 San Angelo: No test.
Billings: 50-50 lbs 227.50; 70-80 lbs 232.50-247.00; 80-90 lbs 223.50-242.00; 90-100 lbs 213.00-232.00; 100-110 lbs 205.50-210.00; 110-120 lbs 195.00-196.00. Ft. Collins: No test. Sioux Falls: 30-40 lbs 255.00-260.00; 40-50 lbs 287.50-312.50; 50-55 lbs 255.00-282.50; 60-70 lbs 215.00-277.50; 70-80 lbs 233.00-248.00.
Ft. Collins: No test.
Equity Coop: 90-100 lbs 223.50. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: No test.
Ft. Collins: No test.
South Dakota: No test.
Billings: Middle aged Ewes open Medium and Large 1-2: 150-190 lbs 84.00-112.50. Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 37,000 compared to 38,000 last week and 43,000 last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review As of June 20, 2025
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Wyoming Hay Summary As of June 26, 2025
Compared to two weeks ago, old crop small square bales of alfalfa sold 10.00 lower. Old crop large square bales of alfalfa steady. Alfalfa cubes and pellets sold steady. On comparable new crop sales of alfalfa showed a steady undertone as producers sold kind, quality of large square bales to the same clients. Spotty rain showers in the eastern areas of the state. Relatively dry in the western areas. Many producers are finishing up on first cutting across the state. Central Wyoming Alfalfa - Supreme Cubes
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News Torrington
South Dakota Hay Summary
As of June 20, 2025
Light to moderate demand for hay. Scattered rains and high humidity the past week have made it challenging for hay producers to get hay put up. Heavy dews in the mornings and then cloudy skies preventing hay from drying down quickly. Area hay auctions are still seeing a large supply of old crop hay offered. Very hot temps and windy conditions at the end of the week and through the weekend, with daily showers in the forecast until late next week.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Worthing, SD
Montana Hay Summary
As of June 20, 2025
Compared to last report(6-6-25): Hay sold mostly 5.00-10.00 higher on good to very good demand. The strongest demand was seen from Northern Montana, as buyers were very active in purchasing hay this week. Most of the hay sold was purchased delivered for 195.00210.00. Hay was also purchased to ship south into Wyoming as drought conditions have buyers searching for hay. A few new crop contracts continue to be seen and demand remains very
ranchers have cattle turned out and hay usage is down significantly, however buying for
winter has started as ranchers show concern over the quantity of hay available. Many ranchers have more cows and heifers retained this year and will have more mouths to feed compared to last winter. Producers in Southern and Eastern Montana
CLASSIFIEDS
Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any
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
Events
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 307-682-5723, Rockpile Museum 6/28
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
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
HELP WANTED: LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED RANCH HAND. 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
Services
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.
HEREFORD SEEDSTOCK OPERATION NEAR CHEYENNE, WY LOOKING FOR FULLTIME 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 6/28
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
LOOKING FOR A RANCH HAND IN NORTHEASTERN WYOMING: House and utilities provided. Wage DOE. Call 307660-3112, can send resume to donita@theamericanranch. net 6/28
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 e-mail tamij.jci@gmail. com, fax 307-896-3164, or call 877-896-2261 7/19
Services
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
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!! 7/12
Brands
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE, lazy RM. RRC, RHH, renews in January 2027, 2 sets of hot irons and 2 sets of electric irons, $3,000. Call only, 307-899-3737 6/28
CAUCASIAN SHEPHERD PUPS FOR SALE: Four females and 3 males, ready midJuly. Take care of your wolf and predator problems. Protect your family, property and livestock with this Russian sheep dog. Call 406-210-4807 7/5
AKC BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG PUPPIES: All first shots, microchipped and vet checked. Ready for their new homes now!! $500 OBO. Call or text 605-680-2571. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 6/28
ability, calving ease, gain and disposition. Reasonably priced. Call Shippen Angus 307-856-7531
MYDLAND ANGUS RANCH:
Yearling Angus bulls. Performance tested, EPDs available. Home raised. Call 406-5913404 or 406-855-5598 7/19
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, 307762-3541, www.claycreek.net 6/28
YEARLING ANGUS BULLS: These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 6/28
REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS YEARLING AND 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS: For sale private treaty. Performance and fertility tested. Delivery available. REPLACEMENT HEIFERS available. TRANGMOE ANGUS RANCH, Glendive, MT. Call 406-6873315, 406-989-3315 or 907232-6093 6/28
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
