Sorted by date Results 126 - 150 of 199
Carbon County Senior Centers Wednesday: Sausage and egg bake, hash browns, spinach, banana muffin, cherries, milk Thursday: French dip sandwich, au jus, oven brown potato, green beans, grapes, milk Friday: Barbecue riblet, potato wedges, cole slaw, wheat roll, strawberries, ice cream, milk Monday: Closed for the Fourth of July Tuesday: Chicken strips, french fries, three bean salad, wheat bread, peaches, milk...
When someone says “hugelkultur,” don’t respond with a “bless you.” That funky sounding word was no sneeze - it’s a water-saving gardening technique that’s coming to the Valley in a big way this spring, in the form of a two year, $19,924 investigatory grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With oversight from the town council, the Saratoga Community Garden Board will use these funds to construct five experimental hugelkultur gardens around town. Two will be located in Kathy Glode P...
Wyoming is generally not known for its fruit production. While there are not a lot of options available for fruit growers, there are some hardy species that can handle Wyoming. Pears are one species of fruit that can tolerate Southeast Wyoming and provide the hobby or backyard farmer with a product each fall. It is no secret that Wyoming is a tough place to keep plants alive. High winds, a paucity quality water, low humidity and annual precipitation, shallow soils, soils high in minerals, very cold and unpredictable temperatures and hungry...
With the world’s population expected to reach nine billion people in the next 40 years, agriculture in Wyoming and worldwide will play a vital role in feeding and conserving the growing planet. “Studies indicate that American consumers think about food production constantly, but know very little about how food is brought to the dinner table,” explained State FFA Advisor Stacy Broda. “The Wyoming State FFA Officers created the Wyoming Agriculture Advocacy Week to help bridge the gap between agriculture producers and consumers on issues such as...
Wyoming Cow Belles was started in 1940 by women in the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association to promote and support the beef industry. Our local organization the Snowy Range Cow Belles was started in 1956. We are now called the Snowy Range Cattlewomen but many still call us "Cow Belles." Our dues were 50 cents and we had 15 members. Today our dues are $5 a year. We are strictly volunteers who present college scholarships, give out prizes for 4-H projects at the county fair, donate beef roasts for...
It is that time of year when the teasing begins. It’s 60 degrees one day and 20 degrees the next. Wyoming weather tends to taunt us this time of year, trying to convince us backyard BBQs and flourishing gardens are just around the corner. We get antsy with anticipation of the beautiful days to come. There is not a lot we can do to force those beautiful days to come more quickly, but there are a few options to extend the growing season so we can get in the soil and do some digging a little earlier. There are a variety of ways to extend the seaso...
Wyoming ranchers and farmers report the number of sheep and lambs totaled 355,000 head on January 1, 2016, up 10,000 head from a year ago. According to Rhonda Brandt, Wyoming State Statistician for United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service, “The Wyoming sheep and lamb inventory increased 3 percent from last year’s record low inventory. This is the first inventory increase since 2006.” The number of breeding sheep and lambs increased to 265,000 head for 2016, up from 260,000 head last year. ...
There are more hobby beekeepers in Wyoming than commercial beekeepers, which highlights an interesting trend in the future of beekeeping. According to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) registration records in 2015, Wyoming had 431 total registered beekeepers. Of those, 163 were commercial beekeepers and 268 were hobbyist beekeepers who owned 10 hives or less. The interest in hobby beekeeping is aligned with several other lifestyle trends in the state, a press release from WDA said. Wyoming folks are becoming more interested in...
Keeping records enables land owners to answer all kinds of questions about their operation. Without records noting choices made, when they’re made, how much they cost and so forth, operators are unable to determine if what they are doing is effective and efficient. By keeping records land owners are able to answer questions like, “Should I keep spending money on my weed management plan?” Records can also provide insight into the operation and help identify meaningful patterns. The following is a step-by-step example of how to address a quest...
Sagebrush is one of the most iconic plants populating the west. Found throughout the state, sagebrush is a common and sometimes mundane scene while traveling across Wyoming. Although perhaps not the most interesting backdrop, sagebrush serves an important function in ecosystems. There are many different species of sagebrush found in Wyoming. The different species are found growing everywhere, from low to high elevations and in cold and hot regions. These plants can have woody or non-woody stems. Sagebrush is in the Artemisia family, which is...
