Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) members gathered in Gillette for the 106th Annual Meeting, opening the weekend with remarks from WyFB President Todd Fornstrom and Executive Vice President Kerin Clark. Both leaders focused on the year’s theme, Saddles to Solutions, tying the pieces of a saddle to the many individuals, ideas and efforts that shape the organization’s work. 

A Year of Change  

President Fornstrom began by acknowledging the multitude of changes across the Federation in 2025.  

“This year has been a year of change,” he said. “But change can be for the good, and I believe it has been.” 

Fornstrom discussed the merger between Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s insurance company and Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. While the merger represents a major shift for the insurance side of the Farm Bureau family, he emphasized that federation members will see very little change in their day-to-day experience. 

“Your insurance bill will look the same except for the name ‘mutual’ coming off,” he said. “Rates always change—sometimes because of weather, sometimes because of good years or bad—but the stability behind your policy is stronger than ever.” 

Fornstrom also highlighted what the merger means for the organization’s long-term footing. 

“Our forefathers wanted an insurance company that would stand behind members in times of need,” he said. “With this merger, we have more stability and a stronger base. It’s a win-win in my opinion.” 

He encouraged members to reach out whenever questions arise. 

“My phone number is always open,” he said . “I might not speak long at the podium, but it may take you an hour to get me off the phone.” 

Despite the changes, Fornstrom underscored the lasting strength of the Federation. 

“We’re going to be good. We’re actually going to be better. And hopefully we’ll keep moving forward for another hundred years—because of you, the members.” 

“We’re a true family,” he said. “People of all ages, laughing and enjoying being Farm Bureau members—that’s what makes nights like that special.” 

Carrying the Work Forward 

WyFB Executive Vice President Kerin Clark opened her remarks by welcoming members to the Annual Meeting and returning to the theme, Saddles to Solutions. 

“A saddle is made of many parts—each crafted with purpose,” she said. “When all those pieces come together, you have something strong and useful to help get the work done. That’s how I see this organization. Each of you brings a piece. Together, you build the solutions.” 

Clark reminded members that WyFB is truly grassroots—from the first idea raised at a kitchen table, to county discussions, to the resolutions brought forward each November. 

“You’ve heard it from your president: it begins with you,” she said. “One member can start an issue that moves from local to district to state, and eventually becomes the work we implement on your behalf.” 

Reflecting on her first full year as Executive Vice President, Clark noted that 2024–25 was defined by member-driven action. 

“Let’s get to work,” she said, referencing last year’s closing message. “And get to work we did.” 

One week after the 105th Annual Meeting, WyFB testified before the Wyoming Livestock Board supporting Memorandums of Understanding to ensure producers could continue interstate livestock movement without additional restrictions tied to electronic identification. 

“That is still a work in progress,” she said. “But it shows what policy implementation looks like—testifying in hearings, submitting comments, agency meetings, phone calls during resolutions discussions. Driving your message forward in every setting.” 

Growth, Engagement and Service 

Clark highlighted several key achievements included in this year’s Annual Report, including county-level scholarship contributions, expanded communications reach and significant membership growth. 

“County Farm Bureaus across Wyoming awarded $60,000 in scholarships last year,” she said. “That is an incredible investment in the next generation.” 

Membership numbers also grew statewide. 

“We gained nearly 1,100 members this year,” she said. “That includes 256 new regular voting members. That is remarkable growth.” 

Clark extended appreciation to Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance Company and its agents for their close partnership in membership outreach. 

“Our agents do incredible work sharing the story of the Federation and inviting people to be part of this organization,” she said. 

She then recognized WyFB’s staff—both veteran and newly added positions—and the teamwork behind daily operations, strategic planning, and policy implementation. 

“The ten pages you’ll see in the annual report are only a glimpse,” she said. “None of it is possible without the work of this team and the dedication they bring every day.” 

Looking Ahead 

This year’s strategic planning process, led by a volunteer committee and facilitated through the American Farm Bureau Federation, also sets the stage for the organization’s future. Clark praised committee members for “rolling up their sleeves” as they refined WyFB’s mission, values and goals. 

“Our future is bright—and it’s bright because of you,” she said. 

In closing, Clark reflected on the heart of the organization. 

“When we talk about our legacy, it comes down to people,” she said. “You are our most Wyoming thing. Integrity, advocacy, service, dedication, family, leadership—that’s the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. Let us continue serving one another as we strengthen Wyoming agriculture and enhance Wyoming communities.”