impact report 2025
On behalf of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s directors, trustees and program staff, welcome to our 2025 Impact Report. We’re proud to celebrate the many accomplishments of Foundation-funded programs and the outcomes made possible by your gifts, grants and sponsorships
Just this year alone, the Foundation directed over $462,000 to programs that foster agricultural literacy, develop community leaders and support farmers and their families across Wisconsin
We’re grateful for your partnership that continues to help us reach new milestones and goals as we:
Increase resource development efforts
Promote and highlight Foundation programs. Ensure long-term, sustainable funding.
Please enjoy the outcomes and highlights in the following pages Our successes and impact truly reflect the trust and investment of benefactors like you.
With gratitude,
FARM
GATHER
COLLEGIATE
FFA AND 4-H
FINANCIALS
SPONSOR RECOGNITION
Introduction
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation focuses on agricultural literacy, leadership development and supporting farmers Through donations and other contributions, the Foundation fuels opportunities for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members, Wisconsin classrooms and consumers and the agricultural community.
Mission
Invest in education and professional development to grow awareness and understanding of agriculture.
board of trustees
Members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Board of Trustees serve as ambassadors of the Foundation and are responsible for expanding fundraising and program efforts
JAMES RENN
BEN HUBER
ROBERT NIGH
ALLISON DOENIER
JIM KELROY
KAITLYN KESLER
KENNETH HARTER
SARA MENARD-HUBER
ISAAC CHRISTENSON
KRISTI FIEDLER
BOB NASH
ANDREW DAL SANTO
BRAD OLSON, WFBF PRESIDENT
JOE BRAGGER, WFBF VICE PRESIDENT
DISTRICT 1 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 2 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 3 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 4 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 5 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 6 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 7 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 8 REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 9 REPRESENTATIVE
AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE
AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE (CHAIR)
AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE (VICE-CHAIR)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
Interested in connecting with a Board of Trustee representative in your area?
Reach out to John Hromyak: jhromyak@wfbf com or 608 828 5729
agriculture in the classroom
The Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom program provides agricultural information through teaching resources and lesson plans to help K-12 students develop an understanding of how their food is grown and raised.
171K 2,688 54k 3,661
STUDENTS IMPACTED
TEACHERS SUPPORTED
1,511
educator Ambassadors
gricultural literacy educators to provide and experiences offered by Agriculture
Brooke Wittrock, River Falls
Kevin Podeweltz, Wausau
Mary Cooper, Richland Center
Travis Sprague, Sun Prairie
Sheila Kroseberg, Waupaca
Josh Gonzalez, Milwaukee
Emily Kamps, Fennimore
Outstanding Teacher Award
Joshua Gonzalez from River Trail School of Agricultural Science in Milwaukee Public Schools was recognized as the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award highlights Gonzalez's innovative efforts to embed agricultural literacy into his classroom and schoolwide curriculum
Agriculture in the Classroom sponsors
2025 Essay Contest
Annabelle Winkers, a fourth-grade student from Fennimore, and Adalyn Howe, a fifth-grade student from Lodi, were selected as state winners in the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest. Wisconsin fourth and fifth graders were asked to write an essay with the theme, "A Wisconsin Tree and Me: How Trees Grow Food and Fiber " The winners were honored at the DATCP Board Meeting in Madison on July 10, 2025. Over 1,500 students wrote essays for the competition.
National Ag in the Classroom Conference
26 AITC teachers and volunteers attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis, Minn. in June. The conference is a premier professional development event for K-12 teachers, volunteers and professionals in agricultural literacy
Volunteer Impact
Wisconsin Farm Bureau AITC volunteers distributed 869 copies of the Book of the Year to schools and libraries and engaged in agricultural literacy activities in their communities.
The full Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Impact Report is available at wisagclassroom org
young farmer & agriculturist
The Young Farmer and Agriculturist program gives members between 18 and 35 an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while networking with peers
Advocacy
YFA represents and supports its members by supplying resources and working with the general agriculture population to provide better opportunities for all of agriculture
TrainingandLearning
YFA provides a wide variety of training and learning opportunities for members that are beneficial to themselves and their futures.
