"I chose to major in agricultural business because my passion resides in agriculture. I chose ag business over other ag degrees because I noticed people have trouble, at times, understanding the relationship between business and farming. I hope to take over the family farm after college so I decided to go to college to get a degree that will hopefully help me improve and expand my goat dairy."

Reed Mertens is a 2021 Thorp High School graduate and will be continuing his education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The son of James and Kimberly, Reed was raised on dairy goat farm where his family milks 300 goats. He assists daily with milking, animal health, and feeding. His own herd of goats has grown to 30 head. Reed is also an accomplished outdoorsman. In the spring, he enjoys making maple syrup, fishing during the summer, and the fall hunting season. 

Mertens graduated first in his class with a 4.0 GPA. During his high school tenure, he was active in football, serving as team captain his junior and seniors years. He was also involved with track and field, FFA, National Honor Society, band, drama, the youth apprenticeship program, and the student run company of Sparks N' Sawdust. 

 

Congratulations to Reed! 
 

How you can help

The WROF, Inc. provides Bright Futures in Rural Wisconsin due to the expert management
of the WROF, Inc Endowment and GIFTS FROM YOU!

Give online http://www.wrof.org/donate or mail your check to WROF, PO Box 46522, Madison, WI 53744. Rural Wisconsin's strong future depends upon having bright, vibrant leaders and citizens in our rural communities. 100% of your gift to the WROF, Inc. goes directly to supporting the education of this future rural talent!  Please make your gift today to foster the vitality of rural Wisconsin. Thank you!  All gifts of $500 or more are matched to provide a $1000 scholarship to the school/major of your choice. For questions about giving please contact Marcy Heim, 608-772-6777 or [email protected] 

Change a lift today and foster vitality in rural Wisconsin!

In class or online, you are making sure rural Wisconsin students with financial need can go to school. Thank you for your partnership and support of the WROF, Inc! Because you are one of our stakeholders – a donor, current scholarship recipient, alumni recipient, parent, Board or Emeritus Board member, or educational partner, you are important to us and we want to stay connected with you. Thank you for fostering the vitality of rural Wisconsin. May you be well and in good spirits in this remarkable year.