Tri-State Livestock News

(Washington, D.C., June 30, 2026) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program that will provide temporary support for eligible beef processing establishments. Under SPUR, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide up to $500 million in payments to eligible entities to support stronger and more stable market opportunities for American ranchers.

Sigvart Smebakken was born at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Aug. 1, 1872. His folks moved to Adams, N.D., when he was quite young. Mathilda Johnson was born at Grafton, N.D., Nov. 30, 1879. They were married at Adams, N.D. In 1897 Sigvart came to what is now Perkins County, S.D., to look for a location. In the spring of 1899, he brought his wife and two small boys, Gilbert and George, to their new home on the North brand of the Grand River.

Share this story e7c95b_b0846f41c56243208be4137f42247ea9~mv2 Marie McClaren and her family trail bands of sheep to the mountains in southwestern Wyoming for summer range. Marie McClaren | courtesy photo e7c95b_1d99320212994ccab6b7dc0056b89682~mv2 e7c95b_c6677839d44a42ccad4a684e7942ec99~mv2 e7c95b_278c2c20030345af8f8bd5c0cd459e68~mv2 Sometimes a stubborn lamb needs a ride.

Share this story Many would consider Shad Sullivan’s title unimportant. American cattle rancher. “I’m an American cattle rancher. I’m a policy-driven individual. I’m America-first all the way,” said Sullivan, who serves as R-CALF USA’s Property Rights Committee chairman and has, over the course of recent months, built relationships with political representatives.

Share this story The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) will host a three-day, field-based Grazing School July 28-30 at the McGinn Ranch near Anselmo, Nebraska. The school is designed for ranchers who want to sharpen their grazing strategies, strengthen peer networks, and improve the long-term health and profitability of their grazing operations. Registration is now open.

Share this story Editor’s note; the top four in each event will compete in the National High School Rodeo Association finals in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 17-25.

Dally Meyer’s Merino fleeces continue to win awards. | courtesy photo 9b24e3a7-70f8-465b-9702-ea4511b17667 Dally Meyer entered four of her Merino ewe fleeces in the Estes Park Wool Market Fleece and Fiber Show held June 13-14, 2026, where 200 wool exhibits were competing. | courtesy photo f8c52075-85e1-454e-bc71-32fea0b11c1e Show CaptionsHide Captions Dally Meyer continues to win wool shows with her Merino wools.

Share this story Well I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July and celebrated America’s 250th birthday in style. Our country isn’t perfect, but it’s still the best on the planet. I’m sure glad I was born and raised right here. The committee that decides such things has decided to keep the college finals in Casper, Wyo. for the next 10 years, which is good news for college rodeo. Blunt Summer Barrel series at Blunt, S.D. will be July 8, 22, Aug.

Share this story Roger Nygaard was known as a true horseman who took care of much of work behind the chutes. Nygaard_(13) Roger Nygaard was known as a true horseman who took care of much of work behind the chutes. Nygaard_(14) Roger and Ruby Nygaard were joined by their great-grandchildren Hannah Nygaard and Toby Nygaard and driven by their friend Ray Reede as they were honored as the Grand Marshals of the Wolf Point Stampede in 2025.

Richmond Champion plans to retire after the Calgary Stampede. PRCA | courtesy photo image-2 Richmond Champion, a nine-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bareback rider, announced his retirement from PRORODEO after a 15-year run would come after the Calgary Stampede beginning July 3. Champion, 33, said the decision to hang up his chaps didn’t come easy. But the grind of the PRORODEO season began to take its toll, and his love for the sport began to fade.