By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) will host its 13th annual Rod Nilsestuen Legacy Event on Wednesday, October 30th. This free event features a keynote address by Randy Romanski, Wisconsin's Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and a UWRF alumnus.
The event takes place from 2-3 pm in the Kinnickinnic Theater at the University Center and is open to the public. Romanski's speech will focus on the current state of Wisconsin's agricultural sector and potential policy solutions for its challenges. Those unable to attend in person can view it via livestream.
Secretary Romanski has extensive experience in Wisconsin agriculture. He assumed the DATCP leadership role in November 2019 and previously held positions under both Governors Tony Evers and Jim Doyle.
Throughout his tenure, Romanski has prioritized issues like farmland preservation, promoting local food systems, the Farm to School program, and renewable energy initiatives.
The Rod Nilsestuen Legacy Event honors the memory of Rod Nilsestuen, a former DATCP secretary who passed away in 2010. Nilsestuen was a champion of sustainable agriculture and a national leader in the cooperative movement. He championed balancing sustainable land use with maximizing agricultural production.
The event is funded by the Rod Nilsestuen Fund, established by friends, family, colleagues, and organizations dedicated to land conservation and cooperatives.
This fund operates under the umbrella of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, which shares Nilsestuen's dedication to cooperative principles and leadership development.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Government & Policy