Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: Nov. 21, 2006

Farm Bureau honors longtime CES employee from Laramie

                A longtime employee of the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service was awarded the 2006 Farm Bureau Leadership Award at the 87th annual meeting of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation.

            Laramie resident Mike McNamee worked for UW CES for 30 years as the extension agriculture engineering educator before retiring in 1986. He was honored by the WyFB during its annual meeting Nov. 9-11 in Casper.

            “The award is given to those who have dedicated their time and talents to the betterment of Farm Bureau and Wyoming agriculture,” said Kerin Clark, WyFB media director. “The strength of Farm Bureau comes from the grassroots efforts of the county farm bureaus, and Mike has provided leadership to the Albany County Farm Bureau for 21 years.”

            McNamee’s career in the UW CES gave him an understanding of farming and ranching in Wyoming. This knowledge has aided the Albany County Farm Bureau board in expanding its knowledge and understanding of issues facing agriculture in Wyoming and the United States, according to the WyFB.

            McNamee helped agricultural producers around the state with engineering related problems and questions.

            “I helped them with questions about their buildings, machinery and irrigation, and teaching safety was an important part of the job,” McNamee said.

            McNamee was also involved with 4-H, the youth arm of CES. He served as state program leader for automotive, tractor, electrical and safety projects, and he was also a 4-H club leader in Albany County for approximately 15 years.

            As chair of the Albany County Farm Bureau’s Natural and Environmental Resources Committee, McNamee attended many hearings addressing a variety of issues important to the county and state, said WyFB President Perry Livingston.

            “Mike’s quiet efforts on behalf of agriculture epitomize the type of leader we recognize with this award,” Livingston said.

            McNamee said he is enjoying golf in his retirement, and he and his wife, Ruth, are volunteers with Ivinson Memorial Hospital, United Way, and others.

            College of Agriculture Dean Frank Galey and UW President Tom Buchanan were among the featured speakers at the convention.

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