Long-time University of Wyoming Extension educator Barton Stam was recently named a statewide rangeland management specialist.
After years of relying on a single state range specialist, UW Extension has reinstated a second statewide position to complement a campus-based specialist role.
Stam, who has served as an agriculture and natural resources educator in Hot Springs County since 2004, will fill the position serving western Wyoming.
In addition to his role as state specialist, Stam will continue to serve as program leader for UW Extension’s agriculture and natural resources team.
“It’s an absolute win for the University of Wyoming Extension and the people across the state of Wyoming,” says Derek Scasta, interim director of UW Extension. “We also appreciate the continued support for Extension in Hot Springs County and plan to re-fill the extension educator position there.”
During his multi-decade career in Hot Springs County, Stam has become a trusted resource for Wyoming ranchers seeking research-based strategies for sustainable rangeland management.
“I really enjoy the science and art of working in rangeland resources and issues,” Stam says. “It’s not just about range or plants or forage—I enjoy working with people and being able to help them work through issues and succeed on their operations.”
Stam is a go-to for producers navigating challenges related to public grazing permits, wildfire recovery, predator management, and other complex issues.
“Barton merges deep knowledge of the issue—including ecology and policy—with the ability to meet people where they are and navigate interpersonal relationships,” Scasta comments.
Stam is known for building relationships not just with local ranchers, but also with partners at federal and state agencies and industry organizations like the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.
“Having those long-standing trusted relationships and good networks around the state has really helped me be successful and it’s something I really enjoy,” he says.
Out in the field, Stam has worked with public and private partners to implement targeted grazing strategies that benefit both wildlife and livestock, including a project in northwest Wyoming that uses carefully managed cattle grazing to improve winter elk habitat.
When the Red Canyon Fire tore through Hot Springs County in 2025, Stam helped coordinate hay donations and has continued to assist with post-fire recovery efforts.
He has also helped organize educational opportunities for the next generation of Wyoming farmers and ranchers.
In 2021, Stam co-founded Wyoming Ranch Camp, an annual program for current and aspiring farmers and ranchers ages 18 and up. It’s an unprecedented opportunity for young folks to get a look “behind the curtain” at some highly successful and leading ranches in Wyoming, Scasta notes.
Stam received the Jim DeBree Excellence in Extension Award, UW Extension’s highest honor, in 2025.
Prior to accepting his county educator position in Hot Springs County, Stam earned a bachelor’s degree in rangeland management and master’s in range science, both from Utah State University.
He can be contacted at BrStam@uwyo.edu.
