Briefs

Logan resigns

Dr. Jim Logan has notified the Wyoming Livestock Board that he will be leaving his post as Wyoming's State Veterinarian in a few months to return to private practice in Fremont County. Logan will continue his duties with the state until a replacement can be hired and familiarized with the procedures and issues in regulatory medicine. This process will likely take three to four months. During this time, WLB will also be reviewing applications for an assistant state veterinarian, a new position authorized by the 2003-2004 Wyoming Legislature.

"It has been a privilege to serve the livestock industry and the boards I have worked with, but it is time for me to make a change," Logan said. "I will definitely remain available and stay active with the state until Wyoming regains its brucellosis-free status."

The WLB appoints the state veterinarian. Under Wyoming State Statute, the state veterinarian serves as the chief executive officer of the WLB at the board's pleasure.

WBP President Jim Wilson said, "The resignation of Dr. Jim Logan will be a huge loss to the livestock industry in Wyoming. Jim's excellent working relationship with veterinarians of Wyoming's export states will be missed."

Wilson said that the brucellosis issue has taken a lot of Logan's time, and Logan realizes the effect that it has on the saleability of Wyoming cattle.

"His loyalty and dedication to Wyoming is very obvious, as he will continue to serve until another state veterinarian is hired and on board," Wilson said.

Wilson said, "The Wyoming Livestock Board will have a meeting in the near future to accept Dr. Logan's resignation and to start a search for his replacement."

Beef Month

Governor Dave Freudenthal is slated to proclaim May as Beef Month. In a release, Freudenthal praised Wyoming's beef industry for responding to consumer trends and producing a safe, nutritious product while being good stewards of the land, promoting environmental practices that will allow improved farms and ranches to be passed to the next generation. In addition, he noted that May is the beginning of the summer coo-out season - a perfect time for Wyoming residents to grill hamburgers, steaks and kabobs from their favorite grocery store.

Home to 6,200 beef producers and approximately 1.4 million beef cattle, Wyoming's beef industry is an important part of the state's agriculture industry. The beef producers in Wyoming generate $6.87 million for the economy, 78 percent of the total cash receipts from agriculture.

Farm Bureau

Should the Sublette County Farm Bureau move forward in wolf litigation? If so, what should the group's financial commitment involve? These are questions the county chapter will discuss at its next meeting, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, at the Farm Bureau office in Pinedale. Interested livestock producers and Farm Bureau members are encouraged to attend.

Woolgrowers

Sublette County Wool Growers will hold a business meeting at the Sublette County Extension office in Pinedale on Wednesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. The group will talk about this year's shearing program, the wool pool, and the group's involvement in the county fair. Sheep producers are encouraged to attend.