The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation hosted the 12th annual Wyoming Needs Agriculture event on Sept. 13, giving Cowboy fans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to interact with farmers and ranchers and learn more about agriculture. The event was held during pre-game festivities of the University of Wyoming football game. 

The first 400 fans to participate received a Wyoming Cowboys/Wyoming Needs Agriculture t-shirt. To earn their free shirt, fans had three options. They could test their knowledge in the Family Feud-Ag Quiz Bowl, step into the photo booth to take a picture and visit with a farmer, or practice their roping skills on the dummy. Each activity gave participants a fun way to connect with agriculture and visit with farmers and ranchers from around the state. 

“Events like this give us the chance to talk directly with people about what we do every day,” Fornstrom said. “It’s important for farmers and ranchers to share our story, answer questions and build those personal connections with the public.” 

Fans had the chance to rotate between activities, whether it was stepping into the photo booth to meet Laramie County farmer and WyFB President Todd Fornstrom and Goshen County farmer and WyFB Vice President Cole Coxbill, buzzing in with answers during the Family Feud-Ag Quiz Bowl, or trying their hand at roping the dummy. Each station drew steady crowds and created opportunities for conversations about Wyoming agriculture. Senator John Barrasso also stopped in during the festivities, adding to the energy of the afternoon and showing his support for Wyoming agriculture. 

“Events like this give us the chance to talk directly with people about what we do every day,” Fornstrom said. “It’s important for farmers and ranchers to share our story, answer questions and build those personal connections with the public.” 

That message carried into the stadium itself when the “Wyoming Needs Agriculture” video played on the scoreboard at halftime, reaching an even larger audience of Cowboy fans. Whether through a quick game, a photo, or a simple conversation, the event reminded attendees that agriculture is at the heart of Wyoming’s communities and economy. 

The Wyoming Needs Agriculture event once again showed the value of connecting directly with consumers, leaving fans with a stronger understanding of the role agriculture plays in their daily lives.