WASHINGTON (September 24, 2024) – During their 56th Annual Meeting, the Public Lands Council (PLC) honored two individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the public lands ranching community. PLC selected Nevada Agriculture Director and federal grazing permittee Dr. J.J. Goicoechea as the 2024 President’s Award recipient and longtime advisor and friend of ranching, Dick Loper, as the 2024 Friend of PLC.
PLC recognized Dr. J.J. Goicoechea, who has a family ranching history that goes back over 100 years. In addition to being Nevada’s State Agriculture Director and managing his family ranch, JJ has served as a Eureka County Commissioner, veterinarian and has been active with livestock associations, including PLC and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“No one wears more hats in this industry than Dr. Goicoechea and public lands ranchers are better off because of his tireless work. He has fought for our industry and has been an advocate for livestock producers for decades,” said 2022-2024 PLC President Mark Roeber. “I am proud to be able to work alongside Dr. Goicoechea to protect and promote our ranching heritage and it is my honor to present this award to him, on behalf of all grazing permittees. His work to strengthen the livestock industry is unparalleled and he continues to be a national leader in all issues related to animal health, public lands, livestock production, and environmental stewardship.”
2024-2026 PLC President Tim Canterbury recognized Dick Loper as the 2024 Friend of PLC. Since the early 1980s, Loper has worked in Wyoming as a range consultant, advocating for ranchers and the benefits grazing has on rangeland. His relationships with staff and political officials in the Departments of Agriculture and Interior provided key insight and opportunities to improve conditions for permittees and rural communities. During his legendary career, Loper has worked extensively with state and federal agencies, grazing permittees, and other agriculture organizations and his contributions continue to impact decisions today.
“Dick Loper is a great friend to all grazing permittees and worked tirelessly to improve range management on public lands for the land and for the ranchers. He has provided a tremendous amount of support for our industry and has consistently promoted all the benefits that grazing has on the landscape,” said PLC President Tim Canterbury. “Sheep and cattle producers are so grateful to Mr. Loper for his commitment and service to this industry. Generations of ranchers will benefit from Loper’s expertise and passion to better manage our nation’s treasured natural resources.”
