“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 says. Von Ruden urges members to continue to push for fairness for farmers. He says increased engagement underscores the vital role WFU plays in supporting and advocating for family farmers and communities. “But let’s not forget our most notable accomplishment-the growth in our membership.” “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,” Von Ruden says. The mixed-use building will house Wisconsin Farmers Union’s headquarters in addition to residential and commercial spaces, restaurants, and venue. In September, construction began on the Market on River building. “I’m particularly thrilled about a major milestone for our organization – the groundbreaking of our new headquarters,” he says. These are: WI Women in Conservation, WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, Farmer-led Watershed Council, and Fox-Wolf Watershed Climate-Smart Commodities project. Spotlighting successes from the past year, he noted several of the collaborative initiatives the organization participated in. Von Ruden’s presidential address focused on a theme of collaboration and progress. He is a seven-time recipient of the Silver Star Award, which is National Farmers Union’s highest recognition of membership development. Von Ruden has been active with Farmers Union at the local, state and national levels. 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 and his wife, JoAnn, live in Westby. The second part of their farm, built in 1908, is being recognized as a Century Farm. As Robert White explains, the original homestead was constructed in 1864 and is a Sesquicentennial Farm. He also leads the WFU Foundation Board of Directors and serves on the National Farmers Union Board of Directors. The White Family is achieving something unique in 2020 they are being honored as Century and Sesquicentennial Farmers at the same time. He represents Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, and Vernon counties. Von Ruden has served as the organization’s District 5 director since 2008. The 93rd annual convention in the Wisconsin Dells brought more than 200 farmers and rural advocates together. Westby dairy farmer Darin Von Ruden was re-elected president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union during the organizations’ state convention.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |