Giving Back to the Cooperative and Rural Community
For 37 years, Kimberly Wedig has toiled tirelessly on the dairy farm she shares with her husband Joe in Darlington, Wis. From dawn ‘til dusk, her tasks range from milking duties to financial management to tending to the calf barn. However, she expanded her repertoire three years ago by joining the Compeer Financial Board of Directors.
For Wedig, the decision to embark on her first term was straightforward, owing in part to her longstanding relationship with Farm Credit and Compeer.
“Farm Credit has always supported us,” she said. “When Joe’s dad passed away six years after our marriage began, leaving us without a mentor, our financial officer took us under his wing. He wanted us to succeed and worked closely with us to ensure we had a viable operation.”
And succeed, they did. Over three decades, their modest 60- head operation has steadily grown into a 300-head dairy herd, a 200-head beef operation and 900 crop acres.
“We started out small and expanded gradually,” Wedig recalled. “Every day on the farm is unique, and that’s what I love about it. Raising our kids on the farm instilled a strong work ethic in them. The farm has been good to us.”
As they ventured into farming, the Wedigs formed a strong bond with their financial officer at Compeer, a relationship that’s left a lasting impression on Wedig.
“That support has stayed with me,” she explained. “I want Farm Credit and Compeer to remain this viable, awesome and strong organization for our family. Serving on the Compeer Financial Board of Directors demands commitment, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute.”
With three sons and a daughter, the Wedigs now work alongside their sons and are beginning to plan for the farm’s transition, freeing up time for Wedig to engage with the Board.
“Joining the Board has been a learning curve,” she said. “But I finally feel like I’m finding my place. I’ve gained insights from other Farm Credit board members from Associations across the nation and have made connections within the agricultural community. The Compeer directors have been supportive as I’m newer to the role. It’s incredible to see the Board’s passion to ensure the cooperative is strong and growing for the benefit of our member-owners.”
Wedig serves on the Compensation and Governance Committee, on the Corporate Giving Committee and as vice chair of the Young, Beginning and Small Farmer and Wisconsin Legislative Committees.
“There’s so much talent among young people and it’s rewarding to play a role in shaping their future,” she said.
Wedig’s history of giving back includes volunteering at local Extension office fairs and auctions, a role she values now that she has more time to lend a helping hand.
“Volunteering is important to me,” she said. “The success of any organization hinges on its members, and volunteering is a way to make your voice heard and create an impact. I appreciate the opportunity Compeer has provided me, and I look forward to what lies ahead.”
Become a Board Member
Learn more about how to become a Compeer Financial board member.