National Bison Day celebrates spirit of the American West Page A8
Quarterly economic outlook provided by CoBank Knowledge Exchange Page B1-B2
Benefits of crossbreeding
sheep highlighted during recent ASI podcast Page B3
Record high cattle market has yet to peak Page B8
With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits temporarily paused, StillGood Natrona County and Fremont Honda of Casper are teaming up for the Fill the Ridgeline Food Drive, taking place through Nov. 29. Donations can be dropped off at Fremont Honda in Casper, and those who donate a full bag of groceries will receive $250 off of any vehicle purchase.
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture is participating in the Capitol Complex Food Drive, taking place Nov. 3-14 in Cheyenne, and urges those in a position to do so to donate. All donations go to the Needs, Inc. food pantry. Items needed include Hamburger or Tuna Helper, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruits and vegetables and oatmeal. For more information, contact Rachael Reinhardt at rachael. reinhardt2@wyo.gov or 307777-6143.
A final rule packet for the Wyoming Livestock Board’s (WLSB) Chapter Eight, Livestock Board Import Rules has been approved by Gov. Mark Gordon. For more information and to view the final rule in its entirety, visit rules.wyo.gov
Voting is open to select the winner of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) 13th Annual National Anthem Contest. The winner will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Opening General Session of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. Feb. 3-5. Finalists include Elle Glaser of Tangent, Ore.; Gracyn Stevens of Kirklin, Ind.; Zoey Symons of Lake Charles, La. and Kendall Whatley of Stephenville, Texas. Videos of the finalists are available for viewing, and voting is available at convention.ncba.org/. The public can vote once per day per person through Nov. 15, and the winner will be announced by Nov. 21.
On Oct. 28-29, the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee convened in Cheyenne to review two major draft bills regard-
ing landowner hunting licenses – an ongoing discussion which has caused its fair share of contention in the state.
The committee considered Draft Bill 26LSO-0176, Landowner hunt-
ing licenses-limitation and Draft Bill 26LSO-0212, Landowner hunting licenses-requirements, ultimately deciding to advance them both.
Students representing a host of Wyoming FFA chapters were competitive at the national event,
Development
Billings, Mont. bustled with action Oct. 10-18 as hundreds of livestock producers, youth exhibitors and rodeo athletes from across the U.S. and Canada gathered together for the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) stock show and rodeo.
Over the course of seven action-packed days – featuring livestock shows, horse competitions and rodeo events – judges evaluated top-tier junior market and breeding classes of beef, hogs, lambs and goats.
Amidst the tough competition, a few exhibitors from Wyoming showcased some of their finest animals, walking away with top honors and proving the Cowboy State’s excellence in producing quality stock.
Beef show results
In the Junior Fed Market Steer Show, Quentin Harwood of Geyser, Mont. earned grand champion honors, while Layton Mrnak of Bowman, N.D. celebrated a reserve champion win.
During the NILE Merit Heifer Show, a heifer exhibited by Dani Hess of Park City, Mont. and donated by Bar Star Cattle of Musselshell, Mont. earned grand champion honors, while the Reserve Champion NILE Merit Heifer was shown by Maeve Korthuis of Sprague, Wash. and donated by 3C Cattle Company of Stevensville, Mont.
Swine show results
Wyoming’s own Riley West of Cheyenne represented the Cowboy State well, earning top honors with the Grand Champion Market Hog during the NILE Junior Fed Market
home top honors across several categories. “Wyoming FFA members continue to show that our programs prepare students to compete and succeed at the highest levels,” says Wyoming FFA State Advisor Stacy Broda in a Nov. 5 press release. “Their
For Dr. Molly Meyer, veterinary work is an avenue to serve God by caring for animals and serving the people who rely them.
Her background in ranching, passion for animals and deeply-rooted faith
U.S. Rep. Hageman discusses policy, partnership at WWA annual conference
The Wyoming Water Association (WWA) held their annual meeting and conference at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper from Oct. 29-31.
The three-day conference was themed “Every Drop Counts: Policy, People and the Path Forward” and featured presentations from a variety of speakers, including U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) who delivered comments on water policy, infrastructure management and federal partnership during the final day of the conference.
Policy updates
To begin, Hageman touched on two relevant pieces of policy – the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act and House Joint (HJ) Resolution 104.
“Earlier this year, I introduced the Colorado Basin System Conservation Extension Act to reauthorize the system conservation program,” Hageman began. The act extends the
has led to success both professionally and personally.
In addition to providing veterinary services throughout a 150-mile radius with her company Horizon Veterinary Services, Meyer is a dedicated wife, mother and rancher who embodies some of the best qualities of the many extraordinary cowgirls who call the Cowboy State home.
An early love
Meyer’s passion for animals started early in childhood and has shaped her path throughout her life.
“Growing up on a ranch gave me a love for animals and instilled in me the responsibility to care for them,” Meyer says, recalling examples of several “good cowboys and veterinarians” she had the
On Oct. 30, Wyoming received the best news of all.
It all happened when Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) Co-Chair Don Richards gave a report to the Joint Appropriations Committee. There must have been smiles all around as Richards explained there was $1.86 billion in investment earnings from the investment savings account this fiscal year.
Nearly all of the conditions resulting in Wyoming’s investments to set a record year in positive gains happened this last fiscal year.
These investment earnings came from interest, realized capital gains and dividends, the same funds we as individuals receive from our investments in the stock market.
Wyoming has a huge savings account, and currently the market value is around $32.5 billion.
These investments didn’t just happen by chance, so a big thanks to those who made it possible throughout the years.
I believe it all started during Gov. Stan Hathaway’s term from 1967-75. His administration developed the first mineral severance tax in 1969 and an amendment to the Wyoming State Constitution in 1974, creating a Permanent Mineral Trust Fund which imposed a 1.5 percent tax on extraction of minerals in the state.
These dollars are deposited in the Wyoming Trust Fund. The principal of the trust fund can never be spent, but the income from it goes into the state’s general fund.
Funds from this past fiscal year came from mineral production, high interest rates and a rising stock market – the pieces fell into place, and everything will have to fall into place in future years to match this year’s results.
For many years, Wyoming’s investments were really conservative as we knew we were in for the long haul. However, when Gov. Mark Gordon was state treasurer, along with current State Treasurer Curt Meier and the rest of legislature, they changed what Wyoming could invest in and it has paid off.
Investment income was the top revenue source for Wyoming over the last fiscal year.
Richards told the Joint Appropriations Committee, “I can’t overemphasize the amount of money generated from savings of the state for this. I’m not advocating or endorsing any of those policies, but I would acknowledge the prior action of the legislature in terms of their investment policy, the savings in those funds, the increase to money management, the authorization to invest in alternatives and increasing the reserve amounts is all contributing to these outside gains.”
Wyoming’s investments are really diverse. It has a few one could call somewhat aggressive or volatile and a large number which are safe investments. This year, the aggressive investments won big.
With the current economy, inflation, minerals and interest rates down and sales and use taxes declining, next year’s funds look to be lower.
The stock market always goes up and down. The last few years we’ve been on a good ride, but when it goes down, it almost always comes back stronger.
Investing is a lot like owning cattle or sheep. It is a fragile market, and one small incident can hurt, like adverse comments from the White House.
Someone once said, “It is easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.”
In 1961, the Kennedy administration initiated an effort to weaken the livestock grazing focus of public land management in the West. This effort, with exceptions, has continued through much of the past 65 years.
Fortunately, early in this process industry leaders recognized the need for an organized forceful response.
These leaders, including Carl Jorgensen and Dean Prosser of Wyoming, established the Public Lands Council (PLC) in 1968. Additional Wyoming leaders who became engaged early on include Joe Burke, Vern Vivion and Bob Bledsoe.
A single staff person was charged with the responsibility of representing the industry’s interests in Washington, D.C., and early funding was dependent on the efforts of state sheep and cattle organizations.
Fast forward to a professional organization widely recognized and respected for its effectiveness in representing public lands grazing interests before Congress and with both
By Jim Magagna
supportive and challenging federal administrations.
I personally became engaged in the work of PLC beginning in the late 1970s, serving as PLC president in 1989. Thus, I have witnessed over five decades of the maturing of PLC.
Today, PLC is the definitive voice for public lands ranchers, representing approximately 22,000 grazing permits across 14 western states. The outstanding professional staff of three is led by Kaitlynn Glover, a Wyoming native.
This year, PLC leadership, along with this exceptional staff, were well prepared to engage early with the Trump administration and Congress, outlining a positive agenda for the industry.
As Glover noted, “Permittees’ voices rose above the fray as principled, trusted and reasoned sources of honest feedback in countless rooms across Washington, D.C.”
The list of public land issues is endless – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) resource management plans,
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plan revisions, the BLM Public Lands Rule, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, agency directives and handbooks, and more.
PLC is the only Washington, D.C.based organization with a singular focus on the impacts of these matters on grazing permittees and lessees on BLM, USFS and national grasslands.
Unfortunately, litigation has increasingly become an essential component of the PLC mission.
The PLC Endowment Trust, established approximately 15 years ago with funding provided through negotiations with a pipeline company, has enabled PLC to engage actively in public education and partner recruitment which has broadened support for our industry.
Nevertheless, the annual PLC assessment of affiliated state organizations remains the backbone of funding for PLC’s mission.
In Wyoming, the Wyoming Public Lands Coalition, comprised of the
A multi-year investigation recently wrapped up in Lincoln County on Sept. 24 when Rodney Gilstrap of Idaho Falls, Idaho was sentenced on multiple wildlife-related charges following an appeal filed in August 2024.
The charges stemmed from Gilstrap falsely claiming to be a Wyoming resident beginning in 2018 and then illegally killing deer, elk and pronghorn in western Wyoming.
Afton Game Warden James Hobbs began this investigation in 2019 after receiving anonymous tips from the public that Gilstrap was claiming to be a Wyoming resident for the purpose of obtaining resident hunting licenses but was living and working in Idaho.
Shortly after receiving this information, Hobbs and other Wyoming wildlife investigators began an investigation into Gilstrap’s background, and found Gilstrap committed multiple wildlife related crimes from 201821. These crimes occurred in multiple Wyoming counties including Lincoln, Sublette and Teton.
Through the course of this investigation, game wardens partnered with Idaho Fish and Game and search warrants were served at Gilstrap’s residence in Idaho Falls, Idaho on March 18, 2022. During the execution of these search warrants, officers recovered four large mule deer heads/antlers, two bull elk heads/antlers and one buck pronghorn head/horns.
These animals were killed in Wyoming using resident licenses Gilstrap illegally obtained or were killed without any license.
Gilstrap was later charged with 22 wildlife crimes in Lincoln, Sublette and Teton counties.
On Aug. 1, 2024, Gilstrap accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to three counts of making false statements to procure Wyoming resident deer and elk licenses and three counts of killing deer and elk without the proper licenses.
Gilstrap was sentenced to 540 days in jail with 519 days being suspended and was sentenced to serve 21 days in jail, three years of unsupervised probation during which he is required to pay $10,000 in restitution to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and $17,905 in fines.
Additionally, Gilstrap received an 18-year suspension of his game and fish privileges in Wyoming and all member states of the Wildlife Violator Compact, and he forfeited all of the heads and antlers previously seized.
Gilstrap is also not allowed to hunt antlers in Wyoming during his probationary period and shall be a lawabiding citizen.
