NIOBRARA COUNTY – Seventeen women agricultural producers will receive Heart of Agriculture awards recognizing outstanding contributions to Wyoming agriculture and will be recognized at the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo in Douglas.

Nominations were sought from women agricultural producers and agricultural organizations in each county to honor those for active involvement in the industry and engagement in bettering their communities, said Scott Cotton, University of Wyoming Extension educator in Natrona County.

This is the third year of the program. Recipients were recognized at a ceremony from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at the Wyoming Pioneer Center during the state fair.

Carmen Shane has been an active member of the agriculture community in Niobrara County for nearly seven decades and is still making a difference in agriculture to this day.  She and her husband Jimmy ranch just southeast of Node, Wyoming and over the years have raised sheep and cattle and have farmed an irrigated circle that produces some of the best hay around.  They have been known far and wide for the quality of livestock they produce and if you ask any of their neighbors about the condition of the fence around their place, they will all agree that it is tough to find a single staple missing!  Carmen is the image of women in agriculture; she has seen every aspect of the ranch, from the kitchen, the barn, the office, and the pasture, always working side-by-side with Jimmy.  There is very little she hasn’t seen in her life of agriculture and she does it all with a smile, laugh and a firm belief in God.

Every community function you can think of from high school sporting events, to the county fair, to church gatherings and funeral dinners, you will find Carmen somewhere sporting her smile, ready to tell a joke and lending a helping hand.  Carmen and her husband Jimmy rarely miss any community events and not only that but they are active participants, they stimulate discussion in community board meetings and offer a helping hand in whatever aspect is needed.  Over the years Carmen and Jimmy have helped neighbors far and wide travel to doctor appointments, move to new homes and assist wherever and whenever they are needed, she is the definition of a true neighbor.  Carmen truly represents the heart of agriculture and has proven with over 80 years of hard work, dedication and perseverance that she represents the industry better than most could ever hope to do.