You CAN Farm Talks

You CAN Farm talks is a video podcast series where we talk with people in the agriculture industry about topics that are relevant and important for new and beginning farmers and ranches. Our guests share their “Ag story” and One Thing they feel is particularly important for people getting started in agriculture. Check this page regularly for announcements about upcoming live events.

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Our Most Recent You CAN Farm Talks Episode:

One Thing with Cat Urbigkit – May 21, 2024

One Thing with Ryan Boner – April 9, 2024

I am a 6th generation rancher from East Central Wyoming. My family has been raising sheep and cattle in Converse County since 1909. After graduating from Glenrock, I went to the University of Wyoming for a degree in Livestock Business Management. After school, I came back to our family operation. At that time, my Dad and his two brothers were all running our ranches and farm together. As I am one of the youngest of the next generation, we soon decided to work through our generational transition for myself and my cousins. It is my belief that generational transition is one of the most important tasks you will face in agriculture.

We are a diverse operation. We run a black angus commercial cow/calf herd, as well as registered Black Angus and Red Angus seedstock herds. We also run a larger scale commercial range ewe herd, and a smaller Targhee and Rambouillet seedstock herd.

Our family has spent a lot of time and effort over the last century to help improve what was a dying sheep industry. I am so thankful to be a part of this discussion today.

My One Thing:
Advice that my grandpa shared with me:
“In the profitable years, put it in your pocket. In the lean years, put it in your heart!”

One Thing with Casey Crosby – March 19, 2024

Casey grew up on a farm/ranch in northern Wyoming. From a young age he learned from his dad how to irrigate, handle livestock, and work long hours. Casey graduated from BYU with a bachelors in Agribusiness and later went back and got an MBA, graduating from BYU in 2008. Upon graduation the financial crises was hitting the country. This opened up an opportunity to buy a farm close to home using cows he had bought from his dad a few years before, as a down pmt. It was a role of the dice but fifteen years later, he and his wife Julia have expanded their farm and ranch interests to included several thousand acres of farm and ranch ground. His farming interests included sugar beets, alfalfa seed, grass seed, bean seed, barley and barley seed, canola seed, corn and oats. His ranching interests are primarily cow calf operation on high desert ground spanning the WY/MT boarder.

Julia and Casey have 3 kids, Annie age 13, Kate 11, Luke 9. They all enjoy working on the farm/ranch and
spending time supporting the kids in the various sports and extra curricular activities.

One Thing with Tucker Hamilton – February 13, 2024

My name is Tucker Hamilton and I am a 4th generation rancher in Northeast Wyoming near Newcastle. Here I work with my parents Monte and Francie Hamilton and my wife Annie on a commercial cattle operation. We raise Angus cattle that have some remnants of Herefords from my grandfather’s generation.  We also farm acreage that we use to raise hay to feed to our cattle in the winter. I recently started farming in the form of no-till drilling to try and rejuvenate our old alfalfa hay meadows. In the process of learning about no-till farming, I am experimenting with cover crops and some other hay crops that include barley and oats and peas. My conclusion through my experiments is that you can grow anything you want as long as it rains.

When I am not on the farm I am also involved with the community. I was recently elected chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee in the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. The YF&R committee is very involved with raising up young farmers and ranchers, those under 35 years of age, to be leaders in the industry. We think it is very important since the average age of farmers and ranchers continues to increase.  I am also a board member of the Weston County Conservation District where we strive to promote conservation and diligent stewardship within the district through a variety of projects.

In my life, I took a roundabout path before I came home to the ranch in 2016. I graduated from Newcastle High School in 2007 after which I attended Sheridan College and obtained Associates of Sciences Degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Business.  In 2009 I transferred to the University of Wyoming where I obtained Bachelor of Sciences degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. After that I was recruited into the Agricultural Economics Department at UW where I earned a Master’s of Sciences in Agricultural Economics and finally wrapped up my educational career. After school I worked as a grain buyer in Nebraska for about a year before I grew tired of my office job and returned home to the ranch.

