college of agriculture

volume 15 • number 3 • FALL 2006

Dear Friends and Colleagues, As I traveled the state this summer, it was obvious last year was but a brief respite in a seven-year drought in much of Wyoming. Proper planning and adequate information is the best defense against droughts we face. You may wish to visit our Drought Information Web site at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo. edu/UWCES/Drought.asp. Stock growers may find more discussion of this from my column in the summer issue of CowCountry from the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA). The issue came out in August, and copies can be obtained by calling the WSGA at (307) 638-3942. On a brighter note, one of my privileges as dean of your College of Agriculture is to recognize and “Any honor each fall those who have helped the college. The Mead family truly meets the definition of the college’s Legacy Award, which person who recognizes those who have provided meaningful and lasting support for the college. The Meads are fourth-generation ranchers in Wyoming. Pete, Matt, Brad, Muffy Mead- contributes Ferro, and their families have continued Cliff and Martha Hansen’s legacy of support for to prosperity this college. They helped with the establishment of the Cliff and Martha Hansen Live- stock Teaching Arena and the Mary Mead Educational Wing. More recently, the family must prosper endowed the Mary Hansen Mead Scholarship for Women in Agriculture to support one in turn.” or more outstanding young women in agriculture. This scholarship is named in memory of Pete’s late wife, Mary – mother of Matt, Brad, and Muffy, and daughter of Cliff and Martha Hansen. Earl Nightingale Outstanding alum Jerry Rankin received his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1962. He began his career as an agricultural lending supervisor for the U.S. Department Dean Frank Galey of Agriculture’s Farmers Home Administration in Sheridan. He then managed large ranch operations and later moved back into banking. He is the chief operating officer and vice chairman of the board of The Jackson State Bank and Trust. Our other outstanding alum is Blair Wolfley. Blair received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UW in ag business and ag economics, respectively. Most of his career has been with Washington State University (WSU) Extension. He now manages 11 counties for WSU Extension and the Vancouver Re- search and Extension Unit. Our outstanding research partner is Bayer CropScience, which has worked with the college’s De- partment of Plant Sciences research programs for more than 25 years. Research supported in part by this partnership has led to development of the micro-rate system of weed control and trials to control range- land weeds. You will be able to read more about our honorees in this quarter’s Ag News. Other stories include new facilities at the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Lingle, a new endow- ment to support veterinary student externs, the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory’s response to the canine influenza outbreak in Cheyenne, two new faculty members in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and our new state-of-the-art computer marketing modeling laboratory in the department. Thank you for your support. Please stay in touch with your College of Agriculture! Dean Frank Galey College of Agriculture f i r s t c u t

Two UW graduates extension clientele who face Coupal says both fac- fill new wildlife- complex decisions related ulty members will work in livestock positions to natural resources and the collaboration with other environment. departments in the College Two University of Peck adds, “I hope of Agriculture and across Wyoming graduates have my agricultural roots and campus. filled new wildlife-livestock undergraduate training in faculty positions in the University of Wyoming wildlife biology will fa- WSVL attempting Department of Agricultural graduates Dannele Peck cilitate multi-disciplinary to isolate canine and Applied Economics. and Ben Rashford have collaboration that addresses Ben Rashford and filled new wildlife-livestock influenza virus the state’s wildlife and live- Dannele Peck, who both faculty positions in the Canine influenza was stock issues.” earned bachelor’s and Department of Agricultural on the move this year in and Applied Economics. Peck was raised on master’s degrees from UW, the Cheyenne area, and the a dairy farm in upstate were hired as assistant Wyoming State Veterinary animal health (brucellosis), New York and earned a professors and started in Laboratory (WSVL) be- the Endangered Species Act bachelor’s degree in wildlife August. came heavily involved in (Preble’s meadow jumping biology and a master’s in “They will focus on confirming the extent of mice and prairie dogs), hunt- agricultural economics at anything dealing with live- the outbreak. ing, and landowner habitat UW. stock production and wild- The virus appeared at conservation strategies. She will graduate this life,” says Roger Coupal, the Cheyenne Animal Shel- “A lot of their work fall from Oregon State associate professor and ter in June. The outbreak will be outreach and re- University (OSU) with a interim department head. resulted in the euthanasia search related. We believe doctorate in agricultural “We’ll be reaching out to of a large number of dogs, the state will find both po- and resource economics. new clientele on issues that but approximately 20 dogs sitions very useful,” Coupal Her thesis focuses on opti- are truly Wyoming- and were saved, says Donal says. mal drought preparedness Rocky Mountain-based, O’Toole, head of the De- Rashford will split and response in irrigated and we’ll be reaching out partment of Veterinary the majority of his time agriculture. to traditional clientele but Sciences and director of the between extension and re- Rashford graduated asking them different ques- WSVL. search but will also teach. this summer from OSU tions.” Assistant Professor Peck has a teaching and with a doctorate in ag- Coupal adds, “When Nicky Bratanich, who research assignment. ricultural and resource you look across the state, I joined the department ear- Peck says, “We both economics. His dissertation think you can start seeing lier this year as the WSVL’s look forward to sharing our examined the design of all kinds of issues relating virologist, her chief techni- enthusiasm for economics cost-effective wildlife man- to private land and wild- cian, Jackie Cavender, and with students. We hope to agement on agricultural life.” other personnel in the labo- inspire them to think criti- land. He says many issues ratory tested the surviving cally and creatively about He grew up in upstate affect both livestock/private animals to see how many western issues.” New York and earned bach- lands and wildlife includ- were infected. Rashford notes he elor’s and master’s degrees ing such things as predation “Most were, and Dr. looks forward to assisting in economics at UW. (wolves and grizzly bears), Bratanich’s laboratory is 2 t i n g

currently attempting to turkeys, which are serving try via the greyhound dog isolate the virus,” O’Toole as blood donors,” O’Toole industry and then via the says. “Isolates of the virus says. shelter dog population, he are needed to develop He emphasizes it is reports. vaccines and laboratory likely canine influenza is reagents, and as challenge here to stay but notes the Head of molecular strains to confirm that new Cheyenne outbreak was biology gives vaccines are effective.” controlled in the short term keynote address Several companies by the shelter’s controver- Jordanka Zlatanova, contacted the WSVL once sial decision to euthanize professor and head of the they heard of the Cheyenne many of the dogs. Several Department of Molecular outbreak, he notes. privately owned dogs in Biology, gave the keynote Bratanich’s laboratory the city also contracted the address at the Chromo- Professor Jordanka is putting in place addi- disease, and some died. somes at the Nano-Era Zlatanova tional assays for canine in- “One of the veteri- international meeting in with an equal part of each fluenza, including a blood narians in Cheyenne, Dr. Tokyo in March. set of chromosomes traveling test, which will make it Mike Driscoll, was very The conference to each new cell. Six years easier and cheaper to screen helpful in repeatedly sam- brought together physicists, ago, the Japanese govern- large numbers of dogs. To pling dogs that recovered biologists, mathemati- ment provided money for a do this, she needed access so the WSVL could have cians, computer scientists, consortium to use state-of- to a regular supply of fresh ‘gold standard’ positive bioinformaticists, and re- the-art technology to study blood from turkeys. blood samples to use in the searchers from related fields chromosomal dynamics at “She is now the proud, event the disease becomes trying to unravel chromatin the molecular level. if somewhat reluctant, widespread,” O’Toole says. structure in chromosomes. Zlatanova’s department owner of a small flock of Canine influenza is a Zlatanova presented utilizes instruments that new disease that emerged “Chromatin Dynamics allow researchers to look in Florida two years ago. Studied by Single-Molecule at the fluorescence of indi- “This was a strain of Approaches.” vidual molecules. equine influenza virus that “This is a lot of pres- “This was unheard underwent mutation, al- tige for the University of of five years ago,” says lowing it to infect dogs. Wyoming,” she says. “I was Zlatanova. “We look at Most dogs recover, but a the only speaker from the each individual molecule small proportion (less than States at the conference.” Assistant Professor Nicky as part of the complex and 5 percent) may die. The Chromatin is the por- Bratanich and her col- how they interact with each leagues at the Wyoming mutated virus was probably tion of the cell nucleus that other. State Veterinary Laboratory transmitted through the contains all of the DNA of “The structure of chro- became heavily involved practice of feeding horse the nucleus in animal or mosomes is something we in confirming the extent carcasses to greyhounds,” plant cells. When a cell di- of an outbreak of canine must understand,” she says. O’Toole says. vides, chromatin compacts influenza earlier this year Zlatanova predicts whoever The disease appeared in distinct chromosomes that in the Cheyenne area. resolves the structure will to move across the coun- duplicate, and then separate, receive a Nobel Prize. 3 f i r s t c u t

