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The Wyoming Stock Growers Association
officially organized in 1879, but the organization traces its roots to the
Wyoming Stock and Wool Association and the Stock Association of Laramie
County, Wyoming, which formed in the early 1870s. The cattlemen who organized
the WSGA sought to protect their investment. The aims of the organization
were to set up a stock detection system to prevent rustling of cattle, to
lobby for favorable legislation, to deal with contagious diseases among
cattle, and to organize roundups. Through the years it became clear that
Wyoming cattle ranchers and the WSGA had other concerns as well. The stock
growers have had to deal with price fluctuations, changing public interests
and values, and challenges from the weather. Since about half of the land
in Wyoming is owned by the federal government, issues such as grazing fees
and the multiple use of public lands are always important to Wyoming ranchers.
Through leadership on these and other issues, the WSGA has played a significant
role in the settlement and development of Wyoming.
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