More Than 60 Attend Farm Bureau’s Cultivate & Connect Conference

Wisconsin Farm Bureau's Promotion and Engagement Committee hosted a one-day Cultivate & Connect Conference on February 21 at the Bridgewood Conference Center in Neenah.

Cultivate & Connect is the Promotion and Engagement Committee's initiative to inspire, engage and empower Farm Bureau members and agriculture leaders by providing innovative learning experiences, networking opportunities and actionable insights for advancing Wisconsin's agriculture industry.

More than 60 Farm Bureau members, collegiate Farm Bureau members, committee members and agriculturists attended the event.

"I wanted to come to Cultivate & Connect this year because it is my first year being my county's Promotion and Engagement chair," shared Alana Biermeier from Juneau County Farm Bureau. "I love the idea of being able to connect and learn more about the resources we have through Farm Bureau and take home new ideas to implement in our own Promotion and Engagement program."

The event began with a pre-conference activity on Friday evening at Fox Valley Technical College. Attendees got a behind-the-scenes look at FVTC's culinary program with Chef Jeff Igel.

The Saturday conference began with a keynote presentation from Marlene Eick from Ohio Farm Bureau. Attendees learned how they can expand their relationships to build authentic influence and leadership. Eick challenged attendees to consider how they are showing up for the audience they are trying to reach.

"If we want to build influence, we need to keep showing up," shared Eick. "Let them know they can trust you and you are a credible resource."

Annaliese Wegner, a dairy farmer and digital creator from Wisconsin, delivered the afternoon keynote address. Wegner inspired attendees to be unapologetically themselves when they are sharing their unique story.

"You will never be great at anything until you give yourself the opportunity to start something," shared Wegner. "Your story matters and you have a unique perspective to share."

WFBF's Promotion and Engagement Committee hosted two interactive workshops to inspire fresh approaches to local promotion and engagement efforts. "Explore, Collaborate, Cultivate!" featured learning lab stations with hands-on activities to spark ideas and share practical tips. During the final workshop, "Ready, Set, Connect!", attendees were encouraged to hone into their unique skillsets and apply those skills to engage with consumers.

"Attendees were able to build confidence, sharpen their messages and left with practical tools they can use right away," shared WFBF Promotion and Engagement Chair Steve Mueller. "Together, we can cultivate meaningful connections and turn every day interactions into opportunities to share agriculture's story."

The next Cultivate & Connect Conference will be held on February 20, 2027 in Rothschild.

Photos from the event are available here.