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Linda became involved in the mid-1980s, at a time when agricultural leaders across the state were increasingly concerned about how disconnected Wyoming’s children were becoming from agriculture and natural resources. As she was finishing her term as President of the Wyoming Woolgrower’s Auxiliary, Linda joined a small but committed group representing Wyoming Wool Growers, UW Extension, Farm Bureau, the State Department of Agriculture, Pork Producers, and the University of Wyoming. Together, they worked to build consensus across commodity groups and institutions—no small task—around a shared belief: students need meaningful, hands-on exposure to agriculture.
In March of 1986, that collaboration became official with the formation of Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC).
Linda’s role was foundational. She focused on bringing people together, navigating differing opinions, and helping shape the organization before there were programs, funding, or even materials. Early challenges included everything from coordinating meetings to securing financial support. There was no budget—only belief in the mission and the willingness of volunteers to build something from the ground up.
One of Linda’s most cherished memories comes from those early classroom resources, created entirely by volunteers. The original “Ag in the Classroom Treasure Chests” were hands-on kits filled with seeds, tools, and creative activities. Some were even built by FFA students, with the ambitious goal of placing one in every Wyoming county. For Linda, seeing those materials finally arrive in classrooms—watching students draw their own livestock brands or physically engage with agriculture—was proof that the vision was working.
From the beginning, WAIC’s focus was intentional: support teachers, especially at the fourth-grade level, where Wyoming history, and agriculture’s role within it, is taught. By providing engaging activities that complemented existing curriculum, WAIC made it easier for teachers to bring agriculture into their classrooms.
Looking at the organization today, Linda describes its growth as far exceeding anything the original task force imagined. Technology, alignment with state education standards, and the expansion of teacher workshops (some even hosted at the Hamilton Ranch) have enabled WAIC to reach students statewide in ways that simply weren’t possible 40 years ago.
Yet, Linda believes the mission is more urgent than ever.
“In 40 years, people have become even more disconnected from agriculture,” she reflects. “We need to keep working at it so students at all levels have some connection to ag.”
That belief is at the heart of the 40 by 40 Campaign.
Just as Linda and her peers stepped forward at a pivotal moment in 1986, today’s champions are being invited to do the same, to ensure that Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom remains strong, relevant, and accessible for the next generation of students.
The foundation was built by leaders like Linda Hamilton.
The future will be secured by those willing to carry it forward.
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