Wyoming Livestock Roundup – March 7, 2026 – Section B
As February’s icy grip gives way to the longer days of March, Wyoming landscapes will transition from hard, frozen ground to a thawed out, muddy mess.
While the moisture and sunshine bring promise of green pastures, it can also turn corrals, pens and hightraffic zones into areas of concern for horse owners.
Fortunately, experts note implementing effective management strategies can greatly reduce problems brought on by excessive mud.
Horse health impacts
As many know, mud tends to accumulate in areas with poor drainage or high foot traffic.
Because horses tend to congregate around feeders, waterers, shelters and gates, these places often become prime mud zones in the springtime when soil is saturated and vegetation is worn away.
Unfortunately, once mud becomes deep and sticky, it can lead to equine health issues and make daily care more challenging.
According to University of Minnesota Extension equine specialists, prolonged exposure to wet, muddy conditions can weaken hoof walls, soften the frog and create an environment ideal for bacterial and fungal growth, which may lead to thrush and pastern dermatitis.
Experts note excess moisture also increases the risk of cellulitis, a painful bacterial infection within the connective tissue layer beneath the skin.
Frequent muddy footing also increases the chance of slipping, strains and other injuries, as well as muscle fatigue and joint stress.
Planning and infrastructure
According to University of Minnesota Extension, strategic planning and facility design are the first line of defense against excess mud.
The specialists note properly situating buildings, pens, feeding areas, shelters, material storage and other hightraffic areas will create environments that stay drier for longer.
The experts recommend positioning barns, shelters and drylots on elevated ground to allow for natural drainage, suggesting a slight slope of about four to six degrees so water can move to lower ground, rather than pooling.
The Extension service also recommends installing gutters and downspouts on structures to help direct roof runoff away from turnout and high-traffic areas, as well as using drainage ditches, swales or dry wells to carry water off of pastures.
Using vegetation and soil anchors is also helpful.
The University of Minnesota notes grass and other vegetation helps absorb water, stabilize soil and pre-
vent erosion – slowing the formation of mud before it becomes a problem.
Horse owners should also plan for seasonal snow management, especially in Wyoming’s harsh climate.
“Create a plan for piling snow to ensure you can accommodate snowmelt in the spring,” Extension personnel state. “Make sure rainfall, snowfall and melting snow doesn’t drain into manure piles, as this can create nutrient runoff.”
Footing and surface improvements
As stated, mud often forms where horses spend the most time, so improving surfaces of these areas can dramatically reduce mud accumulation and its negative effects.
University of Minnesota Extension specialists suggest constructing high-traffic pads in areas compacted from frequent foot traffic with little to no vegetation using layers of geotextile fabric and rock or gravel to create a firm, welldrained surface resistant to mud.
These pads allow water to percolate downward instead of mixing with soil and becoming sticky and/or slippery.
Materials like crushed rock, coarse sand or wood chips can improve footing temporarily when placed over high-traffic pads, although some options require more frequent maintenance than others.
For example, wood chips and straw may decompose and contribute to mud accumulation if they are not replaced regularly, and sand can mix with soil over time, potentially causing issues like sand colic if ingested.
While gravel may provide better drainage, the University of Minnesota says it’s important to choose the right size, recommending crushed rock no larger than threefourths of an inch combined with fine gravel to help lock the surface together.
“Although alternative footing options are available for the top layer of high-traffic pads, we recommend finecrushed gravel, as this material is more resistant to breakdown and requires less frequent refreshing,” the Extension service states.
Pasture management techniques
In addition to structural projects, experts note daily pasture and paddock management is also critical.
Removing manure regularly helps reduce organic buildup which thickens mud and increases bacterial load.
“Picking up manure every one to three days will help reduce parasite load, as well the flies and insects,” reads an article published by the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst).
“Regular removal of manure also greatly reduces the amount of mud that develops,
and it will prevent contaminated runoffs from reaching surface waters in the area.”
UMass Amherst experts also recommend utilizing sacrifice areas and rotating and resting turnout areas, since keeping horses in one area year-round can damage grass and compact soil, making mud worse after a precipitation event.
“Individuals can help control runoffs by surrounding sacrifice areas, paddocks and other confinement areas with at least 25 feet of lawn, pasture, woods or even a garden,” the UMass Amherst article reads. “Vegetation in buffer areas will act as mud managers – a natural filtration system which slows down runoff and reduces sediments and nutrients. Buffers of grasses and legumes can be grazed in the spring and summer and left ungrazed to
function as a buffer during times of slow growth, steady rain or potential flooding.”
Daily horse care
Even with good planning and maintenance, dealing with mud during spring months is inevitable.
Experts encourage horse owners to reduce health impacts by checking hooves daily for signs of infection or thrush; cleaning and drying lower legs often, especially after turnout; clipping long hair around pasterns and fetlocks to help keep legs clean and dry; moving horses to drier ground or indoor stalls whenever possible and addressing early signs of dermatitis or infection promptly with veterinary guidance.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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Economics
The rapid growth of beef-on-dairy crossbreeding is reshaping feeder cattle supplies across the country.
As dairy producers increasingly breed dairy cows to beef sires to capture added value on non-replacement calves, more dairyon-beef crossbred steers are entering feedlots.
This trend raises an important question – how do these dairy crossbreds compare economically with beef steers in traditional yearling systems?
OSU study
A collaborative study conducted by Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Departments of Animal and Food Sciences and Agricultural Economics evaluated profitability of beef steers and dairy crossbred steers in both calf-fed and yearling-fed finishing systems at a commer-
of native beef and beef-on-dairy steers in yearling systems highlighted
cial feedlot in Buffalo, Okla.
Calf-fed steers were placed on feed following drylot backgrounding, while yearlings grazed summer pasture at the OSU Marvin Klemme Range Research Station before feedlot entry.
Performance differed by both breed type and system.
Beef steers gained faster than dairy crossbred calves during grazing.
However, during finishing, yearling-fed cattle outperformed calf-fed cattle regardless of breed.
Dairy crossbred yearlings posted the highest average daily gain in the feedlot and exhibited compensatory gain which more than offset prior weight differences relative to beef steers.
Calf-fed beef and dairy crossbred steers had the lowest gains.
While yearlings con-
sumed more feed, feed efficiency was similar among treatments.
Carcass data favored dairy crossbred steers, which produced fewer Select and more upper Choice and Prime carcasses.
Despite carcass value advantages, total cost of production ultimately determined profitability.
Yearling-fed beef steers generated the highest net return – nearly $485 per head – and the lowest cost of production, with $112 per steer greater net returns than yearling-fed dairy crossbred steers and $126 greater net returns than calf-fed beef or dairy cross steers.
Conclusion
When grazing resources are available, yearling systems reduce cost of gain and improve profitability, which is a hallmark of production
photo
systems in Oklahoma.
Dairy crossbred steers can compete economically –particularly under current grid structures which heavily discount straight dairy cattle but apply only modest discounts to beef-on-dairy crosses.
However, for retained ownership through stocker and finishing phases under
conditions similar to this analysis, beef-on-dairy steers should be purchased at approximately a $20 per hundredweight discount relative to native beef steers.
This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Critical Agricultural Research and Extension Award No. 2022-
68008-37102 and provides practical guidance for producers evaluating dairy-onbeef crossbreds within Oklahoma production systems. Paul Beck is the OSU Cooperative Extension beef cattle nutrition specialist. This article was originally published by Feedlot Magazine on Feb 24.
Courtesy
OBITUARIES
James “Jim” Elmer Gran
July 9, 1931 – Feb. 14, 2026
James “Jim” Elmer Gran, age 94, of Gordon, Neb. passed away on Feb. 14 at Pemberly Place Assisted Living in Lincoln, Neb.