Department of Molec- The article details Students earn ular Biology post-doctoral investigation into an honors at Western student Miroslav Tomschik estimated 350 animals, Society of Crop accompanied Zlatanova to mostly cows and calves, Science conference the meeting. that became paralyzed and College of Agriculture Zlatanova also pre- died two years ago of ei- graduate students received sented a seminar about ther starvation, predation, honors for their projects and UW research to the Osaka or euthanasia after eating rubbed shoulders with crop University, Department of Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa, scientists from as far away Biotechnology, Graduate a free-living lichen com- as Australia and India at the School of Engineering, in mon to many parts of the Western Society of Crop Sci- Professor Merl Raisbeck Osaka, Japan. state. The die-off was on ence (WSCS) meeting June UW will begin collabo- the Red Rim southwest of 19-21 at the Sustainable ing, research, and outreach ration with Kiichi Fukui, Rawlins. UW researchers, Agriculture Research and Ex- programs. professor in Osaka Universi- in collaboration with the tension Center near Lingle. The magazine is sent ty’s Laboratory of Dynamic Wyoming Game and Fish The students are pur- to all land-grant universi- Cell Biology in the Depart- Department, determined suing doctorate degrees in ment of Biology, with an usnic acid in the lichen was ties, major donors to the agronomy. Gustavo Sbatella exchange of graduate and partly responsible for the college, all graduates of the placed second and received post-doctoral students. deaths. They are now trying college, all advisory board $150 for his project “Jointed to determine what else was members, and Wyoming Goatgrass Seed Predation in Red Rim elk die- involved. legislators, and it is a hand- Wheat/Fallow Systems.” off top story in The article was written out at a number of col- Andrew Kniss and Cal- UW Reflections by Professor Merl Raisbeck, lege events. The magazine vin Odero both were fourth magazine graduate student Rebecca received a first place for and received $75. Kniss pre- news-related publications sented “Reduced Row-Spac- Research into the Dailey, Associate Professor from the Wyoming Press ing for Sugarbeet Production deaths of more than 350 Donald Montgomery, Lab- Association in January and in Wyoming,” and Odero elk was ranked the top oratory Technician II Roger a first-place award last year presented “Interference of story for the University Siemion, and Laboratory and a second-place award Venice Mallow and Wild of Wyoming Agricultural Technician I Marce Joseph this year from the national Buckwheat in Sugarbeet.” Experiment Station (AES) Vasquez, of the Department Association for Communi- WSCS members at- research magazine Reflec- of Veterinary Sciences; and cation Excellence in Agri- tended from Australia, In- tions, and its authors shared Professor Emeritus James culture, Natural Resources, dia, Kenai, Korea, and Col- a $1,000 award. Ingram, Colorado State and Life and Human Sci- orado, New Mexico, Ne- “Two years later… University, Fort Collins, ences organization. braska, Kansas, Montana, What killed the Red Rim Colorado. Idaho, North Carolina, and elk?” was selected as the Reflections is a color Wyoming, according to top submission by a review magazine published Jim Krall, WSCS member committee of College of through the AES and is de- and plant science professor Agriculture faculty and signed to showcase the Col- in the Department of Plant staff members. lege of Agriculture’s teach- Sciences. 4 t i n g

Research potential They were among the in livestock more than 200 employees reproduction honored in March at staff recognition day ceremonies. bolstered The agriculture college Two new faculty mem- honorees include: bers in the Department of Thirty years – David Animal Science will bolster Moore, farm manager, ani- the department’s research mal science. potential in livestock repro- Twenty-five years duction. – Carol Hearne, laboratory South Dakota native technician III, veterinary Brenda Alexander Kristi Cammack Kristi Cammack and Colo- sciences; Debbie McFaul, rado native Brenda Alexan- “Kristi indicates the “Brenda brings an senior accounting associate, der joined the department most influential instruc- enthusiastic approach to molecular biology. this semester as assistant tors in her career have been teaching that will further Fifteen years – Norma professors. those who have the ability enhance our departmental Murphy, accounting associ- Cammack brings to mentor and inspire, and teaching emphasis,” says ate, plant sciences. expertise in statistics and they are also accessible and Hixon, who notes Alex- Ten years – Shirley Au- quantitative and molecular compassionate,” Hixon says. ander has either taught or gustin, senior accounting as- genetics, says department She earned a doctorate assisted with numerous sociate, Ag Business Office head and Professor Doug from the University of Mis- courses at UW. (ABO); Arlene Mascarenas, Hixon. souri. She earned a doc- senior office assistant, plant “Dr. Cammack’s re- Alexander brings torate in 1999 from the sciences; Cindy Wood, se- search interest is to identify considerable teaching and University of Wyoming’s nior accounting associate, genes related to fertility research to her position, Department of Zoology renewable resources. under exposure to environ- Hixon says. and Physiology. Advised Five years – Cynthia mental stress with the goal Since September 2004, by Professor Jim Rose, her Aguilar, UW Cooperative of enhancing reproductive Alexander has been a proj- dissertation focused on the Extension Service (CES) efficiency in livestock,” ect leader for the National neurophysiological basis of Cent$ible Nutrition Program Hixon says. Institute of Health’s IDeA male reproductive behavior (CNP) project coordinator, “Her abilities as a Networks of Biomedical in domestic rams. Washakie, Hot Springs coun- researcher have the poten- Research Excellence, work- ties; Mindy Braman, senior accounting associate, ABO; tial to integrate well with ing with Professor Bill Staff members Gretchen Gasvoda-Kelso, current research initiatives Murdoch in the animal sci- receive recognition CES CNP project coordina- in nutrition, reproductive ence department. for service tor, Big Horn County; Jen- biology, meat science and The focus of her Twelve staff members nifer Hudson-Schaff, CES food technology, and live- research has been the de- with the College of Agricul- CNP project coordinator, stock production systems.” velopment of an ovulating ture were honored for their Fremont County/Wind River She will also teach model for the study and years of service and contri- Extension Area; Kelly Wise- graduate and undergradu- prevention of ovarian can- butions to the University of man, staff assistant, academic ate courses. cer. Wyoming. and student programs. 5 New endowments expand wildlife-

by Robert Waggener, that is unique anywhere in fourth-year veterinary stu- Editor the United States.” dents have participated. Office of Communications One endowment was Among the first to re- and Technology created by Barbara and ceive stipends through the Richard Powell, who raise new endowments was Uni- wo new endowments Pinzgauer-Red Angus cross versity of California-Davis Tin the College of Agri- cattle near Brenham, Texas. (UC Davis) student Kelly culture will allow more vet- Mrs. Powell spent her early Buckle, who studied CWD erinary students from other childhood on a ranch near and brucellosis for a month institutions to study wild- Lander, Wyoming, and last winter with the De- life and livestock diseases graduated from the Univer- partment of Veterinary Sci- with faculty and staff mem- sity of Wyoming’s College Associate Professor ences and Wyoming Game bers in the Department of of Education in 1963. One Todd Cornish and Fish Department. Veterinary Sciences. of the couple’s children, in one of your publications Her experiences were Before the funding Richard, graduated from about CWD, we thought in the Wyoming State became available, students the UW College of Agri- a good place to spend our Veterinary Laboratory paid for externships, and culture with an ag business money was with the re- (WSVL), which is operated typically the program ac- degree. search associated with that by the veterinary sciences commodated two to four “They heard about disease and others that af- department, and in the externs a year. our wildlife-livestock dis- fect wildlife and livestock.” field near Glenrock, Pine- “With the two endow- ease program, thought this The other endowment dale, and Jackson. ments, we anticipate being was an important area of was created by colleagues, “The externship made able to support one or two research and teaching, and family, and friends of Tom me question the value that more students a year,” says contacted us to see how Thorne and Beth Williams, wildlife has to me and the Anne Leonard, director of they could help,” Leonard who died in a motor-ve- values that different state the College of Agriculture’s says. hicle crash in December agencies set on wildlife,” Ag Development and Col- Mr. Powell says bovine 2004. The couple were says Buckle, who graduated lege Relations. spongiform encephalopathy internationally recognized in June from UC Davis “I really think this is (BSE), also known as mad wildlife disease veterinar- with a doctor of veterinary a unique program, one of cow disease, was a major ians. Thorne worked for medicine degree. She is only a handful in the coun- concern when he and his the Wyoming Game and now working on a master’s try, at most,” Leonard says. wife were trying to decide Fish Department, and Wil- degree in preventative vet- Veterinary sciences how to contribute to the liams was a professor in the erinary medicine with an Associate Professor Todd College of Agriculture. Department of Veterinary emphasis in wildlife diseas- Cornish notes, “The ex- “We heard there might Sciences. es from the same school. ternships expose students be similarities between BSE Williams started the “In the past, I viewed to diagnostic and fieldwork and chronic wasting dis- externship program in wildlife and wild lands as experience, both with wild- ease (CWD),” Powell says. 1983 and, since then, ap- universally good things, life and livestock diseases, “When we read an article proximately 45 third- and and the more the better,” 6 livestock disease externships

