What the WFU State Convention Is
The Wisconsin Farmers Union state convention is the yearly gathering where members set the organization's grassroots policy, elect leaders and hear from farmers and rural advocates. The 95th convention was held December 12 to 14, 2025 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, with 570 registered guests and 150 certified delegates from 26 chapters at Saturday's opening. Delegates adopted the policy book and four priorities for 2026: concentration in the agriculture industry, protection of immigrant rights, family farming and dairy policy reform, and quality healthcare in Wisconsin.
Next Edition
The 96th convention is scheduled for December 11 to 13, 2026 at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley, 333 W College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911, from Friday at noon to Sunday at noon. Sponsorship packages range from $500 to $5,000, and sponsors were asked to register by October 31, 2026 for full benefits.
How the Weekend Runs (2025 Schedule)
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Friday, Dec. 12 | Groundswell, a pre-convention workshop on building community and making change (noon to 4:30 p.m.); convention registration 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; dinner; the Farmers Union Camp fundraiser, which raised money for improvements at Kamp Kenwood, WFU's youth camp on Lake Wissota |
| Saturday, Dec. 13 | Opening meeting at 9:00 a.m.; workshops on ag policy outlook, farmer wellness, small grains, agritourism and Know Your Rights; awards luncheon at 12:15 p.m.; policy discussion at 2:30 p.m.; silent auction; convention banquet at 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, Dec. 14 | Delegate voting 7:00 to 8:30 a.m.; policy discussions at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.; lunch with election results and announcements at noon |
The Saturday banquet was curated by Chef Luke Zahm, host of Wisconsin Foodie, and the meals used 70 ingredients from more than 40 Wisconsin farms and food businesses. The weekend also included a screening of the short documentary All of America, Am I, narrated by Michael Perry.
Who Can Attend and Vote
Family farmers, rural residents and supporters from across Wisconsin may attend. Voting is limited to members. Members elect board directors and delegates to the National Farmers Union convention and debate and adopt policy for the coming year. Registration is online at wisconsinfarmersunion.com/convention.
Youth and Families
Youth programming is free but needs pre-registration. In 2025, childcare for ages 2 to 7 ran Friday evening, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday morning, and the Youth Convention for ages 7 to 17 ran Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Youth see the adult policy session and write their own youth policy book. The Torchbearer Award, WFU's highest youth honor, went to Laura Wegerer and Austin Tischendorf of the Taylor-Price chapter.
Fees and Refunds
Early-bird registration and a discounted hotel room block were offered for the 2025 convention. The 2025 refund policy: full refund minus a processing fee 30 or more days before the event, 50 percent refund 15 to 29 days before, and no refund inside 15 days or for no-shows.
Questions
Can I attend if I am not a member?
Supporters are welcome, but only members vote.
Are there activities for kids?
Yes. Childcare and the Youth Convention are free with pre-registration.
Who do I call?
The WFU state office: 715-723-5561.
Official Links
- Wisconsin Farmers Union charts course for 2026 at 95th convention
- 95th convention schedule and registration details
- 95th convention announcement
- 96th convention sponsor and exhibitor listing
- Wisconsin Farmers Union
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Outagamie County Fair
Outagamie County Fair takes place June 24-28, 2026 in Seymour, one of the earliest county fairs of the Wisconsin summer, featuring 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits.
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and YFA Conference
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau annual meeting, where county delegates vote on policy, combined with the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference. Next edition December 4-7, 2026 at Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.
- Northern Wisconsin State Fair Meat Animal Program Beef Weigh-In
Initial beef weigh-in for youth in the fair's Meat Animal Program, held in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire, WI | Organizer: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Official event details - Wisconsin Corn-Soy Expo
Two-day winter trade show for corn, soybean and pork producers with over 150 booths and an education program. Next edition January 21-22, 2027 in Wisconsin Dells; the 2026 show ran January 29-30.
- Midwest Horse Fair
Three-day horse fair held since 1979 at the Alliant Energy Center, owned by the Wisconsin Horse Council with proceeds supporting the state equine industry. The next edition is April 16-18, 2027.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 920-623-5515 | Organizer: Wisconsin Horse Council Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.