NRCS releases Wyoming Basin and Water Supply Outlook for February
On Feb. 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) released the Wyoming Basin and Water Supply Outlook for February 2026, which analyzes snowpack, precipitation, streamflow and reservoir storage across the state of Wyoming.
The report assesses the water supply outlook for the entire state of Wyoming, as well as individual basins including the Snake River, Madison Headwaters, Yellowstone River, Wind River, Big Horn River, Shoshone
River, Powder River, Tongue River, Belle Fourche River, Cheyenne River, Upper North Platte River, Lower North Platte River, Laramie River, Sweetwater River, South Platte River, Little Snake River, Upper Green River, Lower Green River and Upper Bear River basins.
Snowpack and precipitation
As of Feb. 1, NRCS reports snow water equivalent (SWE) across Wyoming at 77 percent of median.
The Yellowstone River Basin saw the highest SWE for the month at 109 percent
of median, while the South Platte River Basin had the lowest SWE at 20 percent of median.
According to the report, the Belle Fourche, Big Horn, Cheyenne, Laramie, Little Snake, Lower Green, Lower North Platte, Powder, Snake, South Platte, Tongue, Upper Bear and Upper North Platte river basins posted SWEs below 89 percent of median recorded from 1991 to 2020.
Additionally, the agency notes the highest amount of precipitation occurred in the Cheyenne River Basin at 133 percent of median, while the
Big Horn River Basin saw the least amount of precipitation for the month at 53 percent of median.
Streamflow yields
For April through September, NRCS forecasts average streamflow yields from all basins in the state of Wyoming – except the Lower Green, Upper Green, Little Snake and Cheyenne river basins – at 93 percent of median.
April through July median streamflow yields for these four exceptions are predicted at 95 percent in the Upper Green
River Basin, 84 percent in the Lower Green River Basin, 68 percent in the Little Snake River Basin and 58 percent in the Cheyenne River Basin.
NRCS reports streamflow yields for individual basins across the state at 66 percent of median in the Upper North Platte River Basin, 67 percent of median in the Lower North Platte River Basin, 74 percent of median in the Tongue River Bain, 79 percent of median in the Laramie River Basin and 84 percent of median in the Powder River Basin.
Median streamflow yields for the Sweetwater, Big Horn, Wind, Snake, Yellowstone and Shoshone river basins are estimated at 90, 94, 104, 117, 128 and 134 percent of median, respectively.
Reservoir storage
Reservoirs reporting numbers below median include those in the Upper Bear River Basin at 36 percent, the Laramie River Basin at 53 percent, the Upper North Platte River Basin at 58 percent, the Cheyenne River Basin at 79 percent, the Wind River Basin at 83 percent and the Buffalo Bill Reservoir on the Shoshone River at 88 percent.
The Boysen Reservoir in the Big Horn Basin and reservoirs in the Snake River Basin were near median with 95 and 97 percent, respectively.
Reservoirs in the Belle Fourche River Basin were above median at 102 percent.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Additionally, the NRCS report outlines reservoir storage across the state of Wyoming, which averaged 84 percent of median as of Feb. 1.
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Upon further discussion, the two landed on a consensus that somewhere in the middle is likely best – protocols should be flexible enough to adapt to most cases, but producers should define clear criteria for when deviation is warranted and deviations should be rare, intentional and documented.
Antimicrobial resistance
The episode closes with a discussion on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in relation to bovine respiratory disease.
The experts largely agree AMR is often blamed for treatment failure, but it is rarely the primary cause.
They explain, while AMR is real and must be taken seriously, respiratory disease in cattle is a syndrome, not a single pathogen disease. Instead, multiple viruses, bacteria, environmental stressors and animal factors contribute to the disease’s development and progression.
In many cases, Larson and Gunderson agree treatment failure is more closely tied to delayed intervention, severe pathology or environmental challenges than AMR alone.
“Syndromes are a lot more complicated,” says Larson. “When we say ‘diagnose the problem,’ we have to understand the entire system, not just identify a pathogen.”
Across all of the topics discussed, two messages rang clear – prevention remains the most effective tool in cattle health management and good decisions aren’t about certainty. They’re about balancing the best information available and being willing to adapt as conditions evolve.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
WYLR photo
The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tenn., shared expert markets and weather analysis.
“The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, recordsetting beef demand and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs,” said CattleFax Chief Operating Officer Mike Murphy.
“Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market,” he added. “However, producer demographics, high input costs and policy uncertainty point to a slow and measured expansion phase.”
Weather outlook
La Niña continues to weaken and is expected to dissipate by March, with a transitional phase most likely through spring and early summer.
“We’re watching a classic transition year unfold,” said Atmospheric Scientist Matt Makens. “Even as the ocean changes, the atmosphere typically takes four to eight weeks to respond, so weather impacts will lag.”
In the near term, drought risks remain elevated across the southern U.S. and Central Plains, with a 70 percent chance of intensification, especially south of I-70 and west of I-35.
