This Year's Speakers
Local industry experts you can trust
Meet Jessica
Dr. Jessica Sperber was raised on her family’s 4th generation cow-calf and grain operation located in Alberta, Canada. Jessica attained her master’s degree from West Texas A&M University specialized in meat science, and Ph.D. in feedlot nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jessica joined the Department of Animal Science at UNL in November of 2022 as an Extension Assistant Professor and Feedlot Specialist. Her areas of interest include nutritional management strategies in feedlot production, technologies that improve cattle production efficiency, and carcass changes over the feeding period.
- Growth Enhancing Technologies
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Meet McKenna
McKenna Julian grew up in Western Wyoming and now lives in Kemmerer, WY, where her husband is a fifth-generation range sheep producer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Wyoming and her master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Since 2019, McKenna has served as an Extension Educator in Western Wyoming and is currently the Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator for Lincoln County. Her work primarily focuses on beef and sheep production, including nutrition, reproduction, and livestock management.
- Backgrounding
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Meet Dagan
Dagan Montgomery is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with the University of Wyoming in Sublette County. He holds an M.S. in Animal Sciences, focusing on ruminant nutrition, from Oklahoma State University and has extensive research and practical experience in livestock management. With a deep commitment to supporting ranching and farming communities, Dagan provides vital resources and education to help producers in Western Wyoming navigate the evolving agricultural industry.
- Backgrounding
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Meet Shelby
Shelby Rosasco is an Assistant Professor and Beef Specialist with the University of Wyoming Extension. She focuses on helping Wyoming beef producers improve herd management practices and profitability. Shelby earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Wyoming, where her research emphasized cattle nutrition and reproduction. She works closely with producers to deliver practical solutions and information for improving beef production.
- Heifer Development
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Meet Brian
Brian Lee is an agricultural economist and research scientist at the University of Wyoming’s James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) in Lingle, Wyoming. He is an expert on Wyoming’s agricultural landscape and regional issues.
- Heifer Development
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Meet Eric
Eric Webster is the new Director of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station (WAES) at the University of Wyoming. With a background in weed science and extensive experience in agricultural research, Webster is committed to advancing sustainable practices across Wyoming’s agricultural landscape. He oversees statewide research programs that aim to improve crop production and land management. Prior to joining UW, Webster held leadership roles in academic and industry settings, contributing to agricultural advancements at the regional and national levels.
- Research and extension update
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Meet Rob
Rob received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Farm & Ranch Management from the University of Wyoming. He then completed his master’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing on the economics related to cow size. Prior to his current role at the University of Wyoming, he worked for TELUS Agriculture near Calgary, Alberta, supporting their feedlot consulting business. His current extension role focuses on livestock markets and market risk mitigation strategies.
- Market outlook
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Meet Chance
Chance Marshall is an Agricultural and Natural Resource Educator with the University of Wyoming Extension office in Fremont County, based in Lander, Wyoming. He is a local expert in livestock management and Wyoming’s agricultural landscape.
- Calves and cows
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Meet Matt
Matt Makens has presented thousands of weather forecasts and outlooks to dozens of industries since the 1990s. With a specific focus, Matt formed Makens Weather, LLC in 2016 and grew quickly by providing actionable weather and climate information, clearly communicated. The primary focus is on long-term seasonal forecasts and short-term weather hazards for the agricultural industry. Makens Weather serves global clients from Australia to Canada and throughout the United States; notably CattleFax and NCBA.
Makens grew up outside of Castle Rock, Colorado, on a small acreage where he competed annually in the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo and was a livestock judging team member. Matt attended The University of Kansas – degreed in Atmospheric Science.
He and his wife Hillary, also serving the beef industry, live in Douglas County, Colorado, where they are raising their two children.
- Weather
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Jedidiah Hewlett
Meet Jedidiah
Jedidiah Hewlett is the University of Wyoming Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator for Converse County. He specializes in helping local producers with rangeland management, livestock production, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong commitment to Wyoming’s agricultural communities, Jedidiah brings practical knowledge and research-based solutions to support producers in improving their operations.
- Direct to consumer panel (moderator)
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