Matt Beck and Scott Schreffler of Washington County are the top nominees in Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s fourth annual Heroes of Hope campaign.
Heroes of Hope, a subset of the #FarmNeighborsCare campaign, sheds light on rural heroes who have helped others through a tough time. Heroes of Hope aims to identify people who have helped bring hope to farmers or businesses, either in large or small ways. The agriculture community nominated people who have made an impact on the way they conduct business, both ordinary and extraordinary.
When a local farmer lost his life in a farm accident, Beck and Schreffler knew that they needed to do something to honor their friend. Together, they organized a tractor gathering on the day of the funeral. More than 150 tractors of all colors and from five counties gathered at Farmers Implement in Allenton to honor and celebrate their friend and beloved community member.
“Seeing the farming community come together in a time of sadness is something that gives a young farmer hope for the future of farming,” said Schreffler. “I am very appreciative of the award, but I wouldn’t consider myself a hero. We had a lot of support to make the gathering happen. I believe it was the right thing to do.”
Their nominator said: “Matt and Scott went above and beyond to honor a friend of the agriculture community, and the community stood behind them.”
Other finalists are Andrew Dal Santo of Grant County, Jennifer Webster of Pierce County, Tim Lins of Sauk County, and Katie Roth of Grant County.
As this year’s Heroes of Hope top nominees, Beck and Schreffler will receive $500 cash, $100 to Kwik Trip, and a Culver’s meal package valued at $50. The four remaining finalists will each receive $150 cash, $50 to Kwik Trip, and a Culver’s meal package valued at $25.
