CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – On July 18th, Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members from across the state convened at Kamp Kenwood for the organization’s 2025 Summer Conference, an annual tradition celebrating grassroots leadership, rural advocacy, and community connection.
This year’s event featured a full day of engaging programming, from policy updates and keynote speeches to a lively pie contest and youth day camp. Members gathered to reflect on accomplishments, share stories, and lay the groundwork for continued progress in the year ahead.
WFU Executive Director Danielle Endvick opened the day by honoring the legacy of the organization and the historic lodge where members gathered. “In our archives, we have photos from the 1950s of Farmers Union members building this lodge with their own hands,” Endvick said. “It’s awe-inspiring to think about what they were building—not just a space, but a movement.”
President Darin Von Ruden’s “State of the Farmers Union” address spotlighted key wins from the past year, including membership growth, increased legislative engagement, and awarding conservation stipends to family farms, emphasizing the power of grassroots advocacy. “We’re doing big things, and we’re doing them together,” Von Ruden said.
Governor Tony Evers provided the keynote address, applauding WFU’s leadership and highlighting the shared progress made for rural communities in the recently signed bipartisan state budget. He noted increased funding for meat processing, watershed protection, mental health services, rural roads, and food security, while calling attention to the harms of federal funding freezes and USDA staffing cuts.
The governor also praised WFU members for their consistent presence and leadership in producer-led watershed groups and conservation initiatives statewide.
The conference featured additional presentations and panels on urgent issues facing family farmers, including:
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A joint talk on climate and consolidation by WFU staff Erin Thompson and Erin Lenninger
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A local food systems panel moderated by WFU Special Projects Director Layne Cozzolino, featuring Kristy Allen (St. Croix Valley Food Alliance), Tara Turner (WI Food Hub Cooperative), and Aiden Bergh (REAP Food Group)
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Remarks from WI DNR Secretary Karen Hyun, who highlighted the importance of partnerships with farmers to meet Wisconsin’s environmental and clean energy goals
The event underscored WFU’s commitment to investing in place-based solutions, grassroots democracy, and the next generation of rural leaders. As Endvick reminded the crowd, “Farmers Union is—and will continue to be—a place where rural people gather around shared values: More farms on the land, not fewer. Stronger, fairer food systems. Affordable health care. Thriving main streets. And farmers leading the way on climate and clean energy.”
Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
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