After a few jam-packed days at the Wyoming Stock Growers Summer Convention, I returned to the office feeling a little like a show calf after its last class: exhausted and unsure where all my stuff ended up.
First order of business? Unpacking. I hauled what felt like a small Cabela’s store worth of supplies downstairs; signs, brochures, rogue Sharpies, and that one tangled extension cord we all pretend isn’t ours. I put everything back in its labeled home (or at least a drawer that looked like it needed a purpose).
Once the dust settled, I switched into photo-editor-mode and started sorting through all the convention pictures. Some of y’all are really good at pretending you’re not being photographed. Others? Well, let’s just say there’s no hiding from my camera when you’re deep in a hallway conversation holding two cups of coffee.
I also wrote the CowCountry recap article for our summer issue. From policy updates to producer conversations, there was a lot to pack into one article.
In true “me” fashion, I forgot to mention something important last post during the actual convention. I had the chance to speak on behalf of the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association and the livestock judging team. I had my whole mini-speech prepared, said my piece, and then promptly forgot to tell literally anyone that I did it. So here’s my retroactive humble brag.
Later in the week, I left again, this time for a youth judging camp our collegiate team helped put on. Nothing like keeping 30 kids engaged in market hog evaluation. But really, it was awesome. We got to coach some sharp young minds and maybe even inspired a few future livestock judges (or at least convinced them that reasons are sort of fun).
Stay tuned for more adventures in ag. I’ll be the one buried under photo files and sticky notes trying to remember where I put my to-do list. You don’t believe me do you.
Yes I knowwwwww, I’m finally making up for weeks of craziness hopefully through three blogs in a row.
Nothing gets a group of ranchers more excited than biosecurity and necropsy reports, and the tour of the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory certainly delivered. We saw high-tech tools, disease surveillance systems, and enough biological samples to make you want to double-check your herd’s vaccination records. The lab staff walked us through brucellosis studies and how they’re moving forward.
Beef Checkoff Breakdown: Marketing Isn’t Just Billboards Anymore
Later, I sat in on the Marketing Meeting, where they broke down where those $1-per-head contributions go from the Beef Checkoff! Spoiler: it’s not just TV commercials anymore. We’re talking digital campaigns, influencer outreach (yes, cowfluencers are real), nutrition research, and teaching urban consumers that ground beef is not just “burger meat.”
Panels, Policy & People-Watching
As always, the convention featured policy panels where passionate producers debated everything from land use to cattle markets and where someone inevitably brings up wolves (it’s tradition). But between sessions, the hallway conversations were just as good: lots of coffee, plenty of firm handshakes, and enough boot scuffing on hotel carpet to warrant a vacuum truck.
Banquet
At the evening banquet, there were speeches by Governor Mark Gordon and his First Lady. An endowment fund for another intern was started to honor Jim Magagna as well!
Final Thoughts
If you also left this year’s convention feeling inspired, informed, and maybe a little tired, you’re not alone. Whether you came to network, nerd out about veterinary science, or just wanted to see if anyone was selling alfalfa seed at a discount, this year’s event was another showing of what Wyoming ranching is all about: resilience, innovation, community, and humor that’s just a little bit dry.
Until next time! Keep your cattle healthy, your calves growing, and your caffeine addiction at bay.
When people picture ranching in Wyoming they usually think of wide-open pastures, plenty of cows, and maybe a little dust in the wind. What don’t they think about? An office intern with a Canva tab open, three half-done social media posts, and a very real fear of misspelling someone’s name in a graphic.
Hi, I’m that intern.
Since last Thursday, I, Rose Wendel of southeast North Dakota, have been working with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association prepping for 2025 Summer Convention. But how did I even get here? Let’s rewind.
Toward the end of my second year at the North Dakota State College of Science, an hour and a half from home, I found myself at my computer once again applying to the University of Wyoming. I had also done this my senior year of high school, but a college volleyball opportunity stepped into my way. I got to keep my student loan debt in check, stay close to home, and still wear a jersey on game day — even if our locker rooms doubled as storage closets. The real unexpected bonus? I met this baseball guy from northeast Montana with caveman-level facial hair. We were two farm kids turned junior college athletes who knew the value of hard work and appreciated each other. So, right before I packed up and hit the road south for Wyoming, he asked me to marry him. I left for a new chapter with a packed car and a shiny new ring. After harvest, he followed me to Laramie of course. But more on that another time.
My first year at the University of Wyoming was a blast! I joined the livestock judging team and club volleyball, which quickly took up most of my free time. Still, I made some great friends and got involved in the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association, and the end of the year, I was voted president.
Then one day, walking through the Animal Science Building in February, I noticed the flashy red advertisement for the WSGA Internship. It was a no brainer for me. Cows, article writing, event planning, and covered a requirement toward my bachelor’s.
