Passing the legacy: Longtime WyFB president retires
Laramie – The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) hosted their 97th annual meeting on Nov. 10-12. Members from around the state came to participate in policy discussions and listen to updates on current programs, as well as to vote on leadership for the Federation’s board of directors.
Longtime WyFB President Perry Livingston ended his term and passed the torch to the next president at the end of the meeting.
“Thank you all very much for this opportunity and your support. It’s been wonderful,” said Livingston.
Transition
“When I learned that I got the opportunity to introduce our president Perry Livingston, I was humbled by the thought,” said WyFB Southeast District Director Kevin Baars.
After 11 years serving as president for the WyFB and numerous years serving in various capacities prior to that, Livingston is retiring from his leadership positions at WyFB.
Active involvement with the WyFB has been a tradition for the Livingston family, said Baars.
“The Livingston family has been with the Farm Bureau since the forties. Perry’s grandfather Herbert was an active Farm Bureau member and was eventually Farm Bureau President for 10 years,” he explained. “Buddy, Perry’s dad, lobbied for us in Cheyenne for 25 years.”
He continued by saying, “We’re going to miss Perry, but I have a sneaking hunch that he won’t be gone. I bet the next generation is on its way.”
During the event, Livingston recalled many of his experiences and travels during his service as the WyBF president.
“Multi-state travel, traveling around the state, the counties that I’ve been in, the people that I’ve met and the tremendous support that this organization has given me is very, very humbling,” commented Livingston.
New leadership
After a unanimous vote, Todd Fornstrom of Laramie County was elected as the new president for the WyFB.
Fornstrom expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and for the individuals in the WyFB.
“I’m truly humbled. This is one of the best organizations I’ve ever been involved in. I might not say my family is an organization, but WyFB is basically family at this point,” said Fornstrom.
Cole Coxbill of Goshen County was elected at the upcoming WyFB Vice President. He also currently serves as the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee National Chair.
Also hailing from Goshen County, Byron Yeik was elected to his first term as director-at-large. Yeik and his wife Debb operate the family’s farm and feedlot.
The Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee Chair was voted on during the event. This position is also has a seat on the WyFB Board of Directors. Rancher Stacy Berger of Albany County was elected.
Emilee Gibb is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to emilee@wylr.net.
