Volume 36 Number 49 • March 29, 2025
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The Weekly News Source for Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside UW Extension outlines similarities and differences between profitability and efficiency.......... .................................... Page A6 Tips offered for choosing chicken breeds to produce colorful eggs..................... Page A9 Enhancing digital marketing efforts benefits ag operations... ...................................Page A11 Legislation to protect petroglyphs on state lands passes ... .................................... Page B8
Quick Bits Snow Report
In the 15th snow report for Water Year 2025, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 105% of median, with a basin high of 113% and a basin low of 50%. Last year, the state was at 96% and at 123% 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.
ACRE Act introduced to support American producers U.S. Sens. Dr. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran (both R-KS) introduced the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2025 on March 7. This new legislation will
enable community banks to manage agricultural real estate loans by providing them with tax-exempt status on earned interest. The ACRE Act is not a new government program,
but a tool for agricultural lenders which pairs well with other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs already being used by beginning and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
The ACRE Act benefits American families, farmers and rural communities across the country by making loans more accessible and affordable for rural and Please see ACRE on page A15
SPRING TURNOUT
Workshop The Weston County Natural Resource Conservation District, in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Mule Deer Foundation, Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association and Pheasants Forever, will host a two-part workshop on low-tech, process-based restoration. Virtual presentations will take place April 16, April 30 and May 14 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Then, a two-day in-person workshop will take place May 20-21 in Weston County. For more information or to register, visit westoncountynrd. org/ltpbr-workshop/.
WYLR photo
Turning ranch horses out to spring pasture should take place gradually As spring thaws winter’s chill and the landscape starts to turn green, it can be exciting – and a bit of a relief – to finally turn ranch horses out to pasture. However, experts remind horse owners extra time and care should be taken when returning horses to pasture to avoid laminitis, colic and/or diarrhea. A sensitive system Horses are known for having a unique monogastric digestive system, in which plant matter is broken down via microbial fermentation in the hindgut. Microbes in the digestive tract vary depending on
RAAA Award
Wyoming stable token makes historic step
Internship
Gov. Mark Gordon, chairman of the Wyoming Stable Token Commission (WSTC), announced on March 20 Wyoming is making significant strides toward the launch of the Wyoming Stable Token (WYST). Gordon’s announcement came after the monthly sevenmember commission meeting, which included an executive session. According to the press release, testing is expected to begin in coming weeks for the first fiat-backed and fullyreserved stable token issued by a public entity in the U.S. WYST seeks to enhance financial transactions and further establish Wyoming’s position as a leader in blockchain innovation and anticipates a launch date in July 2025. “WYST is designed to be a digital representation of the U.S. dollar, fully backed by U.S. Treasuries, cash and repurchase agreements. It will maintain a statutory requirement of not less than 102 percent capitalization to bolster stability,” Gordon announced. “The token will operate on blockchain technology, offering transparency, security and efficiency in financial transactions.” Moving forward Wyoming’s proactive efforts in advancing blockchain legislation have established the state as a prominent leader in the realm of digital assets. Since 2016, the state has passed over 45 pieces of sector-specific legislation, including outlines for Special Purpose Depository Institutions and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, demonstrating Wyoming is setting the
The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) is now accepting nominations for the John V. Robbins Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of RAAA services. For more information and to fill out a nomination form, visit bit.ly/2025RAAAawards. com. The deadline for nominations is April 11.
The American Gelbvieh Association is seeking interns for the 2025 Grand Ole Gelbvieh Junior Classic in Lebanon, Tenn. June 21-27. Individuals who want handson experience should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and three references to info@gelbvieh.org by April 1. For more information, visit gelbvieh.org/ juniors/agja-events/juniorclassic.
Please see WSTC on page A8
what the animal eats, and when the diet changes, so must the microbial population. Since these microbes are highly sensitive to changes in the diet and because sudden feed changes do not give the microbial population time to adjust, it is recommended to change a horse’s diet gradually over the course of a few weeks to avoid issues with colic and/or diarrhea. Additionally, Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Equine Extension Educator Laura Kenny notes early spring growth tends to be high in non-structural Please see HORSES on page A5
Battling HPAI USDA provides update on strategy to combat HPAI and lower egg prices In her first month in office, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has taken a strong stance against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), announcing a $1 billion comprehensive strategy to combat HPAI and lower egg prices just two weeks after she was sworn in as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 33rd secretary. More recently, Rollins released an update on the USDA’s advancements, announcing an expansion of biosecurity assessments and emergency funding. A press release published by USDA on March 20 notes, less than a month after the five-pronged plan’s rollout, the agency has seen significant improvements across all areas. “Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting the relief they need and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu,” Rollins states. “USDA is making targeted investments and driving innovation to keep our food supply strong and affordable – delivering real results for American families and producers.” Biosecurity measures Under the first component Please see HPAI on page A14
WLSB and UDAF brand agreement announced Recently, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) signed an agreement to allow brands on cattle to be used as official identification for cattle moving between Utah and Wyoming. This agreement was made in response to changes in official identification requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A virtual informational meeting was held on March 21, the same day the agreement became official. “We have a large number of cattle moving between Utah and Wyoming each year,” stated UDAF Animal Industry Director Leann Hunting. “This agreement has been made to lessen the bur-
den placed on the many livestock producers who move cattle between our two states.” WLSB Director Steve True reiterated WLSB does not have any issues with traceability. The board has tracked all proposed changes to the Animal Disease Traceability Rule and is strongly against the application of a mandate in the new final rule. True said WLSB believes the 2013 version of the rule has worked well and allowed producers to voluntarily choose the method of official individual ID, which worked best for them. “When Hunting approached us and
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Please see BRAND on page A10