FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 3, 2006
For more information contact:

Cindy Garretson-Weibel, Agribusiness Director
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.6589

Yoder man joins Business Council as Ag Diversification Specialist

CHEYENNE - Mike Ridenour of Yoder joined the Wyoming Business Council Agribusiness Division team as an Agricultural Diversification Specialist in July.

The contract position is a continuation of the diversification efforts that the Wyoming Business Council was involved in a few years ago. In this new position, which is partially funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ridenour will help agribusinesses learn how to diversify their operations.

Ridenour has a degree in chemistry but has a diverse background including manufacturing, marketing, sales, consulting, and most recently creating Meadow Maid Foods, LLC at his ranch in Goshen County. Over the last few years, the ranch has grown from a cow/calf operation into a diversified agricultural enterprise with direct marketed, grass-fed beef, all-natural vegetables, and more.

Ridenour believes in agricultural diversification and has been recognized for his enthusiasm. Earlier this year, he and his wife were awarded the Home-Based Business of the Year Award by the Wyoming Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Diversification has made us more independent and allowed us to take control of our future. I’m excited to spend this next year helping more Wyoming producers realize the potential that diversification offers,” Ridenour said.

“We are delighted to have Mike on board to work directly with farmers and ranchers who are interested in diversifying their agricultural operations,” said Cindy Garretson-Weibel, Agribusiness Director, Wyoming Business Council. “He will be available to put a team of experts together to work with producers, whether they are interested in adding a fee hunting operation to their ranch or converting from raising wheat to sunflowers, for example.”

For more information, contact Mike Ridenour at 307-534-5055 or e-mail diverseag@wyomail.com.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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