Meet the Candidates - Olivia Lulich:

My enthusiasm for agriculture is deeply rooted in the fond memories of summers spent at my grandparents’ farm in Mason, Wisconsin. My Grandpa and Grandma Lulich were a proud component of the 99 percent of family-owned dairy farms in Wisconsin. Their love for the land and their work ethic left a lasting impression on me, as I vividly remember helping feed calves and milk cows. These experiences taught me to respect not only nature but those who work selflessly in production agriculture.

Those summers ignited a passion within me to create my own agricultural story. At the age of 9, I found myself pleading with my dad to buy me my first market lambs to show at the county fair. He agreed, but on one condition: I had to eat lamb in order to understand the purpose of a meat animal project. That moment marked the beginning of my journey. In 2010, my brother, Ethan, and I started Lulich Show Stock, a business dedicated to raising market lambs and beef cattle. We now focus on the beef side, as we have 35 cows in our care.

This entrepreneurial spirit led me to become an active member of 4-H and FFA. It was through these organizations that I discovered my love for advocating for agriculture, and I soon became a volunteer educator for Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom. I held several leadership roles on club and chapter officer teams, initiated a cattle jackpot show, served as one of nine students on the National 4-H Leadership Team, and attained my American FFA Degree.

My journey continued at Iowa State University, where I immersed myself in organizations like Block and Bridle, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the International Sales Team, and CALS Ambassadors. Internships at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection broadened my agricultural knowledge.

Last May, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Education, and today, I proudly hold the role of agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Viroqua Area Schools. My mission continues to advocate for agriculture and motivate the next generation to understand and appreciate the industry.

From childhood farm visits to FFA chapter leadership, agriculture has been the driving force of my life. I am honored to be a part of Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agricultural industry and inspired to impact its future leaders.