The Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame (WCHF) Region One Induction Ceremony will be held on Aug. 29 at 12 p.m. at the Weston County Fairgrounds in Newcastle. The event will feature recognition of both new and past inductees, live music and a silent auction. Admission is free, and lunch will be served. For more information, visit wyomingcowboyhalloffame.org
Cornhole
Registration is open for the Annual Cowboy Cornhole Tournament, hosted by the Wyoming FFA Foundation and the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation on Aug. 11 at the Wyoming State Fair starting at noon. Players will get free drink tickets and the chance to win a custom belt buckle as the first-place prize. For more information or to register, visit secure.qgiv.com/ for/wyomingffaassociation/ event/2026cowboycornhole/
WBC Tour
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is hitting the road to hear directly from Wyoming business owners, community leaders and residents. The tour will kick off in the Big Horn Basin on Aug. 5, with a lunch and listening session from 12-1 p.m. and a happy hour from 5:30-7 p.m. in Cody, followed by an open house and ice cream social in Powell from 2-4 p.m. On Aug. 6, WBC will host a coffee talk in Greybull from 8-9 a.m., a lunch and listening session in Lovell from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and a listening session in Worland from 3-5 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/WBCListen
WGFD HMAs
Applications for permission slips opened for hunter management areas (HMA) on July 21. All hunters who wish to hunt HMAs must obtain printed permission slips and be aware each HMA has different rules. An interactive statewide map of HMAs is available at wgfd.wyo.gov/ Public-Access/Hunter-Management-Areas
USDA announces phased reopening of Mexican livestock imports
Nearly a year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) closed the Southern Border to livestock imports from Mexico in an effort to protect the U.S. agriculture industry from New World screwworm (NWS).
After a year of closely moni-
toring the situation, the department announced on July 24 it will begin a phased reopening of the border.
Phased approach
According to USDA, the port of entry in Douglas, Ariz. will reopen to cattle imports beginning on Aug. 24,
so long as Mexico continues meeting requirements and key milestones outlined in the Joint Action Plan developed by the two countries during the summer of 2025.
After evaluating the success of the
COWBOY STATE WELCOMES BURGUM
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum recently spent two days in the Cowboy State meeting with state leaders, producers, Tribal representatives and federal officials to discuss Western priorities, while also celebrating the inaugural Day of the American West at the 130th Cheyenne
Thoman, Thompson win NHSFR titles
The 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) came to a close on July 25.
High school rodeo athletes from across the globe were crowned champions following a week of top-notch competition at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Neb. Wyoming cowgirls crowned
Two Wyoming women – Taylor Thoman of Kemmerer and Hadley Thompson of Yoder – rose above the competition during this year’s finals, winning the National High School Rodeo Association queen contest and goat tying, respectively.
In the queen contest, Thoman competed against more than 40 other cowgirls to clinch the title, showcasing her talents across eight categories including horsemanship, personal interview, modeling, personality, appearance, prepared speech, written test and impromptu speech.
In the timed events, Thompson posted fast times in the breakaway roping, pole bending and goat tying to finish third in the All-Around Cowgirl race and securing a world championship title in the goat tying.
Several fast runs including a 6.41-second run in the short-go, which was the second-fastest time of the whole rodeo, contributed to her win, marking Thompson’s second consecutive national goat tying title.
In addition, Thompson’s horse CD Smokin’ Miss Kitty – nicknamed Salty – was named the American Quarter Horse Association Girls Horse of the Year for the second year in a row.
Frontier Days (CFD).
“It was an honor to spend the past two days in Wyoming with Burgum discussing issues that matter not just to our state, but to the future of the American West,” wrote Gov. Mark Gordon in a July 24 Facebook post.
On July 28, the Wyoming Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee convened at the Thyra Thomson State Office Building in Casper to continue their interim legislative work.
During the meeting’s morning session, the committee continued their discussion on potential reform to current livestock pregnancy checking statutes and heard an update on electronic identification (EID) tags from members of the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB). Livestock pregnancy checking
Current statues outlined within the Wyoming Veterinary Practice Act allow only licensed veterinarians, animal owners and related personnel to perform pregnancy testing on livestock set to be sold as bred cattle. The committee is currently debating whether to amend this statute to allow non-veterinarians to offer pregnancy checking on cattle as a service, and the topic has garnered significant
CFD crowns 2026 champions
The iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) rodeo celebrated 130 years of history this year, attracting rodeo fans from across the nation to the Cowboy State’s capital city for one of the biggest celebrations of Western culture in the country.
Champions of the 2026 “Daddy of ‘Em All” were crowned on July 26 in front of a large crowd gathered inside Frontier Park in Cheyenne.
Broncs and bulls
In the bareback riding, Jayco Roper of Oktaha, Okla. came out on top with an 83-point ride on Smith Pro Rodeo’s CC Blue.
Second place in the bareback was split between Kade Sonnier of Carencro, La. and Trevar McAleeister of Ronan, Mont.
Ryder Wright of Beaver, Utah was declared the champion saddle bronc rider for earning the most money during CFD but split the final round win with Sage Newman of Melstone, Mont. and Brody Cress of Hillsdale in a three-way tie. Each cowboy posted 93-point rides in the championship round, with Wright matching up with Rafter S Rodeo’s Cancun Moon, Newman facing off with Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics’ The Black Tie and Cress taking Summit Rodeo’s Heavy Feathers for a spin. In the bull riding, Luke Mackey of Ignacio, Colo. took first place with a 90-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Tiger King.
On Aug. 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will reopen the port of entry in Douglas, Ariz. for Mexican cattle.
The opening of the border to Mexican cattle is a blessing to some and a threat to others. There are some facts to support the reopening and some politics to lower the price of beef at grocery stores.
Closing the border to slow the spread of New World screwworm (NWS) has shown Mexico the U.S. is serious about the issue. Mexico better ramp up their control, especially since it’s next to Central American countries where NWS has become a way of life.
The closure has hurt Mexico’s cattle industry as it didn’t have much infrastructure for feeding and processing. However, since the border closure, Mexico has built both feedlots and processing facilities, but it hasn’t been enough for their needs.
The closure has also hurt the U.S. cattle industry in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Where there are processing plants and feedlots depending on Mexican cattle to run at capacity.
Prior to the July 9, 2025 border closure, U.S. imports of Mexican cattle averaged 1.8 million head annually in the previous decade and 1.12 million head per year in the previous 35 years.
When one considers the number of Mexican cattle and current low numbers of U.S. cattle, this three-state area was really hit hard.
The closest active NWS case to the Douglas, Ariz. crossing is only around 325 miles away.
This area has always had good cattle and the strictest animal health requirements in Mexico. Mexico has large cattle associations which help ranchers with the latest vaccines and management tools. Despite cartels, these associations do a good job for their ranchers.
There is strict protocol for cattle crossing into the U.S. First, they have to go through pre-inspection facilities in the areas of Sonora, Mexico and Chihuahua, Mexico where veterinarians inspect cattle and provide doses of various medications such as Ivermectin.
There will be a monitoring timeline before cattle reach the border and another inspection at the border. If they pass this inspection, cattle will be run through a dipping vat before they are brought into the U.S.
I think President Donald Trump and his administration are hoping Mexican cattle will help bring down beef prices at the grocery store.
Live cattle futures will drop, but hopefully they will come back up soon.
Some ag economists disagree and say it won’t help, and I tend to agree. While cattle numbers have risen some 200,000 head lately and replacement heifers are up three percent to 3.8 million, the drought in cattle country will take a toll. I’ve heard over 60 percent of U.S. cattle are now in a drought-affected area.
Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, said, “Closing the border last year is not what caused record-high cattle prices in the U.S. It added a tiny bit at the margin, but it’s not the reason. For those who may think opening the border is going to change the overall trajectory of cattle markets in the U.S., I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
OPINIONS
Can I Sell This?
By Wyoming Department of Agriculture Consumer Health Services Division
A question which frequently arises when dealing with people across the state is, “Can I sell this?”
But the answer to this question isn’t always an easy one. In fact, it is very dependent on what is being sold and/or donated and who and/or where they’re trying to sell it.
Different foods and circumstances require different answers and safety protocols. This is because of the rules and regulations at the state and federal level surrounding food safety and maintaining the
integrity of the U.S. food supply.
Food safety not only protects individuals and businesses in Wyoming, it also protects our industry.
The past century or more of food safety science has made the nation’s food supply one of the safest in the world. The knowledge gained about cross-contamination, temperature controls, safe handling and more have created an extensive base of knowledge around what it takes to keep food safe.
U.S. food inspection programs at
the federal and state levels utilize these science-based findings to help protect consumers, businesses and the industry through inspection and education throughout the year.
In Wyoming, there are a variety of different programs dealing with food safety through the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA). These include the state meat program, manufactured foods program, food safety program and dairy program, to name a few. Each of these
Bear safety encouraged
As warmer weather prompts increased bear activity, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) urges outdoor recreationists and homeowners to take preventative measures to avoid conflicts with bears.
Residents and recreationists within grizzly and black bear country are strongly advised to secure all potential bear attractants. This includes properly storing garbage, pet and livestock feed and birdseed. Barbeque grills should be cleaned and stored inside of a garage or shed whenever feasible. These actions will help prevent bears from being drawn to residential areas and campsites.
Those recreating in bear country should be aware of potential encounters by carrying bear defense and being alert. Avoid surprise encounters by hiking in groups, making noise and learning to identify signs of bear activity, including tracks, scat and diggings. Steer clear of areas with carcasses or scavenging birds, as bears may stay near a carcass to defend it.
WGFD notes commercially available, Environmental Protection Agency-approved bear spray is an effective deterrent if confronted by a bear.
For more information about being bear wise in Wyoming, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/large-carnivore/bear-wise-wyoming
Fire ban in effect
Due to drought conditions leading to increased fire danger, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is implementing an open fire ban on all Wyoming Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands within Albany, Carbon, Goshen, Laramie and Platte counties effective immediately.
These fire bans apply to all commission-owned and managed lands, including 17 wildlife habitat management areas and 47 public access areas.
As drought conditions continue to affect much of Wyoming, recreationists should learn about fire restrictions at their intended destination before setting out.
Prohibited activities during the fire ban include building, maintaining, attending or using any fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal or wood-burning stove and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Lighting fireworks is always prohibited on commission-owned lands.
For information on current county fire restrictions, visit wsfd.wyo.gov
WyFB welcomes Thayer
The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) welcomes Darby Thayer to the team as marketing and engagement director. Thayer began with the federation on July 6.
In this role, Thayer will develop and execute marketing and communications strategies to advance the organization’s mission. She will manage WyFB’s brand voice across all communication platforms including serving as editor of Wyoming Agriculture
A fourth-generation member of her family’s cow/calf ranch in Carbon County, Thayer has a deep appreciation and understanding of agriculture, rural communities and the importance of advocating for the people and industries that keep Wyoming strong.
Thayer earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with minors in marketing, leadership and professional and technical sales from the University of Wyoming (UW) in May 2025 and completed her Master of Business Administration at UW in July.
