Honoring Leaders, Wyoming Farm Bureau recognizes organization leaders in awards ceremony
Sheridan – The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) 99th annual meeting was capped by recognition of a set of outstanding members and leaders who were recognized for their service and dedication to the organization.
The annual meeting, held Nov. 7-9 in Sheridan, brought together WyFB members from across the state to learn about the latest issues facing the agriculture industry and allowed members to revisit their policy book, renew expiring policies and pass new policies.
In recognizing their membership, WyFB first recognized Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award during the awards ceremony, which was held Nov. 8. The award is given to those who have gone above and beyond in their service to agriculture.
“We are proud to recognize Ken for his dedication to agriculture and Farm Bureau in Wyoming,” said Todd Fornstrom, WyFB president. “Ken is a dedicated leader who is passionate about ensuring agriculture’s voice is heard through Farm Bureau.”
Hamilton joined the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation staff 35 years ago as field staff and research assistant. He then served as the director of field services and later became the administrative assistant.
In 2004, he was named the executive vice president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation.
Growing up on a ranch and talking with family about politics and their impact on agriculture has led Hamilton to a lifetime of WyFB leadership for Wyoming farmers and ranchers. Advocating for and leading discussions on agriculture policy issues is how Hamilton makes a difference for Wyoming farmers and ranchers. He believes strongly in Farm Bureau’s policy development process because it allows for input from a diverse group of agriculture folks.
“Farm Bureau is a really good organization. I may be a bit biased since I’ve been working for the organization for 35 years,” Hamilton said. “The whole process we go through to develop policies to represent our members is a very good process in my opinion.”
“Being a general agriculture organization is important, as well, because there will be times when policies would be beneficial to one segment of agriculture yet hurt another segment, and our process seeks to address those concerns,” he continued. “And, the process itself helps develop leadership that can be useful and translated across to other organizations.”
Ken and his wife Kathy just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. Kathy is a Certified Public Accountant. They have one son, Ian.
Hamilton stated he was surprised to hear his name called.
“I’ve never felt I was in the same league as a lot of the folks we have recognized with this award,” he concluded. “I cannot deny that I was really pleased when I received this award. To have this recognition is something that is pretty special.”
“The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is proud to honor Ken Hamilton with the Distinguished Service Award,” Fornstrom concluded. “Making a difference for Wyoming farmers and ranchers by representing Farm Bureau members on agriculture policy issues is what Ken is all about. We thank him for his distinguished leadership and service to agriculture and Wyoming.”
Numerous other awards were presented to WyFB members, including the Leadership Award, which was presented to Tim and Dawn Pexton.
United States Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Congresswoman Liz Cheney (all R-Wyo.) were each named a “Friend of Farm Bureau” for the 115th Congress for their support of America’s farmers and ranchers and food security for consumers. This award, presented by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), is given to members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau’s position on policy issues as demonstrated by their voting records. Sen. Enzi, Sen. Barrasso and Rep. Cheney were nominated by the Wyoming Farm Bureau and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors.
The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general agriculture organization. Members work together from the grassroots to develop agricultural policy, programs and services to enhance the rural lifestyle of Wyoming.
Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled this article from press releases written by Kerin Clark of WyFB. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
