Lee Pitts shares his opinion on America’s national symbol Page 5
Stay up-to-date on sales and events across the West Page 10
TAMU studies bee reproduction to strengthen colonies Page 15
Recent facility closures highlight effect of low cattle inventories on producers Page 15
In the 20th snow report for Water Year 2026, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 47% of median, with a basin high of 92% and a basin low of 6%. Last year, the state was at 87% and at 83% in 2024. The report and a map displaying basin snow water equivalent percentages of median for the state may be found at wrds.uwyo.edu/ wrds/nrcs/nrcs.html
Wyoming cattle, yak and bison producers are invited to join the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) for a Zoom meeting to learn more about brucellosis vaccination rule changes and a new metal Brucellosis Official Calfhood Vaccination tag. The meeting is set for May 7 at 5:30 p.m., and registration is required in advance. For more information or to register, visit wlsb. state.wy.us
The Colorado Gathering, a women’s retreat themed “Horses, Wellness and Connection” hosted by Art of the Cowgirl, will be held in Meeker, Colo. Aug. 3-9. On Aug. 8, the event will host High Country Ranch Day: Exploring Western Trades and the Foundation Benefit Evening, with dinner, live music and auctions. For more information, contact Paula Cooper at 1paulacooper@gmail.com or 970-819-3286.
The Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) Workshop is scheduled for May 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Water Development Office in Cheyenne. For more information, to livestream the workshop or to provide public comment, visit wwdc.state.wy.us/. The following day, May 7, WWDC and the Select Water Committee will host a joint meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information, to livestream the meeting or to provide public comments, visit wyoleg.gov/
A highly-anticipated move to reform the Endangered Species Act (ESA) recently hit an unexpected delay when House leadership pulled the legislation from the floor amid growing opposition.
Known as the ESA Amendments Act, the bill represents one of the largest updates to the ESA proposed in decades and is sponsored by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR).
The 2026 Wyoming State FFA Convention was held in Cheyenne April 8-11, where more than 2,200 FFA members, advisors, alumni and other supporters gathered to celebrate accomplishments and elect new state officers.
As part of the longstanding, heated debate, supporters argue changes should be made to modernize the ESA and provide regulatory certainty to landowners, while critics
Wyoming FFA members gathered to celebrate accomplishments and elect new leadership
Themed “Elevate,” FFA members from across Wyoming competed for titles in career development events, participated in leadership workshops and vied for a spot on the association’s officer team, as well
Please see FFA on page 8
New leadership – During the 2026 Wyoming State FFA Convention, held April 8-11 in Cheyenne, a new team of student officers was elected to serve as the Wyoming FFA State Officer Team. Pictured from left to right in the back row are Reporter Colton Smith of John B. Kendrick FFA, Sentinel Josie Despain of Snowy Range FFA, Vice President Xander Depew of John B. Kendrick FFA, Parliamentarian Corbin Williams of Bow River FFA and Third Vice President Trever Campbell of Casper FFA.
Pictured from left to right in the front row are Treasurer Tosha Kenyon of Riverton FFA, Second Vice President Regan Allen of Frontier FFA, President Brylee Styvar of Gillette FFA and Secretary Dani Santee of Riverton FFA. Courtesy
Palmer amaranth and other weedy species in the amaranth family pose a growing threat to agricultural operations across the West, with a new invader – waterhemp –first documented in Wyoming last summer.
Seven amaranth species, including both native and non-native species, have been observed in Wyoming so far. As agricultural weeds, redroot pigweed, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are the most concerning, a recently updated University of Wyoming (UW) Extension bulletin reports.
Amaranth species
Weedy amaranth species thrive in agricultural settings, roadsides and other disturbed areas. Their aggressive spread is aided by prolific seed production, which allows them to outcompete crops, as well as their rapid growth and ability to develop herbicide resistance.
Especially in cases where they develop resistance to multiple types of herbicides, amaranth species can decimate crop yields and are both difficult and costly to control.
During drought, amaranth species can accumulate high levels of nitrates, in some cases becoming poisonous to livestock. They can also serve as hosts for a variety of pests and pathogens.
Palmer amaranth, one of the most notorious amaranth species, was first observed in Wyoming in 2018, spreading across the state’s southeastern border from Nebraska. In 2023, the weed was also documented in the Big Horn Basin.
Palmer amaranth is particularly difficult to control, since it emerges throughout the growing season, rapidly
Common Ground
Coalition hosts regional meeting in Nevada
Cattlemen and cattlewomen from a seven-state region recently gathered in Reno, Nev. for the Northwest regional meeting of the Common Ground Coalition, a grassroots organization focused on securing the future of the American livestock industry.
The summit was held April 19-21 and brought together 33 cattle producers from Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California for three days of conversation and connection regarding some of the most pressing issues facing livestock producers in the West.
Three Wyoming ranchers – Jack Berger, Brad Boner and Brett Crosby –were invited to attend the meeting and represent the Cowboy State.
Among the key issues discussed were support for young and emerging producers, predator control, livestock risk management, ag tax policy, public lands and labor.
Coming together
The Common Ground Coalition is a movement born from the Common Ground Summit, which
On April 23, construction commenced on Wyoming’s first-ever commercial nuclear power plant – a 345-megawatt (MW) Natrium plant being built by nuclear innovation company TerraPower.
Known as Kemmerer Unit One, the plant is being constructed near a retiring coal plant and is expected to be finished in 2031. The project is on track to become the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the nation.
“We’re not just breaking new ground on a first-of-a-kind nuclear plant in Wyoming, we’re building the next generation of America’s energy infrastructure,” says TerraPower President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Levesque in an April 23 TerraPower press release.
Next-generation technology
According to TerraPower, the Natrium reactor is a one-of-a-kind sodium fast reactor coupled with a molten salt energy storage system – a model the company calls “breakthrough innovation” responsible for providing built-in gigawatt-scale energy storage.
Sodium serves as the cooling agent for the Natrium plant, which means the plant’s cooling system doesn’t rely on water and also requires less steel and concrete, according to an April 23 WyoFile article.
TerraPower says the storage technology can boost energy output to 500 MW of power when needed, which is enough
America has gotten to a point where hate rules most actions, and personal hate is overabundant across the nation.
This hate doesn’t mean the end of America, as this has happened many times over the nation’s 250 years.
The first discourse showed up when George Washington was fighting the British, and he had to fight some Americans who were loyal to England. It also happened when the Constitution was written, pitting neighbor against neighbor.
Hate rose its head again at the start of the Civil War as America was split – from families to national leaders – and the aftermath took years to mend.
The good news is when America wants to come together, it does a great job. This includes World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor and the attack on 9/11.
Many of us think now is another good time for America to come together and cut out all of the discourse, rhetoric and fighting with each other.
I realize, being an election year, there have been many lines drawn in the sand and it’s going to be tough to come together. Many in the races have already pledged to fight.
Across America, people are showing hate for each other, whether it be between religious sects, different races or in the political world. It is everywhere, and people are showing violence against one another, which is going too far.
Remember what happened in Washington, D.C. on the evening of April 25, when a would-be assassin tried to kill President Donald Trump and other top officials. He was a recognized teacher of the year and mentor to students. In the manifesto he left with his family, he referred to himself as the “friendly federal assassin.”
President Donald Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Much of the manifesto of the would-be assassin is indistinguishable from the words we hear daily from so many.”
While I like our president’s policies, I don’t agree with his caustic remarks or others who attack him. At his press conference in the White House after the attack, the president sounded conciliatory towards the press and others. He certainly has been wronged by many in the press, but he doesn’t need to jump into the mud pit with them.
There have been some great examples of getting along to get things accomplished, and agriculture is leading the charge with the Common Ground Coalition started by cattlemen.
At the recent Common Ground Coalition Western Region Summit in Reno, Nev., ranchers said they are committed to an honest dialogue, shared responsibility and seeking practical, commonsense solutions to protect rural livelihoods, keep food on American’s tables and ensure the next generation can continue to farm and ranch the land they love.
The coalition draws agriculture together to solve the many issues the industry faces in today’s world.
Farmers and ranchers need to not attack each other in the industry, as so many others want to see them off the lands, especially those who raise livestock.
Strong agriculture includes all farmers and ranchers working together to stay in business and provide a future for our youth.
Someone once said, “Do your little bit of good where you are. It is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Even though I was supposed to be headed to the Washington, D.C. flyin for a Public Lands Council meeting and Congressional visits, I was honored to be one of three people from Wyoming asked to go to Reno, Nev. to the first Common Ground Coalition regional meeting. There were 33 of us chosen from seven Western states.
The first I heard of this was about three years ago when Joe Goggins of Montana came to a Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) meeting with a message about how ag groups needed to find some unity.
There are a lot of things those of us involved in ag generally agree on, and we needed to figure out a way to speak with one voice to get more accomplished and reach our goals.
In Wyoming, we are very fortunate to have a very accessible Congressional delegation, but other states are not as fortunate to have this luxury.
Even though we are generally in agreement on things affecting our industry, we can be more focused with other groups to have a very direct message on the issues we need to survive and thrive in our industry.
As with any industry group, there are topics we may have contrasting views about and these will not be discussed at this time – just the ones we can come together on, so we can make a difference.
WSGA has been involved in discussions on this with the Montana Stockgrowers Association and others trying to get the word out.
It wasn’t until a year ago in April a group of people got together in Denver at the original Common Ground Summit. Here, they identified several key points to focus on.
This has been moved forward by
By Jack Berger
the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). They are heavily invested in these four regional meetings, which I believe is a good business decision on their part because they are advocating for their customer base.
The main focus is the cow/calf producer, because if we lose the ability for them to succeed and profit, none of the rest of the beef supply chain above them can function.
The main points that came out of the Denver meeting were to achieve and maintain ag-friendly tax policy, which I believe was largely accomplished under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill; make risk management tools more effective.
I see how this could make it easier to use and possibly expanded to include bred cows since lenders like security, and improve access to labor, since seasonal labor is a problem and expanding the definition of an “ag worker” to include feedyards and auction markets may help.
Other main points were to increase flexibility for livestock haulers, as advocating for practical policies to prioritize both animal welfare and the realities of rural livestock transport are important and to create support for young and emerging livestock producers – there was much discussion on this topic from tax credits for mentorship, food security bond and deferred capital gains for the seller.
At the meeting in Reno, Nev., there was a lot of talk about predators, so we were able to expand the focus of the group to include the reform of the Endangered Species Act and the abuse of the Equal Access to Justice Act which environmental groups use to fund themselves.
We have been talking about these two issues for years, but the prospect
of getting ag groups to address them with a unified voice might be the extra push we need to see change.
The other thing we got added to the docket was public lands and how important they are to the cow/calf producer and the entire beef supply chain.
Even though public lands are mainly in the West, this is a beef supply issue which affects our country’s food security.
They are going to attempt to relay to producers in the Eastern U.S. who do not run on public land how critical it is for public lands to contribute to the whole beef supply.
In coming months, there will be three more regional meetings around the U.S. – one in Omaha, Neb.; one in Nashville, Tenn. and one in Fort Worth, Texas.
