Shaping the Future: Meet Ashley Lisowe

When Ashley Lisowe talks about her family’s farm, she describes a living system, filled with seasons, animals and three small faces watching her every move.

Ashley, her husband Luke, and their three children – Rhett, Aria and Chloe – milk 1,000 cows on their dairy farm near Malone alongside Luke’s family. Together, they raise their own youngstock, crops and do some additional custom work on the side.

Despite a full plate on the farm and raising three children under the age of 4, Ashley has found her own ways to make an impact on the farm, in her community and, most importantly, within her home.

From the “Dairy” Beginning

Dairy farming has always been a part of who Ashley is. Having been raised on a 60-cow dairy farm near Plymouth, she grew up showing dairy cattle and being involved in dairy youth activities. She eventually attended UW-River Falls where she studied dairy science and minored in agricultural business.

During her senior year of college, Ashley attended the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference and met her now husband, Luke.

“Farm Bureau holds a special place in our heart,” Ashley said. “Our family stems from our Farm Bureau involvement.”

Like many farm women, Ashley’s role on the farm is dynamic. With three young children, Ashley splits her time between home and the farm, stepping in wherever she is needed. Being on the farm part-time, Ashley can be seen helping with calves, managing employees and assisting with breeding decisions.

“I can do a little bit of everything,” she said.

Shaping the Future

The most important work, however, takes place within the home. She now gets to experience the tradition of dairy farming through her children’s eyes, witnessing every day chores turn into special moments.

“I love bringing my kids along and seeing the joy on their faces,” Ashley said. “They help feed calves, and I get to show them the ways of farming, hard work and dedication.”

Ashley takes a lot of pride in showcasing what the future of agriculture looks like as a woman in agriculture.

“I want to show my two daughters that we can do it, too. Women on the farm have a lot of strength; maybe not always physically, but mentally,” Ashley said. “You have to be strong to be a mom, try to farm and juggle it all.”

Finding a Place in Farm Bureau

While balancing farm work and a young family, Ashley found space to get involved with Farm Bureau. After being involved with Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-River Falls, she knew to be involved after graduation. She joined Sheboygan County Farm Bureau before moving to Calumet County once she married Luke.

Eventually, the Lisowes were approached to join the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee. This past year, Ashley was elected to serve as the state chair and currently serves on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Ashley is grateful for the opportunities she has had since getting more involved.

“Through the committee, we have gained deep connections and formed lasting friendships,” Ashley said. “The experiences and connections through Farm Bureau are so special”

Ashley has seen the impact of sharing her voice through policy development and advocacy. She served as the YFA Committee representative on WFBF’s Policy Development Committee and has participated in various legislator engagements. This spring, Ashley and Luke represented WFBF as guests at the Great American Agriculture celebration at the White House.

“That never would have happened if we weren’t involved in Farm Bureau and advocating for agriculture,” Ashley said. “It really makes me think, ‘wow – my voice does matter.’”

Years from now, Ashley hopes her children will look back and understand what those calf chores, committee meetings and advocacy trips were really about.

“I hope our kids look back and see everything we have done as supporting the whole community and agriculture in general,” she said.

On a farm where tradition lives in daily care, Ashley is shaping a future that makes room for motherhood and leadership—raising kids who can honor what came before without being afraid to build what comes next.