Wisconsin Farmers Union hosting

81st Annual Convention in January

Wisconsin Farmers Union will be hosting its 81st Annual Convention Jan. 27-29, 2012 at the Plaza Hotel & Suites in Wausau. The theme of the convention is "Rural Renewal - Building on Traditions." All guests are welcome but only member delegates may vote.

The convention will feature farm and rural enterprise activities that are being developed by WFU members and others around the state.

In addition to regular business, the convention format will include time to look at hands-on examples of how farmers are using value-added production and marketing, incorporating renewable energy and adapting innovative farm management practices.

Attendees will discuss policy initiatives, and ideas for new projects that WFU can develop in partnership with our members.

Midwest Renewable Energy Association will be joining the group Friday with a pre-convention workshop on Renewable Energy Options for Farms and Value-Added Food Producers.

Speakers will include Stan Gruszynski, state director, United State Department of Agriculture - Rural Development, discussing challenges and opportunities of rural Wisconsin and Alan Guebert, a national farm columnist, who is a favorite guest at farm meetings around the country.

Activities will include a Friday "Casino Night" fundraiser to help raise money for Kamp Kenwood.

The event will also involve panel presentations and workshops featuring innovative WFU members' projects, concurrent Youth Convention for grades 7-12, Torchbearer's Award Presentation for youth program graduates, workshops on protecting local community rights, farm to school programs, renewable energy development and more, as well as WFU resolutions and policy discussions.

For convention details and registration forms, visit the WFU website at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com

Any questions should be directed to Diane Tiry at the state WFU office: 715-723-5561 or dtiry@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.