[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON

 Ms. LUMMIS. Mr. President, the summer months--and August in 
particular--are always my favorite time of year. The Cowboy State 
shines all year, but August brings outdoor activities, family 
gatherings, and one of my favorite annual events: the Wyoming State 
Fair hosted in Douglas.
  For more than 120 years, the Wyoming State Fair has drawn together 
the best of Wyoming's country fairs into one grand celebration. It is 
where you will find rodeo, good food, carnival games, and the finest of 
Wyoming agriculture on display. As a lifelong rancher, the State fair 
has always held a special place in my heart. It is a place to welcome 
the next generation of ranchers and honor those who have shaped 
agriculture in our State.
  The high point of the fair is the induction ceremony for the Wyoming 
Agriculture Hall of Fame. Today, I have the distinct honor and 
privilege of recognizing Ken Hamilton as he joins this prestigious 
group.
  The Hall of Fame is synonymous with excellence--not only in one's 
profession, but also in their character. Ken personifies that standard, 
and his induction is richly deserved.
  Ken grew up on his family's ranch in the Big Horn Basin, raising 
sheep and cattle alongside his parents Merle and Eleanor and his 
brother Keith. He studied animal science at the University of Wyoming, 
then took his education abroad through the American Farm Bureau 
Federation's work exchange program, spending a year in Australia as a 
station hand and assistant overseer.
  Ken's passion of agriculture continued to grow. For 41 years, he 
devoted his life to Wyoming's agricultural industry and its future 
through his hard work, loyalty, and leadership with the Wyoming Farm 
Bureau Federation. He began his career as a research and field 
assistant, before serving as director of field services, administrative 
assistant, and ultimately executive vice President in 2004--a position 
he held for 20 years until his retirement.
  His influence reached far beyond the office. Ken used his knowledge 
and expertise to guide State and Federal agriculture policies to 
support local farmers and ranchers. During his time with the Wyoming 
Farm Bureau Federation, he served on numerous boards and committees. He 
was general manager of WFB, Inc; secretary for the Mountain West Farm 
Bureau Mutual Insurance Company; and a member of the 2006 State of 
Wyoming Brand Task Force, the Western Region Air Partnership Dust 
Forum, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, the State of 
Wyoming Coal Bed Methane Working Group, American Farm Bureau 
Federation's General Counsel Advisory Committee, and the Legal 
Information and Networking Committee.
  Ken has spent his life advocating for Wyoming agriculture, on 
transportation, water rights, grazing policy, and wildfire response. 
His steadfast advocacy earned him the trust and respect of people 
across Wyoming. Just as important, he has mentored the next generation, 
passing along his knowledge and passion to those who will carry Wyoming 
agriculture forward.
  I could not be more pleased to see Ken inducted into the Wyoming 
Agriculture Hall of Fame this year. He joins a distinguished group of 
men and women who have made extraordinary contributions to agriculture 
in our State. The legacy he has built is truly remarkable and serves as 
an example for others to follow. I tip my hat to him.

                          ____________________