Volume 35 Number 32 • December 2, 2023
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The Weekly News Source for Ranchers, Farmers and the Agribusiness Community • www.wylr.net
WACD hosts 78th Annual Convention in Dubois
A Look Inside Governor outlines conservative budget with focus on current challenges................Page 2 Individuals awarded during WWPC’s annual conference...... ........................................Page 6 Postcard from the Past recalls a new and improved stage route to Fort Steele.................Page 14 Wyoming ag leadership program graduates a dozen leaders..........................Page 19
Quick Bits Wool Throw
The Wyoming Wool Initiative’s (WWI) 2023 limited-edition wool throws are now available for purchase at the University of Wyoming (UW) Bookstore in Laramie. This year, WWI designed two throws, which were crafted from wool produced by UW’s sheep flock and processed at the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in Buffalo. The rib-knit throws weigh one and a half pounds and measure 74 by 37 inches. Proceeds will be used for student training, career preparation, outreach and community engagement, among other things.
Internship
The American Angus Association is offering opportunities for college students to further their education and gain experience with the world’s leading beef cattle association through paid summer positions focused on writing, editing, photography and organizational skills. Internships being offered include Angus Genetics, Inc.; Angus media marketing; Angus media publications, communications and events and junior activities. Students who wish to apply can visit angus.org/careers for more information.
Workshop
Nebraska Extension will host a Farmland and Pasture Leasing Workshop Dec. 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff, Neb. The workshop will cover current cash rental rates and land values, crop-share arrangements, terminating verbal leases and other contract considerations.The workshop is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. To register, call 308-632-1230.
Partnership
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced USDA is strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create jobs and expand access to new and better market opportunities for people in rural America.
“Preserving the Past, Conserving the Future” was the theme of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) 78th Annual Convention, hosted by the Dubois-Crowheart,
Popo Agie and Lower Wind River conservation districts in Dubois Nov. 14-17. The yearly gathering included a jam-packed agenda, including committee meetings, guest speak-
ers, agency updates, an awards luncheon and a dinner banquet. “There are a lot of ways to think about preserving the past,” noted WACD Area Four Director Reg Phillips
during his welcome speech on the morning of Nov. 16, giving a nod to the convention’s theme. “I think from our standpoint, we see it as preservation of soil and Please see WACD on page 9
Foreseeing the Future
WYLR photo
UW CBEA releases 2024 economic forecast For the first time, the University of Wyoming (UW) unveiled a statewide economic forecast exclusively for attendees of the 40th Annual Governor’s Business Forum, which took place on Nov. 15 in Laramie. State leaders joined UW Economics Professor and Researcher Dr. Anne Alexander in a panel discussion to examine topics related to Wyoming’s economy. WyoTech President Jim Mathis started the discussion by introducing the distinguished panel, which consisted of elected officials and legislative leadership. The panel discussion allowed attendees to hear from Alexander as she described the future of Wyoming’s economy, as well as state experts regarding Wyoming’s
current economic situation and what actions are needed to ensure the state’s economic future remains bright. A look into the future The UW Center for Business and Economics Analysis (CBEA) released its first annual economic forecast to help Wyoming businesses and policymakers plan for 2024. The forecast included industry-specific data analysis while identifying key factors influencing each sector. “Inflation is beginning to moderate, while the state’s population is expected to increase,” Alexander stated. “A few systemic problems the state faces Please see FORECAST on page 12
Spirit of the West Wyoming ranch featured in ‟Art of a Cowboy” Behind every cowboy is a story, and Steve Boaldin brings those stories to life through his art. As he travels across the U.S. visiting different ranches, he is able to capture their rich history on his canvas and tell their story. Boaldin and the ZGN production crew have been preserving the legacy of cowboys and ranchers in the documentary series “Art of a Cowboy.” Each episode is filled with real-life action, giving viewers a rare glimpse into cowboy culture handed down through generations. In July, Boaldin and the production crew visited Wyoming to film a future episode of “Art of a Cowboy” at the Lucky 7 Angus Ranch, owned by Jim and Jamie Jensen. Boaldin and the Jensen family share a common ideology – to live life through drive and passion. In the episode, the two generational ranchers share their stories, based on the Code of the West. Cowboy artist Raised on a farm and ranch in southwest Kansas, Boaldin, a third-generation rancher, grew up working cattle, rodeoing and breaking Please see LUCKY 7 on page 8
WACD honors members The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) hosted its yearly awards luncheon on Nov. 16, during the organization’s 2023 Annual Convention in Dubois. Bobby Rolston and Andrea Zink welcomed WACD members and other attendees to the ceremony. “This program is designed to showcase the hard work of districts, partners, cooperators and all of those who make conservation and agriculture in Wyoming successful,” Rolston shared. Certification awards To begin, Zink recognized individuals who received District Employee Certification during 2023. She explained District Employee Certification awards are given to employees who participate in training and have successfully passed a written test on district boundary reporting, records management, subdivision reviews, nursery stock laws, open meetings and public records law, local government insurance and employment laws, among other things. WACD members awarded with District Employee Certification include Ashley Coenen of the South Big Horn Conservation District, Elise Rose of the Shoshone Conservation District, Holly Dyer of the Laramie Rivers Conservation District, Karen Johnson of the Lingle Fort Laramie Conservation District, Kerri Sabey of the Uinta County Conservation District, Michelle Huntington of the Converse County Conservation District and Shaun Kirkwood of the Laramie County Conservation District. Other individuals who received the award are Trish Smith of the Star Valley Conservation District; Sunshine Solaas of Please see AWARDS on page 7
COWGIRL celebrates 30 Under 30 Class of 2024 Wranglers’ flagship program, COWGIRL 30 Under 30, was created by editors and executives at COWGIRL Magazine and is celebrating the fifth anniversary of seeking out and promoting an esteemed group of powerful young women. COWGIRL’s mission is to find and recognize young women who are making a name for themselves in the Western industry. These young women can be corporate executives, professional athletes, media professionals or hard-working cowgirls. COWGIRL aims to bring these talented women to light and show how vital they are to the ag industry, while creating and growing a network of individuals
who can serve as role models and mentors for future leaders of the ag industry. This year, three young ladies representing Wyoming were selected to be part of the 2024 inductees. They include Wyoming State Fair General Manger Courtny Conkle of Douglas, Wild West Advocacy Owner and Agriculture Advocate Sarah Falen of Cheyenne and Butcher Solutions, LLC Owner and Lead Butcher Sierra Jepsen of Livingston, Mont., former head meats judging coach for the University of Wyoming (UW). Conkle, Falen and Jepsen are joined by eight other women hailing from the
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Please see COWGIRL on page 13