Registration Open for UW’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar Series

The University of Wyoming's fourth annual Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) Seminar Series begins Thursday, Feb. 6, at Central Wyoming College in Riverton.

The UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources will host three seminars throughout the state this spring, culminating in an all-day symposium about ranching stewardship in Laramie.

All sessions are open to students and members of the public. Each session is livestreamed and recorded via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person.

The seminar series highlights a variety of speakers, from hunting guides to managers of local conservation districts. It provides a venue for current and future agriculturalists to learn more about Wyoming's agriculture industry and connect with each other.

"We want to create opportunities for existing ranch managers to come to town, network with our students and be part of the ranch management program as well," says Randall Violett, RMAL associate director. "We're trying to promote lifelong learning and give ranch managers a chance to stay up to date and see what's going on."

The Feb. 6 seminar will take place from 5-7 p.m. at Central Wyoming College's Rustler Ag and Equine Complex, located at 1110 Day Drive in Riverton.

The session is titled "We Can All Be Heroes in Our Own Lives," presented by author James Owen. Owen is a former banker and stockbroker known for his book "Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West." He will lead a discussion about the qualities that make someone a hero and share his perspective on leadership, ethics and becoming a valued community member.

Community members can register for one or more RMAL sessions here. UW and community college students can register by emailing Violett at [email protected]. For community members and students not attending the program as part of a course, the cost is $25 per session or $75 for all four sessions.

Each session includes a meal for registered participants who attend the seminar in person.

Those who participate in the first 2025 seminar also may be interested in UW Extension's annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, which will take place in Riverton Wednesday, Feb. 5, through Thursday, Feb. 6.

To learn more about the RMAL seminar series, go here. Topics, dates and locations for the 2025 sessions are:

-- "We Can All Be Heroes in Our Own Lives," Central Wyoming College, Riverton, Feb. 6, 5-7 p.m.

-- "Continuing the Legacy: Energy, Innovation and the Future of Ranching," Evanston Roundhouse, Evanston, Thursday, Feb. 20, 5-7 p.m.

-- "Wyoming AgVentures: Exploring Agriculture, Agritourism and Ranch Life," Northwest College, Powell, Thursday, April 3, 5-7 p.m.

-- "Ranching Stewardship at High Elevation," Laramie Research and Extension Center, Laramie, Thursday, April 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The RMAL seminar series is part of the curriculum of UW's Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Bachelor of Science program, which launched in 2024.

For more information, email Violett at [email protected] or call (307) 766-4239.

About the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

UW's College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources serves students and communities through innovative scholarship, research and outreach. Guided by the land-grant principles of discovery and experiential learning, the college facilitates meaningful educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and community. The college offers degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, botany, ecosystem science and management, family and consumer sciences, molecular biology, plant sciences, veterinary sciences, and zoology and physiology. Also offered are degree programs in agricultural communications, microbiology, and ranch management and agricultural leadership. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag or call (307) 766-4133.