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Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation awards members at annual meeting dinner

by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Cheyenne – The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) held their 98th annual meeting Nov. 16-18, and several members were recognized at the Nov. 17 awards dinner.

“We are proud to recognize these recipients for their dedication to agriculture and Farm Bureau in Wyoming,” said Todd Fornstrom, WyFB president.  “They all are the epitome of true leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving agriculture through Farm Bureau.”

President

Fornstrom started the awards with a gift for retiring Goshen County Farm Bureau President Elden Baldwin.

“Elden has served as the Goshen County Farm Bureau President for many years and has served as the Southeast District Director for the WyFB Board, as well,” Fornstrom said.

Baldwin and his wife Tena manage a cow/calf operation in Goshen County and are willing to step-up and serve as needed, Fornstrom said.

“We recognize Farm Bureau’s retiring presidents every year for all of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Elden Baldwin,” said Fornstrom.

Volunteer and leadership

Next, Denise Baars of Niobrara County was presented the WyFB Outstanding Membership Worker-Volunteer Award.

The Niobrara County Farm Bureau nominated Baars, who volunteers as their secretary and treasurer.

She is also their membership secretary and is responsible for membership dues and transmittals to WyFB.

The WyFB Leadership Award was given to GG and Kim Kortes of Carbon County. The couple was nominated by WyFB Central District Director Tim Pexton.

GG has served Carbon County Farm Bureau for over 20 years and currently serves as Carbon County Farm Bureau president and Central District Farm Bureau president.

He was also the state chair of the WyFB Natural and Environmental Resources committee for four years. GG’s wife Kim volunteers as the Carbon County Farm Bureau treasurer.

“GG and Kim make an incredible team. This husband-and-wife duo have dedicated many hours and years to WyFB at the county, district and state levels,” said Fornstrom.

The Kortes’ run a ranch in Carbon County with daughter Chalsey, who is also an active leader in Farm Bureau, and are very active in their church.

Distinguished Service

The last awards for the night were the three WyFB Distinguished Service Awards.

First, Carleton Perry of Sheridan County was recognized posthumously, and David Garber of Sheridan County accepted the award on his behalf.

“Carlton was a family man, a state legislator, a Farm Bureau leader and community leader,” said Fornstrom.

David and Judy Garber were also given a Distinguished Service Award.

David is the current Sheridan County Farm Bureau President and the Northeast District Director for the WyFB Board of Directors.

His wife Judy is always willing to serve on committees and supports David in his work, added Fornstrom.

“Leadership opportunities and the strength of the grass roots organization is what we value the most about Farm Bureau. It is important for farmers and ranchers to have an outside influence through participation in organizations,” said Garber. “We believe Farm Bureau is the best balance because it is a national voice, very credible and works towards the goals of agriculture.”

“David has given countless hours to the WyFB. The face of Wyoming agriculture has changed a lot during David’s tenure, and he has adapted and done everything he can for the betterment of Wyoming as a state and agriculture in particular,” said nominator and Sheridan rancher Bill White.

The last Distinguished Service Award was presented to Perry Livingston of Crook County.

Livingston is a third generation leader for the WyFB, was the 2005-16 WyFB president and the WyFB vice president six years prior. He served on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors from 2009-14.

He has also served in many leadership roles at the county level.

“It is important to be involved with issues affecting ranching and farming, and Farm Bureau is the vehicle of involvement. The opportunity to have a voice on issues affecting our farms and ranches is a tremendous advantage of belonging to Farm Bureau,” stated Livingston.

Heather Loraas is assistant editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at heather@wylr.net.

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