Wyoming State Senator Cheri Steinmetz was awarded the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Leadership Award at the organization’s 105th Annual Meeting.  Presented November 8, 2024 in Casper, the award is given to those who have devoted much time to the betterment of agriculture in Wyoming through their leadership in the Farm Bureau Federation and beyond.

“When Farm Bureau lobbies for something at the legislature, I know it comes from the grassroots people of this state and that's why it's so important to me,” Steinmetz noted on her deep respect for the Federation and its mission.

With a strong background in agriculture, Senator Cheri Steinmetz has a deep connection to Wyoming’s rural way of life, a passion for the land, and a love for the communities that make up her district and state. 

“I’m a farm girl from Goshen County, so agriculture is near and dear to my heart, and I understand the battles we're facing from the federal government and the fiscal challenges that face us right now,” Steinmetz said upon receipt of her award. 

Senator Steinmetz proudly represents Goshen, Niobrara, and Weston counties in the Wyoming State Senate. Since her election in 2019, she has served on the Appropriations Committee, ensuring that Wyoming’s resources are carefully managed for the benefit of our communities and future generations. Her legislative career, however, began long before the State Senate. 

From 2015 to 2018, she represented House District 5, where she quickly became known as a principled and effective leader. Senator Steinmetz has served in the Wyoming Legislature since 2015 building a legacy of service.

In his nomination letter, Lane Hageman noted her tenure has not been without its challenges. Her district has faced multiple natural disasters, including a canal tunnel collapse, a canal breach, and devastating wildfires. 

“She is a leader in efforts to protect and preserve agriculture and is a champion of private property rights and individual freedom. She has responded to these events with compassion for those affected and leadership to effectively and efficiently handle the problems at stake,” Hageman said.

Throughout her legislative career, Senator Steinmetz has contributed her skills and passion across numerous committees. She previously served on the Senate’s Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee; the Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee; the Select Committee on Legislative Facilities, Technology and Process; the Travel, Recreation, and Wildlife Committee; and the Committee on Capitol and Finance. 

She has chaired both the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee and the Select Water Committee. Through her leadership in these roles, she has championed Wyoming’s agricultural industry, consistently defended private property rights, and protected the individual freedoms of her constituents.

Beyond her work in the legislature, Senator Steinmetz has been deeply involved in her local community. She has served as the secretary of the Goshen County Republican Women, on the Goshen County Farm Bureau Federation board, and as a precinct committee woman for the Wyoming Republican Party. 

“Senator Steinmetz’s principles are grounded in a strong sense of faith, trustworthiness, and a genuine passion for doing what is right. Her unwavering dedication to her constituents has earned her deep respect, not only for her work in the Legislature but also for her personal integrity and commitment to the people of Wyoming,” Hageman said in his presentation of the award. 

“With an agricultural background she has a deep appreciation for agriculture and rural communities and is a true leader in representing the best interests of agriculture across the state,” Hageman concluded. “She is a leader who embodies what it means to serve with honor, and we are grateful for her hard work, integrity, and dedication to Wyoming.”

WyFB President Todd Fornstrom echoed Hageman’s comments and added “We are proud to recognize and thank Wyoming State Senator Cheri Steinmetz for her strong leadership for agriculture here in Wyoming.” “It is an honor to name Senator Steinmetz the 2024 WyFB Leadership Award recipient,” Fornstrom concluded.