Volume 36 Number 28 • November 2, 2024
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The Weekly News Source for Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside 2024 Gold Buckle Winners shine at the NILE.........Page A5 USDA's Beagle Brigade searches for prohibited ag products at airports......Page B1
NCBA rejects proposed dietary guidelines During the last full week of October, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee released its prelimi-
nary recommendations for the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), a framework providing
advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutritional needs, promote healthy living and prevent disease.
As part of these new recommendations, the committee pushes even harder for Please see NCBA on page A8
Oversized cattle influence consumer protein buying preferences........................Page B6 Winterizing the coop keeps chickens comfortable and productive through winter months... ....................................Page B7
Quick Bits
FFA honors
Relief Funds
Wyoming youth impress at National FFA Convention
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association has announced a third application period to assist Wyoming livestock producers affected by fire, which will close on Nov. 22. Application forms are available at wysga.org or by calling 307638-3942. Completed applications can also be mailed to PO Box 206, Cheyenne, WY 82003 or e-mailed to susan@wysga.org.
Animal Health
The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) will be hosting two virtual meetings on understanding animal disease traceability. The Zoom meetings are set for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 7 a.m. For more information or to access the Zoom links, visit @StateofWyomingLivestockBoard on Facebook.
2024 Election
Wyoming is seeing an increase in turnout across the state compared to turnout numbers from previous election cycles. As of Oct. 28, absentee turnout by mail and in person exceeded 76,000, which is over 30% of the number of registered voters in Wyoming. Secretary of State Chuck Gray stated, “Turnout continues to outpace the 2022 General Election across the Cowboy State as eligible Wyoming voters exercise their right to vote.”
Symposium
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture and University of Wyoming (UW) Extension, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, are hosting a Wyoming Agricultural Stress Symposium at the UW Ag Resource Center in Casper. The symposium will start at 1 p.m. on Nov. 13 and at 8 a.m. on Nov. 14. Participants will have opportunities to learn about resources available across the state and participate in several trainings. For more information, contact Lucy Pauley at 307777-8788 or e-mail lucy. pauley@wyo.gov.
Wyoming Weed and Pest Council hosts fall conference For more than 70 years, the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) has been organizing an annual conference to unite its 23 districts and advance the organization’s mission of safeguarding Wyoming’s agricultural lands and open spaces from invasive species. On Oct. 29-31, individuals gathered at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper to attend the WWPC’s 80th Annual Conference. During the three-day event, participants engaged in
various activities such as training sessions, business meetings, historical presentations and legislator roundtables. The conference is an excellent opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge, establish connections and enjoy camaraderie with fellow professionals. The WWPC’s efforts and commitment ensures Wyoming remains a beautiful and pristine environment for outdoor enthusiasts and landowners. Please see WWPC on page A14
Fall conference – Wyoming Weed and Pest Council held its 80th annual fall conference and business meeting Oct. 29-31, where U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wyoming State Plant Health Director Bruce Shambaugh gave a report on the agency's current projects. WYLR photo
NILE junior livestock results posted The Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) drew hundreds of livestock producers, youth exhibitors and rodeo athletes from across the U.S. and Canada to Billings, Mont. for the annual week-long stock show and rodeo, held Oct. 11-19. Over the course of these seven days, livestock judges sorted through some of the highest-quality classes of market and breeding beef, goats, hogs, lambs and youth showman. Amidst the tough competition were numerous exhibitors and breeders hailing from Wyoming and other Western states who took home top honors in their respective shows. Beef show results In the Junior Fed Market Steer Show, Livestock Judge Amanda Schnoor of Chowchilla, Calif. honored Chael Roberts of Absarokee, Mont. with the “Grand Champion Slap,” while Wyoming’s own Taryn Miller took reserve-champion honors back home to Douglas. Fellow Wyoming beef showmen Jace Rich of Newcastle and Hadley Cooper of Powell impressed in the senior showmanship division, earning grand and reserve honors, respectively. Raegan Nash of Pocatello, Idaho was the Grand Champion Junior Beef Showman and Layton Mrnak of Bowman, N.D. was the reserve champion. In the open breeding show, Hadley Hartman of Tecumseh, Neb. exhibited the Supreme Champion Female, TBARS MS 5028K, while Lazy JB Angus, LLC of Montrose, Colo. had the Supreme Champion Bull, BRDG Mahogany Prime 904B. Please see NILE on page A10
Youth from sea to shining sea donned their navy and gold and gathered in Indianapolis for the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo Oct 23-26. While there, chapters hailing from the state of Wyoming proved a competitive force in multiple competitions. Top 10 teams Awards were presented to national event winners throughout the week, and on Oct. 24 winners of the National FFA Agricultural Sales Career Development Event (CDE) were announced. According to the National FFA Organization, the Agricultural Sales CDE allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations through sales presentations, a written exam and a team sales situation. The top 12 individuals and the national winning team in the event received cash awards. The Torrington-Lingle FFA Chapter, made up Please see FFA on page A6
Individuals honored at WWPC conference During the 80th Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) Conference individuals were recognized for making a significant impact in managing invasive species in Wyoming. On Oct. 30, members of Wyoming’s 23 weed and pest districts gathered at their annual awards banquet to honor several individuals who have played pivotal roles in conserving Wyoming’s natural beauty and for their extensive years of service. The awards program began in 1984 and has grown to include the Harold P. Alley Award, Everett Johnson Award, Archie Lauer Award and Guy Haggard Award.
To kick off the evening, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) addressed the large crowd of WWPC employees and honorary guests. “I’m here tonight as I think it’s pretty exciting WWPC is celebrating 80 years of service, and this organization is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “You all are the experts in this industry, and I welcome your ideas, recommendations or suggestions, as I know with the recent fires Wyoming has sustained, we are facing some challenges ahead of us. But, I am here to help.” Years of Service awards WWPC President Donley Darnell
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Please see WWPC on page A7