Wisconsin Farm Bureau was recognized for excellence in the implementation of member programs and membership achievement in 2024 during the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention. WFBF was recognized with the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can be awarded for program and member achievements. The Awards of Excellence recognize state Farm Bureaus that demonstrated outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach and Leadership & Business Development.
Members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau recognize the value of grassroots advocacy. Through a strategic planning process involving both members and the state board of directors, the need for a dedicated grassroots outreach (GO) team was identified, leading to the creation of the WisGO Team in 2024. Fifteen Farm Bureau members were selected through an application process to participate in this inaugural program. The team engaged in four learning sessions to develop skills in media interviews, policy development, social advocacy and legislative testimony. Since its launch, all WisGO Team members have contributed to at least one media, social advocacy or legislative testimony request, with one-third of all media requests submitted to the Farm Bureau being handled by WisGO Team members. This program has successfully developed strong agricultural advocates and thought leaders on issues impacting agriculture, while cultivating a trained team capable of influencing media, providing legislative testimony and engaging in social media advocacy. Through these efforts, the WisGO Team has helped engage members in advocacy campaigns, enhancing the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s initiatives on key agricultural issues.
Agricultural Road Improvement Plan (ARIP)
At the start of the 2023-24 Wisconsin legislative session, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau spearheaded the creation of the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) to address the critical need for improved rural roads essential to farm operations. This $150 million initiative focuses on upgrading roads that provide vital access to agricultural lands and processing facilities. The Farm Bureau formed a coalition of more than 30 stakeholders to support the program and adapted an existing road improvement model to better serve agricultural needs. By securing bipartisan backing, Senate Bill 247 gained support from 56 co-sponsors and passed unanimously. The program offers a 90% state funding match for road improvements. Under the Farm Bureau’s leadership, nearly $50 million has been allocated to 37 projects across 28 counties. A second round of $100 million in funding is now open for applications.
During Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s strategic planning process, members identified a need for enhanced consumer outreach resources. In response, Gather Wisconsin was created. Gather Wisconsin bridges the gap between consumers and the farmers who grow and raise their food, offering educational content, valuable resources and sustainable ideas to support farmers from home. These objectives are accomplished through blog posts, recipes, an annual supplement magazine and member engagement activities held throughout the state.
The Farm Neighbors Care Campaign provides essential support to farmers facing stress from challenges such as low market prices, adverse weather, and difficult crop conditions. Farming can often be an isolating profession, especially when family members work off the farm. It is crucial to regularly check in on friends, neighbors and family to offer support and a listening ear. The campaign encourages rural residents to engage in face-to-face conversations with farmers and agribusiness owners. For some, these personal interactions can provide the positive reinforcement needed to navigate a challenging day. When both farmers and community members are healthy, farms and businesses thrive. To support this, Farm Bureau members received a variety of resources through the Rural Route magazine, social media and a series of webinars. Additionally, county Farm Bureaus were supported in organizing local Farm Neighbors Care projects within their communities.
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