WFU holds 94th Annual Convention; Von Ruden re-elected WFU President

WISCONSIN DELLS – Westby dairy farmer Darin Von Ruden was re-elected president of Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) last weekend in Wisconsin Dells, where more than 200 family farmers and rural advocates gathered for the organization’s 94th annual State Convention. 

Von Ruden has served as the organization's District 5 director since 2008, representing Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, and Vernon counties. He also leads the WFU Foundation Board of Directors, the WFU Service Association, and serves as Secretary on the National Farmers Union Board of Directors. Von Ruden and his wife, JoAnn, live in Westby. In the last several years, Von Ruden transitioned the farm to the fourth generation, when son Brett purchased the machinery and 50-cow dairy herd. 

Von Ruden’s presidential address focused on a theme of collaboration, resilience, and growth as Wisconsin Farmers Union continues to empower family farmers, strengthens rural communities, and confronts challenges together. “One of our core missions is to ensure that family farmers have a seat at the table when decisions are made. This year, we’ve been relentless in this pursuit.”

Spotlighting successes from the past year, Von Ruden celebrated the opening of WFU’s new headquarters at Market on River in Chippewa Falls. He also noted a number of legislative wins as well as membership growth, and highlighted the impact of the collaborative initiatives the family farm organization participated in, such as WI Women in Conservation, the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, Farmer-led Watershed Council, and the Farm Climate Smart WI project.

“Our work isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about building a future where communities thrive, where family farmers are supported, and where everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food,” he said. “This vision depends on all of us working together.”

Policy Priorities

Delegates at the convention voted to prioritize five Special Orders of Business for 2025. They include:

• Concentration in the Agriculture Industry

• Resolution to Create Fair Maps from a Nonpartisan Procedure for the Preparation of Legislative and Congressional Redistricting Plans

• Quality Healthcare in Wisconsin

• Continued and Expanded Funding of the WI-LFPA Program

• Combating Climate Change in Farming

WFU board members & NFU Convention delegates

Sarah Lloyd of Wisconsin Dells and Jerry Croes of Deer Park were elected to serve as delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention March 9-11, 2024 in Oklahoma City, OK.

Three district director seats were up for election this year. Ed Gorell of Eleva was re-elected to represent District 3 which comprises Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire counties.  Darin Von Ruden was re-elected to represent Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Rock, Green, Lafayette, Richland, and Vernon counties in District 5 in addition to the WFU presidency. Joshua Mechaelsen of Waukesha was elected to represent

District 8, Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Forest, Florence, Kewaunee, Langlade, Marinette, Manitowoc, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago counties.

Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.