Together we grow - By Kerin Clark, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President

Together we grow. We grow food. We grow economies. We grow leaders. We grow communities. Agriculture: Together We Grow.

It takes all kinds of farmers and ranchers to grow the different commodities needed to keep our nation fed and secure. In Wyoming, a state where there are more cattle than people, cattle and calves are ranked as the largest livestock commodity raised. Wyoming is the number one state in the nation for wool production and number four in the nation for sheep and lambs. Hay is the leading crop raised in Wyoming. Our farmers also grow corn, sugarbeets, wheat, barley and dry edible beans. In fact, Wyoming is ranked fifth in the nation for barley production and seventh in the nation for pinto beans. The value added to Wyoming’s economy by agriculture in 2023 was $2.43 billion, according to the Wyoming Agricultural Statistics 2024 Bulletin.

In agriculture, we have the grand responsibility of not only making it work while we are here on earth, but making it work for future generations. To be a good steward means implementing the kind of management that works. Making careful and responsible choices for the land that we have been entrusted to care for is important and necessary.

Another important component of farming and ranching is growing together as leaders in agriculture advocacy. Involvement in agriculture policy issues is a crucial element of the farm or ranch business. We are proud of the leaders in this organization and the investment we make in supporting farmers and ranchers on their leadership journey. It takes all kinds of individuals collaborating to make good decisions. Working together our members add their perspectives for the good of agriculture. Whether you raise cows, sheep, barley, corn or you name the commodity…agriculture is strongest together.

Along with volunteering for the Farm Bureau Federation, we are proud of the additional contributions our members make in their communities. Whether they serve on school boards, are volunteer firefighters, serve at their church, or any number of volunteer activities, Farm Bureau Federation members value giving back to their communities. A strong sense of community and patriotism runs deep in Wyoming. Together we grow.

National Ag Day is March 18, 2025. The theme of “Agriculture: Together We Grow” is a vivid reminder of the strength in working together to grow food and keep agriculture strong for generations to come.