Saratoga High School's FFA chapter hosted students from five other high schools on March 11 for an agricultural mechanics competition. FFA groups from high schools in Laramie, Rock River, Casper, Baggs and Pinedale met at Saratoga High School for a practice session in advance of state finals, which will be held April 4 in Cheyenne. Teams from each school rotated through four hands-on activities with small engines, electrical wiring, welding and agricultural equipment. Teams also practiced...
By one estimate, Wyoming is the “horsiest” state on the basis of human population, horse population, and geographic size. Jennifer Ann Ingwerson, who heads the University of Wyoming’s (UW) equine studies program, is set on bringing horse education to more people in Wyoming. Ingwerson travels the state as a University of Wyoming Extension specialist, hosting clinics and teaching at the annual 4-H horse camp, where 4-H equine members learn showmanship and horsemanship. Her work at the university includes academic teaching and coaching the Colle...
With the increasing age of many agriculturalists across the state and nation, the future of the cattle industry and many ranches across our state has been a topic of interest for many years. Like many family-owned businesses, whether in town or in rural areas, a plan for the future is essential. Since our youth are the cornerstone of our success, in 2015 the Wyoming Stock Growers Association started the succession process. The future may be uncertain, but the people are not. This process would help the youth in the association or anyone who is...
For many holiday shoppers, Black Friday marks the official kickoff to the gift-buying season. But the following day, November 28, is Small Business Saturday, and can be a more satisfying way to shop for gifts for loved ones. At a time of year where big box retailers offer deep discounts, this annual opportunity to show local businesses your support is also a great way to score unique items while benefitting the local economy. Here are some retail trends and other things to consider as you shop a...
Numerous business in the Platte Valley are participating in Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov. 28. American Express began the Small Business Saturday initiative for the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2010. Last year, it was estimated that $14.3 billion was spent at small, independent businesses. According to the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the benefit of shopping small is based off a concept called the local economic multiplier effect. This is built of three e...
The Valley Service Organization (VSO) is hosting Winter Wonderland on Dec. 5 at the Platte Valley Community Center PVCC and VSO President Kate Sherrod said that, like always, attendees have a lot to look forward to. "This is one-on-one contact with Santa Claus, and I have it on good authority that we're his favorite place to come visit before Christmas," Sherrod said. For the last several years, Winter Wonderland has taken place on the same Saturday as the Lighted Christmas Parade. Sherrod said...
The holidays are a great time to shower friends and family with wonderful gifts. As you check off your holiday shopping list, remember that even small gifts can add up quickly to cost a bundle. With these helpful tips from the discount experts at Dollar General, you may be able to give more for less this holiday season. Holiday Thank Yous Little gifts for the kids‚ teachers, the neighborhood mail carrier, your favorite hairdresser and office co-workers can add up to some big expenses. Gift cards are a special way to show your year-round a...
The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) will host the Festival of Trees Gala and Auction on Dec. 4 at the Platte Valley Community Center (PVCC) for its 13th year. Individuals, organizations and businesses donate decorated trees and wreaths, gift baskets, centerpieces, holiday décor and gifts for auction. "It started with trees but now we get a little mix of everything," said Stacy Crimmins, chief executive officer of the Chamber. The Festival of Trees started at the Saratoga...
The annual Lighted Christmas Parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. The parade begins at Bridge Ave. and River St. and goes through historic downtown Saratoga. Attendees may take advantage of local shops to buy gifts while they wait for the parade to begin. The parade ends at the Platte Valley Community Center (PVCC) just in time to welcome Santa. "It's small, but it's festive," Crimmins said. The parade will have around 10 floats, and Crimmins added that though the parade is...
Technology gifts continue to dominate holiday wish lists. Before purchasing the latest gadget, remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Just as you wouldn’t buy the same sweater for everyone, different recipients have different needs when it comes to tech gifts. This season, consider technology gifts that can improve your loved ones’ daily lives by matching devices to their personal interests. Here are some ideas for thoughtful holiday tech gifts for everyone on your list. The Go-Getter Purchasing a gift for a busy parent, a world trave...
The Encampment Community Choir is kicking off the Christmas season with their annual Christmas concert at the Grand Encampment Opera House at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 2. The concert begins with the Sierra Madre Strings playing and the choir singing at 7 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars post 6125 will present the colors before the choir performs. The concert is free and open to the public....