Members of the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls have elected new leadership for the 2021-2022 school year. Meet the members who will be leading each chapter.
UW-Madison – Billy Zeimet
Hometown: Cottage Grove
Year in School: Senior
Major: Dairy science
Why are you a Collegiate Farm Bureau member? I appreciate what Farm Bureau does on a regional and national level and wanted to contribute as much as I could at the collegiate level. Attending a university in the middle of a city has helped me to understand how disconnected people have become from agriculture. I enjoy being able to get out and talk to people who have a misconception or just a question about agriculture and help them to understand it from the perspective of a farmer. Collegiate Farm Bureau has numerous programs that allow for this type of interaction and that is extremely beneficial for the community.
What is one goal you will have as the President? I am hoping to get more of my peers involved with the chapter after more than a year of Zoom meetings. It has been very challenging to keep people engaged and interested in our events.
Why should young people consider a career in agriculture? More young people should consider a career in agriculture because it is a fulfilling lifestyle. Each day you work, you can look at what you did and feel accomplished. There is no better feeling than a job well done and at the end of the day you are helping to feed America! Whether you are selling milking supplies, delivering fertilizer or providing agronomic consulting, all jobs are important and must be done!
UW-Platteville – Mindy Smits
Hometown: Sycamore, Illinois
Year in School: Junior
Major: Agriculture education
Why are you a Collegiate Farm Bureau member? I am a collegiate Farm Bureau member because this organization has provided so many opportunities to my fellow members and myself through conferences, industry tours and discussion meets. Collegiate Farm Bureau has created a community filled with the next generation of ‘AGvocates’ and that’s a community I am proud to be a part of.
What is one goal you will have as the President? COVID-19 has posed many obstacles to our chapter. My goal, along with the entire officer team, is to increase our chapter membership and provide as many opportunities to our members as possible. I want to strengthen the connection our members have to the agriculture industry within our community and beyond.
Why should young people consider a career in agriculture? The agriculture industry is so diverse filled with farmers, scientists, teachers, mechanics, salespeople and so many more individuals vital to the success of the industry. Personally, I didn’t grow up on a farm rather a neighborhood located in the heart of town, but I still found my passion for agriculture. Agriculture offers opportunities for everyone no matter your background. Being part of this industry allows you to turn your passion in to a career!
UW-River Falls – Serenity Hetke
Hometown: Ladysmith
Year in School: Senior | Major: Dairy science
Why are you a Collegiate Farm Bureau member? My family is actively involved in Farm Bureau and I have grown up seeing the opportunities Farm Bureau has to offer.
What is one goal you will have as the President? To be able to assure my members and officer team how much I value them through in-person events, meetings and caring for every one of them.
Why should young people consider a career in agriculture? Agriculture is about creating, caring and working hard. It’s a discipline for everyone!
Wisconsin Farm Bureau established Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters in 2010 to introduce students to Farm Bureau, build awareness of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, promote networking opportunities and build awareness of agriculture issues. Each chapter is a student-run organization with an elected officer team and a faculty advisor. Chapter officers plan a yearly program of work which typically includes Farm Bureau events and activities at the county; state and national levels; social activities and service projects and regular meetings to conduct the business of the chapter.
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