Jim was born July 9,
1931 in Winner, S.D. to Elmer W. Gran and Eva M. (Parkhurst) Gran. He was the grandson of Peter E. Gran, who was born in 1855 in Granberg, Sweden, and after marriage, immigrated to the U.S. in 1882.
Jim was immensely proud of his Swedish heritage and frequently told the story of Peter landing at Ellis Island. His original name was Errisen, which was very Swedish. He was told he should change it, as nobody could spell it, so he dropped the “berg” from Granberg to create the name Gran.
Lot 12 – KA Institution 5030 – Price: $21,000 DOB: 2/18/25 Sire: Kenny Institution 2010 Dam’s Sire: KA Capitalist 9013 EPDs: BW: -2, WW: +70, YW: +129 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Lawrence Ranches LLC, Buffalo Lot 19 – KA Prolific 5024 – Price: $19,000 DOB: 3/10/25 Sire: Ellingson Prolific Dam’s Sire: Ellingson Homegrown 6035 EPDs: BW: +3, WW: +97, YW: +157 and Milk: +19 Buyer: Mill Iron Diamond Ranch, Shawnee Lot 65 – CK Liberty 5071 – Price: $18,000 DOB: 3/11/25 Sire: Connealy Liberty 837A Dam’s Sire: Connealy Black Granite EPDs: BW: -1.5, WW: +62, YW: +111 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Ryan Peterson, Lance Creek
Lot 3 – KA Black Mass 5037 – Price: $17,000 DOB: 1/30/25 Sire: B Bar Black Mass 3045 Dam’s Sire: KA Resilient 186 EPDs: BW: +0.6, WW: +60, YW: +98 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Mill Iron Diamond Ranch, Shawnee
Lot 20 – KA Prolific 5014 – Price: $17,000- DOB: 3/11/25 Sire: Ellingson Prolific Dam’s Sire: KA Homegrown 9005 EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +70, YW: +131 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Mill Iron Diamond Ranch, Shawnee Lot 49 – KA Blue Collar 5054 – Price: $17,000 DOB: 3/8/25 Sire: Cherry Crk Blue Collar G275 Dam’s Sire: Barstow Cash EPDs: BW: -1, WW: +72, YW: +125 and Milk: +14 Buyer: Ballek Land and Livestock, Clearmont
Wishbone Simmental Annual Sale
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Feb. 27, 2026
Wishbone Simmental Sale Facility, Frannie Auctioneer: Charly Cummings 47 Yearling Bulls Avg. $9,702 Six Registered Bred Heifers Avg. $6,042 45 Open Commercial Heifers Avg. $3,132
44 Victory Dam’s Sire: OMF Hard Right H21 EPDs: BW: +1.5, WW: +113, YW: +186.6 and Milk: +24.7 Buyer: B Slash Ranch, Frannie
Lot 24 – W/B 002N – Price: 20,000 DOB: 2/28/25 Sire: TERS Leopold 316L Dam’s Sire: OHF Hard Right H21 EPDs: BW: +4.7, WW: +103.9, YW: +169.5 and Milk: +22.4 Buyer: B Slash Ranch, Frannie
44 Victory Dam’s Sire: OHF Hard Right H21 EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +95.7, YW: +162.5 and Milk: +24.8 Buyer: Brad Tippitts, Lovell
Lot 23 – W/B 013N – Price: $14,000 DOB: 3/6/25 Sire: TERS Leopold 316L Dam’s Sire: OMF Hard Right H21 EPDs: BW: +2.3, WW: +98.9, YW: +161 and Milk: +22.4 Buyer: TA Ranch, Saratoga
Lot 26 – W/B 023N – Price: $12,500 DOB: 3/10/25 Sire: TERS Leopold 316L Dam’s Sire: OMF Hard Right H21 EPDs: BW: +3.3, WW: +98.5, YW: +161.9 and Milk: +22.4 Buyer: TA Ranch, Saratoga
Jim graduated from St. Mary’s High School in O’Neill, Neb. in 1948.
After graduation, Elmer relocated his family to manage the Mission Ranch in Gordon, Neb.
Here, Jim worked alongside his father, and after moving, he met the love of his life, Helen Mooney, who was a dental assistant at the time.
Jim was drafted into the Army in 1952, served in the Korean War and returned home in 1954.
Jim continued to work on the ranch and married Helen on Aug. 20, 1955 in Gordon, Neb. Jim took over as manager of the Mission Ranch in December 1955 upon his father’s passing.
Jim managed the Mission Ranch for 32 years, where he raised his family.
He was actively involved in the Nebraska Stockgrowers Association and was instrumental in the formation of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, which combined the stockgrowers association with the Cattle Feeders Association. Jim served as president of the Nebraska Stockgrowers Association from 1980-81, where he contributed by giving back his time to the cattle industry.
In 1987, he left the Mission Ranch and founded Gran Red Angus, building a highly reputable Red Angus cattle herd, selling purebred heifers and bulls.
In 1995, Jim received the Cattlemen of the Year Award from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association for his lifelong service to the cattle industry.
His children often asked
when he would retire, and his reply was, “Why stop doing something you love?”
Jim established the Jim and Helen Gran Endowed Scholarship in 2016 in loving memory of his wife to help young men and women get started in the cattle industry.
His health finally forced him to sell the herd, and he sold his last bull at the age of 85.
Jim was also a member of Gordon Toastmasters and Knights of Columbus.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife Helen of 59 years, his parents Elmer and Eva Gran, his brother Willis (John) Gran and his sisters Caroline Holsinger and Elieen (Mary) Gran.
Jim is survived by his children Larry and Doris of Belle Fourche, S.D., John and Sara of Blair, Neb., War-
ren and Linda of Lincoln, Neb., Jean and Allen Parette of Beaver Lake, Neb. and Bryan and Stacy of Portland, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and his sisters Virginia Greenamyre, Elieen Gran, Patricia Mertens and Elizabeth Gran.
A Rosary will be held on April 18 at 9 a.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Gordon, Neb. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., and inurnment will follow the service at Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Neb.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made out to the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Memorial Foundation or the Jim and Helen Gran Endowed Scholarship. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Mortuary, PO Box 6, Gordon, NE 69343.
Roughly two years after an alleged incident involving the capture and torture of a wolf in Sublette County in February 2024, Cody Roberts of Daniel has agreed to plead guilty or no contest to one count of felony cruelty to animals.
A plea deal filed with a Sublette County court on Feb. 25 would spare Roberts from going to trial, which was originally scheduled to begin on March 9, and potentially serving prison time.
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SINCLAIR MASS O108
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Sire: B Bar Black Mass 3045
MGS: Reisig Longmire 8326
N Bar Explosion TNT N Bar Jusrite 4324A Sinclair Grass Master
SINCLAIR FOREMAN O158 REG: 21436482 DOB: 3/7/25
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SINCLAIR MASS O688 REG: 21255004 DOB: 2/17/25
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SINCLAIR LONGMIRE O185 REG: 21436491 DOB: 3/10/25
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O155
Instead, Roberts would be required to withdraw his initial not guilty plea, pay a $1,000 fine and serve 18 months of supervised probation.
Case background
After Roberts was initially accused of capturing, torturing and killing a wolf in Sublette County in 2024, the incident went on to garner global attention, sparking outrage across several sectors and raising questions about predator management.
According to a Feb. 26 CBS News article, Roberts was accused of running down a wolf with a snowmobile, binding its mouth with duct tape and bringing it into a local bar in Daniel before ultimately killing it.
