Join UW alumni and friends in celebrating the founding of the UW and recognizing Linda Struye ’61, the inspiration of Little Farmer, as our Badger of the Year. You’ll also hear a special presentation from Steffen Mirsky, emerging crops outreach program coordinator with UW–Madison Division of Extension.
A buffet dinner is included, and a cash bar will be available.
Register by April 29.
About the Program
Enjoy a special presentation:
Opportunities in Emerging Crops to Build Economic and Climate Resilience on Wisconsin Farms
In Wisconsin, corn, soybeans, dairy, and beef account for approximately 85 percent of total farm gate sales. The productivity of these is a true marvel, but it has also led to significant unsolved challenges, including surface water and groundwater pollution, economic consolidation, and loss of farms. A sustainable and prosperous future for Wisconsin agriculture requires us to embrace our state’s agricultural and economic diversity. Crops like ginseng, cranberries, potatoes, fruit, small grains, maple syrup, dry beans, mint, horseradish, and vegetables for processing all contribute to the richness and resiliency of our state’s agricultural economy. Find out how UW Extension’s Emerging Crops Program is working to support on-farm diversification through the development of new crops, products, and markets — and discover some of the most promising crops emerging for Wisconsin.
Speaker
Steffen Mirsky is the emerging crops outreach program coordinator with UW–Madison Division of Extension. He works to support new crop development in Wisconsin through agronomic research, supply chain development, education outreach, and collaborations with other organizations. Last year, he coauthored the Emerging Crops Program’s strategic plan: Strategic Priorities to Advance 13 New Crops for WI. He has a particular interest in perennial fruit and nut crops and Kernza perennial grain. Steffen has worked in the field of sustainable agriculture in the Upper Midwest for 15 years, with a passion for crop diversification.
Awards
We are pleased to honor Badger of the Year recipient Linda Struye ’61.
Badger of the Year honorees are selected based on leadership in their professions, service in their communities, and/or contributions to volunteer organizations.
Linda graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration degree in 1961 and eventually returned to her parents’ home to take over the business in 1972. She represents the fourth generation of the Beyer family operating the farm. Under Linda’s ownership, she took the apple orchard her grandfather planted into a family destination for families in Fond du Lac and the surrounding area. She created a business that provides apples and pumpkins, but also offers hayrides; areas for kids to play and interact with farm animals; caramel apples, pies, and other delectable items; and tours of the remodeled Victorian-style farmhouse and farm facilities as they looked more than 100 years ago. She is an early adopter of agritourism, promoting agriculture, entertainment, and Wisconsin.
Additional Information
When you register, please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or require accessibility accommodations.