My “One Thing” that I would tell anyone thinking about getting into farming or ranching is to go get an education! By this I mean get off the ranch and spend some time somewhere else learning something. This could mean attending college, a trade school, working on a ranch on the other side of the country, traveling, going to a leadership conference, and/or becoming an apprentice somewhere. There or so many benefits when you get out of your comfortable bubble that is your ranch or farm. You meet and befriend new and interesting people. You see how other people do things and can learn from their experiences. You develop skills that can be useful. You find what you are passionate about and what you would care to avoid. You might have the opportunity to see things you have never seen before. For example, During my educational career, I was blessed to be able to attend an Agriculture based study abroad in France which was eye-opening. I also made connections that lead to me being a part of Wyoming LEAD Class 15, a 1-year class that met all over Wyoming and then went to Germany to tour German agriculture. I know as ranchers and farmers, many of us tend to be introverts and these things I talk about don’t sound fun. However, I believe that pushing yourself out there and learning something new will net you tremendous gains, help you grow into a person that loves to continue learning new things, and ultimately, help you succeed in this rapidly changing farming and ranching environment.

One Thing with Robbie Alexander – January 9, 2024

About Robbie Alexander

Robbie is the Young & Beginning Relationship loan officer for Farm Credit Services of America. In this role he serves Wyoming and the panhandle of Nebraska, seeking ways to help both generational and first time farmers and ranchers reach their dreams of being involved in agriculture.

Robbie and his wife (Annie) are also first generation agriculturalist that moved to Wyoming in 2022. Original from Hopkinsville, Ky. Robbie has worked in agriculture education and agriculture finance for the past 15 years.  Robbie has a Bachelors and Master’s degree in agricultural science from Murray state University. While working off the farm Robbie and his wife are working to build their own cattle operation so that the next generation can expand to meet their needs.

One thing with Tom Watson – December 12, 2023

Take the time and effort to plan and then stay patient enough to see them through. However, remain flexible enough to make changes to those plans when opportunities or hardships arise. Plan for the short, medium and long term but be able to change with new knowledge, experience and changing circumstances. The process of planning includes many different areas including finances, goals, land use, expansion, income sources, succession (if part of a family operation). Planning takes good communication.

About Tom Watson

Tom Watson is now a 4 th generation farmer/rancher on his family farm (homesteaded in 1917 by his great-grandpa) in eastern Platte County. After high school, he obtained a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Wyoming in Civil Engineering and worked as an engineer in Laramie for about 5 years. In 2012, he, along with his wife Joanna and 3 kids, moved back to the family farm because his grandpa was slowing down. He still does some engineering work on the side.

Tom grows dryland winter wheat and raises cattle alongside his parents, John and Kathy.

He is the Recording Secretary for the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association. In his spare time, he is active in his church, enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, and hunting when he can.

One Thing with Garrett Horton, Financial Officer with Farm Credit Services of America – November 14, 2023

Horton operates a farming operation in the Powell, Wyoming, area.  While growing up on a farm north of Riverton, Wyoming, Garrett developed a deep interest in agriculture.

After earning a degree in Agribusiness from the University of Wyoming, Garrett started an internship with Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA). Following a stint at the FCSA home office in Omaha, Garrett now works in northwest Wyoming as a Financial Officer for FCSA.

About Garrett Horton, Financial Officer with Farm Credit Services of America

Garrett operates his farm with in partnership with his wife, Katie, and his partner, Armando Rios, with the help of other family members. Additionally, Garrett and his two brothers run a cow-calf herd together, with a headquarters located back on the farm he grew up on. In his spare(?) time, Garrett enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys: Jack (5), Connor (2), and Owen (5 months).

As explained in the video, Garrett has pursued his agricultural goals through a strategy he calls “Aggressive Patience.”  Garrett describes his continuing efforts to accumulate skills and knowledge, while strategically positioning himself to take advantage of opportunities that best fit his goals and capabilities. Garrett also stresses the challenges of understanding and managing the unique business complexities that face farmers and ranchers on a (nearly) daily basis.