Spring’s neutral setup may help moisture distribute more evenly, though lingering La Niña effects could still limit precipitation west of I-35.
Summer outcomes hinge on how quickly a potential El Niño develops.
A fast-forming El Niño could deepen drought in corn growing regions while increasing precipitation in the West, whereas slower development may support more balanced moisture. By fall, El Niño becomes increasingly likely, though global climate factors could still alter its typical impacts.
“El Niño isn’t a guarantee of rain for everyone,” Makens said. “Other global patterns can amplify or mute its influence, so close monitoring remains essential.”
Economic, energy and feed grain outlook
Shifting the discussion to an outlook on the economy, energy and feed grains, Troy Bockelmann, CattleFax director of protein and grain analysis, noted inflation continued to moderate in 2025, ending the year at 2.7 percent Consumer Price Index growth and spending most of the year below three percent – the lowest since 2020-21.
With inflation relatively low, the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in 2025, finishing the year with the Prime Rate just below seven percent, which is still fairly high relative to the three percent level seen from 2009-21.
“After several years of navigating economic turbu-
lence, the U.S. is finally entering 2026 with a macro-economic foundation that feels steady and more predictable,” said Bockelmann. “Moderating inflation, improving monetary policy and strong consumer spending are reinforcing the sense of stability across the industries we serve.”
U.S. corn production reached a record 186.5 bushels per acre in 2025, driving total output to 17 billion bushels from 98.8 million planted acres. Competitive prices and ample supply are expected to boost exports in 2026.
With a 13.6 percent stocks-to-use ratio, corn prices should stay in the four to five dollars per bushel range.
CattleFax shared U.S. hay production increased slightly in 2025 to about 123 million tons. Hay prices are expected to average around $145 per ton in 2026.
On the energy front, Bockelmann said energy supply should remain adequate, keeping prices low and rangebound for diesel, natural gas and oil.
When taking a look at competing proteins, pork and poultry markets are expected to see modest growth in 2026.
Cattle market outlook
Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax, reported the U.S. beef cow herd decreased 280,000, while dairy cow inventories increased by 190,000 head.
Cattle availability will remain constrained in the first half of 2026 due to limited feeder cattle supplies. Fed slaughter is projected to decline by 600,000 head, primarily early in the year, and non-fed slaughter is expected to remain historically tight at 5.6 million head.
Total commercial beef production is projected to decline again in 2026, albeit at a slower pace than in 2025.
With imports up five percent and exports down five percent, U.S. per-capita beef supplies are forecast 0.2 pounds larger in 2026 to 59.2 pounds – the largest since 2010.
Retail beef demand remained historically strong in 2025, with record retail prices supported by steady consumption and exceptional product quality.
Consumer preferences continue to favor high-protein, nutrient-dense foods, reinforcing demand even as higher prices move through the supply chain.
“With 84 percent of fed cattle grading Choice or higher and 12 percent grading Prime, the industry is well positioned to sustain premium pricing,” Good noted.
“Beef demand continues to be anchored by exceptional quality and strong consumer confidence in beef as a premium protein.”
“Even as markets adjust and trade flows shift, the fundamentals supporting longterm beef demand remain solid,” he added.
Price outlook
Cattle and beef prices are forecast to average steady to higher in 2026, with risk
increasing later in the year as markets anticipate larger supplies in 2027.
Cow/calf producers are expected to retain the strongest leverage as the cycle turns, supporting continued profitability for several more years.
CattleFax forecasts the average 2026 fed steer price at $224 per hundredweight (cwt), steady from 2025.
All cattle classes are expected to trade higher, with 800-pound steer prices expected to average $335 per cwt, and 550-pound steer prices averaging $440 per
cwt. Utility cows are expected to average $155 per cwt, with bred cows at an average of $4,000 per head.
U.S. Department of Agriculture 2025 all-fresh retail beef prices are expected to average $9.25 per pound.
However, the continued increase in retail prices has CattleFax predicting consumer resistance to further price increases, even as demand is supported by a strong economy, beef quality and dietary focus on protein.
“As we look ahead, several factors will shape the trajectory of the beef indus-
try. The potential threat of New World screwworm and the status of Mexican feeder cattle imports is something we’re watching closely,” Murphy said.
“At the same time, shifts in packing capacity are rebalancing market leverage,” he continued. “Finally, the dairy industry will continue to be a growth industry supplying more cattle to the beef industry, following strong financial performance in 2025.”
