Rural Route Dec 22 | Jan 23

LIKE A DIAMOND

RURAL MUTUAL

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s probably fitting that the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference is in December. The end of the year is the time when we reflect on all the blessings the year brought and make goals and plans for the new year.

This large, annual gathering at the Kalahari Conventions and Resorts brings together the Farm Bureau family for contests, time together, passionate speakers and policy discussions.

This year’s meeting gathered more than 1,100 members from across the state. I have a unique perspective at this combined event as I work mostly backstage and behind the scenes. My view is mostly of the large crowd that fills the banquet hall and all the happenings behind stage.

It’s an interesting perspective. I get to hear the crowd reactions and see the conversations happening among our members and guests.

I also get a very close view of our speakers and usually get to meet them one-on-one.

This year, one of our speakers, Alex Sheen, is a man who started a movement around promises kept after his father died of cancer. He helped us reflect on how we can help others and ultimately keep our word on things we say we will do.

We also had Braxton Nielsen who walked across the stage even though he was told there was a very small chance he would ever walk again. As a rodeo bareback rider who was injured prior to leaving the gate, he gave a great perspective that no one is exempt from bad things happening, but your future is determined by how you react to things that happen to you.

Even our entertainer on Saturday evening, Tim Gabrielson, reminded us that life is hard. He encouraged us to take time to laugh and break away from the everyday mundane and toughness.

As you reflect on your year, I hope you can give yourself grace. I hope that you can take pride in what you have accomplished this year, your goals for next year, and be proud of your connection to Farm Bureau and the achievements of the organization.

As you set goals for the upcoming year, why not set one to volunteer an hour more, attend one more Farm Bureau event or donate a dollar more to a good cause. We can always do better, even in the smallest of ways.

As the holiday season comes, I wish your family peace and joy. Enjoy the small things and the time together with family and friends.

Cheers to a new year!

Thanks for reading,

Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Route

Editor

Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706

Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707

Contributors

Cassie Sonnentag - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721

Address of Publication

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550

Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550

Contact Information

608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info@wfbf.com

WFBF Board of Directors

Kevin Krentz, Berlin (President)

Joe Bragger, Independence (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove

Arch Morton Jr., Janesville

Robert Nigh, Viroqua

Rosie Lisowe, Chilton

Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford

Brad Olson, Frederic

Brenda Dowiasch, Augusta (Promotion and Education Committee Chair)

Savannah Henke, Black River Falls (YFA Committee Chair)

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 1082-1368) (USPS 39940), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February|March, April|May, June|July, August|September, October|November and December|January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

For advertising rates and information:

Wisconsin accounts contact Slack Attack at 608.222.7630 or barbara@slackattack.com.

National accounts contact Casey McNeal at 800.798.2691 ext. 334 or casey@iafalls.com. For general inquiries, contact Amy Eckelberg at 608.828.5706 or aeckelberg@wfbf.com.

ANNUAL MEETING

board representing District 7 (Langlade, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano and Waupaca counties).

Ryan Klussendorf of Medford in Taylor County was re-elected to a threeyear term on the board representing District 8 (Clark, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Price, Taylor and Wood counties).

Krentz Re-elected

WFBF President

Kevin Krentz was elected president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. He is a dairy farmer from Berlin in Waushara County.

Kevin was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 2012 to represent District 5, which includes: Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties.

Kevin is president of Krentz Family Dairy, Inc. He started his farming career in 1994 when he purchased his father’s 60 cows. He grew the farm to 600 cows and 1,300 acres of crops.

Kevin and his wife, Holly, have a daughter and three sons.

Joe Bragger from Independence in Buffalo County was elected to serve as vice president. He succeeds Dave Daniels of Union Grove in Kenosha County.

Brian Preder of Weyauwega in Waupaca County was re-elected to a three-year term on the

Brad Olson of Frederic in Polk County was elected to a three-year term on the board representing District 9 (Barron, Dunn, Chippewa, Pierce, Polk Burnett, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer and Superior Shore counties). Brad and his wife Vicky farm more than 600 acres of crops and are members of PolkBurnett Farm Bureau. He succeeds Peter Kimball of Baldwin in Pierce County.

Nine of the 11 members of the WFBF Board of Directors are farmers elected in each of Farm Bureau’s nine districts. These nine individuals also make up the board of directors for the Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Rounding out the WFBF’s board are the chairs of WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist and Promotion and Education Committees, both of which are elected to serve a one-year term on the board.

Brenda Dowiasch from Eau Claire County was re-elected to a one-year term as the chair of the Promotion and Education Committee and will serve as the representative on the board.