The same article notes photo and video evidence from that night shows the animal “alive but barely moving” inside of the bar.
A Feb. 25 WyoFile article by Mike Koshmrl notes the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) initially handled the incident, issuing Roberts a $250 fine for possession of warm-blooded wildlife.
WGFD declined to seek additional penalties or jail time, with department officials reasoning predatory animals, including wolves, are exempted from felony animal cruelty laws.
Sublette County law enforcement officials disagreed, however, and Roberts was indicted for felony animal cruelty charges by a state grand jury in August 2025.
Plea details
Rather than being faced with up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine for animal cruelty, the proposed plea agreement calls for Roberts to complete 18 months of supervised probation and pay a $1,000 fine.
The probation would prohibit Roberts from hunting and fishing, consuming alcohol and patronizing bars or liquor stores, and he would also be required to complete a recommended addiction treatment course, according to Koshmrl.
Koshmrl adds the pending plea deal was signed by Roberts’ attorney on Feb. 17 but is still awaiting approval by a judge, expected to be considered at an unspecified future date.
plea agreement.
Public reaction
WyoFile articles written by Koshmrl on Feb. 25 and March 3 detail some mixed reactions from animal rights activists and Sublette County locals following the announcement of Roberts’ potential plea deal.
Kim Bean, a wolf advocate based in Colorado, tells Koshmrl she doesn’t think the terms of the plea deal were steep enough, but also emphasizes the end goal of her advocacy was less about putting Roberts in prison and more about pushing for legal reform surrounding predator laws in Wyoming.
Koshmrl’s Feb. 25 WyoFile article explains one successful change to animal cruelty statutes has come about as a result of Roberts’ alleged actions, but other measures which aimed to prohibit running over animals with snowmobiles have failed in front of the Wyoming Legislature and in Congress.
In the March 3 article, Koshmrl notes the announcement of the plea agreement took many Sublette County locals by surprise, with some residents thinking the terms of the agreement do not match the crime and others expressing hope a decision will finally lead buzz surrounding the issue to start settling down.
Animal rights activists had mixed reactions, according to the article, with some groups publishing statements expressing either favor or disapproval for this recent development.
Attorney Scott Edwards penned a letter expressing disappointment in the deal on behalf of the Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy.
“Animal cruelty laws serve not only to punish past conduct but also to deter future acts of abuse,” Edwards writes. “When conduct widely regarded as extreme and prolonged cruelty results in probation and a modest fine, it may foster the perception even egregious acts will carry little meaningful consequence.”
A Feb. 25 Cowboy State Daily article by Clair McFarland further notes, if the proposal is rejected, Roberts will have the opportunity to either undo his plea and go to trial or attempt to strike a new
Another group, the Humane World for Animals, released a statement condoning the plea as a step in the right direction, saying the conditions mark “a substantive advance in the history of American anti-cruelty law” and sufficiently hold Roberts’ accountable for his actions.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
TAMU AgriLife Extension publishes human,
The Texas A&M University (TAMU) AgriLife Extension Service has released two new fact sheets on New World screwworm (NWS) to help Americans prepare for the threat of the potentially devastating parasite.
These fact sheets are focused on protecting humans and companion animals, and they are the latest to be added to an online information hub which includes additional fact sheets, a technical bulletin and related prevention information.
NWS risks
NWS poses a significant threat to cattle and wildlife, but dogs and cats are also at risk, and infestations may be fatal if left untreated. Also, while rare, NWS can infest human tissue.
The two new fact sheets, titled “New World Screwworm Myiasis: Protecting Human Health” and “Companion Animal Care in the Face of the New World Screwworm, NWS, Threat,” provide research-based information on risk factors, prevention steps and reporting guidance.
The human health fact sheet was authored by Miquela Smith, AgriLife Extension program health specialist in the Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit in Lubbock, Texas, and Dr. Mark Faries, AgriL-
ife Extension specialist and professor in the Department of Family and Community Health in Bryan-College Station, Texas.
The companion animal fact sheet was authored by Dr. Guilherme Verocai, associate professor and director, and Dr. Rafael Ramos, postdoctoral research associate, both in the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Department of Veterinary Pathobiology’s Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory, as well as Dr. Sonja Swiger, AgriLife Extension entomologist and professor of Stephenville, Texas, and Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Department of Entomology head in Bryan-College Station, Texas.
Human health risk
The new human health fact sheet highlights the primary risks for people.
As of January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported a single, travel-related human case in the U.S.
Risk factors identified by the authors for contracting NWS myiasis, which is the infestation of fly larvae or maggots in human and animal tissue, are traveling to regions and countries where NWS is consistently present, such as South America, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic or traveling to
Legislation passed
Across the country, there is growing bipartisan recognition independent workers deserve access to benefits without sacrificing flexibility or autonomy.
Recently, the Wyoming Legislature overwhelmingly passed Senate File (SF) 41 in a combined vote of 90 to one, positioning the state to become the fourth in the nation to adopt a portable benefits framework modeled after the Independent Women’s Voluntary Portable Benefits Act.
The legislation now heads to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk to be signed into law.
SF0041 authorizes the creation and use of portable benefit accounts and establishes a clear safe harbor allowing companies to voluntarily contribute to those accounts without triggering worker misclassification.
The measure protects independent contractor status while expanding access to voluntary benefits such as health coverage, disability insurance and retirement savings.
Independent workers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce representing over 66,000 workers and over 20 percent of the workforce in Wyoming. Yet, many are locked out of accessing traditional employee benefits simply because they choose flexible, independent work.
Wyoming is carrying forward western momentum in recognizing the changing workforce. Neighboring Utah was the first state to pass this innovative legislation in 2023, and Idaho has a similar proposal under consideration in their legislature now.
With the passage of SF0041, hiring parties may voluntarily contribute funds to portable benefit accounts without those contributions being used as a factor in employment classification determinations. This ensures workers gain access to critical financial and healthcare benefits without sacrificing their flexibility or autonomy.
areas currently experiencing an outbreak.
Working closely with livestock and/or wildlife animals in an area with NWS activity and/or having open sores or wounds which may attract NWS flies – from a scratch, cut, insect bite, surgery or medical conditions such as peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, for example – are also risk factors.
Companion animal risk
Pets near southern U.S. borders and those traveling to and/or from Latin America will be at the most risk.
Veterinary advice should be sought to determine if pretreatment for dogs and cats traveling to and from Latin America is warranted.
Early detection of NWS myiasis is essential for effective treatment and clinical recovery of pets.
Some protection tips include checking pets daily for wounds, including sites of previous tick bites and monitoring for foul odors, tissue damage or signs of fly larvae in wounds; assessing the pet’s environment for items
which may cause injury, such as metal collars or chains, wire fencing and sharp vegetation and observing pets for unusual behavior, such as wound-licking or irritation.
There are no confirmed cases of NWS in the U.S.
However, Americans are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of infestation.
Animals may lose interest in food or become aggressive or lethargic due to irritability and associated infestations.
Today is the news hub for Texas A&M AgriLife, which brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within the TAMU system. This article was originally published by AgriLife Today on Feb. 27.
AgriLife
IT'S THE PITTS Real Men
by Lee Pitts
A real man doesn’t moisturize, nor does he go to a salon to get his haircut. He goes to a barber, not a
stylist, and he would never wear hair gel like the governor of California or some sissy poetry professor.
A real man is adventurous and likes to explore unchartered territory, like the kitchen. He can go to the hardware store without a support group.
He is knowledgeable and looks at magazines like Bassmaster or Field and Stream so he can discuss the content with other real men.
A real man is able to hit a certain white plumbing fixture while standing five
feet away. He has also peed on his share of truck tires.
