When you picture agriculture in northwest Wisconsin, you might think of rolling hills, red barns and quiet mornings broken only by the crow of a rooster, cows mooing or the rumbling engine of a tractor. But behind those familiar scenes are families—people who live and work in this community just like you—caring for the land, raising animals and growing the food that ends up on our tables. In fact, the most recent 2022 Census of Agriculture showed 95% of all U.S. farms are family-owned and operated, no matter the farm size.

Though I live in Polk County, I was encouraged to share this piece by friends in Pierce County who care about the same things we do—healthy communities, strong farms and practical solutions that make sense for rural Wisconsin. These conversations don’t stop at the county line, nor does the commitment to getting them right.

My perspective comes from a lifetime in agriculture. I grew up on a small dairy farm in east-central Wisconsin, where I learned early on how farms not only produce the food, fuel and fiber we all rely on, but also build the foundation of our rural communities. That experience led me to a career serving the dairy industry—both in agricultural policy and in the dairy supply chain.

Today, I have the privilege of representing the hardworking men and women of agriculture in Polk and Burnett counties as president of our local Farm Bureau. It’s a role that keeps me connected to the values I was raised with and the people who live them every day.

Animal agriculture has always been an essential part of our region’s identity. And like everything else, it’s evolved. Today’s farmers are balancing age-old traditions with modern tools and practices to care not only for their animals but for the land and water we all share. It's work that’s done thoughtfully and with a deep sense of responsibility.

That’s why conversations about conservation and land use matter—not just for farmers but for everyone. We all want the same things: clean water, healthy communities, and a strong future for our kids and grandkids. Where we differ sometimes is in how we get there.

There are already state-level requirements in place to ensure large farms operate responsibly. These include environmental impact reviews, manure management plans and regular oversight to help safeguard our shared resources. These policies are not optional—they’re part of doing business in agriculture today.

But when additional layers of regulation are added at the local level, especially without clear alignment with existing rules, it can create confusion—not just for farms but for local governments trying to navigate and enforce them. Worse, it can discourage the very collaboration we need to solve problems together.

We’ve seen time and again that empowering farmers—not just regulating them—is the best path forward. Groups like the Horse Creek Farmer-Led Watershed Council and the Western Wisconsin Conservation Council (WWCC) are leading the way, showing how voluntary, locally driven efforts can produce real results. WWCC’s 52 members have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4,643 metric tons—the equivalent of 1,105 cars driven for a year. They’ve also reduced phosphorus runoff by 94,978 lbs., potentially preventing 47.5 million lbs. of algae growth in local water bodies.

These are farmers testing conservation practices on their own land, working with researchers, and sharing what works with their neighbors. They’re planting cover crops, reducing erosion and improving soil health—not because they’re required to, but because they want to.

That’s a story worth telling. It shows that when we support farmers with the right tools, trust and partnerships, they rise to the challenge. They don’t just accept responsibility—they embrace it.

And let’s not forget: farmers are community members, too. They’re your neighbors, your classmates, your volunteer EMTs and your church council members. They drink the same water, drive the same roads and care deeply about the same future we all hope to build.

As we continue important conversations about conservation, land use and regulation, let’s do it the way we do most things in this part of the state—with common sense, mutual respect and a willingness to work together.

Farmers aren’t asking for a free pass. They’re simply asking to be part of the solution—and to be trusted as the capable, committed stewards they’ve proven themselves to be. When we choose partnership over pressure and empowerment over enforcement, we create a future that’s not only more sustainable but one that’s stronger, smarter and shared by all of us.

My ask is this: the next time agriculture is up for discussion—whether in town halls or at the kitchen table—I hope the conversation centers around trust and includes those working day after day in the barns and fields dotting our rural landscape. Local farmers aren’t looking for shortcuts—they’re looking for solutions. When we empower the people who work the land every day, we all benefit. Let’s keep those farmers in the conversation—not just because they deserve a voice, but because they’ve earned it.

Travis Senn grew up on a small dairy farm in rural east-central Wisconsin and now lives near Amery with his wife and three daughters. He has spent his career working for dairy farmers and currently serves as president of the Polk-Burnett County Farm Bureau.