Despite near-term volatility, the long-term outlook remains positive. Strong domestic demand, improv-
ing beef quality and sufficient packing capacity are expected to continue supporting profitability for the cow/calf sector as the industry moves into the next phase of the cattle cycle.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. For more information, visit ncba.org
CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted
307-7776397 TFN
BLACK HILLS GUN SHOW MARCH 13-15: The Lodge at Deadwood, in Deadwood, S.D. Call 605-641-0870 or 307-751-1877. Visit us on Facebook 3/7 UP IN ARMS, LLC FLEA MARKET AND GUN SHOW FEB. 20-22, Gillette, WY at the CAMPLEX. Open to the public. Fri., Feb. 20, 3-7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Giving away a .22 pistol Sunday at 2 p.m., must be present to win, 21 years of age and able to pass background check. Buy, sell, trade. Adults $6, children 12 and under free (when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Lisa, 208-4202295 2/14
DEVILS TOWER FOREST PRODUCTS INC., A LUMBER MANUFACTURER IN HULETT, WY, IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PARTS PROCUREMENT, PLANER OPERATOR (DAY SHIFT), MILLWRIGHT, BOILER AND KILN OPERATORS ARE DAY/ NIGHT SHIFT POSITIONS: Benefit package includes company paid medical and dental insurance (including dependents), life insurance, company-matching 401(k), safety incentives, holiday pay, paid vacation. Mandatory employment and random drug testing is conducted. EOE. Starting wage D.O.E. Online applications are available at www.neiman.com. E-mail applications to joe.ortner@devilstowerfp.com or fax to 307467-5418, contact Joe Ortner at 307-467-5252 with additional questions 2/21
LOOKING FOR RANCH ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER: Full-time position for large ranch located in Park County, WY. Responsibilities include: Lawn care, irrigation, agricultural equipment maintenance and general residential, building and property maintenance. Salary range of $45-$60K depending on experience. Living on property is required for employment. House and vehicle will be provided. Property is located 10 minutes from downtown Cody, WY. Position is available for immediate hire. Please send resumes to hbeirne@acpg. com and mgiliati@acpg.com 2/21
Livestock Feeders is looking for
Riders for their feedyard in Red Cloud, NE. The main focus of the Cowboy/Pen Riders are spotting, pulling, diagnosing and taking cattle to the hospital and shipping fat cattle. This person will need to be a team player who is seeking a long-term position. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. We offer a benefits package that includes
WYOMING SUGAR COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR A CONTROLLER, responsible for overseeing the accounting department and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field, minimum of 5 years’ experience, salary $60,000$80,000 DOE. Please apply online at wyomingsugar.com/ job-openings/ 2/21
WHETHER YOU’RE NEEDING SAND FOR YOUR ARENA OR GRAVEL FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY, WE HAVE YOU COVERED. BIG HORN REDI MIX IN Powell, WY 307-754-2923, Cody, WY 307-587-4691, Greybull, WY 307-765-4610 and Worland, WY 307-347-2458 or Canyon Concrete in Thermopolis, WY 307864-3500. Sand, gravel, 57 Rock, concrete and pre-cast. Family owned and operated in the Big Horn Basin for 40 years 3/7
Financial Services
ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., LLC, 307-322-3232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or email chuckbrown@wyoming. com 2/14
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 2/21
Brands
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSS, RHH. Expires Jan. 1, 2029. Electric iron included. $2,500 OBO. Call 307-575-6589 2/14
D&S CATTLE CO. FAMILY RANCH LOOKING FOR HELP feeding cows/ horses, calving cows, summertime haying. Cattle work done horseback. Good horsemanship skills needed. Ranch housing, wage DOE. For more information, call 406-3425349, Hysham, MT 2/21
ENGLISH SHEPHERD PUPPIES: Ready now. Farm raised, working dogs, red and brown tri-colored, $400. For more information, call 402641-8842 2/14
Cattle
TWO-YEAR-OLD HEREFORD BULLS: Canadian registered. Fertility checked. View photos at www.workingherefords.com Estermann Herefords, 308-3404159 or 308-963-4473 3/7
TWO-YEAR-OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS: Top bloodlines Historic and Gold Rush. Call Donald, 208-2016213 3/14
Shorthorn
RICHARD’S HOOF AND NAILS LLC NOW OFFERING BOVINE TRIMMING!! Ronnie Richards owner of Richard’s Hoof and Nails LLC is based out of Broadus, MT. After years of only doing farrier work, he is now offering cattle trimming. He attended a cattle trimming school in London, Canada and is ready to come to you with his custom mobile chute. Call 406-5543064 (home) or 406-853-3491 (cell) 3/7
Dogs Angus
SHORTHORN BULLS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Yearlings up to mature bulls available. Developed conservatively so they hold up. Remember a red Shorthorn bull on your homozygous black cows will give you black calves. Shorthorns are excellent maternal cattle that produce quality beef. Francis-Millvale Shorthorns, Gene and Roberta Francis Family, 701-331-2403, e-mail francis. millvale@gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/14
Pasture Wanted
SUMMER PASTURE WANTED FOR YEARLINGS: Seeking summer grass for 2026. For 500-1,500 head. Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota. Prefer longterm potential, competitive rates offered. Call Jon, 831240-5795 TFN
Market Price!
Bred by best Vermilion Ranch bulls!! Will start calving March 6 for 52 days. All vaccinations and poured with Ivomec. Can deliver!! Open Spear Ranch Melville, MT FOR SALE 20 BLACK ANGUS HEIFERS
ANGUS BULLS: These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 3/7
RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE IN NORTHEASTERN UTAH: Out of AI and bull-bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until April 15. $3,500/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435-828-1320, barlazytlranch@gmail.com 6/13
SALE * CHRISTENSEN RED ANGUS * SALE: Registered, vaccinated and fertility tested bulls. We have a deep carcass, high ADG packaged with moderate to low birthweights available. Call 406-208-4315 or e-mail criters64@gmail. com 2/14
LOOKING TO LEASE A RANCH FOR APPROXIMATELY 150-200 HEAD OF COWS. Prefer area in Johnson and Sheridan counties. Call 307290-1643 2/28
Horses
Red Angus
Hereford
Wagyu
LS CUSTOM LEATHER: New tack, belts and cell phone cases. ALSO, SADDLE AND TACK REPAIR. Custom orders welcomed. Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Riverton, WY 2/14
Sheep
MOFFAT COUNTY SHEEP SHEARING SCHOOL, CRAIG, CO APRIL 17-19: This 3-day shearing school provides hands-on, instructed experience in shearing sheep and an introduction to equipment maintenance. No previous experience needed. E-mail megan.stetson@colostate. edu or call 970-826-3402 for registration information and questions 2/14
Hay & Feed
HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, grass/alfalfa mix, millet, forage wheat and straw. Round bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 2/28
HAY FOR SALE: 2025 grass/ alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa, millet, haybet barley and CRP hay. ALSO, 2025 GRINDING HAY also available. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-290-4418, if no answer, send a text or keep trying 2/28
BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN OATS, wheat and barley, $20/cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307762-3878 or 307-899-4714, leave message 2/21
QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Grass, grass/alfalfa mix and straight alfalfa, net-wrapped large round bales, no rain. Western Nebraska location. Pick up or delivery available for fee. Call or text 303-9062691 2/14
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
FEED/GRAIN FOR SALE: Alfalfa, cane and millet hay. Large squares and rounds. Semi loads only. Will deliver. Call 970-2272760 2/14
Hay & Feed
PRAIRIE HAY AND SOME TAME GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Net-wrapped round bales. Located 1/4 mile from Presho Livestock Auction, Presho, S.D. Call 605-730-2899 3/7
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your spring needs, Barry McRea, 308-2355386, www.valleyvideohay. com 3/7
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2025 crop 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales, $50/bale. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 3/7
2025 HAY FOR SALE: 2,000+ bales, first, second and third cutting alfalfa/orchardgrass mix, roughly 50/50, round bales. If tests wanted, they can be obtained. Thirty miles east of Valentine, NE, trucking available if needed. Call or text for more information, 402759-2033 2/14
ALFALFA/GRASS MIX: Large round bales. FIRST AND SECOND CUTTING ALFALFA, large rounds and small square bales. OAT STRAW, large round bales. ALSO, HIGH QUALITY feed value SHELL CORN. For more information, call 307-754-5864 2/14
HAY FOR SALE: FIRST CUTTING ALFALFA, ALFALFA/ORCHARDGRASS, STRAIGHT GRASS AND GRAIN HAY OPTIONS. Net-wrapped round bales. Delivery available. WE ALSO OFFER CUSTOM TRUCKING, hay hauling and side dump to haul gravel. Call Cheney Trucking/Jonathan Cheney, 605-569-0469 2/14
HAY FOR SALE: Triticale, barley, pea blend with alfalfa, nice hay. ALSO, ALFALFA WITH SOME RAIN, 3x3 bales, shed stored, $170/ton. ALSO, CERTIFIED TRITICALE STRAW, long stem round bales, $130/ bale. ALSO, TRITICALE GRAIN $0.35/lb. bulk or totes. Farson, WY. Call 307-350-0350 3/7
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: 2025 third and first cutting available in small squares, averaging 7080 lbs. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS: $16/cwt. Combine run, great for seed or feed. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Certified scales on site. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-2540554 3/28
ALFALFA AND ALFALFA/ GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Can deliver. Have three sets of doubles. Can haul 45 bales a load. We can help with your hay hauling!! Call Dave, 605520-6341 or Telly, 605-5200236 2/14
GOLDEN GERMAN MILLET
HAY FOR SALE: Not combined, really nice hay, no nitrates, 8% protein, 4x4x8 big square bales, $110/ton. Call 970-630-0336 2/14
FOR SALE: 2025 MILLET HAY IN LARGE ROUNDS, approximately 1,100 lbs., 150 tons available at $155/ton. Gooseneck delivery possible. Call 307259-5485 2/14
Trucks & Trailers
1997 BARRETT 50’ GROUND LOAD TRAILER
One owner, ranch trailer. Asking $34,000. 307-760-5976
WESTERN B-TRAINS ALUMINUM FLATBED TRAILERS: Lead trailer is 32 ft. long, rear trailer is 28 ft. long. Really good tires, brakes and drums. $20,000 for whole set. Calls only, no texts, 208-6518698 2/28
Equipment
middle out gate, lead ups and platforms. Photos and more details available: www.sheridancountyfairgrounds.com
Please submit a bid no later than 3 p.m., March 2, 2026. All written bids will be considered by the Sheridan County Fair Association Board at the meeting on March 12, 2026. SCFA reserves the right to refuse sale.
