WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) recognized outstanding members, chapters, and youth leaders during its 95th Annual State Convention, celebrating the grassroots leadership and community commitment that strengthen family farming and rural communities across Wisconsin.
Builder’s Award: Jim Streveler
WFU presented its Builder’s Award to Jim Streveler of the Amnicon-Douglas Farmers Union, honoring his longtime dedication to chapter leadership, member recruitment, and community involvement.
A lifelong educator and farmer, Streveler spent more than three decades teaching agriculture while operating Streveler Farm and Streveler Livestock. He has been deeply involved in local leadership, youth education, and WFU member engagement.
Emerging Leader Awards: Melissa Mahon-Stein & Ryan Sullivan
WFU honored two members with Emerging Leader Awards:
Melissa Mahon-Stein, of BearStone Acres in Richland County, has helped energize the Vernon-Crawford Chapter through expanded communications, increased fundraising, youth engagement, and stronger community partnerships. She brings extensive experience in vegetable farming and produce distribution to her leadership work.
Ryan Sullivan, president of the Lake to Bay Chapter, is a first-generation farmer whose leadership is shaped by military service and a strong focus on soil health. He has become an active policy advocate, representing WFU in state and national advocacy efforts.
Friend of the Family Farmer: Tom Mosgaller
The Friend of the Family Farmer Award was presented to Tom Mosgaller, a grass-fed beef producer and nationally recognized leader in organizational development and community change.
Mosgaller has mentored WFU members through leadership programs including the Next Crop Leadership Retreat and Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership Program. His work spans decades of rural advocacy, from the 1980s farm crisis to modern-day coalition building. He is also a co-author of “Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change.”
Live Oak Legacy Award: Julie Keown-Bomar
WFU introduced a new honor this year, the Live Oak Legacy Award, recognizing leadership that leaves a lasting impact on the organization.
The inaugural recipient, Julie Keown-Bomar, served as WFU Executive Director for seven years, guiding major strategic planning efforts, expanding staff capacity, strengthening statewide influence, and advancing the vision behind Market on River—now WFU’s headquarters and a community hub in Chippewa Falls.
Chapter Leadership Awards
The following WFU chapters earned National Farmers Union Leadership Awards for excellence in organizational activity, membership growth, and community engagement. Honorees will be recognized at the NFU Convention in March 2026:
-
Amnicon-Douglas
-
Ashland-Bayfield
-
Barron
-
Chippewa
-
Columbia
-
Dane
-
Eau Claire
-
Jackson-Trempealeau
-
Lake to Bay
-
Marathon
-
Milwaukee-Waukesha
-
Pepin-Pierce
-
St. Croix
-
Sauk
-
South Central
-
Vernon-Crawford
Youth Awards and Torchbearer Recognition
WFU recognized members of the Senior Youth Advisory Council—Calvin Breitenmoser, Ted Schultz-Becker, Katie McGuire, and Dene Zuleger—for helping guide youth education programming throughout the year.
Ruby Sheaffer of the South Central Chapter was also recognized for her election to the National Farmers Union National Youth Advisory Council following her participation in the All-States Leadership Summit.
WFU’s highest youth honor, the Torchbearer Award, was presented to Laura Wegerer and Austin Tischendorf, both of the Taylor-Price Chapter, in recognition of their leadership, service, and long-term involvement in the Farmers Union youth program.
Nominations Open Year-Round
Award nominations are submitted by WFU members and selected by the Board of Directors. Nominations are accepted year-round at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com under the “Chapters” section.
“Every county has people whose work deserves recognition,” said WFU Executive Director Danielle Endvick. “These awards help us lift up the leaders shaping the future of Wisconsin agriculture.”
Wisconsin Farmers Union is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through education, cooperative development, and civic engagement. More information is available at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
Comments