WyFB, CFB hold joint YF&R conference
On Feb. 6-7, members of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) and Colorado Farm Bureau Federation (CFB) came together to hold the Joint Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference in Cheyenne.
With a theme of “Beyond Borders – United by Agriculture, Connected by Leadership,” farm bureau members from both sides of the state line gathered for two days of keynote speeches, leadership workshops and networking opportunities aimed at supporting young producers and securing the future of agriculture.
Beyond borders
This was the first year the leadership conference was held jointly with Colorado, according to WyFB Executive Vice President Kerin Clark, who praised the well-attended conference as a great success.
“This has been an awesome conference with Colorado and Wyoming joining together,” said Clark. “We all share so much in agriculture, from lifestyles to issues and goals. Being able to expand our networks, reach beyond our borders and talk with young farmers and ranchers from both states has been incredible.”
Clark further highlighted the importance of the YF&R program as a whole, noting the program has something for everyone searching to contribute to the future of agriculture.
“When we unite together as an organization, our united voice can impact change,” said Clark. “It is so very important to continue advocating for agriculture and to provide opportunities to develop leadership skills through opportunities like this conference.”
Speaker highlights
A lineup of keynote speakers made their way to Cheyenne to spark conversations about leadership in the next generation of agriculturists.
On Feb. 6, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Leadership and Organizational Training Maegan Meredith delivered a talk called “Calm, Cool and Conflict” which centered on developing effective conflict resolution strategies.
Next, Mercedes Roesch and Leah Peterson gave respective presentations on leadership and sharing agricultural stories.
In addition to being a fifth-generation agriculturist, Roesch is a philanthropic advisor at Luther Seminary.
Roesch’s talk was titled “Leaders Lead,” and in it, she challenged the audience to consider their lives and eventual legacy they might leave behind. She emphasized the importance of finding a clear “why” in their lives and work, beyond profit or job title.
“Your ‘why’ is the belief that drives you,” said Roesch. “Leaders who start with ‘why’ inspire action in others, create belonging and build loyalty. They sustain motivation through every difficulty, and they step out of comfort zones to break down barriers.”
Known on social media as Clear Creek Ranch Mom, Peterson is a Nebraska-based rancher who has grown a large online following by sharing her agricultural stories with people from around the world.
“Tell your stories in big ways and little ways, and write them for yourself, even if you never share them with anyone else,” said Peterson. “In my opinion, this is how we remember the past, take care of the present and lay down a solid future for agriculture.”
Cassidy Johnston, a first-generation rancher and owner of CKJ Consulting, rounded out the first day of programming with a talk on goalsetting and navigating new ventures.
The conference continued on Feb. 7 with presentations from Martin Carcasson, director of the Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation, and Tori Graves, a financial and business loan specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service.
In addition, six producers highlighted their personal experiences with succession planning, offering tips on how to navigate the process during a panel discussion titled “Successful Succession.”
Collegiate discussion meet
Two Sheridan College students – Tagg Mickelsen and Brook Greenwalt – came out on top during the 2026 Wyoming Collegiate Discussion Meet.
The competition is designed to simulate a farm bureau committee meeting, and contestants discuss relevant topics to gain experience analyzing and solving agricultural problems.
Mickelsen was crowned champion, receiving a $1,000 cash prize from WyFB and the chance to represent Wyoming at the upcoming National YF&R Conference in Portland, Ore.
Runner-up recognition went to Greenwalt, who received a $150 cash award from WyFB.
Rounding out the top four contestants were Gary Brenneman, also of Sheridan College, and Maylee Nordstrom of Central Wyoming College. They each received a $25 cash award.
“Having three of the four finalists is a testament to the students and the work they put in,” said Angel Sparkman, collegiate farm bureau advisor for Sheridan College. “It’s so exciting to watch students step into a professional role and confidently talk about today’s agricultural issues.”
Additional highlights
In addition to the lineup of speakers, conference attendees enjoyed tours of two of Cheyenne’s most iconic landmarks – the Wyoming State Capitol Building and the Cheyenne Frontier Days complex.
Breakout sessions throughout the afternoon featured interactive discussions on relevant topics to young farmers and ranchers, including a presentation on budgeting from Farm Credit Services of America Developing Markets Officer Robbie Alexander and a grant writing workshop led by CFB Member Emily Baylie.
Also, WyFB Policy Advocacy Director Kelly Carpenter and CFB Vice President of Strategy and Advocacy Ashley House teamed up to provide federal policy updates, while AgrAbility Project Behavioral Health Specialist Chad Reznicek facilitated conversations about rural mental health and coping with stress.
The conference concluded with a keynote address from Texas FFA Foundation Executive Director Aaron Alejandro followed by dinner, dancing and live music by Caitlyn Oschner.
Keep an eye out for more from the 2026 Joint YF&R Leadership Conference in future editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