I’m majoring in agricultural communications and minoring in music which is probably the most opposite combo you’ll find on campus. But I love that I get to balance ag work with choir rehearsals. It keeps life interesting and totally me.
There’s certainly more lore to drop, but it’ll come with time.
So, fast-forward to today and I’m in my office chair that makes my butt go numb by the end of the day. But this past week there’s definitely plenty to reflect on.
This week, I designed the flyer for the Environmental Stewardship Tour coming up on June 25, and I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. I also cranked out a bunch of table cards, room signs, and other print materials for our summer convention next week. I try to add a modern, young-person touch to my designs, and I think people appreciate the fresh look.
On top of that, I sent out the official stewardship invite and got to play around in Excel (nerdy, I know) organizing the RSVP spreadsheet and making sure everyone on the list got contacted. It felt good to have a handle on all the little details and to see it all coming together.
Also, shout-out to my boss Madeline! She’s the marketing and comms director and quite literally the best ever. Quick-witted, knows her stuff, and makes the office way more fun to be in. Plus, she brings her mini wiener dog–collie mix to work, who might actually be the office MVP.
I’m still figuring out this whole office thing, but it’s going surprisingly well. When I get enough work done, I reward myself with some squats, a walk around the building, or a trip to the post office with Madeline and Winnie. Because if you don’t get up and move, the chair will claim you.
One of the more interesting moments this week was writing out the big check (yes, like the oversized kind you see in photos) for this year’s Environmental Stewardship Award winners. They’re getting recognized at convention, which is awesome. Oh — and we took a trip to the Wyoming State Capitol the other day, where Jay Butler and his family got an official proclamation from the governor declaring 2025 Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Day. Just a short walk down the street but still felt like a big-deal moment.
Next week’s shaping up to be packed with early mornings, lots of moving parts, probably a few Bubblr-fueled scrambles, but I’m genuinely looking forward to it. There’s something cool about seeing hard work come together after weeks of planning. And if nothing else, I’ll definitely have stories.
If you see me sprinting through a convention center with a half-eaten granola bar and a handful of name badges, mind your business.
Be back soon, with more tales from the land of cattle and caffeine.
Hi there! My name is Madeline Holmes and I am the new Marketing and Communications Director for the Wyoming Stock Growers. I have a deep passion for the beef industry and have made it my goal to know it inside and out.
My “first” exposure to the beef industry was when I decided to make my entrance into the world. While mom was hauling calves her water broke but water on our ranch also broke. So, Mom waited while Dad went and fixed the water issue. Then they headed to the hospital while dad was scheduling loads of cattle and I came home in the blue, single cab, flatbed, ranch pickup. From that point forward horses, cattle, and cowboying were my whole world. I had an old gelding named Shorty who was my main mount. He was indeed very short and very slow, but he taught me the ropes (literally). I spent my youngest days causing chaos at Humboldt Auction Yard, where my mom worked. I would run around with the bummer calves, goats, sheep, and whatever else was back in the smaller pens. When I got hungry I would go into the cafe and get the most delectable hotdog, cut into little slices by Deb, and if I was lucky they would have macaroni salad to go with and a squirt with pebble ice. Later down the road the Auction Yard would become my first real job.
Branding calves on Shorty at the Scale House.
If I wasn’t at the Auction Yard or in school, I was working with my dad and our friends on our ranches and theirs. Days were spent fixing water and fences, building new corrals, putting out mineral, and checking cattle. The best days were those that were spent gathering and branding. These days were usually filled with friends, food, and good memories. These were the days I looked forward to most. The kids would take off on their horses through the hills and race their little hearts out. We would be back just in time to rope the little calves. Once we got a little bit older we could help on the ground, whether that was shots, ear tags, chalk, or any other small things. Afterward, we would go to the beach to play in the tide pools and the waves. Did I mention I was from the north coast of California? Where the fog is thick, the wind is harsh, and we push cattle up the beach. It’s truly an incredible place.
Cooking carne asada tacos for our group at Tom Horn Days.
Each ranch had a particular meal. We had carne asada tacos at ours, the Zanone’s typically had burgers or roasts, Toad and Charlie always had corned beef, cabbage, and green beans, while the Chamberlains had Ferndale Pizza, with lasagna. If you know me you know that I love to cook and bake. I truly believe that these big work days gave me that passion. Sharon always had her famous spinach dip and pasta salad at the ready and mom always had brownie-cookie bars and speculoos, a Dutch specialty from my family. My mom and Beppi (grandma) were always very inviting, so I was always in the kitchen, learning from the best. I was the designated cook in our Wilson stock trailer kitchen and camp when hunting season rolled around. I hope to have a crew of my own to cook for one day. It’s one of my biggest dreams. Until then, I’ll be sure to have everything mastered, so when that day comes, I am ready. That said, if you ever need someone to cook for your big work days, I am your girl. I’m known best for my carne asada tacos and cinnamon rolls.
