By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) honored exceptional members, chapters, and youth leaders during its 95th Annual State Convention, recognizing the grassroots leadership and dedication that support family farming and rural communities across the state.
The Builder’s Award was presented to Jim Streveler of the Amnicon-Douglas Farmers Union in recognition of his decades of service to the organization and his community. A lifelong educator and farmer, Streveler spent more than 30 years teaching agriculture while operating Streveler Farm and Streveler Livestock. His commitment to member engagement, youth education, and local leadership has made a lasting impact on WFU and the region.
Two members received Emerging Leader Awards for their growing leadership within the organization. Melissa Mahon-Stein of BearStone Acres in Richland County was recognized for strengthening the Vernon-Crawford Chapter through expanded communication efforts, increased fundraising, youth involvement, and new community partnerships.
Ryan Sullivan, president of the Lake to Bay Chapter, was also honored. A first-generation farmer, Sullivan brings experience from military service and a strong focus on soil health to his advocacy work at both the state and national levels.
The Friend of the Family Farmer Award went to Tom Mosgaller, a grass-fed beef producer and nationally known leader in organizational development. Mosgaller has mentored WFU members through leadership programs such as the Next Crop Leadership Retreat and the Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership Program, while contributing decades of rural advocacy and community-building experience.
WFU introduced the Live Oak Legacy Award this year, with Julie Keown-Bomar named the inaugural recipient. During her seven years as executive director, she led strategic planning initiatives, expanded staff capacity, strengthened statewide influence, and advanced the development of Market on River, now WFU’s headquarters in Chippewa Falls.
Numerous chapters received National Farmers Union Leadership Awards for excellence in organizational activity, membership growth, and community engagement, with formal recognition scheduled for the NFU Convention in March 2026.
Youth leadership was also celebrated. Members of the Senior Youth Advisory Council were recognized for guiding youth education programs, along with Ruby Sheaffer for her election to the National Youth Advisory Council. The Torchbearer Award, WFU’s highest youth honor, was presented to Laura Wegerer and Austin Tischendorf of the Taylor-Price Chapter.
Award nominations are submitted by WFU members and accepted year-round at https://www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Government & Policy