he time, effort, and planning put in by the Wyoming Farm Bureau and Colorado Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers committees came to life as we hosted our first joint conference with Colorado Farm Bureau Federation. The theme of the conference was “Beyond Borders”, showcasing the strength that we gain as we reach across the line, whatever line that may be, and putting our knowledge and efforts together.

As many attendees were able to see during the conference, coming together to discuss pressing issues we face in agriculture, we are able to view those problems from another perspective as well as generate new solutions for them with our peers. One of the great strengths that we have in Farm Bureau is our variety of situations, experiences, and capabilities, and yet the core desire for agriculture to continue to thrive.

During the conference, we listened to many presenters educate us on topics like succession planning, working with family, federal policy updates, mental health, and more. These YF&R conferences are an amazing opportunity to learn and keep up to date on some of the old, new, and potentially future issues that affect agriculture. The unique opportunity of this conference was the fact that we had shared opinions from across that state line, and we were able to hear some of the differences and similarities in experiences from those Farm Bureau members in Colorado. I believe that we can all become more when we reach across those borders whether they be state lines, political lines, or religious lines, and learn from the experiences of those around us.

A great focus of the conference was planned for networking and breakout sessions. This allowed all in attendance to rub shoulders withnew people from different areas. The conference in Cheyenne provided a tour of the Wyoming State Capital, and time to spend at the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo facilities.

This time was used by many to step out of your comfort zone and build those new relationships, and the breakout sessions gave the opportunity to work together with these new friends to improve the future of agriculture. Overall.it was a wonderful way to spend the weekend and you leave feeling empowered and hopeful for the future of agriculture.

Hannah Guild and her husband Zack are ranchers in Uinta County and have been involved with the YF&R committee for several years. Hannah is currently serving her first term as the YF&R Committee Chair, which holds a seat on the WyFB Board of Directors.