WISCONSIN DELLS – Westby dairy farmer Darin Von Ruden was re-elected president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union this weekend in Wisconsin Dells, where more than 200 family farmers and rural advocates gathered for the organization’s 93rd 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, serves on the National Farmers Union Board of Directors as Secretary. 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 has been active with Farmers Union at the local, state and national levels. He is a seven-time recipient of the Silver Star Award, which is National Farmers Union’s highest recognition of membership development.
Von Ruden’s presidential address focused on a theme of collaboration and progress. “With the current economic situation, it’s clear that we’d be better served by working together rather than fostering continued division.”
Spotlighting successes from the past year, Von Ruden noted several of the collaborative initiatives the family farm organization participated in over the last year, such as WI Women in Conservation, the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, Farmer-led Watershed Council, and most recently, the Fox-Wolf Watershed Climate-Smart Commodities project.
“I’m particularly thrilled about a major milestone for our organization – the groundbreaking of our new headquarters. In September, construction began on the Market on River building. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for WFU, providing us with a centralized hub to better serve our members and further advance our mission.” The mixed-use building will house Wisconsin Farmers Union’s headquarters in addition to residential spaces, commercial space, restaurants, and community gathering areas.
“But let’s not forget our most notable accomplishment—the growth in our membership—a testament to the strength of our community,” he continued. “The increased engagement and commitment from our members underscore the vital role WFU plays in supporting and advocating for family farmers and communities.”
Von Ruden went on to urge members to continue to push for fairness for farmers. “Farmers can get complacent when prices are higher, but it’s important that we keep pushing for systemic change so that the lows aren’t so low and we can keep more family farmers on the land,” he stated.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration, mutual support, and collective efforts to strengthen Wisconsin agriculture and enhance the resilience of our communities.
WFU board members & delegates
Paul Adams of Eleva and Joseph Childs of Boscobel were elected to serve as delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention March 10-12, 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Three district director seats were up for election this year. District 2 Director Dave Rosen, who dairy farms near Emerald, was re-elected in District 2, which comprises Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix counties. Patty Edelburg of Scandinavia was elected to represent Adams, Columbia, Green Lake, Juneau, Marathon, Marquette, Portage, Sauk, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood counties in District 6. Cambridge dairy farmer Tina Hinchley was re-elected to serve District 7, covering Dane, Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth 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.