With Gilstrap’s guilty pleas in Lincoln County the other 16 charges in Lincoln, Teton and Sublette counties were dismissed.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), multiple county conservation districts and several nonprofit conservation organizations will offer an educational symposium on virtual fencing for livestock on Jan. 8, 2026 at the CAM-PLEX Central Pavilion Building in Gillette.
Representatives from four virtual fence manufacturers – Nofence, Gallagher/eShepherd, Vence and Halter – will attend the symposium to discuss their products and how they operate.
Livestock producers who have used virtual fence systems will share their experiences with the technology, and representatives from government land management agencies will outline their agency’s virtual fence policies.
Nonprofit conservation organizations will also provide information on funding opportunities for producers wanting to get started with virtual fencing.
The symposium is free, but pre-registration is required by Dec. 15. The symposium will begin at 8 a.m. and end at approximately 4 p.m. A free lunch will be provided.
For more information or to register, visit content. govdelivery.com/attachments/WYWGFD/2025/10/31/ file_attachments/3443525/Virtual%20fence%20symposium%20agenda.pdf
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is asking residents to properly dispose of pumpkins instead of leaving them out for wildlife to eat following the Halloween holiday.
While it may seem harmless to leave pumpkins out, WGFD says it is quite the opposite – especially for mule deer whose digestive system cannot process unnatural foods. This often leads to sick animals.
Pumpkins left outside also can attract scavenging animals like raccoons and bears.
“This time of year, the department gets many calls about sickly deer fawns, and much of this can be attributed to deer eating foods which offer little nutritional value and that they have a difficult time digesting. This makes them susceptible to parasites and other diseases,” said Stan Harter, WGFD wildlife biologist in Lander.
Many places in Wyoming also have feeding ordinances, making the intentional feeding of wildlife by private citizens illegal.
The Montana Department of Agriculture is announcing the opening of the Fiscal Year 2026 funding cycle for the Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program.
Established by the 1985 Montana Legislature, NWTF grants provide funding for noxious weed research projects, development projects, state and community education and on-the-ground management through a landowner cost share.
Applicants may apply for funding up to $75,000 per project. Applications are due on Jan. 6, 2026. To apply, visit mtagr.webgrantscloud.com/index.do
For more information, visit agr.mt.gov/NoxiousWeedTrustFund or contact NWTF Program Coordinator Greta Dige at 444-7882 or greta.dige@mt.gov.
The American Angus Association’s (AAA) 142nd Annual Convention of Delegates gathered on Nov. 2 in Kansas City, Mo.
Five members were reelected to a second term on the board, including Rob Adams of Union Springs, Ala.; Art Butler of Bliss, Idaho; Alan Mead of Barnett, Mo; Henry Smith of Russell Springs, Ky. and Roger Wann of Poteau, Okla.
The delegation also elected new officers, including Jim Brinkley of Milan, Mo. as president and chairman of the board and Darrell Stevenson of White Sulphur Springs, Mont. as vice president and vice chairman of the board.
Smitty Lamb of Tifton, Ga. will serve as the treasurer for Fiscal Year 2026.
“It’s encouraging we have new people coming into the breed. It is something we learned in our recent member survey,” said Jim Brinkley, president and chairman of the AAA Board of Directors. “Membership has requests, and we want to make sure we are aligned with what they need, the tools they need and the tools their commercial customers need.”
Directors can serve up to two, three-year terms on the board and, if elected, they serve an additional oneyear term in office as president/chairman and/or vice president/vice chairman.
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is urging federal officials to take a closer look at the growing volume of imported lamb which domestic producers say is threatening their livelihoods.
ASI recently filed a formal request with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate a global safeguard investigation into lamb meat imports under Sections 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974.
According to ASI, imported lamb – often sold at lower prices – is undercutting American producers, packers and ranch workers. The group also submitted a detailed report to federal officials outlining market data and evidence of injury to the U.S. industry, which was gathered from lamb companies in recent weeks.
The issue also surfaced on Capitol Hill during a Senate Finance Committee hearing for USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator Nominee Julie Callahan.
In questioning, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) raised concerns about the impact of foreign lamb on domestic ranchers. Callahan echoed these concerns, noting U.S. producers are being “outcompeted by imports,” and the decline in domestic market share is putting multi-generational farm families at risk.
Both the industry’s formal petition and the Senate’s focus on lamb imports signal growing pressure in Washington, D.C. to address the challenges facing America’s sheep producers.
According to a Nov. 3 Reuters article, the Trump administration plans to partially fund food aid for millions of Americans after two judges ruled it must use contingency funds to pay for the benefits in November during the government shutdown.
The administration laid out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan in a filing in federal court in Rhode Island at the direction of a judge who ordered it to use emergency funds to at least partially cover November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The U.S. Department of Justice said USDA is complying with U.S. District Judge John McConnell’s order and “will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds.”
However, while the administration said it would fully deplete the $5.25 billion in contingency funds, it would not use other funding allowing it to fully fund SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans, which costs $8 billion to $9 billion per month.
The administration said $600 million would be used to fund states’ administrative costs in administering SNAP benefits, leaving $4.65 billion which will be obligated to cover 50 percent of eligible households’ current allotments.
The partial payments are unprecedented in the program’s history. A USDA official warned in a court filing, at least some states which administer SNAP benefits on a day-to-day basis would need weeks to months to make system changes to allow them to provide the reduced benefits.
SNAP benefits are paid out monthly to eligible Americans whose income is less than 130 percent of the federal poverty line or $1,632 a month for a oneperson household and $2,215 for a two-person household in many areas.
4148M • #4909562 • 2/20/24
IDENTITY X REDEMPTION X EXPECTATION
169PRO, 90HB, 17CED, -5.8BW, 77WW, 122YW, 28MILK, 17HPG, 11CEM, 16ST, 0.88MB, 0.22RE, $26,390$P, $126$R One of the best overall Identity Sons to sell all fall!
4380M • #4917878 • 4/11/24
HOLLYWOOD X RANCHER X GOLD MINE 101PRO, 13HB, 11CED, -1.1BW, 102WW, 173YW, 30MILK, 14HPG, 6CEM, 9ST, 0.83MB, 0.15RE, $14,400$P, 7$R The #1 Growth bull in the entire sale!
4183M • #4909632 • 3/14/24
NEXTGEN X X-FACTOR X VICTORY 148PRO, 55HB, 13CED, -2.5BW, 73WW, 115YW, 31MILK, 12HPG, 9CEM, 15ST, 1.07MB, 0.38RE, $26,111$P, $129$R Right out of our ET program and ready to go to work!
4390M • #5047997 • 4/9/24 HOLLYWOOD X COMMANDER X DEFENDER 121PRO, 24HB, 16CED, -2.3BW, 91WW, 152YW, 28MILK, 10HPG, 8CEM, 10ST, 0.87MB, 0.32RE, $24,817$P, $53$R
4192M • #4909650 • 3/18/24 NEXTGEN X COMMANDER X DEFENDER 164PRO, 70HB, 14CED, -3.9BW, 63WW, 101YW, 29MILK, 10HPG, 10CEM, 16ST, 0.91MB, 0.29RE, $26,104$P, $137$R Make as many daughters as you can out this bull!
4189M • #4909644 • 3/17/24
NEXTGEN X STATESMAN X PREMIER 138PRO, 54HB, 14CED, -3.1BW, 72WW, 114YW, 31MILK, 12HPG, 10CEM, 14ST, 1.04MB, 0.10RE, $25,680$P, $145$R Balanced bull that puts it all into one package!
4566M • #4936572 • 3/10/24
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is providing additional time for the public to comment on a proposed amendment and associated environmental assessment reviewing special management designations and evaluating mineral development opportunities across approximately 3.6 million acres of BLM-managed land in Fremont, Sublette and Sweetwater counties.
The BLM will accept comments until Dec. 18.
BLM will also host a public meeting as an opportunity for the public to learn more about the proposed amendment. The meeting will take place on Dec. 3 from 3-6 p.m. at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.
The amendment responds to Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy, which directs federal agencies to reassess policies that may unnecessarily restrict access to domestic energy and mineral resources. The BLM determined existing mineral restrictions and special management designations within the Rock Springs Field Office require reevaluation.
The planning area contains 12 areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC), five special recreation management areas, a National Historic Trails corridor and 13 wilderness study areas.
BLM will reexamine these designations to determine whether special management is still warranted and where development may be appropriate. The amendment will also consider advances in technology, evolving industry interest and updated mineral potential data.
BLM encourages participation from local communities, Tribes and industry stakeholders throughout the process, and the agency is accepting nominations for new ACECs.
For more information or to submit comments, visit eplanning.blm.gov, e-mail BLM_WY_RockSpringsRMP@ blm.gov or call 307-775-6015.
Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), Wyoming Wool Growers Association and Wyoming State Grazing Board, is the state PLC affiliate.
Each year in October, Wyoming PLC reaches out to all Wyoming permittees to solicit support to enable participation in PLC.
Today, we have a unique opportunity with the current administration to strengthen the role of public lands grazing in ways which will ensure a brighter future for the use of public lands.
Are you a public lands grazing permittee/lessee? Your financial support for PLC through payment of the Wyoming PLC voluntary assessment is a wise business decision. I urge you to send a payment today.
For further information or to make a payment over the phone, contact Wyoming PLC at 307-638-3942. Jim Magagna is the executive vice president of WSGA. He can be reached at jim@wysga.org.
Jan. 30, 1941 – Nov. 4, 2025
Dick Cheney, the 46th vice president of the U.S., who served two terms under President George W. Bush from 2001-09, died on Nov. 4 from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family announced. He was 84.
Cheney has been called the most powerful and influential vice president in U.S. history, having taken an unusually active role in the Bush administration as a trusted advisor who pushed for the expansion of presidential power.
Cheney was particularly instrumental in guiding the country’s escalation of the War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks.
He was one of the prime
movers behind the creation of the USA Patriot Act, which gave the government more power to identify, monitor, detain and interrogate individuals suspected of supporting terrorism.
“Cheney was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges,” Bush said in a statement. “I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people.”
Prior to vice presidency, Cheney had notable roles in the cabinets of several Republican presidents, dating back to Gerald Ford, for whom he served as chief of staff. During the Reagan years, he represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he quickly rose to the position of House Minority Whip.
President George H.W. Bush named Cheney the Secretary of Defense, where he became highly influential over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, including
Gary Carl Burgener, Jr. Sept. 4, 1968 – Oct. 20, 2025
Gary Carl Burgener, Jr., age 57, died at his home in Douglas on Oct. 20.
Gary was born on Sept. 4, 1968 in Powell. He was the son of Gary Carl Burgener and Kay D. (Bayne) Burgener. He spent his childhood on the Burgener Farm in Powell and later at the Pitchfork and Matador ranches where he learned all of his cowboy skills.
He graduated from Watford City High School in North Dakota in 1986 and earned an associate degree in animal science from Dawson Community College in Montana.
Gary married Janelle Rae Leiseth on May 12, 1989.
Gary was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and was a three-time Mountain States Circuit Champion Bareback Rider. He rode at every major rodeo in the U.S. and Canada.
When he retired from bareback riding, Gary worked in the oilfield until he became self-employed raising and training horses. He was an avid horseman and hunter. One of his greatest achievements was when he got a Boon and Crockett bull moose from the Snowy Range Moun-
the Gulf War of 1991.