I expect the outcome from those meetings to be very close to our final draft from Reno, Nev. on some topics, but there may be some regional differences. This may be a challenge for the LMA to mesh these differences into a common message to move forward.
LMA has a great staff, and I have confidence they can have a positive outcome.
This is all about the beef industry contributing to food security. Our livestock industry is better together and must unify with one voice.
Remember food security is national security.
Jack Berger ranches in the Saratoga area and is past president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. He has also served as a board member of the Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District, member and chairman of the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation and member of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts.
Each year, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup recognizes two Wyoming citizens or couples for their involvement in the state’s agriculture industry by inducting them into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Started in 1992, the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame has honored 73 Wyomingites to date.
“The Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame award was first started in 1992 to recognize leadership in the ag community,” says Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun. “The need is there to recognize people who have been leaders and given themselves, their time and countless resources to help the ag community in the state.”
Last year’s inductees were Juan Reyes of Wheatland and Doug Miyamoto of Cheyenne.
To nominate someone for the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame, visit wylr.net and click on the Ag Hall of Fame tab, e-mail roundup@wylr.net or call the office at 307-234-2700.
Nominations must be submitted by June 1.
After all nominations are received, a panel of three judges independently rank nominees and select the year’s inductees. A belt buckle and poster will be presented to the winners at the 2025 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Picnic on Aug. 12, during the week of the Wyoming State Fair.
For more information, contact the Wyoming Livestock Roundup at 307-234-2700.
The Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame (WCHF) proudly announces the grand opening of its Hall of Fame exhibit at the Rockpile Museum in Campbell County, marking a major milestone in preserving and celebrating Wyoming’s rich cowboy heritage.
The new exhibit, which officially opened on April 25, offers visitors an immersive look into the lives, skills and enduring legacy of Wyoming’s working cowboys and cowgirls. Through artifacts, photographs, videos and interactive displays, the exhibit honors more than 450 inductees recognized since the WCHF’s founding in 2013.
Developed in partnership with the Rockpile Museum, the exhibit establishes a permanent home where visitors from across the region – and around the world – can connect with Wyoming’s living cowboy culture. The museum’s role as a regional hub for history and heritage makes it an ideal setting for this landmark installation.
The exhibit is also part of broader statewide efforts to commemorate Wyoming’s history and culture leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the essential role cowboys have played in the development of the state and the American West.
For more information, visit wyomingcowboyhalloffame.org
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and its nationwide network of state affiliates concluded its 2026 Legislative Conference on April 24, bringing together cattle producers from across the country to advocate for policy solutions which strengthen America’s cattle industry and rural communities.
Throughout the conference, producers met with federal officials and engaged directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill to ensure the voice of cattle producers is heard in Washington, D.C.
During their time in Washington, D.C., NCBA members emphasized several top policy priorities, including delisting the gray wolf and passing the Pet and Livestock Protection Act; advancing passage of a new farm bill and supporting funding for research, management and control of the Longhorned tick and the diseases it carries.
In addition to Capitol Hill meetings, NCBA members participated in discussions with key federal agencies. Producers met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), as well as representatives from the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Environmental Protection Agency.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach addressed attendees, discussing the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts and economic support for rural America.
Producers also received a demonstration of new tools from USDA AMS to enhance transparency and market opportunities within the cattle industry.
“NCBA’s Legislative Conference is where grassroots policy meets action,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. “Our members traveled to Washington, D.C. to share real-world perspectives from their operations and reinforce why strong, commonsense policies are essential to keeping family farms and ranches viable for the next generation. From protecting animal health to advancing regulatory reform, NCBA members are leading the charge on behalf of the entire cattle industry.”
, NE 69162
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently updated the April 2024 federal order for interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle. Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle from unaffected states no longer need highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) testing before moving across state lines.
Key points under the new rule include cattle from unaffected states do not need testing before interstate movement and states must conduct ongoing testing and surveillance to maintain Unaffected State Status.
Industry feedback from October 2025 drove the change, and USDA expects no impact to cattle trade or beef and dairy product markets.
It is important to note HPAI in dairy cattle poses no risk to consumers, pasteurization kills the virus and producers must divert or destroy milk from affected animals before it enters the food supply.
This update doesn’t change USDA’s commitment to HPAI eradication, however. Strong biosecurity remains the best defense against disease introduction and spread.
On April 21, Gov. Mark Gordon signed the finalized agreement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand DEQ’s regulatory authority.
Following years of preparation, the formal execution of the amended agreement on April 30 marked a major milestone in Wyoming’s mission to lead the nation in rare earth element and critical mineral development.
Through a formal signing ceremony, Gordon and Andrea Kock, director of nuclear material, safety and safeguards, finalized the agreement to officially grant Wyoming authority over source material recovered from mineral resources processed primarily for purposes other than obtaining their uranium or thorium content.
This expansion builds on the state’s existing authority over uranium and thorium milling facilities, which Wyoming has managed successfully since September 2018. The initiative was driven by the passage of House Bill 61 during the 67th Legislative Session, which prompted the governor’s formal request for the expansion in 2023.
To support this new regulatory scope, the DEQ Land Quality Division was authorized to add two full-time positions dedicated to developing the Source Material Program.
Dam’s Sire: Myers Fair-N-
Top Sellers
Lot 14 – JCAT Private Stock 9N – Price: $17,500 DOB: 4/3/25 Sire: Rocking P Private Stock H010 Dam’s Sire: W/C Night
Square M39 EPDs: BW: +0.8, WW: +89, YW: +144 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Diamond Peak Cattle Company, Craig, Colo. Lot 3 – Abernathy
Big Valley 5233 – Price:
$13,500 DOB: 3/3/25 Sire: Connealy Big Valley 1639 611Z Dam’s Sire: Ellingson Chaps 4095 EPDs:
BW: +2.7, WW: +86, YW: +137 and Milk: +22 Buyer:
Diamond Peak Cattle Company, Craig, Colo. Lot 6 – Abernathy FairN-Square 5077 – Price:
$13,500 DOB: 5/2/25 Sire: E/T Wyoming Dam’s Sire:
Watch 84E EPDs: BW: -1.7, WW: +72.7, YW: +108.2 and Milk: +18.4
Buyer: Aaron Goeken, Utica, S.D.
Lot 1 – Jordan Signifi -
cant 502 – Price: $10,000 DOB: 3/26/25 Sire: Bullerman Significant Dam’s Sire: SAC Conversation
EPDs: BW: +1.9, WW: +64, YW: +113 and Milk:
NOTICE: Upcoming Cattle Auction Schedule Changes Due to continuing drought conditions, Torrington Livestock will be adjusting its
schedule to
the
Baldridge Maximus EPDs:
BW: +2.9, WW: +80, YW: +137 and Milk: +23 Buyer:
Diamond Peak Cattle Company, Craig, Colo. Lot 11 – Abernathy Breakthrough 5133 – Price:
$13,000 DOB: 4/25/25 Sire: Linz Breakthrough 3152 Dam’s Sire: Myers Fair-N-Square M39 EPDs:
BW: +1.3, WW: +76, YW: +145 and Milk: +39 Buyer:
+16 Buyer: Gary Heinert, Parmelee, S.D.
Lot 10 – JCAT Gambler
501 – Price: $10,000 DOB: 3/6/25 Sire: WW Gambler
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR
Hopkins Hamilton Ranch, Lander Lot 18 – Abernathy Fair-N-Square 5004 –Price: $12,000 DOB: 3/25/25 Sire: E/T Wyoming
Dam’s Sire: Beal Breakthrough EPDs: BW: +1.8, WW: +88, YW: +143 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Ellingson Angus, Saint Anthony, N.D.
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor April 24, 2026
St. Onge Livestock, St. Onge, S.D.
Auctioneer: Matt Lowery 38 Simmental, SimAngus and Angus Bulls Avg. $7,013
47 Dam’s Sire: Hill Valley
Reckoning 931 EPDs: BW: +2.1, WW: +65, YW: +109 and Milk: +14 Buyer: Jacob Ochsner, Torrington
volume of
Bred Cow & Pair Specials will now be held every other Wednesday, beginning Wednesday, May 6th. These sales are intended to help alleviate the large numbers currently seen during the
Blk/Bwf few Red/Rwf Cows, SM-ST, Bred to Blk Angus or Char
7-way @ Birth, Born from End of March to April 15,
Home Raised, Sired by $10,000 to $17,000 Bulls coming from the Genetics of Blue Collar Sons, MR Angus Low PAP Tested Blk Angus
only due to the drought conditions
Paul Adams 45 Mx Cow Pairs, SM-ST, Calves are Sired by Blk Angus Bulls, Calves Born End of February thru March, Shots at Birth: 7-way, Not branded, Selling only due to drought conditions
Stuart & Linda McLaen 8 Red Angus Cow Pairs, 4-8 yr olds, Tagged to Match, March Calves (150-175#), Calf Shots at Birth: C&D, Cow Shots: Scour Guard, Sired by Red Angus Bulls
BRED HEIFERS
Fort Ridge Cattle Co. LLC 2 Blk/Bwf Hfrs, 1000#, Mx Ages, Blk Heifer is Bred to Aberdeen/Angus -x Bull, Bwf Heifer is Bred to Redland Angus Heifer Bull, CF: May/June
High Plains Showcase - Laramie, WY June 30th, 2026 Oregon Trail Classic - Gering, NE August 4th & 5th, 2026 Frontier Fall Round Up - Cheyenne, WY September 10th, 2026
Ord Allan Buckingham Sept. 30, 1956 – April 22, 2026
Ord Allan Buckingham, a husband, dad, brother, friend and frenemy, passed away in his home at sunset with open windows and his favorite scent of plum tree blossoms. This ended a five-year journey with cancer, during which he leaned heavily on his faith, and he was at peace.
Ord was born on Sept. 30, 1956 to Ross and Donna May (Pearson) Buckingham, and he grew up, raised his family and spent his entire life in the Kaycee area.
In June of 1979, he met Carole House on a blind date in Midwest, and they were married in England that October. They worked on various ranches before returning to Willow Creek, where Ord had spent his childhood, and he continued to work there, at least part time, until his death.
He and Carole raised six children, all of whom he was very proud of, and being a grandpa was the highlight of his life.
He was a man of contradictions – genuinely compassionate, brutally honest, teary-eyed and clench jawed. He was the loyalist of friends and the most immovable of grudge holders. He found nobility in the downtrodden and hypocrisy in the elite. He was a stoic character who could laugh until he cried and a quiet man who could convey much in very few words – so people listened. Those words were often preceded by a somewhat sadistic smirk, and he was a master at “voluntolding” others.
He had a sharp mind he honed with reading, conversing, studying people and practicing. Once he set his mind to something, he studied it and hung with it until he had it. Because of this, he became known as a guitar player, a “hand” around livestock, a horse trainer, a dog trainer and, over time, a sage advisor.
