Schlup serves nationally
Casper – Douglas native Marci Schlup has been involved in agriculture her entire life. This week, the Public Lands Council (PLC) announced that Schlup has been hired as the organization’s manager of legislative affairs.
From her beginning on the family cow/calf operation to hay production, Schlup notes that agriculture is an industry she is proud to be a part of and one she looks forward to representing in Washington, D.C.
“I’m the fourth generation in my family to be involved in agriculture on my dad’s side of the family,” says Schlup. “My dad’s family homesteaded in the early 1900’s, and my grandfather on my mom’s side homesteaded in 1940.”
Education
Schlup was raised working on the family’s ranch.
Aside from day-to-day ranch operations, Schlup was also involved in 4-H, competing on the range judging team, and in FFA.
Following her graduation from Douglas High School in 2004, she attended the University of Wyoming, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science.
“Two weeks after graduation, I traveled to Washington, D.C. where I interned with Senator John Barrasso,” Schlup says.
Policy experience
Schlup spent four months in Washington, D.C. learning the ins-and-outs of the U.S. Congress and other facets of governments.
“I loved my time in Washington, D.C.,” she comments. “I’m a political junkie, so to speak. I love the energy of the city, and the hustle and bustle, intrigue and strategy of politics fascinate me.”
Schlup returned to Wyoming in May 2010.
“When I came back, I started applying for a variety of jobs, and I worked for my dad on the ranch quite a bit,” she says. “I did all of the haying that summer for my dad.”
“It was a learning experience,” Schlup continues. “I’d never been out in the fields by myself for an entire summer before, so I became a quick study in farm mechanics and in learning to troubleshoot the issues that inevitably arrive on any production operation.”
Back in politics
At the end of the summer, Schlup says the opportunity to work for Senator Barrasso emerged again when a position opened in the Senator’s Sheridan field office.
“The Senator’s state director contacted me to see if I was interested, and I took the job as a field assistant in the Sheridan office,” she notes. “I was there for almost a year and a half.”
Schlup jumped within the ranks of Senator Barrasso’s office when the chance to move to Casper and take a field representative position came up. She interviewed for the position and moved to Casper in December 2011.
“I’ve been in Casper for two years now,” Schlup says.
Learning the ropes
Working in a senator’s office has also been a learning experience for Schlup who says, “My time in Senator Barrasso’s office has been eye opening in a lot of areas.”
As an example, she explains, “Before I started working with the Senator, I didn’t know that anyone could call our office and ask for help with a federal agency. We get to help a lot of people.”
“Seeing the work that congressional offices do for the people of Wyoming is inspiring,” she adds.
Because of her interest in ag and willingness to research issues, Schlup notes she also had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Barrasso’s Washington, D.C. staff.
PLC position
When the position as manager of PLC’s legislative affairs opened, Schlup says it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
“I really appreciate the work PLC does in helping ranchers and protecting them from the federal government,” she explains. “Our government is getting so big that is it important to protect the people that keep this country going. That is the number one reason I was attracted to PLC.”
Because the organization works hard to protect the interests of those ranchers who work so hard to feed the nation, Schlup says she is excited to be apart of the organization.
“This position also gives me an opportunity to focus on ag policy, which is an area I’m very passionate about,” she comments.
As manager of legislative affairs, Schlup will work with senators, congressmen and their staff, as well as the Administration and federal agencies on issues that impact those who work directly and indirectly with public lands.
A new endeavor
“I have a lot of work I can do in this job. Right now I’m excited to get to know the industry better and to help as much as I can,” she says. “I’m also excited to work with the PLC Executive Director Dustin van Liew and the folks in Washington, D.C.”
Schlup begins her position officially on Dec. 2 in Casper at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association 2013 Winter Roundup. She encourages anyone with any public lands concerns to get in touch with PLC.
Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.