I was heavily involved in all things Ag growing up. In 4-H I raised lambs, goats, and meat rabbits. In FFA I was a part of Dairy Cattle Judging, Job Interview, and my personal favorite, parliamentary procedure. I also raised dairy replacement heifers. You’re probably wondering: Why with such a strong background within the beef industry did she not raise beef cattle? Well, to be completely honest, show cattle were and still are very expensive and the feed bill is steep. Our calves wouldn’t have gotten me too far with showing, so I did dairy instead. Being from Humboldt County, there were lots of dairies and it was much more affordable to raise dairy replacement heifers. This led to me becoming the District 2 Dairy Princess and being a very strong advocate for the dairy industry. After all, dairy is a part of the beef industry. Don’t fret, I never lost my passion for the beef industry. I was a beef ambassador through the Humboldt County Cattlewomen’s.
Pictures in the cooler at 307 Meat Company.
I transferred to the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2021 as an agriculture communications and business major. I found some roommates on Facebook and we quickly became close friends. I went to many football games and began working at 307 Meat Company as an apprentice butcher. While many aspects of the job were challenging, I loved it. I became one of the faster cutters and made sure I got to know every primal, cut, and species. I also worked on the harvest floor and became quite comfortable with a portion of the process as well. I began to run the social media and do a little marketing. In the fall of 2022, I joined the UW Meat Judging team. With a rigorous class and practice schedule I couldn’t continue to work at 307.
2023 UW Meat Judging team at the National Western Stock Show.
I started meat judging and it was rough at first. I could not grasp the concept of yield grading and it took me a very long time to write out my reasons. But eventually, I caught up and became one of the top five team members pretty consistently. I began working in the UW Meat Lab and my entire personality was meat. From practice at five am multiple weekdays, Friday nights spent in JBS Greeley, and super Saturdays that started at five am, it was rigorous, but I loved it. Had McKensie Phillips not convinced me to join, I would have never experienced this. Meat judging was by far my best college memory. At our first contest, the National Western Stock Show, we met the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team. We were told that they select a team each year to come back to Australia in July to be a part of their ICMJ Conference. Once I heard that I knew we had to get to know them. I told the team we were going to Australia and a few of them said good luck and that it wouldn’t happen. We invited them to dinner at Cinzetti’s in Denver and got to know them all. I secured an internship on an Australian feedlot right then and there. The next day we went to the awards banquet and did exceptionally well. We called it the “The Comeback Tour” and we did just that. We put UW on the map. To our surprise, we were invited by the Australian team to come and be a part of their conference. From that day forward the planning began, passports were acquired, and plane tickets were purchased.
All of the meat judging teams from the Australian ICMJ conference.
I wasn’t supposed to graduate until December of 2023, but I managed to pull it off and walked on a Saturday in May after branding calves earlier that morning in Saratoga. I hadn’t heard anything about my visa and had no clue what I was going to do next. Lindsey Wamsley, the manager of the One Bar Eleven Ranch said they needed help and I moved back as summer help. My visa was approved and I left the States on July 1st. The meat judging team did some tours, saw some kangaroos, made lots of friends, ate lots of new food, saw kelpies push up sheep at a processing plant, experienced different cultures, unintentionally swam with a shark, saw the Sydney Opera House, went on many industry tours, checked out some pubs, and eventually, they went home and I stayed. I was picked up from the Brisbane International Airport by the Whyalla feedlots HR manager and headed to Texas, Queensland. I moved in my things and started the next day.
Steers lined up at the bunk.
I started in the induction shed, then to the vet crew where I saw some pretty gnarly abscesses and toe amputations, pen riding, dispatch, and my personal favorite, the feed crew. I loved driving the feed truck and being in the mill. If you were on the feed crew you also got to have air conditioning, which was not a luxury of most other sections I worked in. The worst job was by far cleaning troughs. Nobody was allowed to have their phones or else you would get fined heavily, which wasn’t a big deal unless you were on trough cleaning for a couple of days. Each pen had two troughs and there were a lot of pens. Trough cleaning was boring and dirty (especially if you stepped off the edge of the trough into the abyss). Having some music or podcasts would have greatly improved the ordeal. I had some good times and some not-so-good times at Whyalla. Overall, I was happy that I went to the feedlot. Whyalla is a 55,000-head feedlot, currently expanding to take on 75,000 head, and is owned by NH Foods in Japan.
Branding calves on the Chesterfield Station.
Thankfully, my good pal Lawton (a member of the ICMJ team that competed with us in Denver) worked it out so I could come up to Moranbah, Queensland to work with Signature on Farm and Angus Pastoral. It was a completely different experience at Signature than at Whyalla. I was immediately thrown into things at the abattoir (processing plant). I spent most of my time on the chuck and sirloin sides of the cutting tables and in loadout when I was in the abattoir. Loadout was my favorite part of being inside the abattoir because it was nice and cold and always hot outside. The best days were spent at the Kimberly and Chesterfield stations. I was not at all prepared for my first day on the station. We arrived early in the afternoon, and I only had one small water bottle. We were there until 7:45 in the evening and it was HOT. One was not enough. We processed calves, sorted, gathered, branded, and broke weaner calves. It was truly the experience of a lifetime and I hope to visit a few more times throughout my life. Eventually, it was my time to head home, so I packed my bags and came home.
Branding calves for the Condict’s.
I landed back in the US and headed back to the One Bar Eleven to finish up fall and begin the winter works. I learned how to feed and before I knew it, calving season was upon us. The heifers started calving, and everything was going smoothly until one waspy heifer didn’t care for me all that much and smashed me into a gate. Three screws, lots of stitches, physical therapy, and doctor trips later my hand is alright. Winter led into spring and it was everyone’s favorite time of the year: branding season. We branded our calves and neighbors and soon enough it was summertime. I fixed a lot of fences, got the cows and heifers bred, and started the haying. Then I saw that Stock Growers was hiring, I applied, interviewed, and was offered the job. So that’s how I ended up here. Feel free to reach out regarding convention details, membership, advertising, and whatever else you want to chat about. I am so incredibly happy to be a part of Stock Growers I cannot wait to see what this position has in store for me.
Hello again! Shelby Sinclair here and I’m excited to share the highlights from my seventh week as the 2024 WSGA Marketing and Communications Intern. This week has been a mix of productive tasks, collaborative efforts, and a refreshing holiday break. Let’s dive into the details!
Juggling Tasks and Refining Content
I continued assisting Jim with AGPAC letters to senators and Wyoming representatives. This task is crucial for keeping our legislative partners informed and endorsed. I also dedicated time to editing an article for the upcoming CowCountry Magazine, focusing on grammar, punctuation, and ensuring a smooth flow. To promote a new blog post, I designed a flyer using Canva for our social media channels, aiming to grab attention and drive engagement. Later in the day, I worked on the No Bull Sheet using InDesign, preparing it for distribution. It was a busy day balancing various tasks, but it was all part of gaining valuable experience here at WSGA.
Polishing Content and Organizing Media
I continued editing the CowCountry Magazine article, polishing the grammar and refining the overall flow. Additionally, I dedicated time to working on my own blog post about building partnerships, focusing on crafting compelling and insightful content. Later, I organized and uploaded all the photos for CowCountry Magazine onto our shared Google Drive. Ensuring that our media is well-organized and easily accessible is crucial for the smooth progression of our publication process.
Field Work and Remote Tasks
I worked from home and had a packed schedule. I went out to meet the King Ranch family again and captured photos of them moving cattle into their new forest permit land. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into their operations. I spent the rest of the day editing articles and had a productive phone call with my supervisor to catch up on everything and discuss ongoing projects.
I spent my morning chatting with Mark Eisele as he waited for his kids to gather the cattle from the forest permit to move to there second forest permit pasture!
Holiday Break
In celebration of Independence Day, I took a well-deserved break to enjoy the holiday. I went camping in Medicine Bow Forest by Albany, embracing the chance to relax and recharge. It was a wonderful escape into nature, allowing me to celebrate the Fourth of July in a serene and picturesque setting.
I spent the Fourth of July in Medicine Bow National Forest relaxing and unplugging for the holiday weekend!
A Day Off
The office was closed, giving me an additional day to unwind and enjoy my holiday break.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on this past week, I’m grateful for the blend of productive work and refreshing downtime. From editing articles and designing promotional materials to enjoying a camping trip in Medicine Bow Forest, this week has offered a mix of challenges and relaxation. I’m looking forward to diving back into my tasks and continuing to make a meaningful impact in the weeks ahead. Thank you for following along on my journey, and stay tuned for more updates!
Greetings, everyone! Shelby Sinclair here again, and I’m thrilled to share the highlights and reflections from my sixth week as the 2024 WSGA Marketing and Communications Intern. This past week has been filled with a lot of change and opportunities to meet new people in this industry!
Settling into the New Office Space and Enhancing Skills
On June 24th, I started by settling into a new office space, dedicating the morning to logging back into all necessary programs and systems. I then focused on honing my skills in using Adobe Suite, particularly Classic Lightroom, refining my ability to edit and enhance photographic content. This was crucial for the upcoming blog post scheduled for Tuesday, June 25th, where I aimed to communicate the latest developments and insights about my past week at WSGA.
I am really enjoying having two screens and a large desk to sit at! I think my dog Whinnie is just happy to have a place to nap all day!