One Thing with Kerin Clark, WyFB YFR Coordinator and Media-Member Relations Director – October 10, 2023

Kerin Clark shares great information and ideas for new and beginning farmers and ranchers (NBFR) from her perspective as coordinator of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Program and Media and Member Relations Coordinator.

Kerin is a Wyoming native who grew up on a centennial cattle ranch north of Laramie and served as a Wyoming FFA State Officer and Miss Rodeo Wyoming while studying Ag Communications at the University of Wyoming. She has been working to support Wyoming agriculture as part of WyFB for more almost three decades.

In describing her “One Thing” for You Can Farm Talks, Kerin explains the importance for NBFR of making leadership development part of their business plan and shares many helpful tools, resources, ideas, and opportunities available to them, including through WyFB YFR. If you’re a young farmer or rancher or someone just getting started with an ag operation, you should definitely listen to Kerin’s You Can Farm Talks “One Thing.”

About Kerin Clark, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Media and Member Relations Director, WyFB Young Farmer & Rancher Coordinator

As the Media and Member Relations Director, Kerin Clark oversees public relations and leadership development for the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. She manages the Federation’s communication and outreach channels including a monthly newspaper, website, social media, public relations, and marketing materials. On the leadership side, Clark is the WyFB Young Farmer & Rancher Coordinator, conducts field service work for 11 county Farm Bureau Federations, and presents leadership workshops.

Her Farm Bureau career began in August 1994 with a WyFB internship through her college years. After graduating in 1998 with an Agricultural Communications degree from the University of Wyoming, Clark joined WyFB full-time as a field staff representative. She was promoted in 2003 to her current position of Media and Member Relations Director.

Clark was born and raised on a centennial cattle ranch north of Laramie, Wyo. During college she was honored to serve as a Wyoming FFA State Officer and as Miss Rodeo Wyoming.

She and her husband, Jake, have two children. Their daughter, Kadra, is a college student and their son, Kyler, is a college student.

One Thing with James Sedman, 4^th Generation Wyoming Farmer / Rancher – September 12, 2023

James Sedman shared his experience and perspective as a fourth generation Wyoming farmer and rancher who left home to study at University of Wyoming, earned his bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and then returned to buy part of the family home place where he started his operation.

James talks about the importance of having a long term perspective, especially in agriculture, and how forward thinking has helped him weather the storms and find success throughout his life and career.

There are many ways to invest in your long term success even before you have your own agricultural operation up and running. Whether you’re already in the business or just starting out, you should hear what James has to say for his You Can Farm Talks “One Thing.”

James Sedman, Wyoming Farmer, Rancher, and Ag Entrepreneur

James Sedman is a 4th generation farmer and rancher, residing on the family farm (homesteaded in 1920’s) south of Huntley, Wyoming. After earning a B.A. in Agribusiness and M.S. in Ag Economics from the University of Wyoming, he purchased the farm from his Grandparents in 2003.

Along with his wife, children, and parents, they run a diversified operation including a commercial Angus herd, irrigated farming, haying, and feedlot business. Their cropping mix is primarily focused on providing feed, including alfalfa, corn, sorghum-sudan, oats, rye, irrigated grass, and triticale.

Off the farm, James’ wife LeeAnn is a local junior high/high school Language Arts teacher, and James has worked with John Hewlett on various risk management education projects.

One Thing with Cindy Garretson-Weibel, Business Development Consultant, Leading Edge Consulting – May 30th, 2023

In this episode, Cindy Garretson-Weibel talks about the importance of communication at all levels and in all facets of an organization.

She discusses why it’s important to communicate with everyone in your farm or ranch organization. We also discuss the importance of developing good communication skills for other areas of your agricultural business and while you’re getting started, including connecting with others in your industry and in the course of operations.

Cindy brings an extensive background in agricultural leadership training in discussing her very informative “One Thing” for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

Cindy Garretson-Weibel, Ag Business Development Consultant with Leading Edge Consulting

Cindy Garretson-Weibel has been an advocate for Wyoming agriculture her entire 35-year career. She grew up on a ranch near Saratoga and received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from the University of Wyoming. She has been the Director of Wyoming L.E.A.D., an adult agricultural development program, for 25 years.  She has facilitated intense leadership training for over 200 individuals during this time and was named the Outstanding Leadership Director by the International Programs of Agricultural Leadership in 2014.

