Wisconsin Farm Bureau Names 2026 YFA Award Finalists

Eight Compete for WFBF’s Farming for the Future and Outstanding Agriculture Professional Awards.

Four finalists in each category will compete for top honors at the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Conference in December. 

The Farming for the Future Award recognizes YFA members who excel in their farm involvement, future goals, leadership abilities and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations. Applicants must derive a majority of their income from on-farm production. 

“These finalists represent the next generation of bold, business-minded farmers who are deeply committed to growing Wisconsin agriculture,” said WFBF President Brad Olson. “Their leadership and vision are helping shape the future of farming in our state.”

This year’s finalists include: 

• Josh and Kristen Joseph, Richland County 

• Tyler Meinnert, Sheboygan County

• Cullen Schlewitz, Eau Claire County

• Brooke Trustem, Rock County 

The Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award recognizes YFA members who excel in their agriculture involvement, leadership abilities and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations. Applicants are agriculturists who derive a majority of their income from an off-farm job. 

“These young professionals are leading with purpose and making a difference far beyond the farm gate,” said Olson. “Their passion and drive continue to strengthen the future of Wisconsin agriculture.” 

The four finalists are: 

• Christopher and Kori Blank, Monroe County. Chris is a consulting livestock nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition and Premier Cooperative and Kori serves as the agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor in the Cashton School District. 

• Travis Senn, Polk Burnett Farm Bureau. Travis is the Assistant Director of Milk Marketing and Analytics for Southeast Milk, Inc. 

• Eric Wuthrich, Green County. Eric is a district sales manager for Mustang Seeds. 

• Tess Zettle, Green County. Tess is an advertising specialist at KUHN North America. 

Each finalist will conduct an interview with judges at the 2026 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference at Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, December 4–6. The winner of each award will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc.; the opportunity to attend the 2027 American Farm Bureau Federation FUSION Conference in New Orleans, LA; will be eligible to participate in the 2027 YFA Washington, D.C. Fly-In; and be a guest of WFBF at the 2027 YFA Conference. The total value of the prize package is more than $5,000. 

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation co-sponsors these awards with GROWMARK Inc. and Rural Mutual Insurance Company.