Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members were in Oklahoma City for the National Farmers Union 123rd Anniversary Convention. Hundreds of farmers and ranchers from throughout the nation gathered March 9-11 to set the family farm organization’s 2025 policy.
“This is a challenging moment for family farmers. Rising costs, corporate consolidation and uncertainty around federal programs—including the lack of a renewed farm bill—are creating real hardships,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Yet through it all, the state of Farmers Union remains strong, resilient and prepared to turn the policies set at this convention into action for a stronger future in agriculture.”
"Family farmers face immense challenges, but by coming together, we shape policies that protect our livelihoods and ensure a fairer, more sustainable agricultural system for future generations,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden. Wisconsin Farmers Union is proud to bring our state's priorities to the national stage, advocating for dairy policy improvements, fair markets, and strong rural communities."
On Monday morning of the convention, National Farmers Union awarded Membership and Leadership Awards recognizing Wisconsin Farmers Union Chapters including: Sauk, South Central, St. Croix, Jackson Trempealeau, Vernon-Crawford, Dane, and Dodge Fond du Lac Sheboygan Ozaukee.
WFU Member Anita Nelson received the Bruce Miller Membership Award. The award recognizes individuals within Farmers Union who display a true passion for family farming and rural America, while promoting the work of Farmers Union.
Following a full program of speakers and sessions, delegates took part in the democratic policy debate that is fundamental to Farmers Union’s structure. This grassroots process informs NFU’s advocacy work throughout the year.
The Wisconsin delegation was pleased to have expanded the dairy language in both the Family Farming and the Farm Bill, and the Fairness for Farmers special orders of business. Other policy topics discussed conservation easements, water management, and impacts of tariffs to agriculture. Representing WFU as delegates in the deliberation of policy were: Jerry Croes, Deer Park; Sarah Lloyd, Wisconsin Dells; Dave Rosen, Glenwood City; Jen Schmitz, Cashton; and Darin Von Ruden, Westby. Krist Kvalheim of Sun Prairie guided delegates through the policy process as convention parliamentarian.
Other members of the Wisconsin delegation in attendance included Linda Ceylor, Catawba; Charlotte Croes, Deer Park; Patty Edelburg, Scandinavia; Julia Keegan, Augusta; Rachel Kvalheim, Sun Prairie; Joshua Mechaelsen, Waukesha; Michelle Ramirez-White, Madison; and Cathy Statz, Fort Atkinson.
During the policy debate, delegates approved three special orders of business: Fairness for Farmers, Family Farming and the Farm BillandFamily Farming and Our Federal Government.
At the close of convention, during the NFU board meeting, Darin Von Ruden was nominated to continue on as the NFU secretary.
The full NFU policy book will be available online soon at www.nfu.org.
Learn more at www.nfu.org and www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
NFU will host America’s family farmers and ranchers again at the 124th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, March 7-9, 2026.
National Farmers Union also announced a Farmers Union Week of Action to take place May 5-9. Farmers Union members will join together both in Washington, D.C., and in their communities across the nation to call on Congress to make farmers, ranchers and rural Americans a priority.
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.
