“Today, we are very pleased to recognize four Wisconsin legislators who work to encourage state-
wide economic and business climates that promote agricultural tourism on working farms.” The recipients of the 2025 Friends of WATA Awards are: Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), Senator André Jacque (R-New Franklin). As well as Senator Rob Hutton (R- Brookfield), Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond), Representative Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit), Representative Jenna Jacobson (D-Oregon) and Representative Duke Tucker (R-Grantsburg).
Like virtually every farm across our nation, Wisconsin farms are challenged by ever-increasing input
and financing costs. Also rising land prices, higher water costs, dramatically fluctuating markets, scare
labor, and unpredictable weather. “Our farms are always looking for revenue opportunities that
stabilize and increase income. Agricultural tourism is an economic strategy that works to preserve
agricultural land, family operations, and boost the economies of rural communities,” said Everhart.
Just 1.2 percent of America is directly involved in cultivating land, managing timber, or raising livestock, and construction. At the same time, there is growing public interest to walk on farmland, enjoy on-farm adventures, taste real food, and shake the hand that feeds them.
