By Blake Jackson
The "Cultivate & Connect" initiative, led by the Promotion and Education Committee, is designed to inspire, educate, and empower agriculture leaders and Farm Bureau members. It offers innovative learning experiences, networking opportunities, and practical insights to advance the agriculture industry in Wisconsin. This initiative is implemented year-round, with the flagship event taking place each February.
The 2025 Cultivate & Connect event will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the North Star Conference Center in Deforest, Wisconsin. An optional pre-conference activity will take place on Friday, February 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The registration fee for the one-day event is $80 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments. The optional pre-conference activity is available for an additional $20. The registration deadline is January 31.
Hotel reservations are available but not included with the registration. The Comfort Inn & Suites – Madison North, located near the conference center, offers Farm Bureau members discounted rates through Choice Hotels. To access this discount, members can log in to their Member Portal and follow the instructions provided.
The pre-conference activity offers a unique opportunity to visit Sassy Cow Creamery, where attendees can meet the owner, tour the family-run farm, and sample products. This event is an excellent way to connect with others before the main conference.
Keynote speakers include Brandi Buzzard, who will discuss the importance of trust in advocating for agriculture, and Grace Simpson from the Animal Agriculture Alliance, who will provide strategies for engaging non-farm audiences on animal agriculture.
Additional sessions include "Cultivating Consumer Connections," which focuses on building stronger relationships between farmers and consumers, and "From Inspiration to Action," where participants will collaborate to turn conference insights into practical action plans. The event promises to be an inspiring and valuable experience for all participants.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-farm-bureau
Categories: Wisconsin, Business