Gov. Mark Gordon appeared at halftime during the University of Wyoming football game via a video message on Saturday for Agriculture and Energy Day to announce the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative. 

“The future of Wyoming agriculture is vital to feed families, strengthen our communities and provide food for the nation. That’s why we’re launching the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative. We are going to build on a legacy of innovation and resilience to create financial and educational opportunities that leverage research to support local producers,” Gordon said in the video statement. 

Through the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative, the governor has appointed a working group committed to preserving Wyoming's agricultural heritage for current and future generations. 

The working group is made up of 13 Wyoming individuals, including executive branch advisers, state legislators, county commissioners, agricultural association's representatives, University of Wyoming officials and business leaders who are committed to preserving Wyoming’s agricultural heritage and rich in agricultural knowledge.  

The group will present a strategy for investments in education, applied research, and innovative farm and ranch management, for current and future generations. The goal is to support current agricultural practices and business in the state and suggest short- and long-term actions to be taken to keep agriculture thriving in Wyoming.

“Agriculture is the backbone and also a large part of the personality of Wyoming. This is our chance to steward our industry and leave it better than we found it,” said Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto.