Posted: 12.06.2010

The 91st Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation annual business meeting will conclude today in Wisconsin Dells after a flurry of activities.

Sunday, Farm Bureau members got a shot of straight information on what's need to overcome animal rights groups and bio-tech activitists in general.  Steve Kopperud, Executive Vice President of Policy Directions, Inc., told members of the audience that they're "going to have to get off your hands" when it comes to telling their story of animal agriculture.  Kopperud said today, the only trusted sources for the stories are the farmers themselves.  No longer can the grower expect groups like Farm Bureau to do all the heavy lifting in building that relationship with consumers.  

Kopperud pointed to an interesting example that shows how much consumers want to connect with farmers today.  State fairs.  Kopperud says today - state fairs across the United States are the highest attended events, in large part because it puts people in close proximity to farmers and their animals.

Following Kopperud's keynote address - it was time for the awards.

The 2010 winners will be representing the state at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting in Atlanta in January.  You can find out more about each winner on seperate farm news pages - plus we'll be posting audio and video throughout the day.

2010 Young Farmer Achievement award - went to Nathan and Karen Kling of Jackson county.
2010 Excellence in Agriculture award - went to Andrea Brossard Martin of Dodge county.
2010 Discussion Meet winner - Troy Sellen of Oconto county.

See additional farm news tabs for more on each.

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