A real man’s four food groups are meat, anything fried, Mexican food and beer. He’s been known to kill his own food, and he likes to barbecue.
A real man has never had a pedicure in his life. He cuts his nails with a pocket knife and files them with a horseshoer’s rasp, and yes, he does carry a pocket knife
which he uses to cut his meat at barbecues and brandings where plastic forks are provided, even if he used his knife the day before to castrate bulls.
He doesn’t use lip balm, gloss or scented ChapStick.
A real man does not wear an earring, tongue stud or lip jewelry. He’s never worn capri pants – whatever those are – a dress or leggings. None of his clothes are mauve, peach or pumpkin in color.
Real men listen to real music and that means country/western. He’s never heard of Bad Bunny until he performed at the Super Bowl, which he boycotted by going to the bathroom. Both stunk.
A real man knows the date of his anniversary, his wife’s birthday and that she likes See’s Candy, which he gives her every year. But, with a one-pound box costing over $27, she might have to start liking a Hershey candy bar from the Dollar Store instead.
He can’t tell you the difference between a cappuccino and espresso or arugula and radicchio.
He thinks dogs can do no wrong, but he dislikes cats.
A real man never cries during a movie – not even when John Wayne’s character got terminal cancer in his last movie. But he may have shed a tiny tear a couple years later when “The Duke” did die of cancer for real.
A real man retains full control of the remote control – when his wife is not present. HGTV puts him to sleep, and “The Housewives of Everywhere” makes him puke.
A real man would not
be caught dead in a tanning booth, a spa, Palm Beach or Palm Springs. He’s never been to Monte Carlo, Victoria’s Secret or a psychoanalyst.
A real man never stops and asks for directions. Period.
His daily driver can be a pickup, a Peterbuilt, a tractor or a bucking bull but never a Smart Car. He doesn’t eat quiche, plant burgers, vegetarian lasagna, mashed sweet potatoes or zucchini and lentil casserole.
A real man knows his way around a microwave, and he also knows the recipe for ice cubes. He can open any jar his wife hands him.
A real man can live out of the contents of one backpack for a month.
His all-time favorite actors are Jason Statham, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis.
A real man has a toolbox full of tools, and he knows how to use every one.
He’s the only animal that will fight for something other than food and women. He’s worn Carhartt to a funeral but wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a fanny pack.
A real man wears a leather belt, but he does not wear gloves unless he’s roping or welding. He’s never worn black socks and sandals together at the same time.
A real man likes football, baseball, basketball and NASCAR but hates soccer and cricket. He’d rather have three teeth pulled without the aid of anesthesia than watch the pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics.
A real man doesn’t know the first thing about how a woman thinks.
Site renewals open
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) opened black bear bait site renewals at 8 a.m. on March 1.
The site renewal process may be completed online or in person by visiting or calling a regional WGFD office. The application process for new black bear sites begins at 8 a.m. on March 21.
Before renewing or registering a bait site, hunters must purchase a 2026 black bear license. Licenses can be purchased online and will be mailed within 10 days. Licenses also can be purchased at WGFD regional offices or license-selling agents. A WGFD website login is required for online bait site renewal and to apply for new bait sites.
Account approval announced
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), chair of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets, announced the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Mo. has approved Kraken Financial for a master account.
Headquartered in Cheyenne, Kraken Financial will be able to use its limited-purpose master account to access the payments system and settle transactions in central bank money directly with the Federal Reserve.
This historic approval – after five and a half years –marks the first time a digital asset company has received direct access to the Federal Reserve.
“This approval is a watershed moment for the digital asset industry,” said Lummis. “The Federal Reserve has acknowledged what I’ve always said was the case – a digital asset company can balance innovation with strong risk management. Though approval took five and a half years, the Federal Reserve’s actions – at long last – validate Wyoming’s thoughtful regulatory framework.”
“I look forward to resolution of further pending applications in the coming weeks,” Lummis adds. “I congratulate Kraken, the Kansas City Fed and the Board of Governors for this monumental step towards making payments safer, faster and cheaper.”
Cattle markets continue to march higher in 2026, driven by limited inventories and strong demand.
Lightweight calves and stockers were more than 50 percent higher in late February than one year ago, with heavy feeder prices up over 40 percent year-over-year. Fed cattle prices are up about 24 percent year-over-year.
Wholesale boxed beef prices jumped sharply in the last week of February, as strong beef demand continues to fuel higher prices.
The January cattle inventory numbers confirmed the industry’s continued contraction. The all cattle and calves inventory is currently 86.16 million head, down nine percent from the cyclical high in 2019.
The Jan. 1 beef cow inventory is 27.61 million head, the smallest beef cow herd since 1961. It is down 12.7 percent, or 4.03 million head, in the past seven years.
This year is likely to be the cyclical inventory low, marking 12 years since the previous low in 2014. Limited cattle inventories will continue to be a major driving fundamental in cattle markets in 2026 and beyond.
The 2025 calf crop was 32.9 million head, the smallest total calf crop since 1941. The calf crop has gotten smaller for seven years after peaking in 2018.
What beef producers should know as cattle prices soar
Feedlot and beef production trends
Feedlot inventories continue to decline, with February’s Cattle on Feed Report showing 11.51 million head, down 1.8 percent year-overyear. This is the 15th consecutive month of declining feedlot totals.
Total feedlot placements decreased 6.7 percent in 2025, while marketings dropped 5.4 percent year-over-year. Decreasing feedlot production resulted in fed slaughter falling 5.5 percent, leading to a total slaughter decrease of 6.4 percent for the year.
Despite a share increase in steer and heifer carcass weights – up 24 pounds in 2025 – total beef production dropped to 26 billion pounds, down 3.6 percent year-over-year. Carcass weights of steers averaging 955 pounds and heifers averaging 871 pounds partially offset decreased fed slaughter.
Beef production has decreased 8.1 percent since its peak in 2022, and it is projected to decrease another three to 3.5 percent in 2026, reaching its lowest level since 2015.
Non-fed beef, which supports ground beef production, saw a significant drop of 14 percent in 2025. Total cow slaughter decreased 10.5 percent last
year, with beef cow slaughter down 17.6 percent.
Total non-fed – cow plus bull – beef production decreased eight percent last year, and slaughter is down 24.7 percent, with beef cow slaughter alone down 40.5 percent since 2022.
Non-fed beef supplies are the tightest in decades, contributing to record-high ground beef prices.
Beef trade update
Beef exports fell 14.3 percent year-over-year in 2025, with the largest decline in the China and Hong Kong market, down 52.3 percent for the year and 68.9 percent over the
past nine months due to tariffs and trade wars.
South Korea became the largest export market for U.S. beef, slightly ahead of Japan. Mexico moved into third place, while Canada ranked fifth.
Beef imports rose 18 percent year-over-year –primarily lean processing beef used for ground beef production. Imported lean beef helps support fed cattle values and keeps the ground beef market competitive in fast-food markets.
Australia and Brazil remain the largest sources of beef imports, along with Canada and Mex-
ico. Despite considerable political focus, Argentina accounted for only 2.3 percent of beef imports and will remain a minor source of beef imports in 2026.
Looking ahead to tight supply, volatility
Higher cattle and beef prices are expected to persist in 2026, with inventories stabilizing but little or no growth anticipated.
A slight increase in beef replacement heifer inventories on Jan. 1 suggests perhaps momentum is slowly developing for herd rebuilding.
Feeder cattle supplies will remain extremely tight, aggravated by reduced Mex-
ican feeder cattle imports and increased heifer retention.
Cattle and beef markets will likely experience continued volatility because of political factors, animal health threats, Mexican border uncertainties and potentially more industry infrastructure adjustments.
