MADISON – Finalists have been selected for Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 Under 35 Award program. The award is presented by WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.
The 35 Under 35 program recognizes the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in environmental, social and economic activities.
Applications were evaluated for their involvement in one of five 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 are:
- Alana Biermeier, Juneau; Sustainable Service
- Chad Bruss, Green Lake; Sustainable Future
- Olivia Cernek, Lafayette; Sustainable Storytelling
- Isaac Christenson, Polk-Burnett; Sustainable Service
- Benjamin Cooper, Lafayette; Sustainable Future
- Andrew Dal Santo, Grant; Sustainable Self
- David Foerster, Sheboygan; Sustainable Self
- Erica Gentry, Jackson; Sustainable Self
- Sarah Hetke, Sauk; Sustainable Storytelling
- Karoline Homan, Dodge; Sustainable Service
- Jeff Huber, Adams; Sustainable Environment
- Sara Huber, Adams; Sustainable Storytelling
- Justin and Kristyn Jensen, Dunn; Sustainable Future
- Rachel Kenneke, Manitowoc; Sustainable Future
- Kyle Kudick, Lincoln; Sustainable Future
- Tyler Meinnert, Sheboygan; Sustainable Future
- Cody Mullikin, Sheboygan; Sustainable Future
- Matthew and Alexandra Olson, Jackson; Sustainable Future
- Gloria Regan, Calumet; Sustainable Self
- Joe Schlies, Brown; Sustainable Service
- Nathan Utecht, Marathon; Sustainable Environment
- Brianna Wanek, Monroe; Sustainable Storytelling
- Eric Wuthrich, Green; Sustainable Service
The Sustainable Environment category recognizes individuals who are good stewards of the land and their resources. The Sustainable Future category recognizes individuals who are preserving generational success on the farm. The Sustainable Self category recognizes individuals serving their community through leadership, mentorship and mental health advocacy. The Sustainable Service category recognizes individuals who are serving agriculture through trade skills or advisory roles. The Sustainable Storytelling category recognizes individuals who use their platform to share agriculture’s sustainability successes.
Each finalist will receive an apparel item and cash prize sponsored by Insight FS. The top individual in each category will be announced during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in December.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 Under 35 award program is sponsored by Insight FS. Information about all YFA contests can be found on wfbf.com.
Comments