One year ago, a small group of students at Sheridan College decided to take on something new. With energy, ambition, and a deep love of agriculture, they formed the Sheridan College Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. What began with just a handful of students has grown into a club that is shaping leaders, creating opportunities, and making a lasting impact on campus and beyond. 

For co-founders and officers Becka Nutting and Megan Sagner, the first year has been nothing short of extraordinary. 

“I started the team in 2024 after competing in the 2023 Wyoming Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet,” Nutting explained. “I came back with these big dreams of starting a club and getting it off the ground. Looking back now, it’s exploded. I would have never thought a year ago we’d have a club like this.” 

Getting Started 

Nutting, a business and animal science major from Montana, served as the club’s first president. Sagner, an animal science, biology, and farrier science major, took on the secretary role before becoming president this fall. Together with their officer team, they worked to build the foundation of a chapter that quickly became known for its enthusiasm and commitment. 

Their first major activity was a fundraiser close to home. The students helped with Sheridan College’s annual “pint night,” where the hops grown by agriculture students are brewed into a specialty beer called Generals Pale Ale. “That was our first thing,” Nutting said. “It brought in quite a bit of money for the department and gave us a place to start.” 

From there, the club jumped into the deep end. Members attended the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Casper, serving as mic-runners, helping with the auction, and observing grassroots policy in action. For many, it was their first exposure to the larger Farm Bureau family. 

“It was a jump in with both feet,” Nutting said. “It was a first for me, and a first for a lot of us. But it was such a great experience.” 

Competition and Growth 

The chapter quickly became active in competitions as well. Several members participated in the Collegiate Discussion Meet in Cody in January—making the snowy trek in the middle of a Wyoming winter. 

“We had four people compete, and Megan won,” Nutting said proudly. “She went on to represent us at nationals in March and did really well.” 

Sagner said the preparation and practice sessions were just as valuable as the competition itself. “We had members acting as judges and giving us feedback,” she said. “It was a lot of fun, and it gave us all a chance to grow as communicators.” 

The spring semester brought new opportunities, including a trip to Denver for the American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference. Ten students from Sheridan College attended, connecting with peers from across the country and experiencing agriculture on a national stage. 

Back on campus, the chapter pitched in with the agriculture department’s large plant sale, getting their hands dirty and lending a hand to one of Sheridan College’s signature events. 

Building Partnerships 

From the start, Sheridan County Farm Bureau Federation has played an important role in supporting the new chapter. 

“They’ve been fantastic to work with,” said advisor and faculty member Angel Sparkman. “They’ve helped with scholarships, covered costs for events, and even sponsored things like candy bars for our campus table event. Anytime we ask for help, they show up.” 

The chapter has also established a presence at Sheridan County Farm Bureau meetings, with officers attending and participating regularly. This year, the executive team committed to ensuring a student representative attends each quarterly meeting. 

“It’s a great connection to the local level,” Sparkman said. “We’re lucky to have such strong support right here at home.” 

Preparing for the Future 

For the student leaders, Collegiate Farm Bureau has provided more than just events and activities—it has offered real-world preparation for careers in agriculture. 

Sagner, originally from Chugwater, plans to transfer to West Texas A&M University to complete her degree in animal science before applying to veterinary school. Her goal is to return home as a large animal veterinarian while continuing her family’s cow-calf operation. 

“Being in Farm Bureau has given me knowledge that will help as both a producer and hopefully a vet,” she said. “I’ve learned about policy, grassroots advocacy, and how meetings are run. That experience is valuable, because you never know when you might find yourself in a position of leadership.” 

Nutting’s plans are headed in a different direction but are equally inspired by her Farm Bureau involvement. 

“Honestly, my dream is to work for Farm Bureau,” she said. “I’d like to be more on the advocacy side, working with people in agriculture rather than on the insurance side. Whether it’s at the county or state level, that’s where my passion is.” 

Both agree the networking opportunities have been one of the biggest benefits of Collegiate Farm Bureau. From meeting peers across Wyoming to building connections with students nationwide, the chapter has opened doors. 

“It’s amazing to meet people from all over the country and see how their involvement in agriculture differs from ours,” Sagner said. “And yet we all share the same passion. Those connections are something I’ll carry with me.” 

Small but Mighty 

As Sheridan College’s chapter begins its second year, Nutting and Sagner are proud of what they’ve built. 

“We had 16 kids at our first meeting,” Nutting recalled. “We’re small, but mighty. We’re feisty.” 

Sagner agreed, adding that Sheridan’s size is actually a strength. “We may not have 50 students at every meeting like a big university, but our members are ambitious and dedicated,” she said. 

The support of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and the state office has also made a difference. “When I was preparing for nationals, everyone was willing to help,” Nutting said. “They gave us resources, encouragement, and were there for us every step of the way.” 

Looking Ahead 

The Sheridan College Collegiate Farm Bureau is already planning for the future. Officers are preparing to attend the upcoming Colorado/Wyoming Joint Conference and continuing to grow the chapter’s presence on campus and in the community. 

For Nutting and Sagner, the first year has set the tone for what’s to come. 

“It’s extraordinary,” Nutting said. “I never imagined we’d have a club like this. Sheridan College may be small, but our chapter has proven what’s possible when you bring together passionate students and strong community support.” 

As Farm Bureau continues to invest in the next generation of leaders, the Sheridan College chapter stands as proof that even small beginnings can lead to big impact. One year in, the future looks bright.