Between his tenure in the Pentagon and his time as vice president, Cheney worked in the private sector as chairman of the board and chief executive officer for oil company Halliburton. He consistently articulated a pragmatic foreign policy, unafraid to use the
nation’s power to further U.S. interests in the world.
“The good Lord didn’t see fit to put oil and gas only where there are democratically-elected regimes friendly to the U.S.,” he said in a 1998 speech. “Occasionally we have to operate in places where, all considered, one would not nor-
mally choose to go. But we go where the business is.”
Cheney had heart problems throughout much of his adult life, beginning with his first heart attack at age 37. He would go on to have four more heart attacks, in addition to undergoing coronary artery bypass in 1988, receiving a stent in 2000,
being rushed into coronary balloon angioplasty in 2001 and having a pacemaker installed later in 2001.
Cheney received a heart transplant in 2012. He is survived by his wife Lynne and his two daughters, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and Mary Cheney.
tains with his friend and mentor Sam Meads. His most memorable hunting trip took place in Africa with his friend Darin Geringer.
Gary is preceded in death by his father Gary Burgener on Oct. 26, 2011 and his beloved brotherin-law Reo Underwood on Sept. 16, 2017.
He is survived by his wife Janelle Burgener; sons Tanner Burgener, Reed (Macki) Burgener and Dalton Burgener; grandchildren Peak Burgener and Hattie Mae Hannan-Burgener; sisters Corinne (James) Miller, Tammie Cowherd and Stephanie Underwood and his mother Kay Burgener.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 27 at the Fort Reno Building on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas with Pastor Tim Millikin officiating.
Serving as pallbearers were Fred Larsen, Darin Geringer, Ryan Underwood, J.W. Winkleplek, Jeff Miller and Justin Schwartzkopf. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Tanner Burgener, Reed Burgener, Dalton Burgener, Peak Burgener and Hattie Mae Hannan-Burgener.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Justin Crisis Cowboy Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919; Douglas Wrestling Club, 999 Eagle Drive, Douglas, WY 82633 or Douglas Moose Lodge #602, PO Box 168, Douglas, WY 82633 would be appreciated by the family.
FEEDERS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - FEEDER &
Bates Creek Cattle Co. 40 Blk/Bwf Strs, 1000#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, No Antibiotics, No Implants, Verified by IMI Global: SAV, NHTC, VBN, GrassFed
WEANED CALVES
Bates Creek Cattle Co. 720 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 525-575#, Weaned 45 days, Running out on Hay Meadows, Branding Shots: Bovi-Sheild One Shot, Vision 7, Pre-cond. Shots: Bovi-Shield One Shot, Weaning Shots: Inforce 3, Vision 7, All Natural (No Antibiotics, No Implants), Verified by IMI Global: SAV, NHTC, VBN, VGrassFed, (approx. 445 all natural)
Mark & Connie Kersting 200 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned 60 days, Running out on grass, Branding Shots: Vision 7, One Shot BVD, Enforce 3, Pre-cond. Shots: Vision 7 Somnus/Spur, Titanium 5/Nuplura, Poured w/Ivermax, Steers are Banded, Producer All Natural Gary “Buzz” & Carol Oliver 138 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 650-750#, Weaned 45 days, Bunk Broke, Been on Hay & Silage, Branding Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus, Nasalgen, Multimin, Pre-cond. Shots (Sept. 28): Vision 7 w/Somnus, Nasalgen, Poured, Producer All Natural Bill Reffalt 130 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 650-750#, Weaned 45 days, Bunk broke, Been on Hay/Silage, Branding Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus, Nasalgen, Multimin, Pre-cond. Shots (Sept. 28): Vision 7 w/Somnus, Nasalgen, Poured, Producer All Natural Ryan Swartzell 60 Mostly Blk Strs & Hfrs, 450-525#, 2 Rounds of Shots: 7-way & Vista Once, Wormed & Ivermectin Pour On, Weaned 45 Days on Grass Hay Jhett Johnson 45 Red Strs & Hfrs, 450-500#, Complete Vac, Weaned 60 Days, Been on Silage, Producer All Natural Dan Wedemeyer Ranch 35 Angus/Piedmontese -x Strs & Hfrs, 565-585#, Weaned 28 days, Been on Native Grass Hay and Creep Feed, Branding Shots: Ultra Choice 7, Inforce 3, One Shot, Weaning Shots: Ultra Choice 7, Inforce 3, One Shot, High Altitude, Producer All Natural PRECOND. CALVES Snowden Cattle 290 Blk/Bwf/Red/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 400-600#, Branding & Precond Shots: BoviShield Gold One Shot, Ultrabac 8, Implants at Branding, Wormed at Precond, Complete Mineral Program & Native Grass, Sired by Leachman Genetics, High Elevation, 9000 ft T-A Land & Cattle/Tracy & Amy Terrell 250 Blk/Bwf/Rd/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 300-450#, Branding Shots, Pre-cond Shots (Oct. 14): Ultrabac 7, Pyramid 5, Sired by Diamond Peak Angus & Deberard Herefords, Nice set of Calves: go anywhere or fit anyone’s program Oak Leaf Ranch 135 Mostly Blk Strs & Hfrs, 525-625#, Branding Shots: Vision 7, Injectable Dectomax, Pre-cond. Shots: Nasalgen 3 PMH, Steers are Knife Cut, Producer All Natural Brock & Bridget Beavers 79 Blk/Bwf Strs, 500-600#, Shots at Birth: Vision 7/Spur, Branding Shots: Vision 7 w/Spur, Nasalgen 3 PMH, Precond. Shots (Oct. 11): Vista Once SQ, No Implants, April/May Calves, Been on a Free Choice Salt & Mineral Program Carolyn Johnson 14 Red Angus Strs, 480-590#, Been on a Pre Vac Program, No Implants, Producer All Natural CALVES
Spearhead Ranch/David Moore 170 Blk/Rd Angus Hfrs, 400-420#, Branding Shots: Vision 7 Somnus w/Spur, Vista Once SQ, No Implants, Slick/unbranded, May Calves, Steers are Knife Cut
Mike Keener/JoAnne Jordon 111 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-570#, Shots at Birh: 7-way, Branding Shots: 7-way, Vira Shield 6, Sired by OchsnerRoth Bulls Lazy HX LLC/Hank Davis 90 Mx Charolais-x Strs & Hfrs, 525-575#, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5, 8-way Adene Riley 67 Mx Strs & Hfrs Lone I Ranch 64 Red Angus Strs, 500-550#, Branding Shots: Bar Vac & w/Somnus, Nasalgen, Producer All Natural, Home Raised Flying Diamond Ranch 60 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 490#, Branding Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, 7-way/Blackleg, Ivermectin Dewormer, Sired by Diamond Peak and Reyes Bulls, High Elevation McNees Livestock 50 Blk/Bwf/Red/Rwf Strs, 500#, Branding Shots: Vista 7, No Implants, Knife Cut, High Altitude Morris Hochstedler 30 Blk Strs, 575-600#, No Implants Wagonhound Land & Cattle 62 Red Angus Hfretts, Coming 3 & 4 yr olds, Complete Modified Live, Home Raised.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 - BRED COW SPECIAL
OR PARTIAL DISPERSALS
Jerry Wilkinson 48 Blk/Bwf Cows, 2-6 yr olds, Bred to: Blk Angus Bulls, CF: May 1st for 60 days, Shots: Vibro Lepto BRED HEIFERS
Ochsner-Roth Cattle Co. 185 Bwf Hfrs, AI’d Bred to “B A R Dynamic “ Blk Angus Bull with Proven Calving Ease, High Growth Performance and Excellent Weaning and Grid Indexes, Ultra-sounded to CF: Feb. 8 ****74 Bwf Hfrs, Bred to Low Birth Weight Blk Angus Bulls, Ultra-sounded to CF: Feb. 10th thru February 28 ****49 Blk/Bwf Hfrs, Bred to Low Birth Weight Blk Angus Bulls, Ultra-sounded to CF: March 1st thru March 31st
All Heifers are on a Complete Vaccine Program with Two Rounds of Bovi-Gold 5, One Shot Pasteurella, Multi-Min 90 and Ultrabac 7/Somnus when Weaned, At Breeding they got Bovi-Gold FP+L5 HB John Raftopolous 150 Blk/Bwf Hfrs, 950-1100#, AI’d to Baldrige Angus Working Class, CF: March 18, Modified Live Pre-breeding Vac. Program, All Diamond Peak High Elevation Genetics (run at 6500-9000’), Purchase as heifers calves from Bull Customers Sewell Ranching LLC 125 Blk Hfrs, 975#, AI’d Bred to Nelson Ridgeline 3123, CF: March 1, Pre-breeding Shots: Preg Guard 10 FP, Shots on Oct. 29 when Preg Check: Vira Shield 6 VL5, Injectable Wormer, Poured w/Clean-up, Ran in Big, Dry Country this summer at 6500-8000’, Purchased off two Wyoming Ranches as calves, Been exposed to Electric Fence, ATVs, Horses and Dogs, Cake Broke Sidwell Herefords 70 Extra Fancy Blk Angus Hfrs, 1050-1125#, AI’D to Ruggles Charisman (son of Connealy Confidence) a calving ease bull with power and phenotype packed performance and maternal Merit. CF: Feb. 6-7, Pre-breeding Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5 HB, Vision 8-way, Ultra-sounded on Sept. 8th and Received Vira Shield 6+VL5 HB, Back Poured w/Cylence, Heifers are from Haas, Booth and Krebs Genetics that originated from Steve Facka ****29 Extra Fancy Blk Hfrs, 1050-1125#, Bred Sidwell Hereford Bulls; sons of BR Rip Wheeler and BR S Quentin, CF: March 3 for 45 days, Pre-breeding Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5 HB, Vision 8-way, Ultra-sounded on Sept. 8th and Received Vira Shield 6+VL5 HB, Back Poured w/ Cylence, Heifers are from Haas, Booth and Krebs Genetics that originated from Steve Facka Brian & Tracianne Zerbe 36 Blk Hfrs, Bred to Low Birth Weight ZumBrunnen Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 15 for 45 days, Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold, Vision 7, Pasteurella, Safeguard Wormer, Running out on Native Grass, Nice set of Heifers, Easy to handle, Home Raised ZumBrunnen Angus 6 Blk Angus Hfrs, 1100#, AI’d for Jan 29, Clean-up Bred to ZumBrunnen Angus Herd Bulls, CF: March 1 Bred Cows 88 Ranch Land & Livestock 26 Blk Cows, 2-3 yr olds, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 25th for 60 days, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Vit. A&D, Dectomax Injectable, Poured w/Cleanup, Lisco & Coleman Genetics ****70 Blk Cows, 9-10 yr olds, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 25th for 60 days, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Vit. A&D, Dectomax Injectable, Poured w/Cleanup, Lisco & Coleman Genetics Adam Warner 40 Blk Cows, Coming 3 yr olds w/ 2nd Calf, Bred to MR Angus/Reyes Bulls, CF: March 10 for 55 days (ultra-sound on 10/18), Shots on Oct. 18: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Poured, Modified Live Vac. Program as calves, Originated from Buckhaults Cow Co. 1-iron (not rebranded), Fancy set of young cows, everyone raised a calf ****8 Blk Cows, Coming 3 yr olds w/ 2nd Calf, Bred to MR Angus/Reyes Bulls, CF: May 5 for 30 days (ultra-sound on 10/18), Shots on Oct. 18: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Poured, Modified Live Vac. Program as calves, Originated from Buckhaults Cow Co. 1-iron (not rebranded), Fancy set of young cows, everyone raised a calf North Forgey Ranch 38 Mx Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Bulls from LaBonte Creek Angus, CF: March 28 ZumBrunnen Angus 8 Blk Cows, 1400#, 3-4 yr olds, Bred to ZumBrunnen Herd Bulls, CF: March/April ****12 Blk Cows, SS, Bred to ZumBrunnen Herd Bulls, CF: March/April Roth Land & Cattle 11 Red Angus Cows, Running Ages, Bred to Registered Red Angus Bulls, CF: March 27 for 60 days, Been on a Complete Modified Live Vac. Program, Been on a Complete Mineral Program Smialek Ranch/Doug & Dareth Smialek 7 Blk/Bwf Angus Cows, 1200#, 3-5 yr olds, Bred to Blk Bulls, CF: March 15, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5HB
Ochsner-Roth Cattle Co. 6 Blk Angus Cows, 2-4 yr olds, Bred to a Blk Angus Bull, CF: Feb. 25th through April 15th, Complete Vaccine Program with Guardian Scour Vac. And Bovi-Gold FP+L5 HB Brian & Tracianne Zerbe 4 Blk Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to ZumBrunnen Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 15 for 60 days, Shots: Bovi-Sheild Gold, Vision 7, Pasteurella, Safeguard Wormer, Home Raised. Ease to handle
November 12th
Michael Schmitt - Torrington, WY
Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171***Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY
Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513***Justin Smith - Lusk, WY
Hunter Dockery - Lusk, WY 307-340-1202 ***Ben Kukowski - Kaycee, WY 307-217-1472 Nolan Brott - Lusk, WY 307-216-0033 *** Scott Redden - Burns, Co 970-596-3588
by Lee Pitts
I hate to admit this, but of the 11 books I’ve written, the second-best seller was a cookbook –and I can’t cook.
