Passion and Purpose: Ivan Laird and Glenda Hlavnicka focus on flock quality while fostering strong community ties

In the heart of Fremont County, two babbling creeks carve out a quiet stretch of ground where Ivan Laird has been raising sheep for more than three decades. 

While his flock might not be the biggest in the state – one Ivan refers to as a “hobby flock” – it’s one he has shaped with passion and purpose, chasing a balance of quality and productivity, while supporting his local community and giving back to Wyoming’s sheep industry. 

A good balance

Ivan’s journey began in January 1992 when he purchased 10 head of bred commercial Rambouillet ewes from local Sheep Producer Jim Calvert who was getting out of the business due to predator concerns. 

“I started out crossing these ewes with Columbia rams borrowed from John Barber. At the time, John and his wife Margarie were well-known for having outstanding Columbia sheep. I used the Columbia rams for several years and built my herd up to about 30 head,” Ivan shares.

When this cross started throwing larger frame sizes than Ivan wanted, he transitioned to Rambouillet and Merino-Rambouillet cross rams about 10 years ago.

Today, Ivan and his significant other Glenda Hlavnicka run 50 head of Rambouillet-Merino cross ewes. 

“We were drawn to the breed due to wool quality and their moderate frame size,” Ivan explains. “My goal is produce two 100-pound lambs on a 180-pound ewe, with good wool quality of 20 microns and good staple length.” 

While fine fleeces are no doubt a priority, Ivan is quick to make note of the economic balance required in the sheep industry. 

“I continue to balance wool quality with pounds of lamb marketed. I can’t chase wool quality only when pounds of lamb pays the bills,” he states. 

To this end, Ivan says he will continue to evaluate genetics, and he plans to enroll in the National Sheep Improvement Program to better track his flock’s performance. 

His long-term goal is to build up a market for his ram lambs.

A quality flock

When it comes to current operations, Ivan says lambing occurs in March, and he markets lambs in late August. 

The flock is wintered on eight acres at the homeplace and summered on three leased pastures in the Lander Valley. To help with predator control, Ivan and Glenda utilize the help of their three llamas – enough for one in each summer grazing location.  

“The leased pastures are small – about 10 acres – and are grazed to control noxious weeds, leafy spurge specifically,” Ivan points out. 

Wethers are sold to Miller’s Feedlot in Worland, and ewe lambs that don’t make the cut as replacements are sold to a young producer who is just getting started in the sheep business. 

Additionally, the pair feed out some lambs for their growing customer base, and about three years ago, they started retaining a few ram lambs to put through the University of Wyoming’s (UW) White Face Ram Test.

“Surprisingly, they have been doing really well this year. We have the top-indexing ram of the test,” Ivan shares. 

He also notes his wool clip makes its way to UW as well, as he sells it to be used in the university’s various judging programs. 

A strong influence 

Although Ivan describes his flock as a “hobby operation,” his knowledge of and influence on the sheep and agricultural industries stretch throughout Fremont County and beyond. Presently, Ivan is finishing his third two-year term as the small flock representative for the Wyoming Wool Growers Association. 

He is also an active member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Fremont County Cattlemen’s Association, Fremont County Historical Society, Wyoming Historical Society and Lander Senior Center Advisory Board. 

Additionally, Ivan serves as the vice chair and sheep industry representative of the Fremont County Predatory Animal Board, ditch manager of the Cemetery Ditch Company, which he has been involved with since 1988 and president of the Fremont County ATV Association, which promotes ethical ATV and UTV riding.

Arguably most importantly, Ivan is a strong believer in supporting the next generation of ag. 

He has served two three-year terms on the Fremont County 4-H Council and five more as council treasurer. He is also a strong supporter of Lander Valley High School FFA and UW’s Lamb-A-Year program. 

“I have been involved in this program since it was started,” he notes. “The information I have received is a true measure of what I am producing, but the most important aspect of the program is giving students hands-on exposure to the sheep industry.”

A bright future ahead 

Although the sheep business comes with plenty of challenges – inconsistencies in the lamb market, lack of processing capacity and low wool prices, for instance – Ivan remains committed to bettering his flock and enjoying a “slower” lifestyle in ag.

“My operation really is a hobby for me,” he says. “I have worked many jobs in my career, so I haven’t needed my sheep to pay the big bills. As long as my sheep pay their feed expenses, the property taxes and maybe for a new gate, I am happy to continue.” 

Ivan has certainly found success with his flock, racking up accomplishments and praise, although he admits his proudest accomplishment has nothing to do with the sheep. 

“My greatest accomplishment has been to raise my four kids – Carrie, Jeramie, Rob and Jason,” he says. “They are all successful in their different life paths, and they all live in the Lander area. And I can’t forget about the grandkids – they are pretty neat too.”

Although the ag industry isn’t where Ivan has made his living, he expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to be involved. 

“Ag has given me a reason to slow down and look around at the grass and lambs growing into what we always hope for,” he says. “My favorite part about being involved in the ag industry are the people I have had the privilege of meeting, working with and being around. There are too many to name, but they know who they are.”

Ivan is also steadfast in his belief that the agriculture industry has a bright future ahead. 

“I strongly believe in our 4-H and FFA programs and the youth participating in them,” he states. “Our future is going to be in their hands, and I think we will be okay.”

He adds, “To the younger generation, my advice is to set goals and work to achieve them. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and direction. Put the electronics down and go to work.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.