WISCONSIN DELLS – Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) honored several individuals for their dedication to family farmers at the 93rd annual Wisconsin Farmers Union State Convention December 8-10th. The event drew more than 200 farmers to Wisconsin Dells for a weekend of networking, educational workshops and grassroots policymaking.
Friend of the Family Farmer
WFU recognized two Friends of the Family Farmer, Inga Witscher and Jessica Ryba. First given in 2013, the award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in efforts on behalf of family farmers and rural communities.
Inga Witscher is a fourth-generation dairy farmer milking cows and making cheese on her small farm in Osseo, WI. Inga grew up on her family’s grass-based dairy in Washington State, then relocated to the East Coast where she learned how to make cheese. In 2006 Inga began her farming career at St. Isidore’s Dairy in Osseo where she now milks a small herd of registered jerseys and produces a small batch, raw milk cheddar. Inga co-created along with her dad, a television series highlighting Wisconsin family farms called “Around the Farm Table.” The series is in its 10th season on PBS.
“Besides running a family farm, making and selling cheese, and starring in a TV show, Inga is also a true champion for all small farms,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden.
Jessica Ryba, a former Administrative Assistant for the Wisconsin Farmers Union, passionately advocated for family farmers due to her familial connection to farming. Despite health challenges leading to her departure from WFU, Jess redirected her passion by founding the successful Cadott Farmers Market. Her impactful efforts included advocating for the market at the town board, securing EBT card access, writing grants, and generating local excitement on social media. She currently resides in Cadott with her two children.
“Jess’s inspiring journey highlights how committed individuals can empower their communities, provide access to local health food in small towns, and leave a lasting legacy,” stated Von Ruden.
Jess was unable to accept her award in person, as she was kicking off the first-ever winter market with her Cadott Farmers Market.
Builders Awards
WFU recognized two members for their Builder’s Award, which recognizes commitment to building Farmers Union through county involvement, leadership development & member recruitment.
Dave Mickelson, a recipient of the Builders Award, brings 33 years of agricultural research experience and holds a B.S. in Agronomy/Agricultural Economics. Actively engaged in organizations such as the Columbia County Chapter of Wisconsin Farmers Union, he remains connected to his family farm near DeForest, WI. Dave is a dedicated WFU committee member, a participant in lobby day, and a valuable ambassador in the agricultural community.
Phil O’Leary, also a recipient of the Builders Award, currently operates his family farm in Rock County, WI, and is an emeritus University of Wisconsin-Madison engineering professor. With a Ph.D. in Land Resources, Phil has led rural political messaging workshops and joined Wisconsin Farmers Union in 2018 with his wife Carol, appreciating the WFU’s advocacy strategies and alignment with members’ values.
Emerging Leader
This is the fourth year that WFU presented a special Emerging Leader award to an individual who has ignited energy and engagement in WFU. This year’s Emerging Leader is Dylan Bruce.
Raised on an organic vegetable CSA farm in Crawford County, WI, Dylan pursued a journey through the food system from Chicago to Los Angeles. After earning his undergraduate degree at Occidental College, he returned to Wisconsin, earned an MS in Agroecology at UW Madison, and founded Circadian Organics with his spouse, Dr. Skye Bruce. Currently, they manage four acres of vegetable and flower seeds and recently launched Driftless Seed Supply, a retail seed brand in collaboration with regional producers. Dylan, a WFU member since 2017, has served as the Vernon-Crawford County President for two years and actively contributes to WFU committees, state, and local conventions, with a lifelong commitment to his family’s farm and fostering rural resiliency with WFU members.
Bruce Miller Award
WFU also announced that Danielle Endvick was chosen to receive the 2024 Bruce Miller Award, which will be presented at the National Farmers Union Convention in Scottsdale, AZ in March.
The award is named in honor of the late Bruce Miller, who was an active member WFU and served on the staff of Minnesota Farmers Union. It recognizes individuals within the Farmers Union family who display a true passion for family farming and rural America, while promoting the work of Farmers Union.
Danielle Endvick has spent the past 15 years lifting up the stories of rural Wisconsin, first as an award-winning journalist with The Country Today newspaper, then from 2014-2023 as the Communications Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union, and more recently in a new role as Director of Development. She raises beef cattle and a pair of rambunctious boys alongside her husband Jesse on their Runamuck Ranch in Holcombe.
“In her time at Farmers Union, Danielle helped reinvigorate and served in leadership for the Chippewa County Farmers Union chapter,” Von Ruden said. “She strived to make Farmers Union a welcoming ‘Big Tent’ for all and has been a strong advocate for Dairy Together, having seen the effects of the dairy crisis on her family’s Chippewa County dairy farm.”
Learn more about WFU’s work on behalf of family farmers at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
