Sauk County Leadership Institute Welcomes FAN Co-Founder

farmerangelnetwork
Apr 12
2 min read

Leadership in Nature at White Mound County Park

Plain, WI - April 10, 2025 - The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) participants recently visited White Mound County Park for their eighth session, diving into the theme of “Leadership in Nature, or Natural Leadership.” The goal was to create an immersive, outdoor-based leadership experience designed to cultivate strong, authentic leaders through connection with the natural environment.

Combining an outdoor adventure with meaningful dialogue, the program invited participants to step outside the traditional classroom and into Sauk County’s scenic landscapes at White Mound County Park.

Throughout the day, local leaders shared real-world insights that sparked deep reflection and action. To name a few in the lineup:

Dorothy Harms, co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, reminded participants that “out of tragedy comes action.” She shared the network’s mission to support mental health and resilience in farming communities through capacity building, community building, and outreach.
Paul Dietmann of Compeer Financial offered valuable insights into the financial pressures faced by Sauk County farms. He helped participants better understand the real economic challenges that local producers navigate every day and the leadership needed to sustain agriculture in our area.
Serge Koenig from Sauk County Land Resources and Environment encouraged participants to dig deeper and ask the big questions: “Why? What gets you out of bed? Why do you do what you do?” His message, grounded in personal motivation and sustainable farming practices, explored the benefits of managed grazing, highlighting the positive financial and environmental impacts it can bring to local farms and the broader community.

These conversations remind us that leadership is not just about titles or roles. It is about connection, purpose, and the courage to show up for others. The session received glowing reviews from participants, with many noting how impactful the guest speakers were. Dorothy Harms' message to "be purpose-driven and keep that focus" resonated deeply, and the mission of the Farmer Angel Network was particularly inspiring. One participant shared, "I love the mission of the Farmer Angel Network - what an amazing group." Another highlighted the value of hearing the Farmer Angel Network story, stating, "I really benefited from hearing this story." "They loved you and not many of our guest speakers get rated so highly on their first visit!"

The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) brings together potential leaders from various segments of the community in a program that empowers, engages, and equips participants to make a positive difference in Sauk County. Their goal is to develop dynamic leadership skills that transfer to county work, business growth, and community development.

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