From the field: Getting to know Farmers Union

Hannah Alden, Reporter, The Record-Review Late last week I got to spend a day near Chippewa Falls at the Wisconsin Farmers Union summer conference. It’s always nice to take a break to connect with others who are doing similar work.

I joined WFU last year after being encouraged to do so by my previous farm employer and mentor, who is a longtime member. This year is the first year I’ve been active in the organization, going to events and seeing how I can fit into the network.

Unfortunately, there is no WFU chapter established in Clark County, where my farm is. We are right on the border of three counties, not far from where Clark, Taylor and Marathon counties all converge. This means that I will have to chose another chapter to be a part of at some point, in order to be counted for state convention voting and other logistical reasons. I haven’t yet been to any chapter meetings, so I’m still undecided.

WFU has been an impactful organization in the state since receiving its charter in 1930. The member-driven organization is “committed to enhancing the qualify of life for family farmers, rural communities and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors and civic engagement,” according to its mission statement.

I’ve been greatly impressed at how WFU reaches out to members, helps tell their stories and connects farmers from across the state. There are also a number of people I’ve met through WFU who may not be farming themselves, but are supporters of small to mid-scale farms and rural resilience. I would encourage anyone with these interests to seek out more information about WFU and think about joining the organization.

During last week’s conference, there was a lot of talk about good things going on related to agriculture around Wisconsin. Speakers talked about communities uniting together around big issues, preserving watershed health and new opportunities for small producers to promote their offerings.

While I was happy to hear about all the positive happenings, I was also relieved hearing from some about challenges facing farmers. (I often find myself stuck in the mindset that these large issues are all my own to figure out.) There was talk about how farming will look as climate change continues. That topic seems to be at the forefront currently as many have experienced the difficulties working in the hazy conditions from wildfire smoke recently and lots of farmers have been affected by this year’s drought. Other challenges many are facing include mental health struggles and labor shortages.

I appreciated being at the conference to share in these conversations and network with great people. Now that I’m farming on my own, it can definitely get lonely. While I have people in my daily life I can talk to regularly, there’s something special about talking shop with people who understand your work.