MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on Oct 18th, announced his appointment of Rachel Bouressa to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. 

“Our farmers and our state’s agricultural industry are vital to Wisconsin’s culture, heritage, and economy—and the Natural Resources Board is a critical partner in our work to conserve farmland, bolster sustainable farming practices, and ensure the growth and success of our state’s economy,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m excited that Rachel Bouressa will bring her wealth of experience and expertise in agriculture and environmental science to the Board.”

Bouressa grew up on a fifth-generation dairy farm in central Wisconsin. She received degrees in agronomy and environmental science at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison and took part in the Agroecology M.S. Program. In 2014, after a barn fire, Bouressa left UW-Madison and returned to the farm near New London, where she practices management intensive rotational grazing with her herd of about 90 head of British White Park cattle on roughly 120 acres of her family’s land and regularly engages with the community and hosts farm tours and events. Bouressa is the director at large on the Wisconsin Farmers Union board, a member of the local farmers union and farm bureau chapters, and an FFA Alumni and Supporters member. Bouressa also serves as project coordinator at GrassWorks, where she was formerly vice president, as well as co-coordinator for the Central Wisconsin Graziers Network. Bouressa is also a farmer mentor with the Wisconsin Women in Conservation initiative.

“As a fifth-generation farmer and an advocate for farming and preserving our natural resources, I’ve always had a passion for the connection between agriculture and conservation,” said Bouressa. “I am honored to represent our farmers on the Natural Resources Board and am excited to learn and get to work.”

A photo of Bouressa is available here.