Ken Hamilton retires from WyFB
As a national- and state-level advocate, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton has played a prominent role in Wyoming agriculture.
For decades, Hamilton’s dedicated leadership has kept the ag industry strong, and on Oct. 31 he will be retiring from WyFB after 41 years of service.
He reflects what Wyoming agriculture holds important – hard work, loyalty and honesty – and he has an unsurpassed passion for the advocacy of agriculture.
Early on
Born and raised in the Big Horn Basin on the family ranch, Hamilton knew from a young age how important agriculture was to his community and the Cowboy State.
He worked on the family operation, raising sheep and cattle with some irrigated farming near Hyattville, and his family continues to carry on the tradition today.
After graduating from Manderson-Hyattville High School, he received an Associate of Arts in Pre-Law at Northwest College in Powell.
Hamilton graduated from the University of Wyoming (UW) with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1982.
While attending UW, he participated in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) work exchange program in Australia where he worked as a station hand for Checkers Pastoral Company and as an assistant overseer at the Colligan Creek Pastoral Company.
Following his return from Australia, Hamilton began his career with WyFB in 1983 as a research and field assistant.
He was then promoted to director of field services and later the administrative assistant. In 2004, he began serving as the executive vice president.
State involvement
Hamilton has served on various boards and committees during his career in the agricultural industry and has received recognition for his honorable achievements.
Among his multiple achievements, he served as the general manager of WFB, Inc., which grew out of a company providing items such as baling twine, oil, grease, tires, frozen produce and other items.
He also served as the secretary for the Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company.
Few have served the agricultural industry as well as Hamilton, and his efforts have had strong, positive impacts on Wyoming.
During his career, he has served on the 2006 State of Wyoming Brand Task Force, the Western Region Air Partnership Dust Forum, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, the State of Wyoming Coal Bed Methane Working Group, AFBF’s General Council Advisory Committee and the Legal Information and Networking Committee.
He also served as the president of both the Wyoming Capitol Club and Wyoming Society of Association Executives.
On state-level issues, Hamilton has ensured agriculture’s views are heard and understood and was honored in 2015 as a UW Outstanding Alumni.
Hamilton has worked diligently on multiple levels to ensure success of national and state policies which support local farmers and ranchers.
Looking forward
Over the next few months, Hamilton will be transitioning out of his role and handing the reins to Kerin Clark, who was recently appointed executive vice president.
“I have really enjoyed my time with WyFB. Throughout my career, the best part has been working with individuals across the ag industry,” Hamilton stated. “Public policy can be challenging as some issues can hold on for years without a functional solution.”
Hamilton and his wife Kathy plan to stay in Laramie after his retirement and enjoy some quiet time.
“We have no big plans,” he said. “I am ready to slow down, relax and maybe even enjoy an afternoon nap.”
Hamilton and his wife have one son, Ian, who lives in Sheridan, and they plan on spending some time visiting him as well.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
