Why Wyoming Hemp Company Supports Youth Agriculture Programs?
By: Klacie Groene- Junior Public Relations and Marketing Associate
The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo came to an end on October, 24. This year Indianapolis, Indiana was home to roughly 72,000 members, advisors, and guests (Kubacak,2026). After the conclusion of the convention, it gave me time to reflect on my experiences within youth agriculture programs. Wyoming Hemp Company supports youth agriculture programs because we see the benefits of connections made, the skills built, and the confidence to go into the workforce.
As a proud alumna for 4-H, FFA, and junior livestock associations such as the National Junior Angus Association and National Junior Hereford Association; I had firsthand experience in these programs that changed my life. Currently, I am the Junior Public Relations and Marketing Associate for Wyoming Hemp Company. This position started as an internship and has now bloomed into a position with the company, all from one handshake at the Wyoming FFA Convention.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to grow up showing livestock across Wyoming and the region. While I cannot pick one moment, or mentor that shaped my experience because there are truly so many. 4-H, FFA and junior livestock associations gave me the opportunity to build friendships and connections with industry professionals, other members and volunteers of these programs. These programs gave me practical skills and knowledge such as learning how to keep records, be fiscally responsible, network with industry professionals, find different career avenues, and build confidence in who I am.
What does 4-H and FFA teach students?
There is more to 4-H and FFA than showing, they build skills that last a lifetime. From participating in Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events(LDEs), I learned how to make decisions, think critically, defend my answers, and speak professionally. In addition to those skills, I was introduced to careers within the agriculture industry. Participating in these events gave myself and other students strong foundations in public speaking, sales, agronomy, marketing plan and so much more.
These programs introduce students to other sectors of the industry such as poultry, dairy, agronomy, agriculture mechanics, and many other sectors. It helps give students the opportunity to find a sector that they would want to pursue a career in or be involved in.
Why does Wyoming Hemp Company Support 4-H and FFA?
We are proud to support the next generation of agriculturalists in multiple ways. Wyoming Hemp Company sponsors shows and events. We see the difference these programs have made in our employees, their children, and those who participate. The youth that participate in these programs are our next doctors, lawyers, nurses, agronomists, bankers, communicators, meat processors, truckers, and legislators.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “Farm jobs make up about 1.2% of U.S. employment, but agriculture and related industries support about 22.1 million jobs, or 10.4% of all U.S. employment” (Kassel, 2023). By supporting these events, we are helping to provide youth the opportunity to attend events, network, and showcase skills that will empower them for the future.
Our future depends on the next generation to continue to produce for themselves and others on shrinking agricultural lands. “Total U.S. farmland decreased by 2.5 million acres in 2025 alone, down to about 874 million acres -- or a loss of about 25 million acres since 2018”(Neely, 2026).By supporting these opportunities we can help make a difference in youth and keep them in agriculture.
To the advisors, extension agents, ag teachers, club leaders, and volunteers, we see all the hard work that you pour into our youth, and we thank you for your time and dedication.
To learn more about our products, visit our website wyominghemp.us or the Wyoming Hemp Company Country Store- 3085 U.S. Highway 85 Hawk Springs, Wyoming 82217.
Sources
Kassel, K. (2023, November 3). Agriculture and its related industries provide 10.4 percent of U.S. employment. Agriculture and its related industries provide 10.4 percent of U.S. employment | Economic Research Service. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/58282
Kubacak, K. (2026, October 27). An overview of the 99th annual FFA Convention - Western AG Reporter. Western Ag Reporter -. https://www.westernagreporter.com/articles/an-overview-of-the-99th-annual-ffa-convention/
Neeley, T. (2026, February 17). US agriculture loses 15,000 farms in 2025 as consolidation trend continues. DTN Progressive Farmer. https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/business-inputs/article/2026/02/17/us-agriculture-loses-15-000-farms