BEST LAST CHANCE SALE!! LYTLE RED ANGUS is offering via private treaty yearling bulls from their grazing developed herd of consistent, efficient and proficient cows. Bulls have passed breeding soundness exams and are ready to work for you!! Visit www.lytleredangus.com or call Zeb, 605-441-7658. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 6/28
Sheep
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
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, 2024-Dec. 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
Hay & Feed
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your summer/fall needs, Barry McRea, 308-2355386, www.valleyvideohay. com 7/19
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, 307-2540554 8/16
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2024 crop $40/bale. 1,000 lb. netwrapped bales. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 8/16
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 yearround 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 7/12
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
WELL STOCKED FOR ARENA, RANGE AND ABOVE THE PLAINS!! Gear up for SUMMER!! Large SELECTION of SADDLES, head stalls, REINS, saddle PADS 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 6/28
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17
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
TONS AND TONS OF HAY FOR SALE!!! Alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mix, straight grass (crested wheat and native grasses), winter wheat, 1,300-1,350 lb. netwrapped round bales. Deliveries are available if needed or come and get it. Sheridan, WY area. Call the ranch, 307-737-2680 or 307-751-2068 (cell) 7/5
HAY FOR SALE: 2024 big rounds of second and third cutting alfalfa, 47 bales of third cutting, bales average 1,440 lbs., $100/bale, 37 bales of second cutting, bales average 1,200 lbs., $75/bale. Discount when buying 10 bales or more. Hay is located in Frannie, WY. Contact Keri Merrill, 307-389-3377 6/28
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-6314104 12/27
90 NET-WRAPPED ROUND BALES, 1,500 lbs. grass/alfalfa mix, 2024 crop, $125/ton. Located in Cody, WY. Calls only, 307-899-3737 6/28
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
Trucks & Trailers
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
2018 LAKOTA LIVING QUARTERS/STOCK COMBO TRAILER, 13’ living quarters with one slide-out, 16’ stock quarters, 4’ tack with saddle rack. New tires and new batteries, charcoal color. Like new. Everything works. Ready to go, $62,500 OBO. Call for pictures 307-680-1561 6/28
Ranch for Lease
Pipe Trucks & Trailers
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 fifth 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
Equipment
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
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 !! 6/28
1963 JOHN DEERE 2010 TRACTOR, 4 cylinder gas. New rear tires with Rim Guard. Du-Al loader with new PTO driven hydraulic pump. Good front tires. Clean and runs well. Can deliver. $8,000. Call 307-343-2164 6/28
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 5th 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 TRAIL-
ER 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
BOBCAT CT 230 FOR SALE: 30 HP, 294 hours. Comes with loader, 60” dirt bucket, 7’ King Kutter 3 pt. back blade, 6’ King Kutter 3 pt. landscape rake. Located in Rapid City, S.D. area, $16,000. Call 701-590-2922. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 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
Equipment
CASE 1070 TRACTOR: 5,000 plus hours, with Du-Al loader and grapple. $12,500. Calls only, 307899-3737 6/28
FOR SALE: New Holland 1441 pull type discbine. Sitrex 9 wheel finger rake. Rowse 9’ pull type mower. Rowse 9’ 3 pt. mower. Rowse 14 wheel high capacity v-rake. 2024 AGT mini excavator H13R with tracks, new machine, $5,000. Ford 7N tractor with wide front, runs great. Meridian 240 seed tender with hydraulic remote control, roll tarp, Honda motor, excellent condition. John Deere 7000 8RN corn and bean planter. John Deere 3970 silage cutter with John Deere 3RN head. 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 605-9995482 6/28
RAIL TIES: #1-9 ft., #1 and #2-8 ft. USED CULVERTS: Three ft., 2 ft., 18” and various lengths. ALSO, 14 pieces of heavy duty schedule 80 PVC, 3.5” ID, 20’ long with stainless steel couplers. Call EMC2, 307-630-2345 or 307-5345253 6/28
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
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Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federationʼs (AFBF) annual marketbasket survey.
An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.
This is down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost.
At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the secondhighest cost since AFBF began the survey in 2013.
The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.
While the survey does not include an exhaustive list of Fourth of July options, it serves as a snapshot of prices families are facing this summer.
“Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price tak-
Cost of summer cookout nearly unchanged from 2024
ers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15 percent. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation to taxes.”
Survey highlights
The marketbasket survey shows an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips and hamburger buns.
The retail price for two pounds of ground beef increased 4.4 percent to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6 percent to $3.54.
Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face.
Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods. The cost of eggs – used in potato salad –is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The AFBF survey found a reduction in cost for six cookout staples.
Among them is a threepound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8 percent from last year at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6 percent less expensive at $2.35.
The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns.
Global context
Although the $7.09 perperson cost is near a historic high, when put in a global context, people in the U.S. spend a smaller percentage of their expenditures on food than in any other country.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “We can celebrate America’s independence every year, in part, because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation’s food independence. Farmers are ded-
icated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America.
“Farmers and ranchers achieve this, in part, through research, conservation and farm safety net programs which are made possible through a strong farm bill. We urge members of Congress to return from their holiday break and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We appreciate efforts during the reconciliation process to address some issues facing agriculture, but only a new farm bill will bring the certainty farmers need to continue leading the world in agriculture.”
To read the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Fourth of July Marketbasket Survey in its entirety, visit fb.org/news-release/cost-ofsummer-cookout-nearlyunchanged-from-2024.
The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 2.2 percent compared to a year ago.
AFBF’s informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.
The Fourth of July cookout survey is part of the AFBF marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanks-
giving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home. Volunteer shoppers across the country, including AFBF members and others, collected data from stores in every state and in Puerto Rico.
AFBF is the nation’s largest general farm organization with member families in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit fb.org
IT'S THE PITTS
by Lee Pitts
The Rattler Relocation Project
The rattle of a rattlesnake has been the soundtrack of my life as I’ve lived in rattler country most of my time on Earth. But it seems like lately I’m seeing and hearing more of them. In the last five years, I’ve killed six of the cold-blooded killers within 10 yards of my front door.
A friend who likes to go hiking says he too has seen so many more rattlers in the state park, he is now wearing the shin guards baseball catchers wear. It’s a good thing, because one rattler got a nasty headache when
it struck the hard plastic covering his leg from his knee down.
I’m not ashamed to say I kill every rattlesnake I can, because the way I see it, it’s kill or be killed. My admission probably horrifies the animal rights activists who live in big cities where the only snakes they come in contact with are politicians and bureaucrats.
One busy-body who used to semi-like me got word I killed a rattlesnake, and now they won’t even return my wave because I
didn’t call the Rattlesnake Relocation Project instead, which supposedly catches rattlers and relocates them.
I tried explaining the only way the rattler would even be in the same zip code by the time the trapper got there was because I’d chopped its head off. I bet if her beloved blind dog got bit by one she’d change her tune.
Speaking of dogs getting bit, I have another neighbor who went from being a snake lover to being repelled by reptiles when a rattler bit the nose of her dog. I think the only reason the dog survived was because it was a rough and tough catahoula with a proud heritage of fighting gators in the swamps of Louisiana.
Still, it nearly died and hasn’t been the same since.
To prevent future occur-
rences, my neighbor put in a rattlesnake fence, and it had hardly been completed when her dog got bit a second time. After surviving two rattler attacks, the dog is now on a mission to rid the world of rattlesnakes. He went from being a nice dog to a deadly assassin.
Because of her dog’s new desire to kill rattlesnakes, my neighbor sold her beautiful home, took her now-nutty dog and moved to a condo in a sanctuary city.
When I worked in the oilfields, there was an area crawling with rattlers. It was a slow week if at least one wasn’t killed and put in someone’s lunchbox to scare them to death like they did to me on my first day on the job.
We killed so many rattlesnakes, I started collecting their rattles and skinning
their hides.
On my first day in the oilfields, I was handed two things – a hard-hat and a snakebite kit, which consisted of one rubber end holding a razor blade and another end with a rubber suction cup that you were supposed to use to suck out the venom after you’d cut a deep X through the fang marks.
I always wondered if I’d have the guts to cut myself if I was ever bit.
A friend who retired from working in those same oilfields told me they no longer issue snakebite kits and said the old rules no longer apply. Now they tell you to remain calm – easy for them to say – apply a tourniquet and have someone drive you to the nearest hospital, or mortuary, whatever the case may be.
What prompted this essay was an event that made me even more proud of my wife, if that’s possible. She loves to garden, but before she gets down on her hands and knees to plant or trim, she shakes the bushes with a stick to scare any snakes away.
Today, my wife casually mentioned she’d killed a rattlesnake while gardening. At first, I was leery of her claim, but sure enough, she showed me the dead rattler with its head chopped cleanly off.
I wonder, how many women can say they’ve killed a rattlesnake? It’s got to be a very low number.
Now, just like that catahoula, my shovel-wielding wife is on a deadly mission and has embarked on her own version of the Rattlesnake Relocation Project.
District manager welcomed
The Board of Supervisors and staff at Laramie Rivers Conservation District welcomed Katie Wynne as the new district manager.
Wynne is not a newcomer to the field of conservation. She holds a Master of Science in Natural Resource Stewardship from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. Her background includes ecological restoration, as well as forming working relationships with landowners and other stakeholders engaged in natural resource use.
Over the last 13 years, Wynne has been involved in various stages of project planning, data collection, field research, budgeting
and providing expertise to support informed decisions regarding natural resources conservation.
Her approach to longterm project development and management is embedded in science-based natural resource adaptative management strategies.
As a dedicated team leader, she strives to be a supportive mentor and compassionate supervisor. She is effective when working from many different perspectives to keep projects moving forward, and she accepts challenges highlighting local community-level program management solutions that reach to the national level.
Wynne is a Certified Wyoming Naturalist, a program encompassing natural resources across the state with annual volunteer requirements to maintain certification. Her capstone project was based on proactive roadway design to support big game movement.
Adobe Stock photo Katie Wynne Courtesy photo
Global sunflower production booms
Global sunflower production in 2025-26 is forecast to increase eight percent from the previous year to 56.2 million metric tons (MMT). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects increased production in Russia, the European Union (EU), Ukraine, Turkey and the U.S. Ukraine’s sunflower production is forecast to recover moderately from 2024-25 as farmers shift planted area from grain in favor of oilseeds. However, the crop will remain significantly lower than pre-conflict levels. Russia is expected to remain the world’s largest producer, followed by Ukraine and the EU.
Seed exports are forecast to remain relatively flat at 2.35 MMT this year as Russia and Ukraine resume crushing a larger portion of their crop domestically.
Global sunflower seed stocks at the end of 2025-26 are forecast at 3.26 MMT, which is below the five-year average.
Worldwide increases
Global sunflower crush volume is forecast to increase by 4.1 MMT to 51.8 MMT. Sunflower oil production for 2025-26 is forecast to increase by 1.8 MMT to 21.9 MMT on higher sunflower crush in Ukraine, the EU, Russia, China, Turkey and the U.S. Partially offsetting is lower crush in Argentina and Kazakhstan due to lower sunflower production.
Global sunflower oil exports are expected to increase about one MMT to 13.7 MMT on higher ship-
ments from Ukraine, Russia and Turkey. Imports of sunflower oil for China and India are forecast to increase to 1.2 MMT and 3.2 MMT, respectively.
Global sunflower oil consumption for 2025-26 is projected to grow seven percent to 20.4 MMT on higher supply and competitive prices. This increase is projected in the major consuming countries of India, China and the EU.
With global demand growth keeping up with global supply, global sunflower oil ending stocks for 2025-26 are forecast at 2.4 MMT, flat compared with 2024-25.
U.S. sunflower production for 2025 is still undetermined and will not be known until this fall.
Initial industry estimates pegged 2025 U.S. sunflower production at 1.8 billion pounds, which would represent an increase of 57 percent from last year. The higher production is based on an increase in planted area from 720,800 to 1.07 million acres and trend yields for oil-type and confection sunflowers.
On March 1, USDA reported seed stocks for all sunflower seed types at 564 million pounds, down 52 percent from last year. Using this stocks figure and estimated production should lead to minimal ending stocks at the end of this marketing year given current demand. It also sets up a very positive price trend through the 2025-26 marketing year.
These figures can change dramatically over the course of the next few months depending upon weather conditions this summer and fall.
The smaller 2024 U.S. sunflower crop should keep old-crop prices firm, and there is a strong likelihood price premiums will be in place to encourage growers to desiccate and harvest early.
Birdfood demand should also start to heat up this
month. Overall, new-crop price direction will be driven by demand news and eventual 2025 crop production.
John Sandbakken of Mandan, N.D. has been the executive director of the National Sunflower Association (NSA) since 2012. Before his current post, he was NSA’s international marketing director for 16 years. This article was originally published by Dakota Farmer on June 23.
