WFBF Announces Sustainability Statement and Resources for Farmers

MADISON – Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is proud to announce an organization-wide sustainability statement and additional resources for farmers.

“Wisconsin agriculture is a standout state in sustainability efforts due to our research availability, farmer-led watershed groups and progressive conversations at various levels of the supply chain,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Kevin Krentz “Wisconsin Farm Bureau has been working hard to highlight and support sustainability for many years, but we have recently put extra emphasis on this area because of member needs. We have been adding resources and communications for our members while also building consumer and media outreach in this area.”

The statement was created by a small group of Farm Bureau members that are engaged in sustainability and conservation on their farms and in their communities. These members included Pete Badkte, Green Lake County; Lindsay Baneck, Jefferson County; Joe Bragger, Buffalo County; Ray Diedrich, Brown County; Robert Nigh, Crawford County; Tony Peirick, Dodge County; Chris Pollack, Fond du Lac County; AV Roth, Crawford County; and Leslie Svacina, St. Croix County.

WFBF’s statement directly states how the organization interprets the broad area of sustainability. The statement is as follows:

“At Wisconsin Farm Bureau, we all have a responsibility to make a positive impact to protect our natural resources and preserve our livelihood and communities to ensure the success of future generations.”

The statement highlights the three pillars of sustainability – environmental conservation, economic viability and community involvement. Farm Bureau members are innovators and conservation leaders. They are involved in their communities and fueling local economies. Finally, Farm Bureau members are passing their legacies on to the next generation.

“Sustainability is unique and relative to each community, each farm and each family. This statement outlines our priorities as an organization and defines what sustainability means to us as farmers and agriculturists on the frontlines,” added Krentz.

The sustainability statement is housed on a new webpage on the WFBF website. This webpage will serve as a hub for sustainability and conservation-related information. It is a tool for members and farmers to find upcoming events, new ideas and other resources related to preserving the future of agriculture. The permanent hub of information for members can be found at wfbf.com/programs/sustainability/.

During the organization’s Annual Meeting a video presentation was shown with comments by American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.

“We applaud Wisconsin Farm Bureau for their commitment to sharing agriculture’s sustainability story. You are setting a great example for others to follow, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next,” said Duvall.

Events for 2023 are already in the works including a food processing tour focused on sustainability in February. WFBF will also launch a new newsletter early next year.

These resources are in addition to WFBF’s educational resources being distributed through Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom and consumer outreach efforts through WFBF’s media partners and digital tools.

If you are interested in learning more about WFBF’s sustainability initiatives and activities, please contact Rachel Gerbitz, WFBF Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships, rgerbitz@wfbf.com or 608.828.5709.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization, representing farms of every size, commodity and management style.