At the 106th Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, one name drew a room-wide smile the moment it was announced: Galen Alwin. A Sauk County Farm Bureau member for more than 30 years, lifelong farmer and community cornerstone, Galen received the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award, the highest honor the organization can bestow.
Galen’s path to this moment has been shaped by decades of steady involvement and a lifetime dedicated to agriculture. His service to Sauk County Farm Bureau spans nearly every leadership role including secretary, treasurer, vice president and president, along with countless committees and hands-on projects. But what truly sets him apart is the way he leads: quietly, humbly and with unwavering grit.
As he shared his story and reflected on his journey, Galen laughed about how he’s never been one to seek the spotlight.
“I kind of like to stay in the background and solve the problems that come up,” he said. That’s why he was so surprised when the WFBF President Brad Olson called to tell him he’d been selected for the award.
“I never looked out to get an award like this,” he added. For those who know him, it was clear this recognition reflected years of meaningful service and steady leadership.
His Farm Bureau journey began with something simple: a knock on the door. Just three days after moving back to his home county, the membership chair showed up and told him he needed to join. That invitation led to more than three decades of involvement, and Galen has been showing up ever since.
Whether it’s working long shifts at the Sauk County fair food stand, serving as a delegate at Annual Meeting or grilling pork chops at the Midwest Horse Fair and World Dairy Expo, Galen shows up with the same servant-hearted generosity. He’s often the first person there to set up and the last one to leave after cleanup. Members across Wisconsin know Galen for one thing: he’s always there when you need him.
But when you ask him what he’s most proud of, his answer has nothing to do with titles or achievements.
“Raising a successful family and teaching my kids a strong work ethic,” he said, is what means the most. He talks about honesty, perseverance and keeping your nose to the grindstone; values he hopes the next generation of young farmers will continue to carry.
Galen’s mentorship may be the part of his legacy that reaches the farthest. He encourages young members, steps aside when it’s their turn to shine and listens when they need guidance. True leadership, lived quietly and consistently, has always been his way.
“His quiet generosity, servant leadership and deep belief in the future of agriculture has left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.” said Sauk County Farm Bureau president Kat Peper.
As agriculture continues to evolve, Galen remains hopeful. His belief in hard work, integrity and community connection hasn’t wavered. And because of leaders like him, Farm Bureau and Wisconsin agriculture are stronger.
Brooke Mallek is from central Wisconsin and is currently studying agricultural education at UW-Platteville. She grew up showing livestock and working on her family’s farm where she learned the value of dedication and community. She enjoys channeling her creativity through photography, capturing authentic moments and telling agriculture stories in ways that inspire understanding and connection. Brooke served as one of the the WFBF Event Ambassadors in 2025.
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