BUFFALO – Chugwater rancher and past National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Philip Ellis was honored this month for his ongoing support of state and national agriculture industries during the Wyoming Stock Growers Association
convention here.
Gov. Matt Meade presented Ellis with the WSGA Guardian of the Grasslands Award during the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, which wrapped up June 9 at the Bomber Mountain Civic Center in Buffalo.
During the convention, new WSGA officers were elected to serve the state as Regional Vice Presidents, First Vice President and WSGA President and special awards luncheon was held in recognition to outstanding members of our Wyoming community.

New officers include, Dennis Sun, WSGA President of Casper; Scott Sims, First Vice President of McFadden; JD Hill, Region I Vice President of Ranchester; Reg Phillips, Region V Vice President of Dubois with a special announcement of the WSGA-Young Producers Assembly being represented by YPA President, Kendall Roberts of Cheyenne. These new officers work to represent WSGA members, land, and livestock owners in their region with any issues or concerns they have
as producers.
Mead gave the keynote address during the awards luncheon June 9 and served as presenter for additional awards at the convention. The Clifford P. Hanson Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 monetary scholarship was awarded to University of Wyoming student Quade M. Palm in remembrance of United States Senator and past WSGA President, Clifford P. Hanson.
The Outstanding Ranch Professional Award was given to Jim Mischke, District Conservationist for Hot Springs County, for his work on various natural resource projects in the area including restoration of Kirby Creek, work to seek help, and apply to the Wyoming Water Development Commission for a Level I Watershed Study, and his presence at countless agency and local meetings with a vision to help producers and sportsman of current and future generations.
The final award, Leopold Conservation Award, was given to Casper ranchers Pete and Ethel Garrett and the Garrett family. This award is given on behalf of the Sand County Foundation in partnership with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Tour.
The 2017 tour is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, at the Garrett Ranch south of Casper.