Cindy served as the agricultural marketing director for the State of Wyoming for 11 years, at which time she led a team that developed value-added forage and livestock programs for agricultural producers in the state. She is a lifetime member of the North American Ag Marketing Officials and served as president of the organization. Cindy represented the state of Wyoming at the National Association of Rural Rehabilitation programs for several years and was a board member for the Wyoming Rural Development Council for over 10 years.

One of her passions is assisting agricultural producers interested in creating income diversification opportunities and she co-led a team that developed a 400-page training manual for agricultural diversification, including a financial resource section. She is currently the Community Navigator Program Coordinator for UW Extension, and is coordinating the development of on-line resource material for rural entrepreneurs.

Cindy has years of non-profit experience and served as the executive director of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association early in her career, where she worked to advance the interests of the livestock industry in Wyoming. In addition, she served as editor of Cow Country magazine for 13 years. 

Cindy was a 4-H leader for over 15 years and has been very active in numerous other organizations, including serving on the advisory board for the Sustainable Ag Research and Extension Center (SAREC) in Lingle, Wyoming. She also sits on the board of directors for the Wyoming Women’s Business Center, an organization that operates a microloan program and assists underserved populations with business development needs. She was recently appointed to the Wyoming Farm Service Agency State Committee.

In 2015, Cindy formed her own company, Leading Edge Consulting, where she continues to provide marketing and business development assistance to agricultural producers and small businesses, while continuing to develop leaders in the agricultural industry.

One Thing with CWC Professor Amanda Winchester – May 9th, 2023

Amanda Winchester joined us from the Central Wyoming College (CWC) Meat Science department to discuss opportunities that are available to producers through small meat processing facilities in Wyoming.

She shares information about a recent increase in the number of facilities and talks about options and opportunities these create for small producers to use direct and alternative marketing. Amanda has an extensive background in meat science and livestock judging and has been teaching students in agriculture for many years.

Watch and listen to the recorded video podcast to hear Amanda’s story and her “One Thing” for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

Amanda Winchester, CWC Professor of Agriculture and Meat Science

Amanda Winchester teaches agriculture and meat science at Central Wyoming College (CWC) in Riverton. She is a native of Lander, Wyoming, and has been involved in meat judging, both individually and as a coach for more than 40 years.

Amanda earned a B.S. in Agribusiness with a minor in Agriculture from Texas A&M Commerce as well as a M.S. from South Dakota State University. Before coming to CWC as an instructor, she owned a business in Lander: Main Street Books and Himark Rentals.

Amanda has an extensive background teaching agriculture as a substitute teacher and livestock and meat judging coach. In addition, she has been a volunteer with 4-H for more than 25 years and is the Fremont County Sheep Superintendent for the fair.

Related Links:

• https://cwc.edu/meatscience/
• https://www.facebook.com/Rustler-Cattle-Company-108892235084905

One Thing with Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation President Todd Fornstrom – May 2nd, 2023

We talked with Todd Fornstrom, president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB). Todd shares his story as a fourth generation farmer in Laramie County and long-time advocate for farmers and agriculture through the Farm Bureau grassroots process. Hear what Todd has to say for his “One Thing” about the benefits of getting involved for new and beginning farmers of all ages!

Wyoming Farm Bureau President Todd Fornstrom

Being a part of a grassroots federation to make a difference for Wyoming’s farmers and ranchers drives Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) President Todd Fornstrom. Fornstrom was elected to his first term as WyFB President in November 2016. He served on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors from January 2019 – January 2023.

His involvement in the Farm Bureau Federation began in 1994. While still in college, Fornstrom would attend Farm Bureau meetings with his mother. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1997.

Fornstrom has always appreciated the opportunity to make a difference by uniting voices and advocating for farmers and ranchers through the grassroots process of Farm Bureau. Being involved with the Farm Bureau Federation for Fornstrom is about getting back to the basic values of life and being a part of the solution.