Buckle says. “Now, I have “This program helps erinary Sciences and direc- program on the Depart- been forced to confront train the next generation tor of the WSVL, says the ment of Veterinary Sci- issues like supplemental of wildlife-livestock disease program has helped move ences Web page at http:// feeding (of elk) and the veterinarians and biolo- many of the participating uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/ reality of diminished winter gists,” Leonard says. “These students into a wildlife VETSCI/. Click on Extern- grounds for wildlife all over two new funds allow the field. ships under Student Info. Wyoming and all over the college to provide stipends “Since Beth’s untimely “We prefer students West.” to students who want to death, we continue to get interested in wildlife dis- Before her externship, pursue careers in this area.” requests from people who ease training to visit during Buckle says she questioned College of Agriculture wish to come to the depart- the winter, when we have the trend in conservation Dean Frank Galey thanked ment to work on wildlife an incredibly diverse ar- toward increased hands-on both families for their sup- diseases, and the endow- ray of activities going on, management of wildlife. port of the program. ment will ease the burden including opportunities to “My instinct is to pre- “Their contributions on them,” O’Toole says. become involved in field- fer unmanaged populations will make a marked impact Students from other work,” Cornish says. of wildlife kept in check on the veterinary sciences institutions interested in by habitat resources and department, and the pro- applying for externships, natural predators. Even gram is a huge benefit to which generally last from in relatively people-sparse the livestock industry and three weeks to two months, Wyoming, however, the the health of wildlife,” can read more about the idea of unmanaged wildlife Galey says. is a pipedream, and com- Donal O’Toole, head plex issues cannot be solved of the Department of Vet- simply.” Buckle adds, “It was University of California- a pleasure to work at the Davis student Kelly WSVL and to see how Buckle was awarded these complex issues can a stipend last winter to participate in the nevertheless be explored wildlife-livestock and investigated, and that disease externship the resulting science has program coordinated the potential to improve by the University of our management of wildlife Wyoming’s Department populations and disease.” of Veterinary Sciences. Among her experiences Leonard says students was chronic wasting are able to work one-on- disease field work near one with faculty and staff Glenrock, where she members at the WSVL. collected tonsil biopsies from white-tailed deer. 7 Removal process lowers arsenic in private

by Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor Office of Communications and Technology

rivate well sampling Pin Wyoming and five surrounding states helped College of Agriculture researchers develop func- tional and commercially attractive arsenic removal technology for the rest of the world. The team found 32 samples from more than 52 private wells in Colo- rado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming ex- Department of Renewable Resources Assistant Professor Ginger Paige, second from left, ceeded the U.S. Environ- presented the poster Regional Assessment of Arsenic in Domestic Wells of Small Com- munities in Region 8 States at the 2006 Agricultural Science and Education Exhibition mental Protection Agency and Reception February 28 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. From left are Wyoming (EPA) recommendation of Sen. Craig Thomas, Paige, Susan Thomas, wife of Sen. Thomas, and Frank Galey, dean, 10 parts per billion of ar- College of Agriculture. The poster was selected for the event by the Board of Agriculture senic for human drinking Assembly of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. water. Some samples were more than 50 parts per and Reception February 28 Technology developed was removing arsenic billion, and one sample on Capitol Hill in Wash- through research by Reddy wonderfully. UW graduate was more than 100 parts ington, D.C. dropped most of the well student Viswatej Attili of per billion. Letters were Dissolved arsenic in sample arsenic levels to al- Hyderebad, India, was as- sent to well owners detail- water is toxic to humans, most non-detectable levels. sisting Reddy as part of his ing the results along with plants, and animals. Arse- Research into the master’s program. The two an arsenic information nic in excess of 50 parts per arsenic-removing ability experimented with water packet. billion causes increased risk began in 2003 when Reddy spiked with arsenic and This regional assess- of skin, lung, bladder, and had a fortunate failure. also with water samples ment project was selected kidney cancer, according to The substance he was using collected from natural sites for presentation at the Professor K.J. Reddy in the in an attempt to remove in Wyoming and Montana 2006 Agricultural Science Department of Renewable selenium from water was and from coal-bed methane and Education Exhibition Resources. not quite successful – but production areas. 8 wells to near non-detectable levels

Reddy developed a nic-rich water,” says Reddy, student in 2004, to seek into a regional study so successful and economical a native of India. out Reddy for a possible Roth could develop the arsenic removal system, a In Southeast Asia, graduate assistantship. “It analytical and laboratory development that did not many have died due to ar- was because of his projects skills he would need in his go unnoticed by countries senic poisoning and many and his enthusiasm that career. whose populations were more are expected to perish brought me to him,” says UW teamed with the plagued by the tragedies of or suffer serious illnesses. Roth, who aspires to inter- Cooperative State Research, drinking water with high “This is one of the worst national research. Education, and Extension levels of arsenic. ongoing catastrophes expe- “Once we spoke, I ex- Service in Colorado, Utah, A subsequent licensing rienced by modern human pressed my future goals, and North Dakota, South Da- agreement resulted in 2004 society,” he says. he suggested that his arsenic kota, and Montana. The between the university and The World Health project would fit nicely into partnership provided an a North Carolina-based Organization and the EPA my plans,” recalls Roth. opportunity to integrate ar- company, which is market- recommend 10 parts per His efforts succeeded. senic research and removal ing the ARTI-64™ prod- billion of arsenic as the Roth has presented his technology within the area uct worldwide. limit for human drinking arsenic sampling research designated by the EPA as “Global awareness of water. That guideline must results to several regional Region 8. arsenic contamination in be met by public water and national meetings and “We settled on a re- drinking water skyrocketed distribution systems, but workshops. gional study to gain access during the 1990s when private wells are not under The project started as to private wells that were more than 35 million that umbrella. an economical study of the potentially high in arsenic people in Bangladesh and Reddy’s reputation for impacts of water-related concentrations,” says Roth. India were inadvertently research prompted Tra- problems in Bangladesh The study had two poisoned by drinking arse- vis Roth, a new graduate and India. That morphed goals. First was to obtain

The ARTI-64™ process dropped arsenic levels (black) to Only a few of the wells tested were below the 10 parts per billion near non-detectable levels (gray). limit mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 9 into the field and talking with people face-to-face and taking their sugges- tions and relaying my own back to them,” says Roth. “Overall, the actual sampling and talking with the well owners were the most eye-opening part of the study because they are the ones who have to deal with arsenic in their water every day. They are the face of the study.” Roth says the well owners were gracious and accepting of having re- searchers in their homes. “We usually spoke about the project awhile, and I answered to the best Graduate student Travis Roth found that 32 samples from more than 52 private wells exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommendation of 10 parts per of my abilities all their billion. questions as honestly as I could,” he notes. “Some- samples from a wide variety times, the honest answer ARTI-64™ process of geohydrological makeup wasn’t what they really to test Reddy’s ARTI-64™ wanted to hear but to solve material. “Second, we any real problems one must wanted to gain experience have complete and accurate in the network concepts KJ information, so they appre- has seen success with in the ciated my frankness.” past,” notes Roth. Back in the lab, the The network involves ARTI-64™ system re- well owners and partners moved 86-99.5 percent of and provides an education- the arsenic in the water but al tool to confront many only at a rate of about 63 of the problems in an en- milliliters per minute, or vironmental project, notes about four liters per hour. Roth. Efforts to increase the rate “It also allows for a will be made. unique experience to un- Roth said a viable derstand the implementa- technology for home use The ARTI-64™ process treats about four liters of water per tion process outside of the is about three to five years hour. academia setting by going away. 10 Experimental economics laboratory goes online by Robert Waggener, bished and outfitted with Editor 17 computers (16 worksta- Office of Communications tions and a master for con- and Technology trolling the experiments) and a state-of-the-art new, state-of-the-art projection system. Physical A computer laboratory Plant also built new tables for economic experiments and custom dividers based in research and teaching on the design provided by went online this semes- the department. ter in the Department of “Before, we were us- Agricultural and Applied ing other computer labs Economics. on campus to run our ex- “The laboratory will be periments. At times, it was used for research purposes Among those involved in development of the new difficult to even get into as well as allowing students experimental economics laboratory in the Department the labs because of sched- of Agricultural and Applied Economics were, from left, to participate in economic uling. Also, those labs are Mariah Tanner Ehmke, John Hewlett, Chris Bastian, and experiments. Students will Dale Menkhaus. They review plans early in the project. designed for general com- experience such things as puter classes, not economic how livestock auctions and Professor Don McLeod in agribusiness and resource experiments,” Menkhaus other trading institutions the Department of Agricul- economics classes will also says. work or how economic pol- tural and Applied Econom- use the laboratory.” Tanner Ehmke adds, icies impact the markets,” ics and professors of eco- The classes include “The new lab can be set says Professor Dale Men- nomics and finance Owen agricultural market analy- up to accommodate dif- khaus, who helped develop Phillips and Jason Shogren. sis, agricultural commodi- ferent levels of individual the laboratory. Interim department ties and futures markets, and group decision making Colleagues in the head and Associate Profes- advanced agricultural ranging from very private department who assisted sor Roger Coupal says, markets/prices, and agri- to public. That is difficult in the project, including “From a research perspec- business marketing in the to achieve in a regular com- the design of the lab and tive, you can focus on Department of Agricultural puter lab.” development of computer particular aspects of a and Applied Economics; The facility is report- software, were assistant policy. Does it cut back on and experimental econom- edly the first “full fledged” professors Chris Bastian production? Does it give ics and industrial organi- experimental economics and Mariah Tanner Ehmke, producers more income? zation in the College of lab in Wyoming, according Associate Research Scientist How does it affect supply Business’s Department of to a departmental newslet- Tom Foulke, and Farm and and demand?” Economics and Finance. ter. It cost approximately Ranch Management Spe- Tanner Ehmke adds, Room 228 in the Col- $95,000 with funds com- cialist John Hewlett. “Research will be the lab- lege of Agriculture, previ- ing from the university’s Other potential users oratory’s primary use. Un- ously used as a graduate budget for new equipment. of the lab include Associate dergraduate and graduate student office, was refur- 11 SAREC Director Jim Freeburn, center, describes features of the new livestock building. Just left of Freeburn is College of Agriculture Dean Frank Galey. The building includes a small laboratory and a processing area for taking research data from cattle and sheep. SAREC field days

