[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 29, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, in just a few weeks, the Wyoming Farm 
Bureau Federation will hold their annual meeting in Laramie, WY. This 
year is unique, as the organization marks their 100th meeting and 
celebrates ten decades of service to farmers and ranchers across the 
State. Without question, the agriculture industry in the State, and in 
the region, has seen immense benefit from the important work the 
Federation employees do every day.
  Today, the Wyoming Farm Bureau is integral in gathering public 
opinion and disseminating information to farmers and ranchers across 
the state. Officially, their mission identifies ``The primary goal of 
WYFB is to take appropriate actions to protect private property rights 
and help members achieve an equitable return on their investment.'' 
Just as they did in 1920, the organization brings individuals together 
to identify common threats to their way of life. Wyoming Farm Bureau 
worked closely with the national organization during the 2015 waters of 
the United States rulemaking process to effectively communicate the 
negative impacts the rule would have on those who are the primary 
caretakers of our Nation's natural resources.
  As chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I invited 
the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation president, Todd Fornstrom, to share 
his story. Todd emphasized the need to protect clean, plentiful water 
sources while providing predictability for States, counties, and 
communities. Through his testimony, Todd skillfully shared the 
undeniable link between agricultural production and the Wyoming way of 
life and Wyoming's commitment to protecting our precious resources.
  I believe you can tell the strength of an organization by the 
dedication shown by its members and staff. Todd Fornstrom is serving 
his third elected term as president. Executive Vice President Ken 
Hamilton recently celebrated his 36th anniversary with the 
organization, Media and Member Relations Director Kerin Clark just 
passed 25 years, and Brett Moline has served Farm Bureau for 13 years. 
Every one of the 23 counties in Wyoming has a local Farm Bureau 
organization to build policy and address local issues. The county 
committees are key parts of the communities they serve.
  Without question, farmers and ranchers faced many challenges when the 
Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation was founded in 1920. Just as they did 
100 years ago, farmers and ranchers continue to work together today to 
produce abundant, high-quality food and fiber for their neighbors and 
communities around the world. I can only imagine the challenging 
discussions that prompted the first meeting in 1920, but I am certain 
early members left that meeting with the same confidence they will 
leave the 100th meeting.
  Working in agriculture is not simply a job. It is a calling, and 
sometimes, a challenging way of life. I rise today with great 
appreciation for the work Wyoming farmers and ranchers have done, and 
continue to do, for our great State. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in 
congratulating each member of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation on 
their 100th anniversary.

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