MADISON – Wisconsin Farm Bureau members and staff were in Washington, D.C last week representing Wisconsin farmers. The trip marked the completion of the WFBF Leadership Institute, a year-long leadership training program available to Farm Bureau members.
On June 7, the group visited the American Farm Bureau Federation and also met with Julie Callahan, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy and other members of the USTR’s office to discuss and learn about trade. The afternoon concluded with a meeting with Greggor Cato, U.K. Foreign Agricultural Trade Advisor, who updated members on Brexit and trade between the U.S. and U.K.
Farm Bureau leaders became lobbyists for a day while meeting with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. on June 8. The issues discussed were dairy labeling legislation, the harmful impacts of an agency rule, and thanked the federal delegation for the work to protect mink farming and delist wolves in Wisconsin.
“Participating in the Leadership Institute has given me the opportunity to expand my personal and professional abilities,” said Rock County Farm Bureau member Logan Frei. “It has opened doors like this opportunity to come to D.C. to speak with legislators on agriculture issues and build my confidence in continuing to be an advocate for agriculture. “
In addition to meeting with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, Farm Bureau members also toured Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington’s Mount Vernon and enjoyed a night tour of the national monuments.
While in Washington, D.C., Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors also met with staff from HumaneWatch, an organization taking a proactive approach to crafting messages about misleading animal rights advocacy campaigns. Additionally, the Board of Directors visited the Fertilizer Institute where they heard about fertilizer markets and factors pushing prices higher.
Accompanied by the WFBF Board of Directors, the Leadership Institute graduates who participated in the D.C trip include Chad Bruss, Green Lake; Heather Erdman, Augusta; Logan Frei, Janesville; Rachel Harmann, Algoma; Michael Luebke, Maribel; Kat Nissen, Rock Springs; Charisse Orth, Fennimore; Nichole Rabitz, Crivitz; Andrea Rippley, Whitehall; and Tess Zettle, Juda.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing farms of every size, commodity and management style.
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