Westby dairy farmer Darin Von Ruden was re-elected as president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) last weekend. The election took place during the organization’s 94th annual State Convention in Wisconsin Dells, where over 200 family farmers and rural advocates gathered.
Von Ruden has represented District 5 since 2008, covering Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, and Vernon counties. He also leads the WFU Foundation Board, the WFU Service Association, and serves as Secretary on the National Farmers Union Board of Directors. Von Ruden and his wife, JoAnn, live in Westby. Recently, they transitioned their farm to the fourth generation when their son Brett purchased the equipment and 50-cow dairy herd.
In his presidential address, Von Ruden emphasized collaboration, resilience, and growth for the organization. “One of our core missions is to ensure that family farmers have a seat at the table when decisions are made,” he said. “This year, we’ve been relentless in this pursuit.”
Von Ruden highlighted key achievements over the past year, including WFU’s new headquarters opening at Market on River in Chippewa Falls, membership growth, and legislative wins. He also praised collaborative initiatives such as WI Women in Conservation, the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, Farmer-led Watershed Councils, and the Farm Climate Smart WI project.
“Our work isn’t just about agriculture,” Von Ruden added. “It’s about building a future where communities thrive, family farmers are supported, and everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food. This vision depends on all of us working together.”
Policy Priorities for 2025
Delegates at the convention prioritized five Special Orders of Business for 2025:
- Combating concentration in the agriculture industry
- Creating fair legislative maps through a nonpartisan process
- Ensuring quality healthcare access in Wisconsin
- Expanding funding for the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program
- Combating climate change through farming practices
WFU Board Members and National Delegates
Three district director seats were up for election. Ed Gorell of Eleva was re-elected to represent District 3, covering Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire counties. Von Ruden was re-elected to represent District 5 while also continuing as president. Joshua Mechaelsen of Waukesha was elected to represent District 8, which includes 21 counties in eastern Wisconsin.
Additionally, Sarah Lloyd of Wisconsin Dells and Jerry Croes of Deer Park were elected as delegates for the National Farmers Union Convention. That event will take place March 9-11, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