Perhaps the skill he mastered most was reading people and connecting with them, especially the guests at Willow Creek, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Ord felt like home to a lot of folks – a person or place they could come to “in the storm” or just to visit.
Even toward the end of his life, he tried to move to the kitchen table when folks came to visit, saying, “My best memories are at the kitchen table,” and “As long as I’m able, this is where I am going to go when people are kind enough to stop by.”
This kind of hospitality is what he extended throughout his life.
Hopefully heaven has a really big kitchen table with plenty of sweets and Wheat Thins. May there be Martin guitars and part-Percheron horses as well.
Ord is preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son Bertus.
He leaves behind Carole, his wife of 46 years; sons Brent (Dana), Cameron, Ross (Brianna) and Ashton (Michelle); daughter Brittany (Gordon) Stouffer; grandchildren Calleigh, Cody, Ordella, Archer, Beauden and Avangeline; brother Rock; sisters Marianne Knapp and Marti Gorman; four nephews; two nieces; three aunts and many “chosen” family members and friends.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service in Kaycee will be held at a later date.
Any donations may be made to Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, 23850 U.S. Hwy 285, Buena Vista, CO 81211 or Susie Bowling Lawrence Hospice, 497 West Lott, Buffalo, WY 82834.
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The state of Wyoming will be represented on a national stage this summer as a featured state pavilion at the Great American State Fair, taking place June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
As part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Great American State Fair will bring together states and territories from across the country to highlight their unique cultures, industries and traditions.
Wyoming’s pavilion will showcase the essence of the state through an immersive and interactive experience centered on its theme “The Way America Used to Be.” This theme highlights the original ways of life in America which have been sustained and remain a meaningful part of how Wyoming operates today.
Planning and coordination for Wyoming’s pavilion are being led through a collaborative effort anchored by the Governor’s Office, State Parks and Cultural Resources, the Wyoming Office of Tourism and the Wyoming State Fair (WSF), working in partnership with statewide agencies, organizations and industry leaders across the state.
Wyoming is actively seeking partners, donors and volunteers to help showcase the Wyoming way of life.
Financial contributions will directly support the design, transportation and activation of Wyoming’s pavilion, ensuring a strong and authentic representation of the state on a national stage.
Organizations and individuals interested in supporting Wyoming’s presence are encouraged to contribute through sponsorships or direct donations.
In addition, Wyoming is calling for volunteers to help staff the pavilion throughout the event. Volunteers will serve as ambassadors for the state, engaging with visitors from across the country and around the world to help share Wyoming’s story.
To volunteer, visit forms.gle/M7AL9qjtuY1w6qTK6
To contribute financially, visit zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-wyoming-state-fair-foundation
For more information, contact WSF Marketing and Communications Liaison Kota Provence at dakota.provence@wyo.gov or 307-358-2398.
• 16 sorrel mare by Moonstruck Pepto – 31 pts, raised colts
18 sorrel gelding by grandson of Two Eyed Red Buck –head horse
• 13 buckskin mare by Paddy Socks – team rope, brood mare 20 sorrel gelding by Metallic Gray – ranch
• 19 dun gelding grandson of Fairfax Joe- ranch/sale barn
by
I continue undaunted in my quest to have the horse replace the bald eagle as our national symbol.
The horse, despite all it has done for us, is not even our national mammal. The bison is.
Ask yourself, how many of our war wagons through the ages have been pulled by either the bison or the bald eagle? How many of our plows and harvesters?
It wasn’t bison or bald eagles who made Lewis and Clark’s history – changing trek possible, and as I recall, Paul Revere wasn’t riding a bison or a bald eagle when he warned, “The British are coming, the British are coming.”
The bald eagle has been our national symbol since 1782, and at the time, it was a controversial choice.
None other than one of the smartest and most welleducated men of the times –Benjamin Franklin – objected vehemently to the pick. While it can’t be proven his first choice was the turkey as has been claimed, it was proven in a letter he wrote to his daughter he thought the choice of
the bald eagle was stupid.
He wrote, “For my own part, I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly. Besides, he is a rank coward.”
Is this what we want to represent our country? It’s one of the few bad choices our Founding Fathers made.
Our national symbol should be the horse, of course.
The horse is as perfect as a species could possibly be, and there’s no existing mammal on Earth that is older than the horse. The genus Equus has been a resident of our planet for 40 million years longer than man.
Just consider, without the horse there would be no Kentucky Derby, no Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, no jackpot ropings, no Budweiser Clydesdales and maybe even no cattle business.
Greek chariots were pulled by horses 1,500 years before the birth of Christ.
For Native Americans, the words “horse” and “power” were synonymous, and status in the Tribe was determined by how many horses they owned. Some Tribes called horses “God dogs,” such was their importance to daily life.
The Pony Express –made possible by the horse –did a better job bringing the mail than our present-day post office does.
In the days of the missions, a horse was worth 30 head of cattle, which tells us a lot about their standing in the days of the Dons.
For thousands of years, the horse was the most precious and noble gift a person could bestow or receive.
In 1900, 130,000 horses worked in the streets of Manhattan, N.Y., which is 10 times the number of yellow cabs there today.
I have a photo of 32 horses pulling one grain harvester, and I counted at least 19 such harvesters working in one field at the same time.
Horses fed our country and died in our wars, 1.5 million of them dying in the Civil War alone.
I could go on and on like this documenting what the
horse did to build this nation.
Just name me one thing the bald eagle has done other than look good on our coins, flags and letterheads.
The eagle is supposed to represent freedom, strength, independence and authority while, in fact, it is a carrion which steals prey from other predators and eats several endangered species. It tears flesh with its razor-sharp talons from seals, otters, mink, rabbits, foxes, birds, lambs, deer, turtles and over 400 other species. It also scavenges in garbage dumps, eats rotting whale meat and violently attacks dogs and cats from the sky.
My next-door neighbor watched in terror as a bald eagle that haunts our skies swooped down and grabbed his cat Jessie. As Jessie fought for its life, the eagle dropped the cat from the sky to kill it, then it flew down, picked up the beloved pet –which wasn’t fighting anymore – and, no doubt, consumed it bit by bit.
The bald eagle is a smelly, predatory, opportunistic carnivore, while the horse is a herbivore, which, while it may dislike dogs, cows and cowboys, it doesn’t rip them apart limb by limb –most of the time anyway.
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was held in Denver in April 2025.
Members include cow/ calf producers, stocker operators, marketers, feeders and other industry allies united with a common goal of preserving the nation’s food supply.
The coalition has roughly 11,000 members nationwide, with more than 150 members located in Wyoming.
It serves as a platform for producers to connect over
issues affecting the livestock industry across the nation and bring a common message to policymakers.
“The goal is to unify livestock interests and speak with one voice on the critical issues affecting ag,” Boner says. “It is the belief of the coalition coming together is the only way to bring about real change.”
“Instead of each of us going to our Congressional delegation with different ver-
sions of the same message, our goal is to come together and give one focused message to our legislators,” Berger adds. “We get more done with a united message.”
Pressing issues
For the Western region, conversations regarding public lands policy, supporting emerging producers and reform to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) took center stage at the Reno, Nev. meeting.
Boner and Berger emphasize rising predation levels and weaponization of the ESA
For more information on the Common Ground Coalition, visit commongroundcoalition.net/about-us.
by environmental groups have placed increased pressure on Western producers.
“Detractors have basically weaponized the ESA to take public and private grazing lands out of production by introducing large carnivores into the ecosystem,” Boner explains.
Berger emphasizes pushing for more support for public lands grazing is integral to the future of the livestock industry in the face of a shrinking beef supply and increased property development on farmland.
“Public lands are such an important part of where the nation’s cow herd grazes,” Berger says. “Public lands grazing benefits the whole beef industry, not just producers in the West.”
“We are trying to carry the message to people in the East who might not have as much public land that they should still support it,” he adds.
In addition, Boner empha-
sizes connecting young producers with established ranchers and focusing on succession planning is a top priority, as proactively encouraging young people to get into ranching helps keep agricultural land operational rather than losing precious acreage to other non-agricultural uses.
“We need to look at avenues to make it easier for young and emerging entrepreneurs who want to be in the cattle business to be able to be in the cattle business,” Boner says, adding investing in the next generation of producers is vital to keeping the ranching industry alive and revitalizing rural communities.
Additional recommendations discussed by Western Region members during the meeting include protecting and restoring grazing acres, expanding access to capital for livestock operations, increasing education around risk management programs and promoting reform to
labor programs with the goal of increasing access to labor and improving long-term stability in rural communities.
Securing the future
The Nevada summit was the first of four regional meetings planned by the Common Ground Coalition for 2026.
Remaining events are scheduled to take place in Omaha, Neb.; Nashville, Tenn. and Fort Worth, Texas. Berger and Boner emphasize these events will serve as avenues for producers to unite over pressing issues and continue to advance the Common Ground Coalition’s goal of supporting American agriculture.
“The main goal of the Common Ground Coalition is to identify the things we can all agree on, get our arms around tough issues and try to get wins,” Boner says.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
According to an April 17 WyoFile article by Dustin Bleizeffer, federal officials formally announced they will draw an extra 660,000 to one million acre-feet of water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Wyoming-Utah border over the next year to prevent downstream Lake Powell from dropping below “minimum power pool” – the
point at which it could no longer produce power.
The move comes in response to projections which show Lake Powell, “without major intervention,” could drop below 3,490 feet in elevation by August, which would kill hydroelectric generation at Glen Canyon Dam. If it drops even further, the dam is in danger of structural failure.
With extra releases from Flaming Gorge and by reducing flows from Lake Powell by about 1.5 million acre-feet of water through September, the Bureau of Reclamation (BuREC) hopes to prevent such a catastrophe.
“Together, these actions are expected to increase Lake Powell’s elevation by approximately 54 feet to at least an elevation of 3,500 feet by April 2027,” the agency said in an April 17 press release.
The extra releases at Flaming Gorge, which has a maximum capacity of 3.8 million acre-feet, are in line with recent warnings from Wyoming water officials. In early April, Wyoming Senior Assistant Attorney General Chris Brown braced stakeholders for a release of potentially one million acre-feet of water, maybe more.
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Still, the draw on the southwest Wyoming reservoir – a popular destination for fishing and other recreation – is sure to cause some pain. Now at about 83 percent capacity, according to federal estimates, the extra release will drop Flaming Gorge by about 35 feet over the next year.
“Boating access may be reduced earlier in the season than normal,” the bureau said. “In the Grand Canyon, lower flow rates will affect rafting conditions and fishing may be more challenging.”
BuREC noted it’s not planning to tap other “backup” reservoirs above Lake Powell. It will not draw extra releases from Blue Mesa in Colorado and the Navajo Reservoir in New Mexico due to their already low water levels and forecasted inflows, but drought response plans are still in flux, and the agency warned it will exercise “as much
tional
as
energy to power roughly 400,000 homes.
The company adds the energy storage capability is designed to keep base output steady to ensure constant reliability, but can quickly ramp up when demand peaks.
Kemmerer Unit One is a joint effort between TerraPower and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project.