Oh sure, I can push the buttons on a microwave, and I know my way around a can opener. I know the recipe for ice cubes, and I’m quite good at making them.
I can make Campbell’s soup, and it only boils over the pan about half the time. There are even some frozen dinners I can make without the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms going off.
I burn the salad and can never adjust the toaster right, and this is why we keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
If I try anything more complicated, even the hogs we raise wouldn’t eat it.
Having said all of this, there are people who have eaten my cooking and have gone on to lead normal and mostly healthy lives.
I should know how to cook because my mom was a great cook, but I think I inherited my grandma’s cooking gene. She was a very talented singer and musician, but she never learned how to cook from her mother because they had a live-in maid who did all of the cooking.
So, grandma always burned the bacon until it became elemental carbon, and this is why we called her kitchen the “burn unit.”
Her biscuits were known far and wide as “sinkers,” and she had to get help lifting them out of the oven. The white gravy she made for chicken fried steak tasted like the library paste you ate in kindergarten. You had two choices of how you wanted your eggs – black or brown.
At grandma’s house, we prayed AFTER the meal, asking God to not let us all die from food poisoning. Her cooking was the reason grandpa was so thin he had to run through a shower twice to get wet.
As for me, for 33 years now I can hardly eat anything, and I eat the exact same thing every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For 10 years of my life, I lived on cans of Ensure. I think it destroyed all of my taste buds, and this is why my cooking always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Now I live mostly on potatoes, noodles and soup, so learning how to cook would be a huge waste of time.
However, there was a time 50 years ago I wanted to learn how to be a cook, because in reading the want-ads, I learned being a cook on a ranch paid more than being a cowboy. But I guarantee if I went out with the chuckwagon as a cookie it would have been known as the “upchuck wagon.”
Not knowing how to cook became a real problem for me in college when I shared an apartment with three other roommates and each of us had to take one week a month cooking supper.
After the first meal I prepared, one roommate sent his food back, another staggered and collapsed on the couch and yet another spent the night in the bathroom with my Hamburger Helper heaving out both ends. Even the garbage disposal got ulcers.
So, we all agreed I would trade and do dishes for two weeks a month and leave the cooking to the guys who actually knew how to do it.
As a kid I often had to make my own lunch, and my favorite recipe was a minute steak covered with Hormel chili beans.
I also made a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich, although my wife says instead of a “PBJ,” mine was actually a “PBBJ” because I made it with peanut butter on one piece of bread, jelly on the other and both sides slathered with butter. This horrifies my wife, who says using butter on a PBJ is akin to putting ketchup on vanilla ice cream.
I absolutely love brownies, but I could never make them because it requires cracking open an egg and I hate eggs. Actually, my “I Hate Chicken Cookbook” should have been called the “I Hate Eggs Cookbook.”
Just the thought of someone breaking open the yellow yolk of an egg over a perfectly good pancake or mixing it in with delicious hashbrowns is enough to send me into cardiac arrest or anaphylactic shock.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (BuREC) pilot projects to increase water levels in the Upper Colorado River Basin and Lake Mead due to drought conditions through Fiscal Year 2026.
According to Hageman, the legislation is not a cure to issues caused by ongoing drought in the Colorado River Basin area –which spans approximately 250,000 miles in parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming –but a necessary step toward ensuring proper time to continue to allocate resources and navigate policy.
“While we still must find a long-term solution to the Colorado River situation, this program allows us much-needed time to do so,” Hageman emphasized. “By keeping this program wide, we are giving our producers, communities and states the tools to adapt and conserve without surrendering control.”
Hageman also discussed the “major victory” of HJ Resolution 104, which successfully overturned a resource management plan (RMP) proposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 2024 that would have had a significant negative impact on coal mining in the Powder River Basin.
Although the resolution’s subject matter involved coal, Hageman argued relevance to water policy as it was the first time Congress has ever applied the Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedure to an RMP.
“Congress exercised its statutory authority under the CRA to disapprove this rule,” she explained. “By exercising this authority to block BLM from destroying our coal industry, we have now set this precedent for similar actions in the future – actions which may very well involve management of our water resources.”
For example, this process could be applied in the future should the U.S. Forest Service issue a damaging land management plan with the potential to cut off water supplies, Hageman explained.
Managing infrastructure
Hageman then focused her comments on infrastructure management, underscoring its vast importance to the future of water stewardship and usage in the West.
“Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, dams, canals, laterals, ditches and tunnels sustain and provide increasingly more valuable water resources to our citizens, our agricultural producers and our energy and man-
ufacturing sectors in our small business communities,” Hageman remarked. “As we look to the future, modernizing our infrastructure must remain one of the highest priorities.”
Recalling her past experience working with the Casper Irrigation District and Shoshone Irrigation District, Hageman said the question of funding infrastructure is a constant topic of discussion.
She emphasized, even though this question can be daunting, weighing the impact of action or nonaction upon future generations must remain a priority.
“We have to think about what we leave for people 100 years from now,” Hageman argued. “What are we building, and what are we doing to maintain our infrastructure?”
Federal partnerships
Finally, Hageman offered perspective on utilizing the federal government as partners in securing infrastructure and working on water resource projects throughout the West.
“While I may challenge federal overreach, I also believe our federal government can be a positive partner for water resource projects,” Hageman commented, noting the positive work of the BuREC and effectiveness of the Reclamation Act in securing beneficial outcomes for water resource projects with the examples of the Pathfinder, Flaming Gorge and Buffalo Bill dams as positive instances of federallyassisted infrastructure.
“I would like to see the Reclamation Act dusted off and BuREC work with our states and local communities to build additional projects to meet our demand into the future – both here in Wyoming and elsewhere in the West,” Hageman continued.
In closing, Hageman reminded the audience about her ability as a member of Congress to submit community project funding requests on behalf of government or nonprofit entities, noting roughly $25 million has been approved for infrastructure projects in Wyoming this year.
Last year, Hageman’s team was able to secure nearly $3.5 million for the Bitter Creek Flood Control Restoration Project in Rock Springs. This project decreases flooding, provides recreational trail access, increases sustainable maintenance and restores the natural ecosystem.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Nov. 1 marked 2025
National Bison Day, a celebration of the official national mammal of the U.S. and an iconic symbol of the American West.
In recognition – and despite the current government shutdown – the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 0475, National Bison Day on Oct. 29 to honor the cultural, ecological and economic significance of the species. The legislation was sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
“As we celebrate National Bison Day, we honor not just the animal itself but the collaborative sprit that saved it, the regenerative practices that sustain it and communities that continue to champion its success,” writes the National Bison Association (NBA) in an Oct. 30 press release.
Remarkable recovery
The story of the American bison is one of remarkable resilience and recovery.
At one time, an estimated 30 million bison roamed the plains of North America, serving as a crucial part of the Western ecosystem and a vital resource for Native American Tribes.
By the late 1800s, however, drought, disease and overhunting nearly wiped out the entire population, with fewer than 1,000 animals remaining.
In response, conservationists, ranchers and Tribal Nations joined in partnership in the early 1900s to save the
species from extinction.
Their efforts paid off, and today there are roughly 500,000 American bison in the U.S., of which about 20,500 exist in conservation herds and 420,000 as commercial livestock.
To recognize these efforts, Congress officially named the bison the national mammal of the U.S., cementing the species’ place alongside the bald eagle as a symbol of strength, resilience and the untamed American spirit.
In addition, the Senate has passed a resolution each year since 2013 –with bipartisan support – to honor the animal’s historical, cultural and economic significance, designating the first Saturday of November as National Bison Day.
Where the buffalo roam
Nowhere does the American bison’s roots run deeper than in Wyoming, which ranks among the top 10 states in population numbers and boasts the largest continuously wild, freeranging herd the U.S. In Yellowstone National Park, the bison herd was estimated at about 5,400 animals in 2024.
Additionally, a study published on Aug. 14 –conducted by the Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wyoming Game and Fish Department – found a herd reintro-
duced to the Jackson Hole area averaged 485 animals between 2018-23.
The Wind River Reservation is also home to a growing herd, where the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes have been restoring bison populations through the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative since 2016.
An Aug. 22 press release published by the Northern Arapaho Tribe announced the initiative recently took a historic step in their conservation efforts by officially classifying bison as wildlife on the Wind River Reservation.
The release notes this decision marks a “significant milestone in the Tribe’s commitment to traditional
land stewardship, cultural revitalization and ecological restoration.”
The press release further reads, “The new resolution will ensure buffalo receive the same protections as other native wildlife under Tribal law, safeguarding their future and the ecosystem they help sustain.”
Role on the range
Ecologically, bison are a keystone species and have engineered the Western prairie ecosystem for over 10,000 years.
According to NPS, bison’s grazing patterns stimulate plant regrowth, influence natural fire regimes and provide habitats for grassland insects, birds, small mammals and wildflowers.
NBA further notes bison
are increasingly being seen as a solution to society’s rising interest in regenerative land management.
“Bison are ‘regenerative by nature’ – undomesticated animals which retain their natural instincts, birth cycles and self-sufficiency,”
NBA says. “Today’s bison producers are stewards of the land, replicating the species’ innate grazing behavior through regenerative ranching practices which support healthy grasslands, biodiversity and rural livelihoods.”
Bison has also become increasingly popular at the grocery store as consumers seek out more lean, highprotein, grass-fed options.
While bison makes up a small fraction of market shares, NBA notes sales
have grown by about 22 percent over the past five years, reaching approximately $340 million in annual sales in the U.S.
