The Best Information

By Dennis Sun

As those involved in agriculture go about their daily lives, they find they have a lot in common with each other. Being independent, we may not want to hear this, but that’s reality. I do feel the one thing we all have in common is the need for information.

The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Roundup Convention & Trade Show will be an excellent way to get the best information. It is in Casper at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center. One can either attend or register for the new virtual option where you can watch the convention on your computer, iPhone or tablet.

Glancing through the agenda, it is filled with speakers from around the nation giving out the best information. It starts on Monday, Dec. 7th at 10 a.m. with the first sessions of the Progressive Rancher Forum hosted by the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension. The topics include 2020 Winter Feeding Issues: Limited Feed Resources, Cow Body Conditions, Characteristics of a Successful Direct Marketing Business and Ranch Financials & Budgeting: What Tools are Available. The second session at 10:45 a.m. is Nutritional Management of the Ewe During Winter Months, Heifer Development and Risk Management 2021.

The third session, right after lunch and the Make it With Wool Program, is at 2 p.m. with Grazing Management for Producers Affected by Fire, Tips & Techniques to Successfully Marketing Calves and Ranch Toddler Safety Training. The Wyoming Wool Growers will take up the rest of the afternoon with meetings, followed by a reception for all attendees.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9th, the opening session starts at 8 a.m. with the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Joshua Specht, Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame, speaking on his book, Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table history of How Beef Changed America. Ashley Harpstreith, Executive Director of Wyoming Taxpayer’s Association will follow at 9:15 a.m..

Committee meetings will follow at 10 a.m. The luncheon speaker will be the new President of the University of Wyoming, Dr. Ed Seidel. After lunch at 2 p.m. the Wyoming CattleWomen will meet at 2 p.m. followed by more committee meetings. At the 6 p.m. banquet, Wyoming’s newest Senator-elect Cynthia Lummis will speak.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9th, there is a legislative breakfast at 7 a.m. followed by the general session with the Keynote Speaker, Ray Archuleta, a certified professional soil scientist, water quality specialist and conservation agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service talking on Restoring Ecological and Economic Health of the Ranch by Mimicking Nature’s Intelligent Design. Doug Stark from the UW Foundation Board will then speak on the new UW Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Center. Tanner Beymer, manager of government affairs for Public Lands Council, will speak on Finished Cattle Price Discovery Triggers. Then John Robitaille, president of Encore Green Wyoming will speak on a new take on soil health-carbon asset network. Scott Williams from Swan Land Company will talk on getting the most out of your land. Gov. Mark Gordon will be the awards luncheon speaker if he can attend. The Wyoming Congressional Delegation will speak following lunch. The WSGA Business Meeting will follow.

This is three days of the best information you can get and is well worth the trip to Casper or viewing at home on your computer and you will get to visit with some old and new friends.