Heather Erdman of Eau Claire County, Victoria Smith of Marquette County, Luke and Ashley Lisowe of Calumet County and Jason Behrend of Wood County have been appointed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee. 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
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 also national shows. Heather currently serves as the Eau Claire County YFA Chair. She is also an active member of the Augusta FFA Alumni Association and Friends of the Fair.
Victoria Smith
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. She also works at her local library where she helps teach the community about opportunities in farming.
Jason Behrend
Jason Behrend is a fourth-generation farmer. He raises hogs 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
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.