DiversityinAgriculture
YFA will promote all facets of agriculture to include anyone connected to the industry
Networking
YFA will provide networking and volunteer opportunities for its members to learn from others and improve themselves and their local communities.
DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
24 YOUNG LEADERS VISITED D C
500 YOUNG FARMERS AT YFA CONFERENCE
27 DISCUSSION MEET CONTESTANTS
AWARD APPLICATIONS $23K PRIZES AWARDED
YFA initiatives and programs are Wisconsin Farm Bureau member-led and driven. One individual or couple from each of the nine districts works together to develop and execute district events and the annual YFA conference.
2025 YF&R Discussion Meet
Kallie Jo Coates from Racine County Farm Bureau represented Wisconsin in the 2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet during AFBF Convention. Congratulations, Kallie Jo, for advancing to the Sweet 16 Round!
24 YFA members traveled to Washington, D.C. in June. During the visit, members met with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to discuss issues impacting agriculture.
The group also visited the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mexican Embassy and White House.
Stephanie Abts, Oconto County
Kelly Wilfert, Manitowoc County
promotion and Engagement
The Promotion and Engagement program* empowers Farm Bureau members to engage with consumers and share the story of agriculture. The program is designed to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through consumer engagement, grassroots education and training and advocacy.
ConsumerEngagement
Promote and distribute reliable, trusted information that connects consumers to farmers growing and raising their food
GrassrootsEducationandTraining
Enable Farm Bureau members with effective tools for community engagement and provide training opportunities to empower volunteers to connect with consumers.
Advocacy
Position Farm Bureau as a reliable, credible source of information so community leaders and consumers can make informed decisions about agriculture.
Thank you, 2025 P&E Committee!
50
CULTIVATE & CONNECT ATTENDEES
526 P&E VOLUNTEER HOURS
1,000 PEOPLE REACHED AT WI SCIENCE FESTIVAL
The Promotion and Engagement program is guided by a committee that creates opportunities for farmers and agriculturists to cultivate meaningful connections that build consumer trust and confidence in agriculture. The nine-member committee is comprised of one representative appointed from each Wisconsin Farm Bureau district
Gather Wisconsin Partnership
The P&E committee utilized Gather Wisconsin materials to engage with consumers at several events throughout 2025. Committee members interacted with elected officials, field trips and families at the Ag Showcase during the 2025 Ag Day at the Capitol
*Previously known as the Promotion and Education program, Wisconsin Farm Bureau voting delegates approved changing the name of the program to Promotion and Engagement at the WFBF Annual Meeting in December 2025.
Cultivate & Connect
50 Farm Bureau members attended the inaugural Cultivate & Connect Conference held in February 2025. Cultivate & Connect is the Promotion and Engagement Committee’s initiative to inspire, engage and empower Farm Bureau members and agriculture leaders by providing innovative learning experiences, networking opportunities and actionable insights for advancing Wisconsin’s agriculture industry.
AskA FARMER
Committee members reached 1,000 people during Science on the Square in Madison with an “Ask a Farmer” activation The purpose of Ask a Farmer is to promote the opportunity for consumers to have authentic, in-person conversations with farmers to build consumer trust and confidence in American agriculture.
leadership institute
Leadership Institute is a year-long leadership development program with the mission to develop strong and effective Farm Bureau and community leaders Participants learn how to identify their strengths, work effectively as a team, develop strong messaging to assist with advocacy, gain a better understanding of agricultural issues and build their network of fellow members and agriculture leaders. 166
class Xvi
Fourteen Farm Bureau members graduated from Leadership Institute Class 16 in December 2025. The group participated in five, multi-day sessions that provided hands-on learning on agricultural issues, leadership development and speaking skills throughout 2025. The class capstone trip to Washington, D.C. is scheduled for March 2026.
farm neighbors care
Launched in 2019, the Farm Neighbors Care campaign is dedicated to supporting farmers and farm families dealing with immense stress, often caused by factors beyond their control. This campaign encourages members to check in on friends, neighbors and loved ones offering support, understanding and a listening ear.
