Mercedes De La Torre

This final report outlines a strategic roadmap to ensure the future of agriculture in Wyoming, aiming to provide opportunities for young professionals and equip existing industry members with tools for an evolving world. The initiative is structured around four main discussion areas: Farm and Ranch Financing, Water, Education, and Succession. The overarching goal is to maintain working agricultural lands and operations by fostering innovation, market expansion, diversification, sustainability, leadership development, workforce maintenance, and advocacy for the agricultural sector.

The agenda for the special meeting included a budget update and discussion on old/ongoing business items, specifically assessment rate changes and updates from the USDBC. New business focused on planning for several upcoming events, including a USDBC Reverse Trade Mission in Colorado and Nebraska, the USDBC Winter Meeting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a Mexico/LATAM Conference sponsorship opportunity in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and sponsorship for the RMBDA Meeting in Broomfield, Colorado.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various conservation district matters, such as approving the appointment of an At-Large Supervisor for the Popo Agie Conservation District, approving the Powell-Clarks Fork Conservation District Long Range Plan and Base Funding Extension Request, and reviewing and approving multiple Water Quality Interim and Final Reports from different Conservation Districts. Additionally, there was an invitation extended for the Board to tour with the Laramie County Conservation District, an overview of the Young Producers Assembly, and public comments expressing gratitude for addressing water quality projects and announcing a new Watershed Coordinator.

The webinar discusses the succession planning process for farmers and ranchers, emphasizing the initial step of assessing the current state of the farm/ranch. It addresses common tensions in farm and ranch succession, such as control, fair versus equal distribution, financial concerns, communication, and attitudes toward change. The workbook provided aims to help families organize information, analyze financials, estimate living needs, and evaluate long-term care needs to achieve a balance between business effectiveness and family harmony.

The meeting included updates from the State Fair Advisory Board, a discussion and approval of the FY 17 budget for the Board of Agriculture, and updates on recent budget cuts in the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Interns presented information about their work with various divisions. Updates were provided on the Livestock Board, including budget cuts and animal health. The board approved the appointment of Merilee (Kathy) Gilbreath to the Meeteetse Conservation District. There were also updates on the APRGP program, water quality interim reports, extension requests, and water quality applications. Several projects were reviewed and funding was approved for various conservation districts. The board discussed and approved the Special Management Program draft as presented by the Wyoming Weed & Pest Council. Partner organizations provided updates on drought issues, data collection, NRCS projects, trespass laws, Sage Grouse, forest service matters, legislative issues, Ag safety, budget cuts, labor rules, seed lab, and the 125th Anniversary of the Ag Experiment Station. An update was given about the Special District Task Force and its upcoming meeting.