2013 JOHN DEERE 8285R: 4,600 hours, before DEF, great condition. 630 F HYDRAFLEX BEAN HEAD WITH TRAILER, very low acres, been shedded, excellent condition. Call for details, 308-550-0673 2/21
FOR SALE: 2017 Freightliner Cascadia 125 day cab semi, Detroit DD13 engine, DT12 automatic transmission, air ride, aluminum wheels, 574,392 miles, very nice. Vermeer BP 7000 bale processor with hydraulic deflector. Miller Pro 18’ chuckwagon with tandem running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 16’, 20’ and 22’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear, truck tires. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. Gehl 1410 manure spreader, 410 bushel with slop gate, double floor chains, tandem axle. Meridian 240 seed tender, all hydraulic and roll tarp. Burns portable loading chute. 12’ and 14’ HD box scrapers with tilt. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 3/7
Trailer Services/ Repairs
LODGEPOLE OUTDOOR FURNACES, 307-223-2046. Your authorized Central Boiler Dealer. Get your outdoor wood furnace today!! Efficient wood heat. Heat multiple buildings. Invest in your heating, don’t just pay for it!! See us at www.cb.lodgepoleproducts. com!! 2/14
RETIREMENT SALE!! Brand new medium weight corral panels, 12 ft. long x 5 ft. high, if buy minimum of 100, $90/ panel. Brand new Cattle Master squeeze chutes, $2,850. Calls only, no texts, 208-6518698 3/7
JOHN DEERE 71 12-ROW
BEET PLANTER: Twelve row 22 inch or 24 inch on double decker stacking bar. ARTSWAY 786A BEET DEFOLIATOR: Six row 22 inch, 1 steel, 2 rubber drums. Scalpers, rear steerable wheels, extra parts. Very good working condition. Call 406-5910797 2/21
Security System
SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM DETECTOR: Indoor/ outdoor solar wireless alarm, half mile range, weatherproof motion sensor. One year warranty. DEALER INQUIRIES welcomed. For more information or to order, call Mountain View Variety, 719490-8871 2/14
ready, lots of elbow room. We have a Village office, great water!! Post office and volunteer fire department. For more information, pictures or a walk through call Colleen at 970-631-5649. YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE!! To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/14
PREMIER PIVOT AND GRASS PASTURE IN GOSHEN COUNTY, WY: This well designed 368+ acres hay and pasture property features an 86+ acre Reinke center pivot contiguous to native grass pasture with a stock well. The entire property is fully enclosed with perimeter fencing, with the center pivot separately fenced. Pivot is planted to alfalfa. Property can be split. $759,000. HIGHWAY 92 HIGH PRODUCTION FARM: Prime 200+ acre farm featuring 2 Zimmatic center pivots, excellent soils, 2 older, livable homes and 191 acres of reliable water rights from the Goshen Irrigation District. Unbeatable location along Highway 92, 6 miles south of Torrington, WY, for convenient access. A strong producer and solid investment at $1,250,000. Pictures at www. buyaranch.com. Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307-532-1750 TFN
Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts. com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
FOR A REMOTE NORTHEAST WYOMING RANCH: The role supports the current foreman and works alongside to ensure smooth and efficient operation of livestock, haying, equipment and facility management. Applicant must have a strong agricultural background and a hands on approach to problem solving and daily ranch work. This is a long-term position and offers a clear path to increased responsibilities, pay and leadership. Housing is provided. Will not consider drug addicts or alcoholics. Must have a clean driving record. Please send resume with references and telephone number by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net NO telephone calls 3/7
Sheridan WYO Rodeo
FEB. 28 & MARCH 1-2: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: FEB.
