Agriculture has many ties within our world. It helps feed, clothe and even bring people together. 

Regan and Wendy Smith met at the Wyoming State Fair in 1976 where they competed against each other in market lamb showmanship. 

The two grew up in different backgrounds; Wendy grew up in city limits while Regan was raised on a farm, but both carried a common interest — their love for agriculture. 

“I had a market lamb, and he had a breeding sheep,” Wendy said. “He [Regan] had taken lots of time and energy to fit that sheep, but the judge liked my market lamb. Being the only girl in FFA back then … he was pretty mad that I beat him.”

From there the rest is history. The two constantly ran into each other in their many walks of life. It was almost fate they’d end up together. 

When Wendy secured a teaching position in Powell over three decades ago she once again ran into Regan, who was helping Roger Lemons, the head ag advisor at the time, with FFA proficiency applications — she would also lend a helping hand. 

The two thought it best to make it official. 

“So we started dating after the first year,” Wendy said. “I was riding in the tractor with him one day … and his mother told me that he’d never had a girl riding in the tractor with him, so it must be something important.” 

Raising livestock and a family

Something important is an understatement. The two have now been married for 37 years.

Together Regan and Wendy farm and ranch with the help of their children Bronson, Quincey and Bailey.

They have juggled lots in agriculture, from farming sugar beets and corn to pulling calves, and even shearing their wool sheep.  

Regan just grew his 50th crop, he began lambing sheep in 1971, and three years later rented his first farm. 

“I’ve been at it awhile. I’ve seen lots of changes, some for the good, some for the bad,” he said.

Being around agriculture for as long as he has, there is something special about raising a family in agriculture. 

“I was raised on this farm, I’m the fourth generation … and my son Bronson will be the fifth,” Regan said. “I don’t think you can duplicate what you do on a farm, teaching kids how to work and responsibility. And especially ya know … watching animals die kind of hardens you a little bit, but it gets you ready for other things that happen in life, and that is something that cannot be duplicated.” 

Raising a family in the farming and ranching industry isn’t an easy feat, but the Smith family is extremely appreciative of the life they have. 

“I think that kids really miss out if they aren’t raised on a farm and learn how to do chores and know what is expected and have a work ethic,” Wendy said. “That is something that definitely can’t be replicated.”

FFA through it all

Prior to owning and operating his own farm, Regan was a member of FFA, which had a major impact on his life. 

“FFA was my go-to throughout high school, it's what kept me going, ” Regan said. “If you haven’t learned how to read, write and do math by the time you’re in sixth grade, you’ve already failed. So you have to find something else to keep you going while you fine-tune your learning, and FFA is what worked for me.” 

Although neither Regan or Wendy are currently enrolled in an FFA chapter, the two find ways to help the program wherever they can. 

“I was the first president of the parent support group,” Regan said. “We’ve tried to help raise money to help kids in one way or another, either from trips, or leadership opportunities, you know … whatever the current advisor thinks they need.” 

Aside from serving on the parent support group, Wendy has helped coach youth in various CDE (Career Development Events) programs. 

“I’ve been coaching ENR (Environmental and Natural Resources) for about 14 or 15 years now,” Wendy said. “We’ve done a lot since I started coaching that team. I also coached the poultry judging team for two years. And then I picked up wool judging about three or four years ago.”

Together Wendy and Regan are rather knowledgeable when it comes to the science and market value of wool in agriculture. 

“I don’t even know how many times Regan has been the president of Wool Growers,” Wendy said. “He’s gone to tons of conferences and meetings with ASI (American Sheep Industry). He's been on boards, conference calls … Really just tons of things with Wool Growers.” 

Life in agriculture is full of twists and turns, but this family has been grateful for each and every opportunity that has come upon them. 

“When it comes to outstanding contributions, advancing agricultural education, and fostering a love for natural resources, Regan and Wendy Smith are two individuals that come to mind,” said Jaime Bessler, former parent support group president. “Their passion, experience and natural ability to reach students within and beyond our community are unmatched.”