by Steven L. Miller, The dedication cer- (R&E) centers in Powell beginning until August of Senior Editor emonies end a process that and Sheridan. last year when he stepped Office of Communications started in 1999. A review The trustees in 2003 down to return to the De- and Technology team of farmers, ranchers, approved the purchase of partment of Agricultural agribusiness representatives, the former ranch and also and Applied Economics. he public viewed new a county commissioner, a approved the sale of the Stephen D. Miller, then- Tfacilities at the Sustain- former legislator, and UW UW Archer and Torrington head of the Department of able Agriculture Research faculty members recom- R&E centers, with proceeds Plant Sciences, became the and Extension Center mended in 2000 the uni- used to purchase property director. (SAREC) near Lingle during versity build the SAREC for SAREC. “It’s a set of land and field days in June and August facility to replace the exist- Former Agricultural facilities that provides UW and during the scheduled ing Archer and Torrington Experiment Station direc- faculty members a field lab dedication ceremonies in centers to complement tor Jim Jacobs was involved in one location to do cross- September. research and extension with the process from the disciplinary research,” says 12 Jacobs. The other R&E another for small groups of Being built this fall is a wet opment funds. stations are either solely up to 15. lab and dormitory facilities On the Web: http:// irrigated or dry land. Also built were a live- with U.S. Department of www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/ “None had the size that stock research building, a Housing and Urban Devel- SAREC/SAREC.htm would provide the set of shop, a hazardous materials facilities or acreage to do the facility, and a feedlot. cross-disciplinary research,” The livestock facility he says. “I think SAREC is has an office and a small a set of resources the college laboratory along with a hasn’t had before. As I tell processing area for taking everybody, how well it does research data from cattle and how well it is used is and sheep. The shop will still up in the air.” be used to support research A 5,700-plus square- efforts at SAREC and will foot building is the cor- enable UW employees to nerstone of the facilities complete work on plot and includes 10 offices, a equipment and more. research preparation room, The hazardous materi- and a seed laboratory. als facility houses pesticides The office has two and fuels. meeting rooms – one with Construction on the Department of Plant Sciences Professor Jim Krall, right, a capacity of 65 for com- feedlot began earlier this provides information about a camelina plot while Re- munity education and year and features 28 pens. search Scientist Jack Cecil holds the flip sheets. Camelina seed is processed for oil in the biofuels industry. showcase new facilities

Medic, an annual legume, is being studied for possible Members of the College of Agriculture advisory board pose forage use. before getting their first glimpse of ARECS improvements. 13 A G A P P R E c i A t i O N

he College of Agriculture’s outstanding alumni, legacy Twinner, and research partner for 2006 will be honored Bayer CropScience is September 22-23 as part of Ag Appreciation Weekend, a cele- bration of the importance of agriculture to Wyoming’s history, by Steven L. Miller, insecticides, and seed treat- culture, and economy. Senior Editor ments. Jerry Rankin, chief operating officer and vice chairman of Office of Communications Americans know sever- the board of The Jackson State Bank and Trust, and Blair Wolf- and Technology al Bayer company products ley, manager of the Washington State University’s Vancouver that are part of the culture onies provided by Research and Extension Unit and WSU Extension’s southwest – Bayer Aspirin was in- the 2006 Research district, will be honored as the outstanding alumni. M troduced in 1899, and the Partner of the Year has The Legacy Award winner is the Mead family. Pete, Matt, company began advertising funded several graduate Brad, Muffy Mead-Ferro, and their families have continued Alka Seltzer in the U.S. in student programs and their grandparents’ (Cliff and Martha Hansen’s) and Mary 1931. numerous undergraduate Mead’s legacies. She was the mother of Matt, Brad, and Muffy In October 2001, Bayer research assistants at the Mead and former wife of Pete Mead. signed an agreement to pur- College of Agriculture in The outstanding research partner of the year is Bayer Crop- chase Aventis CropScience. addition to crop research. Science for its support of research at the College of Agriculture. The largest acquisition in Bayer CropScience The schedule includes: Bayer’s history expanded its and its subsidiaries the past September 22 crop protection business. 25 years have provided • Dean’s Ag Appreciation Dinner honoring Rankin, Wolf- With about 22,000 em- more than $25,000 annu- ley, Peter Mead, Brad and Kate Mead, Matt and Carol Mead, ployees, the company is the ally to plant science pro- and Muffy Mead-Ferro and Michael Ferro, and Bayer Crop- number one supplier on the grams at the University of Science at Crane-Hill Dining Room. Reception at 5:30 p.m. world market for crop-pro- Wyoming, says Stephen D. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will follow. Those tection products, according Miller, associate dean and wishing to attend may make reservations by September 11 by to the company. director of the Agricultural contacting the College of Agriculture Development and Col- “It’s an honor to be Experiment Station. “They lege Relations office at (307) 766-3372. recognized,” says Charlie have been and continue Hicks, who lives in Colo- September 23 to be a very stable source rado and is a field develop- • 24th annual Ag Appreciation Day Barbecue, Tailgate of funding for programs,” ment representative for the Park, noon to 2 p.m. One dollar from each ticket is earmarked Miller says. company. for an Ag Day Barbecue Scholarship awarded annually to a Bayer CropScience is “It’s extremely valu- deserving student. Remaining proceeds help fund various agri- based in Germany with able for us to work with the culture college student organizations. Tickets are $8 each, and U.S. corporate headquar- University of Wyoming. chedulechildren under 5 are free. Theyof can be purchasedEvents at the event ters in North Carolina and Many UW researchers have or in advance through the Cowboy Joe Club at (307) 766- has regional technology sta- good relationships with S 6242 or the college at (307) 766-4034. tions at several sites. Bayer people in the weed and • Wyoming vs. Air Force. Kickoff 2:30 p.m. Purchase Ag Day CropScience sells crop pest districts, dealers, and block discounted football tickets on-line by accessing the on-line protection products includ- consultants in Wyoming,” ticket purchasing system at wyomingathletics.com. Choose the ing fungicides, herbicides, he notes. “Those customers link Tickets on the left side, choose the link Click Here To Pur- chase Wyoming Tickets. Choose the group ticket option on the 12left. The group ID is AGDAY, and the password is POKES. Fol- low the appropriate steps to complete the ticket order. WEEKE N D Research Partner of the Year rely on UW recommenda- in developing an applied spring-seeded small grains, only is it of benefit for UW, tions on new products. It’s research program and notes Miller. but it also benefits Bayer critical that UW evaluate checks with UW progress. Research has also led CropScience in being able our products and explain “I view their research to winter annual grass to work with a land-grant to customers how those trials, and they often come control in winter wheat, university like UW to help products might fit in their to view mine,” he says. single-pass weed control evaluate and position our production systems.” Bayer CropScience systems for reduced-till products in the state.” outstanding research partner

