Program looks at future of family farms, growing concerns over monopolization

Governor Tony Evers plans to highlight the Year of Clean Drinking Water during a stop at the Wisconsin Farmers Union Summer Conference this Thursday, August 15 in Chippewa Falls.

Gov. Evers will speak at about 11:45am at the event, hosted at the family farm organization’s historic Kamp Kenwood at 19161 79th Ave. The theme of the conference is “American Agriculture: Where Are We Headed?” and topics will touch on the future of our family farms, food systems, watersheds and rural towns. The governor will share some of the work happening across the state to protect groundwater resources and will also take part in a rainfall simulator demonstration depicting how certain agricultural practices can reduce runoff.

Nearly 150 family farmers and rural advocates are expected to attend the event, which runs from 10am to 2:30pm. A limited number of seats are still available but attendees must RSVP at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events or by calling 715-723-5561. There is no cost to attend.

The afternoon keynote will be Bill Baer, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General and former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust for the Obama Administration. Baer will share his first-hand knowledge of federal level anti-trust issues. Farmers are feeling the impacts of growing monopolization in the food, seed, health care and meatpacking sectors – to name just a few. WFU has been encouraging members to get to know the antitrust issues and has been selling copies of The Curse of Bigness by Tim Wu. There will be time to discuss the book’s core questions during a conversation with Baer. Copies will also be available at the event.

Registration and networking begin at 9am. The WFU County Presidents’ Meeting will take place from 10 to 11am and is open to all. There will also be a pie contest – bakers are welcome to bring their best pie(s). We’ll conclude the day with a pie social and networking by the lake.

 

 

This is a family-friendly event, with Acorn Day Camp for ages 7 and up coinciding with the conference. Younger children welcome if attending with a responsible sibling. The cost of the day camp is $15 per child, which includes lunch. Day camp registration can be found at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/youth-camp.

Wisconsin Farmers Union is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement.