Join and Get Involved
We are coming up on the last two months of the year, and here at the Roundup that is one of our busiest times because of all the statewide conventions, symposiums and workshops that take place. It is also one of the best times of the year, because we get to travel the state and visit with you and meet new friends. We just hope the weather cooperates, as do you.
If you are involved in agriculture in Wyoming there are numerous issues to face each and every day, week and month. With our Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., we do individually have a voice to be heard, but to really understand the issues, bring an issue to light or to have your opinion heard you should really attend one of the upcoming conventions in the next month and half.
If you are not a joiner, you should become a member of one of the ag organizations to give them the power through numbers and dollars. There are a number of organizations in the state that use your dollars to get involved in court cases and timely legal issues that ultimately will affect us all. We have seen time and time again where an ag organization has helped someone with a federal issue, water right issue or a private property issue. The executives of these organizations are professionals, they know the right people to visit with, which government people can help and the ones with enough clout to help. They have the numbers and dollars from you as a member to make that happen. They don’t just complain about the issues, they help write legislative bills and have a hands-on relationship throughout the process. One gets a good deal by becoming a member.
Go through the list, pick one that represents your interests best and either pay your dues or join up and pay the dues – the best money you may spend. And, be sure to go to one of the professional organizations’ conventions where you can learn about weeds, pests, range beef cows and the range. The education you will get from attending is something you will use the rest of your life.
The first conference is the 67th Annual Wyoming Weed and Pest Conference to be held in Gillette on Nov. 8-10. Following that is the ICOW Annual Convention in Wright on Nov. 11-12. Next is the Wyoming/Idaho Wool Growers Association Joint Convention in Sun Valley, Idaho on Nov. 11-13. On Nov. 10-12 is the Wyoming Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Cheyenne. A new partnership is next, with the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and Society for Range Management Joint Annual Meeting in Lander Nov.14-17. Then on the 17-18th of November is the Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium in Casper. Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 is the 2011 Range beef Cow Symposium in Mitchell, Neb. Then in Casper on Dec. 2-3 is the Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Conference. Also in Casper Dec. 12-13 is the “Making a Plan” Wyoming Agriculture Succession and Estate Transfer Workshop, held concurrently with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association Winter Roundup, also in Casper.
Dennis