During college, Thayer gained real-world marketing and event coordination experience working for the UW Athletics Marketing Department for three years and the UW Foundation for one year. She also completed an internship with a local radio station as a live remote broadcaster.
“Advocating for ranchers and farmers and working every day to strengthen agriculture and Wyoming communities is essential for the future of our state, our industry and our food system,” Thayer said. “WyFB is truly unique as the ideas and issues the organization supports start from the ground up with county level members. This gives local ranchers and farmers a voice and the ability to advocate for real issues in agriculture they face daily.”
WSGLT completes easement
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) is pleased to announce the completion of a donated conservation easement on the Clarendon “Easy” East Cat Creek Ranch in Sheridan County.
The voluntary conservation easement permanently protects 1,800 acres of productive working lands, wildlife habitat and open space located roughly 10 miles southeast of Sheridan.
The ranch encourages intact grasslands interspersed with patches of ponderosa pine and sagebrush and has remained in agricultural production since the original homestead was established in 1903.
Current Owner Dave Clarendon began working on the ranch in 1975 and purchased the property in 1999, becoming the ranch’s third owner since its homestead.
Today, approximately 40 acres of the ranch are actively managed for irrigated and non-irrigated hay production, while the remaining 1,760 acres consists primarily of native rangeland supporting livestock production, largely through cow/calf operations.
The property provides important wildlife habitat and lies within Wyoming Game and Fish Departmentdesignated critical year-long range for pronghorn, mule deer and white-tailed deer and is located near significant elk seasonal range.
The ranch also serves as winter migration habitat for pronghorn and supports a variety of grassland and migratory bird species, including sharp-tailed grouse, along with numerous amphibian and reptile species.
Bordering state trust lands, as well as neighboring private lands, the ranch represents one of the few remaining open spaces in close proximity to both Sheridan and Big Horn. As residential development continues to expand in the area, the conservation easement helps ensure the preservation of the ranch’s agricultural heritage and ecological value, while also supporting an important buffer within a rapidly changing landscape.
Funding for landowner expenses associated with the conservation easement was provided by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and the Knobloch Family Foundation
With the completion of this project, WSGLT now holds 13 conservation easements in Sheridan County, protecting a total of 13,425 acres.
AFBF applauds progress
On July 24, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall commented on House passage of a budget framework including market relief for farmers.
“We applaud members of the House of Representatives for recognizing the economic toll facing farm country and advancing farm aid as part of their reconciliation package,” Duvall states. “High production costs and weak commodity prices are expected to drive billions in losses across row crops in 2027, with additional losses facing specialty crop, alfalfa and sugar producers.”
“Our attention now turns to the Senate where we hope to not only pass the market relief but also work in a bipartisan fashion to advance other critical priorities for agriculture this Congress including a reauthorized farm bill and year-round E-15,” he concludes.
WGFD issues reminder
Persistent warm temperatures this summer, coupled with below-average precipitation, have led to rising water temperatures in many local streams. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) would like to remind anglers of best practices for fishing in the heat.
As summer progresses and water levels decline, rising temperatures threaten trout and other cold-water species, especially when exposed to additional pressure from angling.
Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, making it difficult for fish to recover from the stress of being caught. When temperatures exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the mortality rate for catch-and-release trout increases significantly. Late afternoon readings on the Snake River and some of its tributaries have already approached 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with conditions expected to worsen.
To help, anglers are encouraged to limit fishing to morning hours before water temperatures peak in the late afternoon; monitor real-time conditions and consider a hand-held thermometer to periodically check water temperature while angling; minimize fish exhaustion by landing them quickly and keeping them in the water during handling; practice proper handling including avoiding squeezing, keeping fingers out of gills and removing hooks gently and keeping fish that cannot maintain balance as exhausted fish are unlikely to survive if released.
WGFD staff will continue to closely monitor water temperatures to determine if further action is needed to protect local fisheries. In the event of a closure, the public will be notified, and signs will be posted at access points to inform anglers.
Darby Thayer Courtesy photo
“It was also a privilege to welcome U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Matthew Lohmeier, as well as Wyoming’s own U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik and Department of the Interior (DOI) Associate Deputy Director Karen Budd-Falen to Cheyenne as we celebrated the Day of the American West during CFD,” Gordon added.
Celebrating Western heritage
Issued through a formal order by DOI, July 23 was designated as the Day of the American West in honor of the region’s role in shaping U.S. history, culture and identity.
The order specifically acknowledged CFD for its longstanding role in celebrating and preserving Western heritage and traditions.
“CFD is a celebration of the American West and is rooted in stewardship and community,” stated CFD Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig in a June 2 news release. “We’re honored to be part of America 250 during our 130th celebration, and we look forward to recognizing the people and traditions that continue to shape the West today by sharing them with future generations.”
Part of CFD’s iconic Western display are the Grand Parades, which take place periodically throughout the week in downtown Cheyenne, and on July 24, Burgum served as the parade’s grand marshall.
“As America continues to celebrate its 250th birthday, the occasion served as another opportunity to honor the West’s enduring role in our economy, public lands and American spirit,” stated DOI Press Secretary Aubrie Spray in a July 25 Inside Interior video recapping Burgum’s visit.
Addressing pressing concerns
During the visit, Burgum and Gordon held a
media event at the CFD Old West Museum to discuss some of the Cowboy State’s most pressing priorities, including mineral rights, water rights and energy development.
In his remarks, Gordon highlighted the importance of open communication between DOI and the state of Wyoming and touched on his Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative, which helps ensure “families are able to transfer their operations from one generation to the next.”
Burgum addressed concerns about the ongoing drought and issues surrounding the Colorado River Basin, noting he is ready and willing to intervene in the more than 100-year-old dispute between the system’s water users.
In fact, after engaging in multiple meetings with governors from the Colorado River’s upper and lower basin states, Burgum said he is confident a new agreement can be reached to replace the 1922 compact currently in place.
“I’ve said it before –if we come up with a plan nobody likes, we probably have the right plan,” Burgum said. “When you have a shortage of Colorado River water this severe, if somebody is happy and somebody else is unhappy, then it’s not the right amount of sharing the pain or shouldering the responsibility.”
Burgum went on to note there hasn’t been a consensus reached among the seven states for years, which will eventually result in the federal government becoming the “water master.”
If this happens, though, Gordon said Wyoming’s share of water is protected by water rights senior to the 1922 compact.
“The water rights prior to this are going to be unaffected,” Gordon explained.
Additionally, the two spent considerable time discussing Wyoming’s
place as one of the nation’s leading energy producers
“Today, the American West really powers and feeds our nation, and we can’t have national security without energy security,” Burgum said. “We also know we’re not going to have national security if we don’t have mineral security and, of course, the West has historically been a place where we’ve had mining and management of critical minerals.”
Visiting with Wyoming producers
One of Burgum’s most important stops during his visit took place at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) office in the heart of the state’s capital city.
It was here, WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna – with the help of Budd-Falen, the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and other local organizations – hosted a roundtable discussion where 13 Wyoming ranchers representing a broad range of western issues had an opportunity to speak to the secretary face-to-face.
“This was largely orga-
nized by Budd-Falen,” Magagna shared. “The secretary had planned to come to Wyoming and expressed he wanted to visit with real people from the ag community – not just to hear general things but to hear about some of the major problems we face.”
Magagna noted each producer gave a seven- to eight-minute presentation on an assigned issue based on their expertise, and topics included everything from marketing value-added beef, vacant grazing allotments and wild horse management to staffing challenges, timber production and conflicts between Bighorn and domestic sheep.
“We talked about the need for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to expedite timber production and how all of our dead timber not only causes fires but is a hindrance to livestock grazing,” Magagna shared. “We talked about vacant allotments – under both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and USFS –and the need to make them available in a more-timely manner for permanent rregranting and as interim temporary use allotments.”
“We also talked about the importance of staffing at the local level and how important it is the people DOI assigns to field offices are kept in place, are given guidance to develop both their professional skills and their understanding of local
resources and have the ability to work with local people,” he added.
Overall, Magagna said he – and all of the producers he talked to after the fact – left the roundtable feeling optimistic and pleased with Burgum’s receptivity.
“Burgum was certainly receptive – not just to listen, but to actually do things,” Magagna said, recalling a statement the secretary said that stuck with him.
“I might not quote it exactly, but he said, ‘Far too often when you go to an agency and want to do something, the response is that they’d like to do it, but. And the but is usually that they can’t do it, they’ll be sued for it or it’s against regulation. But I want to turn this around, so when you go to them the response will just be that they will do it,’” Magagna shared.
Looking forward to the future
Following Burgum’s visit, Magagna said he will be keeping close watch on policy already in the works including BLM grazing regulations, which he expects to be finalized within the next month and more flexibility within the Endangered Species Act, some of which was recently announced regarding grizzly bear management, as well as the act’s definition of the term “threatened.”
Federal staffing chal-
Working together
– Here, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President Jim Magagna shakes Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum’s hand following a roundtable discussion in the WSGA office in Cheyenne. Thirteen Wyoming producers had the opportunity to present Wyoming-specific issues directly to the secretary during the meeting.
lenges are also top of mind.
Magagna noted Wyoming hasn’t had a permanent BLM state director for nearly two years, and over one-half of its field offices are staffed with acting positions, causing them to rotate through people quite frequently.
Magagna said when this was brought up to Burgum, he was adamant DOI would focus on filling positions and getting the “right people in the right places.”
When it comes to the overall importance of Burgum’s visit to the Cowboy State, Magagna said, “So often within federal agencies, grazing is like the stepchild. It is the most widespread use of public lands across the nation, yet it often doesn’t get the attention, the staffing or the budget it deserves.”
Being as Burgum is from the neighboring state of North Dakota and has firsthand experience in western agriculture, Magagna believes he is someone who understands the industry and is primed to enact real change.
He stated, “I think Burgum clearly showed he has passion for our industry, which I believe will help move things along and move them more in our direction.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Courtesy photo
programs follow rules and regulations designed to help ensure the safety of the food supply in Wyoming.
Each of these programs are designed to not only protect consumers of these products, but they also protect the agriculture industry in Wyoming.
Whenever there is a foodborne illness outbreak, it can negatively impact the agriculture industry. For example, when there is a national outbreak associated with a specific item, the sales and confidence in this item go down. This can have drastic impacts on the industry as a whole, like significant economic losses for producers through lower
continued from page 1
Additional results
In the bareback riding, Hayden Wieser of Walcott, N.D. was crowned champion, followed by Ryder Wallace of Firth, Idaho. Laramie’s Trenton Rogers and Gillette’s Keon Norris also earned top10 placings, finishing the week in ninth and 10th places, respectively.
In the saddle bronc riding, Trygg Madsen of Morgan, Utah took first, followed by Hunter Mancina of Virginia, Minn. in second.
The champion bull rider was Ty LaVergne of Sulphur, La., and the reserve champion was Briggs Cooley of Lafayette, La. Additionally, Crowheart Cowboy Stetson St. Clair finished ninth in the bull riding.
In the steer wrestling, two cowboys from Spanish Fork, Utah came out on top, with Ace Austin placing first and Burk Austin placing second.
Brothers Traven Todd and Colter Lee Todd – both of Willox, Ariz. – took first place in the team roping, followed by Missouri Cowboys Blaine Gray of Holt, Mo. and Bronc Evans
of Fairview, Mo. in second.
The champion tie-down roper was Briar White of Lawton, Okla., followed by Cruz Melanson of Vinton, La. in second.
Normangee, Texas Cowgirl Drew Ellen Stewart came in a close second to Thompson in the goat tying, while Gillette Cowgirl Rhame Hicks landed 11th and Sheridan’s Bleu Butler finished 18th
The breakaway roping title went to Shylene Drumm of Durango, Colo., while Steeley Franklin of Orange, Texas took second.
In the barrel racing, Skyler Nicholas of Rockdale, Texas took first prize, followed by Jessa Mavity of Dickinson, N.D.
Zoey Wagoner of Arnegard, N.D. took first in the pole bending, followed by Braydee Bourdet of Hollister, Calif. in second.
Caleb Tree of Payson, Utah won the boys cutting, followed by Wes Zebarth of Kimberly, Idaho. In the girls cutting, Jenna Bell of Duluth, Minn. and Kate Roberson of Mineral
market demand.
We’ve seen this in the past with leafy greens, cantaloupes, chicken and numerous other commodities. When people get sick, it hurts agriculture. These programs help reduce and limit the frequency of these potential problems
With this said, not every thing requires inspection to be sold. Under the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, the abil ity to sell certain items directly
across the state. However, the
Wells, Texas took first and second, respectively.
Colorado Cowgirl Landri Lisac of Pueblo, Colo. won the reined cow horse competition, followed by Laney Fjelstad of Scales Mount, Ill. in second.
Ace Austin was crowned the 2026 All-Around Cowboy, while Bourdet earned the 2026 All-Around Cowgirl title.
Casper Cowgirl Lavoye Garnhart earned the AllAround Rookie Cowgirl title, while Stix Lee of Fallon, Nev. won All-Around Rookie Cowboy.
Out of 44 total teams,
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Texas and Utah swept the competition to finish first and second respectively, and Wyoming finished 15th overall.
The 2027 NHSFR is slated to return to the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Neb. next July.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
NHSFR
Kemmerer cowgirl crowned – Taylor Thoman of Kemmerer was crowned the new National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) Queen during the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo in Lincoln, Neb. Here, reigning NHSRA Queen Cardyn Clem passes the crown to Thoman. Courtesy photo
discussion.
Proponents argue amending the law would expand the free market and allow ranchers more flexibility in choosing how to manage their herds, while opponents argue the expansion could have negative impacts on veterinarians and hinder additional important routine veterinary work often conducted during pregnancy checking, such as establishing veterinary client patient relationships and carrying out infectious disease surveillance.
To begin the meeting, Legislative Service Office (LSO) Research Analyst Clayton Caldwell provided the committee with an LSO research memorandum outlining current certifications available in other states which allow trained professionals to test for livestock
pregnancy.
The committee then heard public comment from several individuals representing different sectors of the Wyoming ag industry.
Public comment
Wyoming State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel argued against the draft legislation as it currently stands, saying it has negative consequences for disease surveillance and fails to support certified veterinarians.
“This draft bill inhibits WLSB from performing one of its essential missions of surveillance, which is the control and eradication of animal health diseases,” Hasel testified. “Veterinarians are our primary source of surveillance and control and eradication of animal health diseases, and being on the farm is where
they collect this information. This bill directly negatively impacts our ability to do this.”
Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Executive Vice President Kerin Clark expressed WyFB’s support of clarifying statutes without instating more regulations, emphasizing WyFB’s member ranchers have strong partnerships with their veterinarians but have also said they would benefit from greater freedom in being able to hire laypersons to conduct pregnancy checking.
Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna encouraged further discussion on the topic, and Sweetwater Valley Rancher Travis Clyde emphasized he believes opening up stat-
utes to allow laypersons to conduct pregnancy testing services will not serve as a replacement for important veterinary work but rather provide ranchers with greater freedom and flexibility in managing their herds.
After a lengthy discussion, the committee failed to pass any amendments and voted to continue discussing the bill during their next meeting.
EID tag update
Following the livestock pregnancy checking discussion, WLSB Director Steve True provided the committee with an update on EID tags.
True opened by emphasizing the federal EID tag rule first instated in November 2024, which requires certain classes of sexually intact bovine 18 months of age and older to have an EID tag before being sold and crossing state lines, remains in effect.
HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA – CUSTER COUNTY ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION “Hidden Canyon Ranch,” 1,470 Prime Acres and Improvements WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26, 2026 10:30 AM MDT
Offered in 4 Tracts, of 160+ to 590+ acres and as one 1,470+ acre unit. Property Address: 26094 Dewey Road, Edgemont, S.D. Directions, 21 mi. 4 SW of CUSTER S.D. on US Hwy. 16, and Mann Rd., OR 11 mi. north of DEWEY, S.D.
The Hidden Canyon Ranch features breathtaking scenery surrounded by high rock outcroppings with much mature ponderosa pines, cedar and ash timber. The native grass meadows offer grazing for livestock and wildlife. Improvements include an attractive milled log ranch style home, shop and log barn. Water is supplied by two dependable wells serving the ranch headquarters, corrals and other water outlets.
The setting is spectacular with nice balance of timber, rock outcroppings and native grass pasture, perfect for the Gentleman Rancher that wishes to have complete privacy! Joining the Black Hills National Forest, this property is perfect for the experienced equestrian and/or wildlife enthusiast! Auctioneers Note: This “Trophy Property,” once owned by former Governor Walter Dale Miller, is unique and picturesque in so many ways. As you wind your way through the scenic canyons, you will feel like you have stepped into your favorite old time Western movie set! The Old West at its best! Take time to inspect this one-of-a-kind property and be prepared to place your bid Auction Day!
INSPECTION: Inspect at your convenience, property corners are marked, maps are available onsite, or Auctioneers onsite Wed. Aug. 12, Wed. Aug. 19 & Mon. Aug. 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, and by appointment. NOTICE: Please DO NOT attempt to inspect by full size pickup, SUV, etc., as many trails are not passable! FIRE DANGER IS HIGH! Only inspect the property on horseback, ATV or UTV!
Terms and Conditions: ABSOLUTE AUCTION, selling Auction Day without minimum or reserve bid! Cash sale, Warranty Deed & Title Insurance provided, ’26 taxes prorated to closing. Selling “AsIs, Where Is” without warranty of any kind. Broker represents Seller. See www.bradeenauction.com complete terms and conditions.
This is a LIVE PUBLIC AUCTION held at the Bradeen Auction Facility in Custer, S.D. ONLINE SIMULCAST INTERNET BIDDING and Pre-bidding is available to pre-registered bidders only.
Owner:
“I want to nip one story in the bud that I’ve heard quite a bit, which is President Donald Trump was writing some executive orders to repeal the EID rule,” True said. “This didn’t happen, and it’s probably not going to.”
Additionally, True noted the recent approval of an instate official calfhood vaccinate (OCV) metal tag approved for use within Wyoming to signify brucellosis vaccination.
“We were able to approve a yellow metal OCV tag for use within the state of Wyoming which became available on June 1,” True stated, emphasizing the yellow bangs tag does not allow animals to cross state lines.
“None of this changes what the EID rule demands for U.S. Department of Agriculture purposes or other states’ import rules,” True emphasized. “There’s not a single state out there that will accept our yellow tag as interstate movement.”
Hasel further empha-
sized these tags can be placed by a wide range of individuals as long as they are in place before the animal is sold, and she and True fielded questions from committee members to conclude the morning. Refer to page 15 for coverage from the second half of the July 28 Wyoming Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee meeting. Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Hogs and Pigs Report, issued on June 25, showed the nation’s porcine inventory dipped to 73.66 million from 73.67 million a year ago. This number was at 73.94 million in this year’s first quarter.
Market hog inventory on June 1 came in at 67.78 million head, up slightly from the year-ago total of 67.75 million head. The market head count was down from inventory in the first quarter of 68.05 million.
Breeding inventory of 5.88 million head was down from the last quarter but up slightly from last year. Offsetting the dip in the breeding inventory, producers and their sows are continuing the trajectory of pigs saved per litter coming in at 11.87 for the March-to-May
CFD
Hog numbers fall as pigs per litter soar to 11.87
period, up from 11.75 for the same period a year ago.
USDA Hogs and Pigs Report
Each quarterly USDA Hogs and Pigs Report released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service looks at the most recent numbers and compares those to the previous quarter and the last year or two.
The report also presents a historical perspective, offering a table showing the records for quarters in the categories of all hogs and pigs, market hogs, pig crop and pigs per litter.
Some statistics have been tracked longer than others.
For example, all hogs and pigs reporting goes back to 1866.
On Dec. 1, 1943, U.S. farmers had a hog and pigs inventory of 83.74 million
continued from page 1
Braxton Whitesell of Walker, La. came in second, followed by a two-way tie for third between Lane Vaughn of Klamath Falls, Ore. and Hudson Bolton of Milan, Tenn.
Roping and wrestling
In the steer roping, Slade Wood of Stephenville, Texas turned his steer in 12.3 seconds to secure the win.
Creston, Calif. Cowboy Taylor Santos came in second, followed by Tyrel Taton of Belle Fourche, S.D. in third place. The tie-down roping saw tough competition, but ultimately, Oakley, Idaho Cowboy Britt Bedke was crowned champion with a fast time of 10.3 seconds.
hogs, outpacing the secondhighest quarter with 78.96 million on Sept. 1, 2019.
Not all quarterly estimates have been tabulated as long as the Dec. 1 report, however. March 1, June 1 and Sept. 1 reporting began in 1988, 1964 and 1988, respectively.
Increasing production efficiency
Reporting of pigs per litter started in 1970, and the records for each quarter have been set in the past two years.
In fact, other than the 1943 blip in the Dec. 1 all hogs and pigs numbers, each of the quarterly records have been set since 2019.
The fact these records were mostly set in the last decade are not surprising with all of the changes the U.S. pork industry has witnessed.
Although the industry has seen the number of hog
Macon Murphy of Keatchie, La. came in second, while Cory Solomon of Prairie View, Texas took third.
In the team roping, a fast time of 7.6 seconds took first prize. Texas Team Ropers Tyler Tryan of Lipan, Texas and Nicky Northcott of Stephenville, Texas split the win with Kaleb Driggers of Hoboken, Ga. and Junior Nogueira of Sáo Paulo, Brazil.
farms diminish, the amount of production on those farms has improved in both quantity and quality. Animal husbandry and improving
Third place in the team roping went to Arizona duo Erich Rogers of Round Rock, Ariz. and Cory Petska of Marana, Ariz. The champion steer wrestler was Cole Pugh of Jasper, Texas with a 5.3-second run. Tristan Martin of Sulphur, La. came in second, followed by Springtown, Texas Cowboy Cole Walker in third. Barrels and breakaway In the barrel racing,
genetics have raised the production bar from less than 10 pigs per sow per year back in the 1930s to the current level of north of 20 to
Three Forks, Mont. Cowgirl Tayla Moeykens took first with a 17.41-second run.
Jana Bean of Fort Hancock, Texas finished second in the barrel racing, followed by Loralee Ward of Fort Lupton, Colo. in third place.
The champion breakaway buckle went to Cheyanne McCartney of Kingston, Okla. who caught her calf in 4.3 seconds.
Canadian Cowgirl Jenna Dallyn of Nanton, Alberta earned second, followed by Maddy Jacobs of Hope, N.M. in third. The “Daddy of ‘Em All” is slated to return to Frontier Park next year from July 23-Aug. 1, 2027.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
30 piglets per sow per year.
Kevin Schulz is the editor of The Farmer. This article was originally published by The Farmer on July 13.
Increasing efficiency – U.S. pork producers are nearing 12 pigs saved per litter, according to recent U.S. Department of Agriculture numbers, representing a jump in efficiency for hog production. National Pork Board photo
Preference points available
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), resident and nonresident hunters still have time to apply for preference points. The application period is open until Nov. 2.
Resident and nonresident hunters can acquire points for moose and Bighorn sheep, and nonresidents can acquire elk, deer and pronghorn points. All applications must be submitted online at wgfd.wyo.gov
“Preference points can help increase odds of drawing some species and hunt areas,” said WGFD License Section Manager Josh Moulton. “Drawing odds for all species and hunt areas are available on the WGFD website.”
Residents unsuccessful in moose or Bighorn sheep drawings automatically receive a point. Nonresidents unsuccessful in moose or Bighorn sheep drawings can choose to purchase a point. Failure to purchase a point for two consecutive years results in forfeiture of all points for species in which points were not purchased.
Hunters can view their preference point balance by checking the WGFD website. Totals for the 2026 hunt season will be updated in late November.
Tips for reducing risk of toxic algae in livestock water provided
Just as hot, dry weather impacts grass and forage growth, drought conditions can lead to decreased water quality in the form of toxic algae growth.
Toxic blue-green algae blooms – or cyanobacteria – most commonly occur within stagnant waters or water sources with elevated nutrient levels and can pose big risks to livestock and wildlife health.
To help producers protect their herds from harmful toxins, Extension experts with the University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) offer tips on monitoring for, preventing and eradicating cyanobacteria in livestock water sources.
Understanding cyanobacteria
The growth of cyanobacteria is spurred by high temperatures and can wreak havoc on livestock, wildlife and people.
An article written by Dakota Farmer Senior Editor Sarah McNaughtonPeterson and published in Farm Progress on July 24 shares tips from NDSU Extension and explains cyanobacteria produce neurological and liver toxins which, when ingested, lead to symptoms including weakness, tremors, convulsions, difficulty breathing and death.
Signs of poisoning can appear within minutes after ingestion, but animals will usually die before symptoms are observed, according to NDSU Extension.
There is currently no known antidote for cyanobacteria toxicity, so understanding risk factors and prevention methods is crucial for protecting herds.
Risk factors
In a July 2021 UNL BeefWatch article, Nebraska
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Extension Educator Amy Timmerman elaborates on some risk factors for cyanobacteria growth.
Timmerman explains blue-green algae growth is caused by excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorous –nutrients commonly found in runoff from fertilizer and manure and increased by soil erosion – in combination with hot, sunny weather.
“These blooms commonly occur in late summer and early autumn but can occur earlier depending on the weather,” Timmerman explains. “When conditions are favorable, bacteria can multiply rapidly and persist for several weeks.”
“Environmental factors such as rain, heavy winds or cooler temperatures will slow bacterial growth or break up the bloom,” she adds. “Winds are very helpful in mixing the bacteria throughout the water body which reduces population growth.”
Identifying overgrowth
Timmerman notes toxic blue-green algae buildup is easy to identify visually. Blooms usually accumulate on the leeward – or downwind – side of bodies of water and may be accompanied by dead mice, birds, snakes or fish.
Further, McNaughtonPeterson emphasizes if wildlife or livestock are turning up dead with no other signs of illness, blue-green algae toxicity may be to blame. If toxic blooms are suspected, producers may collect samples to submit to laboratories for identification. Since cyanobacteria is toxic to humans as well, producers must always wear gloves when collecting samples.
Local Extension experts can offer additional insight to specific best practices for water-sampling, but NDSU and UNL both emphasize the importance of collecting two samples – one from the water’s surface and one from deeper in the water.
According to Timmerman, samples should be stored in a cool place but never frozen before being mailed to laboratories.
In cases of livestock mortality, veterinarians can perform necropsies to identify the specific cause of death and whether cyanobacteria is responsible.
Prevention and control
Preventing cyanobacteria growth begins long before summer turnout.
Applying fertilizer and manure properly can help reduce the risk of nutrient accumulation and prevent
cyanobacteria growth from runoff.
Additionally, both Timmerman and NDSU Extension note perennial plants can serve as a buffer to reduce phosphorous and nitrogen from entering the water source.
Producers may also consider creating a “designated drinking area” by fencing off whichever corner of the water source wind tends to concentrate bacteria in, forcing cattle to instead drink from the windward side of the water source where bacteria is less likely to concentrate.
Since bacteria tends to concentrate higher on the water surface, pumping water from the center of a water source to a water tank rather than letting cattle drink directly from the pond’s surface can also help. If a water source has a history of algae blooms, NDSU Extension recommends treating the water with copper sulfate at a rate of two pounds per acrefoot of water, noting livestock must be fenced out of treated water sources for a minimum of 10 days.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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initial reopening and completing additional risk assessments, USDA will consider reopening ports of entry in Santa Teresa, N.M. and Columbus, N.M to live cattle, bison and horses as well.
Additionally, USDA notes Sonora, Mexico and Chihuahua, Mexico are the lowest-risk regions because of their longstanding animal health infrastructure, inspection programs and distance from areas where most NWS cases remain concentrated.
In fact, the closest active NWS case to the Douglas, Ariz. port was nearly 325 miles away as of July 22, according to the agency.
While the year-long closure has been hard on both countries’ cattle industries and producers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasizes how necessary it was to protect the U.S. ag industry from the devastating pest and voices cautious optimism for the reopening.
“The closure of the southern ports of entry for the last year has been a tough but necessary action to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the American livestock industry,” Rollins states in a July 24 USDA press release. “Thanks to work across the federal government, as well
as state, local and industry partners, it is now safe to reopen the Douglas, Ariz. port in 30 days to resume the hundreds-year-old movement of cattle.”
She adds, “Protecting the U.S. from NWS and pushing this pest out of Mexico and back to the Darien Gap is a top priority at USDA and has the full attention of the Trump administration.”
Additionally, Rollins underscores the timeline of the reopening will remain flexible and may be adjusted depending on Mexico’s progress in meeting Joint Action Plan guidelines.
Market reaction
Following USDA’s announcement, live and feeder cattle futures opened sharply lower as traders priced in the eventual return of Mexican cattle imports.
However, several market analysts note the longterm impact on cattle supplies may be smaller than this initial reaction suggests.
In a July 28 interview with RFD-TV, AgMarket.Net Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer Jim McCormick says, “The reality is not many cattle are going to make it across the border, and it’s not going to change the overall supply situation here in the U.S.”
Likewise, Blue Line
Futures Vice President Oliver Sloup tells RFD-TV the reopening was expected and, while it may cause some shortterm pressure, he believes the market will adjust.
“It’s one of those things where we knew the headline was coming,” Sloup says. “It was just a matter of when – not if. Ultimately, I think it’s probably good for the market.”
He adds, “Traders will now be watching how quickly imports resume under the phased plan and whether the market finds its footing as additional details become available.”
Others point out Mexico’s cattle industry has changed considerably over the past year. Since the border closure, the country has expanded its own feeding and processing capacity, which some analysts believe will mean fewer cattle ultimately crossing into the U.S. than before.
In a July 27 AgWeb article written by Michelle Rook, Livestock Risk Manager Josh Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek Trading notes Mexican feeder cattle once accounted for roughly four percent of annual U.S. cattle slaughter – or 1.2 million head – but those numbers are unlikely to return to previous levels.
Kooima also points out the feedlots in Texas which rely heavily on Mexican feeder cattle stand to bene-
fit the most from the border reopening, although imports are expected to resume gradually and will likely consist of heavier cattle instead of lightweight calves.
Industry response
USDA’s phased reopening of the Southern Border has garnered a mixed response from ag organizations across the country.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Meat Institute voiced support for USDA’s decision.
“Rollins and her team at USDA have been fighting the spread of NWS with an aggressive five-point plan and comprehensive response playbook. Their work – along with the diligence of cattle producers in border states – bought the U.S. valuable time to improve our domestic readiness,” says NCBA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Colin Woodall in a July 24 statement.
“The whole-of-government response has put us in a strong position to begin safely and gradually reopening our Southern Border to cattle shipments. This decision will help normalize business for cattle operations throughout the border states and Southern Plains. We appreciate the continued work of USDA to support American producers and the U.S. cattle industry,” Woodall adds.
Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts comments, “Rollins has provided steady, science-driven leadership by pairing innovative dispersal of sterile flies and significant federal investment to protect the U.S. livestock and poultry industry. We support a careful, phased reopening of the border reflecting both vigilance and confidence in our response plans.”
Not everyone has been on board, however.
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) expressed disappointment with USDA’s decision.
In a statement released on July 27, USCA President Justin Tupper notes efforts to reduce beef prices should not come at the expense of animal health and urged USDA to require the highest possible import standards, provide greater transparency regarding Mexico’s disease status and continue expanding sterile fly production and domestic eradication efforts.
Tupper also questions
whether Mexico has met all necessary benchmarks under the Joint Action Plan and calls for continued investment in surveillance, inspection and response capabilities before reopening additional ports.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller offered a mixed response, saying reopening the border was the correct decision but it should have occurred sooner. At the same time, he argues USDA’s response to NWS must continue expanding to ensure the pest never reaches the U.S. cattle herd.
For cattle producers across the U.S., the reopening represents a significant milestone in restoring crossborder trade as the industry continues balancing the need for additional cattle supplies and protecting the nation’s herd from one of livestock’s most destructive pests. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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July 29-Aug. 8 Laramie County Fair, Cheyenne. For more information, visit laramiecountyevents.com/fair
July 31-Aug. 8 Lincoln County Fair, Afton. For more information, visit lincolncountyfair.info
Aug. 1-8 Carbon County Fair, Rawlins. For more information, visit carboncountyfairgrounds.com
Aug. 3
Succession Planning Workshop featuring Wesley Tucker, 1-5 p.m., 155 S. Tyler Ave., Pinedale. For more information, e-mail info@wysga.org or call 307-638-3942.
Aug. 3 Wyoming State Board of Control Statutory Meeting, 8 a.m., Roundhouse and Railyards, Evanston. For more information, visit seo.wyo.gov/board-of-control
Aug. 4
Succession Planning Workshop featuring Wesley Tucker, 1-5 p.m., 1675 Sunset Drive, Rock Springs. For more information, e-mail info@wysga.org or call 307-638-3942.
Aug. 4-5 2026 Certified Angus Beef Feeding Quality Forum, Amarillo, Texas. For more information, visit cabcattle.com/feeding-quality-forum
Aug. 4-7 Young Adult Ranching for Profit School, Kimball, Neb. For more information, visit nebraskagrazinglands.org/Events/young-adult-ranching-for-profit-school
Aug. 5
Aug. 5
Aug. 5
Wyoming Business Council Big Horn Basin Community Conversations: Cody Lunch and Listen, 12-1 p.m., Wyoming Game and Fish Department Regional Office, Cody. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/WBCListen
Wyoming Business Council Big Horn Basin Community Conversations: Powell Open House and Ice Cream Social, 2-4 p.m., Plaza Diane, Powell. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/WBCListen
Wyoming Business Council Big Horn Basin Community Conversations: Cody Happy Hour, 5:30-7 p.m., Cody Craft Brewing, Cody. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/WBCListen
Aug. 5 Sheep and Goat AI Day 2026, Fremont County Fairgrounds, Riverton. For more information, contact Chance Marshall at cmarsha1@uwyo.edu or 307332-2363. To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/45nm93y
Aug. 6
Aug. 6
Wyoming Business Council Big Horn Basin Community Conversations: Greybull Coffee Talk, 8-9 a.m.,Wyld Sage Coffee House, Greybull. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/WBCListen
Wyoming State Lands and Investment Board and State Board of Land Commissioners Joint Meeting, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Capitol Extension Auditorium, Capitol Complex, Cheyenne. For more information, visit lands.wyo.gov/ boards/state-loan-and-investment-board
Aug. 6 Wyoming Business Council Big Horn Basin Community Conversations: Lovell Lunch and Listen, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Mustang Cafe and BBQ, Lovell. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/WBCListen
Aug. 6 Wyoming Business Council Big Horn Basin Community Conversations: Washakie and Hot Springs County Listening Session, 3-5 p.m., Worland Community Center, Worland. For more information or to RSVP, visit wbc.pub/ WBCListen
Aug. 7
Wyoming Pioneer Association Casino Night Fundraiser, 7-9 p.m., Ruthe James Williams Memorial Conference Center, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wyomingpioneer.org/
Aug. 8 2026 Range War Rodeo Series, 7 p.m., Buffalo. For more information, visit rangewarrodeo.com
Aug. 8-9 Senior Professional Rodeo, Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Lusk. For more information, visit @NationalSeniorProRodeoAssociation on Facebook.
Aug. 11 Cowboy Cornhole Tournament, 12 p.m., Event Tent, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit secure.qgiv.com/for/wyomingffaassociation/event/2026cowboycornhole
Aug. 11
Wyoming Ranch Rodeo Finals, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. Calcutta at 6:30 p.m., rodeo at 7 p.m. Entries close Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. For more information, call 307-259-1674 or 307-340-1914.
Aug. 11-15 Wyoming State Fair, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information or to view the full schedule, visit wystatefair.com
Aug. 12 Wyoming Invasive Grasses Working Group Ventenata and Medusahead Workshop, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Watt Building, Sheridan Research and Extension Center, Sheridan. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Jaycie Arndt at jarndt1@uwyo.edu or call 307-217-1985.
Aug. 12
Growing Food in Wyoming Masterclass: Preserving the Harvest, 7-8 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit dirtworkswyo.com
Rock bulls since June 1; 15 Black Angus
bulls. Circle B Ranch – 34 Piedmont bulls, 1,800-2,200#; 10 black weigh-up bulls, 1,800-2,200#
Aug. 13
Aug. 14-15
Aug. 15
Aug. 15
Aug. 15
Aug. 19
Aug. 22
Aug. 22
Aug. 22-23
Aug. 4-5
Aug. 10-11
Aug. 15
Aug. 17
Aug. 17-21
Aug. 22
Aug. 23
Aug. 22-25
Aug. 26
Aug. 29
Wyoming Pioneer Association Annual Meeting, Ruthe James Williams Conference Center, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wyomingpioneer.org
Coyote Days, Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Lusk. For more information, call 307-334-9930.
Fifth Annual Wanna Ride Memorial Ride and Scavenger Hunt, 9:30 a.m., Laramie. For more information, visit thewannaridefoundation.com or call 307343-0550.
Wyoming State Fair Parade, 10 a.m., Douglas. For more information, visit conversecountytourism.com
Demolition Derby, 6 p.m., Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wystatefair.com/state-fair/grandstand-events
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory Open House, 7:45 a.m., Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/gslopenhouse
Johnson County War Tour, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Kaycee. For more information, visit hoofprintsofthepast.org/2021/07/johnson-county-war-tour/, e-mail info@ hoofprintsofthepast.org or call 307-738-2381.
Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust Legacy of the Land Celebration, The Barn at Elk Hollow, Saratoga. For more information, visit wsglt.org
27th Annual Gun Show, Upton Community Center, Upton. For more information, call 307-281-9980.
Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Western Video Market, Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne, 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com
Montana Horse Progress Days Sale, Moore, Mont., 406-366-4667, montanahorseprogressdays.com
Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic, Sheridan, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Memory Ranches Fourth Annual Foal Sale, at the ranch, Wells, Nev., 208412-6156, 208-695-0399, memoryranches.com
RQHBA 26th Annual Horse Sale, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-641-0669, 605-639-9482, rqhba.com
Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch 21st Annual QH Production Sale, online auction only, prohorseservices.com, 605-347-6193, 605-280-0698, 605-280-0398, lauingmillironlranch.com
Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer County Absolute Real Estate Auction, 26094 Dewey Road, Edgemont, S.D., 605-673-2629, 605-214-2273, www. bradeenauction.com
Sundance Select Horse Sale, Crook County Fairgrounds, Sundance, 307302-2090, 307-423-1969, 662-538-5110. sundanceselecthorsesale.com
Thus reads the headline in the Aug. 7, 1924 issue of the Thermopolis Record. Details in the news item go as follows:
Now is the time for everybody in Hot Springs County to get in the spirit and boost for the first county fair, which is to be held in the tourist park at Thermopolis on Sept. 11-12.
Considerable boosting has already been done by the Board of County Commissioners who have appropriated the premium money and by the businessmen of Thermopolis who have subscribed the expense money for the fair.
The kind of boosting needed now must come from the people in the agricultural sections of the county in the form of exhibits for the fair.
his or her ranch, then our first county fair will be a
big success. It takes a lot of exhibits from a lot of different people to make an exhibition worthwhile.
One ranch near Thermopolis will have 35 different exhibits entered at the county fair, and it is a cattle ranch too. Premium lists are now being mailed out to every farmer and rancher in the county. If you don’t get one, see County Agent Fortner about it.
and
Aug. 27 • Feeder Special - All Class Cattle 400 mostly black calves, 300-500#, high elevation.
Now is the time to begin to think about preparing exhibits for the big agricultural show. If every farmer and rancher in the county will take interest enough in the fair to bring in exhibits of everything grown on
Pictured is an advertisement in the Sept. 4, 1924 issue of the Thermopolis Record letting folks know about the first Hot Springs County Fair. Historical Reproductions by Perue
Compared to last week slaughter wooled and shorn lambs sold steady with a strong undertone noted. Ewes sold steady with a strong undertone. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3: San Angelo: No test.
Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2: San Angelo: No test.
Billings: No test.
Ft. Collins: No test.
South Dakota: No test.
Sioux Falls: No test.
Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date
totaled 32,000 compared to 33,000 last week and 35,853 last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo,
Nebraska Hay Summary
As of July 30, 2026
Compared to two weeks ago, Alfalfa hay in the Eastern side of the state 20.00 to 40.00 per ton higher, alfalfa pellets 20.00 per ton higher. Grass hay in the Central area of the state 20.00 to 40.00 per ton higher. Ground and delivered hay in sold steady to 20.00 per ton higher. Sun cured alfalfa pellets in the West sold 10.00 per ton higher. Large squares of Alfalfa sold 20.00 per ton higher and wheat hay sold 25.00 per ton higher. Demand was very good especially for hay going out of state and into Wyoming. Ranchers in many areas are willing to pay more for alfalfa hay than dairies are willing to pay for the same quality of hay. Hot, dry, very humid weather the last two weeks has shot the hay market in a sharply higher direction. Spotty rain showers in different areas of the state will help pastures, third cutting alfalfa and other forages make a decent crop at harvest. Talk on dairy hay in right around 1.50 per RFV point sitting at the stack (FOB).
Compared to last report: Trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good new crop hay. Small squares of grass sold steady to $1.00/bale higher this period. Market prices are establishing on straw moving into dairies with the floor getting set at $150/ton FOB due to short supply. Horse hay per bale prices continue to increase as drought conditions worsen and abnormally high temperatures impact hay quality and yield. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s West Summary for July 28, 2026, on the map, drought-related conditions deteriorated in areas of eastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico, southeastern California, and western Washington. In Colorado, drought expanded and intensified on the map in response to anomalously warm temperatures, decreased soil moisture levels, and elevated evaporative demand. Looking at climatological rankings for the past 30-day period, numerous locations ranked among their warmest or near warmest mean temperatures on record, including: Montrose, CO (warmest on record; +3 °F departure); Dinosaur, CO (warmest on record; +4 °F departure); Grand Junction, CO (2nd warmest; +4 °F departure); Trinidad, CO (2nd warmest; +4 °F departure); Denver, CO (2nd warmest; +3 °F departure); Rock Springs, WY (3rd warmest; +4 °F departure); Casper, WY (3rd warmest; +5 °F departure); Salt Lake City, UT (5th warmest; +4 °F departure); and Pocatello, ID (5th warmest; +4 °F departure). For Drought Classifications, 50.76% of the state falls in Extreme-Exceptional drought (D3-D4) categories, and 49.24% of the state falls into the Abnormally Dry-Severe Drought (D0-D2) categories. The next available report will be Thursday, August 13, 2026. Mountains & Northwest
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-7776397 TFN
27TH ANNUAL GUN SHOW UPTON, WY, AUG. 22-23: Upton Community Center. Sat., Aug. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission at door $5, children under 12 free when accompanied by parent or guardian. No loaded firearms, all applicable local, state and federal laws will be observed. Not responsible for accidents. Lunch sold both days. Guns, archery, knives, hunting items, reloading supplies. Buy, sell, trade, look!! For information call 307281-9980. Upton Gun Club fundraiser sponsored in part by the Weston County Travel Commission 8/15
5TH ANNUAL WANNA RIDE MEMORIAL RIDE AND SCAVENGER HUNT, AUG. 15, LARAMIE, WY: Snowy Range treasure hunt with ridiculous missions, photo challenges and hidden prizes. All off-road vehicles welcome. $45 per rider includes free lunch, live auction, raffles and prizes. Registration 9:30 a.m., ride at 10:30 a.m. Benefits Wyoming student scholarships and OHV trail maintenance. Haulers from out of state welcome!! Visit www.thewannaridefoundation.com or call 307343-0550 8/8
18TH ANNUAL OLD WEST
COWBOY, INDIAN, ANTIQUE, GUN AND COLLECTABLE TRADE SHOW: Civic Center, Hulett, WY. Aug. 1416, BUY-SALE-TRADE! Free appraisals and admission. New vendors welcome. Dealer table $30. Call 307-4675668 or 605-892-5324 8/8
COYOTE DAYS 2026: The largest gathering of predator control and fur harvesting experts in the world. Twenty instructional demos on all aspects of the industry. Come learn about an outdoor activity that can be very rewarding. Aug. 14-15, Niobrara Co. Fairgrounds, Lusk, WY. Vendors, drawings, banquet, fur fashion show and more. For more information, call 307334-9930 8/8
UP IN ARMS, LLC FLEA MARKET AND GUN SHOW
AUG. 28-30, Gillette, WY at the CAM-PLEX. Open to the public. Fri., Aug. 28, 3 p.m.7 p.m. Sat., Aug. 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Aug. 30, 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, 208420-2295 8/22
GOTTSCH LIVESTOCK FEEDERS LLC Red Cloud, NE
Help Wanted
Cattle
EXCEPTIONAL BRED REPLACEMENT BEEF-BRED
COWS: Quality cows in first, second, third stage, 2 to 6 years old. Vet checked, vaccinated, boostered and wormed. Available only gate cut off grass in load lots. Call Red Bend Ranch with your needs, 309-263-8184 8/1
VALLEY FOODS IN SARATOGA, WY HAS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR MEATCUTTER, DELI, GROCERY AND PRODUCE WORKERS: Experience is preferred but not necessary. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, efficient and customer service minded. Pay DOE. Send resume to valleyfoods9024@hotmail. com 8/1
Come Join the Gottsch Livestock Feeders Family! Gottsch Livestock Feeders is looking for Cowboys/Pen 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 health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at Call Mike Faimon at 406-469-1585 or Davin Arnold 970-301-3098 for more information.
FT. KEOGH AG RESEARCH CENTER, MILES CITY, MT IS LOOKING TO FILL 2 FULLTIME POSITIONS. RANCH HAND: Cattle are only moved horseback. Up to 3 horses allowed on station, FULL-CARE Housing available. Lots of working cattle by chute. Big country!! 55,000 acres. Cattle health checks, water checks, calving, roping at branding, some haying, fencing. FEEDLOT/FARM/ RANCH CREW: Feed truck, front-end loader experience preferred, will train the right candidate. Very small feedlot. Haying and irrigation. Assist with calving in the spring, potentially at branding time. Farm experience, planting, tillage a plus, will train. Self-starter a bonus, reliable and safe with equipment a must. Competitive wages, excellent benefits. Call Hope, 406-8748201 or e-mail hope.huft@ montana.edu. EOE 8/22
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!! 8/8
Water Pumping Systems
www.gottschcattlecompany.com
DEVILS TOWER FOREST PRODUCTS, INC., A LUMBER MANUFACTURER IN HULETT, WY, IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SAWMILL/SAWBLADE FILER, JANITORIAL CLEANUP, PLANER/FEEDER MAN STACKER OPERATOR, BOILER/KILN OPERATOR, MAINTENANCE DAY/NIGHT SHIFT MILLWRIGHT: 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 DOE. Online applications are available at www. neiman.com. E-mail applications to joe.ortner@ devilstowerfp.com or fax to 307-467-5418, contact Joe Ortner at 307-467-5252 with additional questions 8/8
EXPERIENCED LIVESTOCK FEED REP WANTED to market feed, milk replacer and starter feeds to producers starting Holsteins and beef cross calves along with marketing bred cows. Send resume to PO Box 92, Morton IL, 61550 8/1
FULL-TIME RANCH MANAGER: BISON RANCH, SHERIDAN, WY. We are seeking a dedicated, experienced ranch manager to join our growing bison ranch operation. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in hard work, reliability and caring for land and livestock. Responsibilities: Daily care and management of bison herd. Maintaining fencing, equipment and ranch property. Assisting with feeding, health checks and handling livestock. General ranch maintenance and upkeep. Supporting ongoing growth and operations of the ranch. Requirements: Prior ranching or livestock experience (bison experience preferred but not required). Strong work ethic and reliability. Ability to lift heavy items and perform physical labor daily. Self-motivated and able to work independently. Available to start immediately. Salary starts at $145,000 and up. This is a fulltime position with opportunity to grow alongside a rapidly expanding ranch. Apply today if you’re ready to work hard and be part of something being built from the ground up. Call Landon, 205531-9819 or e-mail sheryl@bisonunion.com 8/8
REGISTERED ANGUS YEARLING BULLS: Breeding soundness, fertility tested and PAP tested. Ready to go to work. Call Paul at TAG Double H Cattle Co., Ten Sleep, WY, 307-690-4225 8/29
FOR SALE: THREE- TO 5-YEAR-OLD BLACK AND BLACK WHITE-FACE COWS, bred Angus for March 1. ALSO, black bred heifers, bred Angus, calve in two different calving groups, March or April. Located in eastern Montana. Fall delivery. Call 701-523-1235 8/15
SELLING DUE TO DROUGHT: 55 head of purebred Black Angus cows, 40 with calves. Located too close to Rapid City, S.D. Call 605390-2756 8/8
REGISTERED ANGUS YEARLING AND 2-YEAROLD BULLS FOR SALE, visit www.crookedcreekangus. com or call 785-332-6206, St. Francis, KS 8/29
Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co. LLC, 307-322-3232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@wyoming.com 8/1
BEST LAST CHANCE
SALE!! LYTLE RED ANGUS is offering private treaty bulls from our herd founded on 30+ years of selection for fertility, consistency and efficiency. Highly adaptable, our bulls have proven themselves from Arizona to New York state. 16-month-old bulls available. Passed breeding soundness exam and ready to go! Visit www.lytleredangus.com or call Zeb, 605-441-7658. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 8/15
3/H SIMMENTAL RANCH, PLAINS, MT OFFERS POWERFUL SIMANGUS BULLS: Yearlings and 18-month-olds sired by top AI genetics. Bred for performance, soundness and longevity, with a strong emphasis on calm disposition. These bulls are built to work and last in real world conditions. Call Alan at 503-9316815, to find the right fit for your program. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds TFN
Galloway
TAKE A LOOK!! REGISTERED BELTED GALLOWAY CATTLE FOR SALE: Three weanling heifer calves. Pictures and videos available by e-mail. Cattle located in Billings, MT. Transportation options available. For more information, call Gerry Thomas, 406-861-7316 or Patty Thomas, 406-861-3036. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 8/8
3,500 HEAD FEEDLOT NEAR WATERTOWN, S.D.:
CATTLE FEEDING AND BACKGROUNDING AVAILABLE. Custom grazing. Located in Montezuma, KS. Call Galen Schmidt, 620-2908151 7/24
CUSTOM FEEDING AND FINISHING FOR CATTLE AND SHEEP. Cactus Hill Ranch Company, Fort Collins, CO. Contact AJ Nelson, 970-3728273 8/22 FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/10
RANCHERS QUARTER
HORSE BREEDERS AS-
SOCIATION SALE AUG. 23:
Located at Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D. Selling 89 head. Yearling Futurity $3,000 added. Featuring a yearling in-hand trail class!! All 2025 foals eligible to win in 2026. Ranch Horse Futurity, added money, open to 2- and 3-year-olds sold through the sale. Invitational saddle horse session, have 17 riders and 14 yearlings. Online bidding available day of sale with preapproval through Tri-State Livestock at www.thestockshow. hibid.com/auctions/current
For more information, call Clete Schmidt, 605-641-0669 or Susan Riesland, 605-6399482, www.rqhba.com. “The Sale Where You Can Buy With Confidence” 8/15
Leatherwork
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 8/1
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-462-5300, heidi@ wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 8/1
FINE WOOL TARGHEE YEARLING BUCKS FOR SALE: Forty-five big, growthy, open faced, all natural, not pushed and range raised. Born May 2025. For more information, call 605866-4828 (home) or 605-8925872 (cell), if no answer leave message 9/5
HAMP/SUFFOLK CROSS, POLYPAY/DORSET CROSS
RAMS FOR SALE: These rams are big boned, heavy muscled and high performing. They are not tall frame sheep. We sell all across the Midwest. Call DJ, 605-929-0337 8/1
Chopped alfalfa (3 inches) feed mixer ready. We are a large scale hay farm with our own trucks and can work with your delivery schedule. Stored inside sheds immediately after baling. No rain. No wastage due to weathering!! Call/ text Rob’s cell 204-209-1066 or e-mail rob@redriverforage.com 8/22
HORSE HAY FOR SALE: New crop, Italian ryegrass, 4x4x8 squares, $325/ton. Contact Crosby Farms, 307-2723712, Cowley, WY 8/22
ALFALFA AND ALFALFA/ GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Round bales. Will deliver. Call Dave, 605-520-6341, Thompson Trucking & Farms 8/15
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 9/12
HAY FOR SALE: 2026 first cutting alfalfa, grass/alfalfa mix and alfalfa/grass mix. 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 8/15
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 8/8
FEED/GRAIN FOR SALE: Alfalfa, grass and rye/triticale mix hay. Large squares and rounds. Semi loads and delivery only. Call 308-882-1498 8/1
CEDAR RAPIDS EL-JAY ROLLER CONE CRUSHER: Screen deck 14’x4’, double screen, 45” roller cone FS4142. Serial #1239, bearing size 120 SD. ALSO, FOR SALE, Cedar Rapids Jaw, serial #40228, size 2,236. Call 307-899-4827 8/8
Soil Products
DIRT WORKS WYOMING HAS COMPOST, TOPSOIL AND BIOCHAR FOR SALE: Located in Worland, WY and delivering statewide. Call 307-622-4284 or visit www.dirtworkswyo. com 8/22
FOR SALE: Alfalfa and alfalfa/ grass mix, large rounds with net wrap, several hundred bales, nice hay. New Holland 7’ pull type sickle mower. Rowse 9’ pull type sickle mower. CIH 1100 3 pt. 9’ sickle mower. H&S 12 wheel finger rake. 2022 Kenworth T680 day cab semi, PACCAR MX-13 engine, automatic transmission, air ride, 172 inch wheelbase, 405 H.P., aluminum wheels, 40,000 lb. rear end, 2.64 ratio, 486,242 miles, very nice, asking $29,500. 2019 Mack day cab semi with Mack MP8 engine, 10 speed transmission, air ride, air slide 5th wheel, aluminum wheels, new tires, 646,581 miles, $22,500.1999 Wilson Pacesetter 50’ triple axle grain trailer with air lift tag. New Holland 195 manure spreader, 410 bushel with slop gate, double floor chains, tandem axle. Behlen Country livestock working chute with automatic headgate. Burns portable creep feeder. Stroberg portable loading chute. Two John Deere 714A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 24’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. 12’ and 14’ HD box scrapers with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 8/1
ROUNDUP
LOOKING FOR NEW HOLLAND D1000 2X3 SQUARE BALER. Prefer good condition. Call 217-259-4733, leave message 8/1
ORIGINAL ROUND BALER BELTING FOR ALL MAKES: Save $100s. Free shipping, www.balerbelts.com. Call Hammond Equipment, 334627-3348 10/24
Have Pipe to sell? Place your ad here!