Red Roan Q.H. Gelding Buckskin AQHA Gelding
Registered Gypsy Gelding
Black Percheron Geldings
Black John Mule
Sorrel Gypsy X Gelding Paint X Draft Gelding
Seated Buckboard Mountian Spring Wagon
Sorrel AQHA Gelding
Worldwide growth – Global sunflower production is expected to increase eight percent from the 2024 season, with increased production in Russia, the European Union, Ukraine, Turkey and the U.S. Getty Images photo by Andrii Shablovskyi
Preventing PI calves starts with strong biosecurity and smart vaccination
At first glance, a persistently infected (PI) calf may look just like any other in the herd, but beneath the surface, these calves are silent spreaders, continuously shedding bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and exposing healthy herd mates to infection.
How PI calves risk herd health
calf is infected before their immune system is able to recognize the virus as foreign, they can become a PI calf. This enables the virus to live and grow within the calf indefinitely.
“There are many consequences stemming from a BVDV PI calf,” said Dr. Jen Roberts of Boehringer Ingelheim. “The virus itself does
Sidney Railroad Salvage
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of other diseases, like respiratory disease in calves or mastitis in a milking herd.”
“There can also be significant reproductive repercussions like early embryonic losses, abortion and birth defects,” Roberts added. “While these concurrent diseases are not necessarily caused by BVDV, the immunosuppressive effects of the
“The acute infection period is very short – usually 10 to 14 days – so if it is possible to quarantine new herd additions, the recommended period of isolation is two weeks prior to commingling with the rest of the herd,” continued Roberts. “If you’re sending animals to a heifer grower, especially one raising heifers for multiple operations, I always recommend the calves go to a heifer grower who requires
Prevent PI calves through vaccination
“The most common way BVDV spreads is through PI calves, so it’s also important to develop a targeted vaccination program to prevent BVDV PI calves from being born into a herd,” stressed
Vaccinating cows with a modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine labeled for BVDV like EXPRESS FP helps protect health and reproductive efficiency and enables them to deliver healthy, PI-free
This same pre-breeding vaccine will also help cows produce antibody-rich colostrum to protect calves from BVDV and other respiratory disease threats right after
When building a herd with strong immunity, vaccination shouldn’t stop with the dam. While maternal antibodies offer initial defense against disease, this protection wanes over time, opening the door for a gap in calf immunity.
Research has shown when exposed to a PI calf, 70 to 100 percent of non-vaccinated or immune-suppressed cattle become infected.
Fortunately, calves as
young as 30 days of age can still generate a strong immune response in the face of maternal antibodies.
In a study, 30-day-old calves with maternal antibodies present were vaccinated with a uniquely adjuvanted five-way plus Mannheimia haemolytica MLV injectablevaccine protocol or an intranasal- and injectable-vaccine protocol.
Five months later, both groups were challenged with BVDV Type 1b and M. haemolytica
Results show the fiveway plus M. haemolytica MLV vaccine protocol provided a stronger immune response against BVDV Type 1b. It also decreased the level of BVDV shedding and kept rectal temperatures lower for several days, compared to the intranasal- and injectable-vaccine protocol.
Not all respiratory vaccines are the same.
Roberts suggested working with a local veterinarian to solidify a vaccine protocol to best fit an operation’s needs.
BVDV Type 1b is the leading cause of PI calves
Thirty years ago, the majority of BVDV cases were caused by Type 1a. In more recent years, Type 1b has emerged as the most prevalent subspecies of BVDV in the U.S., accounting for roughly 70 percent of reported cases.
Viruses often mutate to escape detection by an animal’s immune system. Over time, viral mutations resulting from environmental pressures can lead to changes in the prevalence of viral strains, causing clinical disease.
“The most surprising thing to me about BVDV
has been the divergence of the different subspecies over the past 20 to 30 years,” said Roberts. “We know there are differences in the breadth of BVDV protection offered in commercially available vaccines, and it’s important to reevaluate vaccination protocols periodically as patterns in clinical diseases shift.”
Due to the increasing risk of BVDV Type 1b, Roberts recommended working with a veterinarian to establish a sound vaccination protocol including adequate protection against this particular subspecies.
“It’s important to get at least two – if not three – doses of a MLV vaccine labeled to protect against BVDV 1b administered by the time the calf reaches breeding age,” she pointed out. “We want to make sure each heifer on the farm has optimal protection prior to breeding in order to reduce the likelihood she gives birth to a PI calf.”
While BVDV presents serious challenges, producers have reliable tools like vaccination, testing and biosecurity to manage it.
Staying proactive and aware of BVDV impact is the first step in keeping a herd healthy and productive for the long run.
Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products and medicines for pets, horses and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers and governments. For more information, visit boehringer-ingelheim.com/ us/animal-health. This article was originally published on June 17.