WFU convention set for December

The Wisconsin Farmers Union State Convention will take place Dec. 13-15 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

This is the 94th annual convention, offering members the chance to hear from the organization’s leaders and collaborate on new ideas.

“Our annual convention brings farmers together to share insights and shape the policies that will influence the future of agriculture in Wisconsin,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden.

The keynote speaker is Austin Frerick, an author and expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He serves as a fellow of the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University, which brings together faculty, students and scholars for research on competition policy.

The weekend kicks off Friday morning with an interactive workshop, “Engaging in Respectful Dialogue: Ethanol as a Case Study.” The goal is to help participants learn to constructively disagree, rather than shutting each other down when a disagreement arises.

The formal convention begins 9 a.m. Saturday.

The WFU Foundation Fundraiser on Friday evening will raise proceeds for recreational space improvements at Kamp Kenwood, home to Farmers Union summer camps since the 1940s. Admission is $25/person. Tickets are available at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/convention. WFU is soliciting raffle baskets, products, art, or other donations for live and silent auctions at the convention. If you are interested in donating or becoming a convention sponsor, please contact Danielle Endvick at 715-382-6814 or dendvick@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.

On the final day of the convention, members will elect two delegates to represent Wisconsin at the National Farmers Union Convention on March 9-11, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK. They will also elect directors for the WFU Board from District 3 (Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire Counties), District 5 (Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Rock, Green, Lafayette, Richland, and Vernon Counties), and District 8 (Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Forest, Florence, Kewaunee, Langlade, Marinette, Manitowoc, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago Counties).

The convention is open to the public, but only member delegates may vote on policy issues. Early bird rates end on November 17th. Visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/convention for more details and to register.