Wise Words & Comfort Food
Doug Stark, interim director of the Ranch Management program at UW, spoke to the collegiate farm bureau club on the importance of integrity. There was also a chili cookoff held at the meeting and members voted Jace Miller as the winner!
The meeting was held on October 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Animal Science building on campus. It began with a recap of previous events and the celebration of the new parliamentarian, Mikayla Alexander, being announced.
Everyone in attendance was able to try five different pots of chili brought in by members for the chili cookoff. There was a spread of toppings for the chili, along with cups to place a ticket in, allowing students to vote for the best-tasting pot.
“The chili cookoff was a great opportunity for our members to have a fun competition,” Aspen Gair, farm bureau member, said. “It was a great time getting to try each other’s chili and socialize with members.”
While eating chili, members were able to listen to Doug Stark speak about his personal experiences in the agricultural industry. He provided his background as the former President and CEO of Farm Credit Services of America, and also briefly elaborated on his personal ranching experiences and his current position at the University of Wyoming.
The main purpose of his speech was to persuade listeners to use integrity, have trust and be a leader not only in their career but also in everyday life. He offered ten straightforward pieces of advice on how to enhance personal impact with others.
“Results come from behaviors. Behaviors come from actions. Actions come from beliefs, and beliefs come from thoughts,” Stark said. This was one of the many meaningful thoughts he shared with the farm bureau group.
The key takeaways from this presentation were to live with integrity, take the initiative, prioritize what is important & not urgent, take accountability and do not let others dictate how the day goes.
Stark emphasized that integrity is not just a professional trait but a personal commitment that shapes character and builds trust. He encouraged students to reflect on their values and to lead by example, especially in the agricultural industry, where relationships and reputation are foundational.
Throughout the evening, students engaged in conversation, discussing how Stark’s advice could be applied to their own career paths.
Stark emphasized the importance of sticking to one’s word and continuing to grow into a better version than before. “Do what you say you’ll do. Be obsessed with the integrity of your word,” Stark said. “Don’t be bitter. Be better.”
Following the presentation, the group transitioned into the chili cookoff voting. Each pot of chili had its own unique flavor, ranging from traditional beef and bean to a stew type meal. Members were able to cast their votes by placing tickets into designated cups.
Jace Miller’s chili earned the most votes, securing him the title of cookoff champion and all of the money that was entered into the competition!
The meeting concluded with a brief overview of upcoming events, including the collegiate Farm Bureau 5K scheduled for October 18, and the upcoming trip to the Wyoming Farm Bureau annual meeting.
The Collegiate Farm Bureau’s October meeting blended community, competition and character-building into one evening. Doug Stark’s message of integrity left an impression on attendees, reinforcing the importance of ethical leadership in agriculture.
As students continue to grow into future industry professionals, events like these serve as a reminder that success is built not only on skill but on the values that guide each step forward.
The next Farm Bureau meeting will be held on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the ANSC Building—room 103.
