
Food + Farm Exploration Center Names Inaugural ‘Rooted in Gratitude’ Honorees
This special award shows gratitude to exceptional women whose leadership, innovation, and dedication shape Wisconsin agriculture.
Event Details & Fundraising Mission
The Center will host its signature annual fundraising event and recognition ceremony on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Plover, Wisconsin.
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Location: Food + Farm Exploration Center | 3400 Innovation Drive, Plover, WI 54467
Purpose: Raise funds for hands-on agricultural education while honoring local agricultural leaders.
This evening offers far more than a typical fundraising dinner. Instead, it brings the community together to invest in the future of food education. Attendees will enjoy an elegant farm-to-table dining experience, inspiring stories, an auction, and the official awards ceremony.
Most importantly, event proceeds directly support hands-on learning programs. These initiatives include:
Interactive museum exhibits and demonstration fields
Culinary education and school field trips
Community outreach and accessible agricultural programs
In alignment with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this year’s ceremony highlights leaders who inspire future generations.
Meet the 2026 Rooted in Gratitude Honorees
These recognition categories reflect the diverse ways women strengthen local agriculture—from hands-on education to lifelong service.
| Award Category | Honoree | Organization / County |
| Ag Education Champion | Heidi Slinkman | Gaynor Cranberry Company & Cranberry Learning Inc. (Wood County) |
| Ag Innovator | Jill Albanese | Wisconsin State Fair (Milwaukee County) |
| Community Catalyst | Jill Makovec | Learfield / Brownfield Ag News & WI Radio Network (Dane & Grant) |
| Legacy Leader | Dianne Somers | Plover River Farms Alliance (Portage County) |
| Sustainability Steward | Sara Stelter | Stelter Farms (Waushara County) |
| Emerging Ag Leaders | Wendy Dykstra & Heidi Randall | Alsum Farms & Produce (Columbia County) |

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