Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation President Todd Fornstrom and Executive Vice President Kerin Clark joined farmers and ranchers from across the country on March 27 in Washington, D.C. for the Great American Agriculture Celebration , where President Trump and leaders from the administration emphasized the importance of agriculture to the nation’s future.

For Fornstrom, the experience reinforced a message he says farmers and ranchers have been sharing for years.

“Secretary Rollins and President Trump both commented that farmers and ranchers don’t want handouts,” Fornstrom said. “They want a level playing field. We deal with some instability and sometimes need bridge support, but ultimately, we want the opportunity to succeed on our own.”

The event, which included remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, highlighted agriculture as a critical component of national security and economic stability.

Fornstrom said hearing that message at the national level was significant.

“That focus on agriculture was so important,” he said. “They really brought agriculture up to the level of our military in terms of being strategic. Our ability to feed our own people is critical.”

He added the recognition signals a broader understanding within the administration of agriculture’s role in the country.

“It proved there is an emphasis that agriculture is important,” Fornstrom said.

Beyond policy discussions, the event underscored the importance of farmers and ranchers sharing their story directly with decision-makers.

“I think it’s super important for them to understand how food is actually produced,” Fornstrom said. “Most Americans don’t truly understand how food gets from the field to the table or what it takes to grow it.”

He noted that many Americans are now several generations removed from agriculture, creating a growing disconnect between farmers and ranchers and consumers.

“Americans are two or three generations away from the farm, at least,” he said. “They don’t quite understand farming anymore.”

Fornstrom also pointed to recent policy discussions announced during the event, including changes related to diesel emissions technology.

The administration announced actions related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s handling of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems, an issue Fornstrom has previously addressed in testimony before Congress.

“That one was near and dear to me,” he said. “The DEF rollback is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. We need to focus on improving efficiency rather than regulating through emissions alone.”

Fornstrom emphasized that while progress is being made, continued engagement between policymakers and the agricultural community remains essential.

“It’s about the whole picture,” he said. “We need practical solutions that work in real-world conditions.”

Reflecting on the experience, Fornstrom said opportunities like the Great American Agriculture Celebration are valuable not only for highlighting the industry’s importance, but also for strengthening relationships between farmers, ranchers and national leaders.

“This was a chance to elevate agriculture and remind people just how essential farming and ranching is,” he said.