From Keith Wilson

Cuba City

To the Editor:

My family farm, Wilson Organic Farms, is located near Cuba City in the driftless region of Wisconsin. The farm has been passed down for seven generations on my family’s side since it was first homesteaded in 1848 – the same year Wisconsin became a state. Wilson Organic Farms now manages 3500 acres total. Of that, about 2600 acres are in crops and the remaining 900 acres is in pasture, 250 of which supports the dairy herd. The farm, which is operated by family members, has been organic since 1996. Transitioning the farmland through the generations hasn’t always been easy.

Today, where access to farmland is one of the biggest barriers of entry into agriculture, inheriting a family farm is a huge advantage. My family has worked hard to find ways to ensure that anyone in the next generation who wants to be involved will be able to participate in the farm business, and that older family members who are retiring are also provided for. My life has been shaped by the farm and our mission is to make things better for the next generation.

Farming — in some ways — is like what politics should be. Like farmers, our representatives should work hard to build something together. Just as farmers do, politicians should develop partnerships based on trust and experience. At Wilson Organic Farms, we believe our work needs to be thoughtful, attentive to the land and directed by integrity so the farm can deliver lasting results for generations to come. I want my elected official to be guided by the same principles.

That’s why I’m voting for Lisa White for Wisconsin in the August 11th primary election. Lisa, who grew up on a family farm in Potosi, knows the value of hard work and the importance of showing up to support your neighbor. I trust Lisa to lead with integrity and to make legislative decisions based on creating a better future for grandchildren and generations to come.