TerraPower is working to commercialize Natrium technology rapidly, including an agreement with social media powerhouse Meta for up to eight Natrium plants by 2035.
“The Natrium plant will deliver reliable and dispatchable power to the grid, and Kemmerer Unit One will serve as a commercial blueprint to mobilize a fleet of Natrium plants across the country and around the world,” says Levesque.
Powering the future
TerraPower says the Natrium plant is being built to meet the challenges of the clean energy transition, as well as to provide support to Kemmerer’s local economy for decades to come.
Peak construction of the plant is expected to support approximately 1,600 workers, the company states, with around 250 permanent full-time positions expected to be filled once the plant is fully operational.
Gov. Mark Gordon says the project reflects Wyo-
ming’s commitment to reliable energy, good-paying jobs and a future built on innovation and Wyoming values.
“The start of construction on TerraPower’s Natrium plant in Kemmerer marks a major milestone, not just for Wyoming but for the future of American energy,” says Gordon. “Wyoming has long powered this country, and today we are leading again – this time in next-generation nuclear technology.”
U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) have expressed their support for the plant, along with U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY).
Calling it a “win-win for Wyoming and America’s energy security,” Barrasso says the project is another example of Wyoming’s leadership in the energy sector.
“As the country’s number one producer of uranium, Wyoming is the perfect place to build TerraPower’s advanced nuclear reactor,” says Barrasso.
“Starting construction on this groundbreaking project will create more jobs in Kemmerer and help expand Wyoming’s already strong energy economy. It’s a win-win for Wyoming and America’s energy security.”
Lummis says the start of construction marks a “defining moment” and step in the right direction for American energy independence.
“The start of construc-
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor April 23, 2026 XL Angus Ranch, Evansville Auctioneer: Lander Nicodemus 59 Angus Bulls Avg. $6,318
Top Sellers
Lot 40 – XLAR Jameson 420 – Price: $15,200 DOB: 5/19/24 Sire: Basin Jameson 1076 Dam’s Sire: V A R Power Play 7018 EPDs: BW: +0.9, WW: +74, YW: +127 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Murray Angus, LaPoint, Utah
Lot 32 – XLAR Right Time 419 – Price: $10,500 DOB: 5/19/24 Sire: S Right Time 7861 Dam’s Sire: E&B Plus One EPDs: BW: -0.3, WW: +72, YW: +125 and Milk: +29 Buyers: Murray Angus, LaPoint, Utah
Lot 43 – XLAR Jameson 462 – Price: $10,500 DOB: 5/25/24 Sire: Basin Jameson 1076 Dam’s Sire: HA Cowboy Up 5405 EPDs: BW: +3, WW: +94, YW: +159 and Milk: +24 Buyer: MJ Ranches, Garrett
Reported By: Jeff Ward, WYLR Field Editor April 25, 2026 Lucky Moon Arena, Laramie Auctioneer: Curt Westland 17 Ranch and Arena Horses Avg. $16,617 Two Yearling Mares Avg. $2,700
Top Sellers
Lot 2 – Chill Buster – 2013 Sorrel Gelding Price: $34,000 Sire: Cats Merada Consignor: Katie Walker, Saratoga Buyer: Katie Kruse, Lance Creek
Lot 1 – JKK Jonny Threesocks – 2017 Red Roan Gelding Price: $26,500 Sire: Bartenders Blue Otoe Consignor: Cody Miller, Encampment Buyer: Mark Kersting, Wheatland
Lot 10 – Smokys Bar – 2016 Bay Roan Gelding Price: $22,000 Sire: Smokys Tom Cat Consignor: Cody Miller, Encampment Buyer: Justin Ready, Dixon
tion on TerraPower’s energy island in Kemmerer is a defining moment for our state, our nation and the future of American energy,” Lummis says. “This project delivers what Wyo-
ming communities deserve – good-paying jobs, lasting economic strength and reliable, affordable baseload power.”
“This construction of the first new state-of-the-
art advanced nuclear power plant demonstrates Wyoming’s leadership pioneering a new frontier in American energy,” Hageman adds. “As the nation’s top producer of uranium, Wyoming is a natu-
ral launch pad for America’s nuclear renaissance.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
as a chance to represent Wyoming at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. in October.
Outstanding chapters
During the convention, students and chapters are recognized for their accomplishments in community service, leadership and industry promotion throughout the year, earning a rank from gold to superior.
This year, 51 out of 64 – a whopping 80 percent – completed the National Chapter Award process.
Chapters earning gold recognition include Bearlodge Sundance FFA, Big Country FFA, Big Springs FFA, Bow River FFA, Buffalo FFA, Burlington FFA, Burns FFA, Casper FFA, Frontier FFA, Chief Washakie FFA, Clear Creek FFA, Coal Country FFA, Encampment FFA, Evanston FFA, Gillette FFA,
Glenrock FFA, Green River FFA, Greybull FFA, John B. Kendrick FFA, Kaycee FFA, Little Snake River FFA, Lovell FFA, Paintrock FFA, Riverton FFA, Shoshoni FFA, Ten Sleep FFA, Thermopolis FFA, Tongue River Valley FFA, Torrington-Lingle FFA, Upton FFA, Whitcomb FFA and Windy City FFA.
Chapters earning silver recognition include Buffalo Bill FFA, CY Middle School FFA, High Plains FFA, Jim Bridger FFA, Meeteetse FFA, Pine Bluffs FFA, Powell-Shoshone FFA, Saddle and Sirloin FFA, Snowy Range FFA, Wheatland FFA and Wright FFA. Horse Creek Middle School FFA, Lyman FFA, Rock Mountain FFA, Saratoga FFA and Worland Middle School FFA earned bronze recognition, while Southeast FFA and Star Valley FFA
earned superior recognition.
Additionally, Wyoming FFA recognizes chapters dominating each area of competition – agriscience, proficiency and career development.
Chief Washakie FFA took home two of the three honors, winning both the Proficiency and Agriscience Sweepstakes.
The Career Development Sweepstakes winner was Snowy Range FFA, and the Middle School Sweepstakes champion was Rawhide FFA.
Each year, Wyoming’s Chapter of the Year is also awarded by the Wyoming FFA State Officer Team, representing the highest level of excellence in leadership, engagement and impact. This year, Frontier FFA of East High School in Cheyenne was chosen as the 2026 Wyoming FFA Chapter of the Year.
The 2026 Wyoming FFA Champion Ag Teacher was also crowned during the convention, and Rose McGivney of Kaycee FFA
was the honoree. Champion teams and high individuals
Over the course of the week, Wyoming FFA members compete in a wide range of career development events from poultry evaluation to conduct of chapter meetings and everything in between.
This year, the Poultry Evaluation State Champion Team was Snowy Range FFA, and team member James Vasek was named the high individual in the category. The Middle School Poultry Evaluation State Champion Team was Big Springs FFA, and the high individual in the middle school contest was Tra Bauder of Casper FFA.
Fellow Snowy Range FFA member Reese Senior took top honors as the Livestock Evaluation High Individual, while the John B. Kendrick FFA chapter was named the Livestock Evaluation State Champion Team.
In the middle school live-
stock evaluation contest, Roanan Evans of Burns FFA was named high individual, and Riverton FFA took home champion middle school team honors.
Riverton FFA’s high school team continued the winning streak, earning top honors in the horse evaluation contest, while Burns FFA’s middle school team was crowned champion in their division.
Burns FFA member Kinley Snell helped lead the team to victory while also earning honors as the 2026 Middle School Horse Evaluation High Individual.
Additionally, the Horse Evaluation High Individual from a high school chapter was Hannah Wilmes of Casper FFA.
In Agricultural Education, Talia Kinberg of Torrington-Lingle FFA was the high individual in the high school division, and Jansen Hornecker of St. Anthony’s FFA was the high individual in the middle school division.
In Agricultural Sales, Torrington-Lingle FFA was named the state championship team, while Thermopolis FFA member Kaycee Stothart earned honors as the high individual.
In Farm Business Management, Casper FFA was crowned the state champion team, and Casper FFA member Trever Campbell was named the 2026 Farm Business Management High Individual.
In Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems, Clay Daly of Glendo FFA was the high individual in the middle school division, leading Glendo FFA to a state champion team finish. In the high school division, Justin Sullivan of Buffalo FFA was the high individual, and Encampment FFA was the 2026 Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Champion Team.
Additionally, Frontier FFA finished the week as the 2026 Marketing Plan State Champion Team, while Snowy Range FFA took home honors as both the Conduct of Chapter Meetings State Champion Team and the Parliamentary Procedure State Champion Team.
During the Greenhand Quizbowl, Gillette’s FFA chapters swept the competition.
Brylee Styvar was the high individual in the high
school division, leading her chapter to the top of the podium as the 2026 Greenhand Quizbowl State Champion Team. In the middle school division, Marille Deegan was the high individual, and the Gillette FFA middle school chapter finished at the top of the leaderboard as well.
Stars in agriculture
In addition to a week of competition, the State FFA Degree recognizes the hard work senior FFA members put into their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, classroom work and community service throughout their FFA career.
Of the members earning a State FFA Degree, students with exceptional projects become star candidates in the achievement areas of agriscience, agribusiness, agricultural placement and star farmer.
This year, Brody Medina of Frontier FFA received the State Star in Agriscience, Brylee Styvar of Gillette FFA received the State Star in Agribusiness, Corbin Williams of Bow River FFA received the State Star in Placement and the Star Farmer was Kruze Forshee of Ten Sleep FFA. 2026-27 State Officer Team
On top of participating in workshops and competitions, some of the state’s top youth leaders also vie for a spot on the state officer team throughout the week of the convention.
On April 11, a new team of student officers was elected to serve as the Wyoming FFA State Officer Team.
The new team includes President Brylee Styvar of Gillette FFA, Vice President Xander Depew of John B. Kendrick FFA, Second Vice President Regan Allen of Frontier FFA, Third Vice President Trever Campbell of Casper FFA, Secretary Dani Santee of Riverton FFA, Treasurer Tosha Kenyon of Riverton FFA, Reporter Colton Smith of John B. Kendrick FFA, Sentinel Josie Despain of Snowy Range FFA and Parliamentarian Corbin Williams of Bow River FFA.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this
to roundup@wylr.net.
From the wide-open ranges of the 19th-century Western frontier to the family ranches that have stood steadfast for generations, America’s story has always included the men and women who sweat and toil to raise the cattle that feed our nation. The
American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle is our tip of the hat to this enduring way of life.
Built on our brass-framed .30-30 lever action platform, this rifle is made for those who put in the long, hard hours from sunup to sundown, and it stands as a testament to the animals and their stewardship at the heart of it all. Featuring genuine American walnut furniture paired with an engraved, highly polished brass receiver, every detail honors the grit and tradition that define the cattleman’s trade. Long live the American Cattleman.
May 4 Uinta Veterinary Hospital Free 4-H Beef Class, 6-7 p.m., Uinta Veterinary Hospital, Fort Bridger. For more information, call 307-783-0570 or e-mail uinta@uwyo.edu.
