Volume 36 Number 44 • February 22, 2025
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The Weekly News Source for Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside
Rollins cuts millions in excess spending on her first day in office
UW Extension outlines importance of obtaining a private pesticide applicator license...... ..................................Page A11
On Feb. 14, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins undertook significant actions on seven key initiatives during her inaugural day in office, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the departments goals. In a concerted effort to further Pres-
Feeding production cows in confinement helps stretch grass during drought................ ................................. Page A14 Current Wyoming forage situation and outlook highlighted at WESTI Ag Days...... Page B2 Natrona County Cow-Belles host 32nd Annual Casper Ag Expo....................Pages B6-B7
Quick Bits Correction
Information published in an article titled “Rapid City hosts 67th Annual Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo” in the Feb. 15 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup was incorrect. Lot 43, consigned by Wagonhound Land and Livestock, was not the high-selling stallion of the All-Breed Horse Sale. The high seller was actually lot 30, a stallion consigned by Hardy White which sold for $52,000.
ident Donald J. Trump’s agenda, Rollins is committed to enhancing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) support for American farmers, ranchers, loggers and the broader agricultural community. Rollins held a media conference
at the White House on her first day as well, where she discussed key priorities for American farmers and ranchers, addressing food prices due to the failed policies of the Biden administration, food stamp reform and working with Please see ROLLINS on page A9
AVIAN FLU UPDATE HPAI CONTINUES WREAKING HAVOC ACROSS THE U.S.
To date, more than 162.5 million birds have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since January 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with cases reported in all 50 states. Although the outbreak slowed significantly through
most of 2024, cases started rising at the beginning of November and have continued to surge into the new year. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported 124 new cases in 32 states between mid-January Please see HPAI on page A4
Snow Report
In the 10th snow report for Water Year 2025, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 103% of median, with a basin high of 114% and a basin low of 48%. Last year, the state was at 87% and at 109% in 2023. The report and a map displaying basin snow water equivalent percentages of median for the state may be found at wrds.uwyo.edu/wrds/nrcs/ nrcs.html.
WAIC Auction
Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom’s (WAIC) First Annual Online Auction is now open through March 7. Individuals can bid on a long list of items including a 2025 Commissioner’s Big Game License, a scenic flight and picnic for two, a half-day Old Baldy Club guided fishing float trip and much more. Funds raised will be used for natural resource education in Wyoming. For more information and to bid on auction items, visit waic2025. givesmart.com.
BLM System
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming State Office has implemented a call ahead appointment system to allow for a more streamlined use of the public room. To schedule a visit, call 307-775-6256 or e-mail blm_wy_copywork@ blm.gov. This change is being implemented to minimize crowded wait times and maximize public room use. This system will be in place until further notice.
Adobe Stock photo
Livestock loss USDA NASS releases 2024 Wyoming sheep and lamb loss report On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its annual report on sheep and lamb losses across the state of Wyoming for 2024. Information in the report was compiled from a survey conducted by the NASS Mountain Regional Field Office at the request of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, which provided funding for the project. “The sheep and lamb survey utilized multi-frame sampling procedures and involved drawing a random sample from a list of livestock producers maintained by the USDA NASS Wyoming Field Office,” the agency explains. “In addition, sheep producers living in a selected sample area were interviewed. This procedure assures complete coverage of sheep producers by accounting for farmers and ranchers who may not be on the list.” Total loss According to the report, the Jan. 1, 2024 sheep and lamb inventory numbered 320,000 head, and the 2024 lamb crop was estimated at 215,000 head. Please see USDA on page A8
BHSS livestock show winners announced
FEATURED YOUNG PRODUCER
The second largest event in the state of South Dakota, the 2025 Black Hills Stock Show (BHSS), was held Jan. 31Feb. 8 at the Central States Fair in Rapid City, S.D. BHSS has been at the forefront of advancing the agricultural industry through exceptional breeding and competitive events for more than 60 years. The annual event attracts an estimated 331,000 individuals from a 13-state region and features 120 different livestock, horse and rodeo events, along with hundreds of vendors to shop from. BHSS is dedicated to showcasing the hard work and passion of young exhibitors, and the BHSS youth livestock shows provide an invaluable opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and passion for livestock. “This show not only highlights the impressive animals raised by local youth but also emphasizes the important life skills they develop through their involvement in agriculture – teamwork, responsibility and leadership,” states the BHSS website. “Each participant has put in countless hours preparing for this moment, and we are excited to see their hard work pay off.” Market lamb results The youth market lamb show, held on Feb. 8, highlighted some of the best in the industry. Hayley Byrd of California claimed the grand champion title, and the reserve champion title went to Jorie Miller of Wyoming.
Wurdeman brothers produce high-quality hay
Please see BHSS on page A6
Niobrara County brothers Carson and Garrett Wurdeman, sons of Neal Wurdeman of Lusk and Cindy Wurdeman of Hastings, Neb., have a longstanding connection to the agricultural industry. This shared connection brought them closer together and led to the establishment of Wurdeman Brothers LLC in 2020. Wurdeman Brothers LLC is dedicated to raising high-quality hay and cattle near Node. The brothers, in collaboration with their father and sister Lainey Wurdeman,
proudly contribute to the efforts of 5W Livestock LLC which consist of a backgrounding feedlot and both a farming and ranching operation. Family business “My dad moved from eastern Nebraska about 30 years ago to Duck Creek Ranch and started the family business about 12 years ago,” Carson states. “We are very involved in the family business. We moved back to the ranch during COIVD-19, then decided to start our own
periodical
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Please see WURDEMAN on page A10