Jim Magagna Chosen as Recipient of the 2024 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award
July 17, 2024
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is pleased to announce that Jim Magagna, Executive Vice President of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, has been selected to receive the 2024 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award. Jim's efforts in advocating for the conservation of Wyoming's farms and ranches reflect our organization's mission. His nomination, submitted by Doug Miyamoto, Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Brian Nesvik, Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Kelly Crane, Interim Dean for the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming, exemplifies his impact.
The Bucholz Conservation Award, a highly esteemed recognition, is a testament to the legacy of the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz, DVM. Dr. Bucholz, a rancher from Carbon County, was an early supporter of the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust. The award is bestowed upon individuals who, like Dr. Bucholz, embody the agricultural stewardship values and conservation ethics that are the foundation of our work.
"Throughout his career, Jim has demonstrated unwavering advocacy for the conservation of Wyoming's working landscapes and the families who steward these critical resources,” said Kelly Crane.
Jim Magagna, in addition to his current role as the Executive Vice President for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (Association), has had a notable career in the agricultural industry. His career is marked by significant contributions, including previous roles as President of the National Public Lands Council, American Sheep Industry Association President, and Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments Director. He also serves as a representative for the Association's Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Jim has represented Wyoming agriculture on numerous local, state, and national advisory boards.
Jim reflects, “the establishment of the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust was one of my most important accomplishments in my time with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. I am particularly proud every time I see the work of the Land Trust has kept another working family farm or ranch operating in Wyoming.”
Jim's leadership in addressing water quality concerns has proven his ability to be a defender of Wyoming's agricultural resources. Jim has worked to preserve Wyoming's water laws to protect the Doctrine of Prior Appropriations. With the Association, Jim leads education and outreach efforts on crucial water policies such as the Waters of the United States, regulations regarding Animal Feeding Operations, and Confined Animal Feeding Operations. Jim participates in natural resource discussions and advocates for agriculture with state, national and international policymakers.
"Jim deserves every honor offered by the agricultural sector of Wyoming for the work that he has done. It has been an honor to work alongside such a capable advocate and I am grateful for the monumental things he has done,” said Doug Miyamoto
Jim is actively involved in discussions about environmental challenges like elk damage on private lands and its impact on other resources. He also promotes policies that safeguard ranchers and wildlife, recognizing their importance for a sustainable future. Jim's commitment to the Rangeland Health Assessment Program demonstrates his dedication to finding solutions for improved land management decisions.
“I want to express my appreciation to Doug, Kelly and Brian for nominating me for this award and to Laura Bucholz who has done so much to support the work of the Land Trust,” Jim acknowledged.
In recognition of Jim Magagna's dedication to conserving Wyoming's agricultural lands, he will be presented with a bronze statue sculpted by the late Jerry Palen during the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust's 2024 Annual Roundup Fundraiser and Barbecue at the Patchwork Partners Ranch and McPhee Ranch near Buffalo, WY on August 24th. Tickets for the barbecue can be purchased by visiting wsglt.org/all_events, emailing sarah@wsglt.org, or by calling (307) 772-8751.
Source: Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust
