Kannel Hired as Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Director of Training and Leadership Development

Wendy Kannel has been named the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Director of Training and Leadership Development. Since joining the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in 2010, Kannel has worked as a district coordinator for WFBF’s District 9 in northwest Wisconsin and most recently, since 2014, as WFBF’s Ag in the Classroom Coordinator and Foundation Director.

In her new role, Kannel will oversee the Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Program. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s YFA program is for members between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. The program offers opportunities for leadership and skills development, along with the chance for YFA members to meet and network with their peers.

She will also take on the advisor role for Wisconsin’s three collegiate Farm Bureau chapters.

Kannel will lead the Farm Bureau Institute, a year-long premiere leadership training course with a mission to produce strong and effective county Farm Bureau leaders.

“I am thrilled to be continuing my work with Wisconsin Farm Bureau,” Kannel said. “I am looking forward to growing our next crop of agricultural leaders within the YFA program, our state’s three collegiate Farm Bureau chapters and the leadership Institute.”

Kannel, an agricultural education graduate from UW-River Falls, grew up on a dairy farm near Spring Valley in Pierce County. She worked as an agri-science teacher and FFA advisor for the Mishicot School District and adjunct instructor at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin.

Kannel will assume her new duties on July 6. Kannel succeeds Dale Beaty who was recently named Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Chief Administrative Officer.

“Wendy has a strong background in volunteer training, leadership and agriculture,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President. “Her depth of knowledge of Farm Bureau and her motivating positive attitude make her a great choice to lead our young member programs and leadership Institute.”