The species return isn’t just about the economics, though – it is also about its deep-rooted heritage in the West. From Native Nations to ranchers and wildlife managers, the bison stands as a living symbol of the American West and the spirit of the Great Plains.
Today, National Bison Day not only honors the animal itself but the resilience it represents in all who call the West home.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
privilege of learning from while growing up on the family ranch near Jeffrey City.
This connection to animals remained a focal point of Meyer’s life during her undergrad studies. She was an active member of the Casper College Rodeo Team, competing in barrel racing and roping events while working toward a degree in biology.
“I had close family friends who helped me pursue rodeo, which kept me connected to horses,” Meyer says. “The drive to compete in rodeo helped me stay focused throughout college.”
Following graduation, Meyer spent a few years training performance horses before returning to school. She applied to veterinary school with her family’s encouragement and was accepted at Colorado State University (CSU) – one of the top-ranking veterinary medicine programs in the country.
Although Meyer says her heart has always been in large animal work, she chose to track general practice, understanding the value of versatility in the veterinary field – especially in rural areas.
“I knew if I ever had the opportunity to come back to a rural area, I would have to be able to work on everything,” Meyer recalls.
After earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from CSU in 2012, she completed a year-long internship at an equine practice in Oklahoma City, Okla. before returning to Wyoming.
Meyer began her career at Carbon County Veterinary Hospital in Rawlins under the guidance of Dr. Warner McFarland, who she credits as a great veterinarian and important mentor.
In 2015, she married her best friend – a fellow veterinarian named Nathan – and the pair moved to Texas for Nathan’s work in 2018.
During their time in Texas, Meyer did relief work for several area veterinary clinics during busy seasons or staffing shortages.
In the years since, the Meyers have welcomed two sons – Evan and Zachary –and moved back to Wyoming. Currently, Casper serves as home base for the couple, who launched their own mobile veterinary practice – Horizon Veterinary Services – at the start of 2025.
“My husband and I started Horizon Veterinary Services with the focus of caring for animals and supporting industries that depend on animals,” Meyer says. “We try to tailor our services to meet the needs of the people in the industry.”
From seasonal cattle work like preg checking to providing consultations for difficult-to-load animals, travel allows Meyer to serve a wider range of clients.
“A lot of veterinary needs have to be taken to the animals,” Meyer notes.
The ability to be mobile is crucial to serving the Meyers’ client base, which is composed primarily of ranchers and encompasses a roughly 150-mile radius.
“Clients have been very gracious about accepting the gender shift we’re starting to see in veterinary medicine,” Meyer says. “I have to be aware that physically I am going to be more limited than a male in some things, but this is where problem solving comes in.”
“There’s a job to be done, so it comes down to figuring out how to do it, and how to do it safely,”
she continues.
Additionally, Meyer explains the company’s name was inspired by an analogy about Jesus being the horizon between Heaven and Earth, as well as her personal love of sunrises and sunsets – the embodiment of beginnings and endings.
“In the veterinary field, so much of how we help clients – and when we are needed most – is during beginnings and endings,” Meyer says. “The thought is serving God by serving people and caring for animals.”
Meyer sees her fair share of both sunrises and sunsets, balancing a busy schedule of veterinary work, running a ranch and raising two young boys.
Heart of service
In every aspect of life, Meyer says faith and family remain the focus. For the past 10 years, the Meyers have been leasing the family ranch near Jeffrey City, running commercial Angus cattle and raising their young sons with an agricultural background.
“Faith and family are the most important things to me, as well as trying to find God’s will in being a wife and a mom,” Meyer says. “Also, serving animals and the people who have those animals are all things pleasing to God.”
“My path has been winding, but I feel like God has always had His hand guiding me,” she continues. “I certainly would not have been here by myself.”
Meyer says she and her husband are passionate about raising a good, healthy food source for people and providing opportunities for their children to learn all of the life lessons a ranch has to offer, whether or not the boys choose to stay in the cattle industry.
“It’s not always an easy life, but it’s a very worthwhile one,” Meyer says. “It is a joy to have our boys be a part of it – the experiences, observations and responsi-
bilities that come with raising animals are life lessons that will always serve them well.”
To contact Horizon Veterinary Services, call 307-
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Swine Show. Natalie DelCamp of Worden, Mont. followed in reserve.
Fellow Montana exhibitors finished at the top of the leaderboard in the breeding show.
Leighton Broksle of Whitehall, Mont. exhibited the Supreme Breeding Gilt, while the Reserve Supreme Breeding Gilt was shown by Spencer Braaten of Townsend, Mont.
Lamb show results
Exhibitors from across the U.S. went head-to-head in the Junior Fed Market Lamb Show Final Drive.
Ultimately, Eli Meador of Ault, Colo. came out on top, exhibiting the Grand Champion Market Lamb, followed by Hayley Byrd of Akron, Iowa with the Reserve Champion Market Lamb.
The Supreme Breeding Ewe was exhibited by Dalli Horrocks of Vernal, Utah, and the Reserve Supreme Breeding Ewe was shown by Cabrey Cooper of Burley, Idaho. Goat show results
In the NILE Junior Fed Market Goat Show, Taygan Johnson of Benjamin, Utah took home honors with the Grand Champion Market Goat, while Leyton Leister of Goodyear, Ariz. had the Reserve Champion Market Goat.
Ella Hiller of Sheridan brought elite honors back home to the Cowboy State, exhibiting the Supreme Breeding Doe. Honors for the Reserve Supreme Breeding Doe stayed in Montana with Zane Downey of Whitehall, Mont. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Background info
According to multiple sources, the landowner hunting license program was established in 1949 to reward private landowners for providing habitat and forage for Wyoming’s wildlife.
Under current law, qualifying landowners are able to apply for two hunting tags for each of the eligible species, which includes elk, deer, antelope and wild turkeys. To qualify for tags, landowners must own 160 contiguous acres in a limited-quota hunt area; provide food, shelter and water and at least 2,000 days of use a year for the species being applied for.
In general hunting areas where tags may be bought over the counter, property owners are not eligible for landowner hunting tags.
Additionally, licenses can be transferred to a landowner’s immediate family members but may not be sold.
For years, debate over landowner hunting licenses has caused tensions between landowners who believe they should be compensated for providing habitat for wildlife and sportsmen who feel private tags dominate draw allocations in some areas and requires reform.
Landowner license limitations
First, the committee considered Draft Bill 26LSO0176, which would autho-
rize the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to limit the number of landowner licenses issued in a limitedquota hunt area.
According to Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Director Angi Bruce, these caps would allow more opportunity for the public in certain areas.
She presented an example of a hunt area with 100 available tags, where, under the present system, 50 might be set aside for landowners and the other 50 for the general public draw.
However, if the number of tags for the area had to be cut in half – due to something like the large die-off caused by the brutal winter of 2022-23 – it would leave only the 50 tags available for landowners and none for public hunters.
Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Executive Vice President Kerin Clark, Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna and Cokeville Rancher Landon Peterson offered testimony on behalf of Wyoming’s ag community, noting, while they understand and are mostly in support of the bill, they believe it should include percentage limitations to ensure landowners are protected.
“I understand the interest in doing this, but I have two recommendations for
this piece of legislation,” Magagna stated. “One would be a minimum percentage, and the percentage we have presented to the commission – and we maintain this position – is no less than 40 percent of tags remain available to landowners.”
“The second amendment I would suggest at this time is adding language saying ‘when deemed necessary to maintain a public hunting opportunity,’ so it is clearly understood the commission’s ability to impose a percentage quota is only used to assure there is public hunting opportunity and not in the future for some other purpose,” he added.
After some discussion, the committee settled on both of Magagna’s recommendations, and ultimately voted to advance the legislation including amendments by a roll-call vote of eight yes and four no.
Landowner license requirements
Separately, the committee approved 26LSO-0212 in a seven-to-five vote.
If enacted, this bill would set stricter qualification criteria for landowners to qualify for hunting licenses – including Wyoming residency, agricultural land status and minimum gross production requirements – and allow for the possibility of transferring landowner tags under rules
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
• 605-641-0638
yet to be defined, with a sunset of June 2031.
In her testimony, Bruce stated, “There is no real understanding of how this bill would affect our state, but we anticipate landowners will apply for more licenses. Landowners currently apply for about 3,600 licenses a year, but we anticipate this number will go up if they are able to transfer or sell. If there is more interest from landowners, then there could be less opportunity for general hunters in limited-quota areas, just like
Kyle Kallhoff • 605-881-1526
Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614
Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932
Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666
Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440
Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525
"From the ring, to the video, and in the country, we market your livestock the competitive way."
Lighter run of Spring Calves this week, coming mostly in packages. Calves selling on a lower market, good demand on grass weight cattle even with the board locked limit down yet again. Thank you and we appreciate your business!
we talked about with the last bill.”
WGFD Wildlife Division Chief Dan Smith mentioned the topic of transferrable licenses has made for some of the most contentious meetings he has ever been a part of, and in the past, the public has pushed back hard against the idea.
Clark noted WyFB is in support of allowing landowners to transfer tags, stating, “Ultimately, the goal is to maintain the balance originally intended in compensating landowners for the habitat they provide for wildlife while also providing the opportunity to hunt in Wyoming.”
Magagna explained, while he supports the concept, he doesn’t necessarily support the way the bill is drafted at this time. Instead, he offered a few ideas.
“I’m not proposing any amendments, just ideas, such as defining who is eligible, whether one or both licenses will be transferrable or, perhaps, if a landowner chooses to transfer a tag, they only get one that year,” he suggested.
“Other things we have discussed is if a landowner
chooses to transfer their licenses, they have to, in turn, provide public access or, in lieu thereof, contribute some of the proceeds they garner from the license to the department’s AccessYes program,” he added.
Additionally, several ranchers testified they believe it is only fair to garner revenue off of hunting tags to balance out the feed they sacrifice to wildlife, while representatives of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation warned transferable licenses risk a pay-to-play model which would reduce opportunities for resident hunters.
Overall, the committee decided both bills will require broader stakeholder input and will be formally introduced in the 2026 legislative session.
Committee members emphasized the importance of continuing the public comment process and noted any rules adopted by the commission must go through their extensive rulemaking process.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
On Nov. 3, the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force announced the sixth round of awardees for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program. The grant program was launched last year and is supported with a $2 million appropriation from the Wyoming Legislature. The program allows communities to recognize and celebrate Wyoming’s unique role in American history and to explore both Wyoming’s lasting legacy and future potential.
The projects will take place in conjunction with the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
One Tribal entity and seven local and non-governmental entities were awarded grants totaling $115,036. They include the Moorcroft Historical Walking Tour-West Texas Trail Museum of Crook County, Trailblazer Days in Hot Springs County, Rockpile Museum in Campbell County, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s Jaques Laramie Chapter in Albany County, Carbon County School District #2, Park County School District #6, the Learning Center of Hot Springs County and the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Council.
