The Wilson ranch, owned by Britt Wilson, of Glendo, has been recognized by the Platte County Chamber of Commerce as Ag Business of the Year for 2017.
Wilson was presented a plaque during the Chamber’s Ag Appreciation Banquet on Jan. 12. Chamber Executive Director Kit Armour estimated about 150 people attended the banquet, including U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi and state Rep. Dan. R. Kirkbride (Dist. 4).
The nomination for the award, submitted by Genelle Petsch, states the ranch has been in the Wilson family for three generations, having been purchased by Wilson’s paternal grandparents, Gordon and Margaret Wilson, in 1951.
Wilson raises hay for his own cattle and to sell in the surrounding communities, having increased the hay production of the ranch. Through his improvements and practices, Wilson has also increased calf production, weaning rates and calving percentages, as well as improved the health of the herd. Wilson runs the ranch on his own and has dramatically increased its value, according to the nomination.
Wilson is heavily involved in community activities, according to the nomination. He serves on the Platte County Hospital Board, the Wheatland Rural Electric Association and the Glendo senior housing board. He also volunteers to do maintenance for senior housing.
Wilson has been a volunteer emergency medical technician for 26 years at Glendo Volunteer Ambulance Service, where he also takes care of the maintenance on the ambulance. Wilson also founded the Marge Cares Foundation, a charity to honor his wife who succumbed to cancer that provides funds to anyone in the community with a serious health problem who needs to travel to many medical appointments. He is also treasurer at St. John’s Episcopal Church; he also does services for the church.
In conjunction with his brother-in-law Doug Quinn and father Jim Wilson, Wilson worked with the town of Glendo to donate land for a business park. He is also involved in local 4-H, and has been active at county and state fairs his entire life.