Savannah Henke of Black River Falls in Jackson County was elected to a one-year term as chair of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee and will serve as the representative on the board. She succeeds Bob Nash of Ozaukee County as YFA Chair.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board Directors who were not up for reelection included: Dave Daniels of Union Grove in Kenosha County, Arch Morton Jr. of Janesville in Rock County, Robert Nigh of Viroqua in Vernon County, Joe Bragger of Independence in Buffalo County, Kevin Krentz of Berlin in Waushara County and Rosie Lisowe of Chilton in Calumet County.

Bragger Elected Vice President Olson, Henke New Faces on WFBF Board

Olson

Bragger

Henke

Wisconsin Farm Bureau

Delegates Set Policy for 2023

On Dec. 5, more than 230 delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Annual Meeting established new policy directives for the organization.

Farm Bureau delegates adopted the policies that will be included in the organization’s policy book in 2023. Resolutions were submitted by delegates as part of a grassroots policy development process.

On the floor, delegates discussed various dairy topics. They voted to oppose de-pooling of milk by processors. During dairy policy discussion, delegates supported giving farmers more access to consumers through the sale of raw milk only if the farm meets Grade A requirements and national standards.

Under the area of education, delegates supported posthigh school education opportunities for students returning to the farm, including an in-person Farm and Industry Short Course program at a Wisconsin agriculture campus. Support for a 4-H program in each county also was approved.

Delegates discussed transportation concerns and seasonal accessibility to roads. In order to help create revenue to support transportation initiatives, delegates discussed and approved an alternative way to support transportation in the biennial state budget.

To support rural communities delegates approved exempting ambulance and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) districts and services from levy limits. Delegates also approved the elimination of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Test (NREMT) for Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) level first responders.

On the federal level, delegates supported FDA enforcing its current standard of identity of milk. Delegates also discussed and supported animal-based meat protein in USDA-supported school lunch programs at all times.

• Indemnification of farmers if PFAS and PFOS are found to exceed acceptable levels thus making farming non-viable.

• Implementing sustainability practices while ensuring the costs associated with those practices are spread across the supply chain and not only to the farmer.

On the federal level, delegates:

• Opposed more restrictive changes to the current atrazine levels.

• Supported inter-seeding cover crop practices without insurance coverage restrictions on the first insurable crop.

The federal resolutions will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation

Delegates from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 61 county Farm Bureaus also supported:

for consideration at its annual convention next month.

ANNUAL MEETING

Holte Receives Distinguished Service Award

On Dec. 5, Jim Holte received the ‘Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture’ award during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells for his outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.

Holte retired as President of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company Boards in 2019. That same year he also retired from the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

“In all of his roles Jim worked tirelessly to make agriculture a top priority for the state of Wisconsin,” said nominator and WFBF Vice President Dave Daniels.

Jim started his farming career as dairy farmer before eventually transitioning to a beef and grain farmer.

In 1995, he was elected to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Board to represent District 9, which includes the counties of Barron, Dunn, Chippewa, Pierce, Polk Burnett, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer and Superior Shores. In 2012, he was elected president of WFBF and Rural Mutual Insurance and continued in that position for seven years.

During his tenure, Jim represented agriculture in numerous ways. For example, he hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on his family’s farm, provided testimony to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on modernizing the Endangered Species Act in Washington, D.C., and appeared dozens of times on RFD-TV and other media outlets.

Jim also was a member of Wisconsin Rural Leadership and served on the board to keep the program a mainstay to develop leaders for rural Wisconsin.

As a graduate of UW-River Falls, Jim was named Wisconsin Distinguished Agriculturist by the Collage of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences in 2015.

“Jim embodies Wisconsin agriculture and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Jim is extremely deserving of this award.”

Jim and his wife Gayle live in the Elk Mound area. They enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters and their families.

“Jim embodies Wisconsin agriculture and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.”

- Kevin Krentz, WFBF President

(from left:) Erin Holzbauer, Gayle Holte, Jim Holte and Jen Birkholz.

Geigers Earn Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Highest Honor

Manitowoc County Farm Bureau members

Rosalie and Randy Geiger received the highest award Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation bestows upon its members.

Rosalie and her family were presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s ‘Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau’ award during the organization’s Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 4.

“Because of their dedication to the Farm Bureau organization and agriculture I am extremely pleased to recognize Rosalie and Randy for their distinguished service to Farm Bureau,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Although Randy died in 2019, it doesn’t diminish his legacy and input to the dairy industry across the nation and around the globe but also his passion for serving others. His passion was contagious.”