May 5-7 2026 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit, The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, Kansas City, Mo. For more information or to register, visit animalagalliance.org/initiatives/stakeholders-summit/
May 6 Wyoming Water Development Commission Workshop, 1:30 p.m., Wyoming Water Development Office, Cheyenne or online. For more information, to livestream the workshop or to provide public comment, visit wwdc.state.wy.us/
May 7 Wyoming Water Development Commission and Select Water Committee Joint Meeting, 8:30 a.m., Wyoming Water Development Office, Cheyenne or online. For more information, to livestream the meeting or to provide public comments, visit wyoleg.gov/
May 7 Wyoming Livestock Board Brucellosis Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit wlsb.state.wy.us
May 7 University of Wyoming Extension Wildfire Webinar Series: Collaborative Community-Level Planning for Wildfire Risk Management, 6-7:30 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wyoextension.org/wrir/wildfire-webinar/
May 7 Wyoming Game and Fish Department “Carrying Capacity: The Hunt for Resilience” Film Screening, 6-8 p.m., Center of the Arts, Jackson. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
May 8-9 Sheepherder’s Festival, Campbell County Rockpile Museum, Gillette. For more information, call 307-682-7523.
May 9 Laramie Rivers Conservation District Conservation Expo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ice and Event Center, Laramie. For more information, visit lrcd.net
May 12 Washakie County Conservation District Annual Invasive Grasses Workshop, Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, Worland. For more information, contact Amanda Konkowski at 307-431-3163. To register, visit washakiecd.com/
May 13 Growing Food in Wyoming Masterclass: Fertilizer and Soil Amendments, 7-8 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit dirtworkswyo.com
May 14 University of Wyoming Extension Wildfire Webinar Series: Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Livestock and Grazing After Wildfire, 6-7:30 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wyoextension.org/wrir/wildfire-webinar/
May 21 University of Wyoming Extension Wildfire Webinar Series: Best Practices to Reduce the Risk to You and Your Home, 6-7:30 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wyoextension.org/wrir/wildfire-webinar/
May 21-22 Stockmanship and Stewardship, Indian Livestock Days, Farmington, N.M. For more information, visit stockmanshipandstewardship.org/
May 23-24 37th Annual Wyoming Weapons Collectors Association Memorial Weekend Gun Show, Fremont County Fairgrounds, Riverton. For more information or to reserve a table, visit wyomingweaponscollectors.com or call 307-349-4914.
May 24 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector Training, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Pinedale Regional Office, Pinedale. For more information or to register, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
May 27 Growing Food in Wyoming Masterclass: Managing Weeds Organically, 7-8 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit dirtworkswyo.com
May 28 University of Wyoming Extension Wildfire Webinar Series: A Case Study of the 2024 Elk Fire Response, 6-7:30 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wyoextension.org/wrir/wildfire-webinar/
May 30-31 Dusty Vaquero Days, the CAM-PLEX, Gillette. For more information, visit dustyvaquerodays.com
June 1 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector Training, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Green River Regional Office, Green River. For more information or to register, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
June 1 Uinta Veterinary Hospital Free 4-H Sheep and Goats Class, 6-7 p.m., Uinta Veterinary Hospital, Fort Bridger. For more information, call 307-783-0570 or e-mail uinta@uwyo.edu.
June 1-2 2026 Annual Tractor and Equipment Safety Course, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, Neb. For more information or to register, visit unmc.edu/ publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html
June 3 2026 Annual Tractor and Equipment Safety Course, Sheridan County Fairgrounds, Gordon, Neb. For more information or to register, visit unmc.edu/ publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html
June 4 University of Wyoming Extension Wildfire Webinar Series: Positive and Negative Impacts to Wildfire Habitat, 6-7:30 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wyoextension.org/wrir/wildfire-webinar/
June 7 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector Training, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Jackson Regional Office, Jackson. For more information or to register, visit wgfd.wyo.gov
May 7 J Spear Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, Belle Fourche Livestock Auction, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-685-5964, 605-279-1026
May 9 Vintage Equipment Auction, Pine Bluffs, 307-534-5156, 307-532-4976, mcnameeauctioncompany.com
May 16
May 28 – All Class Cattle
Consignments • May 7 • Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle
Orchard Ranch – 65 spayed hefiers, black and CharX.
Larry & Alex Paxton – 100 black and red heifers; 7 black and red steers, 600-700#. Sims Ranch – 60 heifers, black and fancy, replacement quality, top end of 300, 750#. *Roping Stock* Pab Good – 10 steers and heifers, Corriente LonghornX, 400#.
May 14 • Pair, Bred Cow & Heifer Special
Double Dollar – 14 heifer pairs, Black Angus with black calves.
Jim Emerson – 5 ST black pairs, w/ black calves.
Danny Vigil • Owner and Northern Livestock Representative Layne Weber • Field Rep & Auctioneer • (307)
Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Spring Spectacular Catalog Horse Sale, Salina, Kan., 785-825-0211, 785-826-7884, fandrlive.com
May 23 17th Annual Full House Horse Sale, Weston County Fairgrounds, Newcastle, 307-746-5690, 307-746-8592, 307-746-8536, fullhousehorsesale.com
May 31
June 12-13
June 16-18
June 25
June 30
July 6-10
July 13-15
July 20
July 27-31
Aug. 4-5
Aug. 10-11
Aug. 17
Aug. 17-21
Aug. 22
Aug 22-25
WYO Ranch Horse and Stockdog Sale, Pitchfork Ranch, Meeteetse, 307248-1530, wyoranchhorsesale.com
Cowgirl Cadillacs Horse Sale, Sheridan, cowgirlcadillacs.com
Superior Livestock Auction Corn Belt Classic, South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront, South Sioux City, Neb., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Northern Livestock Video Early Summer Special, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase, UW Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies, The Steamboat Grand, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Western Video Market, Silver Legacy Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com
Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, Winnemucca, Nev., 800-4222117, superiorlivestock.com
Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.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
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
Sept. 5 Proffit Ranch 25th Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Barn, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.blogspot.com
Sept. 5
Sept. 10
Sept. 12
Huskerland Horse Sale Extravaganza, Burwell Livestock Market, Burwell, Neb., 308-383-0039, dvauction.com
Cattle Country Video Frontier Fall Roundup, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Open Box Rafter Ranch Quarter Horses 33rd Annual Production Sale, Rapid City, S.D., 605-538-4450, rafterranch.com
Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com
This week’s Postcard comes from the pages of the April 27, 1910 issue of the Wyoming Semi-Weekly Tribune in Cheyenne. Enjoy.
Mother’s Day
Object: To honor “the best mother who ever lived” – your own.
Tribute: Loving remembrance of your mother – or her memory – through some distinct act of kindness, visit or letter.
Floral badge: Wear the white flower – the emblem of parity and fidelity –on Mother’s Day. If possible, send one to others as a message of sympathy and brotherhood. Remember the sick or unfortunate in hospitals, homes or prisons, as well as those who labor on this May Sabbath for your comfort.
Time: The second Sabbath in May. Schools on the preceding Friday.
Observance: Mother’s Day may be observed through special sermons, exercises or addresses in honor of our mothers and the wearing and distribution of white flowers in connection with such an occasion.
Observance Sunday, May 8
On Sunday, May 8, Mother’s Day will be observed throughout the land, to honor “the best mother who ever lived” – your own.
Although this beautiful custom has won international and national recognition and approval, there are some places where it has not been observed.
This year, the good women of many cities are taking the initiative to establish the custom where is has not been observed and propose to see the day is observed in fitting manner so the mother
will be honored in every home. It is quite likely the day will be observed in local churches with appropriate exercises to keeping with the custom established since.
Congressional Church will observe Rev. F.L. Moore announces the day, May 8, will be appropriately observed in his church. Others will doubtless make an announcement later.
To My Mother
What shall I send thee, my mother, on this blessed holy day for all your tender faith and love what can I ever say?
I pray that your heart’s devotion may return a hundred fold to enrich your life and others far above the wealth of gold.
I send thee on spotless pinions memories hallowed and dear.
All filled with sacred fragrance of blended laughter and tear.
Sweet are the thoughts of my childhood round your name in my heart each year they cling but closer and bring us to that home – who shall say how near?
– Mrs. Baker P. Lee
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington National Sheep Summary As of April 24, 2026
Compared to last week Slaughter lambs 40-60 lbs. 2.00-5.00 lower and slaughter ewes stronger. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-3: San Angelo: No test.
Billings: 60-70 lbs 330.00-385.00; 70-80 lbs 346.00-390.00; 90-100 lbs 305.00-335.00; 100-110 lbs 275.00-305.00; 120-130 lbs 257.50-272.00.
Ft. Collins: 50-60 lbs 370.00-385.00; 60-70 lbs 375.00-404.00; 70-80 lbs 380.00-400.00; 80-90 lbs 387.50-410.00; 90-100 lbs 387.50-420.00.
Sioux Falls: 60-50 lbs 395.00-435.00; 70-80 lbs 380.00415.00; 80-90 lbs 385.00-410.00; 90-100 lbs 375.00-430.00; 100-110 lbs 385.00-410.00; 110-120 lbs 355.00-370.00; 120130 lbs 315.00-320.00; 140-150 lbs 335.00-350.00. Slaughter Ewes: Good 2-3: San Angelo: 153.00-185.00.
Billings: 121.00-141.00.
Ft. Collins: 130.00-195.00.
Sioux Falls: 100.00-145.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1: San Angelo: No test.
Billings: No test.
Sioux Falls: 30-40 lbs 365.00-515.00; 40-50 lbs 325.00-540.00; 50-60 lbs 460.00-540.00; 60-70 lbs 355.00-400.00.
Ft. Collins: 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 34,000 compared to 34,000 last week and 35,117 last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo,
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Montana Hay Summary
As of April 17, 2026
Compared to last report(3-20-26): Hay sold mostly steady to 15.00 higher. Hay supplies across the state have tightened significantly. Lower quality hay saw a strong uptick in price as buyers search for feed to meet needs. Hay continues to be delivered along the highline for 215.00- 245.00 delivered. Spring rain and snow showers were scattered across the state over the past two weeks but moisture varied greatly by location. Hay is starting to be delivered in from North Dakota as supplies have tightened over the last few weeks. According to the drought monitor 65.58% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 1.12% from 2 weeks ago. 21.19% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 1.49% from 2 weeks ago. 3.96% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 93.51% of the state is abnormally dry, up 1.09% from 2 weeks ago.
N/A - Hay Conventional
Alfalfa - Good
A secretarial natural disaster designation allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans, which can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or to refinance certain debts.
FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, several counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of severe drought for eight or more consecutive weeks or extreme or exceptional drought.
Primary counties eligible for assistance are Natrona and Washakie, and contiguous counties that are also eligible include Big Horn, Carbon, Converse, Fremont, Hot Springs, Johnson and Park.
For more information or to apply, visit farmers.gov. The application deadline is Dec. 10. Commissioners vote to increase non-resident preference point prices.
LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME HAND who can irrigate and drive a tractor, references are a must. ALSO, REALLY GOOD ALFALFA HAY, first and second cutting, small squares and round bales of oat straw. Call 307-754-5864 5/2
LOOKING FOR RANCH ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER:
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.
RANCH MAINTENANCE/ANI-
MAL CARE: Barn and kenneltype duties along with facility and grounds maintenance. Looking for a reliable self-motivated individual with a great work ethic who has some experience in caring for animals and ranch-type work. Proven organizational skills, attention to detail and a team player attitude are required. Job facilities are located 17 miles west of Cheyenne, WY. Applicants MUST possess a valid driver’s license, have reliable transportation and be able to work a flexible schedule. Rotating weekend coverage is mandatory for this position. Hiring for full-time position. Call 307-275-2090 or email resume to brittiny@rfholdings.org 5/16
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 5/16
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 5/16
IMMEDIATELY SEEKING FULLTIME 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 longterm position and offers a clear path to increased responsibilities, pay and leadership. Housing is provided. 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 5/2
RANCH HAND/GROUNDS
KEEPER: Full-time position at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails lawn care, irrigation, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, equipment maintenance, building maintenance and overall residential and agricultural property maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter and enjoy working outdoors. Benefits include health, with optional dental and vision; paid-time matching contribution. For the right candidate housing on property is also available. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to emilyb@colliergroupoffice. com and cg1@colliergroupoffice.com 5/2
33 OAK, A 2-YEAR-OLD INTACT MALE BORDER COLLIE AND TRUE WORKING CATTLE DOG, sells May 31 at the WYO Ranch Horse & Stockdog Sale in Meeteetse, WY. Powerful, gritty, kid safe and bred for real cattle work, Oak will be a valuable ranch asset. For more information visit www.wyoranchhorsesale.com or call/ text 307-248-1530 5/23
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, 303-7733545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 5/16
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: One iron brand, LRC, RHH. Good through January 2031. $5,000. Call 307660-0169 5/23
REGISTERED WYOMING 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, 307-899-3737 5/2
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LTH, renewed to March 1, 2033. $5,000. Call 307-358-3078 5/9
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: One iron brand, LRC, LHS, LTH. Good through January 2027. $5,000. Call 307660-0169 5/23
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LSC, renewed to March 1, 2027. Call for pricing, 307-259-5485 5/9
CAUCASIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES: Eight weeks old April 27. Good family and livestock guard dogs, $200. Text or leave a message, Deborah, 406-7944036 5/9
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 5/2
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. Age-advantaged and yearling bulls available. Passed breeding service exams 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 5/23
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
OWN A PIECE OF WYOMING HISTORY, OLD WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LTH, originally issued in 1910. Purchased by my grandfather in 1913. Easy to read when placed on cows or horses, $12,500. ALSO, RANCH SADDLE manufactured by Fred Mueller Saddle Co., Denver, CO. Good condition, located in Cheyenne, WY, digital photos available, asking $400. Call 307-631-6838 5/2
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: One iron brand, LRC, RSS, LSH. Good through January 2027. $5,000. Call 307-6600169 5/23
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LHC, LTH. Fees paid until January 2035. $3,500 OBO. Call 307-532-0112, leave message 5/2
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LSS, LSH. Comes with 2 fire irons and 3 electric irons. Two of the electric irons are brand new. Can be used on horses, cattle and sheep. $3,000. Call or text for more information, 307-575-7065 5/2
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 503-931-6815, to find the right fit for your program. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 5/16
REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: Zoetis 50K DNA tested, full EPDs available. Fertility tested. Light birth EPDs plus good maternal traits. Delivery available. Neal Ranch, call Lyle, 406679-1976, Ty, 307-752-4419 or Perrie, 406-660-2055. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/23
REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS YEARLING AND 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS: For sale private treaty. Performance and fertility tested. Delivery available. REPLACEMENT HEIFERS available. TRANGMOE ANGUS RANCH, Glendive, MT. Call 907-2326093, 406-687-3315 or 406989-3315 6/20
YEARLING BLACK ANGUS BULLS: AI sired by heifer bull Connealy Patent. Semen tested. Minatare, NE. Call Byron Miller, 303-818-8152, leave message 6/6
MYDLAND ANGUS RANCH: Yearling Angus bulls. Performance tested, EPDs available. Home raised. Call 406-5913404 or 406-855-5598 5/2
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 5/2
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 5/2
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 5/9
SIMANGUS YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY: Bulls priced for every budget. Bulls have GE EPDS, are homozygous polled, most are homozygous black. Bulls can be inspected at Dilka Cattle, pictures available by request. Bulls sired by BAS Money Maker, Gibbs Essential, Gonsior Batman and CCR Pounder. All bulls guaranteed for first breeding season. Information on the bulls may be requested by e-mail at thedilkas@aol.com or calling 970-396-8791 5/2
TWO-YEAR-OLD HEREFORD
BULLS: Canadian registered. Fertility checked. View photos at www.workingherefords. com. Estermann Herefords, 308-340-4159 or 308-963-4473 5/2
REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE: Overaged bulls to cover more cows! Videos, photos, EPDs and certificates available. Call Troy Rasmussen, TSR Cattle Co., 605-690-0100 5/2
REGISTERED SIMMENTAL/ ANGUS YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE: Bulls out of some of the best AI bulls in the country. Including OMF Epic, Bridle Bit Recharge, Payroll and WHF Double Up. All bulls are out of high-quality cows with great bloodlines. Bulls have been semen tested with great scrotal scores. $5,000-$6,000. Call 801-722-9267 5/9
FAITHFUL FEEDERS: Heifer development, backgrounding and grass calf prep. Billings, MT. Call Ryan, 406-696-0104 4/10 CUSTOM FEEDING AND FIN-
ISHING FOR CATTLE AND SHEEP. Cactus Hill Ranch Company, Fort Collins, CO. Contact AJ Nelson, 970-372-8273 5/2
ALFALFA, 3x3 bales, shed stored. ALSO, CERTIFIED TRITICALE STRAW, long stem round bales, $130/bale. ALSO, TRITICALE GRAIN $0.35/lb. bulk or totes. Farson, WY. Call 307-350-0350 5/2
MERRITT CATTLE POT: Good ranch trailer. Call 307-855-6739 5/2
2018 DODGE RAM 3500: 4x4, crew cab, 6.4 Hemi. Gooseneck hitch, 94,000 miles. Covercraft seat covers, WeatherTech floor mats. New transmission. Call Dan, 307-250-2178 5/16
SUMMER PASTURE WANTED FOR YEARLINGS: Seeking summer grass for 2026. For 500-1,500 head. Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota. Prefer long-term potential, competitive rates offered. Call Jon, 831-240-5795 TFN
LOOKING TO LEASE A RANCH FOR APPROXIMATELY 150-200 HEAD OF COWS. Prefer area in Johnson and Sheridan counties. Call 307-290-1643 4/25
HORSE TRAINING: Will train horses to drive, single or double. Call Joe at 701-851-0357 5/23
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 5/2
CUSTOM BOOT MAKER: Boot and shoe repair, service nationwide. Shock Boot Repair, 307-680-9219, Gillette, WY 5/2
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE. ALSO, butcher hogs. Located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307-271-1014 1/16
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 5/23
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, 307-254-0554 5/23
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 5/16
FEED/GRAIN FOR SALE: Alfalfa, cane and millet hay. Large squares and rounds. Semi loads only. Will deliver. Call 970-2272760 5/9
BROME GRASS HAY FOR SALE: 750 large round bales, 2024 and 2025, 10 miles from Miller, S.D., $130/ton, net wrapped, good quality. Call Tom 605-870-0719 or Tyler 605-871-3878 5/9
ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE: 2025 and 2024, various RFV, various protein and various prices. Tested by Dairyland Labs. Call 605-530-8089, Miller, S.D. 5/2
PREORDER YOUR 2026 NEW CROP ALFALFA HAY AT VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing the best producers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386, www.valleyvideohay.com 5/2
FOR SALE: 227 Caterpillar feller buncher with rotary cup saw, $30,000. Four ft. metal band saw, $375. 1985 Ford F150, 6-cylinder automatic transmission, $2,500. 1976 Ford F350, 12’ flatbed, 360 engine, 4 speed transmission, $3,000. Fiberglass 8’ camper shell, $300. Wheatland, WY. Call Greg at 970-566-6527 5/16
Hay Equipment WANT TO BUY!! 206 Gehl 6 wheel finger hay rake. Call Lloyd, 701-226-4055 5/9
MONTANA RAILROAD SERVICES: Railroad ties, switch ties and other railroad materials for fencing and landscaping. Best pricing and quality in the region. Call 406-9623514, Silesia, MT. Located 10 miles south of Laurel, MT (off of Clarks River Rd., the old highway). Visit our website at www.mtrrservices. com 5/2
REELFAST ELECTRIC FENCE REEL: Messing with electric fence can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be… ReelFast runs off an 18 volt drill with 1/2 mile spools. Saves you time and fits on any hitch. Located in all Bomgaars stores. Contact us at ReelFast!! Call Monica Williams at 308-750-4688 or visit www.electricfencereel. com 5/2
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 A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE, Torrington, WY. Delivery options available. For more information and pricing call\text Leland, 307-338-7213. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/2
1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/30
FOR SALE: Landoll 6230
36’ rock flex disc with 3 bar mulcher. Phillips 4305 43’ rotary harrow. Sunflower 33’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. 24’ portable ground hay/bale feeder. Vermeer BP 7000 bale processor with hydraulic deflector. Gehl 1410 manure spreader, 410 bushel with slop gate, double floor chains, tandem axle. Burns portable loading chute. Miller Pro 18’ chuckwagon with tandem running gear. 2022 Kenworth T680 day cab semi, PACCAR engine, automatic transmission, air ride, aluminum wheels, 486,242 miles, very nice. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 16’, 20’ and 24’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear, truck tires. 12’ and 14’ HD box scrapers with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 5/2
Hay Equipment
ROUND BALER BELTING FOR ALL MAKES: Save $100s. Free shipping, www.balerbelts.com . Call Hammond Equipment, 334627-3348 10/24
IRRIGATED 80 + FARM AND HOME : Classic, beautiful ranch-style home with a blend of country charm. Situated on 80 + acres with an irrigation well for the wiper pivot. Features a versatile Cleary building, well-maintained livestock corrals and a character filled antique loft barn. Positioned 6 miles northeast of Henry, NE in Sioux County. $775,000. 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. Pictures at www. buyaranch.com . Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307532-1750 TFN
develops herbicide resistance and, in ideal conditions, may grow up to three inches per day.
Last year, waterhemp was discovered in a sugarbeet field in the Big Horn Basin – its first observed appearance in the state. Like Palmer amaranth, waterhemp is considered one of the most damaging weeds to row crops when left unmanaged, UW Extension reports.
“Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are new threats, and we’re anticipating sig-
nificant economic impacts, especially to row crops,” says Kelsey Brock, UW Extension invasive plant specialist and assistant professor of plant sciences.