Grant funding is still available and applications can be accessed and submitted online. For more information, visit wyoming250.com/
Nov. 10
Nov. 11
Nov. 12
Nov. 10
Nebraska Extension Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow Webinar Series, 6:30-7:45 p.m., online. For more information, contact Erin Laborie at erin.laborie@unl.edu or 308-268-3105. To register, visit go.unl.edu/feedingthecow
Nov. 10-11 2025 Range Beef Cow Symposium, Event Center at Archer, Cheyenne. For more information or to register, visit rangebeefcowsymposium.com/
Nov. 10-12 Idaho Cattle Association 2025 Annual Convention, Sun Valley, Idaho. For more information, visit idahocattle.org
Nov. 11-13 42nd Annual Governor’s Business Forum, Laramie. For more information and to register, visit wyomingbusinessalliance.com/governor-s-business-forum
Nov. 12-14
U.S. Meat Export Federation Strategic Planning Conference, Indianapolis, Ind. For more information or to register, visit usmef.org/events/strategic-planning-conference-1-1
Nov. 13 Nebraska Extension Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow Webinar Series 6:30-7:45 p.m., online. For more information, contact Erin Laborie at erin.laborie@unl.edu or 308-268-3105. To register, visit go.unl.edu/feedingthecow
Nov. 13 2025 Nebraska Beef Summit, Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, Ithaca, Neb. For more information, visit events.unl.edu/2025/11/13/191299/
Nov. 13-15 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation 2025 Annual Meeting Vendor Fair, CAM-PLEX, Gillette. For more information, contact Callie Hanson at chanson@wyfb.org or call 307-721-7711.
Nov. 13-16 Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Amarillo, Texas. For more information and tickets, visit wrca.org
Nov. 14 University of Wyoming Extension 2025 Northwest Crop Symposium, Yellowstone Room, Northwest College, Powell. For more information, contact Makayla Getz at mgetz@uwyo.edu or 307-527-8839. To register, visit tinyurl. com/wyomingcrop
Nov. 15 University of Wyoming Ranch and Livestock Record Keeping Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 104, Animal Science Building, University of Wyoming Campus, Laramie. For more information, contact Brenna Litynski at blitynski@ uwyo.edu. To register, visit tinyurl.com/y72wdwtz
Nov. 17 Nebraska Extension Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow Webinar Series, 6:30-7:45 p.m., online. For more information, contact Erin Laborie at erin.laborie@unl.edu or 308-268-3105. To register, visit go.unl.edu/feedingthecow
Nov. 17-20 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Trade Show, Missoula, Mont. For more information, visit mfbf.org
Nov. 17-30 Cheyenne Livestock Exposition, Laramie County Event Center, Cheyenne. For more information, visit cheyennelivestockexpo.com
Nov. 18 University of Wyoming Extension Rancher’$ E.D.G.E. Program, 9 a.m., Roundhouse and Railyards, Evanston. For more information, contact Jedidiah Hewlett at jhewlett@uwyo.edu or 307-358-2417. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ RanchersEDGE
Nov. 18-19 Virtual Stockmanship and Stewardship Event, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., online. For more information or to register, visit stockmanshipandstewardship.org/
Nov. 13
Nov. 13
Nov. 13
Nov. 15
Pharo Cattle Company Colorado Fall Sale, Burlington Livestock Exchange, Burlington, Colo., 800-311-0995, pharocattle.com
Beartooth Angus Annual Bull Sale, Billings Livestock Auction, Billings, Mont., 406-794-1287, beartoothangus.com
Hummel Cattle Company Angus Bull and Commercial Female Sale Snowy Range Equestrian Center, Laramie, 307-399-7617
Stellpflug Cattle Company Fall Bull Sale, Hoffman Ranch Facility, Thedford, Neb., 307-351-1712, stellpflugcattle.com
Bieber Fever Fall Female and Bull Sale, at the ranch, Leola, S.D., 605-4393628, 605-439-3545, bieberredangus.com
Hoffman Ranch Fall Bull Sale, Hoffman Sale Facility, Thedford, Neb., 530604-5096, 308-645-2279, 406-425-0859, hoffmanranch.com
Leachman Cattle of Colorado Central Plains Bull Sale, Alma Livestock Auction, Alma, Neb., 970-568-3983, leachman.com
Nov. 17 J&L Livestock Montana Angus Female Bonanza XXII, PAYS, Billings, Mont., 406-861-5664, 406-690-1150, northernlivestockvideo.com
Nov. 18 Tri Brothers Equipment Consignment Auction, Torrington, 307-575-2427, 307-338-8363, kerrauction.com
Nov. 20 K2 Red Angus Fall Female Sale, K2 sale barn, Wheatland, 307-331-2917, k2redangus.com
Nov. 20
Largent and Sons “Prime Fuel” Sale, at the ranch, Kaycee, 307-738-2443, 307-267-3229, largentandsons.com
Nov. 20 5L Red Angus Fall Profit $eeker Bull Sale, at the ranch, Sheridan, Mont., 406-596-1204, 406-842-5693, 5lbulls.com
Nov. 21
Nov. 22
Nov. 22
Nov. 22
Leachman Cattle Fall Roundup Bull Sale, Leachman $Profit Center, Meriden, 970-568-3983, leachman.com
Redland Angus Annual Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-250-1548, redlandangus.com
Pharo Cattle Company Montana Fall Sale, Headwaters Livestock, Three Forks, Mont., 800-311-0995, pharocattle.com
Ludvigson Stock Farms Fall Herdbuilder Bull and Female Sale, Leachman $Profit Center, Meriden, 406-601-9192, ludvigsonstockfarms.com
Dear Lord, we thank you for our many gifts and talents, a great life, good friends and family and, most of all, a bountiful harvest by both hunter and gather. Plus, thanks for our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Years ago during the Great Depression, folks had little to be thankful for, yet they found a way to praise the Lord for what they did have.
An article written by a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) alumnus best describes conditions at a CCC camp in Wyoming. The paper was presented to this writer in the early 1990s
We are 50 years old –who are we?
We are the young men of the 1930s who made up the CCC from 1933-42.
We are the men who mended the scarred land, eroded fields, muddied
waters of our creeks and rivers and depleted woodlands of our country.
We replanted our forests from Maine to California. We built fire trails to protect old and new forests and cleaned out diseased deadwood to protect healthy, new trees. We fought forest fires and floods.
We built lodges in our national parks and campsites – a place for our people to enjoy our beautiful country. We also built roads and trails in the parks, many of them are still in existence today.
We worked quarries to produce the building stone needed to build dams in our state and national parks – the same dams that stand today, creating lakes which have given recreation to campers, fisherman and families over the last 50 years.
We worked in quarries
getting the rock to crush for limestone to be spread on farmlands to sweeten overworked soil to help restore productivity. From other quarries came the building stone needed for masonry dams and flumes which controlled rapidly eroding soil.
We were educated and given job opportunities, honor, respect and a purpose in life.
All over this country, the work we did with our hands, our minds and our bodies still stands today as a monument to the youth of the 1930s and what we accomplished, bearing in mind 90 percent of what we did was done by hand, pick, hoe, shovel, mauls, drills and wheelbarrows.
We put our mark on this land, and this mark will still be seen for many more years to come.
As a generation, we have much to be proud of. We have earned a place in history, and speaking as an individual, I am grateful for having had a chance to be there.
– Signed, “A CCC Alumnus.”
No author was listed, as the writer wanted it to be from all those who participated in the CCC program.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO National Sheep Summary As of October 31, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter wooled and shorn lambs sold firm. Slaughter ewes sold firm. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3 San Angelo: 60-70 lbs 295.00; 70-80 lbs 285.00; 80-90 lbs 250.00-272.00; 90-100 lbs 250.00-284.00; 100-110 lbs 210.00; 110-120 lbs 221.00-222.00; 130-140 lbs 235.00-240.00. 130-140 lbs 205.00-221.00.
Billings: No test.
F t. Collins: 40-50 lbs 315.00; 60-70 lbs 260.00; 70-80 lbs 227.50-232.50; 80-90 lbs 231.00; 90-100 lbs 222.50; 100-110 lbs 205.00; 110-120 lbs 210.00; 120-130 lbs 210.00-215.00; 160-170 lbs 222.50-230.00.
Sioux Falls: 70-80 lbs 265.00; 80-90 lbs 270.00; 100-110 lbs 222.50-240.00; 110-120 lbs 221.00-228.00; 120-130 lbs 228.00231.00; 130-140 lbs 226.00-233.00; 140-150 lbs 222.00-233.00; 160-170 lbs 233.00.
Equity Coop: No test. Slaughter Ewes: Good 2-3 San Angelo: 80.00-130.00.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: 80.00-112.50. Sioux Falls: 75.00-90.00.
Equity Coop: No test. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1 San Angelo: No test.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: No test.
Sioux Falls: 60-70 lbs 290.00; 70-80 lbs 290.00; 80-90 lbs. 262.50-275.00.
Equity Coop: No test. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: No test.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: No test.
Sioux Falls: No test. Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 40,000 compared to 40,000 last week and 35,861 last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo, Texas
National Wool Review As of October 24, 2025
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Montana Hay Summary
As of October 31, 2025
Compared to last report(10-17-25): Hay sold generally steady. Very few new hay sales were seen again this session. Weather conditions have been ideal over the past few weeks as fall rains and unseasonably warm weather have greened pastures and range land. Many cattleman still have cows out on pasture and plan on leaving them out for the foreseeable future as long as snowfall holds off. This has curbed demand for hay significantly. Many ranchers are busy hauling and cows and marketing calves and have put buying hay on the back burner as a result. Some producers are cutting one last cutting of hay as weather conditions have made putting up a late 3rd or 4th cutting possible. Hay supplies remain heavy around much of the central and south central portions of the state. Western and northern supplies are mostly light due to summer drought. According to the drought monitor 54.31 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 7.53% from 2 weeks ago. 25.27% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 3.62% from 2 weeks ago. 2.03% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 6.52% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 69.32% of the state is abnormally dry, down 8.86% from 2 weeks ago.
N/A
Alfalfa - Good Small Square 240
Alfalfa -
Source: USDA AMS Livestock,
Source: USDA AMS
The American Lamb Board (ALB) will host another Solar Grazing Workshop from Dec. 8-10 in Franklin, Ky.
The event is a three-day opportunity for farmers, ranchers, industry leaders and solar advocates to network, learn about sheep production and gain hands-on experience.
This workshop will provide current and new producers with a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of solar grazing.
As solar development expands across the U.S., workshops like this highlight the complementary relationship between renewable energy and agriculture. By bringing grazers and solar operators together, events like the ALB Solar Grazing Workshop foster innovation, address real-world challenges and accelerate the adoption of solar opportunities.
“Attendees will leave this workshop equipped with the knowledge and connections to help lead the next chapter in sustainable land management,” says ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert. For
information or to register, visit lambboard.com
On Oct. 31, Gov. Mark Gordon announced he is issuing an executive order (EO) directing the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to begin the process of submitting a waiver request to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of certain foods which offer little or no nutritional value, such as sugary beverages and candy.
Under the EO, DFS will conduct a full review of food items with low or no nutritional value currently eligible for purchase under federal SNAP rules.
After completing its
review, DFS will determine which items should be excluded from SNAP purchases and prepare a plan including a list of proposed excluded items, all information required to request a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a phased rollout option to ensure accuracy and reduce administrative burden on retailers, particularly in rural communities.
Recognizing the complexity of administering the federal program, the order also directs DFS to consider the impact on Wyoming’s SNAP error rate, retailer participation – especially in
rural areas – and any associated administrative costs.
“Wyoming taxpayers expect their dollars to support food assistance to help families put healthy food on the table,” Gordon said. “SNAP is intended to help feed people, and Wyoming knows how to provide nutritious food. This EO will ensure taxpayer funds are used to assist those in need to provide nutritious food for themselves and their families. This EO allows the DFS director to continue the thoughtful, thorough review resulting in a sensible, implementable waiver for our residents.”
