Learn More About Our Programs
The Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom program has been a leading educational program across the state for more than 30 years. This program engages Wisconsin educators, volunteers and students with the resources they need to teach and learn about agriculture to increase understanding and awareness of agriculture’s impact on everyday life. This agricultural education program provides free, hands-on and interactive agricultural information, following current curriculum standards, that makes learning about food, farming and careers in agriculture fun. Farm Bureau staff work directly with county coordinators and other volunteers to help arrange teacher training, workshops, set up agriculture lesson plans, promote careers in agriculture, order materials and more. Annually, staff and volunteers impact nearly 70,000 Wisconsin K-12 students through hands-on lessons, presentations, and resource support.
The Young Farmer and Agriculturist program gives members between 18 and 35 an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while networking with peers. County, district and state activities are held throughout the year to actively engage YFA members through social sharing and networking, personal growth and leadership development, and an increased knowledge of current and future agricultural issues. A committee of young members from around Wisconsin work together to guide the state program and plan activities and events at all levels of the organization. Each year, more than 500 YFA members participate in contests, awards, travel opportunities, skills development and an annual conference.
For more than a decade, Wisconsin has been home to three Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls. Each chapter is a student-run organization with an elected officer team and a faculty advisor. Collegiate members participate in a variety of activities including Collegiate Discussion Meet, YFA Conference, Ag Day on Campus and other events specific to their college campus. Wisconsin Farm Bureau supports these members through leadership development, engagement and educational opportunities throughout the year.
Since 1972, FFA Farm Forum has been helping expand the horizons of FFA members. Organized and held by Wisconsin Farm Bureau, the event features a mix of keynote speakers and workshops tailored to expose, educate and engage participants in current agricultural issues and career opportunities. Farm Bureau members, industry professionals and state FFA officers play a major role in leading and facilitating the annual event.
We all have a responsibility to use our resources wisely. To further that goal, Wisconsin Farm Bureau provides learning opportunities and resources to enhance sustainability conversations and awareness. Wisconsin Farm Bureau sustainability initiatives partner with Ag in the Classroom to bring sustainability to the classroom through demonstrations and lesson kits. 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.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education program is designed to develop, implement and promote projects and programs that build awareness and understanding of agriculture and provide leadership development for the agricultural community. This program is guided by an advisory committee that reviews, develops and recommends programs and resources. Priorities of the state Promotion and Education program include member education and training; consumer resource management; and agriculture advocacy.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Leadership Institute is a year-long leadership development program with the mission to develop strong and effective Farm Bureau and community leaders. Participants learn how to identify their strengths, work effectively as a team, develop strong messaging to assist with advocacy, gain a better understanding of agriculture issues and build their network of fellow members and agriculture leaders.
Farm Neighbors Care is a campaign to support farmers who are facing stress and anxiety in their demanding roles, whether it be related to low market prices, poor weather and crop conditions, professional time commitments, or personal and family struggles. The campaign encourages rural residents to have face-to-face conversations with farmers and agri-business owners and engage with each other. The campaign also offers training and resources related to farmer mental health.
Gather Wisconsin builds meaningful relationships between consumers and the farmers growing and raising their food. The website, GatherWisconsin.com, connects food, farming and families through valuable information, insightful blogs and delicious recipes. Gather Wisconsin works with other farm and commodity groups across the state to share information about the state’s diverse agricultural economy.
