About the University of Wyoming Extension
The University of Wyoming Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, rangeland management, natural resources, horticulture, environmental stewardship, family well-being, youth development, and community improvement throughout Wyoming. As the outreach arm of the University of Wyoming, Extension connects ranchers, farmers, homeowners, businesses, tribal communities, and local governments with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
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Wyoming’s landscape includes vast prairies, high plains, mountain ranges, forests, sagebrush ecosystems, rangelands, and agricultural valleys. The University of Wyoming Extension develops programs specifically designed to address the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic challenges found throughout the Equality State.
Core Services Offered
The University of Wyoming Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a broad range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Agriculture remains an important component of Wyoming’s economy. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability through science-based recommendations.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Irrigation efficiency education
- Nutrient management planning
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Major crops supported by Extension programs include hay, barley, wheat, sugar beets, corn, dry beans, forage crops, and specialty agricultural products.
Livestock and Ranch Management
Wyoming’s livestock industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, with extensive cattle and sheep operations throughout its rangelands.
- Beef cattle management
- Sheep production
- Range livestock management
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Drought preparedness planning
Rangeland Management
Wyoming contains millions of acres of rangelands that support livestock production, wildlife habitat, and natural ecosystems.
- Grazing management
- Range health monitoring
- Forage improvement
- Weed management
- Wildlife habitat conservation
- Range restoration programs
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Gardeners throughout Wyoming face unique challenges related to short growing seasons, high elevations, dry climates, and variable weather conditions. Extension provides practical guidance tailored to these conditions.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Wyoming Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate residents about gardening, plant health, and sustainable landscape management.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Water-wise landscaping
- Native plant gardening
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Natural Resources
Wyoming’s forests and natural landscapes provide important environmental, recreational, and economic benefits.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Wildfire preparedness
- Watershed protection
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Natural resource conservation
4-H Youth Development
The Wyoming 4-H program provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Wyoming
Wyoming’s diverse ecosystems, extensive rangelands, agricultural production, and forested mountain regions create unique pest management challenges. University of Wyoming Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these concerns effectively.
Rangeland Pests
Rangeland pest management is one of the most important responsibilities facing Wyoming landowners and livestock producers.
Common rangeland pests include:
- Grasshoppers
- Mormon Crickets
- Army Cutworms
- Sagebrush Defoliators
- Range Caterpillars
- Forage Aphids
Large grasshopper outbreaks can significantly impact forage production and livestock operations throughout the state.
Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets
Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are among Wyoming’s most economically significant agricultural pests.
These insects can:
- Reduce forage production
- Damage crops
- Impact rangeland health
- Affect livestock carrying capacity
- Damage gardens and landscapes
Extension specialists provide monitoring resources and management recommendations during outbreak years.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Wyoming producers face pressure from numerous insect pests that can affect field crops and specialty agricultural operations.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Cutworms
- Aphids
- Armyworms
- Wireworms
- Leafhoppers
- Thrips
Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring updates and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Forest Pests
Forest health is a major concern throughout Wyoming’s mountain regions. Native and invasive insects can significantly impact forest ecosystems and timber resources.
Important forest pests include:
- Mountain Pine Beetles
- Spruce Beetles
- Douglas-fir Beetles
- Western Spruce Budworms
- Bark Beetles
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Forestry specialists help landowners monitor forest health and implement sustainable management practices.
Tree and Urban Landscape Pests
Urban forests and ornamental trees throughout Wyoming face pressure from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Borers
- Scale Insects
- Aphids
- Bark Beetles
- Spider Mites
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Extension specialists provide recommendations for maintaining healthy urban and rural tree populations.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Wyoming encounter numerous insect pests despite the state’s relatively dry climate.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Cutworms
- Spider Mites
- Leafminers
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement environmentally responsible management practices.
Invasive Weeds and Invasive Species
Invasive weeds represent one of the most significant threats to Wyoming’s rangelands, agricultural lands, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive species include:
- Cheatgrass
- Leafy Spurge
- Russian Knapweed
- Musk Thistle
- Dalmatian Toadflax
- Saltcedar
Extension personnel work closely with landowners and government agencies to support monitoring, prevention, and management efforts.
Livestock Pests
Livestock producers must manage a variety of insects and parasites that affect animal health and productivity.
Common livestock pests include:
- Horn Flies
- Stable Flies
- Ticks
- Lice
- Cattle Grubs
- Mosquitoes
Extension specialists provide integrated pest management recommendations for livestock operations.
Household and Structural Pests
Wyoming homeowners occasionally encounter pests that invade homes and commercial buildings.
Common household pests include:
- Ants
- Rodents
- Spiders
- Wasps
- Stored Product Pests
- Boxelder Bugs
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of University of Wyoming Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Economic threshold decision-making
- Biological control methods
- Cultural management practices
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial insects, pollinators, wildlife, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The University of Wyoming conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, rangeland management, forestry, pest management, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Range health monitoring
- Forest health research
- Biological control
- Invasive species management
- Drought resilience studies
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Wyoming residents, businesses, farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
Educational Publications and Resources
The University of Wyoming Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, gardening, rangelands, natural resources, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Range management manuals
- Crop production publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Forest health resources
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact the University of Wyoming Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, protecting rangelands, maintaining a garden, addressing grasshopper outbreaks, improving livestock operations, or implementing integrated pest management strategies, the University of Wyoming Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the University of Wyoming Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.