Gov. Mark Gordon commended the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative Working Group and its leader Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto for taking action to identify key focus areas and move toward a public input phase.
“On behalf of Wyoming’s ag community, my whole-hearted thanks goes out to Miyamoto and all of the members of the working group for moving quickly,” Gordon said. “Their efforts and that of the ag community is vital to strengthening the core industry that feeds our families and our nation.”
Announced in midOctober during halftime
of the University of Wyoming’s (UW) Ag Day tribute, the group’s forwardthinking mission statement is backed by several focus area considerations including beef imports and impacts on Wyoming’s ag industry; farm and ranch financing; agriculture water protection; water infrastructure kindergarten through 12th grade education; postsecondary education and certifications; producerdriven research and technical assistance applied research and succession planning, landscape conservation and diversification.
Cattle Co. - Hyattville
1 Blk Bull, 1855# $18350 Durbin Creek Herefords - Thermopolis
1 Hrfd Bull, 1955# $18000 Klaren Cattl Co. - Pinedale
1 Hfrd Bull, 1830# $17800
Devries, Gerald - Thermopolis
1 Blk Bull, 1805# $17700 Pennoyer & Son, Inc. - Thermopolis
1 Red Bull, 1605# $17400 BRED COWS
Blackstar Cattle Co. - Hyattville
4 BWF BC, 3-4 YO $3800/Hd.
5 BWF BC $3400/Hd.
6 BWF BC, ST $2900/Hd. Fox, Robert - Kemmerer
47 Blk BC, 3-4 YO $3600/Hd.
28 BWF BC, 5-6 YO $3200/Hd.
41 Blk BC, ST $2920/Hd. BRED HEIFERS
Marchant, Pat - Powell
4 BWF Bred Hfrs $4100/Hd. Vogel, Darlene - Pavillion
26 BWF Bred Hfrs $3525/Hd. COWS
Nielson, Hunter - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1315# $18750
1 Blk Cow, 1480# $18100
1 Blk Cow, 1595# $17900
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1305# $17000
Walter, Jim - Kemmerer
1 Blk Cow, 1100# $18500
1 BWF Cow, 1175# $18250
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1260# $17300
1 Blk Cow, 1235# $17100
Klaren Cattle Co., Inc. - Pinedale
3 BWF Cows, avg. 1170# $18350
1 BWF Cow, 1180# $17200
L U Ranch - Worland
5 Blk Cows, avg. 1284# $18000
Borre, Gene - Burlington
1 Blk Cow, 1980# $18000
Blk Cow, 1210# $17400 Fox Ranch - Salt Lake City
Blk Cow, 1505# $17700
Blk Cow, 1630# $17700 1 Blk Cow, 1280# $17250 V Cross Cattle Co. - Kemmerer 1 Blk Cow, 1500# $17700 1 Blk Cow, 1305# $17500 1 Blk Cow, 1130# $17000 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1265# $14700 Ten Sleep Cattle Co. - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1275# $17500
Six C Ranch - Meeteetse
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1065# $17450
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1138# $16800
Ward, Paul - Thermopolis
3 Rd/Blk Cows, avg. 1373# $17400
1 Blk Cow, 1225# $17300
1 BWF Cow, 1320# $17100
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1445# $16800
Murdock, Stanley - Pinedale
3 BWF Cows, avg. 1248# $17350
2 BWF Cows, avg. 1283# $17200
4 BWF Cows, avg. 1278# $16500
2 Rd/Blk Cows, avg. 1383# $16400
1 Blk Cow, 1365# $14700
Devries, Gerald - Thermopolis
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1405# $17000 Pennoyer & Son, Inc. - Thermopolis
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1188# $16900
1 BWF Cow, 1335# $16100
Miller, Joseph - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1680# $16900
Starbuck Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1315# $16900
Wooden Shoe Farms - Powell
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1408# $16900
Mastre, Shane
1 Blk Cow, 1410# $16900
1 RWF Cow, 1190# $16600
Thoman, Blaine - LaBarge
1 Blk Cow, 1255# $16700
1 Blk Cow, 1465# $15500
Baird, John - Thermopolis
1 Blk Cow, 1325# $16500
Durbin Creek Herefords - Thermopolis
2 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1580# $16400
3 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1382# $15100
2 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1420# $14900
Redland, Spencer - Basin
1 BWF Cow, 1335# $16100
Members of the group include executive branch advisors, state legislators, county commissioners, agricultural association representatives, UW officials and business leaders.
“Agriculture is the backbone and also a large part of the personality of Wyoming. We must seize this chance to steward our industry and leave it better than we found it,” Miyamoto said. “The agricultural initiative working group has now met three times, and we’ve identified things we believe can increase opportunities for Wyoming’s current and future producers.”
Through the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative, the governor’s appointed working group is committed to preserving Wyoming’s agricultural heritage for current and future generations.
Gerstner, John - Ten Sleep 1 Blk
Consignments • November 10 • The Bawl of the Fall Feeder Cattle Special
Ron & Faye Hoffman – 300 mixed black, 350-450#, two rounds of shots, weaned Sept. 16.
Mooncrest Ranch – 145 black steers, 600-650#; 75 black heifers, two rounds of shots, weaned.
Broken Back Ranch – 135 black steers, 450-500#; 45 black heifers, 400-450#, spring & fall shots.
Telford Ranch – 150 mixed black, 550-650#, two rounds of shots, weaned Sept. 7.
Eddie & Beverly Shumway – 125 mixed black, 550-600#, two rounds of shots.
Mendez Brothers – 120 black steers, 500-600#, two rounds of shots.
Joe & Joy Bain – 100 mixed black, 450-550#, complete vacc at branding, knife cut.
Harris Ranch – 100 mixed black, 500-600#, complete vacc at branding.
Starkey Farm & Livestock – 90 black heifers, top end of 300 heifers, 600-650#, two rounds of shots, weaned Sept. 25.
SLS Cattle – 80 mixed black & BWF, 400-500#, two rounds of shots.
Larry & Chris Bentley – 75 mixed black & red, 450-550#, shots at branding.
Norman & Scott Winters – 75 mixed black, 550-650#, complete vacc at branding.
Durbin Creek Hereford – 51 F1 steers, 450-700#, complete vacc, cleanup, weaned 45+.
Cliff Winters – 50 mixed black, 450-550#, two rounds of shots.
Larry Love – 50 mixed black & red, 450-550#, complete vacc.
Carol & Wade Rogers – 40 red steers, 20 red heifers, bangs vacc, 500-600#, two rounds of shots, mineral program.
McCort Harris – 40 mixed black, 450-500#, two rounds of shots.
Susan Neeves – 30 black steers, 550-600#, shots at branding, weaned 30+.
TY Henderson – 30 black heifers, bangs vacc, 500#, two rounds of shots, poured, weaned Sept. 27.
Ramon Frias – 28 mixed black, 550-600#, complete vacc.
Bobbi Paxton – 25 mixed black, 600#, shots at branding.
Dusty Mills – 20 steers Hereford X SimAngus, 550-600#, two rounds of shots, knife cut & poured, weaned.
Randy Baird – 8 black steers, 8 black heifers, 400#, complete vacc, weaned.
Bryan & Marti Warner – 14 mixed, F1 Simmental cross, 550-600#, two rounds of shots, poured, heifers bang vacc, weaned 60 days.
John & Susan Pasco – 13 mixed Char, black, RWF, 450-500#, complete vacc, wormed, weaned 30+.
Emerson Farms – 10 mixed black/BWF, 450-500#, two rounds of shots, weand Oct. 4.
L U Ranch – 10 mixed black, 550#, two rounds of shots, weaned 60+.
Holly Houghtaling – 5 mixed black, 500-550#, weaned.
Ryan Hedges – 4 heifers, CharX, 500-600#, bangs vacc, two rounds of shots, bunk broke, weaned 45+.
Changes and uncertainty in agricultural finances, policy and markets will continue to shape Nebraska’s farm economy in the years ahead. An upcoming presentation in Scottsbluff, Neb., hosted by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will help producers and agribusiness professionals.
“Cornhusker Economics: Ag Outlook” will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 5 at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center.
The meeting will feature experts from the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., sharing updates on crop and livestock
markets, farm finances, ag policy and more. They will provide context and practical takeaways to help producers evaluate their risk management plans, adjust to changing conditions and position their operations for long-term success.
The meeting will also cover key tax provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affecting agri-
cultural operations, deductions and planning for the 2025 tax year.
Presenters will explore historical farm financial trends and what they see for the year ahead.
A policy segment will cover farm program updates, including decisions and directions for producers on Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage.
Speakers will include financial and tax professionals, commodity marketing experts, an agricultural policy specialist and other agricultural economists.
The meeting is free to attend, but registration is requested by Dec. 3. For more information or to register, visit cap.unl.edu/outlook or call at 308-632-1230.
Hosted by:
results at the National FFA Convention reflect years of work in local classrooms, support from dedicated advisors and a commitment to learning which goes far beyond the blue jacket.”
“Wyoming chapters may come from small schools and rural communities, but they continue to make a big impact nationally,” Broda continues.
“These results show what’s possible when students are given opportunities to learn by doing and when communities stand behind them every step of the way.”
American FFA
Degree recipients
The American FFA Degree recognizes members who have demonstrated exceptional agricultural and leadership achievement.
Thirty-eight Wyoming students earned the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organiza-
tion this year and were recognized during the national convention.
Recipients include Riley Banker, Brooke Bessler, Wyatt Blackmore, Connor Booth, Emma Brence, Shelby Carter, Shelby Clark, Deblin Cole, Hailey Cooper, Cashley Criswell, Jonathan Danford, Shyann Garbutt, Bailee Gooding, Spencer Hansen, Ahnya Ivie-Moody, Casey Ledoux, Jerome Lipp, Payten Martineau, Peyton Munroe, Wyatt Nebeker, Ivory Neher, Autumn Paustian, Emma Pehringer, Amy Peldo, Mackenzie Priest, Spencer Rabou, Jayden Riddle, Chayse Schierkolk. Jaxon Sweep, Curtis Taylor, Jaden Thomas, Lauryn Vollman, Joslyn Von Olnhausen, Sage Wells, Jhett West, Larkin Williams, Brooke Wright and AnnMarie Young. Additionally, Damein Christen, agriculture edu-
cation instructor and FFA advisor in Shoshoni, received the Honorary American FFA Degree in recognition of outstanding service to agricultural education and FFA members.
CDE and LDE honors
In the Career Development Event (CDE) and Leadership Development Event (LDE) categories, several Wyoming teams and individuals earned honors on the national stage.
From Casper FFA, a team composed of Garrett Burkett, Teagan Campbell, Nathan Danford and Lorelai Wolf earned gold emblem honors in Meats Evaluation and Technology.
Also from Casper FFA, Trever Campbell, Carter Cox, Cooper Cox, Jillian Lopez, Landyn Markwardt and Kason Weber brought home gold emblem honors in Parliamentary Procedure.
In the Veterinary Science competition, a Casper FFA team composed of Megan Hedges, Emerson Hornecker, Kadin Pollock and
Samantha Toombs earned bronze emblem honors.
