Livestock Industry

At least 50 cattle across three herds died from anthrax in the Elk Mountain area this summer. It’s the first outbreak in Wyoming in at least 50 years. A lawmaker said the state’s lack of “follow-up” in the aftermath prompted him to take action.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) officials met with residents in the western part of the state last week, looking to answer questions and hear feedback on the new draft elk feedground management plan.

Winter lasted well through April this year in western Wyoming, and it made it difficult for ranchers during calving season. For example, baby calves were literally freezing to the ground, and the high snowpack made it hard for people to move around through their herds.

Agriculture departments from several states in the Mountain West are asking the federal government to consider relief programs for livestock producers hit hard by the weather this winter.

Western Watersheds Project Wyoming Director Jon Ratner has made quite a stir over the last few years, monitoring stream quality in areas where cattle…