28: Ft. Bridger 3:40-4 p.m., Cash Store; Evanston 4:405:10 p.m., Jody’s Diner. MARCH 1: Kemmerer 7-7:20
a.m., Ham’s Fork Station/ Sinclair; Cokeville 8:10-8:30
a.m., Flying J Truck Stop; Afton 9:30-9:50 a.m., Tractor Supply; Thayne 10:05-10:20 a.m., Farmer’s Feed (drive thru); Etna 10:20-10:30 a.m., Etna Trading Post (drive thru); Alpine 11-11:30 a.m., Grey’s River Saloon; Hoback Jct. 1212:20 p.m., Hoback Market/ Exxon; Bondurant 12;50-1 p.m., Elkhorn Bar (drive thru); Bondurant 12:55-1:05 p.m., Post Office (drive thru, call/text Greg); Daniel 1:30-1:45 p.m., The Den (drive thru, call/text Greg); Pinedale 2-2:30 p.m., Gannett Sports; Big Piney
3:15-3:30 p.m., Public RR Visitor Info. lot; La Barge 4-4:15 p.m., All American Fuel (drive thru call/text Greg); Fontenelle 4:30-4:45 p.m., (drive thru, call/text Greg); Green River 5:50-6:10 p.m., (drive thru call/ text Greg). MARCH 2: Rock Springs 7:15-8 a.m., WY Wool Warehouse; Wamsutter 9-9:10 a.m., Wamsutter Conoco (drive thru, call/text Greg); Rawlins 10-10:20 a.m., Tractor Supply; Saratoga 11:15-11:45 a.m., Saratoga Feed & Grain; Elk Mountain 12-12:45 p.m., Conoco on I-80 (drive thru); Hanna 12:45-1 p.m., Hometown Market (drive thru call/ text Greg); Medicine Bow 1:051:15 p.m., JB’s (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Rock River 2-2:15 p.m., Rancher’s Supply (drive thru); Laramie 3-3:45 p.m., West Laramie Fly Shop. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www. petskafur.net 2/21
Salvage/Parts
Drones have quickly become an integral part of row crop systems, offering crop producers affordable solutions for spraying and scouting. Now, beef producers are beginning to explore how these unmanned machines can benefit their ranch operations.
The potential applications of drones in cattle operations are vast. From checking water sources to locating newborn calves and even serving as marketing tools, producers are finding creative ways to integrate the technology into their daily routines.
“Having drones in the sky can give producers a pair of eyes to see a lot of infor-
mation from up above,” said Yijie Xiong, a precision livestock management Extension specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“But the most common thing I hear producers say is drones give them peace of mind. When there’s a lot of work and they can’t ride horses over every acre of their land, they can rely on something to complete the work for them,” Xiong added.
What can drones do?
While drones won’t replace saddles or ATVs anytime soon, they can serve as a valuable management tool for ranch operations.
Xiong shares some of the ways she has seen producers
implement drones.
These include locating newborn calves, as finding newborn calves can be a time-consuming task, especially when cows wander away from their calves. Thermal drones can simplify this process by detecting the calves’ body heat, even in tall forage.
“Anything that is warm will appear as a very bright yellow or red object in the video, making it really easy to find them,” Xiong said.
Drones can assist with various management tasks, such as using cameras to check water sources in remote areas or monitoring forage growth to determine
if a grazing location is ready for cattle.
“I think the majority use of drones will still be for management decisions,” Xiong said. “Hopefully, the technology will soon advance to include more integrated data synchronization. For example, something seen from the drone could be readily and timely translated into management decision recommendations.”
Drones can enhance marketing efforts by capturing high-quality promotional images and videos. Whether it’s for a bull sale or showcasing the ranch’s support for a cause, drones can help producers create compelling content.
“They use drones to make beautiful promotional images and videos, and it’s really popular,” Xiong said. “Some ranchers use drones for promotional materials, and they’ve seen success with this. It also saves the cost of hiring a professional photographer.”
Additionally, introducing new technology like drones can spark interest in younger generations and create opportunities for family bonding.
“One producer I spoke with said it helps him spend more time with his five-yearold son,” Xiong said. “He uses the time to teach his son how to use the drone, which
also creates interest in the cattle business and everything involved in maintaining the ranch. To him, it’s a valuable investment.”
Need to know
While spraying cattle with products such as fly spray via drone isn’t feasible yet, producers are finding innovative ways to adopt this technology.
When selecting a drone, producers should consider their specific needs.
For example, drones with thermal imaging capabilities may be more expensive, but they are ideal for locating cattle. On the other hand, drones for marketing purposes can be relatively affordable and still capture high-quality images.
In addition to cost, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations for
flying drones.
For drones weighing over 55 pounds, Xiong highlights four permits required before flying, including a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part-107 Certificate, FAA Medical ClassIII Certificate, state pesticide applicator license and FAA Part-137 Certificate or Exemption.
The use of drones is no longer limited to row crop farmers. More ranchers are discovering the benefits of drone technology for their operations. Whether it’s for marketing, management or simply peace of mind, drones are proving to be a valuable tool on the ranch. Elizabeth Hodges is a staff writer for Farm Progress.
A new bill proposing significant changes to brand inspection law in Nebraska is currently up for debate, threatening the future of the Nebraska Brand Committee and making waves across the state.
Legislative Bill (LB) 1258, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, Neb. seeks to eliminate mandatory brand inspections in favor of a voluntary system, abolish the Nebraska Brand Committee as a standalone agency and transfer its duties to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
The proposed legislation has been met with widespread apprehension from ranchers and lawmakers alike, with critics citing concerns over theft and mismanagement in a time where the cattle market is reaching record highs.
Legislation proposed Hansen’s proposal would change the name of the Livestock Brand Act to the Livestock Protection Act and remove mandatory brand inspection requirements, according to the bill summary.