I also revised and improved upon the week 3 blog post, ensuring it was clear and concise. Additionally, I initiated the creation of a new blog post centered around the topic of generational ranching, capturing the enduring traditions and innovations within the field. I plan to use this theme when I interview Kaycee Eisele during my tour of King Ranch. Throughout the day, I maintained contact with ranchers, following up on arrangements for upcoming ranch tours, fostering connections crucial for the CowCountry article. Furthermore, I worked on the E-Bulletin for the current week, ensuring everything Jim Magagna wrote was included.
Building Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
On June 25th, I crafted a blog post highlighting the importance of building partnerships between WSGA and WCCA, showcasing how collaboration enhances community initiatives. I also dedicated time to refining the E-bulletin, ensuring it effectively conveyed current updates and information to our audience. During the day, I had the opportunity to interview the panelists from the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show. I promptly compiled the interview responses and shared them with Olivia, contributing to our ongoing collaborative efforts. Additionally, I continued creating engaging content using Canva, focusing on visual elements that resonate with our audience and enhance our online presence.
Interviews and Further Development
On June 26th, I continued to develop a blog post about building partnerships between WSGA and WCCA, emphasizing how collaboration strengthens community efforts. I conducted an interview with Marie Lawson for an upcoming blog post, capturing her insights and perspectives on relevant topics. Throughout the day, I assisted Jim Magagna with various tasks and added more information to the e-bulletin that Jim had given me. As part of my internship class requirements, I diligently maintained my daily log, documenting the activities and skills acquired during my internship experience. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to interview Tyler Abbott about the panel discussion at the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Once I finished the interview, I compiled his quotes and key points and sent them to Olivia.
Mailing Letters and Photo Selection
On June 27th, I helped Jim mail letters to senators and representatives in the Wyoming government. I also sent out the E-bulletin via email to our subscribers. I spent some time revising a blog post to ensure it was just right. Additionally, I gathered photos for the upcoming CowCountry article, making sure we had a good selection to choose from. These tasks kept me busy and engaged, contributing to the various projects we’re working on here.
Preparing for the King Ranch Tour
On June 28th, I prepared for the King Ranch tour by writing down my questions in advance. I also made an outline for the article I’m working on and figured out all the camera settings so I’d be ready to snap good photos. The highlight of the day was visiting King Ranch with Kaycee Eisele and chatting with her and her family for the interview. It was a productive and insightful day, providing hands-on experience and learning from real ranchers.
Looking Ahead
As I wrap up another dynamic week at WSGA, I’m eagerly anticipating the challenges and opportunities that await in the weeks ahead. Each task I tackled this week—from refining articles and blog posts for CowCountry to mastering Adobe Lightroom for photo editing—has been instrumental in sharpening my skills and deepening my dedication to making a real impact in the livestock industry. Your continued support means a lot, and I’m excited to share more of my journey with you in the upcoming updates. Stay tuned for what’s next!
Greetings, everyone! Shelby Sinclair here again, and i’m excited to share the highlights and reflections from my fifth week as the 2024 WSGA Marketing and Communications Intern. This past week has been a whirlwind of productivity and learning, filled with diverse tasks that have furthered my skills and deepened my connection with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.
Reflecting on Remote Work and Proofreading
On June 17th, I worked remotely from Laramie, WY, dedicating the day to finalizing my articles for CowCountry. After proofreading them, I sent them off to Olivia for another round of proofing. I then turned my attention to my blog posts, reviewing and polishing them before sending them out for proofing as well. It was a meticulous process aimed at ensuring clarity and accuracy in my written work. In between, I made significant progress on the InDesign brochure for the Cattlemen’s Club, a task that finally boosted my confidence with the InDesign software. Once completed, I sent it over to Olivia for further review. Later, I dove into the CowCountry InDesign file and acquainted myself with their design setup so I would be prepared when we began placing articles and photos in the summer CowCountry Magazine. After I transitioned to WordPress, I spent time making my blog post visually enticing with pictures and uploads of my finished projects. I also utilized Canva’s theme options to craft blog flyers to post on WSGA’s social media. I concluded my day by starting to design the flier insert slip for the Cattlemen’s Club brochure, I made sure that I designed it to attract new members—an exciting addition to my portfolio of completed tasks.
Designing Inserts and Finalizing Projects
The following day, June 18th, was dedicated to further enhancing the Cattlemen’s Club brochure. I focused on finishing the design of the brochure insert slip to be able to seamlessly fit inside the brochure, ensuring it was both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. I then printed them on gray cardstock and cut them out. I prepared them for when the brochures were printed and ready to be fully assembled. With the brochure nearing completion, I sought approval from my supervisor and we promptly sent it to a local print shop for production. I then curated Instagram squares to complement my weekly blog, I aligned the visual content with the themes explored in my posts. Adding edited photos to enrich the narrative, I shared my first blog post on the Real Ranchers website, followed by posting my Canva square across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to maximize outreach. My last task of the day was to read through past issues of CowCountry, I marked relevant information for the Cattlemen’s Club website and read articles by previous WSGA interns, gaining insights into convention summaries.
