For thirty-seven years, John Etchepare was an owner and manager of Warren Live Stock Company, headquartered north of Cheyenne. The ranch, with extensive land holdings in Wyoming and Colorado, raised sheep, cattle, and wheat, and is one of the largest family-owned operations in the Rocky Mountain region. John coordinated research with various university programs and livestock organizations to improve breeding, management, and feeding techniques for the agricultural industry. During those years, he served as President of the Wyoming Wool Growers and as a Director of the American Sheep Industry and was also active with the National Cattlemen’s Association, the Wyoming Stock Growers, and the National Lamb Feeders Association. Warren Live Stock was sold in 2000.

As President of the Western Range Association, he worked to improve and pass national legislation for contracted immigrant ranch labor for sheep operations throughout the West. For 18 years, he served withing the Farm Credit Services as a director and officer to provide agricultural lending within Wyoming and surrounding states.

Governor Sullivan appointed him to the Economic Development and Stabilization Board to assist in creating small businesses and industries throughout the state. John was also appointed to the State Land Force Committee to study the operation, revenues, and future of state lands, and has been a member of the Brand Inspection Task Force.

Other community activities have included serving as President of the Old West Museum, former Indian and Grounds Committee Chairman for Cheyenne Frontier Days, and membership with the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Etchepare was appointed by Governor Freudenthal February 6, 2003 to the Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.

He currently serves as the Executive Officer for the Wyoming Board of Agriculture, a member of the Wyoming Agriculture and Natural Resource Mediation Board, co-chair of the Animal Damage Management Board, member of the Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1973 Board of Certification, Chairman of the Carbon Sequestration Board, Ex-officio member of both the Wyoming Beef Council and the Wyoming Wheat Marketing Commission.