Winter Roundup: Wyoming Stock Growers Association hosts annual gathering in Casper
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) held their annual Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper Dec. 8-10.
Themed “Enabling Technology in Ranching,” the event brought together cattle producers and industry leaders from across the Cowboy State for three days of education and connection.
The convention was well attended by longtime WSGA members and newer faces alike, according to WSGA President Reg Phillips, who was grateful for “good weather and good cattle markets” in addition to a successful convention.
“This was an excellent convention with a lot of great people,” said Phillips. “We covered a lot of important issues and had a great turnout.”
“We had a lot of younger producers present, which is what we really want to see,” Phillips continued. “We need involvement from the next generation – they are the ones who can keep the open space, protect wildlife and raise the next generation of Wyoming people.”
Day one
The convention kicked off with a series of progressive rancher forums providing insight on an array of ag-related topics.
The morning lineup featured presentations on ranch water rights from Senior Assistant Attorney General Chris Brown; beef nutrition from Purina Animal Nutritionist Elizabeth Backes-Belew; herd disease concerns from Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Rose Digianantonio and leadership in the ag industry from Doug Stark, interim director of the University of Wyoming (UW) Ranch Management and Ag Leadership Program.
The Wyoming State Make It With Wool (MIWW) Contest and Luncheon hosted guests for a meal of lamb provided by the Lamb Guys of Douglas, and a fashion show and awards ceremony featuring three talented MIWW competitors.
Following the luncheon, the progressive rancher forums picked back up featuring presentations on livestock risk protection from Land O’ Lakes Livestock Services Business Unit Manager Matt Ramsey; balancing beef genetics from UW Assistant Professor Hannah Hollinger; managing ranch revenue from UW Senior Extension Educator John Hewlett and wildfire relief, recovery and response by Clear Creek Conservation District Manager Zach Byram and UW Assistant Research Scientist Jaycie Arndt.
The afternoon continued with the Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary and concluded with a reception held at the Branding Iron Bar.
Day two
A jam-packed second day kicked off with comments from two knowledgeable speakers during the opening general session.
First, Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Government Affairs Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover gave an update on natural resource issues in Wyoming and across the nation.
Glover’s comments were optimistic about the level of involvement from groups like WSGA in maintaining rangeland health and reflected a growing international attitude of appreciation for natural resources.
Next, Conner Nicklas, an associate attorney at Falen Law Offices LLC in Cheyenne, spoke on strategies for successful negotiation with energy developers.
The morning continued with committee meetings focusing on private and state lands, ag education, wildlife and ag finance followed by a luncheon.
During the luncheon, the lifetime and achievements of late Sen. John Hines (R-S23) were honored with comments from several members of the WSGA board.
After more committee meetings on livestock health, federal lands, water and labor and meetings of the WSGA board, Wyoming CattleWomen and WSGA Young Producer’s Assembly, attendees reconvened for the highly-anticipated annual WSGA Reception and Banquet.
Special guests Gov. Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon were present for the evening’s events.
Both thanked the crowd for their contributions to ag and preserving the spirit of the Cowboy State, and Gordon spoke about the upcoming legislative session and ag-related work happening in his office, including attention to the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative.
A silent and live auction featuring items donated by WSGA members and partners raised over $50,000 for WSGA – a record number for the annual event.
Day three
The final day featured a panel on bringing technology to the ranch, moderated by Working Ranch Radio Show Host Justin Mills.
Panelists included Sarah Ryan of 701X Smart Tags, Erin Melton of Halter virtual fencing, Damon Printz of Tank Toad water monitoring and Justin Hossfeld of Envu.
Following the panel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Dr. Derrell Peel gave an update on current market conditions and his predictions for what to expect in the coming months.
An awards luncheon hosted by WSGA in partnership with the Wyoming Livestock Board, Wyoming Board of Agriculture and Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) honored recipients of the WGFD Access Recognition Program awards and two exceptional law enforcement officers for their efforts in serving Wyoming producers.
The convention adjourned in the afternoon following a meeting of the WSGA board.
Keep an eye out for more from the WSGA Winter Roundup in future editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