Available resources
Over the past two years, Brock has partnered with the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council to conduct a statewide amaranth survey.
In addition to documenting cases of Palmer amaranth and most recently waterhemp, the survey suggests Powell’s amaranth is potentially very common,
3,882 hours. Call 402-910-3236 5/16
PRAIRIE DOG PROBLEMS? Free extermination! Call 920609-8927 5/2
ANTLER MARKET STEADY TO STRONG!!! MAY 8-9 PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL GRADES OF ANTLER AND LATE SEASON FUR IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS : MAY 8 : Ft. Bridger 6:15-6:30 a.m., Cash Store; Evanston 7:10-7:40 a.m., Prairie Inn; Kemmerer 8:409 a.m., Ham’s Fork Station; Cokeville 9:45-10 a.m., Flying J Truck (drive thru, call Greg); Afton 11-11:30 a.m., Tractor Supply; Thayne 11:45 a.m.12 p.m., Farmer’s Feed (drive thru, call Greg); Alpine 12:30-1 p.m. Grey’s River Saloon; Hoback Jct. 1:301:50 p.m., Hoback Market/ Exxon (drive thru, call Greg); Bondurant 2:10-2:20 p.m., Elk Horn Bar (drive thru, call Greg); Bondurant 2:30-2:45 p.m., Post Office (drive thru, call Greg); Daniel 3:15-3:30 p.m., The Den (drive thru, call Greg); Pinedale 3:45-4 p.m., Gannett Sports (drive thru, call Greg); Big Piney 4:40-5 p.m., Public RR/Visitor Info. Parking (drive thru, call Greg); La Barge 5:30-5:45 p.m., All American Fuel (drive thru, call Greg); Green River 7-7:20 p.m., Hitching Post (drive thru, call Greg); Rock Springs 7:408:10 p.m., WY Wool Warehouse; Wamsutter 9-9:15 p.m., Conoco (drive thru, call Greg). MAY 9: Rawlins 6-6:15 a.m., Tractor Supply; Saratoga 7-7:30 a.m. Saratoga Feed & Grain; Elk Mountain 8:108:30 a.m., Conoco on I-80 (drive thru, call Greg); Hanna 8:45-9 a.m., Hanna Market (drive thru, call Greg); Medicine Bow 9:10-9:30 a.m., JB’s (drive thru, call Greg); Rock River 9:40-10 a.m., Rancher’s Supply (drive thru, call Greg); Laramie 10:50-11:30 a.m., West Laramie Fly Shop. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www. petskafur.net 5/2
ANTLER MARKET STEADY TO STRONG!!! MAY 1315 PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL GRADES OF ANTLER AND LATE SEASON FUR IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: MAY 13 : Newcastle 7:10-7:30 p.m., Voelker’s Body Shop. MAY 14 : Newcastle 6:30-6:50 a.m., Voelker’s Body Shop; Upton 7:20-7:40 a.m., Joe’s Grocery (drive thru, call Greg); Moorcroft 8-8:20 a.m., The Coffee Cup (drive thru, call Greg); Sundance 8:45-9:30 a.m., Rapid Stop; Beulah 9:50-10:10 a.m., Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Spearfish, S.D. 10:20-10:50 a.m., Butcher Block (sticking with old location on fairgrounds road); Belle Fourche, S.D. 11:20 a.m.-11:50 a.m., Runnings (Old Belle Inn parking lot); Aladdin 12:20-12:50 p.m., General Store (drive thru, call Greg); Hulett 1-1:30 p.m., Tower Valley Ag Supply; Alzada, MT 2-2:20 p.m., B&J Convenience (drive thru, call Greg); Gillette 7-7:30 p.m., Rocky Mountain Sports and Howard Johnson Motel room 143 7:45-8:15 p.m. MAY 15 : Gillette 5:45-6 a.m., Rocky Mountain Sports (drive thru, call Greg); Wright 6:20-6:50 a.m., Rest Area (drive thru, call Greg); Midwest 7:508:10 a.m., Sinclair Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Kaycee 8:35-9 a.m., Sinclair Truck Stop; Sheridan 10:3011 a.m., Sportsman’s Warehouse; Buffalo 11:45 a.m.12:15 p.m., Good 2 Go; Ten Sleep 1:50-2:20 p.m., Pony Express; Hyattville 3-3:20 p.m., Paint Rock Processing (drive thru, call Greg); Manderson 3:40-3:50 p.m., Hiway Bar (drive thru, call Greg); Basin 4-4:20 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru, call Greg); Greybull 4:40-5 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru, call Greg); Lovell 5:40-6 p.m., Good 2 Go (drive thru, call Greg); Byron 6-6:15 p.m., Cardtrol Station (drive thru, call Greg); Powell 6:30-6:50 p.m., Murdoch’s (drive thru, call Greg); Cody 7:30-7:50 p.m., Nature’s Design Taxidermy; Meeteetse 8:30-8:45 p.m., on street in front of firehouse (drive thru call, Greg). For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 5/9
ANTLER MARKET STEADY TO STRONG!!! MAY 16-18
PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL GRADES OF ANTLER AND LATE SEASON FUR IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: MAY 16 : Worland 7:30-8 a.m., Coop One Stop; Thermopolis 8:50-9:20 a.m., Renegade Guns; Shoshoni 10:10-10:30 a.m., Fast Lane/Exxon (west of truck diesel pumps, (drive thru, call Greg); Riverton 1111:45 a.m., Vic’s Body Shop (behind the Dollar Tree); Hudson 12:10-12:20 p.m., Wyoming Custom Meats (drive thru, call Greg); Lander 12:501:30 p.m., Pit Stop; Jeffrey City 2:30-2:45 p.m., Split Rock Cafe (drive thru, call Greg); Muddy Gap 3-3:10 p.m., (drive thru, call Greg); Alcova 3:50-4 p.m., Sloanes General Store (drive thru, call Greg); Casper 4:30-5:15 p.m., Wagner Outdoor Sports; Glenrock 5:45-6 p.m., east exit on I-25 (drive thru, call Greg); Douglas 6:306:45 p.m., Douglas Feed. MAY 17 : Douglas 6:30-6:45 a.m., Douglas Feed (drive thru, call Greg); Orin Junction 7-7:10 a.m., Fast Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Lost Springs 7:30-7:40 a.m., truck pull off 1 mile east (drive thru, call Greg); Manville 8-8:10 a.m., Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Lusk 8:30 a.m.-9 a.m., Decker’s Grocery; Hartville 9:45-10 a.m., Miner’s & Stockman’s Restaurant (drive thru, call Greg); Guernsey 10-10:30 a.m., Crazy Tony’s; Wheatland 11-11:30 a.m., Wheatland Travel Center; Chugwater 1212:15 p.m., Stampede Saloon (drive thru, call Greg); Cheyenne 12:45-1:15 p.m., Tractor Supply; Archer 1:40-1:50 p.m., Home on the Ranch Processing (drive thru, call Greg); Carpenter 2:10-2:30 p.m., Antelope Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Pine Bluffs 2:45-3 p.m., Sinclair (drive thru, call Greg); LaGrange 5-5:20 p.m., Bear Mtn. Stage Stop; Hawk Springs 5:30-5:45 p.m., Longbranch Saloon (drive thru, call Greg); Yoder 5:45-6 p.m., Yoder Store (drive thru, call Greg); Lingle 6:30-6:45 p.m., Ty’s Pit Stop. MAY 18 : Torrington 6:50-7:20 a.m., Insight Precision Arms; Scottsbluff, NE 8:30-9 a.m., Murdoch’s. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 5/9
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 5/2 Place Your Wanted to Buy Ad Here
though it is often mistaken for redroot pigweed.
“These weeds can be very hard to identify,” Brock notes. “If people see an odd-looking pigweed or one that’s coming up at a different time, in a different place or just won’t go away with usual management efforts, it’s possible it could be a completely different species.”
She encourages Wyoming residents to bring samples of odd-looking pigweed plants to a local weed and pest office or UW Extension
about the threat of amaranth species
contact Kelsey Brock at kbrock5@uwyo.edu
To view a free downloadable copy of the University of Wyoming’s updated publication
office for identification.
For those interested in learning more about weeds in the amaranth family, Brock and UW colleagues have updated a 2017 UW Extension bulletin to reflect new sightings in Wyoming and the latest scientific research on amaranth control.
The publication introduces readers to the threats posed by species currently found in Wyoming and nearby states, then outlines dispersal mechanisms, control options and each species’ defining characteristics.
“The goal of this resource is to alert people to the pigweeds we have
in the state and to the fact there are more that are just beyond our borders,” Brock explains. “We want people to know about the risks these weeds pose.” Brooke Ortel is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published by UW Ag News on April 20.
One-third of the food Americans eat depends on a tiny worker most people rarely think about – the honeybee – but across the U.S., beekeepers have seen honeybee colonies collapse at alarming rates.
Now, a team of Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists is looking inside the hive for answers. A new research effort is exploring how the reproductive health of honeybee queens and their mates – or drones – shape and strengthen the survival of colonies.
The AgriLife Research team will look at parasites, disease and environmental stressors like weather and chemicals which are putting growing pressure on the important pollinators supporting a significant share of the nation’s food supply.
Dr. Juliana Rangel, AgriLife Research entomologist and professor of apiculture in Texas A&M Universityʼs Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, leads the new five-year, U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded project named Sustainable Ways to Advance Reproductive Management in Honeybees
(SWARM).
The project brings together researchers across disciplines and continents to better understand how environmental stress affects the way queens and drones grow, mate and ultimately keep colonies healthy.
“This couldn’t have come at a timelier moment because of issues with high colony losses,” Rangel said. “If we can help improve the reproductive health of the queens that head these colonies, then we can help improve colony health, productivity and sustainability.”
Rangel is joined on the project by department colleague and Assistant Professor Dr. Erick Motta, an AgriLife Research scientist whose research focuses on microbial communities and their dynamic relationships across ecological and agricultural systems, and Dr. Nancy Ing, AgriLife Research scientist and professor in the Departments of Animal Science and Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, whose expertise includes genetics and reproductive biology. International collaboration
The project also includes collaborators in Northern Ireland and the Republic of
Recent facility closures highlight the effect low cattle inventories can pose for cattle producers
Recent announcements of facility closures from the beef packing industry highlight the continuing challenges low cattle inventories pose for the beef industry.
Adjustments in packing capacity occur slowly and are not just the result of current cattle inventories, but the cumulative effects over time.
The majority of beef packing capacity was built from the 1960s into the 1980s, when average cattle inventories were 20 to 30 million head larger than today.
Adjustments to packing infrastructure occur slowly and abruptly with different regional effects. The numbered boxes in Figure One correspond to major adjustments to fed packing capacity in the past 26 years.
In 2000, the ConAgra plant in Garden City, Kan. burned down. The plant was not rebuilt, causing an unplanned reduction.
In 2018, the Tyson plant in Emporia, Kan. was closed, and in 2013, the Cargill plant in Plainview, Texas was closed.
