For members of the University of Wyoming Collegiate Farm Bureau, advocacy for agriculture goes hand in hand with building community. The student-led organization continues to grow by offering opportunities for involvement, leadership and connection—both on campus and across the agriculture industry. 

Club president Courtney Beene and vice president Kyra Doud said this year’s activities have centered on helping students understand what Farm Bureau stands for and creating ways for them to get involved. “We really focus on being advocates for Wyoming agriculture and promoting everything that Farm Bureau stands for,” Doud said. “Our goal is to help our members learn more about agriculture and become advocates themselves.” 

One of their biggest events this year was the Farm Bureau 5K, designed as both a fundraiser and a way to highlight the “Wyoming Needs Ag” message. “Last year, we wanted to do it as a fundraiser for us but also as recognition to Wyoming Needs Ag,” Beene said. “The goal was to enhance community involvement and really help people understand what Farm Bureau is, what we’re doing, and just get people involved and excited about what organizations can do around campus.” 

Although the date for this year’s race had to be adjusted, participation remained strong. “We had five participants this year,” Doud said. “We also had two very generous donors, including Coach Cork, and we really appreciated them.” 

Funds from the event will support the group’s upcoming activities and travel expenses for students attending conferences. “We were just hoping to raise some money for our club so we can continue to do what we do and help our members learn more about agriculture,” Doud said. 

Beyond fundraising, Beene said the club’s focus is on creating meaningful experiences for students. Their From the Table Friendsgiving, held in collaboration with other student organizations and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is designed to bring students together for a shared meal and networking opportunity. “It’s a way for students who are involved in agriculture or other student organizations to meet and really form a community and a network around them,” Beene said. 

That sense of connection extends far beyond the university. The group will attend the Wyoming Farm Bureau Annual Meeting this November and plans to travel to both the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Oregon and the Wyoming and Colorado YF&R Conference in Cheyenne. “We’re really excited to be able to attend those,” Beene said. “Some of our funds will be contributed toward that so we don’t have to worry as much about finances.” 

For both students, involvement in Collegiate Farm Bureau has offered valuable lessons that complement their classroom education. “One of my agriculture teachers told me very early on in my college career, ‘Don’t let your school get in your way of your education,’ and I still really hold true to that,” Beene said. “Being involved gives you the chance to develop a network and get educated from people who are already industry experts. Forming those connections and friendships is something that’s going to stay with me for the rest of my time in the agriculture industry.” 

Doud said her experience has been equally rewarding, especially as someone who came to agriculture later in life. “I didn’t grow up in agriculture,” she said. “I was only introduced to it when I was about 10 years old through 4-H. Coming to the University of Wyoming and being a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau has taught me some things about agriculture that school maybe could not.” 

Both Beene and Doud agreed that Collegiate Farm Bureau offers students a unique chance to dive deeper into subjects not always covered in class. “In Collegiate Farm Bureau we learn about both the policy and insurance side of agriculture, but mainly focusing on the policy,” Doud said. “That’s something some ag students might not learn during their time at the university.” 

She added that joining student organizations also builds confidence and community. “It’s a great way to meet people who are like-minded and have the same passions and interests in the agriculture industry,” Doud said. “You can learn from each other and bounce ideas off one another.” 

Beene echoed that sentiment, noting that involvement helps develop professional and personal skills that will last well beyond college. “A lot of my closest friends have been friends that I’ve developed from going to student organizations,” she said. “Professional development experience is really important, especially when you’re graduating and going into the industry. What better way to form those skills than by competing in discussion meets or going to conferences and learning how to talk to people who are already in the industry?” 

Each fall, the club also participates in UW Giving Day, a 24-hour online fundraising event that supports student organizations. “Any donor can give any amount they want to—it can be as high as a couple thousand dollars or as low as just one dollar,” Doud said. “Any funds are really appreciated, and we’re always super blessed to have that fundraiser as well.” 

As the semester winds down, Beene said planning is already underway for the next year. “What we do have coming up next semester is going to be subject to the next officer team,” she said. “We do make the 5K an annual event should the next officer team choose to. We know what it looks like now and have all the steps down, so that should be coming up next year as well.” 

For Beene and Doud, Collegiate Farm Bureau has been more than just a club. It’s been a place to grow as leaders, connect with others who share their passion and build a foundation for future success. 

“Farm Bureau gives us the tools to be advocates for agriculture,” Doud said. “It’s more than just a club—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow and give back.”