$2.5k
128k FNC SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS AWARDED IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT FNC PROJECTS STICKERS DISTRIBUTED 7 HEROES OF HOPE RECOGNIZED
FARM NEIGHBORS CARE GRANTS
5.5k
Ten special project grants were awarded across Wisconsin, supporting farmer wellness initiatives and the spirit of community connection. Projects ranged from distributing field meals and farm safety signs to hosting “farmer nights out”
FARMER WELLNESS BRACELETS
1,000 bracelets were distributed to attendees and guests during the Farm Bureau Proud Banquet at the 2025 WFBF Annual Meeting. The bracelets were created in partnership with Green County Farm Bureau president Eric Wuthrich. The bracelets were paired with a Farmer Wellness Wallet Card.
Farm Neighbors Care sponsors
gather wisconsin
GatherWisconsin.com builds meaningful relationships between consumers and the farmers growing and raising their food through valuable information, insightful blogs and delicious recipes
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR MILKHOUSE SPONSORSHIP
WEBSITE VISITS
CUPS OF MILK SERVED AT THE WI STATE FAIR
400k 54k 65k 30
Gather Wisconsin sponsored the cups at the Wisconsin State Fair Foundation Milkhouse Visitors to the Milk House sampled unique flavors of milk and were invited to experience the Gather Wisconsin brand through surveys, geofence advertising, signage and more. This activation yielded 1,000 new Gather Wisconsin e-newsletter subscribers.
GATHER WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
The magazine was delivered to over 50,000 households with hundreds of copies distributed at fairs, festivals and community events.
Gather Wisconsin earned a 2025 Ne Award from the American Farm Bur The award honors state Farm Burea most innovative new programs
Gather Wisconsin was awarded Best Graphic Design for the 2024 Gather Wisconsin magazine at the 2025 AFBF Communications Conference.
collegiate farm bureau
Collegiate Farm Bureau is an opportunity for young, up-and-coming members of the agricultural community to get introduced to the Farm Bureau organization. Members are able to participate in a variety of activities including Collegiate Discussion Meet, YFA Conference, Ag Day on Campus and other events specific to their collegiate campus
Ag Day on Campus
MEMBERS AT UW RIVER FALLS
Students organized and executed Ag Day on Campus to engage other students with agriculture. Groups hosted activities throughout the day and offered goodies to attendees to encourage them to interact with th
MEMBERS AT UW MADISON
MEMBERS AT UW PLATTEVILLE
MEMBERS AT UW PLATTEVILLE
63
COLLEGIATE FARM BUREAU ME ATTENDED WFBF YFA CONFER
Collegiate Farm Burea Discussion Meet
Amy Jentges from UW-River Falls represented Wisconsin in the National Collegiate Discussion Meet at the 2025 FUSION Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Jordan Berg, UW-Madison, won the 2025 WFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet
FFa and 4-H Support
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to invest in the next generation of agriculture youth by supporting 4-H and FFA.
FFA FARM FORUM
FFA Farm Forum is a collaboration between Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Wisconsin FFA that fosters leadership development and career exploration in agriculture. During the one-day event, FFA members attend career-based workshops
300 FFA MEMBERS, ADVISORS AND GUESTS ATTENDED
WISCONSIN FFA CONVENTION
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation and its programs hosted booths in the trade show during FFA convention to introduce students to opportunities in Farm Bureau. In addition, several Farm Bureau staff members presented workshops and served as contest judges during the convention.
1,000 FFA MEMBERS
THE FOUNDATION IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE WISCONSIN FFA DISCUSSION MEET.
