WFU hires new government relations associate

Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden announced that Scott Karel has been hired to fill the position of government relations associate for the organization.

Karel hails from a family of dairy and crop farmers in Green Lake and Dodge counties, and grew up working on his uncle's dairy farm.

He studied political science at UW-Oshkosh and completed his law degree at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. While in law school, Karel worked as a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of General Counsel in St. Paul.

WFU is a general farm organization that provides educational opportunities and legislative services to its members. The organization has nearly 1,500 member families across the state.

Karel will work closely with WFU Government Relations Director Kara Slaughter to educate members about policy developments that affect farmers and rural areas, and to communicate the views of WFU members to the legislature and state agencies.

A former real estate agent dealing in ag and recreational properties, Karel will focus particularly on farmland preservation and farm-related business regulatory issues for Wisconsin Farmers Union. Karel is also an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and consults for Pheasants Forever regarding conservation easements.

"I am excited to come on board with a dynamic organization like Wisconsin Farmers Union," he said. "WFU has solid policy positions and a great vision for rural Wisconsin - this is an easy organization to get behind. I see good things ahead for Wisconsin Farmers Union, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

Karel begins his position with Wisconsin Farmers Union this month, and can be reached at skarel@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.