Wisconsin’s Top 35 Under 35 Young Ag Leaders Announced

By Blake Jackson

Finalists have been announced for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s (WFBF) prestigious 35 Under 35 Award, presented through its Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) program in collaboration with Insight FS.

The 35 Under 35 initiative celebrates the ingenuity and commitment of young leaders in Wisconsin agriculture who are making a positive impact through environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic innovation.

Candidates were evaluated based on their contributions in five distinct categories: Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Future, Sustainable Self, Sustainable Service, and Sustainable Storytelling.

“It’s an honor to recognize these young leaders who are stepping up whether on the farm, in agribusiness or within their communities to drive agriculture forward,” said Young Farmer and Agriculturist Chair Kendall Riskedal. “Celebrating them through the 35 Under 35 award program reminds us that leadership comes in many forms and that the next generation is already hard at work, doing good and making a difference.”

The 2025 finalists include:

• Sustainable Environment: Jeff Huber (Adams), Nathan Utecht (Marathon)
• Sustainable Future: Chad Bruss (Green Lake), Benjamin Cooper (Lafayette), Justin and Kristyn Jensen (Dunn), Rachel Kenneke (Manitowoc), Kyle Kudick (Lincoln), Tyler Meinnert (Sheboygan), Cody Mullikin (Sheboygan), Matthew and Alexandra Olson (Jackson)
• Sustainable Self: Andrew Dal Santo (Grant), David Foerster (Sheboygan), Erica Gentry (Jackson), Gloria Regan (Calumet)
• Sustainable Service: Alana Biermeier (Juneau), Isaac Christenson (Polk-Burnett), Karoline Homan (Dodge), Joe Schlies (Brown), Eric Wuthrich (Green)
• Sustainable Storytelling: Olivia Cernek (Lafayette), Sarah Hetke (Sauk), Sara Huber (Adams), Brianna Wanek (Monroe)

Each category reflects a specific way in which young professionals contribute to agricultural sustainability whether by protecting the environment, ensuring farm longevity, promoting well-being, offering services, or sharing success stories.

All finalists will receive a cash award and branded apparel item from Insight FS. Category winners will be revealed during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference this December.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-farm-bureau