Continuing a time-honored community tradition, the 42nd annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days will take place Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 11-12, at the county fairgrounds in Riverton.
This year’s lineup covers topics ranging from livestock predation, virtual fencing and multi-species grazing to ag-friendly conservation easements, equine diseases, and weed management in alfalfa.
“Fremont County is a powerhouse when it comes to ag,” says Chance Marshall, Fremont County extension educator. “This is a time of year when people come together and the ag community is highlighted. It’s a social tradition as much as an educational event, and I feel lucky to be in a community that values that.”
The two-day event, hosted by the University of Wyoming Extension, features more than 20 presentations by local experts from the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, Fremont County Trappers, Wyoming Wool Growers Association, Fremont County Weed and Pest District, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming State Veterinarian’s office, and Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory as well as UW researchers and extension educators.
On both Wednesday and Thursday, sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:45 p.m. Free lunch, funded by sponsors and prepared by the Fremont County CattleWomen, will be provided at 1 p.m. A vendor trade show will open at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the event.
Wednesday morning will kick off with presentations on economic considerations for winter feeding, Russian olive management, and ranch record-keeping.
At 10 a.m., students from the Riverton FFA chapter will present their “Ag Issues” prepared speeches. In addition to allowing FFA members to practice public speaking, it’s a valuable opportunity for local producers to interact with the next generation, Marshall comments.
Subsequent sessions include updates on wolf and grizzly predation, conservation easements, PAP testing, and more.
At lunch, Colter Brown, director of the Northern Ag Network, will discuss current and future market outlooks.
Thursday’s schedule includes a session on virtual fencing led by Fremont County cattle producer Dave Morneau as well as presentations on agritourism, water management, and technological innovations in the sheep industry.
At lunch, Alexandra Brower, director of the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, and colleagues will discuss livestock disease diagnostics.
For attendees seeking to obtain or renew their private pesticide applicator licenses, a four-session program will be offered 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Thursday. Participants must bring a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, and attend all four sessions to apply for a private applicator license.
For a full program of events and sponsor list, visit wyoextension.org/fremontcounty. Educational sessions will be recorded and posted on the UW Extension YouTube channel following the event.
Contact UW Extension’s Lander office at (307) 332-2363 or Riverton office at (307) 857-3654 with questions.
