Head to Jackson

I know its dry, and the cold nights are not helping the grass grow, either, but life goes on and we’ll get moisture sometime. We’re all scratching our heads as we go from flooding last spring to this spring, where some can’t even find a puddle for the kids to play in. Well, that’s Wyoming, and we’ll still take it.  
    I always figured that, as livestock people or those involved in agriculture, we have to stay informed to keep on top of the issues, and there are always rumors that we hear at gatherings and brandings this time of the year. To hear the real story, one has hear it from those who make the decisions or are involved with the issues on a daily basis. True, you can stay home and read about it in the Roundup, but if you head to Jackson at the end of May you will not only come home well-informed, but you will also have had a good time celebrating Wyoming Stock Growers Association’s 140th birthday.  
    Late May is when the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show will take place at the Snow King Resort in Jackson on Wednesday, May 30 through Saturday, June 2. The theme of this year’s convention is “Fielding the Curve Ball: Regulation – Litigation – Misinformation.” The Wyoming Stock Growers staff and leadership have planned a convention full of timely information and evenings full of fun. You don’t have to be a member to attend, just get registered, show up and be involved.
    Besides the convention, there is also time to enjoy Jackson on Thursday afternoon, and that evening we are all invited to a reception and dinner at the Snake River Ranch near the Teton Village and Ski Area, at the home of Stock Growers members Bill Resor and his wife Story Clark. We really appreciate their hospitality, and I understand Bill will give us a talk on ranching in the valley that is probably like none other in Wyoming.
    Bill Resor has also donated tee times for four foursomes at the Shooting Star Golf Course at Teton Village on Wednesday afternoon. This golf course is rated world class by Forbes.com as one of 12 best private golf communities, and it most recently tied at number three for best Residential Course in 2012. Thanks to Bill, this is a great opportunity for you who are golfers, at only $100 per person, so be one of the first 16 people to call Stock Growers office for reservations.
    Walking through and visiting with those who are involved with the trade show at the convention is an education all its own, and one can learn and recognize what’s new out there to use. Besides all the committee meetings, there are numerous speakers on such issues as protecting landowner’s rights; the truth about beef, and I’m sure there is something about all the misinformation on “pink slime” in that talk; youth in agriculture; issues on public lands; the wolf; and CattleFax will have a report. Also invited are Wyoming’s Congressional members and their staffs and, if at all possible, they will be there to speak to and visit with you.  
    Remember, these conventions are for you, and you can’t get the good out of them by staying home if you do have the opportunity to go. Let’s all show up and have a rain dance, weather permitting.
    Dennis