In 2026, the Tyson plant in Lexington, Neb. was closed and capacity at the Amarillo, Texas plant was reduced.
With both plant numbers and capacities fixed in the short run, Saturday slaughter is the principal source of flexibility for the packing industry to adjust to short-run changes in cattle numbers.
When cattle numbers are insufficient, the Saturday slaughter percentage decreases. The previous cyclical low in cattle inventories prompted generally low Saturday slaughter rates from 2009-15. The one-year bump in 2013 was likely the result of the plant closure that year.
Low Saturday slaughter rates
Low Saturday slaughter rates since 2023 show the effects of current low cattle inventories on the packing sector. The 2025 Saturday slaughter rate of 1.2 percent is the lowest in the past 30 years.
The recent plant closure and reduction by Tyson will provide some relief in 2026. With cattle inventories unlikely to grow much – if any – in the next couple of years, it is not clear whether additional packing sector adjustments will be needed.
Derrell Peel is a livestock marketing specialist with Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension. This article was originally published in the OSU Cow/Calf Corner newsletter on March 16.
Ireland, where scientists face other environmental challenges affecting bee reproduction.
Rangel and her team are partnering with Irish colleagues to identify reproductive characteristics in the Irish bee population which could help colonies in the U.S. remain more resilient under environmental stress.
A honeybee colony depends on one queen, which mates with 12 to 15 drones during brief, risky flights early in her life.
According to Rangel, the number of drones she mates with, the quality of their sperm and the viability of what she stores in her reproductive organ – known as a spermatheca – determine how long she can sustain the colony.
But, environmental pressures can disrupt this delicate process.
In Texas, Rangel said obstacles often include high pathogen levels in developing colonies, nutritional stress and pesticide residues
in the nectar and pollen bees forage.
The team will examine how each of these factors affects both queens and drones – from nuptial flight behavior to sperm count and viability.
In Ireland, honeybees face a different challenge. Queens have a very short mating season due to frequent rain, which limits the opportunity for mating flights. The short window and challenging conditions decrease the likelihood queens will travel far, often leading to inbreeding, which weakens colonies over time.
New tools and practical solutions
Beyond advancing scientific understanding, Rangel believes the project could provide practical applied science and tools for beekeepers.
One of the project’s most groundbreaking components is the search for molecular marker RNAs inside queenlaid eggs. These tiny biological signatures could allow beekeepers to assess queen
fertility without harming her.
A reliable queen fertility test would be a significant advancement for beekeepers, Rangel said.
This project also includes an outreach component.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists will develop beekeeper surveys, expand queen-rearing workshops and deliver new training in Texas and Ireland based on research findings.
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161 Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273 Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690 Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
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“The goal is to continue improving the reproductive health of queens and drones,” Rangel said. “Healthier queens mean healthier colonies, and this strengthens the pollination systems which our food supply depends on.” Adam Russell is a communications specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife. This article was originally published by AgriLifeToday on April 10.
PAINT
DUDLEY & MARILYN MACKEY, GILLETTE WY
38 RED-HFR 730 394.00 WT 2,877.75
STEVE OR TERESE S WUTHIER, BUFFALO WY 29 RED-STR 681 460.00
6
COTTER & BREANNA KINGHORN, BUFFALO WY 11 BLK-HFR 708 390.00 WT 2,761.90
GERRY J & MARIE G MILLER LIVI, BUFFALO WY
U
ANTELOPE
OHMSTEDE CATTLE LLC, BIG HORN WY
PAISLEE CLARE STEVENS, BUFFALO WY
1 BLK-COW 1415 180.00 WT 2,547.00
WILLIAM R. LONG FAMILY TRUST, BUFFALO WY
1 BLK-HFRTTE 960 303.00 WT 2,908.80
1 BLK-HFRTTE 1195 245.00 WT 2,927.75
CROSS H RANCH INC, BUFFALO WY
1 BLK-COW 1555 180.00 WT 2,799.00
JACK & CONNIE KAY FIEDOR, RANCHESTER WY
1 BLK-COW 1570 179.50 WT 2,818.15
GORDON RANCH LLC, KAYCEE WY
1 BLK-HFRTTE 1165 212.50 WT 2,475.62
1 BLK-HFR 935 310.00 WT 2,898.50
MICHAEL L & PAMELA SUE BROWNE, BUFFALO WY
1 BLK-COW 1615 177.00 WT 2,858.55
AUSTIN SNOOK, HULETT WY
1 BLK-HFRTTE 1000 294.50 WT 2,945.00
2 RED-HFR 1040 282.50 WT 2,938.00
1 BLK-HFRTTE 1190 249.00 WT 2,963.10
STEER INC., BISMARCK ND 1 BLK-HFRTTE 1005 293.00 WT 2,944.65
BRENT OR JEANNE BROOKS, SHERIDAN WY 1 BLK-COW 1395 185.00 WT 2,580.75
JOE PATTERSON FAMILY TRUST, DOUGLAS WY
1 RED-HFRTTE 1220 235.00 WT 2,867.00
7 RED-HFRTTE 1051 285.00 WT 2,994.53
BRIAN ARNDT, LEITER WY 1 BLK-COW 1525 184.50 WT 2,813.62
GEORGE P & JEAN C ETCHEMENDY, DOUGLAS WY 1 BLK-COW 1235 187.00 WT 2,309.45
VINCENT
buffalolivestockmarketing@outlook.com
believe Westerman’s proposal would significantly weaken protections for atrisk species.
A surprise delay
According to an April 22 Politico article, the House was scheduled to vote on the bill during the week of April 20. However, on April 22, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) pulled the bill from consideration without a public explanation.
Although Westerman previously told Politico the legislation had been delayed by more pressing measures, other sources report opposition from several Republican lawmakers played a key role in halting the vote this time around.
Among those voicing concern were Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Maria
The annual tractor and equipment safety training courses will be offered in Gering, Neb. and Gordon, Neb. in June. The events are hosted by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Medical Center College
Elvira Salazar (both R-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY).
The ESA Amendments Act
The ESA Amendments Act, proposed late in 2025, aims to make several changes to how species are listed and managed under federal law.
According to an opinion column penned by Westerman and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) in AgriPulse on Oct. 11, 2024, the legislation would implement measures to return power to state and local officials who they say “understand species habitat better than career bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.”
Other key provisions include requiring an economic impact analyses when determining whether
a species should be listed as endangered or threatened, limiting attorneys’ fees in ESA-related litigation, instilling greater transparency and accountability in recovery efforts and adjusting protections as species begin to recover.
The two argue, although it was created with good intentions, the ESA has largely drifted away from its original intent, citing a relatively small number of species which have actually been delisted due to recovery.
“In its 50 years, the ESA has only recovered around three percent of listed species. Only the federal government would consider this a success story,” Westerman and Newhouse write. “It is abundantly clear the ESA has failed in its intended mission of species recovery. The only area in which the law has
succeeded is as a mechanism for environmental activists to impede, delay and kill economic development across rural and Western America, while trampling on the rights of private landowners.”
A longstanding debate Others in support of the ESA Amendments Act agree changes would bring balance to the ESA’s “unpredictable and overly burdensome” system.
On an April 21 segment of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Newsline radio report, AFBF Senior Director of Government Affairs Shelby Hagenauer expresses support for ESA reform, especially provisions aimed at encouraging proactive conservation, such as the Conservation Benefit Agreements.
“If landowners agree to take certain actions
to benefit a species that could be listed in the future and it does get listed, the landowners are protected from additional restrictions,” Hagenauer says. “It also updates the way federal agencies like the Western water-providing Bureau of Reclamation consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service about potential impacts of activities on a listed species.”
Hagenauer further points to a need for consistency in how federal agencies implement the law.
“Unfortunately, it has not been substantially updated in decades, so the time is now,” she says. “In the absence of updates to the law by Congress, federal agencies are rewriting regulations every four or eight years, depending on the policy priorities of the
of Public Health, in partnership with Nebraska Extension.
“Tractors and agricultural equipment remain leading sources of serious injury and fatalities in farming, especially for young and beginning producers who are still gaining experience,” said
Course Instructor and UNL Associate Professor Dr. Aaron Yoder. “The 2026 Annual Tractor and Equipment Safety Course provides essential, handson training to help participants recognize hazards, develop safe operating habits and build confidence when working around pow-
erful machinery.”
Federal law restricts youth under the age of 16 from operating certain farm equipment unless the farm is owned by their parents or legal guardians. However, certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program
administration in power. This kind of back and forth is very uncertain for farmers and ranchers who rely on a stable regulatory environment.”
Those on the other side of the debate, however, believe the ESA has been highly effective, arguing the majority of listed species have avoided extinction.
They also warn Westerman’s proposal could delay protections for vulnerable species and weaken habitat designations, while some provisions in the bill would allow increased take of threatened species and limit the role of federal agencies in managing recovery efforts.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
provides an exemption, allowing 14- and 15-yearolds to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment.
The cost for the training is $60, which covers educational materials, online learning access –if applicable – supplies, lunch and snacks for inperson training sessions. Trainings will take place June 1-2 at the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, Neb. and June 3 at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds in Gordon, Neb. For more information or to register, visit unmc. edu/publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html
TUESDAY, MAY 5
TO
6 Cow, 1125# $243.00
2 Cow, 1122# $240.00
3 Cow, 1251# $235.00
Cow, 1165#
5 Cow, 1176# $211.00
TUESDAY, MAY 26
WEGH
Pam Chrisman- 100 Blk Ang & AngX Replacement Hfrs 800-850#. Bangs Vaccinated. Rec Vista Once SQ, Vision 8 w/ Somnus, & Multimin @ branding & weaning. Fancy, high elevation big heifers, vermillion influenced, ready to breed! Anderson Ranch- 65 Blk Ang Replacement Heifers 700-750#. Bangs vacc. Complete vacc spring & fall. Wormed & poured. Fancy!
Linden Cattle Co- 60 Blk Ang & AngX Spayed Hfrs 650#. Choice, High desert, spayed heifers!
Martin Ranch- 35 Blk Ang Replacement Heifers 700750#. Bangs vacc. Complete vacc spring & fall. Wormed & poured. Fancy!
John Chrisman- 30 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 750#. Bangs Vaccinated. Rec Vista Once SQ, Vision 8 w/ Somnus, & Multimin @ branding & weaning. Right off the replacements. One brand, one raising!
Colby & Amy Erickson- 20 Blk Ang Strs 600#. Rec 2 rounds of shots & poured this spring. One iron steers, ready for grass!
Fort Ridge Cattle- 1 Blk Ang Hfr. PAIRS
Ezra Miller- 15 Blk & Red Ang SS & ST Pairs. Good calves @ side!
Frank Fear Cattle- 12 Blk Ang mixed age pairs. Good calves @ side, tagged to match. High elevation. Nice, one brand, reputation cattle! WEIGHS
Fort Ridge Cattle- 1 weigh bull, 2 weigh cows, 2 open heiferettes
TUESDAY, MAY 12
TUESDAY, MAY 19
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
TUESDAY,