Hicks says many states is committed to provid- corn, environmental and On the Web: will not recommend a ing new technologies for edaphic (effect of soil char- http://www.bayercropscien- company’s product unless the agriculture industry. acteristics on plants and ceus.com/ it has been evaluated in the “There aren’t many com- animals) factors influencing http://www.uwyo.edu/uw- state for several years. panies today as actively herbicide carryover from expstn/ Bayer CropScience involved in launching new one crop season to the next http://www.uwyo.edu/ has had products evalu- products,” he notes. and, most recently, downy UWAG/ ated at the UW research “Several companies brome control trials in pas- http://www.bayercrop- and extension centers at have gone strictly biotech, ture and rangeland settings. science.com/bayer/crop- Powell and Sheridan and and some have scaled back “Being recognized as science/cscms.nsf/id/ the Sustainable Agriculture screening of crop-protec- one of your major con- Home_EN Research and Extension tion products,” he says. tributors is a two-way Center near Lingle. “Bayer CropScience is still street,” Hicks says. “Not As a field develop- actively involved in screen- ment representative, Hicks ing and bringing new crop- conducts research trials protection materials to with growers in Wyoming, market.” Colorado, and western Much of the research Nebraska. As a product Bayer CropScience sup- approaches commercial ported has led to the registration, he approaches development of new for- UW researchers who may mulations of products for be interested in testing the weed control in sugar beets product. He works directly and wild oat and broadleaf with university researchers weed control systems in 15 AG APPRECIATION UW taught rancher/banker Jerry Rankin by Robert Waggener, Cowboys won a national endeavors in agriculture Editor championship in rodeo – and finance,” Johnson Office of Communications UW’s second national title wrote. “He started a fi- and Technology behind the men’s basketball nance career 30 years past crown in 1943. using his agricultural back- t’s been more than 40 Rankin is vice chair- ground and has advanced Iyears since Jerry Rankin man of the board of direc- to a leadership role in one earned an animal science tors and chief operating of Wyoming’s largest inde- degree in the College of officer of The Jackson State pendent community banks, Agriculture and helped lead Bank and Trust, is heav- a bank that has and is one the University of Wyoming ily involved in the Jackson of the very top performing to its second-ever national community, and remains Jerry Rankin financial institutions in the championship in athletics. a strong supporter of the U.S.” But memories of par- UW rodeo team and 4-H, to the state of Wyoming, Rankin represented ticipating on the rodeo the youth arm of the Co- and helped to increase the banking industry in team and taking agriculture operative Extension Service public awareness of the efforts to modernize state classes are still vivid. (CES). importance of agriculture laws to the benefit of bank- “I learned a lot about These are among the through his volunteer work ing, small business, and the agriculture while attend- reasons Rankin was se- with various agricultural- agricultural community, ing UW but even more lected a 2006 Outstanding related organizations,” Larson states. important were the things I Alumnus for the College of Hansen states. He adds, “As a gradu- learned about how to inter- Agriculture. Writing letters of sup- ate of the College of Ag- act with instructors and fel- Jackson resident and port were David Johnson, riculture, Mr. Rankin has low students and athletes. former U.S. Sen. Clifford director of the Cheyenne- remained closely tied to the They taught me about hu- man relations, fair dealings, and how to respect others,” Rankin says. outstanding alumnus That is still with Rankin as he interacts with Hansen nominated Rankin based Wyoming Bankers college as an alumni mem- family and friends, business for the honor. Association, and Grant Lar- ber, supporter in numerous colleagues, and political “Mr. Rankin has dis- son of Jackson, president of ways with special interests leaders across the state and tinguished himself in his the Wyoming Senate and in the college and its special region. professional career in both director of The Jackson contributions to the heri- He has worked in the ranching and banking State Bank and Trust. tage and economy of our agriculture and banking professions, made sig- “Jerry has taken full great state.” since graduating from UW nificant contributions to advantage of the education Rankin’s roots to UW in 1962, a year after the agriculture both locally and received at UW to pursue and the college date back to 16 WEEKE N D how to work with people the 1930s when his father, “I remember tuition Ranch, one of the largest He proudly says the the late J.S. Rankin, took that semester was $116,” in the country. He served tradition his father started classes for two years before he says. as administrative assis- by attending UW has con- being drafted in World War Rankin, who was ac- tant and assistant ranch tinued. II. tive in 4-H and FFA while manager for about seven Rankin’s wife, Pa- “I was 5 when Dad growing up in Douglas, years before being hired as mela, and the couple’s three came home from the war. I was a bareback rider, steer ranch manger for the Snake children and one of two faintly remember standing wrestler, and bull rider on River Ranch in Jackson. He stepdaughters also earned at the bus station with my the rodeo team. He also combined that endeavor degrees at UW. mother and sister, waiting served as the team’s presi- with a cattle operation in Son Kelly is a deputy for him to arrive,” Rankin dent and was a member of California before entering United States attorney in recalls. UW’s Livestock Judging banking. Casper, daughter Emily is His father wanted to Team. His family still owns an attorney in Jackson, and continue his education at Rankin says he believes the family ranch near son Michael is an attorney UW, Rankin says, “But one can learn about agri- Douglas. At his home in and FBI administrator in that was not an economic culture in the classroom Jackson, Rankin raises Carlsbad, California. option at the time. He had and the field, but one registered longhorn cattle Stepdaughter Kedrin a family to support and a cannot learn how to suc- and lends them to local 4- Case earned a degree from new ranch to run.” cessfully work with people Hers for activities and the UW, too, and she and J.S. moved his family without interacting with Jackson High School rodeo her family live in Dublin, from LaGrange to a ranch them. He believes attend- team for ropings. He has Ireland. Their other step- northeast of Douglas. ing college is one of the been involved in Friends of daughter, Rhaetia Hans- “He had a very high best ways to achieve that the Fair in Jackson, which cum, graduated from the regard on a personal and because of the cultural di- built an indoor arena for University of Oregon and professional level for 4-H versity. youth activities, including teaches third grade in Den- leaders, CES agents, fac- “Successfully interact- 4-H. Fund-raising efforts ver, Colorado. ulty members, and deans ing with people is what I continue to pay for the fa- “Wyoming is such a for the College of Agri- really learned how to do in cility. great state to live, play, and culture,” Rankin reflects. college,” Rankin says. “I have 40 years in impart the basics into the “He wanted me to go to Shortly after graduat- ranching, farming, bank- young lives of our chil- college, and my childhood ing, he became an agricul- ing, and community ser- dren,” Rankin says. background naturally sent tural lending supervisor vice. I hope I have learned me to UW.” for the U.S. Department every year and have helped Rankin remembers of Agriculture’s Farmers people every year. I know I selling several 4-H animals Home Administration in still have lots to learn about to help fund his first se- Sheridan, and then he went a lot of things,” Rankin mester at UW in the fall of to work for the Sheridan notes. 1958. County-based Padlock 17 AG APPRECIATION Blair Wolfley: ‘Education — anytime, by Robert Waggener, “The experience I got “The most important Editor with the wrestling, the aspect of my job is to make Office of Communications work, my education, and resources available so the fac- and Technology the interaction with stu- ulty members, extension co- dents, professors, and staff ordinators, and support staff lair Wolfley’s motto is was as good as I could have can do great programming,” B“Education – anytime, found anywhere. UW is a Wolfley says. “My job puts anywhere, anyway.” great place for people to get me in a position to promote That’s evident when started,” says the Vancou- faculty and staff members visiting with University of ver, Washington, resident. who do great work.” Wyoming alumni and hear- Wolfley says he devel- Blair Wolfley Arlen Davison of Puy- ing from colleagues about oped a strong work ethic allup, Washington, profes- the College of Agriculture growing up on the family and Washington, as well sor emeritus for WSU’s Outstanding Alumnus for ranch in Star Valley, and as all the schools in the College of Agricultural, 2006. that continued at UW as original Western Athletic Human and Natural Re- Wolfley rose in the he learned how to balance Conference. We didn’t win source Sciences, nominated ranks at Washington State academic studies with wres- at a lot of those places, but Wolfley for the award. Da- University (WSU), where tling and job duties. we had a great time,” he vison earned bachelor’s and he started as a research as- “Going to school was reflects. master’s degrees from the sociate in 1976 and now much easier once I was He also talked about UW College of Agriculture manages WSU Extension’s through with wrestling, but how a number of faculty in the mid-1950s. southwest district, which there was also an empti- members in the College of “From leadership de- covers 11 counties. ness. We had a great group Agriculture provided guid- velopment efforts with 4-H The Star Valley, of guys on that team.” ance that stuck with him to teaching human devel- Wyoming, native credits much of his success to his education at UW, where he graduated in 1973 with outstanding alumnus a bachelor’s degree in ag- ricultural business and in Wolfley walked down throughout his career. opment classes for credit at 1975 with a master’s in memory lane as he recalled Wolfley now shares WSU Vancouver, Blair has agricultural economics. He Wyoming’s wrestling pro- that knowledge with ap- helped people grow in their was on a full-ride wrestling gram back then. proximately 100 people he abilities to see themselves scholarship, and working as “We had a coach who oversees in his extension as capable of solving prob- a custodian in the athletics had a lot of connections, district. He’s also the man- lems and giving service and department and later as a and we were wrestling at ager of WSU’s Vancouver leadership where and when research assistant covered Iowa, Nebraska, the Okla- Research and Extension opportunity calls,” Davison other college expenses. homa schools, in Oregon Unit. writes. 18 WEEKE N D anywhere, anyway’ Davison describes how a regional level the past 10 EIRP clients while at the “I am thankful I was Wolfley helped farmers years. same time requiring “consid- able to spend a career work- develop budgets for small- “The cornerstone erable finesse” to not aggra- ing in a service profession scale production when of my comments on vate the extension system. and to continually learn and he worked on a county Blair’s excellent record are “Blair understands help people solve problems. level with WSU Extension, grounded in his work in the juxtaposition very well I had a lot of satisfaction how he educated others support of EIRP. He be- and has succeeded in both watching 4-H kids grow about the importance of came deeply engaged and arenas. He is clearly a man and learn to be responsible agricultural land preserva- vested in EIRP over the who has compassion for citizens,” Wolfley says. tion and maintaining open years – convinced, as many others along with a pas- In his spare time, he spaces, and how he taught of us are, that the program sion for lifelong learning,” enjoys woodworking and hundreds of classes to help is not only ‘good’ but also Hiller states. regrets there is insufficient 4-H leaders and members truly vital for genuinely Steve Harbell, direc- time for an “adequate dose improve leadership and life underserved audiences,” tor of WSU Pacific County of fly-fishing.” skills, solve problems, and states Hiller, who gradu- Extension in South Bend, Wolfley’s wife, Kathy, build self-esteem. ated from the UW College writes, “Blair has pro- a Laramie native, is a lit- “He is truly an out- of Agriculture in 1984 with vided significant support erary specialist for Fort standing member of the a master’s degree in range for agricultural programs Vancouver High School in WSU faculty,” Davison management. to improve production in a Vancouver. writes. Hiller believes EIRP variety of crop and animal The couple have five Through WSU Exten- is not a popular program systems and to increase pub- children, who all have com- sion, Wolfley provides the within the federal Coopera- lic awareness of the value pleted bachelor degrees. statewide leadership for tive State Research, Educa- of agriculture in the region. James is a software the federal Extension In- tion, and Extension Service His extensive work with manager for a fiber optics dian Reservation Program and many state land-grant youth has given them new company in Utah; Jill is a (EIRP). institutions. skills and knowledge that homemaker in Vancouver; “He fosters diversity “Its very existence re- has enriched their lives.” Daniel is a customer ser- and the spirit of inclusion,” quires one to accept that Wolfley received a 30- vice trainer for US Bank in states Linda Kirk Fox, dean conventional county-based year certificate from WSU Gresham, Oregon; Megan and director of WSU Ex- extension programs are not earlier this year. He was a is a human resources spe- tension in Pullman. meeting needs of American research associate for WSU’s cialist for US Bank near Joseph Hiller, assistant Indians living on Indian Water Research Center in Portland, Oregon; and dean for the University of reservations. That’s hard to Pullman from 1976 to 1978 Kelly recently earned a Arizona’s College of Agri- accept for most high-level before accepting a position horticulture degree from culture and Life Sciences administrators,” Hiller states. as extension project associ- Brigham Young University- in Tucson, states he gained He emphasizes “leader- ate in 1978 in Puyallup. He Idaho. a deep respect for Wolfley ship and courage” is needed has received five promotions The couple have 12 while working with him on to help meet the needs of since. grandchildren. 19 AG APPRECIATION Legacy Award honors four generations of

