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Aurora, CO – The Colorado Livestock Association named Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer as its Legislator of the Year at its recent Annual Meeting for her leadership and commitment to farming and ranching families in Colorado. Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican representing District 23, which includes Larimer and Weld Counties, served on the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committees in the most recent session.

“Throughout her remarkable career, Senator Kirkmeyer’s vision and dedication to the betterment of our industry is truly commendable.,” stated Kory Kessinger, President of Colorado Livestock Association. “CLA is honored to recognize her for her leadership and commitment to serve our state.”

“What an honor to receive the 2025 Legislator of the Year award from the Colorado Livestock Association,” stated Senator Kirkmeyer. “I grew up on a farm in Jefferson County and now live in Weld County, the #1 livestock producing county in the state and the #1 leading producer of beef cattle, grain, sugar beets, and the state’s leading dairy producer. Weld is the richest agricultural county in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, and it leads the state in the value of agricultural products sold. Statewide, cattle and calves accounted for nearly $4 billion of the livestock sold, making Colorado the fifth-largest producer nationally. My Senate district includes portions of Weld and Larimer counties.”

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer receives the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award from CLA President Kory Kessinger.
Dwain Weinrich, CLA Interim Executive Vice President,  Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Wes Skiles, CLA Lobbyist, Summit Public Affairs, Kory Kessinger, CLA President.

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer is a 4th-generation Coloradan who has lived in Southern Weld County for over 40 years. Kirkmeyer served as a Weld County Commissioner for a total of 20 years, starting her service to her community in 1993. She was chosen to serve in the administration of Governor Bill Owens as the Acting Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Kirkmeyer was elected to the State Senate in 2020 and is currently serving on the Joint Budget Committee.

In 2024, Senator Kirkmeyer was the driving force in passing the nationally recognized Dredge and Fill bill. During her time as a Weld County Commissioner and State Senator, Kirkmeyer has received numerous awards and accolades such as Commissioner of the Year (1993 & 2019) from Colorado Counties, Inc., and being named one of the “40 Top Women in Energy” (2015) by the Denver Business Journal. 

Members and staff of the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) work diligently to represent the interests of Colorado’s livestock producers at the state legislature. During the summer months, CLA members organize farm tours for legislators, offering them an in-depth look at cattle and hog production, dairy farming, and cattle ranching. During the session, the CLA Legislative Affairs Committee meets regularly with our lobbyist and state legislators to discuss important issues to CLA members.

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