The records of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association held at the AHC form the nucleus of a large body of material documenting animal husbandry in the West.
The Association’s stated mission is to advocate for issues related to the cattle industry, to disseminate information to its members, and to promote resource stewardship, animal care, and the production of high-quality, nutritious beef. However, the organization was created in 1872 to combat cattle rustling. The Association was instrumental in the evolution of Wyoming rangeland and livestock laws, and it continues to be influential in Wyoming culture and politics.
The Association’s records document the organization comprehensively, covering its early history as well as more recent developments. Large portions of the collection have been digitized and are available online. You can search for digitized material by perusing the inventory for the collection or by viewing the digital collection directly.
Those interested in the Wyoming Stock Growers Association may also find the records of the National Cattlemen’s Association intriguing. The American Heritage Center is an important resource for the study of livestock management.
For additional context on the Association, see our companion Virmuze exhibit “A Look Back at the Wyoming Stock Grower’s Association after 150 years,” which provides an overview of the organization’s history from its 1872 founding through its modern role in Wyoming’s cattle industry.

