MADISON – Heather Erdman of Eau Claire County, Victoria Smith of Marquette County, Luke an Ashley Lisowe of Calumet County and Jason Behrend of Wood County have been appointed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee by the organization’s Board of Directors. Their terms begin at the end of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau YFA Conference on December 4.
“It is exciting to see these young members step up and assume leadership roles in our organization,” WFBF President Kevin Krentz said. “The YFA program is designed to build the next generation of Farm Bureau leaders and these appointees will surely rise to the occasion.”
Heather Erdman raises kids, crops and cattle with her husband, Steven, on their family farm. Their four children are the fifth generation raised on their farm. As a family, they show cattle at local and national shows. Heather currently serves as the Eau Claire County YFA Chair and is an active member of the Augusta FFA Alumni Association and Friends of the Fair.
Victoria Smith grew up immersed in agriculture and the Farm Bureau family. Being a third-generation member, she prides herself in being part of this grassroots organization and teaching others about the importance of agriculture. Victoria currently works with children in rural communities through the Head Start program and at her local library where she helps teach future farmers and farm supporters about opportunities in farming.
Jason Behrend is a fourth-generation farmer. He raises hog and rotationally grazes cattle. He enjoys learning new soil-building farming practices and has been an active member of Farm Bureau for more than ten years. Jason currently serves as the Wood County Farm Bureau YFA Chair.
Luke and Ashley Lisowe were reappointed to the committee for 2024. They both grew up on their parents’ family dairy farms. Ashley graduated with a degree in dairy science from UW-River Falls. Luke graduated from UW-Madison’s Farm & Industry Short Course. Luke is part owner of his family’s dairy farm. Ashley works alongside Luke on his family’s farm while taking care of their children.
The WFBF YFA Committee consists of nine couples or individuals (ages 18-35) from around the state. Its goal is to get more young farmers and agriculturists acquainted with and involved in Farm Bureau. They carry out a variety of statewide initiatives, such as conferences, contests and award programs. The YFA Program is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.
For more information about WFBF’s YFA Program or committee, call 1.800.261.FARM or visit wfbf.com.
