Farm Bureau Members Advocate for Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Nearly 20 Farm Bureau members and staff were in Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for Wisconsin farmers. The trip marked the completion of the WFBF Leadership Institute, a year-long leadership training program available to Wisconsin Farm Bureau members.

Farm Bureau leaders met Wisconsin's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. on March 17 and 18. The issues discussed were trade, immigration reform, year-round E-15 and the farm bill.

"This trip was important because it gave us the opportunity to speak with our senators and representatives on policies that support Wisconsin farmers," said Wood County Farm Bureau member Jason Behrend.

The group heard from experts at American Farm Bureau, several officials from the United States Department of Agriculture and visited the European Union embassy.

Additionally, Farm Bureau members were invited to an exclusive meeting at the White House where they heard updates from ranking officials with the Environmental Protection Agency, National Security Council and the Domestic Policy Council.

"Taking these opportunities allows us to share our stories and experiences to help improve our lives and businesses back home," said Juneau County Farm Bureau member Alana Biermeier. "This experience has opened my eyes to how my voice can make an impact and how collectively we can support our agricultural community."

In addition to meeting with Wisconsin's congressional delegation, Farm Bureau members also toured George Washington's Mount Vernon, the United States Capitol and enjoyed a night tour of the national monuments.

Leadership Institute graduates who participated in the D.C trip included Alana Biermeier, Juneau County; Allison Gorr, Green County; Amy VanderMark, Juneau County; Ann Brost, Walworth County; Katie Koeppel, Manitowoc County; Mary Fronek, Langlade County; Casey and Collin Weltzien, Buffalo County; David Foerster, Sheboygan County; Eric Harmann, Door County; Grant Buwalda, Fond du Lac County; Jason Behrend, Wood County; and Joe Schlies, Brown County.

Accompanying the graduates in D.C. were WFBF board members Jim Renn, District 1; Arch Morton, Jr., District 2; and Brian Preder, District 7.

The WFBF Leadership Institute consists of five multi-day sessions which provide hands-on learning on issues important to agriculture, development of leadership and speaking skills, interaction with Farm Bureau and governmental leaders and staff at the state and national levels and networking with other participants. The class concludes with a capstone trip with the WFBF Board of Directors to Washington, D.C. The program is sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation and in part by the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.

The next Leadership Institute class will be offered in 2027. Applications are open through June 15 and available at wfbf.com/programs/leadership-development/leadership-institute/. New this year, applicants not sponsored by their County Farm Bureau, employer or other organization and have financial need can apply for a scholarship to cover their participation fee.