Wisconsin farmers will gather in Wisconsin Dells at Chula Vista Resort from Dec. 13-15 for the 94th annual Wisconsin Farmers Union State Convention.
“Our annual convention brings farmers together to share insights and shape the policies that will influence the future of agriculture in Wisconsin,” says WFU President Darin Von Ruden. “It’s a valuable moment for members to collaborate, engage with leaders, and advocate for a resilient family farm system.”
This year’s keynote speaker will be Austin Frerick, author and expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. Frerick is a Fellow of the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University. This is an initiative on research related to competition policy and antitrust enforcement.
The convention weekend kicks off at 10 a.m. on Dec. 13 with a pre-conference Groundswell event, “Engaging in Respectful Dialogue: Ethanol as a Case Study.” This facilitated interactive workshop will focus on developing the key skills needed to engage in discussions on multifaceted issues like ethanol.
The official convention starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday with a presidential address. Attendees can look forward to workshops: Fair Competition in the Seed Industry, Land Accessibility, Supporting and Launching New Crops in Wisconsin, and Farm Financial Projections: A Post-Election Analysis. The weekend will also feature ample networking time, the Youth Award & Torchbearer ceremony, and a celebration of rural champions.
The WFU Foundation Fundraiser on Friday evening will raise proceeds for recreational space improvements at Kamp Kenwood. Admission is $25/person. WFU is soliciting raffle baskets, products, art, or other donations for live and silent auctions at the convention.
On the final day of the convention, members will elect two delegates to represent Wisconsin at the National Farmers Union Convention. The national event is March 9-11, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK.
Visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/convention for more details and to register.
