By Blake Jackson
On July 18th, Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members from across the state came together at Kamp Kenwood for the 2025 Summer Conference, an annual event dedicated to celebrating grassroots leadership, rural advocacy, and community unity.
The day was filled with engaging programming that included policy discussions, keynote speeches, a spirited pie contest, and a youth day camp. Attendees gathered to reflect on achievements, exchange ideas, and plan for continued growth in the coming year.
WFU Executive Director Danielle Endvick opened the conference by paying tribute to the organization’s history and the significance of the lodge where the event took place.
“In our archives, we have photos from the 1950s of Farmers Union members building this lodge with their own hands,” Endvick said. “It’s awe-inspiring to think about what they were building not just a space, but a movement.”
“State of the Farmers Union” address, highlighting recent accomplishments such as increased membership, expanded legislative involvement, and the awarding of conservation stipends to family farms. “We’re doing big things, and we’re doing them together,” WFU President Darin Von Ruden said.
Governor Tony Evers gave the keynote speech, commending WFU’s leadership and celebrating rural-focused victories in the new bipartisan state budget.
Governor Evers pointed to added funding for meat processing, watershed protection, mental health services, rural infrastructure, and food security. He also raised concerns about halted federal funding and reduced USDA staffing.
The governor praised WFU members for their active roles in conservation projects and watershed groups throughout Wisconsin.
Conference sessions covered pressing challenges facing family farmers. WFU staffers Erin Thompson and Erin Lenninger discussed climate change and corporate consolidation.
A panel on local food systems featured Kristy Allen, Tara Turner, and Aiden Bergh, moderated by WFU’s Layne Cozzolino. Wisconsin DNR Secretary Karen Hyun also spoke about collaborating with farmers to meet environmental and clean energy goals.
“Farmers Union is and will continue to be a place where rural people gather around shared values: More farms on the land, not fewer," Endvick said. "Stronger, fairer food systems. Affordable health care. Thriving main streets. And farmers leading the way on climate and clean energy.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Wisconsin, Business