Producers should prepare for ongoing challenges while capitalizing on strong market conditions.
Derrell Peel is the livestock marketing specialist for Oklahoma State University Extension. This article was originally published by the Missouri Ruralist on March 2.
Figure one – Pictured is a bar chart illustrating heifers held as beef cow replacements. Derrell Peel graphic
CLASSIFIEDS
or
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, 307-777-6397 TFN
GUN SHOW MARCH 21-22: Weston County Senior Citizens Center, Newcastle, WY, Sat., March 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., March 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission $5, kids 12 and under free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Vendor setup Fri., March 20, 3-8 p.m. For more information, call Mike Novotny, 253-678-4825 3/14
UP IN ARMS, LLC FLEA MARKET AND GUN SHOW March 20-22, Casper, WY at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Open to the public. Fri., March 20, 3-7 p.m. Sat., March 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., March 22, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Giving away a .22 pistol Sunday at 2 p.m., must be present to win, 21 years of age and able to pass background check. Buy, sell, trade. Adults $6, children 12 and under free (when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Lisa, 208-420-2295 3/14
BLACK HILLS GUN SHOW
MARCH 13-15: The Lodge at Deadwood, in Deadwood, S.D. Call 605-641-0870 or 307-751-1877. Visit us on Facebook 3/7
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.
LOOKING FOR RANCH ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER: Full-time position for large ranch located in Park County, WY. Responsibilities include: Lawn care, irrigation, agricultural equipment maintenance and general residential, building and property maintenance. Salary range of $45$60K depending on experience. Living on property is required for employment. House and vehicle will be provided. Property is located 10 minutes from downtown Cody, WY. Position is available for immediate hire. Please send resumes to mgiliati@acpg.com 3/21
D&S CATTLE CO. FAMILY RANCH LOOKING FOR HELP feeding cows/horses, calving cows, summertime haying. Cattle work done horseback. Good horsemanship skills needed. Ranch housing, wage DOE. For more information, call 406-3425349, Hysham, MT 3/7
WYOMING STATE PARKS IS HIRING ENERGETIC EMPLOYEES FOR THIS SUMMER!! The employment period will run from May until September. Apply here: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ wyoming by searching “State Parks.” Join our team this summer! Maintenance and fee employees will be paid $10$16/hour and law enforcement staff will be paid $18-$22/hour. Housing may be available. EEO/ADA employer 3/14
IMMEDIATELY SEEKING FULL-TIME FARM/RANCH INDIVIDUAL FOR A REMOTE NORTHEAST WYOMING RANCH: The role supports the current foreman and works alongside to ensure smooth and efficient operation of livestock, haying, equipment and facility management. Applicant must have a strong agricultural background and a hands-on approach to problem solving and daily ranch work. This is a long-term position and offers a clear path to increased responsibilities, pay and leadership. Housing is provided. Will not consider drug addicts or alcoholics. Must have a clean driving record. Please send resume with references and telephone number by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net. NO telephone calls 3/7
WHETHER YOU’RE NEEDING SAND FOR YOUR ARENA OR GRAVEL FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY, WE HAVE YOU COVERED. BIG HORN REDI MIX IN Powell, WY 307-7542923, Cody, WY 307-587469a1, Greybull, WY 307765-4610 and Worland, WY 307-347-2458 or Canyon Concrete in Thermopolis, WY 307-864-3500. Sand, gravel, 57 Rock, concrete and precast. Family owned and operated in the Big Horn Basin for 40 years 3/7
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, RHH, no earmarks, registration #A0715200, renewed to Jan 1, 2027. Comes with cattle irons and horse irons. $750 OBO. Call/text 520-9048305 or e-mail griz-2006@hotmail.com 3/28
BIRD AND ANIMAL AUCTION SUN., MARCH 29: Selling a variety of chickens, geese, turkeys, peacocks, ducks, goats, hoof stock and more. The sale starts at 9 a.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1000 Plum Creek Pkwy., Lexington, NE. For more information call Jaiden, 308-233-1799. Find us on Facebook, @JGrace Auctions 3/21
WANTED RECIP COWS: Must be open!! Two to 6 years old, Red Angus or Angus-based cows. For more information, call Corie Mydland, 406-8555598 (cell), Trans Ova Genetics, Joliet, MT 3/7
FOR SALE: Wyoming registered single iron brand, RSC, RHH. Two hot irons available (1 cow iron and 1 calf iron). Asking $3,995 for this easy to read brand. Registered until January 2029. Call 307-2542790 if interested 3/21
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!! 3/21
SALE * CHRISTENSEN RED ANGUS * SALE: Registered, vaccinated and fertility tested bulls. We have a deep carcass, high ADG packaged with moderate to low birthweights available. Call 406-208-4315 or e-mail criters64@gmail. com 3/14
RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE IN NORTHEASTERN UTAH: Out of AI and bull-bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until April 15. $3,500/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435-828-1320, barlazytlranch@gmail.com 6/13
STRAND SIMANGUS PRIVATE TREATY BULL SALE: Selling yearling Black Simmental and SimAngus bulls. Our bulls have thickness that has been bred on, not fed on. Leave the trailer at home, we will feed your bull, semen test and deliver free of charge up to 300 miles after April 1. Bulls can be viewed at the ranch, Platte, S.D. For performance records, pictures or more information, call 605-680-7628, e-mail strandsimangus@ gmail.com. Visit www.strandsimangus.com To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 3/14
TWO-YEAR-OLD HEREFORD BULLS: Canadian registered. Fertility checked. View photos at www.workingherefords.com Estermann Herefords, 308-3404159 or 308-963-4473 3/7
TWO-YEAR-OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS: Top bloodlines Historic and Gold Rush. Call Donald, 208-201-6213 3/14
RegisteRed Angus Bulls Opening dAy sAle
Sires Include: Saluda • Statesman • Man In Black Spectrum • Congress • Black Label Saturday March 21, 2026 B ridger , MT
Many suitable for heifers.