Representing Cheyenne Frontier FFA in the Agricultural Issues Forum were Regan Allen, Brody Medina, Danielle Mehtala, Alexandra Micheli, Cooper Miller, Hannah Schick and Brendan Nagy, who earned gold emblem honors and the title of Reserve National Champions.
Also earning gold emblem honors for Cheyenne Frontier FFA in the Horse Evaluation competition were Charlotte Ehlman, Abbygail Morrow, Callie Rosner and Katalyna Wolski.
Additionally, a Cheyenne Frontier FFA team composed of Gage Broda, Cooper Huck, Colton Schick and Colby Thompson earned bronze emblem honors in the Environment and Natural Resources competition.
From Douglas FFA, Haylee Gibbs, Raelea Taylor, Megan Stoltenberg and Elza Moffatt earned bronze
emblem honors in Agricultural Sales, while a Paintrock FFA team composed of Guadalupe Jimenez, Maycee McKim, Nicholas Olmstead and Brendan Powell secured silver emblem honors in the Farm and Agribusiness Management competition.
Snowy Range FFA had five teams earn top CDE and LDE honors.
In Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems, James Coxbill, Mason Kern, David Parker and James Vasek earned gold emblems. Additionally, Shea Churches, Charlie Coxbill, Taylor Kimzey, Bryce Kunkel, Lainey Scasta, Ashlyn Wheat and Adelaide Vasek earned gold emblem honors in Livestock Evaluation.
Earning silver emblems for Snowy Range FFA were Jadyn Lake, Riley Lake, Caden Miller and Shanna Stinson in Conduct of Chapter Meetings; Chayne Webb, Piper Henschel and Cele Montgomery in Marketing Plan and Dax Evertson, Emma Johnson, Audrey Roaque and Wyatt Strain in Poultry Evaluation.
Representing TorringtonLingle FFA in the Agronomy competition, team members Kaleb Booth, Wittni Bugher, Conner Correll and Carter Groene earned silver emblems.
In individual events, Makayla Curless of Burns FFA earned a silver emblem in Creed Speaking; Dani Santee of Riverton FFA earned a silver emblem in Employment Skills; Callie Christensen of Saddle and Sirloin Newcastle FFA earned a silver emblem in Extemporaneous Public Speaking and Emma Hill of Riverton FFA earned a silver emblem in Prepared Public Speaking.
Agriscience fair
In the Agriscience Fair, two national champions hailed from Wyoming.
Hayden Hubbard of Burns FFA won Social Systems Division Five, while Regan Allen and Brody Medina of Cheyenne Frontier FFA earned first in Social Systems
Division Six.
Representing Upton FFA was Joslyn Pischke, who earned third place in Animal Systems Division Three. Kaydance Kummer and Heidi Shade of Lander FFA were also competitive, earning fourth place in Animal Systems Division Six.
From Thermopolis Big Springs Middle School FFA, Apollo Jenks and Cameron Martinez earned fifth place in Plant Systems Division Two.
Jaydon Spring and Jayson Spring represented Chug Creek FFA in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems Division Two, earning 10th place, while Dash Hart and Kyston Rollema of Chief Washakie FFA took ninth in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems Division Six.
Additionally, Kaylynn Weber of Shoshoni FFA earned ninth in Social Systems Division One.
Chapter awards and additional honors
Finally, six Wyoming FFA chapters were recognized in the national chapter award program. Burns FFA, Chief Washakie FFA, Shoshoni FFA, Thermopolis Big Springs Middle School FFA and Upton FFA were all recognized as National Three-Star Chapters. Green River FFA was also a National Three-Star Chapter, in addition to being recognized as a Premier Chapters Growing Leaders national finalist. Additionally, June Gentle of Wheatland FFA was selected to represent Wyoming in the National FFA Band, while Mckashyn Salsbury of Jim Bridger FFA and Hannah Corkery of Windy City FFA participated in the National FFA Choir.
Band members Layne Jordan, Liam Jordan, Matthew Blutt and Nicholas Blutt also represented Ten Sleep FFA in the National FFA Talent Program.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
On Oct. 31, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed an executive order declaring an emergency and granting a waiver of hours of service (HOS) for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting agricultural inputs including dry fertilizer, liquid fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia.
Facility maintenance delays and transportation issues on the eastern side of the state are straining North Dakota’s anhydrous supply, causing delays for farmers facing an already shortened application window and resulting in the need for trucks to transport fertilizer from one side of the state to the other.
State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring requested the HOS waiver.
The emergency order will remain in effect for 14 days. All road safety and vehicle compliance regulations still apply.
For more information, visit governor.ND.gov
584#
631#
616#
DANIEL 4 Cow, 1146#
DUBOIS
2 Cow, 1427#
KINNEAR
$176.00
$175.50
7 Cow, 1118# $175.00
DANIEL 2 Cow, 1417# $174.50
LANDER
6 Cow, 1190#
DANIEL
4 Cow, 1347#
JACKSON
PINEDALE
$174.00
$173.50
10 Cow, 1405# $173.00
6 Cow, 1175# $173.00
DANIEL 2 Cow, 1407# $172.50
4 Cow, 1280# $172.00
GREEN RIVER
7 Cow, 1110# $171.00
PINEDALE
9 Cow, 1389# $170.00
CASPER 9 Cow, 1172# $170.00
JACKSON
8 Cow, 1561# $169.50
BOULDER
4 Cow, 1178# $169.00
COKEVILLE
12 Cow, 1140# $168.50
JACKSON
8 Cow, 1591# $167.50
CASPER
13 Cow, 1236# $166.00
KINNEAR
13 Cow, 1313# $166.00
KINNEAR
8 Cow, 1258# $165.00
5 Cow, 1484# $165.00
BIG PINEY
14 Cow, 1052# $164.00
KINNEAR
15 Cow, 1133# $163.00
BOULDER
4 Cow, 1157# $162.00
KINNEAR
8 Cow, 1103# $161.50
BIG PINEY
10 Cow, 1209# $160.00
BOULDER
11 Cow, 1336# $159.00
PINEDALE
833# $305.00
10 Cow, 1384# $158.00 BULLS
CASPER
1 Bull, 1205#
SHOSHONI
2 Bull, 1655#
FORT WASHAKIE
2 Bull, 1785# $191.50
LANDER
2 Bull, 1730# $191.00
PINEDALE
1 Bull, 1640# $190.00
CASPER
2 Bull, 1592# $189.00
LANDER
Bred Cow, 1345# $2,475.00
1343# $2,450.00
Heiferette, 772# $373.00
SHOSHONI 25 Heiferette, 851# $356.00 12 Heiferette, 791# $352.00
4 Heiferette, 883# $340.00
8 Heiferette, 837# $332.50
COKEVILLE
2 Heiferette, 847# $330.00
DUBOIS 14 Heiferette, 933# $320.00
DANIEL
7 Heiferette, 966# $299.00 11 Heiferette, 909# $295.00 COWS
LANDER
2 Cow, 1030# $277.50
SHOSHONI 1 Cow, 1030# $273.00
CROWHEART
1 Cow, 1020# $262.50
SHOSHONI
DANIEL
2 Cow, 1012# $255.00
PINEDALE
1 Bull, 1545# $187.00
1 Bull, 1785# $186.50
KINNEAR
1 Bull, 1770# $186.00
BIG PINEY
1 Bull, 2170# $185.00
GREEN RIVER
VETERAN
1 Bull, 2005# $185.00
1 Bull, 1750# $183.50
BIG PINEY
1 Bull, 1735# $183.00
SHOSHONI
1 Bull, 1620# $180.50
LANDER
1 Bull, 2145# $180.00
SARATOGA 1 Bull, 1820# $176.50 BIG PINEY 3 Bull, 1758# $175.50 2 Bull, 1857# $174.00
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
CALF SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 A.M. LOAD LOTS START @ 10:30 A.M.
475#. 30 Herford & HerefordX Hfrs 400-450#. Rec Vista Once SQ & Vision 8 @ branding. High desert & Green!
Tim & Margo Barkhurst- 100 Blk & BWF Strs & Hfrs 450-550#. Rec Vision 7, Virashield 6 & Nasalgen @ branding & Precon(9-28); CattleActive @ birth, branding & Precon. High elevation. Sired by Herring Angus, CSU Angus & CSU Hereford bulls. Reputation & Fancy!! Falula Farms- 85 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500525#. Rec 8 way @ branding. High desert calves. Thomas A Jones- 63 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 530-600#. Comp vacc @ branding. Sired by Obsidian Blk Ang bulls. High elevation & fancy! Reputation! Brent & Niles Larson- 60 Blk Ang
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
BRED COW SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 A.M. W/ COWS & BULLS • BRED COWS @ NOON BRED HEIFERS
Barnes Ranch- 30 Blk Ang Bred Heifers. Bred to LBW Blk Ang Crowfoot bulls to start calving March 10th. Rec Express FP5 + VL5 + HB, Correction 8 & Multi Min this spring, poured this fall. Nice, reputation heifers!
BRED COWS 7X Cattle- 90 Blk Ang & AngX 3-6 Yr old Bred Cows. Bred to Split Diamond Blk Ang Bulls to calve March/ April. Rec Virashield L5, Ultrabac 8, Cattlemaster Gold FP5 & poured in the spring. Rec Virashield 6 VL5, Vision 8 & Ivomec this fall. High elevation. Rafter Cross- 50 Blk Ang Bred ST
this fall. Complete mineral program. High desert. First year off range. Willis Ranch- 45 Blk Ang Bred ST Cows. Bred to Blk Angus bulls to calve May/June. One brand. Good cows! Merrill Muir- 25 Blk Ang Bred Cows. Lacy Apadaca- 2 Bred 3yr old Cows. Nice gentle cows. NURSE COWS Lacy Apadaca- 1 Bred 4yr old Milk Cow. WEIGH COWS Sarah Faith Ranch- 2 loads weigh cows Merrill Muir- 25 weighs Willis Ranch- 2 loads weighs
7 Steer, 803# $336.00
3 Cow, 1026# $250.00
BOULDER 6 Cow, 1100# $245.00
DANIEL 14 Cow, 1127# $238.00
PINEDALE
5 Cow, 1090# $237.00
JACKSON
2 Cow, 1082# $227.50 FORT BRIDGER
6 Cow, 1070# $222.50
DANIEL 1 Cow, 1120# $211.00
1 Cow, 1360# $181.00
BOULDER
1 Cow, 1195# $180.00
SHOSHONI 2 Cow, 1295# $178.50
RIVERTON 1 Cow, 1335# $177.00
CALVES
Ed & Garrett Miller- 225 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs
500-575#. Rec Once PMH IN & Vision 7 w/Somnus @ branding. One Brand. Powerful, Choice, High desert calves!
John & Kay Stoll- 180 Blk & Red Strs & Hfrs 475550#. Rec Vision 7 w/ Somnus @ Branding. Knife cut. All natural. Sired by Lim Flex bulls. High elevation, powerful & fancy!
Dale & Amy Hamilton- 110 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 500575#. 65 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 475-550#. Rec Once PMH IN & 7 way. Knife cut @ branding. Sired by Paintrock Blk Ang bulls & small % Hereford. Reputation, high desert, choice!! Woolsey Farms- 150 Blk Ang & AngX(F1) Strs & Hfrs
450-550#. Rec Virashield 6, 8 way & poured. 45 days weaned. Green, Choice weaned calves!
WM Thoman- 80 Hereford & HerefordX Strs 450-
