UW Extension to Host Fremont County’s Annual Farm and Ranch Days Feb. 5-6

In a tradition spanning more than four decades, Fremont County's 41st annual Farm and Ranch Days will take place Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 5-6, at the county fairgrounds in Riverton.

This year's event boasts more than 25 educational presentations on topics ranging from invasive weeds and wildfire recovery to federal grazing permits and conflict mediation.

"What sets Farm and Ranch Days apart is it has so many different sessions, so many different things going on at once," says Chance Marshall, Fremont County extension educator. "It's definitely an ingrained tradition here."

Sessions begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:45 p.m. A free lunch, funded by sponsors and prepared by the Fremont County CattleWomen, will be provided both days.

Speakers include experts from Fremont County Weed and Pest District, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Services of America, Wyoming Wool Growers Association and the Wyoming State Veterinarian's office, as well as UW Extension educators and local ranchers.

On Wednesday morning, several Riverton FFA members will present "Ag Issues Today." Other speakers will address topics such as Palmer amaranth in Wyoming; agricultural leases; agricultural marketing; calving; cattle backgrounding; alfalfa variety selection; federal grazing permits; and mental health. At lunch, James Nygren, from Farm Credit Services of America, will provide an update on legislative affairs.

Thursday's presentations cover risk management; agriculture lending and insurance; invasive weeds; wildfire recovery; new technologies in sheep production; local foods; conflict management; and animal disease traceability. At lunch, UW Extension specialist Rob Ziegler will discuss cattle and sheep market outlooks.

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. 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, visit www.wyoextension.org/fremontcounty/.

For more information, call UW Extension's Lander office at (307) 332-2363 or Riverton office at (307) 857-3654.

For participants interested in evening programming, the UW Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program will offer its first 2025 seminar from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in Riverton. The cost is $25 and dinner is provided.

For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal/ranching-in-the-west-seminar-series.html.

About University of Wyoming Extension

UW Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state's 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, Extension upholds the university's land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages. UW Extension staff help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses.

For more information, call (307) 766-5124 or visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe.