Bently receives Department of Ag award

Larry Bentley was recently selected to receive the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s (WDA) Friend of Agriculture Award. The award is given to a person or group who has gone above and beyond to promote sustainable agriculture in Wyoming. The recipient has worked with the Department of Agriculture, particularly the Natural Resources & Policy Division (NR&P), and demonstrated expertise and passion for agricultural values.

According to a letter from WDA Director Doug Miyamoto, staff chose to recognize Bentley for going above and beyond these standards in his many years of service to the NR&P. His influence on ag related issues and on ground knowledge has been felt across the state, though his influence on the department will be felt forever.

During his 12 years with the WDA, Bentley’s focus was on growing and managing the state’s Coordinated Resource Management Program, which has assisted both agricultural producers and land managers in working together and developing cooperative management plans to improve land resources and management of important areas. He also provided a valuable local presence for the NR&P by attending federal agency meetings, representing the section at conferences and trade shows, and working with producers on a variety of issues.

Along with this, he was instrumental in the Mediation Program, serving as a mediator for many types of issues including credit, USFS grazing permit issues and more. Miyamoto stated Bentley went “above and beyond in representing the agriculture community and WDA.”