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State farmers attend national convention Hundreds gather in Oklahoma City to shape national policy
Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members were in Oklahoma City recently for the National Farmers Union 123rd Anniversary Convention. Hundreds of farmers and ranchers from throughout the nation gathered March 9 to 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 Bill and Family 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.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Rock Valley Publishing
Representing Wisconsin Farmers Union at the National Farmers Union Convention in Oklahoma City on March 9 to 11 were, from left, in front row: Charlotte Croes, Deer Park; Cathy Statz, Fort Atkinson; Linda Ceylor, Catawba; Jen Schmitz, Cashton; Sarah Lloyd, Wisconsin Dells; Michelle Ramirez-White, Madison; Julia Keegan, Augusta; in back row: Jerry Croes, Deer Park; Patty Edelburg, Scandinavia; Dave Rosen, Glenwood City; Krist and Rachel Kvalheim, Sun Prairie; Joshua Mechaelsen, Waukesha; and Darin Von Ruden, Westby.
NFU will host America’s family farmers and ranchers again at the 124th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, March 7 to 9, 2026. National Farmers Union also announced a Farmers Union Week of Action to take place May 5 to 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,
Skelly’s Farm Market wins Governor’s Tourism Award
PHOTO SUBMITTED Rock Valley Publishing
Skelly’s Farm Market won the 2025 Governor’s Innovation Tourism Award.
as a top-tier agricultural tourism destination.” Agricultural Tourism plays a vital role in Wisconsin’s economy, blending the state’s rich farming traditions with unique visitor experiences. “Agricultural tourism is more than just a weekend visit to the farm – it’s a key economic driver that supports local businesses, educates visitors about our farming heritage, and strengthens rural communities,” Everhart said. Destinations and organizations like 469914
Skelly’s Farm Market in Janesville won the 2025 Governor’s Innovation Tourism Award. Skelly’s implemented groundbreaking use of technology to enhance the visitor experience. A pioneer in corn maze design since 1998, Scott Skelly has continuously pushed the boundaries of visitor engagement. In 2022, Skelly developed a cutting-edge mobile app that integrates smartphone-based gaming with the corn maze experience, transforming traditional farm attractions into interactive, video-like adventures. By 2024, Skelly and his wife Laura further advanced the app to include multi-level challenges and the nation’s only known escape room within a corn maze. Skelly’s Farm Market is a model of how technology can drive tourism, strengthen rural economies, and ensure farm sustainability. Their innovations attract tens of thousands of visitors annually, making the farm deserving of this prestigious award. Skelly’s highlights the transformative impact of agricultural tourism across the state, showcasing their contributions to economic growth and visitor experiences. “Skelly’s Farm Market exemplifies the spirit of Wisconsin tourism – bringing fresh ideas, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences to visitors,” WATA Executive Director Sheila Everhart said. “Their contributions drive economic growth and solidify our state’s reputation
Skelly’s Farm Market highlight the importance of agriculture in shaping Wisconsin’s identity while providing handson experiences that resonate with visitors. “With growing interest in authentic farm experiences, these nominees are leading the way in making Wisconsin a top destination for agricultural tourism,” she said. The Governor’s Tourism Awards were created in 2010 to honor excellence, leadership and innovation in Wisconsin’s travel and tourism industry. Across six categories, 66 individuals and organizations were nominated for the awards in 2025. Other recipients were Thomas Diehl, Tommy Bartlett Show owner, who won the Legacy Award; the Milwaukee Art Museum, who won the Bright IDEA Award; Will Jeffrey of American Pond Hockey, who won the Service Award; and Cory Bennett of the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce, who won the Rising Star Award. The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association promotes and preserves the rural lifestyle, fosters partnership opportunities within the ag-tourism community, and provides tools which encourage sustainable economic growth while creating awareness of Wisconsin agriculture. Skelly’s Farm Market is located at 2713 S. Hayner Road in Janesville. When open they can be reached at 608-757-1200. More information can be found at www. skellysfarmmarket.com.
a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural commu-
nities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement.
Rotary Botanical Gardens hosts Earth Day celebration Family-friendly event features live animals, conservation groups
Rotary Botanical Gardens invites the community to celebrate Earth Day with a family-friendly event on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place at the gardens and will feature interactive exhibits, local environmental organizations, and educational activities aimed at promoting sustainability and conservation. Access to the event is at no charge, unless participants wish to purchase advance tickets for the Zoozort program. Zoozort, an engaging live animal program that gives attendees the chance to learn about exotic wildlife up close. Zoozort tickets are just $5 per person, offering a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages. Event highlights include interactive booths and activities from local environmental organizations, hands-on crafts and educational experiences for children and families, Zoozort Live Animal Program at $5 per person, and food vendors serving delicious options. “We are excited to bring the community together to celebrate Earth Day, learn about local conservation efforts, and inspire sustainable living,” said Laura Kenyon, Commu-
nity Engagement Manager at Rotary Botanical Gardens. “This event is all about engaging families, connecting with nature, and supporting organizations that protect our environment.” Attendees will have the opportunity to visit booths from local environmental groups, sustainability advocates, and community organizations, including the following: • Citizens Climate Lobby • Rock County Health Department • Protecting Wisconsin Waterways • Rock Prairie Master Gardeners Association • Basics Co-Op • Rock County Ice Age Alliance • Janesville Urban Forest Alliance • Rock County Conservationists • City of Janesville Recreation Department • Salvation Army • All Energy Solar (Presenting Sponsor) • Rock County Bee Keepers • Lions Club Eye Glass Stand This year’s Earth Day event is proudly sponsored by All Energy Solar, our Presenting Sponsor, helping to support
See ROTARY, Page 5 468424
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