Ag Day 2026 - Governor Mark Gordon

Agriculture is not only an essential industry in Wyoming, it is also part of Wyoming’s culture, our DNA. It is how many of us were raised, how we raise our families, and how we stay connected to the land and to each other.

I know that firsthand.

I was raised on a ranch, and today Jennie and I are still proud to be ranchers. We understand the early mornings ranchers face, the long days, and the uncertainty that comes with weather, markets, and everything in between. We also know the deep satisfaction that comes from this work.

That way of life is worth protecting.

But like all things worth preserving, agriculture must continue to evolve. Today’s producers are not only stewards of the land and crucial wildlife habitat, they are business owners, innovators, and problem-solvers. Success requires financial knowledge, an understanding of markets and regulations, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing world.

That is why Wyoming is focused on ensuring our producers have more tools in their toolbox.

Through efforts like the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative, we are investing in education, expanding opportunities for young people to enter the field, and supporting the long-term sustainability of working lands. We are fostering innovation, encouraging diversification, and ensuring Wyoming remains a place where agriculture can thrive for generations to come.

We also recognize the real challenges facing our ag community. Rising costs, shifting global markets, invasive species, and wildfire are realities our ranchers and farmers face every day.

But Wyoming has never backed down from a challenge. When you give to the land – it gives back to you.

What sets our state apart is the strength of our people and our commitment to one another. Agriculture here is rooted in resilience, built on local knowledge, and sustained by a deep respect for the land.

On National Ag Day, we celebrate the generations of men and women who keep Wyoming strong, those who rise early, work late, and carry forward a legacy that defines who we are.

I am proud to stand with them. And together, we will ensure that Wyoming agriculture not only endures, but leads, because Wyoming is built to lead.