The legislation would also eliminate the Nebraska Brand Committee and establish a Division of Brand Registration, Brand Inspection and Livestock Theft Investigation within the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. If enacted, changes would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Current Nebraska law requires cattle owners in the western two-thirds of the state to comply with mandatory brand inspections overseen by the Nebraska Brand Committee, which are meant to safeguard against cattle theft.
“The Nebraska Brand Committee is responsible for investigating cattle theft and verifying ownership through brand inspection when cattle are bought, sold or moved within or beyond the branding zone or area set in state law,” explains Nebraska Examiner Reporter Juan Salinas II in a Jan. 26 article.
Nebraska’s current policy mirrors Wyoming law – which requires statewide brand inspections for livestock changing ownership or moving across county or state lines – while the changes proposed in LB1258 were modeled after Kansas’ voluntary inspection system.
Senators respond
State Sen. Tanya Storer is a rancher from Cherry County, Nebraska – the top beef cow-producing county in the U.S. – who is firmly opposed to LB1258.
According to a Jan. 23 Rural Radio Network (RRN) article, Storer says the legislators who drafted the bill are non-ranchers who “don’t understand the cattle business,” arguing the bill’s language threatens rural cattle producers by weakening measures which have pro-
tected proof of ownership for decades.
“They’re not in the cattle business. They don’t understand the cattle business, but they’re willing to take a sledgehammer and try to destroy a system of proof of inspection,” Storer tells RRN. “It’s about proof of ownership and proof of inspection – keeping the integrity of a very valuable asset in the state of Nebraska in place.”
Storer also tells she believes there is room for modernization regard ing brand law, but reiterates she does not view LB1258 or eliminating the Nebraska Brand Committee as the solution.
“We have to remain open minded to making changes reflecting the changes in our industry,” Storer says. “But anything that degrades or erodes the basic provision for proof of ownership is not acceptable.”
State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, Neb. also hails from a ranching background and has introduced her own legislation regarding brand policy.
Ibach is in support of shifting duties from the Nebraska Brand Commit tee to the Department of Agriculture in light of ongo ing financial struggles faced by the brand committee, according to RRN
and firmly opposing the proposed legislation.
Citing a “volume of questions” NFB has received from members regarding the legislation, McHargue emphasizes “NFB is opposed and will actively work to stop any effort to implement a statewide voluntary brand inspection system.”
“NFB continues to be a strong supporter of the work of the Nebraska Brand Committee, including its important role in mitigating cattle theft in our state,” says McHargue. “While we have been open to discussions centered around modernization to ensure the current fee system is equitable for program participants,
our members have made it clear they are not supportive of changes which would effectively end the mandatory brand inspection program as it exists today in favor of a voluntary statewide system, as proposed in LB1258.”
In addition, a widespread social media response from Nebraska
ranchers has reflected a shared sentiment of disapproval, with comments citing concerns about cattle theft and raising questions about identification should the changes take effect.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
“The value of the brand is still very relevant, but I do think we will have to come up with a solution,” Ibach tells RRN Ibach emphasizes she is skeptical about whether the current brand inspection system can remain financially sustainable without significant reform.
Further, Ibach tells RRN she believes the state already oversees many aspects of brand inspection and is capable of assuming more with proper guidance.
The Nebraska Brand Committee is currently headquartered in the western panhandle of Nebraska, where current mandatory brand inspection laws apply and would likely continue to be requested under the proposed voluntary system.
Opponents of the change argue consolidating duties under the state department of agriculture and basing operations out of eastern Nebraska would be costly and impractical.
RRN notes, concerns over whether the culture and enforcement strength of brand inspection can survive inside a larger state agency have been raised by critics of LB1258, along with additional questions.
Industry reacts
While the debate unfolds on the legislative floor, ranchers and other cattle industry leaders have expressed their opinions online.
On Feb. 2, Nebraska Farm Bureau (NFB) President Mark McHargue issued a statement emphasizing NFB’s support for the Nebraska Brand Committee
Cattle producers, students and advocates were recognized as the “Best of Beef” through a variety of awards and scholarship programs during CattleCon 2026, held Feb. 3-5 in Nashville, Tenn.
ESAP Awards
The Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers.
Wine Glass Ranch of Imperial, Neb. was announced as the 2025 ESAP national winner.
Jeff and Connie Pribbeno and their son and daughter-in-law Logan and Brianna Pribbeno own and
NCBA recognizes industry honorees during CattleCon 2026
operate Wine Glass Ranch, located in western Nebraska near the Colorado border.
The Pribbenos believe long-term care for their operation’s ecology translates to profitability, which is why they have married together the values of ranching for profit and environmental stewardship to make a living.
Wine Glass Ranch was selected from a list of 2025 regional honorees including Region One’s Whispering Hills Farm of Lawrenceburg, Ky.; Region Two’s M&D Overstreet Ranch of Kathleen, Fla.; Region Three’s Smith Family Farms of Bankston, Iowa; Region Four’s McFaddin Ranch of Victoria, Texas and Region Five’s G&G Livestock and Cathey Cattle Company of Polson, Mont.
ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies which share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for
the environment and protecting natural resources.
Sponsors including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Cattlemen’s Foundation partner with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain.
BQA Awards
The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards, sponsored by Cargill and Sam’s Club, annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers and educators.
Winners not only demonstrate high-quality animal care and handling principles as part of their dayto-day operations, they also express a strong desire to continually improve their operations through BQA.
The 2026 honorees
include East Foundation Ranches LLC of Hebbronville, Texas as the recipient of the Cow/Calf Award; Singing Brook Farms of Imler, Pa. as the recipient of the Dairy FARM Award; Ordway Cattle Feeders of Ordway, Colo. as the recipient of the Feedyard Award and Sysco Corporation of Houston, Texas as the recipient of the Marketer Award.
Jerry Yates of West Virginia University in Wardensville, W. Va. was honored with the Educator Award and Burt Rutherford, a freelance writer who formerly worked as the senior editor of BEEF Magazine, was the winner of the Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award, which recognizes agricultural journalists who exemplify the values Greg Henderson championed throughout his career.
W.D. Farr Scholarships
The W.D. Farr Scholarship, established in
2007, recognizes superior achievement in academics and leadership and allows graduate students to further their study in fields benefiting the cattle and beef industry.
Each $15,000 scholarship recognizes outstanding students who plan to pursue careers in furthering the beef industry.
The 2025 recipients are University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL) Student Shelley Curry of Kennard, Texas and Colorado State University Student Sydney Bowman-Schnug of Fort Lupton, Colo.
CME Group Beef Industry Scholarships
Ten students pursuing careers in the beef industry were awarded $1,500 scholarships by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.
The CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship program recognizes talented and thoughtful students emerging as industry leaders.
The 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship recipients include Iowa State University Student Grant Boyd of Leon, Iowa; Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Student Shay Burian of Manning, N.D.; Texas Tech University Student Natalie Dietrich of Lubbock, Texas; UNL Students John Garcia of Baker City, Ore. and Nathan Rippe of Indianola, Neb.; South Dakota State University Student Olivia Hadrick of Faulkton, S.D.; Iowa State University Student Luke McCrea of Maysville, Mo.; University of Missouri-Columbia Student Gavin Rhode of Stewartsville, Mo.; Kansas State University Student Emma Whitlock of Milan, Mo. and William Kemp of Bishop, Calif.
Folds of Honor Scholarship
Folds of Honor provides life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders.
One of the Folds of Honor Scholarship recipients is Erica Wells-Kleman who is pursuing a degree in animal science at Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson School of Agriculture.
Erica’s mother, U.S. Army Sergeant Joyce WellsKleman, served her country as a medical specialist for more than 11 years.
Beef Checkoff Visionary Award
The Beef Checkoff Visionary Award recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the checkoff’s goals and vision.
The 2025 honoree is Anne Ilse Anderson of Austin, Texas.
Anderson and her husband Jim own a cow/calf operation in the Texas Hill Country, combining a deep passion for agriculture with a global business perspective. Anderson began her
career as a clinical dietitian and educator before fully transitioning into agricultural leadership. Since then, she has dedicated more than four decades to advancing the beef industry through innovation and mentorship.
National Golden Spur Award
The National Golden Spur Award and the Ranching Heritage Association (RHA) Working Cowboy Award are prestigious honors given by the ranching and livestock industries.
Annually, the Western community comes together to recognize the inspiring honorees of these accolades through the National Golden Spur Award.
The recipient of the 47th National Golden Spur Award is Jan Lyons of Lyons Ranch in Manhattan, Kan.
The Seventh RHA Working Cowboy Award Western Division recipient is Jeff Bilberry of Singleton Ranches in Kenna, N.M., while the Seventh RHA Working Cowboy Award Eastern Division recipient is Tom Moorhouse of Moorhouse Ranch in Benjamin, Texas.
American National CattleWomen Awards
American National CattleWomen (ANCW) honors distinguished women who demonstrate skills and devotion to reaching new audiences with creative and unique messages about beef.
Those chosen for the 2026 awards have made an impact by telling their beef story.
This year, the Outstanding Cattlewoman of the Year Award was given to Leanna Spratling of Spring Creek, Nev.; the Outstanding Educator Award was given to Laurie Munns of Hansel Valley, Utah and the Outstanding Promoter Award was given to Connie Tabor of Agra, Okla.
ANCW Collegiate Beef Advocates
Shaping and supporting young beef advocates and emerging leaders for the beef cattle industry is the priority of ANCW’s Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program.
This program provides resources and opportunities for students to use their unique strengths and passions to connect with consumers and peers as they promote beef.
Advocates honored this year include Natalie Dietrich of Texas Tech University, Kara Tifft of Tarleton State University and Rachel Wandell of the University of Idaho.
NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. For more information, visit ncba.org
