Serving all of Eastern Laramie County since 1908

Cowbelles.. not just for beef

The Laramie County Cowbelles believe the livestock industry is of basic importance to the world.

The Cowbelles dedicate themselves to supporting, promoting, educating and encouraging beef producers and all related people and businesses, to instill in the coming generation the love of the land and of life in agriculture.

The number of people involved in livestock each year is shrinking. It is imperative that our message be heard locally and nationally to promote the beef industry and related agricultural industries.

The ladies in the organization volunteer their time to educate and promote beef and industry issues.

Laramie County Cowbelles was formed in 1956 and has been in existence for 61 years. The primary event has been the Ag Expo held each September at the Archer Complex. All Laramie County 4th graders and their teachers are invited to view and participate in many agricultural activities. They have had as many as 1100 students attend the two day Expo.

Presenters include the Wyoming Game and Fish, Laramie County Soil Conservation, working stock dogs, The Bee Whisperer, Laramie County Weed and Pest, the Western Dairy Association, USDA, Master Gardeners, and High West Energy.

They also have generous donations of machinery and equipment from 4Rivers Equipment along with other displays including roping, weaving, beef by-products, and wheat. Students are assigned groups and rotate between 24 stations to learn about agriculture and natural resources.

During the Laramie County Fair market beef show the Cowbelles hold an ice cream and pie social. The social is a huge success during the beef show. The Cowbelles feed approximately 300 people 30 pies and 7 gallons of ice cream!!

In June they host the Ability Experience at the Wyoming Hereford Ranch. This group of men from Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from around the country bicycle across the United States to share experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. The Cowbelles serve them a real ranch style lunch!

Laramie County Cowbelles are looking at new promotional projects in the coming years.

Continuing to promote beef, agriculture and educating students about agriculture would not be possible without our associate members. They are proud to recognize over fifty local businesses that assist Laramie County Cowbelles financially each year. Donations go to providing educational materials for the Ag Expo and supplies for the ice cream social.

The Cowbelles also have a scholarship program with scholarships available to high school students going to attend the University of Wyoming in agriculture related studies. This is a program set up to help keep agriculture going in Laramie County area.

The 2018 officers will be Pam Freeman, President, Carole Goertz, Vice President, Lindsey Hollingsworth, Secretary, and Debbie Sullivan, Treasurer.

If you are interested in learning more about Laramie County Cowbelles, becoming an associate member, attending a meeting or even becoming a full-fledged member, please contact one of our officers. Members don't have to own livestock, they only need to have a passion to help promote the beef and agricultural industry. We meet the fourth Monday of every month except July and December at the Radisson Hotel in Cheyenne at noon.

 

Reader Comments(0)