Rosalie and Randy’s farming careers began in 1969. In 1981, they moved to a farm near Reedsville that has been owned by Rosalie’s ancestors since 1867. Ran-Rose Dairy was known for a fine herd of registered Holsteins where cows, heifers and embryos are marketed around the world. The family grew 360 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat.

Besides the county and state Farm Bureau and the agricultural community, many organizations benefited from Rosalie and Randy’s knowledge and dedication including Milk Marketing Board or now, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, World Dairy Expo, National Milk Producers Federation, Wisconsin Agri-Business Council, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Holstein Association and the National Dairy Board, just to name a few.

“The time and dedication that Rosalie and Randy gave to the agricultural community and Farm Bureau is a true testament to Rosalie receiving Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to

Farm Bureau award and to Randy’s memory and honor,” said Manitowoc County Farm Bureau President Brent Sinkula. Sinkula added that he still uses one of Randy’s membership selling points when recruiting Farm Bureau members and to encourage board members to make the county board’s membership goals, “If everyone brings in just one member, we got this.”

The Geiger family are true believers in the importance of cooperation and the value of serving others.

Randy and Rosalie’s children and grandchildren include son Corey and his wife Krista Knigge of rural Mukwonago; and daughter Angela Zwald and her husband and their three children, Mary, Allison and Zachary, of rural Beaver Dam.

“The time and dedication that Rosalie and Randy gave to the agricultural community and Farm Bureau is a true testament to Rosalie receiving Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau award and to Randy’s memory and honor.”

- Brent Sinkula, Manitowoc County Farm Bureau President

Rosalie and Randy at the 2018 WFBF Annual Meeting.

Young Farmer and Agriculturist

FARM BUREAU® LEADERS PRESERVING AGRICULTURE

CONGRATULATIONS

Thirty-five individuals were selected as Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 Under 35 Award finalists. The award was presented by WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.

The 35 Under 35 program recognizes the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in environmental, social and economic activities.

Applications were evaluated for the applicant’s involvement in one of five categories with a top individual selected in each.

• Sustainable Environment: Recognizes individuals who are good stewards of the land and their resources. • Sustainable Service: Recognizes individuals who help farmers improve and meet their goals. • Sustainable Self: Recognizes individuals who go above and beyond for their community and employees.

• Sustainable Storytelling: Recognizes individuals who use their platform to share agriculture’s sustainability successes. • Sustainable Future: Recognizes individuals who are setting up the next generation for success both on and off the farm.

ANNUAL MEETING ANNUAL MEETING

Tomandls Receive Leopold Conservation Award®

J

oe and Christy Tomandl of Medford have been selected as the recipients of the 2022 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Dairy farmers Joe and Christy Tomandl were revealed as this year’s award recipient during the Nov. 17 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. They received $10,000 and a crystal award. A video celebrating their conservation success was premiered during the WFBF Annual Meeting on Dec. 4.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Culver’s, Compeer Financial, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

About Joe and Christy Tomandl

Agriculture and education go hand-in-hand for Joe and Christy Tomandl; so do grazing and dairy farming.

Joe and Christy grew up on dairy farms before meeting in college where they were studying to become teachers. They taught agriculture to middle and high schoolers before pursuing their own dairy farm dreams. They bought 40 cows and 80 acres near Joe’s hometown of Medford, while expecting their first child.

Joe grew up on a dairy farm where cattle were grazed. He felt that grazing made the most sense, economically and environmentally, for a beginning dairy farmer.

Joe and Christy had a conservation plan in place before their first day of farming. With planning and financial assistance from the Taylor County Land Conservation Department and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, they built

infrastructure to rotationally graze cattle. Pastures were seeded with perennial forages. Travel lanes, fencing and waterlines were built, and a large wetland was restored.

The Tomandls even chose to raise a dairy breed known for its grazing efficiency, New Zealand Friesians. The cows are fed harvested perennial forages during the winter. A managed grazing system for the herd protects the farm’s woodlands and wetlands, and grazing is delayed in some areas for grassland nesting birds.

The Tomandls exceeded the soil conservation requirements of Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program. Their cropland’s soil erosion rate is nearly zero. The University of Wisconsin’s Marshfield Agricultural Research Station called the couple’s system the gold standard in soil health for coupling farm profitability with environmental benefits like improved water infiltration and proven carbon sequestration. As an organic farm, the lack of pesticide use improves pollinator habitat in its pastures.

