Wisconsin Ginseng Growers Begin Board Election

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has launched the election process for two open seats on the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin.

Voting is open from May 12 through June 16, 2025. This election will decide which growers will help shape the future of the ginseng industry in Wisconsin.

The certified candidates for the election are Kirk Baumann and Danny Krueger, both of Wausau. These candidates were nominated during the nomination period that ended on March 28, 2025. Elected growers will begin their three-year terms on July 1, 2025.

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible ginseng growers the week of May 12. If a grower does not receive a ballot by May 20, they may contact DATCP Market Orders at DATCPMarketOrders@wisconsin.gov to request one.

Growers may vote for either of the nominated candidates or write in other eligible ginseng producers. Completed ballots can be submitted via email or postmarked and mailed to the DATCP Market Orders Program office in Madison by the June 16 deadline.

The Ginseng Board of Wisconsin consists of seven at-large producers. The board is responsible for managing Wisconsin's Ginseng Marketing Order, including the oversight of around $200,000 in assessment fees collected from growers.

These funds are used to support research, education, and marketing initiatives that promote Wisconsin-grown ginseng both nationally and internationally.

DATCP administers elections for all commodity marketing boards in Wisconsin. This ensures transparency and accountability for how commodity fees are used across the state.

“This election gives ginseng growers the opportunity to guide how their checkoff dollars are invested to promote Wisconsin ginseng and support its continued success,” a DATCP representative noted.

To learn more about commodity marketing boards in Wisconsin, growers can visit the DATCP website.

The ginseng industry is a valuable part of Wisconsin agriculture, and these board elections are an important step in shaping its future direction and sustainability.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-young-farmer-and-agriculturalist