Kathy Dubs & Family • Billings, MT 406-208-8643 windingriverangus@gmail.com www.windingriverangus.com
REGISTERED WYOMIING BRAND FOR SALE, lazy RM. RRC, RHH, renews in January 2027, 2 sets of hot irons and 2 sets of electric irons. $3,000. Calls only, 307899-3737 3/7 Dogs
YEARLING ANGUS BULLS: These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 3/7
WYOMING REGISTERED BRAND: RHC, RHH, renewed to Jan. 1, 2031. Hot and cold irons. $10,500. Call 307-850-5087 3/14
MINI AUSSALIER PUPPIES:
Mom mini Aussie, dad Cavalier KC spaniel. Raised in home with kids. First shots and deworming. Very sweet babies. $495. Call 406-450-5992 3/14
RICHARDS HOOF AND NAILS LLC NOW OFFERING BOVINE TRIMMING!! Ronnie Richards owner of Richards Hoof and Nails LLC is based out of Broadus, MT. After years of only doing farrier work, he is now offering cattle trimming. He attended a cattle trimming school in London, Canada and is ready to come to you with his custom mobile chute. Call 406-5543064 (home) or 406-853-3491 (cell) 3/7
Gibbs Red Angus 406-977-2852 513 Van Norman Road Jordan, MT 59337 www.GibbsRedAngus.com
Cattle
Red Angus
Gelbvieh
SimAngus
Hereford
Lease
400 ACRE ALFALFA LEASE
DOUGLAS, WY: Irrigated 400 acre alfalfa lease offering farm operated 7 tower electric center pivots on deep bottom silt loam in the North Platte Valley sheltered by hills, cottonwoods, Russian olives, berry bushes. Well rooted pure alfalfa stand in triticale rotation. Woven wire fence, ponds, well, spigots, ravines, corn feeders, housing, corral, bird shed/cage. Antelope, deer, turkey, waterfowl, fish. Long term. Share interest, equipment, harvest/grazing plan. I-25 exit Douglas, WY. Call 605-484-5455. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 3/7
Horses
AQHA VERY GENTLE, WELL BROKE, NO BUCK, 10-YEAR-OLD BAY MARE. She has been used on the ranch for sorting, pairing and used in the mountains. AQHA FILLY AND STUD BORN MAY 2025. The filly is out of Ifwhizswereguns. The stud is out of HF Mobster. They are very gentle and halter broke. ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD GRAY, BROKE MUSTANG MARE. She was used as a broodmare and could be used as a recipient mare. For more information, please call 307-679-3126 3/21
BEST OF THE BIG HORNS
HORSE SALE, APRIL 11, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, 44 TW Rd., Buffalo, WY. Online bidding through www. cattleusa.com, register 3 days prior to sale. Contact Ellen Allemand, 307-7518969 or Kay Lynn Allen, 406697-5882. Visit us on Facebook for updates 4/4
TETON HORSE EXPERIENCE MARCH 13-15 ● Wind River Arena in Rigby, ID ● Main Headliner Craig Cameron ● Colt Starting Competition
● Youth Freestyle Competition
● Demos ● Speakers ● Interactive classes ● shopping ● food ● For more information, visit www.tetonhorseexperience.com 3/7
Saddles & Tack
SPRING’S HERE!! BOOT UP AT MOSS SADDLES, BOOTS AND TACK!! $AVE ON BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Something for everyone!! GREAT selection of GIFTS for GRADUATION and MOTHER’S DAY!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 3/7
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, 435-4625300, heidi@wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 3/7
HAY FOR SALE: 2025 grass/ alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa, millet, haybet barley and CRP hay. ALSO, 2025 GRINDING HAY also available. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-2904418, if no answer, send a text or keep trying 3/28
HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, grass/alfalfa mix, forage wheat and straw. Round bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 3/28
HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 and round bales of grass or alfalfa/grass mix. Delivered only. Call 605840-0015 3/7
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Grass, grass/alfalfa mix and straight alfalfa, net-wrapped large round bales, no rain. Western Nebraska location. Pick up or delivery available for fee. Call or text 303-9062691 3/21
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 3/21
FOR SALE: 2025 MILLET HAY IN LARGE ROUNDS, approximately 1,100 lbs., 75 tons available at $155/ton. Gooseneck delivery possible. Call and leave message at 307-2595485 3/14
FEED/GRAIN FOR SALE: Alfalfa, cane and millet hay. Large squares and rounds. Semi loads only. Will deliver. Call 970-2272760 3/14
PRAIRIE HAY AND SOME TAME GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Net-wrapped round bales. Located 1/4 mile from Presho Livestock Auction, Presho, S.D. Call 605-7302899 3/7
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your spring needs, Barry McRea, 308-2355386, www.valleyvideohay. com 3/7
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2025 crop 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales, $50/bale. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 3/7
DAIRY QUALITY ALFALFA FOR SALE: Call for pricing, 605-430-9809 3/14
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: 2025 third and first cutting available in small squares, averaging 7080 lbs. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS: $16/cwt. Combine run, great for seed or feed. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Certified scales on site. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-2540554 3/28
Semi flatbed trailer: 48 ft. long x 8 ft. wide, 3 axles, nice trailer but could use tires, brakes and drums 85%.
$12,500
Flatbed trailer:
FOR SALE: 2017 Freightliner Cascadia 125 day cab semi, Detroit DD13 engine, DT12 automatic transmission, air ride, aluminum wheels, 574,392 miles, very nice. Vermeer BP 7000 bale processor with hydraulic deflector. Miller Pro 18’ chuckwagon with tandem running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 16’, 20’ and 22’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear, truck tires. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. Gehl 1410 manure spreader, 410 bushel with slop gate, double floor chains, tandem axle. Meridian 240 seed tender, all hydraulic and roll tarp. Burns portable loading chute. 12’ and 14’ HD box scrapers with tilt. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 3/7
RETIREMENT SALE!! Brand new medium weight corral panels, 12 ft. long x 5 ft. high, if buy minimum of 100, $90/panel. Brand new Cattle Master squeeze chutes, $2,850. Calls only, no texts, 208-651-8698 3/7
WESTERN B-TRAINS ALUMINUM FLATBED TRAIL-
ERS: Lead trailer is 32 ft. long, rear trailer is 28 ft. long. Really good tires, brakes and drums. $20,000 for whole set. Calls only, no texts, 208-6518698 3/28
2015 F350 4X4, diesel, dual wheeled, REGULAR CAB WITH HYDRABED, custom bumper, grill guard and air bags. 161,000, miles, excellent tires and very good condition. Text or leave voicemail at 307-2160392 for information 3/21
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www. lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking
Property for Sale
PRIME PASTURE RETREAT:
Beautifully situated in the shadow of 66 Mountain near Hawk Springs Reservoir. Features a classic older 1 1/2 story home framed by a beautiful shelter belt. Private yet convenient setting 6 miles north of LaGrange, WY 73+ total acres. Build your dream home and barns. $300,000.
PREMIER PIVOT AND GRASS
PASTURE IN GOSHEN COUNTY, WY: This well designed 368+ acres hay and pasture property features an 86+ acre Reinke center pivot contiguous to native grass pasture with a stock well. The entire property is fully enclosed with perimeter fencing, with the center pivot separately fenced. Pivot is planted to alfalfa. Property can be split. $759,000.
HIGHWAY 92 HIGH PRODUC-
TION FARM: Prime 200+ acre farm featuring 2 Zimmatic center pivots, excellent soils, 2 older, livable homes and 191 acres of reliable water rights from the Goshen Irrigation District. Unbeatable location along Highway 92, 6 miles south of Torrington, WY, for convenient access. A strong producer and solid investment at $1,250,000. Pictures at www. buyaranch.com. Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307532-1750 TFN
Hunting Wanted
ILLINOIS FARMER LOOKING TO PAY FOR PERMISSION TO HUNT MULE DEER AND TURKEY ON PRIVATE LAND with two sons, ages 10 and 12. Safety focused, respectful and experienced. Call/text 815-4719071 3/14
Wanted to Buy
BUYING 200-300 JACKRABBITS PER MONTH AT $10/ EACH: I pay shipping. E-mail ohminocat@gmail.com or call Dave at 406-529-1080 for further details 3/28
WE WILL PICK UP SCRAP IRON: On-site processing and removal. Receive $$$ top dollar $$$ for your junk!! Call for details, Pacific Steel and Recycling, 307-234-6006. Casper/ Central Wyoming 3/7
Gov. attends signing of Wyoming waiver in Washington, D.C.
On March 4, Gov. Mark Gordon and Department of Family Services (DFS) Director Korin Schmidt traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and other Trump administration officials to sign Wyoming’s Healthy Choice Waiver.
Wyoming’s Healthy Choice Waiver
The waiver, developed under the governor’s leadership and submitted by Wyoming’s DFS, allows the state to modernize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by prioritizing healthier food options for Wyoming families.
The Healthy Choice Waiver reflects months of stakeholder engagement, including public town halls, retailer feedback and direct input from SNAP recipients.
Consistent themes identified by constituents included the need for education regarding purchases and a tiered approach to the changes.
Beginning in February 2027, SNAP benefits in Wyoming will no longer be used to purchase sweetened, carbonated beverages, and candy pur-
“Bump” was born on Feb. 2, 1973.
