As we continue through the holiday season, it is important to reflect on our blessings. Whether it is family, friends, a bountiful harvest, a warm home or simply the air we breathe, we have many things to be thankful for.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, but as we return to normalcy there are many people and things I am thankful for.
Technology has come a long way over the last two years. It gave us the ability to meet with people from across the country efficiently without the need for travel. Although online meetings have their place and can distribute information quickly, many times they are not as impactful for participants as in-person meetings.
This month we held our 102nd WFBF Annual Meeting. Our membership welcomed the opportunity to be able to be in-person, attend workshops, celebrate our successes, see old friends and meet new ones. The impact an in-person annual meeting has on our organization and on us individually is greatly beneficial. Being able to talk face-to-face with like-minded people helps our psyche and lowers our stress. Networking with others not only helps each of us personally and professionally but also drives Farm Bureau forward when it comes to both our annual meeting and other WFBF events.
When we talk about the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference, it is important to recognize the countless hours the WFBF staff puts in preparing everything for a successful meeting. I am thankful for the entire Farm Bureau staff and the work they do to support us throughout the year. From this magazine to social media campaigns, highlighting members, lobbying, member outreach, training, financial services and supporting Ag in the Classroom, the staff works hard every day supporting you, our members. From the first day I became a member, I have been impressed by the professionalism of this organization and our staff is one of the biggest contributors to that professional image.
Farm Bureau is a people organization. Whether it is the people working for us or the thousands of volunteers across this great state, we are appreciative of every one of you. Whether you are engaging with students about what you do on the farm, sharing your story to one of our media outlets, testifying at the State Capitol on issues affecting your farm or simply spending time with a neighbor, we need each of you, your individual ideas and the unique talents you bring to the organization that set us apart from many others. The impact we have in Madison and Washington, D.C., because of your efforts clearly shows what makes Farm Bureau special.
Thank you for your membership! When our membership speaks in one voice, we are powerful. You add to that voice, truly making us the trusted voice leading Wisconsin agriculture forward.
As we celebrate another holiday season, please remember what you are thankful for. I am certainly thankful for all the great people who make up this organization.
Merry Christmas and I hope you have a blessed New Year!
Kevin Krentz was elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 2012 to represent District 5, which includes Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties. In December of 2020, Kevin was elected as President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Kevin and his family own a dairy farm in Berlin. He started his farming career when he purchased his father’s 60 cows in 1994. He grew the farm to 600 cows and 1,300 acres of crops.
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