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Ron is a former director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture who also served from 1977 to 1992 in the Wyoming House of Representatives. Ron Micheli was born in Fort Bridger, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Wyoming in 1970. Micheli is a fourth-generation rancher in Fort Bridger, where he operates a ranch in partnership with his brother, Dale Dee Micheli.
What inspired you to take action to educate youth through your work with WAIC?
Education is essential for agriculture.
As we move further from our roots in agriculture, it’s easy to forget where our food comes from. People start thinking milk comes from a shelf and eggs come from a grocery store. Even here in Wyoming, we can and should do a better job educating young people.
If we don’t teach youth about agriculture, we risk seeing uneducated decisions being made about range management and livestock care—decisions that can have long-lasting consequences.
Looking back, what achievements or milestones stand out to you the most?
One standout milestone was gaining the support of the WY Department of Agriculture. This gave WAIC stronger support and more administrative resources. It also helped the organization raise enough funds to make the executive director role a full-time position, which was a game-changer for its impact and growth.
Were there any individuals or partnerships that helped WAIC succeed during its early years?
Many public and private partners were instrumental in WAIC’s success. Securing both government and private-sector support was crucial. We saw both sides working together for a shared outcome.
What do you think is the most important lesson that students take away from WAIC’s programs?
Wyoming’s roots are deeply tied to its natural resources—agriculture, minerals, and more. It’s vital for people, especially in Wyoming, to understand this foundation. Our natural resources are the basis for our existence and the source of much of our state’s wealth.
I’d even argue that most wealth is created from natural resources, not just shuffled around. When we’re energy independent, we’re more secure—whether that’s through oil, gas, or agriculture. Educating youth about this connection is key to Wyoming’s future.
What is your advice to those involved with Ag in the Classroom today? What would you like to see in the future?
Keep expanding the program and reaching more people. It’s a misconception that kids in rural communities already know all about agriculture. We need to ensure we’re educating everyone—not just those in urban areas.
Stay the course, and don’t get discouraged. The work we’re doing is vital. Identify the problems we need to address and focus on finding the right solutions. The future of Wyoming depends on it.
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