By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin Farm Bureau has announced the finalists for its 2026 35 Under 35 Award, a program presented through the organization’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.
The initiative highlights young farmers and agricultural professionals who are helping strengthen the future of agriculture through leadership, innovation and community involvement.
The program recognizes accomplishments across five areas: Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Future, Sustainable Self, Sustainable Service and Sustainable Storytelling.
Applicants were evaluated based on their contributions to agriculture, their communities and long-term sustainability.
"We are excited to recognize these outstanding young leaders who are making a difference on their farms and in their communities," said Young Farmer and Agriculturist Chair Ashley Lisowe. "It is an honor to celebrate their commitment to the future of agriculture through 35 Under 35."
2026 Finalists
- Eric Antonson — Polk Burnett, Sustainable Future
- Christopher Blank — Monroe County, Sustainable Service
- Chad Bruss — Green Lake County, Sustainable Future
- Faith Burgess — Lafayette County, Sustainable Storytelling
- Olivia Cernek — Lafayette County, Sustainable Storytelling
- Alexandria Cook — St. Croix County, Sustainable Service
- Benjamin Cooper — Lafayette County, Sustainable Future
- Kristen Fischer — Grant, Sustainable Service
- David Foerster — Sheboygan County, Sustainable Self
- Cameron Freisinger — Polk Burnett, Sustainable Service
- Mary Fronek — Langlade County, Sustainable Service
- Erica and Dominick Gentry — Jackson County, Sustainable Future
- Gloria Regan — Calumet County, Sustainable Storytelling
- Paige Hampton — Grant County, Sustainable Service
- Devani Hinkelmann — Buffalo County, Sustainable Service
- Katrina Hoesly — Brown County, Sustainable Storytelling
- Wrangler Jones — Juneau County, Sustainable Service
- Clinton Kauth — Waupaca County, Sustainable Environment
- Holly LaPlant — Door, Sustainable Future
- Brooke Mallek — Portage County, Sustainable Storytelling
- Matthew and Alex Olson — Jackson County, Sustainable Storytelling
- Charisse Orth — Grant County, Sustainable Service
- Brenna Ramsden — Iowa County, Sustainable Service
- Andrea Rippley-Schlais — Trempealeau County, Sustainable Self
- Darren Riskedal — Jefferson County, Sustainable Service
- Kendall Riskedal — Jefferson County, Sustainable Self
- Joe Schlies — Brown County, Sustainable Service
- Samantha Solin — Langlade County, Sustainable Future
- Ben Sosnovske — Lincoln County, Sustainable Environment
- Nathan Utecht — Marathon County, Sustainable Environment
- Collin and Casey Weltzein — Buffalo County, Sustainable Future
- Kelly Wilfert — Manitowoc, Sustainable Service
The five categories recognize environmental stewardship, generational farm success, community leadership, agricultural service and storytelling that highlights agriculture's sustainability efforts.
All finalists will receive an apparel item and cash prize sponsored by Insight FS. Winners in each category will be announced during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in December.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-young-farmer-and-agriculturalist
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Government & Policy