Farm Bureau Appoints 2 to Board

Ashley Schlender of Jefferson County and Heidi Slinkman of Wood County have been appointed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee by the organization’s Board of Directors.

Their terms begin at WFBF’s Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference. The conference is December 1-4, in Wisconsin Dells.

“Ashley and Heidi are exceptional members who bring a wealth of knowledge and also perspective to our Committee. We are excited to have them serve Wisconsin Farm Bureau as they begin their terms,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz.

Ashley and her husband, Troy, and sons, Trent and Duke, own and operate a robotic dairy farm as well as a custom chopping business in Watertown. From a young age, agriculture has been an important aspect of Ashley’s life. She grew up on a dairy farm and showed cows and horses at local and state fairs. This prior experience has led her to share her love of agriculture by teaching others through various roles. This includes, 4-H general leader and summer intern, teacher, Jefferson County Farm Bureau volunteer, school volunteer, dairy project leader and more.  Ashley also enjoys watching her boys play sports, helping them show their registered Jerseys and Holsteins and traveling.

Heidi is a cranberry grower from Wisconsin Rapids. She officially began her committee appointment in June 2023. For the last 17 years, she has served as the business manager for her family farm, Gaynor Cranberry Company. Heidi and her husband, Brian, have one son, one daughter and a springer spaniel. Heidi currently serves as Wood County Farm Bureau Promotion and Education chair. She has also begun helping with Wisconsin’s Ag in the Classroom programs. Heidi is passionate about her family, farm and community.

In addition to these new appointees, Brenda Dowiasch from Eau Claire County and Steve Mueller from St. Croix County were re-appointed to serve a second term on the committee.