Hello everyone! I am Ruby Sheaffer, a senior at Monroe High School in Green County, and I had the privilege of attending the 2024 WFU Farm and Rural Lobby Day on January 17th. This is my fifth year as a lobby day attendee and my first as the WFU Lobby Day Intern. Leading up to the event, I organized and set up meetings between WFU members and legislators from around the state.
Our day had quite an exciting start with Governor Tony Evers as our first speaker! It was very encouraging to hear the efforts that Governor Evers’ and his administration have made in the past year to support farmers, farmer mental health, dairy innovation, and small communities. We also had the privilege of hearing from DATCP Assistant Deputy Secretary Mike Strigel, who spoke of the positive steps made for farmers. As always, our lunch was filled with interesting and engaging conversation with WFU members from around the state.
My meetings were with Representative Todd Novak (51st District) and Senator Howard Marklein (17th District). Unfortunately, Senator Marklein was unable to attend the meeting, but we met with a staff member. I found these meetings very productive. Our constituent group came from diverse backgrounds and we were able to find different policy points that felt personal to each of us. Similar to my meetings with legislators at the 2023 National Farmers Union Fly-In, my main talking point was climate change. This year our WFU policy priorities were support for clean water and conservation, rural development, access to affordable healthcare, nutrition and ag education, and dairy policy. Representative Novak, in particular, was able to give us insight into the status and future of the bills mentioned in our policy.
Overall, the 2024 Lobby Day was very successful and productive. Thank you to all of the WFU staff who made this event happen!
Lobby Days 2024
Lobby Days 2024
Lobby Days 2024
Lobby Days 2024