By Blake Jackson
Randy Romanski, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, has been named the 2026 Wisconsin Distinguished Agriculturalist by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
The honor recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to agriculture through leadership, service, and dedication.
The award was presented during the 60th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet held on April 16. Romanski is a 1989 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and has served as DATCP secretary since 2019.
“As secretary of DATCP since 2019, Mr. Romanski has worked on important issues to Wisconsin agriculture dealing with meat and dairy processing, farmland preservation, soil and water health initiatives, and protecting animal and human health,” said Professor Emeritus Purnendu Vasavada, who nominated Romanski for the honor. “He has also championed efforts to prepare career pathways for the next generation of Wisconsin agriculturalists.”
College leadership also praised Romanski’s ongoing support for agricultural education. “Randy has been a strong proponent of the Dairy Innovation Hub and Meat Talent Development Program in the state,” Orth said. “More specifically, he was very supportive of the meat science high school curriculum created in the college as well as the initiation of the Humane Handling Institute (HHI) under the leadership of Dr. Kurt Vogel.”
Romanski expressed appreciation for the recognition and reflected on the role education played in his career. “I’m humbled to receive this award from UW-River Falls, a university that helped shape my commitment to public service and agriculture,” Romanski said. “Wisconsin agriculture succeeds because of the people who innovate, collaborate and care for our land, animals and communities. I am grateful for this acknowledgment and remain committed to supporting the producers and partners who drive our state’s agricultural future.”
Established in 1970, the Wisconsin Distinguished Agriculturalist Award celebrates individuals who have advanced agriculture through meaningful leadership and service. As part of the recognition, Romanski received a framed charcoal portrait that is displayed in the Agriculture Hall of Fame located in the Agricultural Science Building on campus.
The award highlights Romanski’s strong commitment to agriculture, education, and public service, as well as his continued support for Wisconsin’s farming community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Wisconsin, General