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[Page S4503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO BRAD BONER
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, at the 108th Wyoming State Fair, Senator
Enzi and I will have the pleasure of introducing Brad Boner as one of
the 2020 inductees of the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. He is a man
of honesty, hard work, and strong leadership. I am proud to say Mr.
Boner exemplifies the ideals of the Wyoming way of life through his
immense contributions to Wyoming agriculture.
Mr. Boner has demonstrated his deep-rooted commitment to the Wyoming
community and, above all, his family. He is supported by his wife
Laurie and three children, Braden, Meghan, and Ryan. After graduating
from the University of Wyoming with an ag business degree, Brad
returned to Glenrock, WY, where he still ranches at the M Diamond Angus
Ranch alongside his two brothers, Rob and Jeff, and their father, Bob.
Mr. Boner's involvement in agriculture goes far beyond production. In
fact, his dedication and passion for the industry are evident through
his active involvement in both cattle and sheep industries on local,
State, and national levels. Brad is the current American Sheep Industry
Association secretary and treasurer, as well as president of both the
Wyoming Wool Growers and Wyoming Angus Association. Brad has served in
various capacities whenever he has been called upon, often sacrificing
valuable time on his home ranch. Brad serves as the supervisor of the
Converse County Conservation District, Wyoming Animal Damage Control
Board, and American Sheep Industry ``Let it Grow'' committee. Brad's
dedication to the State and the industry has not gone unnoticed. In
2014, he was recognized as a University of Wyoming College of
Agriculture ``Outstanding Alumni.''
In addition to serving in many capacities to the benefit of Wyoming's
sheep ranching community, Brad steps up and serves as an articulate
spokesman on moving the sheep industry forward. One of the most
noteworthy accomplishments is Brad's active role in forming the
Mountain States Lamb Cooperative, including serving as MSLC's first
chairman and current chairman.
Mr. Boner is not only a leader in Wyoming's strong agriculture
community, but a wonderful mentor to the youth across our State. He
believes sharing his love for agriculture with students is the best way
to ensure the continuation of this great industry for generations to
come. I would agree. I think that the greatest accomplishment is the
mentorship that we can provide to the young folks of this country, and
this is exactly what Mr. Boner continues to do. Through the Future
Cattle Producers of Wyoming program, he donates a heifer to a student
applicant that wants to learn about the industry. This program assists
students in becoming involved in cattle production and helps them
establish their own herds.
In addition to assisting many students on the agriculture front, for
more than 30 years, Brad has dedicated his time to his community by
refereeing basketball games from middle school to intermural college
games. He also helped coach the boys and girls traveling teams to
support his children. As Peter Camino, former president of the Wyoming
Wool Growers Association, observed, ``He has worked diligently to
solidify a future not only for himself, but the future of generations
to follow.''
Brad's humble character and dedication to agriculture have truly made
an impact and helped grow our agriculture community. I think I speak
for many when I say I am truly grateful for his leadership,
contributions, and caring demeanor that has so graciously blessed our
State in many ways.
With Brad Boner's constant diligence to improve and impact his
community, it is with my great honor to induct him into the Wyoming
Agriculture Hall of Fame. He represents every positive attribute of a
leader in Wyoming agriculture and the Code of the West. He has
represented Wyoming's interests with dedication and honor. It is
because of people like him that the agricultural community in Wyoming
has a bright and productive future. My wife Bobbi joins me in
congratulating the outstanding individual, Brad Boner, who is a 2020
inductee into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.
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