By Blake Jackson
Kaitlyn Kesler secured the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturalists Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award at the 104th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference on December 3. As the director of communications and outreach for the Wisconsin Beef Council, Kesler's agricultural roots on her family's Jersey farm fueled her passion.
Formerly the 48th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs and the 71st Alice in Dairyland, Kesler received the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation 35 under 35 Award for Sustainable Storytelling in 2022. Actively engaged in the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute, she showcases exemplary leadership, agricultural involvement, and community service.
President Kevin Krentz emphasized the award's recognition of young members contributing significantly to agriculture in their communities. Kesler, aged 18 to 35, will receive a $1,500 award from GROWMARK, Inc. She gains the opportunity to attend the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference in Omaha, Neb., and eligibility for the 2025 YFA Washington, D.C. Fly-In. Additionally, she'll be a guest at the 2024 YFA Conference.
Finalists included Julie Sweney, Brooke Trustem, and Tammy Wiedenbeck, with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation co-sponsoring the contest alongside GROWMARK, Inc., and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Kesler's multifaceted contributions and leadership in agriculture make her a standout recipient of this prestigious award.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Categories: Wisconsin, Business