(november 1, 2010)  The Taliaferros run a migratory sheep operation of about 2,500 Finn/Targhee crossbreed ewes, though have in the past run up to 14,000 head.  The bands spend the summer in the Kemmerer range and are trailed to the Rock Springs and Green River area for the winter. In addition to sheep, the Taliaferros also raise 700 acres of center-pivot irrigated alfalfa. The ranch, as of last year, was designated a Centennial Ranch through the Wyoming Centennial Farm and Ranch program. To qualify for the program, the ranch has to have been in the same family for 100 years. Taliaferro’s grandfather and father ran the ranch before him, and now his children and grandchildren are also involved. Taliaferro has also served on the American Sheep Industry Association’s executive board.

Why are you an ASI Guard Dog member?
“I am a member to help out folks like those up in Idaho (regarding bighorn conflicts) with the legal fees we have to spend. I also donate to a couple of other organizations that represent ranchers. You have to help where you can with some of these legal groups that represent ranching interests.”

How do you think the industry has benefited from the Guard Dog programs?
“I think we have won a few battles, though at times it has felt that the industry wins the battles but is losing the war. The environmental groups don’t survive on resolution, they survive on conflicts. The sheep industry has to have enough money to be able to fight those groups.”

What do you think are the industry’s biggest needs for the future?
“I think, soon people will be looking around for food, and as sheep numbers are going down in New Zealand and Australia, we have a chance to provide it, but we need to protect the public lands because they (anti-livestock groups, etc.) are just going to keep pulling at it. We are still optimistic, but I think it is going to take some changes in the sheep industry. Our operation is making some changes to survive, because I don’t think it has to do with large interest on public lands anymore unless the administration changes, though I don’t know how they are going to control their weed problems without domestic livestock on allotments.  I think the industry has the right answers. But we just need more money to implement them.  We also need to keep pushing predator control. We can sell at a profit, but we can’t do it with predators eating 10-15 percent of our lambs.”

Established in 2001, the Guard Dog Program utilizes the recommendations and donations of dedicated industry individuals to address a variety of issues. We hope you enjoy learning about these individuals, their business and their foresight for the U.S. sheep industry. If you would like to become a member of the Guard Dog Program, contact the American Sheep Industry Association at 303-771-3500 or info@sheepusa.org.