MADISON – Five individuals have been selected to receive top honors in Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 Under 35 Award program. The award is presented by WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.
The 35 Under 35 program recognizes the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in environmental, social and economic activities.
Applications were evaluated for their involvement in one of five categories – Sustainable Future, Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Service, Sustainable Storytelling and Sustainable Self.
Finalists were recognized at WFBF’s Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 6. Each finalist received a $100 cash prize and apparel item. The top individual in each category received a $500 cash prize.
“We’re thrilled to recognize and celebrate each of these outstanding individuals for their commitment to sustainability and the positive impact they’re making in their communities,” said WFBF YFA Chair Kendall Riskedal. “From large-scale initiatives to everyday efforts, each finalist is helping drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.”
The Sustainable Environment category recognizes individuals who are good stewards of the land and their resources. The top individual in the Sustainable Environment category was Jeff Huber from Adams County. Jeff is the agronomy manager at Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc.
The Sustainable Future category recognizes individuals who are preserving generational success on the farm. The top individuals in the Sustainable Future category were Justin and Kristyn Jensen from Dunn County. Justin and Kristyn operate a crop and beef farm in Menomonie.
The Sustainable Self category recognizes individuals that are serving their community through leadership, mentorship and mental health advocacy. The top individual in the Sustainable Self category was Andrew Dal Santo from Grant County. Andrew is the precision agronomy instructor at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore.
The Sustainable Service category recognizes individuals who are serving agriculture through trade skills or advisory roles. The top individual in the Sustainable Service category was Isaac Christenson from Polk Burnett Farm Bureau. Isaac is an agriculture and commercial loan officer at Pillar Bank in Amery.
The Sustainable Storytelling category recognizes individuals who use their platform to share agriculture’s sustainability successes. The top individual in the Sustainable Storytelling category was Sarah Hetke from Sauk County. Sarah is the Director of Farmer Outreach for Dairy Management, Inc.
“We are proud to partner with Wisconsin Farm Bureau to amplify the leadership of young farmers while promoting activities that protect the future of agriculture now and for generations to come”, said Insight FS General Manager Ben Huber. “Congratulations to these impressive individuals.”
The complete list of all 35 Under 35 finalists is available at wfbf.com/wisconsin-farm-bureau-annual-meeting/.