Website Updates and Article Drafting
June 19th marked a day of website updates as I incorporated historical insights into the WSGA website, diligently navigating technical challenges to ensure accurate content presentation. Despite setbacks, including multiple page deletions, I persevered and successfully completed the updates, obtaining approval from my supervisor for publication. The remainder of the day was devoted to crafting a comprehensive summary article for CowCountry, detailing the highlights and significance of the 2024 Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show.
Brochure Distribution and Membership Management
On June 20th, I went on a brief stroll down the street from the WSGA office to pickup the freshly printed Cattlemen’s Club brochures and policy books. With the brochures prepped for membership inserts, I spent the morning adding inserts to each brochure, ensuring every piece was ready for distribution. Handing them over to Jim Magagna, the office manager, and Olivia for distribution and placing extras in the office’s front walkway. The remainder of the day was dedicated to managing WSGA membership mail, ensuring timely and efficient handling of organizational correspondence.
On the left is the new and improved brochure, on the right is the old brochure!
Rancher Outreach and Blog Reflection
June 21st I worked on my outreach to ranches identified by my supervisor, I initiated efforts to schedule interviews and arrange photography sessions for an upcoming CowCountry feature. This involved detailed communication to coordinate logistics and capture compelling visuals of their herds. Once I finished contacting ranches for ranch visits I shifted my energy and I drafted my week 3 blog post, reflecting on recent internship experiences and insights gained, providing readers with a firsthand account of my journey. Additionally, I expanded my skills by managing incoming calls during staff lunch breaks, gaining insights into operational dynamics and contributing to organizational efficiency.
I drew out my route when I first was assigned with the task if reaching out to WSGA members for ranch visits, who would be on my route to Star valley, WY. It was a good way for my to visualize my route and what roads I would be traveling! I will be making a big loop around the southwestern region of Wyoming, near the Idaho border.
Looking ahead
As I wrap up another dynamic week at WSGA, I’m eagerly anticipating the challenges and opportunities that await in the weeks ahead. Each task I tackled this week—from refining articles and blog posts for CowCountry to mastering InDesign for the Cattlemen’s Club brochure—has been instrumental in sharpening my skills and deepening my dedication to making a real impact in the livestock industry. Your continued support means a lot, and I’m excited to share more of my journey with you in the upcoming updates. Stay tuned for what’s next!
Hello again, Shelby Sinclair here, today I am shifting gears to a new topic. My experience with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association has provided valuable insight into how effectively this organization fosters connections within its community and statewide. Today, I’d like to discuss how they develop partnerships and advocate for the beef industry through various programs they either run or are associated with.
To begin, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association has forged a valuable partnership with the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association (WCCA), a registered student organization (RSO) at the University of Wyoming. Through this collaboration, WSGA extends complimentary memberships to every student involved in the club. When students pay their WCCA club dues, they are automatically enrolled in WSGA’s membership, with a portion of these dues going towards covering their WSGA membership costs. This alliance not only opens up opportunities for students in the agricultural community but also provides them with dual educational and informational benefits. By joining forces with the University of Wyoming, WSGA ensures that young minds receive insights and resources from all their programs and connections. This effectively enriches college students’ learning experience and helps foster a deeper understanding of the beef industry’s dynamics and challenges.
During the 2023-2024 school year, the Wyoming Colligate Cattle Association had 80 members in their club! 65 of those members were represented when they took their annual club photo!
In today’s world, it’s crucial for students to have access to diverse programs and information to effectively advocate for the industry. In addition to their partnership with WSGA, WCCA offers valuable leadership opportunities to students throughout their academic journey. The club holds annual volunteering opportunities, community on campus, employment opportunities and professional building opportunities. The club’s mission is to actively promote the beef industry at all their events and engagements. Additionally, WCCA facilitates connections between students and local ranchers/producers across Wyoming and Colorado. They organize visits to local ranches and feedlots, providing members with firsthand insights into operations and fostering meaningful connections that can benefit students as they approach graduation.
Marie Lawson the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association President shares her insights to why she believes this relationship with WSGA is essential for WCCA. “It’s important that WCCA partners with WSGA because they are leaders and outstanding examples for our members, especially to those who are expanding their knowledge or wanting to become more active in the cattle industry. WSGA has been our biggest supporter over the years, recently they received our supporter of the year award at our first Gala this last spring. Students have learned about current issues through their e-bulletin and No Bull Sheet information packets that they mail monthly.”
