Wyo Livestock Board appoints True as new director

Cheyenne – On Feb. 24, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) announced their appointment of Steve True as the new director of the agency. True will assume the duties of director on March 9. 

“Steve has a great deal of work experience in Wyoming’s livestock industry,” says WLSB President Joe Thomas. “Steve is familiar with the responsibilities and requirements of the agency as he has worked in the private livestock industry sector for years in this state.” 

“I’m extremely honored and excited that the WLSB saw fit to appoint me as the new director,” True comments. “I’m really looking forward to working with the Board and professional staff at the WLSB.”

History of cattle

True was born and raised outside of Cheyenne on a cow/calf and stocker operation. 

“I’ve been in the cattle business my whole life,” he comments.

True notes that agriculture has been his way of life since he was very young. His passion for the industry has continued throughout his life, and after graduating from Cheyenne East High School, he ventured over the mountain to the University of Wyoming in Laramie for two years. 

“I knew that I wanted to go back into ranching, so I stepped away from UW and got a ranching job,” he says. “I started my career on the business-end of agriculture as an individual then. I stepped out from under the umbrella of our family business and went out on my own.”

True has lived and worked throughout the West ever since, including time in California and Colorado.

Along with working on ranches and in feedyards, True also served as a Wyoming brand inspector for five years early in his career.

“I’ve been out on the ground, and I understand what brand inspectors deal with,” he says.

Most recently, True has served as the cattle manager for Dinklage Feedyards in Torrington. In that position, he is responsible for all cattle operations, including animal health requirements, processing, shipping, receiving and administrative control. 

He has also worked as the feedyard manager for Panhandle Feeders. 

“I’ve spent the last 25 years in the feedlot business,” he explains. “The bulk of that time has been in management at one level or another. I have a lifetime of dealing with and being aware of the issues that confront our industry and our producers.”

Moving to WLSB

After spending the last 25 years in the feedlot business, True says, “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity with the WLSB.”

He notes that over time, he has enjoyed working in the ag industry and is increasingly intrigued with interacting with the public. 

“As time has continued and the industry has grown and evolved, I’ve become more interested in how we interact with the public at-large and how our producers provide so many essential items for the world,” True says.

Lofty goals

With experience in working with a diverse group of individuals, True hopes to bring his skill set to the WLSB to work toward the common goal of protecting the Wyoming livestock industry. 

“My experience in management in the feedyard industry has prepared me to be able to deal with change on a daily basis and to work with staff members on the changes that we face,” he comments. “I believe my experience will help us to work with producers in the livestock industry, as well as the state, to address the issues that we will meet head-on.”

“Steve’s perspective and working knowledge will help the WLSB better serve its customers, and we appreciate his willingness to serve as our director,” Thomas adds.

In stepping into the position of director, True says, “I hope to continue the work that the Board has done and follow the leadership of the Board to address the issues that we face as an industry and as an agency.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.