KEY AWARD
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to sponsor the 4-H Key Award. The Key Award is the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive and is presented to youth who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills and actively participated in their club and community
Financials
Balance sheet
Assets
Cash & Invested
Cash
Investments
Total Assets
Liabilities & Nets Assets
Total Liabilities
Assets without Donor Restrictions
Assets with Donor Restrictions
Unrestricted Net Profit/(Loss)
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
Revenue and Expenses
Unrestricted
Fundraising Income
Investment Income
Assets Released from Restrictions
Restricted Contributions Released
Total Revenue
Expenses
Administrative Expenses
Youth Programs
Agriculture in the Classroom Grants & Contributions
Leadership
Education Programming
YFA Programming
Collegiate Farm Bureau
Total Expenses
Increase (Decrease) in Assets
Giving Day
The fourth annual Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Giving Day was held on August 13, 2025 Thank you to the county Farm Bureaus, business sponsors and individuals that contributed to Giving Day! Since its inception in 2022, Giving Day has raised more than $180,000 to benefit Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation programs.
Save the date for Giving Day 2026! August5,2026
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Legacy Tree celebrates supporters fueling programs that create informed consumers, engaged leaders and strong farmers.
To learn more, visit wfbf.com/foundation/legacy-tree. Canopy
GROWMARK
Rural Mutual Insurance Company Branch
Mike & Shirley Duerst
Compeer Financial
GreenStone Farm Credit Services
Waukesha County Farm Bureau
William & Mary Bruins
Carl Casper
Roger & Cathy Cliff
Dave & Kim Daniels
Jim & Gayle Holte
David Kruschke
Howard “Dan” Poulson
Eugene & Willie Witter
Seed
Ag Country Farm Credit Services
FBL Financial Group
Insight FS Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board
Dane County Farm Bureau
Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau
Sheboygan County Farm Bureau
LaVerne Ausman
Joe & Noel Bragger
Brian & Kristi Fiedler
Randy & Rosalie Geiger
Edith Lauscher
Dan & Julie Merk
Peter & Annette Pelizza
Sam & Julie Skemp
Fundraisers
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation 50/50 Raffle, Silent Auction and Live Auction raised over $29,000 for Foundation programs during the 2025
$59k RAISED ON GIVING DAY IN 2025
WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference
Thank you for supporting these fundraisers!
thank you, Sponsors!
We are grateful for the following businesses and organizations who made a financial contribution to the Foundation in 2025.
AAM Company
AmericanAg
Aon
Badger Mutual Insurance
BMO Harris Bank
Conning
Conserv FS
Dairyland Power
Didion Foundation
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
COUNTY FARM BUREAUS
Calumet County Farm Bureau
Clark County Farm Bureau
Columbia County Farm Bureau
Dane County Farm Bureau
Dodge County Farm Bureau
Door County Farm Bureau
Dunn Couny Farm Bureau
Eau Claire County Farm Bureau
Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau
Grant County Farm Bureau
Green County Farm Bureau
Green Lake County Farm Bureau
Jefferson County Farm Bureau
Kenosha County Farm Bureau
Kewaunee County Farm Bureau
Langlade County Farm Bureau
Lincoln County Farm Bureau
Manitowoc County Farm Bureau
Marathon County Farm Bureau
Marinette County Farm Bureau
M3 Insurance
McCade’s Joyride
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
SSM - St. Clare of Assisi Region
Strohm Ballweg, LLP
Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC
The Gialamas Company Inc
WE Energies
Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board
Zoetis
Milwaukee County Farm Bureau
Monroe County Farm Bureau
Oconto County Farm Bureau
Outagamie County Farm Bureau
Ozaukee County Farm Bureau
Portage County Farm Bureau
Price County Farm Bureau
Racine County Farm Bureau
Shawano County Farm Bureau
Sheboygan County Farm Bureau
St. Croix County Farm Bureau
Taylor County Farm Bureau
Walworth County Farm Bureau
Washington County Farm Bureau
Waukesha County Farm Bureau
Waupaca County Farm Bureau
Waushara County Farm Bureau
Winnebago County Farm Bureau
Wood County Farm Bureau
