Dry, windy, and sagebrush covered are often the scene on the federal lands in Wyoming. Whether situated in an infamous checkerboard pattern or a section or two here and there, these lands have stories to tell. Habitat for cattle, sheep, and many wildlife species allows for a patchwork of complex, intricate biological systems. To farmers and ranchers, it is intuitive to use the federal lands to produce food and fiber. Are many of these lands suitable for crop production? Not a chance. These vast expanses are an affordable way to graze domestic livestock and one of the only ways family Read Full Article
Growing a Climate for Tomorrow is the theme for National Ag Day. In Wyoming if you are thinking about agriculture, you are probably thinking about cattle and sheep. And for good reason. Wyoming farmers and ranchers sold over a billion dollars’ worth of livestock in 2020. Grazing livestock is an important part of our state and when you drive across Wyoming, you’ll recognize how wide open our spaces are. These expansive areas are ideal for cows and sheep to graze, which also keeps the land productive for tomorrow’s generations. Read Full Article
The importance of reading and agriculture are highlighted when we celebrate “Wyoming Agricultural Literacy Week” each year. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has issued an official proclamation declaring the week of March 6-11, 2023 as “Wyoming Agricultural Literacy Week.” While we recognize the value of reading and agriculture during this designated week it goes without saying that each of these are vital every day of the year. Read Full Article
“Being part of this grassroots organization is empowering because it gives us the knowledge to understand agricultural issues and adversities and gives us a tool to help drive policies which affect all farmers and ranchers,” said Kathy and Russ Austin of Albany County. “Attending the AFBF Convention in Puerto Rico allowed us to see the whole picture. We would love it if all members could experience this opportunity.” Read Full Article
Several years ago, there was a resolution which came through the policy development process advocating that a “truth in media” type of an agency should be established to police, or regulate, or do something with, the media. One of our members who does media work reached out to the Wyoming Press Association and let them know about this resolution and during the committee process both the member and the representative from the Press Association advocated for the defeat of the policy. Their efforts were successful in part because the cure in this case was worse than the disease. We all Read Full Article
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th Convention on January 10, 2023 adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2023. Key topics ranged from expanding risk management programs and improving dairy pricing transparency to battling hunger. Read Full Article
January 4, 2023–The administration’s December 30, 2022 announcement to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule with yet another Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, will create uncertainty and disruption in the management of natural resources, according to the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. “As farmers and ranchers, we share the goal of protecting the nation’s water,” said Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) President Todd Fornstrom. “Reverting to a rule that was unreasonable and unworkable is a threat to the nation’s water. The 2015 Rule made conservation more difficult and created huge liabilities for farmers and ranchers.” Read Full Article
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented December 30, 2022 on EPA’s issuance of yet another Waters of the United States Rule, which will replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Read Full Article
—Hosted by Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB)Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Committee for agriculturalists of all ages “Building our Future” is the theme for a Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Jan. 20-21, 2023 in Pinedale, Wyoming. Sessions will take place discussing the Cattle Market, Green River Drift, Inflation, Range Monitoring, Green River Basin, Beef and Bitcoin and much more over the two-day event. Read Full Article
The days are long, but the years are short – a good way to describe how things go in my life. It seems almost impossible to believe that another year is heading for the rear-view mirror and a new one will be upon us. I’m always proud of myself when during those first months of a new year I manage to put the date on my check and not have to write over it a couple of times to correct the year. So, what can we expect from 2023? Well, there are a lot of variables and trying to predict Read Full Article
