The Sconi

Eight candidates have been announced for the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board election, beginning May 1, 2025. The nominees are separated by district: Gary Kohn from Medford for Lincoln, Oneida, Price, and Taylor counties; Alexandra Straschinske from Boyd for Chippewa and Eau Claire counties; Jeff Betley from Pulaski for Menominee, Shawano, and Waupaca counties; Peggy Pankratz from Auburndale and Stephanie Ann Hughes from Pittsville for Portage, Waushara, and Wood counties; Sandra Madland from Lyndon Station for Adams, Juneau, and Monroe counties; Rick Roden from West Bend for Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha counties; Gail Klinkner from Viroqua and Chad A. Sime from Gays Mills for Crawford and Vernon counties; Virgil Haag from Mt Horeb for Dane and Jefferson counties.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed each candidate fulfilled all requirements for eligibility. These include being an active dairy producer or representative of an affected producer, actively selling milk in commercial channels, and residing in their respective districts. Candidates also submitted validated nomination forms supported by five signatures from active dairy producers within their district, along with a "Declaration of Eligibility" form.

Ballots are being sent to dairy producers in the affected districts by DATCP. Producers not receiving a ballot by May 15, 2025, are encouraged to request one from the DATCP Market Orders staff. All completed ballots need to be signed and returned via email or postmarked to the DATCP Market Orders Program in Madison, WI, by May 23, 2025.

The elected producers will begin their three-year terms on July 1, 2025, and their terms will conclude on June 30, 2028. DATCP is responsible for conducting elections for Wisconsin's commodity marketing boards.

For more information, interested parties can reach out to the contact email provided.