Wyoming
Wyoming Ranchers And Farmers Leaving Agriculture Are “Tired Of Just…
Every week for the last five years, Wyoming lost an average of about 5.5 of its farms and ranches — a total of around 1.2 million food-producing acres, according to USDA’s latest Census of Agriculture.
The most recent farm and ranch to fall to this trend may well be the historic Antlers Ranch near Meeteetse, now on the market for $85 million
The ranch has been in the same family since 1895 and has never been for sale before.
It has lately been under the stewardship of Sam May, who came back home to the family ranch in 1987, after college. He’d gone to college to study English and journalism, mainly because he had an older brother who he’d thought would be taking the ranch over. That meant he needed a different occupation.
But, ultimately, it was May his father called when the time came to settle the matter of the ranch’s succession.
“My father basically said either you come back, or we’re gonna sell,” May told Cowboy State Daily. “And that was an easy decision. There is nowhere else I would rather be. I’ve been here ever since, so 37 years.”
May counts those years stewarding one of Wyoming’s most historic ranches as a gift, but it is a gift that he’s worked hard for. Livestock don’t take vacations, and neither do ranchers.
“There is no typical day,” May said. “Every day is a new day. If it’s winter, we’re feeding calves. We raise bison but, just like cattle, we wean our bison calves, so we have feeding, checking water, doing things like that.”
When he’s done with the animals, he works on anything that needs fixing, whether it’s housing, equipment, or corrals. There’s almost always something that needs to be fixed on a ranch.
Changing To Bison
Antlers Ranch started out as a cattle ranch, founded by a German immigrant who traveled up the Missouri River on a flatboat to Fort Benton in Montana, before disembarking and making his way to Wyoming.
Initially, the ranch focused on feeding all the miners seeking gold in Kirwin, but Ernest May Sr. decided to trade all of his interest in the mining company that owned Antlers Ranch for sole ownership of the ranch.
Antlers remained a cattle farm until the mid-90s, Sam May told Cowboy State Daily, when it switched to bison. At that time, prices for cattle had become very low, and it was not easy to break even on them.
May’s father was all in 110% at the time, May recalled, but May wanted to hedge his bets a little.
So they sold just half of the cattle herd at first, switching it over to bison.
“He was right,” May said. “Honestly, ranchers have a tendency to go with what they know, and I grew up with cattle, so that’s what I understood.”
Within three months of trying a half herd of bison though, May, too, was all in.
“I sold them all and then all of a sudden I’ve got a herd of 300 young buffalo and a lot of 100-year-old fences,” May said, laughing. “You know, it was an education, but I didn’t have the choice but to learn.”
Bison have been cheaper for Antlers Ranch than cattle, May said.
“There are so many things we don’t have to do with bison, like calving, like intensive feeding through the winter, things like that,” May said. “In an area like this, where you get a fairly heavy snow load, it offers you a little bit cheaper way of raising animals.”
That’s not to say they’re better.
“They’re just different,” May said. “Bison like to be out there in the winter grazing, and we’re not having to feed them, so that saves quite a bit of money.”
Antlers Ranch still raises the hay they used to grow for cattle, as well as other agricultural commodities. That gives it a bit of market flexibility.
“We sell some of that,” May said. “But when we’re weaning calves and growing out our yearlings and 2-year-olds, they’re still getting fed in the winter to help support them. That gives us a little more latitude.”
Diversify, Modernize and Survive
Diversification has been the key to keeping the Antlers Ranch going as long as it has, May said.
“We’re fortunate to have oil income,” he said. “Which is very helpful sometimes, and sometimes not as much, but you never sneeze at a dollar right?”
In addition to selling commodities like hay and bison, the ranch does some custom butchering as well, and works with a company that does rock crushing.
“We do a little bit of everything,” May said.
Technology like pivots, flood irrigation and GPS systems have helped keep labor costs in check in some areas, May said, but mostly what he relies on are good, smart people.
“They work hard,” he said. “So, we’re able to get by with a lot less people than most places probably would.
May said he’s looked at drones, but wrecked one early on, and hasn’t fooled around with it any more.
“The technology that’s coming around is interesting,” he said. “It is amazing the opportunities that our new generations coming in will have. Hopefully it will save them a lot of time, effort and labor.”
Lately, May has been looking at adding some cattle back into his herd. That’s the direction he thinks he would go now, if he were keeping the ranch.
“I absolutely love running bison, I really do,” He said. “But there are things about cattle I miss. I miss cowboying. I miss being horseback. I miss breaking colts when I used to do that a long time ago, and things like that. But you can’t have it all.”
Horses don’t work for herding bison, May added.
