Wyoming Stock Growers Highlight Public Lands Wins, Policy Priorities at Annual Convention
June 5, 2026
Wyoming cattle producers gathered this week in Cody for the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, where ranchers, industry leaders, and policymakers discussed key issues affecting the future of the livestock industry across the West.
Wyoming Stock Growers Association President Reg Phillips says the annual convention provides an important opportunity for producers to step away from their ranches, connect with industry partners, and help shape the organization’s policy priorities for the coming year.
“Everybody spends too much time on the ranch,” Phillips said. “It’s good to get away and hear what’s new and exciting out there. It’s also a chance to get caught up with agency personnel and the people you deal with from time to time. You can get a lot of work done here that benefits everybody.”
Public Lands Issues Remain a Top Priority
As in many Western states, public lands management continues to be one of the most important issues facing Wyoming ranchers.
Phillips recently attended a Public Lands Council listening session in Riverton and was encouraged by the constructive dialogue between permittees and policymakers.
“We had permittees from all over,” Phillips said. “I was impressed that people traveled so far to attend. It was strictly a great listening session. There wasn’t really complaining; people were just stating the facts. The people listened, and I think a lot of good will come out of that.”
Ranchers Applaud Public Lands Rule Repeal
Among the biggest recent victories for public lands ranchers was the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the controversial Public Lands Rule.
Phillips called the move a major win for producers.
“That was a godsend,” he said. “Let’s get back to some common sense here. We need to let local agency people and ranchers manage the land the best way they know how. We’re the ones on the ground doing this every day.”
He said returning decision-making authority closer to local communities is critical for effective land stewardship.
“Getting rid of that rule and getting some ground-up management instead of top-down management is excellent,” Phillips added.
New BLM Leadership Brings Optimism
Phillips also welcomed the recent Senate confirmation of former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce as Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
“It’s about time,” Phillips said. “We’re glad to have him. Now we can move forward because there are a lot of issues to address.”
He pointed to ongoing staffing shortages and proposed grazing regulation updates as areas where strong leadership will be needed.
“Having that leadership at the top is going to be key,” he said.
ESA Reform Gaining Momentum
Another issue drawing attention from ranchers is potential reform of the Endangered Species Act.
Phillips says recent conversations in Washington, D.C., have given producers new hope that meaningful changes could finally be on the horizon.
“We were back for the PLC and NCBA meetings and talking with people who have real-world, on-the-ground experience in our part of the country,” Phillips said. “It was encouraging to hear where things are headed. They’re proposing that we’re actually going to get some things done by this fall, and that was really heartening.”
Looking Ahead
As the summer convention season continues, Wyoming cattle producers remain focused on protecting grazing rights, improving public lands management, and ensuring ranching remains viable for future generations.
Industry leaders say recent policy victories and renewed momentum in Washington are providing optimism that ranchers’ voices are being heard as critical decisions affecting the West continue to unfold.
Source: Western Ag Network
