Wisconsin Farmers Union Convention

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Danielle Endvick

Storm clouds brew over a farm in Chippewa County. Climate change is a topic of the 2020 Wisconsin Farmers Union conference.

media release: Farmers from throughout Wisconsin will gather in Wisconsin Dells at Chula Vista Resort from December 13 to 15 for the 94th Annual Wisconsin Farmers Union State Convention.

“Our annual convention brings farmers together to share insights and shape the policies that will influence the future of agriculture in Wisconsin,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden. “It’s a valuable moment for members to collaborate, engage with leaders, and advocate for a resilient family farm system.”

This year’s keynote speaker will be Austin Frerick, author and expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He is a Fellow of the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University, an initiative that brings together faculty, students, and scholars to collaborate on research related to competition policy and antitrust enforcement. He recently published his debut book, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, which profiles a series of powerful magnates to illustrate the concentration of power in the American food system.

The convention weekend kicks off at 10 am on Friday, December 13, with a pre-conference Groundswell event, “Engaging in Respectful Dialogue: Ethanol as a Case Study.” This facilitated interactive workshop will focus on developing the key skills needed to engage in discussions on multifaceted issues like ethanol. The session aims to foster open and respectful dialogue among members, recognizing and honoring the diverse perspectives within our Farmers Union community.

The official convention kicks off at 9 am on Saturday with a presidential address followed by workshops on Fair Competition in the Seed Industry, Land Accessibility, Supporting and Launching New Crops in Wisconsin, and Farm Financial Projections: A Post-Election Analysis. The weekend will also feature ample networking time, the Youth Award & Torchbearer ceremony, and a celebration of rural champions.

The WFU Foundation Fundraiser on Friday evening will raise proceeds for recreational space improvements at Kamp Kenwood, home to Farmers Union summer camps since the 1940s. Admission is $25/person. Tickets are available at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/convention. WFU is soliciting raffle baskets, products, art, or other donations for live and silent auctions at the convention. If you are interested in donating or becoming a convention sponsor, please contact Danielle Endvick at 715-382-6814 or dendvick@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.

On the final day of the convention, members will elect two delegates to represent Wisconsin at the National Farmers Union Convention on March 9-11, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK. They will also elect directors for the WFU Board from District 3 (Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire Counties), District 5 (Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Rock, Green, Lafayette, Richland, and Vernon Counties), and District 8 (Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Forest, Florence, Kewaunee, Langlade, Marinette, Manitowoc, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago Counties).

The convention is open to the public, but only member delegates may vote on policy issues. Early bird rates end on November 17. Visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/convention for more details and to register.

Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information, visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.