WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Wisconsin Farmers Union members, delegates, and guests gathered December 12–14 in Wisconsin Dells for the organization’s 95th Annual State Convention. The weekend brought together family farmers and rural advocates for grassroots policymaking, leadership development, member recognition, and a celebration of Wisconsin’s farm and food systems.
Convention programming began Friday with Groundswell: Building Community and Making Change, a half-day facilitated workshop led by Kitt Healy and Aaron Reser. Members shared lessons from local campaigns and explored strategies for building capacity within chapters and communities. Friday evening concluded with the annual Farmers Union Camp Fundraiser, which filled the Grand Ballroom and raised funds for structural improvements at Kamp Kenwood, WFU’s youth camp on Lake Wissota.
On Saturday morning, Executive Director Danielle Endvick welcomed 150 certified delegates representing 26 chapters. Delegates heard organizational and financial reports, including an update from Farmers Union Industries CEO Dale Bednarek and an address from Executive Director of the Ho-Chunk Department of Agriculture Hinu Smith.
During the State of the Farmers Union address at the awards luncheon, WFU President Darin Von Ruden reflected on agricultural consolidation, shifting federal programs, and organizational transitions within Wisconsin Farmers Union.
“This past year, Wisconsin Farmers Union has faced change head-on—and we are stronger for it,” Von Ruden said. “Change doesn’t just happen to us; change happens because of us.”
Local food was featured throughout the convention, with meals showcasing 70 ingredients from more than 40 Wisconsin farms and food businesses. Saturday night’s banquet was curated by Chef Luke Zahm, host of Wisconsin Foodie, and highlighted seasonal, farm-forward dishes that reflected Wisconsin’s agricultural diversity and culinary heritage.
Members also participated in workshops focused on farmer wellness, agricultural policy, small grains, agritourism, and workers’ rights. The weekend included a screening of All of America, Am I, a Farm Aid-supported short documentary narrated by Wisconsin author Michael Perry, featuring four Wisconsin Farmers Union member farms and examining the impacts of corporate consolidation on rural communities.
Youth leadership was highlighted throughout the convention. The Senior Youth Advisory Council presented its work developing camp education themes, and Ruby Sheaffer of the South Central Chapter was recognized for her election to the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council. Wisconsin Farmers Union’s highest youth honor, the Torchbearer Award, was presented to Laura Wegerer and Austin Tischendorf, both from the Taylor-Price chapter.
Elections and Leadership
Deb Jakubek of New Auburn (Region 1) and LaToya Bates of Mayville (Region 2) were elected to serve as Wisconsin delegates to the National Farmers Union’s 124th Anniversary Convention, scheduled for March 7–9, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
WFU District Directors elected include Linda Ceylor of Catawba for District 1 (Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Lincoln, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas, and Washburn counties); Darin Von Ruden of Westby for District 4 (Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties); Kriss Marion of Blanchardville for District 5 (Grant, Iowa, Rock, Green, Lafayette, and Richland counties); and Brad Goplin of Osseo as At-Large Director.
Following the convention, the Wisconsin Farmers Union Board of Directors re-elected Darin Von Ruden as President, Tina Hinchley as Vice President, Ed Gorell as Treasurer, and Linda Ceylor as Secretary.
Policy Priorities for 2026
Delegates debated and adopted WFU’s policy book and selected Special Orders of Business to guide the organization’s work in 2026. The adopted priorities include:
- Concentration in the Agriculture Industry
- Protection of Immigrant Rights
- Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform
- Quality Healthcare in Wisconsin
Von Ruden closed the convention by encouraging members to turn momentum into action in the year ahead.
“The policy we set here is only the starting point,” he said. “Now it’s time to take that energy to Madison. Join us at Farm & Rural Lobby Day on January 14 and help put farmers’ voices front and center where decisions are made.”
Wisconsin Farmers Union is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through education, cooperative development, and civic engagement. More information is available at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
