[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 31, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            30TH ANNIVERSARY OF WYOMING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of Wyoming Women in Agriculture. This organization is 
paving the way for a better future for all Wyoming ranchers.
  Ranchers Sharon Cardwell and Peggy Price of Alcova, WY, had a casual 
conversation in 1993. They decided female ranchers needed an 
organization that addressed their distinct challenges. The role of 
women in ranching has changed over the years. Women are now actively 
involved in integral management decisions, either as independent 
ranchers or with their husbands. They are often isolated, far from the 
closest town or another ranch. Sharon and Peggy founded Wyoming Women 
in Ag to bring together a community of like-minded women. They were 
assisted by Jerry Buk and Debbie Johnson, both employees with the 
University of Wyoming extension office in Casper. The first board for 
Wyoming Women in Ag included Chairman Sharon Cardwell, Vice Chairman 
Peggy Price, Treasurer Anne Miles, and Secretary Ruth Stevenson.
  In 1998, Wyoming Women in Ag was established with official nonprofit 
status. They are an ``organization that provides information on current 
topics important to women in the agriculture industry.'' They soon 
branched out from Natrona County and included women from all over the 
Cowboy State. Wyoming Women in Ag will celebrate their 30th anniversary 
at their 2023 Symposium and Diversity Tour in Worland, WY. This annual 
event brings women together who share a similar way of life. The event 
location rotates between counties and includes a speaker who is a 
featured industry professional. Women have the opportunity to connect 
with their fellow ranchers to ``ensure the next generation of women are 
educated, encouraged, and empowered to take on the challenges of 
meeting the world's growing food, fuel, and fiber needs.'' Attendees 
participate in a variety of workshops and have access to a trade show. 
The 2023 Women in Ag committee members are Abbi Rodgers, president; 
Julie Volker, vice president; Stacey Schmid, Secretary; Traci Faxon, 
Secretary; Angela Grant, Treasurer; and committee members Madison 
Trimble, Heidi Foy, and Caitlin Youngquist.
  It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant 
milestone. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to Wyoming 
Women in Agriculture for their 30th anniversary.

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