MADISON – Fifteen agricultural leaders have been selected to participate in the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute. This year-long leadership training program’s mission is to develop strong and effective agricultural leaders.
“It is important that farmers and agriculturists step up as advocates for their farms and agribusinesses,” said WFBF Senior Director of Member Relations Wendy Volkert. “The Leadership Institute equips participants with the skills and confidence to shape the future of farming and agriculture, both within their county Farm Bureau and in their broader communities.”
Members of the 2025 WFBF Leadership Institute class are: Jason Behrend, Wisconsin Rapids; Alana Biermeier, Mauston; Ann Brost, Walworth; Grant Buwalda, Waupun; Casey Denk, Mondovi; David Foerster, Oostburg; Mary Fronek, Antigo; Allison Gorr, Albany; Eric Harmann, Algoma; Katie Koeppel, Mishicot; Austin Sandmire, North Freedom; Joe Schlies, Denmark; Jeremy Skemp, Columbus; Amy VanderMark, Elroy; and Collin Weltzien, Arcadia.
The WFBF Leadership Institute consists of five, multi-day sessions that provide hands-on learning on agricultural issues, leadership development and speaking skills, interaction with Farm Bureau staff and government leaders at the state and national levels and networking with other participants. The class capstone event will be a trip, with the WFBF Board of Directors, to Washington, D.C. in March 2026. The Institute is sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
Farm Bureau members interested in applying for the 2027 class should contact Wendy Volkert at 608.828.5719 or wvolkert@wfbf.com.
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