Personnel

Dr. John 'Derek' Scasta  - Director - jscasta@uwyo.edu

Dr. Scasta has served as the Director of LREC since the fall of 2024 and before that served as the Associate Director beginning in early 2023.  Scasta oversees all LREC farm and ranch operations, as well as research and extension initiatives which includes cooperation with more than 20 faculty colleagues annually.  Scasta has been at UW since 2014 and is an associate professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and holds a Ph.D. and professional certifications in range management. His work at LREC has included development of infrastructure at the McGuire Ranch for a large-scale grazing management and rangeland soil health project.  Additionally, Scasta has been investigating the use of fire to manage greasewood shrubs; how sheep target toxic plants; wildlife-friendly fencing effects on livestock and wildlife; and general range management questions related to livestock grazing across Wyoming, including on public lands. His projects often involve close cooperation with ranchers. Outside of work Scasta is a member of the Society for Range Management (SRM) and recently served as the President of the Wyoming section of SRM.

Dr. Whit Stewart - Associate Professor, Extension Sheep Specialist - whit.stewart@uwyo.edu

Dr. Whit Stewart is an associate professor of animal science and the UW Extension sheep specialist. Stewart’s interests are conducting applied research and extension education for the betterment of the commercial sheep industry. He also has an interest in placing students in careers that support the lamb and wool industries in the U.S., either directly or in support of allied industries such as nutrition, lamb processing, marketing, animal health, extension, and nonprofit groups. Recently, Stewart is a cofounder of the Wyoming Wool Initiative and Lamb-a-Year program. He also acts as an advisor for the UW Collegiate Wool Growers and UW Intercollegiate Wool Judging team.

Ryan Pendleton - Greenhouse Operations Manage - pendletn@uwyo.edu
(307) 766-5043

Ryan Pendelton is the LREC Greenhouse operations coordinator. Ryan oversees daily operations of the LREC Greenhouse and assists regularly with research from numerous University of Wyoming departments, including plant sciences, botany, molecular biology, chemical engineering, and zoology.

Landon Hoofer is an LREC assistant farm and shop manager. Prior to joining LREC, Landon received a bachelor's degree in agriculture business. Landon specializes in assisting with farm operations and works closely with Anowar Islam, PhD., on forage field trials. Outside of work, Landon is an active member of the Wyoming Board of Agriculture and the Pioneer/Lake Hattie Irrigation District.

Kalli Koepke - Assistant Farm Manager - Sheep - kkoepke@uwyo.edu
(719) 314-6571

Kalli Koepke is an LREC assistant manager and sheep unit manager and works alongside Drs. Cody Gifford, Whit Stewart, Hannah Hollinger, Derek Scasta, and Jeremy Block on various research projects. Kallie received a bachelor's degree from UWYO in animal science production with an emphasis in sheep production. Kalli is an essential team member in many of LREC’s programs and initiatives. She works diligently to support the annual Wyoming Wool Growers Ram Sire Tests, Lamb-a-Year Program, Wyoming Wool Initiative. Outside of work, Kalli is an active member and contributor to Wyoming Wool Growers Association and Albany County 4-H.

Elias Hutchinson - Assistant Farm Manager - Arena - Ehutchi2@uwyo.edu
(307) 399-5850

Elias Hutchinson is an LREC assistant farm manager. Prior to his position at LREC, Elias received a bachelor's degree in agriculture communications. In addition to his role as assistant farm manager, Elias is also wagon master for UW’s iconic draft horses, Pistol and Pete. Elias works closely with UW students as an advisor for the Ranch Horse Team.

Ben Hollinger - Assistant Farm Manager - Beef - bhollin2@uwyo.edu
(307) 703-1226

Ben Hollinger is an LREC assistant farm manager for the Beef Unit. Prior to joining LREC, Ben earned a B.S. Animal Science from the University of Wyoming. Ben specializes in assisting with farm operations and beef research projects conducted by UW faculty. Outside of work, Ben is an active member of the American Hereford Association and Red Angus Association of America.

Patrick Parker - Assistant Farm Manager - Swine - pparke10@uwyo.edu
(307) 721-7018

Pat Parker is an LREC assistant farm manager for the Swine Unit. Pat assists with farm operations and swine research projects conducted by Drs. Brenda Alexander and Cody Gifford. Pat works to support both LREC and UW programs, including 307 Elite Show Pig Sale, UW Block and Bridle club, UW Livestock Judging Team, and UW Meats Judging Team. Outside of work Pat contributes to Albany County 4-H and Snowy Range FFA.

Amy Newman - Accountant - anewman@uwyo.edu
(307) 766-2315

Amy Newman is an LREC accountant. Prior to her position at LREC, Amy received a bachelor's degree in animal science and ag business and worked as an accountant for the UW Department of Animal Science. In addition to her role as an accountant, Amy is an assistant coach for the UW Wool Judging Team and an advisor for the Collegiate Wool Grower's club. Outside of work, Amy helps her family with a successful goat operation in Colorado.