Engaging members—whether longtime supporters or young families new to agriculture—takes more than a one-size-fits-all approach. That was the key theme as Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation hosted a panel of county leaders during a recent session on membership and outreach. 

Panelists included Matt Stroh (Weston County), Kristi Ellis (Uinta County), Tim Pexton (Converse County), Mary Whaley (Big Horn County), and Jake Buckhaults (Goshen County). Together, they offered practical ideas and honest insight into what’s working—and what’s still evolving—when it comes to building Farm Bureau involvement at the local level. 

Purpose-Driven Planning in Weston County 

Matt Stroh opened the conversation with a reminder that success doesn’t happen by accident. 

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you might just get there,” Stroh said. “We’re working on a clear vision—what we want Weston County Farm Bureau to look like in three to five years.” 

New efforts in Weston County include a pancake feed during fair week, a legislative interim update with local lawmakers, and plans for more intentional collaboration with local agents. But Stroh said the biggest priority isn’t just increasing headcount—it’s about identifying and activating members who truly want to engage. 

Building Relationships Across Ages and Audiences 

In Uinta County, Kristi Ellis emphasized the importance of meeting people where they are—literally. 

From reading “Ag Books for Kids” in classrooms and libraries to handing out pie and ice cream at the county fair, Ellis said the goal is simple: “Just get the Farm Bureau name out there.” 

A highlight this year? Sponsoring the “Born and Bred” livestock show at fair. “That felt like a perfect fit for Farm Bureau,” Ellis said, noting that sponsorships like this help connect with families and youth involved in local agriculture. 

She also encouraged other counties to tap into members’ personal interests. “If someone has young kids, maybe they’ll want to help at story hour. It’s just about finding where they want to plug in.” 

Community Events and Fresh Formats in Converse County 

For Converse County’s Tim Pexton, building name recognition beyond membership has been a focus. 

“We’ve always believed Farm Bureau should be involved in the community—not just among members, but with the public in general,” Pexton said. 

That mindset led to the creation of “Eyes on the Horizon,” a new series of forums covering a range of topics from estate planning to pest control. Organized by board member Connie Werner, the series includes both in-person and Zoom components, advertised via bookmarks with QR codes, radio spots, and boosted Facebook posts. 

The county has also reimagined its member appreciation event. Once a fall banquet, it’s now a spring “fling” with a silent auction that benefits local 4-H and FFA clubs. 

Youth Connections in Big Horn County 

Big Horn County’s Mary Whaley said they’ve found strong traction in supporting youth agriculture programs. 

“We’ve made it our goal to connect with high schoolers and middle schoolers,” Whaley said. That includes donations to FFA and skills units, ranging from jackets and welding equipment to chutes and clamps. “We let them tell us what they need, and we give them money to purchase it.” 

Whaley’s team also moves their annual meeting around the county to reduce travel burdens and increase participation. They’ve added events like goat roping and “night at the park” tabling to draw attention and bring in new audiences. 

“We may have overdone it the first time,” she joked about the goat roping, “but it was fun and the fair board invited us to do it again. This time it’ll be easier, and we hope to raise more for scholarships.” 

Local Voices, Consistent Outreach in Goshen County 

Jake Buckhaults said member engagement in Goshen County has steadily grown, thanks in large part to personal connections and consistent outreach. 

He credited their local Mountain West agency staff—including Grant Curry and Kathy Trumbull—with driving recruitment. “Kathy has really gone through the list, brought back lapsed members, and just keeps reaching out,” he said. 

Their county also runs regular radio ads tied to seasonal messages—scholarships, elections, or event announcements—broadcast during the noon hour when many older residents tune in. 

New events like “Beef and Brews,” hosted with the local CattleWomen’s group, help keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed. “People just show up, grab a beer and some shish kebabs, and talk,” Buckhaults said. “It’s a good way to make connections.” 

He also highlighted the county’s long-running success with “Ag Books for Kids,” coordinated by Lee Hageman. “She’s not on the board—just a passionate volunteer—but she covers every school in our area,” he said. “She’s been doing it for probably 15 years.” 

Making the Case for Membership 

The panel also tackled a tough but important question: what do you say when someone asks, “Is it worth it?” 

Matt Stroh shared a powerful example of a long-time member who held up his checkbook and asked, “This is my sweat—what am I getting for it?” Stroh explained the value of advocacy, but also acknowledged the need for tangible ways to show impact. 

“One idea we discussed was a flyer—something like ‘What Your Membership Paid For This Year,’” he said. “People don’t always see the behind-the-scenes work, especially in Cheyenne.” 

Panelists agreed that members need reminders that Farm Bureau works year-round to protect private property rights, shape legislation, and support Wyoming agriculture—whether or not those efforts make the front page. 

And sometimes, it just takes a personal conversation. 

“I told that member about the Choice Hotels discount,” Stroh said. “That alone pays for my membership.” 

A Common Thread: Planting Seeds for the Future 

Whether it’s scholarships, book programs, legislative updates, or backyard events, each county is finding ways to meet members where they are and create meaningful touchpoints. 

As one participant noted, “Everything we do is sowing seeds. And even if we don’t see results today, we’re building relationships that last.” 

From grassroots advocacy to growing new leaders, the strength of Farm Bureau continues to come from its members—one county at a time.