by Steven L. Miller, and productive careers in County. “I have to admit scholarship. My brother, Senior Editor agriculture that will enable my heart swells with pride sister, and I believe the Office of Communications people to make a large con- knowing a facility that pro- scholarship is appropriate. and Technology tribution to the world,” she vides so much to so many My mom, too, was a school says. “Just to be part of the has the names of my grand- teacher for awhile. Educa- s perhaps it should be, college and UW and part parents and Mom on the tion is one of the things my the Legacy Award this A of that effort to help people building,” he says. family thought was pretty year is about generations. achieve their goals in agri- Muffy, who lives in important, and UW, too.” It’s about former culture is really gratifying.” Salt Lake City, Utah, is the Mary Gullikson of Governor and U.S. Sena- Says Matt, “Agricul- author of two books and a Loveland, Colorado, was a tor Cliff Hansen and his ture and the University of Wyoming landowner, and sorority sister with Mary. wife, Martha, and their late Wyoming have meant so Brad manages the family She traveled to Jackson to daughter Mary Mead and much in my life it is very ranch near Jackson and has meet the family in 1956. her former husband Peter humbling to be given an his own law firm in Jack- The two were in each Mead and their children, award from an institution I son. other’s weddings and were Brad Mead, Matt Mead, already feel a great debt of Cliff Hansen crystal- lifelong friends. and Muffy Mead-Ferro. gratitude.” lized the value of education “Those kids have It’s also about anyone Matt, U.S. attorney to Brad early. Brad recalls turned out so well,” Gul- who steps into the Cliff and for Wyoming who works a day more than 30 years likson says. “Each one of Martha Hansen Livestock in Cheyenne, drives by the ago when his grandfather them is smart and respon- Teaching Arena and the Mary teaching arena whenever he talked about his father and sible. That whole family is Mead Education Wing. goes to his ranch in Albany life in general while the two so down-to-earth, and they The family legacy will hauled cattle. get that from their grand- carry on with future recipi- “He said you can have parents, too. They are ever- ents of the new Mary Mead lots of acres or a nice horse so-friendly and natural.” Scholarship for Women in or a pickup, but there is Peter says he is hon- Agriculture to be awarded nothing you have that can’t ored the Mead family is re- to women majoring in any be taken away, except an ceiving the Legacy Award, of the agriculture degrees in education,” Brad remem- “especially in view of how the college. bers. “That was what his many fine ranching families Muffy is happy about dad told him, and that there are in Wyoming. We the scholarship, but she sticks firmly in my mind. feel especially privileged says she realizes it’s just one Education is the one thing to be selected from that part of the vast array of you can obtain for yourself group,” he notes. things offered by the Col- and can never lose. I think Peter grew up in Ver- lege of Agriculture. that’s one reason we are mont and was skiing in “There are many, Brand – Brad Mead pretty excited about the Wyoming when he began many ways to have exciting 20 WEEKE N D Mead family

taking pack trips into the He says a person some- surroundings to be rural Tetons and Gros Ventre times returns to his or her instead of urban.” River Valley for a dude roots. “This is particularly He wouldn’t prefer ranch. Muffy says her true when it is those roots quitting one of his profes- mother joked what first at- that gave each of us the sions for the other, such tracted her to him was the ultimate childhood, pro- as dropping the ranch and saddle in the back of his car viding fun certainly, but, concentrating on his law and the skis on top. Brand – Matt Mead perhaps more importantly, firm. “Because we love “Within one year lessons of life,” he notes. “I ranching and want our of them getting married, wonderful adventure for want to provide the ranch- two children to have the Granddad decided to enter me and for my kids,” she ing experience to my kids opportunity to continue politics and the ranch man- says. “They think Wyo- and, frankly, I want it for to make a living in agri- agement fell to my mom ming is the greatest place in myself and my wife. Many culture in Wyoming,” he and dad,” Muffy says. “It the world.” of my family’s best days are says. “Agriculture is one was amazing the way my She remembers that when we can get away and of the few areas of human father rose to the occasion. living on the land gives spend time together work- endeavor that gives an in- The ranch flourished under freedom and independence, ing on the ranch.” dividual a chance every day him. He plunged full speed but there is a flipside, too. Brad didn’t stay in to be a problem solver, an ahead into a life I don’t “Responsibility. There is Wyoming after graduating innovator, a technician, an think he had planned on. It a sense of stewardship for from law school. He and inventor, a business man, was an adventure.” the land and the animals his wife, Kate, moved to a doctor – and do all that Mary and Peter would on it. In a sense, maybe I’m Phoenix, Arizona, where outside in the company of later divorce, but Peter still trying to recreate my own he practiced law for almost their family.” helps Brad and others in childhood, but my child- ranch matters. Peter attri- hood was great,” she says. butes his ranching success Matt never left Wyo- to “not anything more than ming, noting all his best legacy award a love of ranching, hard opportunities were right eight years. They returned They say a spirit of work, and the support of here. to raise their children in independence and self-de- family.” The same holds true Wyoming. “We wanted termination was instilled in All three siblings have today. “I have great love for them to be in Wyoming them by their parents and ranches or land that will our state,” he says. “The schools, which are some of grandparents – characteris- become a ranch. Muffy is land certainly is wonder- the best in the world,” he tics they want to pass along turning land she purchased ful, but it is the Wyoming says. “We wanted them to to their children. in Wyoming from crop people and the Wyoming be around their extended land to cattle pasture. “It’s spirit that make our state family and, as they got old (Continued on page 28) been a slow process but a the best place to live.” enough, to appreciate their 21 PROGRAM NOTES