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 11/7
more than a beautiful 6 bed, 3 bath home. It is a thoughtfully designed property featuring a custom 4 stall horse barn designed to promote horse health and rider convenience, spacious custom stalls and premium ventilation, with a beautiful tongue-and-groove finished interior. Irrigated
WE DO ALL TYPES OF FENCING!! Agricultural, commercial, residential, with 3 generations of experience. Call Glen 605-3805311 or e-mail fenceguru@live. com 8/8
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buckand-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
Livestock Equipment
Horses
Irrigation Systems
The choice is simple.
Easier On You.
Big Horn Truck and Equipment Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net • 800-770-6280
Includes the original box for
(driver
Please
Crook County Weed and Pest reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
ODOMETER: 2,763 miles HOURS: 555.1
Kristy was born.
OBITUARIES
Wayne Robert Ballou
April 23, 1942 – July 16, 2026
Wayne Robert Ballou, age 84, passed away peacefully with family by his side at Monument Health Hospital in Spearfish, S.D. on July 16.
Wayne was born to parents Francis and Barbara Ballou in Sturgis, S.D. on April 23, 1942 and spent his first year in a sheep wagon by the Buttes near Devils Tower. In 1943, his family bought some land from Ted Terhune and settled 13 miles north of Hulett near Seely on Highway 112. Wayne attended country school near the ranch from first through eighth grade and continued his schooling at Hulett High
School where he graduated with the class of 1960.
Wayne then went on to get his pilot’s license and started flying right after high school. He owned several airplanes and was a great pilot. His favorite plane was the Super Cub, which he would take off and land on a grass runway on the hill above his house.
In 1960, he worked for Dick Bush at the Hulett Treating Plant. Later, he worked at Neiman’s Sawmill in Hulett running a loader and working in the mill.
Wayne met Leah Shepherd in Casper, and they were married on Jan. 25, 1964. They began their venture in life living east of Hulett on Claude and Erma Heaton’s property.
In 1968, Wayne went on to start his own trucking business hauling livestock, lumber, sawdust, chips and bagged shavings, while also raising sheep and cattle.
On May 29, 1968, their son Cody was born, and on July 20, 1972, their daughter
In 1972, Wayne and Leah bought 25 acres of land from Dick Bush and added their house where it still stands today by Neiman’s Sawmill.
Wayne started expanding his business and bought his first International cabover truck which is still being used at the ranch. In the mid-70s, Wayne owned several trucks and started hauling bentonite in Colony for Jim Schlosser. In 1976, Wayne bought a new truck to haul tree-length logs and spent many nights on the road hauling long distance loads.
In 2008, Wayne inherited a portion of the family ranch north of Hulett, and with his son Cody, began ranching and selling hay. In 2018, Cody married and his wife Suzie joined in to help run equipment.
In May 2009, Wayne purchased a bus from the Crook County School District to fix up and convert into a motor home. In 2010, Wayne and Cody took their first trip in the bus to Arizona, then in 2013 they went to Reno, Nev. and pulled a belly dump pup home. In 2025, Wayne and Cody took a second trip to Arizona to see new sights.
April 20, 1937 – July 16, 2026
Ronald “Ron” Hans Stoltenberg was born on April 20, 1937 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the youngest of 10 children and spent his childhood years on the family farm in Swan Valley, Idaho.
Ron graduated from Idaho Falls High School and attended Utah State University but decided he did not need to attend college to “learn how to feed chickens,” so he returned to the family farm.
Ron worked on the road crew that built the existing road around the Palisades Reservoir.
He married the love of his life, Marilyn Kay Reed, on May 31, 1957. The couple spent the first few years of their marriage working on a ranch in the Swan Valley, Idaho area.
Then, in the fall of 1960, Ron and Marilyn moved to Thayne to work on the Glen Miller Ranch. It was here Ron and Mariliyn started their purebred Hereford herd.
out for the teams he broke. Ron loved his horses and cattle, but also loved tractors and raising hay crops, a lot of which he contracted to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to use on the elk feedgrounds.
Ron was a member of the Southwest Hereford Association and was their president for several years. He was also a member of the Star Valley Cattlemen’s Association, which had range permits in the Stump Creek area. Ron was a 4-H leader and volunteered at the local rodeo, working rough stock before rodeos were sanctioned.
Ron was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ron loved adventure and living on the edge. There was never a horse ride, hunting trip, pack trip or snow machine ride that did not involve some type of test or adventure. He took this attitude into the hayfield as well and was well known in his family for some of the situations he got himself into.
Ron never met a person who did not become his friend. He was well known for his humor, smile and work ethic.
Wayne loved to travel and visit family and friends.
Wayne is preceded in death by his wife Leah of 57 years on March 1, 2021; parents Francis and Barbara; sister Pat (Irvin) Brimmer; sister-in-law Kay (Bob) Holmes and brother-in-law Clyde Robertson.
He is survived by his son Cody (Suzie) Ballou of Hulett; sister Kay (Bob) Wood of Brighton, Colo.; brother Roger (Bonnie) Ballou of Hulett; daughter Kristy (Corey) of Craig, Colo.; granddaughters Allison (Stephen) Fedora of Belle Fourche, S.D. and Megan (Gio) Rios of Thornton, Colo.; great-grandchildren Adylynn, Stephen and Evelynn Fedora and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special additions to the family are Dustin, Melissa, Dagan and Noah Reuter and Tim and Chelsey Alderson.
Graveside services were held on July 21 at the Hulett City Cemetery. All family and friends were considered as honorary pallbearers.
Arrangements were under the care of Fidler-Roberts Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at fidlerisburgfuneralchapels.com/
After the Glen Miller Ranch sold, Ron and Marilyn and their three young daughters moved to Auburn, an area and community they loved and became their treasured home.
The Stump Creek area became Ron’s heaven on earth, and he spent endless hours horseback in the area.
Ron raised Herefords, Red Angus and range cattle. He also had draft teams, and ranchers sought him
Ron’s heart was big, but his big heart became tired and he passed away at home on July 16. Ron was laid to rest with his boots in the Auburn Cemetery.
Ron is preceded in death by his infant daughter Holly, his parents and his siblings.
He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 69 years; his daughters Cindy Olsen, Heidi Brown and Jayne Filibi; four grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.
The family will host a pasture party to celebrate Ron’s life at a later date.
Grant applications open
The Wyoming International Film Festival has officially opened applications for the 2026 Wyoming Filmmaker Grant, an initiative designed to support filmmakers across the state as they bring new stories to the screen.
This year, three Wyoming filmmakers will each receive a $1,000 grant to put toward their next project. Applications are open now and will be accepted through Sept. 25. Interested filmmakers can learn more and apply at wyoiff.com
Open to Wyoming filmmakers of all ages and experience levels, the grant is intended to help artists at every stage of their filmmaking journey. Funding may be used during pre-production, production or post-production, giving recipients the flexibility to apply support where it is needed most.
The program welcomes both narrative and documentary projects, reflecting the diverse voices and stories emerging from communities throughout Wyoming.
“Financing a film is the hardest part of the process,” said Wyoming International Film Festival Executive Director Rudi Womack. “It’s our aim to remove this barrier for Wyoming filmmakers.”
Womack emphasized the grant represents a long-term investment in Wyoming’s creative community.
The Wyoming Filmmaker Grant is part of the Wyoming International Film Festival’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the state’s film industry and creating new opportunities for local artists.
Joint Ag Committee’s afternoon session revisits water rights, food freedom and fencing laws
During the second half of the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee meeting, held on July 28 at the Thyra Thomson State Office Building in Casper, the committee revisited water rights, food freedom and fencing laws.
Ultimately, the committee voted to sponsor legislation addressing water rights in subdivisions and approved an amendment to the Wyoming Food Freedom Act to provide greater flexibility for small producers and retailers.
Lawmakers also discussed repeated livestock trespass and fence damage, particularly along federal grazing allotments.
Committee members acknowledged several of the proposals would only offer partial solutions to these complicated issues and indicated additional work may be needed before or during the 2027 General Session.
Addressing orphaned water rights
First on the afternoon agenda was orphaned water rights, and Legislative Service Office (LSO) Attorney Anna Johnson began by reading a proposal requested by the Wyoming Association of Irrigation Districts (WAID).
Under the proposal, subdividers would be required to notify an irrigation district at least 60 days before submitting a subdivision application to the county so districts would have an opportunity to review whether water rights should remain attached to individual parcels, be transferred to another property, be abandoned or be handled through another process.
WAID and others in support of the bill noted irrigation districts are often not notified when agricultural lands are divided into smaller parcels, leaving districts uncertain about who owns the associated water rights, who is responsible for assessments and whether water will continue to be delivered at all.
During discussion, committee members questioned whether an irrigation district’s recommendation would be binding, but State Engineer Brandon Gebhart clarified his office would maintain authority over water rights and any proposed changes would still have to comply with Wyoming water law.
It was noted the proposal would not give irrigation districts the power to approve or deny subdivisions. Instead, it would establish an earlier notification and consultation process before development – and potential issues – occur.
WAID Representative Steve Lynn stated, “We don’t retaliate and keep people from developing. We’re dealing with private property rights – their water rights are their water rights, and their land is their land. We just want to coordinate with them and make sure they don’t get in a bind where, for example, they put hard structures over the top
of irrigation district infrastructure. And I think this proposal covers both of those things.”
WAID Interim Executive Director Gail Whitman further commented, “This legislation forces conversations in education. We get developers buying land who don’t realize it’s fed with water and has water rights. Then, there are irrigation district lands that don’t have water rights but people assume they can take the water because it’s running through their property. There is so much education that needs to be done, and this process forces it.”
After further discussion and public testimony, the committee voted unanimously to sponsor draft 27LSO0066.7.
Debating food freedom changes
Next, the committee revisited some highly-debated topics surrounding food freedom and advanced an amended bill to expand the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s (WDA) authority to grant exemptions under the Wyoming Food Freedom Act.
In discussion, lawmakers repeatedly referred to previous testimony from Hippie Cow Creamery of Cody, where questions arose over whether raw milk could be added to lattes at a location outside of the producer’s home kitchen.
WDA Director Doug Miyamoto noted, while the department doesn’t believe adding raw milk to coffee creates different health risks than selling the milk directly in a jug, existing law does not allow WDA enough flexibility to approve the arrangement without requiring a commercial food license.
Miyamoto explained creating a “producer-retailer” definition in the proposed bill would give WDA the ability to grant exemptions from certain requirements in the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, while also allowing the department to evaluate the health and safety risks of individual circumstances.
Several lawmakers voiced their support for the amendment, while others worried the legislature would be giving too much policymaking authority to WDA.
State Sen. Bo Biteman and Rep. Pepper Ottman questioned why raw milk could be sold at farmers markets or other designated locations but faces additional restrictions when offered in a coffee shop or grocery store.
Other legislators questioned whether raw milk could be sold in grocery stores if it is clearly labeled and separated from pasteurized products.
Miyamoto explained existing law allows some products to be sold through designated agents and at retail locations when they are properly labeled and separated from inspected foods.
However, these same laws specifically prohibit raw milk from entering interstate commerce, while federal meat inspection laws place separate restrictions on livestock products.
State Sen. Barry Crago noted other portions of the Wyoming Food Freedom Act prohibit homemade or uninspected food from being used as an ingredient in a commercial food establishment and warned the proposal may conflict with existing language or create a false impression the underlying problem has been solved.
Other members argued the proposal should move forward as a short-term option while lawmakers conduct a broader review of the Wyoming Food Freedom Act.
Representatives from the Wyoming Food Coalition, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union testified they are in support of moving the legislation forward and encouraged lawmakers to eventually examine the full act.
The committee wrapped up the discussion by amending the bill, removing a detailed list of circumstances in which the department could not grant exemptions, as WDA officials confirmed many of the prohibitions were covered elsewhere in law and could create additional confusion.
The committee then voted to sponsor draft 27LSO0141.3, as amended. State Reps. Robert “Bob” Davis and Karlee Provenza voted against the measure.
Discussing Wyoming fencing concerns
The committee concluded its meeting with a discussion of livestock trespass, fence damage and Wyoming’s fence-out laws.
LSO Staff Attorney Savannah Collins reviewed livestock trespass laws in Wyoming and neighboring states, noting Wyoming primarily addresses animals with unknown or disputed ownership through estray statutes. Civil penalties may also be issued when livestock breach a legal fence or damage another landowner’s property.
State Sen. Laura Pearson raised concerns about livestock grazing on nearby federal allotments repeatedly entering private property and noted some landowners spend a significant amount of time managing other people’s livestock and repairing fences with few practical enforcement options.
Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steve True said current laws largely depend on a good-neighbor approach, and while brand inspectors may identify livestock and contact their owners, the board generally lacks authority to impose criminal penalties when an identified owner repeatedly allows livestock to trespass.
Pearson asked True if he “admitted there is nothing in statute as far as a bad-neighbor policy goes.”
“No, there’s not really,” he replied. “The one thing we would do is if we know who the owner is but they won’t claim ownership of the animal or pay for a feed bill, we sell the animal and take the feed
bill back out of it. That’s the bad-neighbor policy as far as I know.”
True also noted civil action may be used when livestock breach a lawful fence but cautioned against creating criminal penalties without carefully considering the consequences and discouraged individuals from creating “range wars” with their neighbors.
In his testimony, WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna cautioned lawmakers about making changes that might jeopardize Wyoming’s longstanding fenceout doctrine.
“As it’s been pointed out, on private land you can build a legal fence and require the other party to be responsible for half of the cost of fence construction and half of the cost of the maintenance of the fence. Generally, the assumption is the legal fence – as defined in statute – would be adequate if it’s properly maintained to keep cattle out,” Magagna stated.
“If this is not the case and it’s a properly maintained fence, perhaps we need to look at the definition of a legal fence and strengthen it. The second avenue is if there are state trust lands involved, then I think there is a place where the legislature could have some impact,” he added.
On this topic, Crago suggested lawmakers could consider adding language to Wyoming’s partition fence statutes requiring livestock owners grazing federal lands to help maintain adjacent fences, noting the legislature previously addressed similar concerns involving state trust lands.
Ultimately, the committee voted to direct LSO to draft a proposal for future review, in which the concept would potentially require livestock owners grazing federal lands to share responsibility for fences and damages in a manner similar to livestock owners using state lands.
Lawmakers are expected to revisit fencing and food freedom issues during their next meeting, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 21-22 in Sheridan.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Lummis introduces bill
On July 14, U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026, a bill to strengthen and clarify Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404(f) exemptions for farmers, ranchers and landowners conducting routine land and water management activities.
“Farmers and ranchers shouldn’t need a team of lawyers just to maintain a ditch or manage their land the way they always have,” said Lummis. “This bill fixes a loophole which never should have existed in the first place. If you’re doing the right thing on your own land, the federal government should be the last thing you’re worried about.”
The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) and has garnered support from ag groups including the American Farm Bureau Federation and Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB).
“Congress recognized farmers and ranchers must be able to carry out routine agricultural activities without unnecessary federal permitting requirements, which is why Congress included the Section 404(f) exemption in the CWA,” said WyFB President Todd Fornstrom. “However, exemptions are only effective when they are clear and consistently applied. Greater certainty is needed to ensure farmers and ranchers can confidently conduct normal farming operations as Congress intended, without the risk of unintended regulatory burdens.”
“We appreciate Lummis’ leadership in introducing legislation which provides much-needed clarity and certainty, helping farmers and ranchers continue their work while maintaining their strong commitment to conservation and stewardship,” Fornstrom continued.
MSU wool lab open
Montana State University (MSU), the Montana Department of Livestock and the Montana Department of Agriculture celebrated the grand opening of the new Combined State Laboratories building on July 17.
This grand opening marks the completion of a longplanned facility designed to support Montana agricultural producers through research, education, outreach, testing and diagnostic services, and the multi-use agricultural facility brings together the Montana Department of Livestock’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab and the MSU Wool Lab.
The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab supports veterinarians, livestock producers, wildlife managers and government agencies in identifying and monitoring animal diseases. The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians-accredited laboratory also supports public health through testing for zoonotic diseases and by helping ensure the safety of animal products such as milk and eggs.
The Analytical Lab provides testing and analytical services to support Montana agriculture and environmental stewardship. The laboratory analyzes feed, fertilizer, pesticides, groundwater and other samples used by producers, researchers and regulatory programs across the state.
The Combined State Laboratories building was made possible through appropriations approved by the Montana Legislature during its 2021 and 2023 sessions, as well as the Montana Board of Regents’ approval of university land for the shared facility.
The building replaces aging laboratory spaces, some of which were more than 70 years old.
The MSU Wool Lab portion of the project also benefited from philanthropic support secured through the MSU Alumni Foundation’s successful engagement with private donors.
by Lee Pitts
Have you seen a big influx of bumper-pulled utility trailers being towed by
huge pickups in your area?
This is certainly the case in my part of the world, and
my theory is by the time manufacturers put two rows of seating with good leg room on the chassis of their trucks, there is hardly enough room left for a decent bed.
I don’t see too many long beds because they end up being longer than a coal train, so truck owners are buying trailers to haul the stuff they used to haul in their pickups.
I have pulled all kinds
of trailers with all kinds of trucks in my life. Because my old man was a truck driver, I learned to drive a semi by the time I was 18.
I’ve pulled everything from horse trailers to house trailers, and I gotta tell you, I hate bumper-pull trailers and it’s not just because I went over a 100-feet cliff in a pickup when I was 17 with a horse trailer on back. At least it was when we started going over the cliff, but by the time we hit bottom, the truck and trailer had become uncoupled, divorced and unattached.
The real reason I hate bumper-pull trailers was because of the hatred I felt toward my wife’s stepdad who was the most pompous diabolical arse God ever put on this planet. And that’s no exaggeration.
of their stuff up. All I had to do was drive six hours away right through the middle of Los Angeles traffic.
My wife and I got to the inlaws’ new abode just fine, and we stayed the night so we didn’t have to drive another six hours back home in the same day.
Early the next morning, we were on our way home with the trailer when, right in the middle of Los Angeles traffic, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the trailer was swinging to and fro, carrying the truck with it.
As carefully as I could, I slowed down to work my way over to the shoulder of the road and eventually got everything shut down.
“no fault” failure. Seated at a table at a video sale in Reno, Nev., I was telling this story to a couple who were friends of ours, when all of a sudden the wife – who is usually very quiet –said, “That’s nothing. Wait until you hear about our little trailering incident.”
The husband shrunk down in his seat trying to disappear under the table when his wife started telling the story.
Ferris Mtn. Ranch – 70 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 700-770#. Life long @ 6,800-9,000 mtn desert. Rec Vision CD-T spur boosted w/ Covexin 8, Bovishield Gold 5 MLV. Knife cut. One hip brand. Producer all-natural. Never wormed or poured. Good compensatory gain potential. 35 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 700-770#. Life long @ 6,800-9,000 mtn desert. Rec Ultra choice 7 & Bovishield Gold FP5VL5-MLV. One hip brand. Producer all-natural. Never wormed or poured. Good compensatory gain potential.
Cody Brinton– 3 Yrlng Strs 900-1000#. No Hormones. Rec 5 way, 7 way & Ivomec. Started on bunk, ready to fatten. Home raised. PAIRS
Cody Brinton – 2 BWF Pairs. April calves at side. Rec 5 way, 7 way & Ivomec. 45 exposed to bulls. Home raised.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 - No
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 PRE-FALL CALF &
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 - No Sale
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 ALL CATTLE CLASSES • 4-H RESALE (NOON) START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
LABOR DAY YEARLING
• START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
SEPTEMBER 22
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
checked or bled. Thank you for your cooperation!
He wanted to take my wife’s mother, whom I really liked, far away from her children which was all right by me. In fact, I offered to drive a pickup with a 20-feet U-Haul trailer filled with all of their belongings just to make sure he was gone for good.
They rented the U-Haul and borrowed a pickup so I didn’t have to use mine. I didn’t even have to pack all
Somehow, the trailer had come off of the ball and was only held on by the safety chains. I immediately suspected the evil stepdad of trying to get us killed.
Please note, it didn’t happen on the trip the previous day because he wanted to get his belongings to their new home but, after, I suspected him of getting up at 2 a.m. and monkey-wrenching with the ball on the bumper or the coupling of the trailer.
I couldn’t file attempted murder charges because the people at U-Haul called it a
“We were going to pick up two horses we’d bought in Colorado,” she recounted. “We were having a good trip and even did a little sightseeing along the way. We found ourselves on a lightly traveled road near Cedar City, Utah, when the ball came off of the bumper. We were going downhill at a pretty good rate, and the next thing we heard was a big commotion behind us.”
“My gosh, weren’t you frightened?” I asked.
“Of course I was,” said the wife. “Next thing you know, we both looked out the driver’s side window and saw a trailer passing us doing about 80 miles per hour. Then, this pea brain here scratches his head and says, ‘Look honey. There’s a trailer just like ours.’”
