The future of agriculture is our youth. This statement has rung true for generations. For today’s generation, this statement can be interpreted in several ways. The future of agriculture rests with our youth who will continue the tradition of farming and ranching in Wyoming. Our youth hold the future of agriculture, whether as advocates in their chosen professions or as informed consumers and voters. 

As a centennial agriculture organization celebrating 106 years in 2025, we have spent over a century eyeing  the future of agriculture. We represent Wyoming farmers and ranchers through advocacy, education and leadership development. All three are important components of the work we do to meet the mission of the organization.

 The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation values all avenues of agricultural education, from supporting youth events and academic goals to helping Wyoming’s young people learn about the industry. Just like our policy development process is strengthened through grassroots involvement, agriculture education is also strengthened through grassroots involvement. Farm Bureau Federation members across Wyoming support the young people of our state through youth events, college scholarships and the “Ag Books for Kids” program.

The future of agriculture through the tradition of farming and ranching

Through support of 4-H and FFA events at the county and state levels, the Farm Bureau Federation recognizes the work Wyoming’s agriculture youth put into their agricultural pursuits. It is important to support the youth of agriculture as they grow in their farming and ranching skills as well as their agricultural leadership skills.

The future of agriculture through educational scholarships

Wyoming agriculture youth are our future and supporting their educational pursuits is a priority across all levels of WyFB. Agriculture youth are important to the future of agriculture whether they return to the farm or ranch or advocate for agriculture in whatever career they pursue. With less than two percent of our population connected to agriculture, it is so important to have agriculture advocates wherever their career takes them in life.  I know I’m sure thankful for the scholarships that supported my educational pursuit including the Albany County Farm Bureau Federation scholarship and the H.J. King/H.D. Livingston Memorial Scholarship awarded to me by WyFB back in the mid-1990s. 

The future of agriculture through “Ag Books for Kids”

 Educating Wyoming’s youth about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives through reading accurate agriculture books is the heart of the WyFB Young Farmer & Rancher Committee “Ag Books for Kids” program. Over 700 new books about agriculture make their way into Wyoming elementary classrooms each year, thanks to the work of local Farm Bureau Federations. Local farmers and ranchers read the agriculture books to elementary classrooms providing Wyoming students with a great learning opportunity as well as the opportunity to ask a farmer or rancher a question or two. Now in its 21st year, the program began with an idea from Jennifer Womack, a journalist and mother of elementary-aged children. Recognizing the need for accurate agricultural books in Wyoming’s school libraries, she brought the concept to the WyFB Young Farmer & Rancher Committee—and it took root. From there, the Committee brainstormed and developed the program now known as “Ag Books for Kids.” Literacy is important for school children and accurate books are an important tool to teach children about the world around them.

Yes, the future of agriculture is our youth, which we can support with the work we do in the present. This is why we invest into these important educational efforts. The time is always now to make a difference for our future.