Tammy Wiedenbeck comes from a long line of agriculturists. With the family farm built before Wisconsin was a state, there’s no question why agriculture runs in her genes. Tammy’s experiences serving agriculture have led her to a successful career and strong leader in her community. Those experiences ultimately led Tammy to being recognized through WFBF’s 35 Under 35 program.
Riverview Farms was built in 1836. Tammy and her brother are the seventh generation to run the farm. What started with milking cows and raising chickens has now expanded into a beef and crop operation. The family raises about 100 beef cow-calf pairs, corn, soybeans, alfalfa and oats.
“I didn’t always like farming,” said Tammy. “It took time away from seeing my friends.”
As she grew older and started to look up to her brother as a role model, she found an appreciation and understanding for the farm. Tammy then became involved in 4-H and FFA, and participated in beef, crop and soil judging contests. Now, Tammy works alongside her brother and his family to run the farm.
When it was time for college, Tammy chose the University of Wisconsin Platteville where she studies animal science and communications. She found a love for design and photography, and joined Block and Bridle, Dairy Club and Swing Dance Club.
Upon her graduation, Tammy started her full-time career at Hilbert Communications, Bug Tussel Wireless and AT&T Subsidiaries. She is now a Senior Brand Manager for the company and runs her own photography business on the side. Tammy’s career goal is to get rural communities connected to the internet.
“We really need to adapt to technology with things coming up in the future,” Tammy remarks. She has made many networking connections through her role and finds joy in providing service to her customers.
When it comes to community involvement, there is nothing that Tammy doesn’t do. She is a member of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Lancaster FFA Alumni, Grant County Cattlemen’s Association, and serves on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board.
In 2013, Farm Bureau sparked Tammy’s interest when her friend, Katie, invited her to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation Conference.
Tammy said, “I loved to travel and network, so I decided to go!”
Only a short while later, Tammy was officially signed on as a Grant County Farm Bureau member. She participated in the YFA Discussion Meet, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute, AFBF Women’s Communication Boot Camp and the FUSION Conference. Through all of Tammy’s adventures in the organization, she has loved learning new things and meeting new people.
“It really puts it into perspective when you meet people from around the country and see what you can gain from them,” Tammy said.
In December of 2022, Tammy hit a highlight in her Farm Bureau career. She was selected as the winner of the 35 Under 35 award in the Sustainable Self category. This award was well-deserved through many efforts in personal and professional development and community involvement. Speaking at monthly workshops, coordinating community events, sponsoring items for agriculture events and purchasing livestock to donate to food pantries are just a few out of many activities Tammy does to improve her sustainable self.
Tammy is certainly a role model for many individuals in her community. She strives to serve others while bettering herself along the way. Wisconsin Farm Bureau is lucky to have a service-minded individual like her.
When asked why she’s Farm Bureau proud, Tammy quotes, “Because of the incredible network of individuals, leadership development and valuable agriculture opportunities that pave the way for growth. Together we can cultivate not only fields, but a future for our communities. You can’t put a price on that.”
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