Wisconsin Farm Bureau PAC Announces Key Primary Endorsements
Volunteers for Agriculture® (VFA®) recently announced several primary election endorsements. The support of volunteers VFA agriculture helps drive these efforts. VFA® operates as the political action arm for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Consequently, the group backs candidates ahead of the upcoming August 11 partisan primary.
A Grassroots Selection Process
The VFA® endorsement process begins at the local county level. First, Farm Bureau members meet directly with local candidates. Members evaluate each candidate’s background and agricultural policy views. Furthermore, farmers ask direct questions about critical industry issues. Afterward, local members submit feedback to the state VFA® Committee. Ultimately, the committee uses this grassroots input to choose endorsed candidates.
“Our grassroots members believe agriculture needs a seat at the table during elections. Therefore, today’s announcements highlight primary candidates who understand farming. These leaders will advocate fiercely for Wisconsin farm families.”
— Austin Vandertie, VFA Committee Chair
Endorsed State Senate Candidate
VFA® officially backs one candidate for the Wisconsin State Senate:
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Ellen Schutt (11th Senate District): Schutt works as a cattle farmer and former State Representative. Currently, she serves as Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. In addition, she holds a proven legislative record of supporting agriculture.
Endorsed State Assembly Candidates
Additionally, VFA® endorses four candidates running for the Wisconsin State Assembly:
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Rep. Mark Born (37th Assembly District): Representative Born chairs the powerful Joint Committee on Finance. Meanwhile, he builds strong relationships with local farmers while seeking re-election.
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Rep. Chanz Green (74th Assembly District): Representative Green leads key agricultural and logging initiatives. For example, he championed the Forestry Revitalization Bill to support sustainable aviation fuel.
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Kevin Krentz (57th Assembly District): Krentz operates a dairy farm in Waushara County. Previously, he served as Farm Bureau President. He currently sits on the Dairy Business Association board.
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Bill Oemichen (50th Assembly District): Oemichen works as a law professor and UW-Extension educator. Previously, he served as the state’s chief consumer protection official for agriculture.
What’s Next for the VFA®?
Primary elections take place on August 11. Meanwhile, the VFA® committee will evaluate additional candidates soon. As a result, the group plans to announce general election endorsements in the coming months.
