Wisconsin agriculture has plenty of young talent. And now, 35 of those rising leaders are getting their moment in the spotlight. Meet the finalists selected for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau 35 Under 35 Award. It recognizes young farmers and ag leaders who are helping shape the future of agriculture through leadership, creativity, and innovation.
Young Farmer and Agriculturist Chair Ashley Lisowe says the finalists represent the kind of leadership agriculture needs moving forward.
“We are excited to recognize these outstanding young leaders who are making a difference on their farms and in their communities,” Lisowe says.
More than farming
The 35 under 35 program looks at the many ways young ag leaders are making an impact. And not just on the farm, but throughout their communities, and across the industry.
Applicants were evaluated in five categories:
- Sustainable Environment
- Sustainable Future
- Sustainable Self
- Sustainable Service
- Sustainable Storytelling
These categories highlight the different ways today’s young farmers are helping build a stronger future for Wisconsin agriculture. The program is presented by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.
Celebrating the next generation
The 35 under 35 program is also a chance to celebrate the finalists and their commitment to the future of agriculture. And for the state’s next generation of farmers and ag leaders, these are the people already helping lead the way.
The 2026 finalists are:
- Eric Antonson, Polk Burnett; Sustainable Future
- Christopher Blank, Monroe County; Sustainable Service
- Chad Bruss, Green Lake County; Sustainable Future
- Faith Burgess, Lafayette County; Sustainable Storytelling
- Olivia Cernek, Lafayette County; Sustainable Storytelling
- Alexandria Cook, St. Croix County; Sustainable Service
- Benjamin Cooper, Lafayette County; Sustainable Future
- Kristen Fischer, Grant; Sustainable Service
- David Foerster, Sheboygan County; Sustainable Self
- Cameron Freisinger, Polk Burnett; Sustainable Service
- Mary Fronek, Langlade County; Sustainable Service
- Erica and Dominick Gentry, Jackson County; Sustainable Future
- Gloria Regan, Calumet County; Sustainable Storytelling
- Paige Hampton, Grant County; Sustainable Service
- Devani Hinkelmann, Buffalo County; Sustainable Service
- Katrina Hoesly, Brown County; Sustainable Storytelling
- Wrangler Jones, Juneau County; Sustainable Service
- Clinton Kauth, Waupaca County; Sustainable Environment
- Holly LaPlant, Door; Sustainable Future
- Brooke Mallek, Portage County; Sustainable Storytelling
- Matthew and Alex Olson, Jackson County; Sustainable Storytelling
- Charisse Orth, Grant County; Sustainable Service
- Brenna Ramsden, Iowa County; Sustainable Service
- Andrea Rippley-Schlais, Trempealeau County; Sustainable Self
- Darren Riskedal, Jefferson County; Sustainable Service
- Kendall Riskedal, Jefferson County; Sustainable Self
- Joe Schlies, Brown County; Sustainable Service
- Samantha Solin, Langlade County; Sustainable Future
- Ben Sosnovske, Lincoln County; Sustainable Environment
- Nathan Utecht, Marathon County; Sustainable Environment
- Collin and Casey Weltzein, Buffalo County; Sustainable Future
- Kelly Wilfert, Manitowoc; Sustainable Service
The top individual in each category will be announced during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in December.
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