“We train the bison early, when they’re calves and stuff, so we really don’t need to be horseback any more,” he said. “And, you know, your average horses can’t outrun bison. They can’t last as long as bison. As far as moving them, four wheelers work the best, and honestly, leading them with a cake truck works even better.”
Still he does miss riding horseback out on the range.
On the other hand, May said with a chagrined laugh, “I wonder if I’m as limber as I used to be?”
Ranchers Tire Of Just Surviving
May hopes that whoever buys Antlers Ranch will continue to run it as a ranch.
But he is also keenly aware that may not happen, and it is bittersweet. He’s proud of the ranch, proud of his family’s legacy, even if he is hesitant to talk about it, lest that be seen as bragging.
It would be nice if that happened,” he said. “But you have to face the fact that when you’ve made a choice to sell something, that new owner is going to make a choice of how they would like to run it, right, and that’s the way it is.”
An $85 million price tag means whoever buys the ranch likely would not make enough income to pay the mortgage, May acknowledged.
Selling the Antlers Ranch was a family decision, May told Cowboy State Daily. But, he added, he understands why Wyoming and America are losing so many of its farms and ranches.
“The younger generation sees a better way of living, outside of agriculture,” he said. “The hours, the amount of work, the seven days a week and things like that — it doesn’t appeal to a lot of people. It just takes a different, someone who loves the lifestyle.”
But there’s more to it than just that, May added.
“People look at a steak and say, ‘Oh my, God, that steak is costing me $20’ right?” May said. “But yet an $80,000 truck is OK. You see where I’m coming from?”
May’s point is that the cost of trucks has gone up quite a bit more than food prices have over the years. Yet the share of the food dollar that farms and ranches get has continued to drop off.
That’s one of the reasons May went to custom butchering, so the ranch could keep more of that retail dollar home.
“Then when your average tractor is plus or minus $100,000, people wonder why farmers and ranchers are having troubles paying for things,” May said. “And why they’re doing government subsidies and all the rest of the garbage.”
May, to be clear, isn’t for subsidies at all. But he understands that for some farms and ranches it’s a matter of survival.
“And that’s a good, a perfect word right there,” he said. “Survive. And that’s why you’re seeing a lot of farmers and ranchers are getting out. They’re tired of just surviving.”
Renée Jean can be reached at renee@cowboystatedaily.com.
A pristine trail town tucked into the breathtaking beauty of western Wyoming, Dubois puts the ‘wild’ in the Wild West. Just 55 miles from Yellowstone National Park and located in the Wind River, Owl Creek, and Absaroka mountain ranges, the town is a welcoming alpine community with stunning views from every street. From enjoying the fresh powder on the winter slopes to hiking, biking, or riding through the wildflower-covered peaks in the summer, Dubois is a year-round destination that offers adventure in every season. In addition to its serene location, Dubois is a vibrant town with lots on the menu from fine dining to lively western-style saloons.
The History of Dubois
The Wind River Valley remained sparsely populated until the late 1800s, when pioneering homesteaders established the first settlements, initiating a small yet lively community. While fur traders, explorers, and some Native American tribes were familiar with the area, it was the arrival of homesteaders that helped shape its identity. This led to the emergence of a town, supported by the expansion of cattle and sheep ranching.
Dubois was officially incorporated in 1914 and grew over the years, benefiting from its logging, farming, and tourism sectors. Today, with a population of 778 as of the 2022 census, Dubois remains true to its Western heritage, offering visitors an authentic cowboy experience.
Things to Do in Dubois
Get that cowboy experience at one of the oldest guest ranches in the country, the CM Ranch which opened in 1927. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced rider, or never been on a horse, the experienced staff at this busy dude ranch will show you the ropes. Guests can choose their own adventure, from riding trails through desert badlands and mountain highlands to fly fishing in the backcountry.
Dubois is located in mountain country, possibly the only place where you can observe three distinct types of mountains: those formed by glaciers, volcano-created peaks, and ranges caused by shifting underground plates. It is a haven and playground for nature lovers. If you prefer walking over riding, numerous local guides are available to help you explore the trails and enjoy the best vistas. For those who prefer to go alone, the Bonneville Pass Trail offers a scenic climb through valley meadows, while the Five Pockets Trail provides spectacular views of Horse Creek with the Absaroka Mountains as a backdrop.
Look out for ancient carvings while you are exploring; Wyoming is home to stunning examples of rock art. In the Wind River Range, you will find the Torrey Lake Petroglyph District, which includes around 175 well-preserved petroglyphs. For more information on where to see the best pictograms or find accessible trails, speak to the staff at the Dubois Museum. This specialty museum traces the geology of the area, its early inhabitants, and its history of homesteading. They also offer custom guided tours of petroglyphs, native sheep trap and buffalo drive sites, and more.
