Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-7443
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced three new members to the Board of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:
Patty Edelburg is a dairy farmer from Scandinavia in central Wisconsin. A graduate from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Edelburg currently serves as the Vice President of the National Farmers Union. She has also served as the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director as well as on the FSA State Committee. She played an instrumental role in the implementation of programs across Wisconsin as a result of the 2014 Farm Bill. She has been involved in numerous state and local agricultural organizations for years, becoming a vocal advocate for farmers across Wisconsin. She succeeds Nicole Hansen of Necedah.
Dan Smith is currently the President and CEO of Cooperative Network. In his years of experience working with farmers, cooperatives, and rural communities, he has also served as the Administrator for DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development and the Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern BioAg. He is a graduate of UW-Madison and was a dairy producer for 30 years on his home farm in Freeport, IL. He succeeds Dean Strauss of Sheboygan Falls.
Carla Washington currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Shelter Services at the Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee. She earned her bachelor’s of science in business and marketing from Marquette University and holds an MBA in management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has 20 years of experience in program development and coalition building in the human services field, serving as a valuable advocacy voice to protect older consumers and the workers who care for them. She succeeds Dennis Badtke of Rosendale.
“I am pleased to appoint Patty, Dan, and Carla to the DATCP Board,” said Gov. Evers. “Their knowledge and dedication will bring new voices to the table in a time when our agriculture community is struggling, and consumer protection is more important than ever. I look forward to working with them to find innovative ways of delivering services and implementing positive change for the citizens of our state.”