Throughout the years, Fornstrom and his wife Laura have held many agricultural leadership roles at the county, district and state levels. They have both served as president of the Laramie County Farm Bureau Federation and they both have held state committee leadership positions; Todd as state chair of the WyFB General Issues Committee and Laura as state vice chair of the WyFB Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee. Todd also served as the WyFB Vice President for three years. They are former Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Committee members and also WyFB YF&R Achievement Award winners. They are passionate about the need to get involved and make a difference through leadership. In addition to Farm Bureau, Fornstrom has also served as a local school board member.

Todd and his family farm in Laramie County. He and his wife, Laura, have four children. Fornstrom runs Premium Hay Products, an alfalfa pellet mill, and runs a trucking business and custom combining business. Fornstrom also works with his father farming near Pine Bluffs. The diversified farm consists of irrigated corn, wheat, alfalfa, and dry beans.

One Thing with Keith Kennedy – March 23rd, 2023

In this edition of our You CAN Farm Talks video podcast series we talked with Keith Kennedy, owner and manager of Agrimind and acting executive director of the Wyoming Ag-Business Association, and the Wyoming Wheat Marketing Commission. He still manages the family place in Eastern Colorado, has owned businesses, and has an extensive background in agriculture. Keith shares lessons he’s learned and insights from his experience and talks about the importance of “Finances and Flexibility” to new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

About Keith Kennedy

Keith Kennedy is owner and manager of Agrimind, which provides executive director services to the Wyoming Ag-Business Association, and the Wyoming Wheat Marketing Commission. Keith also works as a lobbyist for these groups, as well as the Wyoming Crop Improvement Association, the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association, and Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts. Agrimind also delivers risk management education for the USDA’s Risk Management Agency.

Keith grew up on an irrigated/dryland and cow/calf operation near Pierce, Colorado, and operated the family farm from 1980-1996, He is still involved in management of this operation. He purchased an industrial spraying operation in 1995, and operated this business, managing vegetation for utilities, weed and pest districts, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation, until 2005.

Keith, in addition to being a Certified Crop Adviser and credentialed auditor for ResponsibleAg, also holds an Associate of Arts degree in Agriculture from Northeastern Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from the University of Wyoming, and a Master of Agricultural Business from Kansas State University. Keith lives in Laramie, Wyoming with his wife Jeanne. When ‘relaxing’ they keep a large garden, brew beer, and tend to their menagerie.

Past Talks

One Thing with Brett Crosby – February 2nd, 2023

Brett Crosby shares “One Thing” that beginning farmers and ranchers need to know

In the first ever edition of our new You CAN Farm Talks video podcast series we spoke with Cowley, Wyoming rancher, entrepreneur, and cattle industry influencer Brett Crosby. Brett shared his story and told us about how he got his start in agriculture. He also gave us “One Thing” that he believes new and beginning farmers and ranchers need to know. Brett had some great advice for new and beginning farmers and ranchers about where to invest your time and money while you’re getting started.

View the recorded episode and remember that you can submit additional questions for Brett and our YCF team and get responses in the forum below.

About Brett Crosby

Brett Crosby is a 5th generation rancher from Cowley, Wyoming who grew up on a large ranch, bought part of it, and added to what he bought. Today, he owns and operates a large commercial cattle operation and applies his decades of experience in a variety of ways that benefit other agricultural producers and the cattle industry.

Crosby earned an MBA from Brigham Young University and is a certified rural appraiser. He is co-founder and president of Custom Ag Solutions (CAS), an economic consulting firm specializing in the agricultural sector. Through CAS, he spearheaded the development of BeefBasis.com, which has become an industry leading provider of cattle price forecasting and risk management information.

Crosby has served as a member of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Agricultural Advisory Committee and currently serves as the Region IV director for the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA). He has appeared several times on CNBC and is frequently interviewed by cattle industry publications and podcasts. Crosby also regularly shares stories about ranch life and cattle industry perspectives on Twitter @mbacowboy

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