Dubois is a favorite spot for anglers, featuring pristine lakes, streams, and rivers teeming with fish like rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Try casting your line at Torrey Creek. The waters aren’t just for fishing; you can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing, or relax with a float trip guided by Wind River Float Trips.
In winter, the country is even more beautiful, and there are still lots of ways to enjoy it. Go ice-fishing, take a dog-sled ride through the snowy wonderland, or try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Downtown Dubois
Many Wild West legends have strolled through Dubois, including the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy. While things may have changed over time, the town still radiates quirky character and Western charm. After a day outdoors, grab a bite at the Rustic Pine Tavern, open since 1919, or visit the Outlaw Bar and Saloon. Once called the Branding Iron Inn, the Outlaw Bar has remained a beloved Dubois gathering spot for generations.
In the summer months, the town hosts the Dubois Friday Night Rodeo, which runs through June, July, and August. The family-friendly event features Mutton Bustin, Calf Riding, Mini Bull Riding, Pee Wee Barrel Racing, and more.
What Makes Dubois Different
Dubois remains a timeless town nestled amid Wyoming’s towering mountain ranges. This cowboy haven has preserved its natural beauty and charm for centuries, attracting explorers, pioneers, hunters, and adventurers. Visitors can saddle up at a dude ranch, scale mountain peaks, fish or float on glacial rivers, and unwind at the local rodeo—offering an ideal setting for unforgettable experiences and a break from everyday life.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Western Wyoming Community College placed second at the NJCAA Wrestling Championships on Saturday, finishing with 188 team points and producing nine All-Americans, including four national runners-up. Their 188 points are the second-most all-time.
Indian Hills repeated as national champion with 201.5 points, the most points of all time, while Iowa Central finished third with 145.5. Western improved on last year’s third-place finish while sending four wrestlers to the championship round, the most runner-up finishes at the tournament, though the Mustangs were unable to secure an individual national title.
Zach Marrero reached the championship match at 133 pounds after earning a 4-2 decision in the semifinals. In the final, Marrero faced Indian Hills’ Olli Webb. The two were tied 1-1 after three periods before Webb secured a sudden-victory takedown to win 4-1.
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At 165 pounds, Banks Norby advanced to the finals with an 8-7 semifinal decision over Tom Stoll of Northeastern Junior College. Norby then faced Henry Dillingham of Clackamas in the championship match. Dillingham scored seven points in the third period to pull away, and Norby was unable to record a takedown as he finished second.
Banks Love also reached the championship bout at 184 pounds. Love snuck past Asadbek Fayzullaev of Northwest 10-9 in the semifinals. In the final, he fell to Jarrel Miller of Iowa Central 16-9. Love scored seven points in the final period, but Miller also scored nine in the period to secure the win.
At 197 pounds, Trevyn Gates reached the finals after pinning Samuel Montoya of Southeast Nebraska in the semifinals. Gates’ run ended in the championship match when he was pinned in 2:03, giving him a runner-up finish.
Western also had two wrestlers earn third-place finishes.
At 125 pounds, Stockton Allen dropped his semifinal match by technical fall but responded in the consolation bracket. Allen secured third place with a fall in 1:27 over Truth Vesey of Harper.
Green River’s Tommy Dalton also placed third at 149 pounds. Dalton lost in the semifinals by fall in 4:22 but rebounded with a 17-6 major decision to reach the third-place match. He then defeated Ayson Rice of Southeast Nebraska 9-3 to earn the bronze.
Francisco Ayala finished fifth at 174 pounds. After dropping into the consolation bracket, Ayala won two of his three matches to reach the fifth-place bout, where he defeated Iowa Western’s Matteo Nikolov 4-2. Trailing 1-0 entering the final period, Ayala secured a takedown with 12 seconds remaining to claim the win.
Dmitri Alarcon placed sixth at 141 pounds. Alarcon lost in the semifinals by fall before dropping a 20-9 decision in the consolation bracket. In the fifth-place match, he led 5-2 after the opening period but gave up a four-point nearfall in the second and fell 6-5.
At 157 pounds, Hixon Canto finished seventh. After advancing through the consolation bracket Friday, Canto lost a 6-4 decision Saturday before taking seventh place by medical forfeit.
Heavyweight Kort Wilkinson saw his tournament end a day earlier. Wilkinson was one point away from the quarterfinals before falling to Cito Tuttle of Rochester 3-2 in double overtime. He won two matches in the consolation bracket before losing a 5-0 decision to Naasir Edmonds, ending his season on the opening day of the tournament.
Western Wyoming’s second-place finish marks an improvement from its third-place result at the 2025 NJCAA Wrestling Championships and caps a season that also included the program’s ninth straight Region 9/Plains District title.
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