Belonging

Last week I was in Casper for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association Winter Roundup. This annual meeting was a highlight of my work with WSGA, so I was thrilled when they asked me to come back and help. I didn’t take a single photo while I was there…except with the Association’s camera. I know, bad paparazzi, bad. I was just too busy having fun, I guess!

A bunch of information was distributed, many issues were addressed, lots of money was raised and much merry-making went on. There was great energy at this convention! The current leadership team is really firing people up and I saw more young people this year than ever before. Way to step up Millennials!

Associations like WSGA, Wyoming CattleWomen, Wyoming Farm Bureau, etc. are vital to our industry. These are the folks tracking the issues and utilizing our dues to the benefit of all farmers and ranchers. While we’re on our operations…um…actually operating, they are tracking bills, rules, regulations and misinformation. They are meeting with lawmakers and officials. They are sharing positive and truthful messages about our industry. They are talking to reporters to explain what agriculturists go through to get food on consumers’ plates. We need them and I’m grateful for them.

I heard it mentioned during one of the “talks” that out of all the ranchers in Wyoming that utilize public lands, only 10% provide the funding to the Wyoming Public Lands Coalition for our state’s part in the national Public Lands Council. That means 10% are carrying the burden for 100% of the public lands ranchers. I think only 25% of all the ranchers in Wyoming belong to WSGA. Again, 25% shouldering the load for 100%.

I urge everyone to belong to an ag organization – whether as a regular, associate or supporting member. Whether or not you want to dedicate the time to participating is one thing, but everyone should be sending that annual dues check in. We all need to pitch in to strengthen the organizations benefiting us every day.

So as you’re sending your famous fruit cake to Aunt June and signing that Christmas card to Cousin Bart, be sure to throw your check in the mail to your local, state and national agricultural associations. Together we can do so much more.

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” – J.C. Penney

God Bless You & American Agriculture,

Liz

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galations 6:2