Floor SpeechNeutral2026-08-03

TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON

TaxesTradeCrime & JusticeAgriculture

Context

On 2026-08-03, Senator Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON" in the Senate.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4406] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON Ms. LUMMIS. Mr. President, the summer months--and August in particular--are always my favorite time of year. The Cowboy State shines all year, but August brings outdoor activities, family gatherings, and one of my favorite annual events: the Wyoming State Fair hosted in Douglas. For more than 120 years, the Wyoming State Fair has drawn together the best of Wyoming's country fairs into one grand celebration. It is where you will find rodeo, good food, carnival games, and the finest of Wyoming agriculture on display. As a lifelong rancher, the State fair has always held a special place in my heart. It is a place to welcome the next generation of ranchers and honor those who have shaped agriculture in our State. The high point of the fair is the induction ceremony for the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Today, I have the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing Ken Hamilton as he joins this prestigious group. The Hall of Fame is synonymous with excellence--not only in one's profession, but also in their character. Ken personifies that standard, and his induction is richly deserved. Ken grew up on his family's ranch in the Big Horn Basin, raising sheep and cattle alongside his parents Merle and Eleanor and his brother Keith. He studied animal science at the University of Wyoming, then took his education abroad through the American Farm Bureau Federation's work exchange program, spending a year in Australia as a station hand and assistant overseer. Ken's passion of agriculture continued to grow. For 41 years, he devoted his life to Wyoming's agricultural industry and its future through his hard work, loyalty, and leadership with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. He began his career as a research and field assistant, before serving as director of field services, administrative assistant, and ultimately executive vice President in 2004--a position he held for 20 years until his retirement. His influence reached far beyond the office. Ken used his knowledge and expertise to guide State and Federal agriculture policies to support local farmers and ranchers. During his time with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, he served on numerous boards and committees. He was general manager of WFB, Inc; secretary for the Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company; and a member of the 2006 State of Wyoming Brand Task Force, the Western Region Air Partnership Dust Forum, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, the State of Wyoming Coal Bed Methane Working Group, American Farm Bureau Federation's General Counsel Advisory Committee, and the Legal Information and Networking Committee. Ken has spent his life advocating for Wyoming agriculture, on transportation, water rights, grazing policy, and wildfire response. His steadfast advocacy earned him the trust and respect of people across Wyoming. Just as important, he has mentored the next generation, passing along his knowledge and passion to those who will carry Wyoming agriculture forward. I could not be more pleased to see Ken inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame this year. He joins a distinguished group of men and women who have made extraordinary contributions to agriculture in our State. The legacy he has built is truly remarkable and serves as an example for others to follow. I tip my hat to him. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4406] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO KEN HAMILTON Ms. LUMMIS. Mr. President, the summer months--and August in particular--are always my favorite time of year. The Cowboy State shines all year, but August brings outdoor activities, family gatherings, and one of my favorite annual events: the Wyoming State Fair hosted in Douglas. For more than 120 years, the Wyoming State Fair has drawn together the best of Wyoming's country fairs into one grand celebration. It is where you will find rodeo, good food, carnival games, and the finest of Wyoming agriculture on display. As a lifelong rancher, the State fair has always held a special place in my heart. It is a place to welcome the next generation of ranchers and honor those who have shaped agriculture in our State. The high point of the fair is the induction ceremony for the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Today, I have the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing Ken Hamilton as he joins this prestigious group. The Hall of Fame is synonymous with excellence--not only in one's profession, but also in their character. Ken personifies that standard, and his induction is richly deserved. Ken grew up on his family's ranch in the Big Horn Basin, raising sheep and cattle alongside his parents Merle and Eleanor and his brother Keith. He studied animal science at the University of Wyoming, then took his education abroad through the American Farm Bureau Federation's work exchange program, spending a year in Australia as a station hand and assistant overseer. Ken's passion of agriculture continued to grow. For 41 years, he devoted his life to Wyoming's agricultural industry and its future through his hard work, loyalty, and leadership with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. He began his career as a research and field assistant, before serving as director of field services, administrative assistant, and ultimately executive vice President in 2004--a position he held for 20 years until his retirement. His influence reached far beyond the office. Ken used his knowledge and expertise to guide State and Federal agriculture policies to support local farmers and ranchers. During his time with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, he served on numerous boards and committees. He was general manager of WFB, Inc; secretary for the Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company; and a member of the 2006 State of Wyoming Brand Task Force, the Western Region Air Partnership Dust Forum, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, the State of Wyoming Coal Bed Methane Working Group, American Farm Bureau Federation's General Counsel Advisory Committee, and the Legal Information and Networking Committee. Ken has spent his life advocating for Wyoming agriculture, on transportation, water rights, grazing policy, and wildfire response. His steadfast advocacy earned him the trust and respect of people across Wyoming. Just as important, he has mentored the next generation, passing along his knowledge and passion to those who will carry Wyoming agriculture forward. I could not be more pleased to see Ken inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame this year. He joins a distinguished group of men and women who have made extraordinary contributions to agriculture in our State. The legacy he has built is truly remarkable and serves as an example for others to follow. I tip my hat to him. ____________________