Volume 38 Number 10 • June 27, 2026
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The Weekly News Source for Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside Demand for protein spurs growth in meat-based snack sales................................. Page 5 WGFD offers tips to help wildlife in dry summers................. Page 5 Experts provide tips to manage heat stress and pests in sheep this summer...................... Page 7
Lawmakers, USDA target food supply chain resilience Efforts to strengthen America’s food supply chain and expand meat processing capacity gained momentum this month as federal lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture (USDA) unveiled separate initiatives designed to support independent processors, improve market access and enhance local and regional food systems.
Together, the proposals address concerns many producers have raised since the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities within Please see FOOD on page 14
White muscle disease discussed by UW Extension sheep specialist........................... Page 8
Lamb Report American Lamb Board releases quarterly lamb report
Quick Bits Office Closed
The Wyoming Livestock Roundup Office will be closed July 3 in observance of America’s 250th year of independence. We wish all of our friends, families and dear readers a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Ranch Tour
The Albany County CattleWomen’s 2026 Ranch Tour is set for July 18 in Laramie. Attendees will meet at the south end of the Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site at 8 a.m., and the tour will depart at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public and includes an informative tour guide. For more information, visit wyaccw.com or call 307-742-0288.
Deadline
For farmers and ranchers planning to fill the feed gap by planting annual forages from Aug. 1 through July 31, 2027, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) Annual Forage Insurance Program provides the option of taking coverage for a lack of precipitation. The enrollment deadline is July 15, and producers considering the program are encouraged to re-enroll or visit with a crop insurance agent to learn how the product works.
Coyote Days John Graham’s Eighth Annual Coyote Days is scheduled for Aug. 14-15 at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds in Lusk. The event will feature 20 instructional demonstrations on all aspects of the predator control and fur harvesting industries, along with vendors, drawings, a banquet, a fur fashion show and more. For more information, call 307-334-9930.
Resources
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is providing information and resources to report suspected cases of New World screwworm in Wyoming. The public can help monitor wildlife through game cameras while scouting, hunting, recreating or observing wildlife, and instructions for reporting suspected infestations to WGFD can be found at wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/wildlife-diseaseand-health.
2026 CNFR
Champs
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE RODEO CHAMPIONS CROWNED IN CASPER The 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) concluded on June 20 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Nine college cowboys and cowgirls were crowned champions at the end of the week-long event, including one impressive cowgirl representing the University of Wyoming (UW).
Goat tying, breakaway and barrels The champion goat tier was UW Cowgirl Josie Mousel, a junior from Colman, S.D. who clinched the title with an average of 24.4 seconds on four head. Mousel also picked up points in the breakaway roping to take home the women’s all-around title. Please see CNFR on page 6
Champion cowgirl – University of Wyoming Cowgirl Josie Mousel clinched the championship goat tying title at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo, held June 14-20 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Jackie Jensen photo
WAFWA recognizes Wyoming Game and Fish Commission The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission was recognized at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) awards ceremony with the annual Commission/Board of the Year Award. WAFWA represents 23 states, including Wyoming, as well as several Canadian provinces. The association helps provide resources to build partnerships within state, federal and nonprofit organizations to conserve wildlife for the use and benefit of the public. Commission/Board of the Year Award The Commission/Board of the Year Award is presented in recognition of significant contribution to the management, protection or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources within the past five years. “This award is well deserved and reflects the excellent work our commission has done for conservation efforts in Wyoming,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Director Angi Bruce said. “Our commissioners demonstrate their commitment to WGFD’s mission and Wyoming’s wildlife and do a great job balancing the complex scientific and socio-economic needs that come with determining effective policies and regulations for our agency.” Individual awards Department personnel were also recipients of several individual WAFWA awards. Dave Zafft, WGFD deputy chief of fisheries, was the recipient of the Professional of the Year Award. Zafft began working for the WGFD in 1986 as a seasonal Please see AWARDS on page 4
On June 18, the American Lamb Board (ALB) released their Quarterly Circana Lamb Report, highlighting robust gains in dollar sales despite continued pressure on volume. “The latest ALB retail analysis shows consumers are spending more on lamb than ever before, even as higher prices temper pounds sold,” the report states. Dollar sales ALB reports during the first quarter of 2026, U.S. retail lamb dollar sales increased 9.8 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, ALB notes over the latest 52 weeks, dollar sales were up 10.2 percent, reaching nearly $981 million nationally. Although revenue growth remained strong, the ALB report shows volume sales reflected a different story, noting pounds sold declined 2.5 percent during Q1 and slipped 0.6 percent over the latest 52 weeks, highlighting the ongoing impact of rising retail prices. The report further highlights lamb prices returned to 2022 levels, with pricing remaining the primary driver of sales growth. Please see LAMB on page 15
COUNTY FAIR FEATURE Hard work, humility drive Malone’s 4-H journey For Sheridan County 4-H and FFA member Bentley Malone, showing livestock is about so much more than banners and buckles. While he enjoys competing and the opportunity to showcase the animals he has worked hard on all year, he says some of the most valuable lessons he has gained through 4-H are learning responsibility, developing leadership skills and understanding how to handle success and disappointment with grace. Making the most of new opportunities Now in his fifth year, Bentley says he
originally joined 4-H because he wanted to become more involved in agriculture, meet new people and try new experiences. “I got involved because I saw it as a new opportunity to do new things, connect with more people and get more involved in agriculture,” he says. This year, Bentley has four market hogs and is helping his younger sister with her goat. His lineup includes two dark crosses, a light cross and a Hampshire, all of which he plans to show at both Sheridan County Fair
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Please see MALONE on page 16