By Jenny Leahy, District 5 Promotion and Education Representative
Sharing one’s story is an underrated but important feature of any business. Consumers want to know where their food comes from and the best place for them to get that information is from the farmers who grow that food. So, how can farmers share their story?
Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s Agri-Business Council has been sharing the story of agriculture through their Ag Showcase for the past 21 years. The Ag Showcase is an annual event held in March that provides the public with the opportunity to interact with agriculture-related businesses. Families have the chance to interact with farmers and agriculturalists through educational exhibits, vendors and food samples. Amy Ries, director of Agricultural Programs, is a part of the group who plans the event. Her favorite part of the Ag Showcase is seeing attendees taking their time to enjoy all the aspects of the Showcase including catching up with friends, sampling foods and watching families enjoy family-friendly agricultural activities. Ries shared some insights into why the Ag Showcase has been successful for the past two decades.
Q: Why did the Ag showcase get created?
A: The Ag Showcase was created to connect consumers with producers. It was a great place for producers to share their agricultural story.
Q: How has its focus changed over time? Why?
A: The Ag Showcase continues to be a place for consumers to meet producers. However, this event also focuses on educating the public about agriculture. Today only about 2% of the population is directly connected to agriculture and most people are at least five generations removed from a family farm or have no connection to one. This creates an opportunity to educate consumers about agriculture. People need to hear our agricultural stories from us. Our event allows for the whole family to attend and learn about agriculture through exhibits, vendors and delicious food samples.
Q: Why do you think consumers come to the Ag Showcase?
A: I think people attend the Ag Showcase to continue to learn about agriculture. The event is family-friendly and is a great place to spend a Saturday.
Q: What advice do you have to other groups who want to create an advocacy event like Ag Showcase?
A: My advice to other groups who would like to create an advocacy event is to focus on the best way to engage the public about agriculture. People want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. We need to tell our stories about sustainability, conservation practices and the technology involved with agriculture. Agriculture has a huge impact on Wisconsin’s economy. One in ten people have a career connected to agriculture. Any effort to educate the public about what we do is time well spent.
The Ag Showcase is a great way to engage consumers. Do you want to host events like the Ag Showcase but not sure where to start? Reach out to your district Promotion and Education Representative to brainstorm ideas and get your event or project started today! Visit wfbf.com/programs/promotion-and-education for more information.
This article originally appeared in the 2025 April | May Rural Route.
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