Agricultural and help users, and how safety the Institutional Award, Applied Economics programs can be improved. which included a $2,000 The Wyoming State There are approxi- stipend presented by Trails Program will use mately 1,500 miles of trails Zinpro Corporation of information from a De- in the system. Williams Eden Prairie, Minnesota. partment of Agricultural says about 98 percent are “Out of the four years and Applied Economics on U.S. Forest Service and the institutional award has study to improve the state Bureau of Land Manage- been presented, our animal trails program for off-road ment lands. science students have won vehicles (ORVs), includ- three times,” says depart- ing four-wheelers and dirt Tom Foulke Animal Science ment head and Professor Doug Hixon. bikes. Doctorate students in Center to determine how There were 13 stu- “One of the interest- the Department of Animal many residents own ORVs dents from western regional ing facets of the study Science again excelled in and how much of an eco- institutions participating. relates to the multiple uses the graduate competition nomic impact they have on They are evaluated on oral of ORVs. People use them papers at the Western Sec- the state. presentations and written not just to ride for riding’s tion, American Society of “Our study estimated manuscripts. sake but also to access areas Animal Science meeting. approximately 37 percent The department they may not normally be This year’s event was June of households owned sponsored the 10th an- able to access for things 21-23 in Logan, Utah. ORVs in the past year,” nual Cowboy Youth Classic like fishing, hunting, and Chuck Murrieta of Foulke says. “That works at the Cliff and Martha camping,” says Tom Foul- Los Angeles, California, out to almost 180,000 Hansen Livestock Teaching ke, an associate research placed second and won ORV riders in the state.” Arena in June. It attracted scientist in the department. $300. He is working with The survey revealed 61 participants from Wyo- Assisting in the study Professor Dan Rule and that individual users spent, ming and Colorado. were Professor David Associate Professor Bret on average, $1,599 last year “The classic is an edu- “Tex” Taylor, interim Hess in ruminant nutri- on purchases, repairs, and cational event for youths department head and As- tion. accessories. Residents spent sociate Professor Roger Becky Atkinson of an additional $27 per day Coupal, and Research Sci- Lingle placed third and in trip expenses, while non- entist Desiree Olson. won $200. She was work- residents averaged $35 per The department re- ing in ruminant nutrition day. ceived $46,200 from the under Associate Professor Tracy Williams, State State Trails Program to Paul Ludden. She has Trails Program planner in survey 1,900 ORV users. recently completed her de- Cheyenne, says the results The funds came from state gree requirements and has will help determine where ORV stickers purchased by accepted a position as an new trails should be built the users. assistant professor at South- and where existing trails The department also ern Illinois University. should be enhanced, how contracted with the Wyo- The Department of maps can be changed to Chuck Murrieta ming Survey and Analysis Animal Science team won 22 with livestock projects,” Project was created to assist “Increasing from one says Lance Miller, UW people with disabilities em- to two copies of a gene en- Livestock Judging Team ployed in agriculture. The ables one of the two copies coach and an organizer project links the CES at a to generate a new function for the event. “The young land-grant university with or enables the subdivision people increase their Kyle Kostelecky a private, nonprofit dis- of the ancestral function knowledge in the care and ability service organization between the two copies, management of their ani- The department had to provide practical educa- allowing further specializa- mals, livestock, and meats its annual retreat in August tion and assistance that tion of the gene,” Liberles judging, and fitting and at Windy Hills guest- promotes independence in says. showing techniques.” house between Laramie agricultural production and Even in the absence of The 11th annual clas- and Cheyenne. Results of rural living. gene duplication, he notes, sic is June 22-23, 2007. the recent alumni survey Eleanor Frye of Fort it is possible for genes to were shared and used as Collins, Colorado, and evolve new functions, al- Family and a framework for further Lindsay Suchor of Gillette though at a reduced rate. Consumer Sciences curriculum and electronic were co-recipients of the One model system the portfolio decisions. New Verna J. Hitchcock Award Liberles group is examining Kyle Kostelecky has faculty and staff members for Outstanding Overall is the evolution of modified joined the child and family were welcomed, and recent Family and Consumer Sci- functions of myostatin, a studies program unit in the research and grant activities ences Student Award at the negative regulator of skel- Department of Family and were shared. department’s annual stu- etal muscle development Consumer Sciences. He The 6th Biennial Uni- dent recognition event in in two different groups of was a faculty member at versity of Wyoming Early April. organisms. Northern Iowa University. Childhood Leadership “There is evidence Professor Donna Institute was in July on the Molecular Biology myostatin has changed Brown and Associate Pro- UW campus. The institute, Assistant Professor function between sheep fessor Sonya Meyer with Exploring Relationships as David Liberles and col- and cattle, and this change graduate student Amy Co- Partnerships in Early Child- leagues in the Department is being characterized at the peland completed prepara- hood Education, was spon- of Molecular Biology are molecular level,” Liberles tions for the invited August sored by the colleges of examining differences in PCM Fashion Show in agriculture and education genomes between closely Reno, Nevada. Garments through support from the related species to under- and models were competi- John P. Ellbogen Founda- stand both the specific tively selected and an an- tion. Williams was confer- differences and the general nouncer was chosen. ence chair. evolutionary processes driv- “This is a wonderful Professor Randy Wei- ing these differences. opportunity to showcase gel, a Cooperative Exten- Gene duplication is the creative endeavor of our sion Service human devel- an important process in faculty and students,” says opment specialist, launched differentiating vertebrate Karen Williams, professor the Wyoming AgrAbility genomes, an organism’s and head of the department. Project. The AgrAbility genetic material. David Liberles 23 PROGRAM NOTES says. “Further, the ancestor in biological sciences at Troy Assistant Professor Al- of salmon, trout, and char State University in Troy, exandre Latchininsky and had four copies of myo- Alabama. After working as Research Scientist Scott statin while mammals like a research technician for Schell, entomology special- sheep and cattle have one.” Washington State Universi- ists in the Department of The effect of gene ty and the U.S. Department Renewable Resources, help duplication on myostatin of Agriculture’s Agricultural residents deal with these function in salmonids is Research Service for three and thousands of other also being researched by the years, he was employed as a “bug” problems in a back- group. research extension assistant yard, garden, or rangeland. “These model systems, Steve Herbert by the Department of Plant To provide Wyoming together with theoretical Pathology at the University clientele with scientifically work, will enable a bet- Plant Sciences of Arizona. He completed sound, economically fea- ter understanding of how Steve Herbert, associ- his master’s and doctorate sible, and environmentally genome change between ate professor of botany, degrees in 1971 and 1975 safe pest-management ad- closely related species became interim head of the there. vice, it is necessary to first is linked to phenotypic Department of Plant Sci- Upon graduation, identify the culprit. change in organisms,” he ences August 1. Gray worked with a private The duo operates the says. Herbert received his seed company in California UW Arthropod Diagnostic Liberles moved here master’s of science degree then with the Coopera- Clinic, which processes last December from the in 1984 and his doctorate tive Extension Service at increasing numbers of pest Computational Biology in 1988 from the Univer- Auburn University before samples every year – from Unit at the University of sity of Washington. His coming to Wyoming. 60 in 2003 to 221 in 2005. Bergen, Norway, where he research interest is in how “Working with people Over the last two years, the was a group leader. photosynthetic organisms in agriculture, especially extension entomologists His team in the De- accommodate changing students, has been a very provided 240 phone, e- partment of Molecular environmental conditions. rewarding experience,” says mail, compressed video, or Biology includes post-doc- Professor Fred Gray, Gray. walk-in pest management toral researchers Alexander who served as interim recommendations to clients Chourbanov, Katha- department head the past Renewable rina Dittmar, and Steven year, retired August 31. Resources Massey; doctorate students Gray joined the depart- Overwhelmed by scary, Himanshu Ardawatia, ment February 1, 1980, as alien-looking earwigs in a Shruti Rastogi, Tim associate professor of plant basement bathroom? Hughes, and Asa Tellgren; pathology and nematology. Are insatiable grasshop- and undergraduate student He was involved in instruc- pers eating you out of house- Katie Harris. tion and applied research and-home on the range? in the biology and manage- Do mysterious bugs ment of crop diseases. leave perfectly round Gray received his notches on each leaf of a bachelor’s of science degree lilac bush? Alexandre Latchininsky 24 Grasshoppers, B-1161, Terry Creekmore with and a poster titled “Pest the Wyoming Department Grasshoppers of the West: of Health says many of the Identification and Manage- samples sent to the WSVL ment,” B-1171. Both are will come from birds available for free download- trapped live in Wyoming. Donal O’Toole Scott Schell ing at http://www.uwyo. After cloacal samples are edu/CES/plantsci.htm or taken, the birds will be re- from all Wyoming coun- the possible movement by e-mailing the College of leased unharmed. ties. of the H5NI strain across Agriculture’s Resource Cen- “Other samples will The Master Gardener North America should it be ter at [email protected], come from hunter-killed program has been growing imported from Asia on the calling the center at (307) waterfowl (mostly geese fast over the past few years. Pacific Flyway,” says Donal 766-2115, or writing to the and ducks) this fall and The two have developed a O’Toole, director of the University of Wyoming, birds found dead,” Creek- horticultural entomology WSVL, which is managed College of Agriculture, more notes. program for Master Gar- by the Department of Vet- Department 3313, 1000 E. Information about deners and delivered it to erinary Sciences. University Ave., Laramie, HPAI and Wyoming’s pos- more than 100 students in Avian influenza is a WY 82071. sible response is posted on eight counties. Topics cov- general term used to de- For more information the Wyoming Livestock ered include “Garden In- scribe a widely endemic and updates, visit the UW Board’s Web page at http:// sects: Pets or Pests?,” “How viral infection present in CES entomology Web site wlsb.state.wy.us/animal- to Use Insect Identification wild populations of water- at: http://uwadmnweb. health/AI.htm. Keys,” “Wyoming Butter- fowl and many other bird uwyo.edu/UWCES/Ento- flies,” “New Insecticides,” species at all times. mology.asp and many others. The emergence and Academic and For a more specialized spread of the H5N1 sub- Student Programs audience like weed and Veterinary type in Asia over the past “Some like it hot, hot, pest specialists and land Sciences few years has elevated con- hot! No, I am not talking managers, they developed a The Wyoming State cerns about the virus reach- about Wyoming’s weather, two-day applied entomology Veterinary Laboratory ing North America. but I am talking about the short course. This class was a (WSVL) began testing free- The testing is being new College of Agriculture hit in 2006 and was featured ranging migratory water- conducted by veterinary Speaker Series,” says Pepper on the UW Web site. It be- fowl this summer for pos- sciences department As- Jo Six, recruitment coordina- came so popular organizers sible infection of the highly sistant Professor Nicky tor in the Office of Academic had to cap the class size at 25 pathogenic avian influenza Bratanich and her staff in and Student Programs. students due to workspace H5N1. The WSVL is ex- the virology and diagnostic “The purpose of the limitations in the entomol- pected to test samples from serology sections of the series is to bring interesting ogy teaching laboratory. approximately 1,700 birds WSVL. topics into the high schools Recent publications of through this fall. “Dr. Bratanich’s and get students to identify UW extension entomol- “The testing is occur- laboratory will provide the with College of Agriculture ogy include a field guide ring as part of a national state’s testing capability,” faculty and staff members,” to Common Wyoming Pest surveillance effort to track O’Toole says. Six says. 25 PROGRAM NOTES

