Kelly Wilfert, Extension Farm Law Outreach Specialist
The Division of Extension Farm Management Program provides educational programs, resources, and tools to support farm business decision-making—from financial management and human resources to safety and farm law.
As an Extension Farm Law Outreach Specialist in the Farm Management Program, Kelly Wilfert plays a key role in helping farmers navigate complex legal questions. With many rural communities in Wisconsin facing a shortage of attorneys, Kelly helps bridge the gap by connecting farmers with legal professionals and helping them better understand how farm law impacts their operations.
Kelly grew up on a 700-acre farm in northeastern Wisconsin, raising fresh market fruits and vegetables, cash grain, and processing vegetables. She earned her B.S. in Agriculture and Applied Economics and Life Sciences Communication from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Law School. She is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. In 2023, Kelly left private practice to join Extension, drawn by the opportunity to help people without the constraints of billable hours. Through her work, she has found new ways to support farmers in making informed decisions.
“I get to help farmers understand the building blocks of legal risk and legal education so they can have better conversations with attorneys, better conversations with their business partners, and ultimately make an informed decision,” Wilfert shared.
Kelly’s work spans a wide range of topics, including farm transition planning, contracts, legal liability, and emerging laws and regulations affecting agriculture. She values the opportunity to talk through questions with farmers and help them prepare for conversations with legal professionals—often saving them time and expense.
Currently, Kelly is leading ag attorney focus groups to better understand why farmers do—or do not—seek legal counsel. Insights from this research will help shape resources that support farmers in identifying legal risks and preparing for productive conversations with attorneys.
Last fall, Wilfert hosted a webinar on the potential tax implications of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and what it could mean for Wisconsin farms and agricultural businesses. A recording is available for those interested in learning more: go.wisc.edu/OB3webinar
In January, Kelly also participated in a panel at the 2026 Ag Forum | Trade and Wisconsin Farms Moderated Discussion, where panelists discussed how farmers can navigate challenges related to processor bankruptcy or default.
To contact Kelly or an Extension agriculture expert or ask a question, visit:
go.wisc.edu/ContactExtensionAgriculture