Jack Berger, WSGA President and Ty Espy, President of the Young Producers Assembly attended the 2024 Wyoming Colligate Cattle Associations first annual gala where they received the supporter of the year award.
“Many students were unaware of organizations like WSGA who advocate for the cattle industry at a community, state and national level. Having a joint membership allows these students to stay informed and give them the incentives to join organizations like this in their home state where they can advocate for their families ranch. With WSGA at our disposal we are able to give students leadership opportunities, travel to local ranches for tours, and invite special guest speakers to come to our meetings. WSGA helps us educate our current generation and future generations about the cattle industry. ”
I collaborate closely with Marie Lawson in my role as Vice President for WCCA. Her quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of our work together. Partnering with this organization enables many of our students to stay up-to-date with current trends in the cattle industry. Additionally, our members have the opportunity to attend multiple conventions, where we’ve been able to share insights about our club’s activities and future plans. WSGA also provides students at the University of Wyoming and universities around the states with education support opportunities as well through their scholarships and internships. Many students that are involved in WCCA have been honored to receive these scholarships or internships. This allows for more education for advocates in this industry, which our industry is in dire need of.
To conclude, the strategic partnership between the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing agricultural education and advocacy. Through shared memberships, educational opportunities, and community engagements, this alliance empowers students to deepen their understanding of the beef industry while fostering meaningful connections with industry professionals. By nurturing leadership skills and promoting industry awareness, WSGA and WCCA together play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will shape the future of Wyoming’s cattle industry. Their joint efforts not only strengthen educational pathways but also ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for ranchers, producers, and advocates alike.
Greetings, everyone! Shelby Sinclair here, eager to share the highlights and reflections from my fourth week as the 2024 WSGA Marketing and Communications Intern. This week has been a journey of growth, filled with valuable experiences that have expanded my skills and deepened my connection with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.
Unloading from Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show
I started my week off by unloading all our convention supplies from the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show back to WSGA headquarters. It was a bit of a workout, but I got everything down into storage. I made sure to organize things neatly, stacking boxes and sorting out what we’d need for our next event in July, the Environmental Stewardship Tour. This way, I figured I’d save myself and Olivia the hassle later on, now I won’t have to carry everything upstairs again when it’s time to prepare for the next event!
Diving into Designing the Environmental Stewardship invitation
After a well-deserved lunch break (because let’s face it, lifting boxes and going up and down flights of stairs several times builds up an appetite!), I dove headfirst into another design project: designing the Environmental Stewardship Tour invitation using InDesign. Now, if you’ve never used InDesign before, let me tell you—it’s both thrilling and frustrating at the same time. I was fueled with determination and a few YouTube tutorials, I navigated my way through the software. From selecting the right fonts to arranging graphics and tweaking layouts, every detail mattered. By the end of the day, I had a polished invitation ready to send off for printing. I made sure to have saved several different formats of the invasion. The first one being the paper version that needed to be half upside down so it could fold into a card invasion. The second one being the full upright version for emailing purposes. Finally was the media version which was just a cropped version of the original two!
Dynamic Visualization of the Cattlemen’s Club Brochure
I switched over to a new design project later in the week. I was tasked with revamping the old Cattlemen’s Club brochure in hopes of making it more modern and visually appealing to our audience. I had the old template and was trying to visualize how I wanted the new brochure to look like. I really struggled to find the direction I was wanting to take with the revamp design on InDesign, so I decided to switch to Canva which allowed me to have several different designs side by side to compare and contrast my ideas. Canva is very versatile with how many premade designs they have to help aid the brainstorming process. Once I made my design on Canva I was then able to work on how to implement that same design in my InDesign program. The following day I worked from home in Laramie, I was able to utilize a friend of mine who had worked for a newspaper a few years prior who is very well versed in InDesign. That way I was able to work on the InDesign file and ask him any questions along the way while I progressed!
Back in the Saddle: Crafting My CowCountry Piece
My last project for the week was to begin writing my article for the CowCountry magazine summer edition. The assignment was both thrilling and demanding, as I was tasked with providing a comprehensive review of the recent Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. This event, brought together ranchers, industry experts, and enthusiasts from across the region, showcasing the latest news and projects organizations within the cattle industry are working on. This convention also fosters invaluable networking opportunities. As I prepared to write, I reflected on the wealth of information and experiences I had gathered during the convention. My goal was to capture the essence of the event, from the insightful seminars and informative tradeshow to the spirited discussions and camaraderie among attendees. I aimed to deliver an engaging and informative piece that would not only inform readers about the highlights of the convention but also convey the vibrant atmosphere and the significance of this annual gathering for the cattle industry.
Looking ahead
As I wrap up my fourth week as the 2024 WSGA Marketing and Communications Intern, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and growth. From the physical effort of loading and unloading supplies at the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show to the creative challenges of designing invitations and brochures, this week has been a whirlwind of activity and learning. Each task, whether it was organizing, designing, or writing, contributed to honing my skills and deepening my connection with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. As I look ahead, I am excited for the upcoming events and projects, ready to tackle new challenges and continue contributing to this organization. Thank you for following along on my journey, and I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences in the weeks to come!
The excitement built as we geared up for the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Today we packed and finalized preparations before we left for Douglas, ensuring everything is ready to go. My morning began with scheduling Facebook and Instagram posts—thanks to technology, I won’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. just to update our social media! It’s incredible how much I continue to learn about these platforms, even though I’ve grown up with them.
After scheduling the posts, I took a pleasant walk in the warm sunshine to pick up the printed brochures from the local print shop. There’s something immensely satisfying about seeing your hard work in physical form on glossy paper. The afternoon was dedicated to working with the legendary Jim Magana on assembling name badges for pre-registered attendees. We were a well-oiled machine, placing names into plastic sleeves with clips, adding drink tickets, and organizing everything alphabetically. Jim’s memory is astounding—he knows every past and present president and officer of the organization by heart!
To wrap up the day, I created a sleek online script schedule for digital access by members, ensuring no one misses out if they lose their physical program.
June 4, 2024
I started my day with loading up my pickup truck with coolers, soda, and water for the convention. After ensuring all our equipment was packed and ready, we set off for Douglas, Wyoming. The two-hour drive was filled with podcasts and country music. To my amusement, despite leaving earlier, Jim Magana had already arrived at the fairgrounds by the time I got there!
We spent the afternoon touring the fairgrounds, setting up the registration booth, and ensuring everything was ready for the event. I also did a lunch run for the office staff and the owners of Bootique, who were setting up their jewelry booth. Olivia and I organized the trade show and prepared for the dinner sponsored by MultiMin. The evening was perfect—a steak dinner under the setting sun, chatting with my boss and coworkers.
June 5, 2024
Today marked the first day of the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show. I arrived at 8 a.m., ready for a full day. The schedule included the Wyoming CattleWomen Business meeting, Young Producers Assembly, Wyoming Pioneer Museum Tour, and the Opening Reception. My morning was spent setting up signs and directing attendees to the correct meeting rooms. A lunch run in the sunny weather was a nice break.
The self-guided museum tour was a highlight, showcasing Wyoming’s rich history. The day ended with the Opening Reception, where I mingled and took candid photos for social media.
June 6, 2024
Day two of the convention was the busiest. I arrived at 6:30 a.m. for the roundup breakfast, which was delicious. The opening session began at 8 a.m. with a series of speeches and reports. I captured photos of the speakers and edited them for social media updates.
The day included keynote speaker Karen Budd-Falen, the Beef Checkoff in Wyoming speech, and various committee meetings. A memorable moment was discovering that I was roommates with a board member’s granddaughter. The afternoon was spent networking at the trade show, which provided valuable insights and connections for my future career. I spoke to the Fence Post/ Tri State livestock News and the NCBA rep as well as Dennis Sun from the Wyoming livestock roundup. All of their representatives were so welcoming and gave me some great advice.
Lunch featured Reg Phillips, presiding over a session honoring the 25 year Charter members of the Cattlemen’s club. Once the lunch was over, I took some more pictures as the group got together as well as some more photos for some of the officers who are running for higher up positions and needed some new cover photos. It was nice to be recognized for my photography skills during this convention, it helped boost my confidence for my photography business.
The evening’s Social Banquet included the First lady of Wyoming speaking about her Hunger Initiative project as well as the Governor of Wyoming Mark Gordon who gave an inspiring speech to all the producers, followed by a delicious prime rib dinner. I took pictures of all the award recipients from the first lady and of the Governor and rounded out the evening in my hotel room editing photos to post on social media!
June 7, 2024
On the final day of the convention, I was up early for the prayer breakfast. Olivia had kindly set up the centerpieces beforehand, so I was able to enjoy my pancakes during the prayer breakfast. The General Session featured an update from NCBA President Mark Eisele, and a panel discussion led by Jim Magana. Jim actually utilized the photo I used for the script covers for the WSGA staff and officers to tie together his theme of Rancher/Agency partnerships. I helped him get the photo pulled up on the projector screen so he could walk the panelists and the attendees of the purpose of this discussion, which was really cool to see my ideas flourish into others!
The Award Luncheon was a grand finale, with speeches from Senator Cynthia Lummis and Senator John Barrasso. I took photos of award recipients, including Hansen Scholarship winners, Range Professional award winner, Guardian of the Grasslands award winner and Environmental Stewardship winner! The day ended with the WSGA business meeting, after which I packed up all the materials and headed back to Laramie.
Reflecting on these past days, it’s clear that the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of a community dedicated to the cattle industry. The experiences and connections made will stay with me as I continue my journey in this field.
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