BOZEMAN —  It’s been an exciting week at Alpacas of Montana in Bozeman, as a team of shearers prepares to shear nearly 90 animals on the farm, including alpacas and llamas.

Alpacas of Montana owner James Budd notes that this is a great day for both the business and the animals – especially following such a dry, warm winter and spring.

Alpacas of Montana kicks off summer shearing season for nearly 90 alpacas and llamas in Bozeman

“It’s exciting for me to look at the fiber, see what kind of quality animals we have — what kind of products I can make with each specific yarn,” Budd said.

The fiber will be processed into ‘Alpaca Tech Yarn’ and later sold at the Alpacas of Montana shop. Alpacas of Montana is the largest alpaca clothing company in the country, Budd said.

One member of the shearing operation is Kyle Michaels from Biosecure Alpaca Shearing. Michaels has been in the business since 2012, and notes that the goal of the entire process is to shear the animal as gently and as quickly as possible.

MTN NEWS

The State Fair of Nevada returns to Reno June 11-13 with livestock shows, youth competitions, entertainment, carnival rides and new attractions.

“We are excited to welcome families and communities from across Nevada back to the official State Fair of Nevada,” said Nevada Department of Agriculture Director J.J. Goicoechea in a news release. “After 16 years, a Nevada tradition is finally returning, something many families have waited years to experience again.”

The fair will take place at the Nevada State Fairgrounds, including the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and Reno Rodeo Arena.

Here’s what to know about the upcoming event.

What’s planned for the State Fair of Nevada

The fair will feature several events: the Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H Expo, a Made in Nevada Farmers’ Market and Next Generation Junior Bull Riding.

Organizers have also announced an opening-night concert featuring country artist Caleb Montgomery, a drone show, local vendors, food and art displays, carnival rides and other entertainment.

The Traeger Smoke Show, a public barbecue competition, is scheduled for Saturday, June 13. Participants will prepare smoked and grilled dishes for judging, with the winner receiving a Woodridge Elite Traeger Smoker. Registration information is available at statefair.nv.gov/contests-shows.

Why the State Fair of Nevada is returning to Reno

Assembly Bill 333, passed during the 2025 legislative session, restored the Nevada State Fairgrounds, originally endowed to the Department of Agriculture in 1867, back under the agency’s control.

The new law also reaffirmed that the director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture determines the official state fair, clearing the path for the event’s return.

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today announced the appointment of Rebecca Roose as New Mexico’s Natural Resources Trustee through the remainder of her term.

Roose has served as the governor’s senior infrastructure advisor since fall 2023 and as acting Natural Resources Trustee since March. Roose’s term as trustee will end when the governor’s does on Dec. 31, 2026.

The Office of the Natural Resources Trustee (ONRT) is the State of New Mexico’s natural resources watchdog. When contamination injures New Mexico’s land, water or wildlife, ONRT works to hold the responsible parties accountable for the damage and collect fines for remediation.

Roose brings more than two decades of environmental, water and infrastructure experience to the role. In her current position, she spearheaded landmark legislative successes including the New Mexico Match Fund, the Strategic Water Supply program and a $1.5 billion transportation bonding package.

“Rebecca Roose knows New Mexico’s water, land and environmental challenges from the inside out,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “Her knowledge and experience position her to be a strong and effective advocate for New Mexico’s natural resources.”

Prior to her current role, Roose served as deputy cabinet secretary at the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), where she oversaw environmental and public health programs statewide and led the agency’s work on infrastructure, tribal relations and water policy. She also directed NMED’s Water Protection Division during the governor’s first term. Before joining state government in 2019, she spent 13 years leading national environmental programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Roose holds a law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law and an undergraduate degree in geography from Valparaiso University.