Cowboy Butch Terrell, age 81, of Wheatland passed away on Feb. 26 at Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Fort Collins, Colo.
Butch was born on Dec. 18, 1944 in Muskegon, Mich. to Roy O. and Laura P. (Walker) Terrell.
In 1948, the family moved to rural Nebraska near Bayard, Neb., where Butch was raised. He and his siblings attended a one-room country school near their home through the eighth grade before he continued his education at
Bayard High School, graduating in 1962.
Following high school, Butch attended Scottsbluff Junior College in Scottsbluff, Neb. He later worked for Schuler Red Angus and was employed with the company that constructed the sugar stacks in Bayard, Neb.
On Sept. 5, 1964, Butch married Karen Lee Hiner in Scottsbluff, Neb. Shortly after, the couple moved to Lincoln, Neb., where Butch attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and animal science.
Immediately following graduation, they moved to Valentine, Neb., where Butch began his career with the Farmers Home Administration (FHA).
On Jan. 4, 1970, their son Dustin “Dirt” was born in Valentine, Neb. A few years later, the family moved to Rushville, Neb., where their daughter Mindi
During Butch’s 15-year career with FHA, the family lived in several Nebraska communities before eventually settling in Chadron, Neb.
Butch possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he owned a Western store, worked as a sales representative for tack and horse products, established Whip N’ Ride Auto Sales and sold insurance and real estate. He was a natural salesman who could “sell ice to Eskimos.”
On Dec. 26, 1992, Butch married Bonnie Kathryn Rankin in Sterling, Colo. With this union, his family grew to include Bonnie’s adult children – Joel, Mark and Kirsten.
Butch and Bonnie made their home in Chadron, Neb. and built a successful Nikken wellness business, which enabled them to purchase their dream ranch in Wheatland in 1997. They embraced the ranching lifestyle while continuing their wellness business for the remainder of their lives.
Butch had always dreamed of becoming a cowboy. With encourage-
chases will be limited beginning in February 2028.
The waiver defines “sweetened, carbonated beverages” as any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water which is flavored and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. This definition does not include beverages containing milk, milk products, soy, rice or other milk substitutes or that is greater than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume.
Supporting long-term health
Gordon emphasized the waiver is about long-term health, not government overreach.
“As I have said before, Wyoming taxpayers expect their dollars to support food assistance to help families put healthy food on the table,” Gordon said. “This waiver is about supporting healthier communities in Wyoming and is a reasonable, commonsense step aligning the program with its original purpose.”
“Wyoming is leading in a way that is thoughtful, measured and focused on better outcomes for families,” he continues. “I also want to thank
ment from his good friend Jay Belden and family, he began roping and soon found his passion in rodeo.
While attending the University of Nebraska, he became deeply involved in the rodeo program, serving as president of the rodeo team and playing an instrumental role in its affiliation with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
Butch had a keen eye for a good horse and treasured many over the years, including Ginny, Skeeter, Ace, Sundance, Dundee, Cinch, Pearl and even one memorable donkey, but his favorite of all was Nitro.
He earned numerous championships through the Nebraska State Rodeo Association, Northwest Ranch Cowboys Association, National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA) and many other associations, competing in bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and ribbon roping. He truly was an all-around cowboy.
At age 40, Butch became active in the National Old Timers Rodeo Association, which later became the NSPRA. This organization became a shared passion for Butch and Bonnie.
He faithfully served as an event director and as a member of the executive board for many years. Believing strongly in the association’s potential, he encouraged countless cowboys and cowgirls over the age of 40 to participate.
Together, Butch and Bonnie traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada, competing, encouraging others and forming life-
Schmidt for her work with our local mom and pop stores across the state, ensuring this wasn’t too heavy of a lift for them and our rural families as they drive to get groceries.”
“We are grateful to Gordon for leading this effort,” said Schmidt. “This is an effort to promote and support healthy and nutritional choices for SNAP recipients. Our stakeholders have been open and honest about what they need to make this successful, and we will continue to work together as we implement the waiver.”
SNAP is a federally funded program overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including food purchase rules.
States wishing to change the food items available for purchase through SNAP are required to submit a waiver to USDA.
Mark Gordon was elected Wyoming’s 33rd governor on Nov. 6, 2018. He was sworn into office on Jan. 7, 2019 and re-elected on Nov. 8, 2022, garnering 74 percent of the vote. He can be reached by visiting governor. wyo.gov/
long friendships.
In 2012, Butch was inducted into the NSPRA Hall of Fame.
On April 5, 2016, Butch received a priceless and lifesaving gift – a double lung transplant at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. He regarded this extraordinary gift as a humbling miracle.
Moved by the love and kindness of his donor family, Butch made it his mission to extend this same compassion to others.
Butch lived with a “never quit” attitude. His favorite saying was, “Can’t died in the cornfield,” and he believed the word “can’t” should be replaced with “won’t.”
He demonstrated this determination time and time again. From riding bareback horses and roping calves with a cast on his leg, competing with an oxygen tank on his back and, in later years, accepting a boost into the saddle so he could continue doing what he loved.
His perseverance was not just something he spoke about, it was how he lived every day.
In 1979, Butch gave his life to the Lord and remained steadfast in his faith. He had a deep love for Jesus and was devoted to encouraging others, praying faithfully, lending a helping hand and sharing the good news of Jesus until his final day.
Butch never met a stranger. Whether at a gas station, in a rodeo arena or anywhere their paths crossed, he offered kindness and encouragement. He prayed diligently each and every day for many. This
legacy – his love for Jesus –will be passed on for generations to come.
He is preceded in death by his father Roy Terrell in 1984; mother Laura Terrell in 2001; wife Bonnie Rankin Terrell on Oct. 18, 2025; siblings Dean Terrell and Loretta Robinson and stepson Mark Lautrup on July 28, 2013.
He leaves behind his son Dustin “Dirt” (Sherry) Terrell of La Salle, Colo.; daughter Mindi “Bump” (Jason) Viher of Rapid City, S.D.; stepchildren Joel (Davelle) Lautrup of Wasilla, Alaska and Kirsten Lautrup of Littleton, Colo.; grandchildren Ashley (Wyatt) Terrell Sims of Canyon, Texas, Karli Viher of Rapid City, S.D., Amanda Terrell of La Salle, Colo., Terrell (Luisa) Viher of Bismarck, N.D., Natalie Lautrup of Cornelius, N.C., Jeffrey (Coleen) Lautrup of Groton, Ct., Gavin Schoew and Margot Schoew of Littleton, Colo. and sister Sandy Bartlett of Alto, Mich.
Butch’s celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on March 7 at Memorial Baptist Church, 202 19th Street, Wheatland, WY 82201. A luncheon, fellowship and re-ride stories will follow immediately after. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at Douglas Park Cemetery, 501 S. 9th Street, Douglas, WY 82633. The funeral will be livestreamed at client.tribucast. com/tcid/a26037730811997 In lieu of flowers, donations by check may be mailed to Senior Pro Rodeo Crisis Fund, Butch Terrell Memorial, PO Box 1390, Wickenburg, AZ 85358.
Cowboy Butch Terrell
Wyoming wraps up warmest winter ever, surpassing Dust Bowl records
From Lander to Sheridan, Laramie to Evanston and almost everywhere in between, the 2025-26 winter officially goes down as the warmest winter since recordkeeping began in the 19th century.
The December through February period – known as the meteorological winter – set new high marks for average low temperatures, average temperature overall and average high temperatures. Warmest winter on record
Record heat across the season was recorded where climate stations were relatively new, and thermometers also climbed higher than ever before, where daily highs and lows have been recorded for 135 years.
Lander’s three-month average maximum temperature was 47.7 degrees. Its average overall was 34.6 degrees, and the average minimum was 21.6 degrees. Each set the new all-time high mark, surpassing the historically warm winter of 1933-34, according to National Weather Service (NWS) Meteorologist Adam Dziewaltowski.
“That was one of the worst years for the Dust Bowl,” Dziewaltowski told WyoFile. “So it’s not good company.”
All other climate stations monitored by the NWS’s Riverton Office set their all-time warmest winter records, including in Big Piney, Buffalo, Casper, Cody, Greybull, Jackson, Lake Yellowstone, Riverton and Rock Springs.
The office posted about it on Facebook, sharing the official numbers as well as the departures from average.
Several other NWS offices monitor other portions of Wyoming.
Querying data from those in Cheyenne; Billings, Mont.; Salt Lake City and Rapid City, S.D., WyoFile learned of only one climate station that did not register its warmest winter on record. This was in Newcastle, which had its second-warmest winter on record.
“Obviously, there’s going to be some place or some elevation where it’s not going to be the warmest winter,” Wyoming State Climatologist Tony Bergantino said. “But I think you can say, generally speaking, around the state, it’s been the warmest.”
Bergantino is awaiting a batch of Wyoming climate station data to go through quality control. By around March 7, he said, there should be more finalized figures to describe the anomalous winter.
Temperatures topple previous records
Lower-elevation areas in particular were unseasonably warm. Most in Wyoming were more than 10 degrees above average.
Mountainous areas, especially in the northwest, weren’t as divergently
hot, and the high-elevation snowpack in a handful of river basins is even near average.
But down low, it was a completely different story.
Lander, for example, sits in the Wind River Basin, where the snowpack on Feb. 2 was 103 percent of the long-term median, but at the climate station, located at the 5,589-foot-elevation Hunt Field Airport, just 8.2 inches of snowfall was recorded over the three winter months – the least ever and just 16 percent of the average in-town snowfall of 52.9 inches, Dziewaltowski said.
Sometimes thermometers toppled previous records by significant margins.
Over the 90 days of winter in Sheridan, temperatures breached 60 degrees on 20 different days and 50 degrees on 44 days.
“So practically half of the meteorological winter had highs over 50 degrees Fahrenheit,” said William McKeown-Robbie, a NWS meteorologist out of the Billings, Mont. office.
Lander also had its share of especially unseasonably
warm days. December hit a new monthly record-high temperature, and there were two days in December, three days in January and one day in February that cracked the top 10 all-time highs for the month.
“Very strong” high-
pressure systems consistently parked south of Wyoming near the Four Corners Region partly explains the record-setting season which has now passed by.
“This kept anything coming down from Canada and the Arctic east of us,” Dziewaltowski said.
Mike Koshmrl is a Wyoming wildlife and natural resources reporter for WyoFile. This article was originally published in WyoFile on March 3.
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The Quin LaFollette family Bulls sell Friday, March 20, 2026 at Powell, WY • 307-899-3553
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Above freezing – The south end of Fremont Lake, Wyoming’s second largest natural water body, was totally free of ice on Feb. 1. Mike Koshmrl photo
Figure one – Every climate station monitored by the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Riverton office set all-time warmth records in winter 2025-26. NWS graphic
UNL Extension publishes research series on livestock and greenhouse gas emissions
Ongoing research conducted by Extension specialists and animal science experts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is seeking to explore, define and explain the relationship between ruminants and environmental impacts associated with greenhouse gases (GHGs).
A six-part series detailing ongoing research is being published online by coauthors Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson, UNL Dairy Specialist Paul Kononoff, Nebraska Extension Specialist Rick Rasby
and UNL Animal Science Extension Program Associate Kortney Harpestad. Greenhouse gases
Three installments have been published so far, with the first being released on Jan. 1.
Titled, “What are Greenhouse Gases and Where are They Produced?” the article focuses on the production process and scientific properties of GHGs.
The authors define GHGs as “molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere which allow heat from the sun to pass through to the surface
while restricting heat from escaping back through the atmosphere, leading to a net warming effect on the climate.”
The name originated from a process observed within glass greenhouses, which trap heat from sunlight and create desirable conditions for growing plants during cold weather.
The three primary GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide, with CO2 accounting for roughly 80 percent of GHG emissions, methane accounting for roughly 11 percent
For more information on research efforts regarding cattle and greenhouse gas emissions conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, visit beef.unl.edu.
and nitrous oxide accounting for roughly six percent.
The authors explain these three compounds are naturally present in the atmosphere and do not pose problems when balanced. However, an increase in GHGs have inspired growing concern and research examining effects on global warming.
“The concerns about GHGs relate to contribu-
tions from human-influenced activities which have increasingly tipped things out of balance, resulting in increasing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere,” the authors explain, adding each of these gases can remain in the atmosphere for time periods ranging from a few years to thousands of years.
cattle on pasture. Additionally, the authors highlight a study which began in 2024 examining the relationship between animal genetics, the gut microbiome, nutrition and methane production with a goal of developing tools and management practices to lower methane emissions from beef and dairy cattle without having a negative impact on normal growth and production.
Although methane has a shorter half-life – meaning half of the methane present in the atmosphere today is expected to be removed in nine to 12 years – it is more effective at trapping heat than its counterparts and is therefore a greater cause for concern.
Methane is of particular interest to the ag industry, since its production is influenced by land use, as well as ruminants like beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats.
The authors explain methane released as a result of the ruminant digestion process is called “enteric methane” and represents roughly four percent of the estimated 10 percent of GHGs attributed to agriculture.
Methane production
The second installment was published on Feb. 1 and titled, “What Research has the University of Nebraska Conducted on Methane Production in Cattle?”
This article provides specific details about research being conducted at UNL, with the authors emphasizing research on methane production in beef and dairy cattle is focused on reducing the methane contributions of cattle by determining economical and sustainable methane mitigation methods and helping producers make informed decisions.
Research regarding the ties between cattle and methane began back in 2014, when UNL researchers tested the impact of adding ionophores to rations in order to alter volatile fatty acid production.
The authors note conclusions from this study included variable methane production and a better understanding of the difficulty of getting exact methane production measurements.
Following the research, the authors say buildings were retrofitted and stateof-the-art instrumentation was installed to better measure methane production, which has now been measured in cattle in several different settings including
Finally, in 2025, UNL researchers received $2.3 million in grant funding from Bezos Earth and the Global Methane Hub for a project focused on creating genetic selection tools to help producers identify and breed cattle which emit less methane without sacrificing performance.
Cattle contributions
The most recent installment of the series, published on March 1 titled “What are Cattle’s Contributions to Greenhouse Gases?” breaks down the connection between methane production and the cattle industry.
“Rumen fermentation converts ingested feeds into energy and protein sources for the animal to use,” the authors write. “As a result of the rumen fermentation processes, methane is belched from the mouth of cattle into the atmosphere.”
Further, the authors explain runoff collected in lagoons at feedlots can contribute to methane production, as methane is a byproduct of manure breakdown.
The authors explain agriculture’s contribution to GHG emissions is about 10 percent, with about four percent of this percentage attributed to direct methane production mostly from cattle.
In terms of methane levels, research shows methane from cattle accounts for 25 percent of the 11.2 percent of total methane in the atmosphere.
The authors note because methane is so effective at trapping heat, even small decreases in emissions can impact climate change positively.
For this reason, the authors say UNL “will conduct research to determine possible strategies to economically mitigate methane production from beef and dairy cattle.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
