ranching

Colorado officials say that three wolves recently shot and killed in Wyoming may be a part of the North Park wolf pack. The pack made headlines last winter after giving birth to Colorado’s first known litter of pups in 80 years.

Wyoming’s many family owned ranches and farms do not always have an easy go of it and it is not always profitable. But a few are starting to look to “agri-tourism” as inspiration for some supplemental income.

A study out of Utah State University tapped the expertise of ranchers to see which barriers work and which don’t. Depending on the location, growing season and habitat, certain materials and layouts could be cheaper and more effective than alternatives. In some cases, electric or barbed wire might work, while in others, mesh or wood is sufficient.

The cost of goods has increased in America by about nine percent over the last year, which is the largest increase in 40 years. It has affected the price of everything, including groceries, gas, clothes and hay, an essential good for livestock in our region.

It's very important when you introduce a new technology, to make sure early adopters don't fail. And I want virtual fencing to work.

Across the country inflation rates are at all time highs, which are affecting many industries. Here in Wyoming, ranchers and farmers are also feeling the costs.The current average price of diesel in Wyoming is $5.69, which is more than a $2 increase since this time last year. With the haying season approaching, ranchers need diesel to fuel their equipment. They also need it to go out and check and move cows.

A federal bill is proposing to change how cattle are sold to meatpackers, and although some Wyoming ranchers say the system is currently broken, they are skeptical that the bill could change the process.

Applications to drill eight high capacity water wells in Laramie County continue to move forward, even though, last fall, a control area advisory board recommended they be rejected. Since then, the case's hearing examiner submitted an 85-page proposed order to the state engineer recommending the water wells be approved.

A Wyoming court case involving public land access may soon head to federal court. Landowners there want damages from four Missouri men who went over a corner where four pieces of land meet: two private, two public. They didn’t touch the private land, but landowners argue they still went over it and, therefore, trespassed.

Across the West, women are changing the ways land and livestock are managed. Ashley Ahearn saddled up for the Mountain West News Bureau to chronicle their big dreams – and daily challenges. This is the third story of a three-part series.