Code of the West: UW’s Ranching in the West series kicks off in Riverton
The University of Wyoming (UW) Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) Program’s Ranching in the West Seminar Series kicked off on Feb. 6 at Central Wyoming College’s Rustler Ag and Equine Complex in Riverton.
This UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources series includes three inspiring seminars held across the state, culminating in a transformative all-day symposium on ranching stewardship this April in Laramie.
The seminar series provides a platform for current and future agriculturalists to learn more about Wyoming’s agriculture industry and connect with one another and will feature a range of speakers.
According to UW RMAL Associate Director Randall Violett, “We want to create opportunities for existing ranch managers to come to town, network with our students and be part of the ranch management program. We’re trying to promote lifelong learning and give ranch managers a chance to stay up-to-date on what’s going on.”
Guest speaker
The first session, titled “We Can All Be Heroes in Our Own Lives,” was presented by James P. Owen, author and founder of the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership.
After a successful 35-year Wall Street career, Owen found new purpose in being an author, inspirational speaker and social entrepreneur.
His book, “Cowboy Ethics” is a bestseller with more than 150,000 copies in circulation, and his two follow-up volumes, “Cowboy Values” and “The Try,” shine a light on the importance of shared values and personal character in society.
Now, Owen is propelled by a new mission, showing older adults how to get and stay in shape.
His latest book, “Just Move! A New Approach to Fitness after 50,” was inspired by his personal journey of transformation.
Owen dedicated himself to becoming fit and overcoming his chronic back pain. Years later, he stands stronger than he was in his 20s, passionately inspiring others to embrace fitness as a way of life.
During his speaking engagements, he reminds audiences being in shape helps older adults stay mobile, active and independent, enabling a quality of life no amount of money can buy.
Cowboy Ethics
Upon its initial publication, “Cowboy Ethics” encouraged business leaders to adopt the Code of the West.
As corporate leaders embraced this approach, they found its straightforward, commonsense principles could effectively guide business leadership, often surpassing the effectiveness of numerous corporate mission statements, regulations and ethics manuals.
“Cowboys are heroic not just because they do a dangerous job, but because they stand for something. They are role models because they live by a code,” Owen said. “They show us what it means to stand for something and to strive every day to make our actions line up with our beliefs.”
Principles like honor, loyalty and courage lie at the heart of the “Cowboy Way,” and the Code of the West trilogy is based on ethics and values which inspired countless business leaders, educators, students and Owen himself.
This trilogy demonstrates heroic transformations are possible at any age, as Owen illustrated with his remarkable journey from being a couch potato to becoming a competitive athlete in his 80s.
He added, “In 2024, I made history at the California Senior Games by winning eight gold medals out of 10 fitness events in my age bracket.”
Through his books, documentaries and speaking engagements, Owen inspires others to embrace positive change and demonstrates how to become the heroes of the next generation.
Personal heroes
“Who are your heroes?” Owen asked the group of attendees. “Who has changed your life and how has it effected your journey?”
After sharing a short film about his life journey, Owen spoke of his father as his hero and beacon of inspiration.
“When you find a hero, a profound connection is forged, creating a deep and lasting relationship with the person,” he mentioned. “But it’s more than just a relationship – it’s a connection which inspires us to become our best selves.”
Reflecting on who is considered a hero and the invaluable lessons they’ve shared, fills individuals with gratitude for having known them, he explained.
Owen reiterated his father was an inspiring figure in his life and recalled, although he may not have been rich or famous, his modest nature and unshakable principles made a lasting impact.
He added, “His kindness exemplified the qualities of a true neighbor and friend that everyone aspires to be.”
Owen invited attendees to share their personal heroes, bringing the evening to a powerful close.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