“Here in the College Dave Wilson in plant sci- open houses around the of Agriculture, we have ences; Doug Hixon and state. The Sustainable Ag- amazing research projects Warrie Means in animal riculture Research and Ex- and various on-going stud- science; Jerry Johnson in tension Center near Lingle ies we will be bringing to molecular biology; and Six. hosted the Western Society Wyoming classrooms. This “I believe more fac- of Crop Science meeting speaker series will be adver- ulty members will want to and small grains and biofu- tised to all Wyoming high contribute to this program els tour in June and a row school teachers for their after they see the success,” crop and livestock facilities classroom use,” she adds. Six says. tour in August, and it host- Among the topics to A brochure will be Bret Hess ed a grand opening dedica- be offered by faculty and mailed to all Wyoming high tion ceremony September staff members are agricul- schools this fall detailing Program, which is designed 7. ture careers, wearable art, the presentations. The title to develop new agricultural The Sheridan Research skin cancer prevention, is “Add some spice to your leadership for the 21st cen- and Extension Center rabies, horticulture, organic lectures with the College of tury. Hess is an associate hosted several workshops food, beef cattle produc- Agriculture Speaker Series.” professor of ruminant nutri- in May and a field day in tion, muscle dynamics, and The cover is in bright tion in the Department of late June. Justin Moss, roots and microbes. red and includes a photo of Animal Science. “Bret is center director, has greatly Faculty and staff mem- red peppers, and it was de- a tremendous addition to expanded the research ca- bers who volunteered for signed by Tana Stith in the the team and is spending pabilities of the center for the program early in its Office of Communications considerable time and effort examining coal-bed meth- planning stages include and Technology. writing grants to support ane water and its effects on Donna Brown, Sonya AES activities around the plants. Meyer, and Randy Weigel Agricultural state,” Miller says. “He is The Powell Research in family and consumer sci- Experiment Station also involved in numerous and Extension Center host- ences; Todd Cornish and activities that are strength- ed a sugar beet tour in July. Stephen D. Miller has Ken Mills in veterinary ening his leadership skills. The Wyoming Agricultural been director of the Agri- sciences; Karen Panter and One change is the Business Council met there cultural Experiment Station creation of a main research in early August, and the (AES) for nearly a year. and extension center at center also had a field day One of the hardest parts Laramie. This involves in August. The University of his job has been not do- combining the existing of Wyoming Seed Analysis ing weed science research animal science, veterinary Laboratory staff members around the state; however, sciences, and greenhouse at the center are expanding he says the year has been facilities under the AES. their facilities. very exciting and crammed Management and day-to- “Hopefully, you will with activity. day operations will not have an opportunity to visit Bret Hess began work- dramatically change. all these excellent research ing half-time in the AES The summer had a facilities,” Miller says. office June 1. Hess is par- number of field days and Pepper Jo Six ticipating in the LEAD21 26 Cooperative Ag Development demand for a well-educated Extension Service and College work force, graduate educa- The University of Wy- Relations tion is an integral part of the college’s research activi- oming Cooperative Exten- When you hear the ties. sion Service has had several word “student,” what im- Ryan Rapp Many college depart- new hires this year. age comes to mind? For ments rank as one of their They include: many, it is a younger per- highest priorities the need Nutrition and Food River Indian Reservation. son – perhaps a recent high to attract and retain good Safety Educators Perry has a bachelor’s degree school graduate – working graduate students (and • Karla Case has a in rangeland and watershed toward a bachelor’s degree being able to offer them bachelor’s degree in nutri- management from UW. in his or her chosen field. financial support). The col- tion from the University of CES’s Community But this is not a com- lege only has five privately Arizona in Tucson and is a Development Education plete picture, says Anne funded awards specifically registered dietician working (CDE) initiative team is Leonard, director of the for graduate students. In- in the Natrona County of- continuing expansion of its Office of Ag Development creasing the number and fice. Extension Volunteer Or- and College Relations. size of privately funded Agriculture Educators ganization for Leadership, Graduate-level educa- graduate student awards is • Ryan Rapp is based in Vitality, and Enterprise tion is also an important a main focus for the col- Converse County and also (EVOLVE) program in component of the teach- lege. covers Natrona and Nio- the western United States. ing, research, and outreach If interested in learning brara counties with empha- Rhonda Shipp, Big Horn mission of the College of how to help or for more sis on crop systems. Rapp Basin Area community Agriculture. information about creating holds both bachelor’s and development educator, Many of the articles a graduate student award, master’s degrees from UW. presented two sessions at contained in this issue of please contact the College • Lindsay Taylor is the Cooperative Extension Ag News highlight work of Agriculture Develop- based in Campbell County Western Regional Mid- done by some of the 148 ment and College Relations and also covers Crook and Managers Conference in graduate students in the Office at (307) 766-3372. Weston counties with an Monterey, California, in College of Agriculture. An emphasis in livestock sys- July on leadership develop- example is the graduate tems. Taylor has a master’s ment because of the success students working on water degree in integrated re- of the Wyoming program. quality with Professor K.J. source management from The CDE team mem- Reddy in the Department Colorado State University bers will conduct training of Renewable Resources. and a bachelor’s degree in for Idaho extension educa- Increasing graduate animal science from Cali- tors on the EVOLVE cur- student enrollments reflect fornia Polytechnic State riculum in October in Jack- a growing trend in today’s University in San Luis son. Leadership programs society as many careers now Obispo, California. have been initiated in Park, require either a master’s • Lisa Perry is the agri- degree or a doctorate. In Big Horn, Washakie, Uin- Anne Leonard culture and natural resourc- ta, Lincoln, Sublette, and addition to meeting the es educator on the Wind Weston/Crook counties. 27 Legacy Award Winner about things. She felt bottom- make sure an animal is not left (Continued from page 21) less responsibility for the ranch behind. and the cattle. She was never “It is what your grandfa- “An independent thinker is going to blame the weather, the ther did, what your father did, Vol. 15, No. 3 not an easy thing to be,” notes cattle market, or employees for and it is what we expect from Muffy. “It’s much easier to fol- the way things turned out.” you,” she told her son. Senior Editor low the herd and do what ev- Matt says his mother pro- “Her comment is very Steven L. Miller erybody else does. My mother vided the best example of what symbolic to me,” Matt says. “It Editor was never that way. She wanted his family taught him. During is a reminder that in every area Robert Waggener us to make up our own minds her run for governor, she asked of our lives, in order to do our Layout and Design him to operate the ranch. She best, we must go where it may Tana Stith didn’t give much instruction, be difficult and even perhaps but “she did tell me something dangerous, but this is the only Send comments or suggestions to: that has come to mean a great way to make certain we don’t Dean Frank D. Galey deal to me as I continue to miss out or lose what we care Dept. 3354, reflect on the way she led her about.” 1000 E. Univ. Ave. Laramie, WY 82071-3354 life,” he says. The instruction will stay (307) 766-4133 She told him when gath- with him forever, he says, “Be- [email protected] ering cattle a person has to cause riding the ‘longest loop’ ride the outside fence line, is what Mary did in every as- The University of Wyoming is an equal opportunity/ pect and every day of her life, the longest loop. The ride is affirmative action institution. harder and longer than anyone and it is what she was doing Brand – Muffy Mead-Ferro else’s, but it is the only way to on the day she died.”

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID College of Agriculture University of Wyoming Dept. 3354, 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071-3354