Bringing Farmers Together: FAN’s First Annual Appreciation Lunch

Wonewoc, WI - On Thursday, February 5, 2026, FAN held their first Annual Farmer Appreciation Lunch. This free luncheon was held at Club Chapparal from 12 – 2:30 pm and was attended by 120 Sauk County farmers and ag workers.  The goal of this gathering was to celebrate the dedication, resilience and vital contributions that they make while doing the important work of nourishing our families and sustaining our rural communities.

There was much conversation and mingling as attendees registered, received their swag bag and visited the 5 vendor tables from Compeer Financial, UW Extension, FAN, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and the Wisconsin Farm Center. The music of Randy Plunkett set a light and relaxed tone for the day. Dorothy Harms began by thanking everyone that contributed to making the day a success. Jodie Molitor spotlighted our full table sponsors of Lime Ridge Ag Supply, Narrows Valley Supply, River Valley Veterinary Clinic, Sauk County Farm Bureau, WCCU and Wisconsin Farm Center. Half table sponsors were Bank of prairie du Sac, Central Ag Supply, SSWIG (Sauk Co Soil & Water Improvement Group) and Sauk Prairie Healthcare. Dorothy highlighted our generous door prize sponsors of Compeer, Reedsburg True Value, Straka Meats, Hometown Fashions, and Buck Wild Coffee Co.

After a heartwarming invocation from Rev. Joe Meinholz, everyone enjoyed a hearty buffet of fried chicken, green beans and all the fixings. Cake was served just as we welcomed our guest speaker, Morgan McArthur. Morgan currently facilitates the Sauk County Institute of Leadership in his role with UW-Extension in Baraboo. His warm and funny message resonated well with everyone and tears of laughter filled the crowd.

Safety presentations were then shared from Reedsburg EMS on how to stop bleeding with a tourniquet, and from Reedsburg Fire Dept on how to use a fire extinguisher. FAN was pleased to supply tourniquets for 30 farm families. The day wrapped up with numerous door prizes being given and thank you’s shared again for all the wonderful supporters who helped ensure this luncheon would become an annual event.

We are so grateful for our community and sponsors coming together to support our local farmers and farm workers. The gratitude shared by farmers after the event was truly humbling. FAN received many notes and calls expressing thanks for the luncheon and for the work FAN does to support farmers and their families. Hearing how meaningful the day was—described by many as “spot on”—confirmed just how important it is to pause, connect, and say thank you.

Program Content

Booths

Prizes

Guests

Photos courtesy of Christy Updike and Brenda Statz