[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2660-S2661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today to honor the 150th 
anniversary of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. This organization 
is of incredible historical and influential importance for the State of 
Wyoming and agriculture everywhere.
  From Wednesday, June 8, to Saturday, June 11, 2022, the Wyoming Stock 
Growers Association will host their annual Wyoming Cattle Industry 
Convention. They will celebrate their 150th anniversary with a rodeo, 
banquet, and parade. They will meet in Cheyenne, WY, where they can 
trace their beginnings back to 1872. There, a group of five cattlemen 
met in a livery stable to organize a group to tackle the growing threat 
of stock rustlers. Their organization, then known as the Stock 
Association of Laramie County, was only the second State cattlemen 
association in the United States. Wyoming, however, was not yet a 
State.
  Over the years, members included mayors, State legislators, 
Governors, and congressmen. U.S. Senators Robert D. Carey, John B. 
Kendrick, and Cliff Hansen all served as presidents of the Wyoming 
Stock Growers Association. My colleague Senator Cynthia Lummis is an 
honorary life member.
  Every Wyoming student knows of the infamous 1889-1893 Johnson County 
War involving the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. It required 
intervention by U.S. cavalry troops sent by President Benjamin 
Harrison. The conflict has been recounted by numerous personalities 
ranging from rodeo champion and singer/songwriter Chris LeDoux to the 
fictional Rooster Cogburn.
  Today, you will find members promoting the beef industry through 
their Young Producers Assembly, Environmental Stewardship Program, 
Centennial Farm and Ranch Program, and the Endowment Trust.
  Local input is essential to the services provided by the Wyoming 
Stock Growers. On any given week, you will find a county cattlemen 
group meeting together to bring their issues and priorities to the 
State association. The Stock Growers' auxiliary, the Cow-Belles, are 
integral members of their communities and are fantastic promoters of 
Wyoming's beef industry.
  Regional education events bring valuable expertise to the raising of 
healthy cattle on healthy lands. Information is made widely available 
through their various publications. The association's staff does an 
incredible job of serving their membership through educating and 
promoting their trade to the public.
  The Wyoming Stock Growers of 2022 have a remarkable leadership team. 
Executive director Jim Magagna has lead the association since 1998 and 
is Wyoming beef's greatest advocate. He is joined by Olivia Sanchez and 
Susan Skinner in their office in Cheyenne.

[[Page S2661]]

The board of directors includes president David Kane, first vice 
president Jack Berger, regional vice presidents Kahla Mills, Dan Frank, 
Leif Hanson, Brad Mead, Darla Griffin, and Young Producers Assembly 
president Sage Askin. These steadfast individuals wear many hats in 
their communities and around Wyoming. Their dedication will ensure a 
robust cattle industry in the state and a strong organization to 
support them well into the future.
  The mission of the Wyoming Stock Growers is an important one to the 
character of the State. They advocate for the cattle industry and rural 
life. They develop policies to conserve and best manage the vast 
Wyoming landscape. They work with regulators at every facet of 
government. The Great Seal on every Wyoming flag and our State seal 
displays a rancher. This is the heritage of the stewards of the land 
who provide the Nation with quality products and food on their tables.
  Cattlemen and their families created towns and built economies around 
the industry starting when Wyoming was still a territory. The tenacity 
and principles of these hard-working people are embodied through our 
Code of the West, the University of Wyoming's ``Cowboys,'' and the work 
of the Wyoming Stock Growers. The theme of the Stock Growers centennial 
celebration in 1972 was ``Guardian of the Grasslands.'' They continue 
to serve and conserve their industry and values in an ever-changing 
environment.
  It is a great privilege to recognize this incredible organization and 
their dedication to the Wyoming's cattle and agriculture industry. 
Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations and deep gratitude to 
the Wyoming Stock Growers Association on their 150th anniversary 
celebration.

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