By Blake Jackson
Darin Von Ruden, a Westby dairy farmer, secured re-election as the president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union during the organization's 93rd annual State Convention in Wisconsin Dells. With a focus on collaboration, Von Ruden emphasized unity amidst economic challenges.
He highlighted the WFU's participation in initiatives like WI Women in Conservation, the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, and the Fox-Wolf Watershed Climate-Smart Commodities project. Von Ruden celebrated the groundbreaking of the WFU's new headquarters, the Market on River building, and the organization's membership growth. He urged continued efforts for fairness in farming, emphasizing the need for systemic change to support family farmers.
The convention elected Paul Adams and Joseph Childs as delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention in March 2024. District director seats were filled by re-elected Dave Rosen in District 2, covering Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix counties, while Patty Edelburg and Tina Hinchley were elected in Districts 6 and 7, respectively. Edelburg represents Adams, Columbia, Green Lake, Juneau, Marathon, Marquette, Portage, Sauk, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood counties, while Hinchley serves Dane, Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties. Von Ruden concluded by emphasizing sustained collaboration, mutual support, and collective efforts to strengthen Wisconsin agriculture and bolster community resilience.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-prostock-studio
Categories: Wisconsin, Business