Growing Through Policy, Leadership, and Networking

#bfrdpwy #aginternship #RightRisk

During the beginning of the week, we sorted and trailered some cows to be taken to the sale barn and made multiple cow checks, as there were still 24 cows that had yet to calve. Most of my week, however, was spent in Cody attending the Stock Growers Meeting, which served as my Educational Event. I attended with my host and their family and had the opportunity to learn more about the livestock industry while participating in various meetings and activities throughout the event.

One of the most valuable parts of the week was meeting a wide variety of people who each play important roles within Wyoming agriculture. I met politicians such as Chuck Gray, Sam Mead, Jillian Balow, David Giralt, and Eric Barlow. Supporters and staff from the University of Wyoming, including Pepper Jo Six, Kelly Crane, Becky Langley, and Doug Stark. I also met influential ranching families such as the Kane family of SR Cattle Company and the Healey family of LU Ranch. I also had the chance to connect with fellow interns, many of whom became friends, as well as staff members including Jim Magagna, Susan Skinner, Anna Holley, Sarah Liepold, and Jentry Sims. These interactions helped me build relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the people and organizations that support Wyoming’s ranching industry.

I also spent all my time in meetings, starting on Wednesday with the Young Producers’ Assembly Business Meeting, where various topics were discussed, including the Wyoming LEAD Program, which I am seriously considering participating in once I graduate. Then spent the evening at the Opening Reception meeting new people. Thursday, I started my day early with the Candidate Forums, listening to those running for various offices, and was very intrigued to listen due to my California background, their policies and goals being very different. I then listened to the Annual Reports and then went to three different committee meetings. I listened in on the Private and State Lands Committee, Federal Lands Committee, and the Water Committee and heard of and took notes on the various policies they will be backing. I then spent Friday morning doing the same thing, going to the Natural Resources Conservation Service Update, Forest Service Update, Private Land and Property Rights in the Next Era Conversation, Farm Bill Perspective, and more.

The one concept I would challenge is the idea that networking and meeting new people is only beneficial in the short term. After spending the week at the Stock Growers Meeting, I realized how valuable these connections can be. Meeting people such as Pepper Jo Six and Kelly Crane from the University of Wyoming can help me get in contact with people who can provide educational resources and industry knowledge, while getting to know ranching families like the Kanes and Healeys allowed me to learn from their experience. I also enjoyed meeting politicians, as hearing their goals and priorities helped me better understand the direction they want Wyoming agriculture to move in and whether those policies would benefit my future operation. These relationships showed me that networking can provide knowledge, opportunities, and support throughout my career in agriculture.

At this point, I still have questions about what organizations and leadership programs would be most beneficial for me to join as I continue my career in agriculture. I would like to learn more about opportunities that would allow me to build connections with other producers, industry leaders, and policymakers while continuing to develop my leadership and management skills. I am also interested in finding organizations that can provide educational resources, networking opportunities, and support as I work toward managing my own operation in the future.

With everything I have learned this week, I hope to become a member of the Stock Growers Association. I also plan on spending more time understanding agriculture policies to better prepare myself for what is best for the agriculture industry. I plan to continue networking and building relationships with those around me. Lastly, I want to stay involved in agricultural education and leadership opportunities so I can continue growing my knowledge, skills, and ability to positively contribute to the future of agriculture.

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