MADISON – Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist members met with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. to discuss issues impacting agriculture on June 4. Issues discussed included strengthening workforce stability, supporting a pro-agriculture trade agenda and encouraging opportunities for young farmers to get involved in the family farm.
The June 2-6 trip was available to Farm Bureau members active in the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program. The program provides members between the ages of 18 and 35 with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while networking with their peers.
“As young leaders in agriculture, we have a responsibility to share our stories—if we don’t, someone else will tell it for us,” said WFBF YFA Chair Kendall Riskedal. “Whether we are actively farming or working in agribusiness, our stories matter. We owe it to ourselves, and to the next generation, to speak up.”
While in Washington, D.C., YFA members met staff from the American Farm Bureau Federation and the U.S Department of Agriculture where they discussed issues pertaining to tariffs, dairy pricing, sustainability and the farm bill.
A visit to the Mexican Embassy on June 3 included a conversation on trade dynamics and Mexican markets.
The 24 young leaders met with Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Ron Johnson’s staff and their member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Even if we represent just one piece of the agricultural system, sharing our perspective helps bridge the gap between consumers and the people who grow and raise their food,” added Riskedal.
Members who attended the D.C. trip were: Darren & Kendall Riskedal, Jefferson County; Lily Schuster, Dodge County; Amy (Silver) Austin, Green County; Josh Schenk, Green County; Sarah Hetke, Sauk County; Paige Hampton, Grant County; Jackie Seelow, Grant County; Casey and Morgan Lobdell, Iowa County; Breanna Cisketti, UW-Platteville Collegiate Farm Bureau; Brianna Wanek, Monroe County; Victoria Smith, Marquette County; Miranda Ewald, Waushara County; Tiffany Kohlmann, Manitowoc County; Luke and Ashley Lisowe, Manitowoc County; Lashawna Vogel, Brown County; Brittney Muenster, Outagamie County; Jacob and Jennifer Hoewisch, Waupaca County; Brandon Jakobi and Rhiannon Reimer, Clark County; and Nathan Utecht, Marathon County.
For more information about the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, visit bit.ly/WIYFA.
