By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) brought together more than 100 members and supporters at Kamp Kenwood on July 16 to commemorate the camp’s 75th anniversary.
The celebration was followed by the organization’s annual Summer Conference on July 17, where another 100-plus attendees participated in educational sessions, discussed challenges facing agriculture, and prepared to advocate for family farmers across rural Wisconsin.
Conference workshops focused on communications, water quality, membership growth, and organizing local candidate town halls ahead of the 2026 elections.
Participants also heard from author Brian Reisinger, whose book Land Rich, Cash Poor examines the struggles confronting family farms and rural communities.
The event concluded with WFU’s traditional pie contest, giving members a chance to showcase their baking skills in a friendly competition.
Throughout the conference, members explored critical topics affecting agriculture, including trade, dairy policy, immigration, conservation, healthcare, and rural development.
"At times like these, it's easy to focus on everything that's going wrong," said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden.
"But when I look around our organization, I see people who continue showing up, helping their neighbors, and believing family farming is worth fighting for. That's what Wisconsin Farmers Union has always been about—building something better together."
The anniversary celebration recognized Kamp Kenwood’s long-standing role in leadership development and agricultural education. Organizers said the conference carried that mission forward by providing members with practical knowledge and advocacy tools.
"For 75 years, Kamp Kenwood has been more than a place. It's been where generations of members have learned to lead, built lifelong friendships, and strengthened their commitment to family farming and rural communities," said WFU Executive Director Danielle Endvick.
"Every generation of Farmers Union has faced its own challenges. These happen to be ours, and this conference was a reminder that when members come together, we have the ability to meet them."
During his annual address, Von Ruden highlighted WFU’s advocacy on more than 40 state bills, conservation efforts, dairy policy reform, local food initiatives, the Immigration Resource Hub, and the Wisconsin Futures storytelling campaign.
Ruden also encouraged continued grassroots engagement ahead of the Farm Bill debate, dairy reform efforts, and the organization’s 96th State Convention in Appleton this December.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-farmers-union
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy