Boner earns Ag HOF honors
Brad Boner’s involvement in agriculture goes far beyond production. In fact, his dedication to and passion for the industry are evident through his active involvement in both the cattle and sheep industries on local, state and national levels.
Boner runs a ranch outside of Glenrock and was chosen as one of the two Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame (HOF) 2020 inductees.
Commitment to Wyoming agriculture
Boner has served as a leader to Wyoming’s agriculture industry in many ways, currently serving as the secretary/treasurer for the American Lamb Industry Association (ASI).
In the past, Boner has also served as Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA) president, Wyoming Angus Association president, ASI regional director for Region VII, ASI Wool Council chairman and Mountain States Lamb Cooperative (MSLC) chairman.
Boner has also been a member of the ASI Lets Grow Committee, ASI Lamb Council, Wyoming Animal Damage Control Board, Converse County Conservation District and Mountain States Rosen.
“Brad has a deep understanding of the value agriculture has to his community, the state of Wyoming and this nation. He is a mentor to many and an outstanding leader on a variety of important issues affecting Wyoming’s agriculture industry,” says WWGA President Vance Broadbent.
Peter John Camino, former WWGA president and Johnson County sheep producer, comments, “Brad is intelligent, innovative and his dedication to agriculture is unmatched by anyone. He has worked diligently to solidify a future not only for himself, but the future generations to follow. Brad believes there is a bright future for the industry, and it is possible, in part, by his hard work and dedication.”
Emphasis on the sheep industry
Although Boner raises both cattle and sheep and despite his active involvement in both industries, he seems to have had a greater impact on the sheep industry.
“Brad is one of our industry’s foremost leaders, serving in many capacities to the benefit of Wyoming’s sheep ranching community,” Broadbent says. “He has been an articulate spokesman on numerous issues, but he has had the greatest impact on moving our industry forward in times of need.”
Broadbent continues, “Of importance to our organization is Brad’s never-ending willingness to continually speak out on behalf of the domestic sheep industry to ensure the sustainability of the sheep industry in Wyoming. He provides a needed perspective on numerous issues facing our producers.”
Creating a co-op
One of Boner’s most noteworthy accomplishments is his active role in creating MSLC.
In fact, Brad served as co-chair in starting up the co-op and served as MSLC’s first chairman when it was up and running.
“Brad, along with several other producers, dedicated not only hours, days, weeks or months, but years to develop a cooperative that would allow them to produce, market and sell their products,” says Camino. “Brad was one of the main contributors to the formation of MSLC, which in my opinion saved the operations of many producers, including my own.”
“The establishment of MSLC and Brad’s role in developing it ensured a thriving sheep industry in Wyoming to continue,” states Broadbent.
“He is again serving as chairman of MSLC and dedicates a tremendous amount of time to help the co-op. He truly gives back to the industries that represent his livelihood,” adds Frank Moore, Boner’s business partner of 17 years.
Community involvement
In addition to his involvement in Wyoming’s agriculture industry, Boner has also been active in his local community through the years.
An avid basketball player and fan, Boner has refereed basketball for over 30 years, starting with college intermural basketball, then both middle school and junior varsity high school games in his hometown of Glenrock.
“College basketball is his favorite sport and to this day he stays in referee mode, calling fouls and bad or missed calls when attending a game from his seat or in front of the TV,” says Moore.
Moore adds, “Brad is an exceptional choice for Ag Hall of Fame, as his actions, both in business and as a volunteer, clearly reflect his ag roots, his good ethics and his love for the state of Wyoming and its agriculture industry.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
