Five individuals have been selected to receive top honors in Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 Under 35 Award program. The award is presented by WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.
The 35 Under 35 program recognizes the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in environmental, social and economic activities. This is the second year of the program.
Applications were evaluated for their involvement in one of five categories – Sustainable Future, Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Service, Sustainable Storytelling and Sustainable Self.
Thirty-five finalists were recognized at WFBF’s Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 2. Each finalist received an embroidered vest and the top individual in each category received a $500 cash prize.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists and top individuals for the 35 Under 35 award program,” said WFBF YFA Committee Chair Savannah Brown. “The future of agriculture is in good hands with these exceptional individuals.”
The Sustainable Environment category recognizes individuals who are good stewards of the land and their resources. The top individual in the Sustainable Environment category was Scott Timm from Green County. Scott farms with his family in Monroe. They also manage a farm stand and seed business.
Other finalists in the Sustainable Environment category included Jason Behrend, Wood County; Eldon Henthorne, Vernon County; and Ben Sosnovske, Lincoln County.
The Sustainable Future category recognizes individuals who are preserving generational success on the farm. The top individual in the Sustainable Future category was Kristin Quist from Polk/Burnett County. Kristin is a 5th generation dairy farmer from Deer Park.
Other finalists in the Sustainable Future category included Lindsay Baneck, Jefferson County; Sydney Brooks Howard, Waupaca County; Adam and McKenzie Gruna, Portage County; Josh Huber, Adams County; Jacki Moegenburg, Ozaukee County; Brooke Trustem, Rock County; and Austin Vandertie, Door County.
The Sustainable Self category recognizes individuals that are serving their community through leadership, mentorship and mental health advocacy. The top individual in the Sustainable Self category was Leah Weninger from Washington County. Leah works on her family farm and hosts educational opportunities at Roden Barnyard Adventures.
Other finalists in the Sustainable Self category included Whitney Barnes, Brown County; Andrew Dal Santo, Grant County; Emily Herness Oates, Trempealeau County; Emma Huber, Adams County; Nicole Laack, Sheboygan County; Brittany Olson, Barron County; and Tess Zettle, Green County.
The Sustainable Service category recognizes individuals who are serving agriculture through trade skills or advisory roles. The top individual in the Sustainable Service category was Brady Zuck from Rusk County. Brady is a beef producer and sales manager for Diamond V. He lives in Ladysmith.
Other finalists in the Sustainable Service category included Alana Biermeier, Juneau County; Erin Elsner, Taylor County; Katie Reineking, Sheboygan County, Julie Sweney, Dodge County; Tammy Wiedenbeck, Grant County; Eric Wuthrich, Green County; and Nate Zimdars, Fond du Lac County.
The Sustainable Storytelling category recognizes individuals who use their platform to share agriculture’s sustainability successes. The top individual in the Sustainable Storytelling category was Teyanna Marx from Dane County. Teyanna works at Filament as a Social Media Team Lead.
Other finalists in the Sustainable Storytelling category included Joanna Guza, Brown County; Sarah Hetke, Sauk County; Stephanie Hoff, Dane County; Rachel Klinkner, Monroe County; Libby Knoebel, Jefferson County; and Heidi Strey, Eau Claire County.
“We are proud to partner with Wisconsin Farm Bureau to amplify the leadership of young farmers while promoting activities that protect the future of agriculture now and for generations to come,” said Insight FS General Manager Ben Huber. “Congratulations to these impressive individuals,”
To view videos of the finalists, please visit the 104th WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference webpage.
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