The Ranching in the West Seminar Series
The Ranching in the West Seminar Series welcomes University of Wyoming students, Wyoming community college students, and
members of the public. Designed to connect academic insight with real-world application,
the series brings together students, ranchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas,
build networks, and explore the future of Western agriculture.
Students gain exposure to emerging issues and career opportunities, while producers benefit from continued education and fresh perspectives.
Past topics include energy and innovation, agritourism, high-elevation stewardship, water policy, BLM partnerships, and succession planning—exploring the evolving challenges and opportunities of ranching in the West.
2026 Ranching in the West Seminar Series
Cattle Drives and Quests: Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Dr. Tom Field discusses entrepreneurship, leadership, and opportunity development
drawing on experiences from rural communities and agribusiness.
February 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM | UW Campus & Zoom
Spinning a Business Out of a Hobby
Ben Hostetler explains how a knitting hobby grew into Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, serving
regional wool producers.
February 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM | UW Campus & Zoom
Journaling the Outdoors: Wildlife Entrepreneurs
Ike Eastman discusses building Eastmans’ Hunting Journal and the business of wildlife media and outdoor storytelling entrepreneurship.
March 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM | UW Campus & Zoom
Rocky Mountain Land & Resource Management Conference
Featuring Governor Mark Gordon, David Prescott, and Michael Ashley, this conference
examines ethics, land use, reclamation, negotiations.
April 15, 2026 | Registration: 7:30 AM | UW Gateway Center & Zoom
Join the 2026 Ranching in the West Seminar Series
The 2026 Ranching in the West Seminar Series explores agricultural entrepreneurship,
innovation, and land stewardship through three evening seminars and a daylong conference.
Speakers include Dr. Tom Field, Ben Hostetler, and Ike Eastman, sharing perspectives
from agribusiness, wool processing, and wildlife media. The series concludes with
the Rocky Mountain Land & Resource Management Conference, featuring presentation by
the authors David Prescott and Michael Ashley, a panel discussions addressing ethics,
land use, reclamation, and resource management in the West and rural communities,
and key note from Governor Mark Gordon.
