Wisconsin Announces 2026 Dairy Farmers Board Candidates

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced the certified candidates for the 2026 Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) Board of Directors election. A total of 11 nominees are competing for nine available seats representing dairy producers across the state.

Voting officially opened on May 1, 2026, in the nine districts scheduled for election this year. Producers elected to the board will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing through June 30, 2029.

The certified nominees by district are:

• District 1: Evan Hillan, Ladysmith

Represents Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn counties.

• District 4: Sara Bahgat-Eggert, Clayton; Andrew Christenson, Amery

Represents Barron and Polk counties.

• District 7: David Bangart, Greenwood

Represents Clark County.

• District 10: Tasha Schleis, Kewaunee

Represents Brown, Door, and Kewaunee counties.

• District 13: Jonathon Hallock, Mondovi

Represents Buffalo, Pepin, and Pierce counties.

• District 16: Janet Clark, Eldorado

Represents Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Marquette counties.

• District 19: Mark Crave, Watertown

Represents Columbia and Dodge counties.

• District 22: Patrick R. Schroeder, Lancaster

Represents Grant County.

• District 25: Kristen Metcalf, Milton; Chaz Self, East Troy

Represents Green, Rock, and Walworth counties.

DATCP said all nominees met eligibility requirements, including active involvement in dairy production, selling milk commercially, and living within their district.

Candidates were also required to submit nomination forms signed by five active dairy producers and complete a declaration of eligibility form.

Ballots are being mailed to eligible dairy producers in the affected districts. Completed ballots must be signed and returned by mail or email by May 22, 2026, at DATCPMarketOrders@wisconsin.gov.

For more information, visit https://www.wisconsindairy.org/elections.

Photo Credit: dairy-farmers-of-wisconsin