The Tomandls adeptly balanced the conservation and business planning as the farm grew to 180 cows on 320 acres by 2010. That same year, Joe drew on his agricultural education roots to spearhead a grazing apprenticeship in Wisconsin.

Joe developed a two-year, work-based program that links aspiring graziers with dairy farmers. He laments the consolidation of dairy farming, as fewer dairies erode infrastructure and leadership in rural communities. This inspired him to design a structured pathway to transfer knowledge, skills and farms to the next generation.

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship was registered as a national apprenticeship by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015. As its executive director, Joe oversees more than 200 approved training farms in 15 states.

When the opportunity to grow their own farm came up, the Tomandls didn’t just build another freestall barn to milk more cows. Instead, the couple established a second 180-cow farm on 200 acres nearby in 2015 and added yet another 175-cow dairy on 200 acres of pasture in 2020.

Joe and Christy are achieving what they first set out to do as agriculture teachers. They are providing an obtainable path for future dairy farmers, which brings people back to rural communities.

By only grazing as many cows as their land can sustain, they are improving soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat. When it comes to conservation, the Tomandls are at the head of the class.

ISSUES ISSUES Farm Bureau Board and Staff Preview Campaign School

On Oct. 28, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board members and staff, as well as representatives from the Wisconsin Towns Association, Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association and the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association participated in a day-long preview of the Farm Bureau Campaign School.

The Farm Bureau Campaign School is a non-partisan seminar to teach candidates and their teams how to build a successful campaign. Candidates, campaign managers and spouses are encouraged to attend together to build a strong team that understands the strategy, philosophy and communication that successful candidates need to win elections.

WFBF plans to host Farm Bureau Campaign School on Oct. 11-12, 2023.

This is a two-day intensive seminar on how to run for an elected office. Candidates for local seats such as school board or county board of supervisors, state legislature and governor can learn how to create and run a successful campaign.

Additional details for Farm Bureau’s Campaign School will be provided in 2023.

If you are interested in running for office, please consider Farm Bureau’s Campaign School as a resource to help you build a solid foundation for your campaign efforts.

WFBF Announces Sustainability Statement and Resources

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is proud to announce an organization-wide sustainability statement and additional resources for farmers.

“Wisconsin agriculture is a standout state in sustainability efforts due to our research availability, farmer-led watershed groups and progressive conversations at various levels of the supply chain,” said WFBF Kevin Krentz “Wisconsin Farm Bureau has been working hard to highlight and support sustainability for many years, but we have recently put extra emphasis on this area because of member needs. We have been adding resources and communications for our members while also building consumer and media outreach in this area.”

The statement was created by a small group of Farm Bureau members that are engaged in sustainability and conservation on their farms and in their communities. These members included Pete Badkte, Green Lake County; Lindsay Baneck, Jefferson County; Joe Bragger, Buffalo County; Ray Diedrich, Brown County; Robert Nigh, Crawford County; Tony Peirick, Dodge County; Chris Pollack, Fond du Lac County; AV Roth, Crawford County; and Leslie Svacina, St. Croix County.

WFBF’s statement directly states how the organization interprets the broad area of sustainability. The statement is as follows:

“At Wisconsin Farm Bureau, we all have a responsibility to make a positive impact to protect our natural resources and preserve our livelihood and communities to ensure the success of future generations.”

The statement highlights the three pillars of sustainability –environmental conservation, economic viability and community involvement. Farm Bureau members are innovators and conservation leaders. They are involved in their communities and fueling local economies. Finally, Farm Bureau members are passing their legacies on to the next generation.

“Sustainability is unique and relative to each community, each farm and each family. This statement outlines our priorities as an organization and defines what sustainability means to us as farmers and agriculturists on the frontlines,” added Krentz.

The sustainability statement is housed on a new webpage

on the WFBF website. This webpage will serve as a hub for sustainability and conservation-related information. It is a tool for members and farmers to find upcoming events, new ideas and other resources related to preserving the future of agriculture. The permanent hub of information for members can be found at wfbf.com/programs/sustainability/.

During the organization’s annual meeting a video presentation was shown with comments by American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “We applaud Wisconsin Farm Bureau for their commitment to sharing agriculture’s sustainability story. You are setting a great example for others to follow, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next,” said Duvall.

Events for 2023 are already in the works including a food processing tour focused on sustainability in February. WFBF also will launch a new newsletter early next year.

These resources are in addition to WFBF’s educational resources being distributed through Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom and consumer outreach efforts through WFBF’s media partners and digital tools.

If you are interested in learning more about WFBF’s sustainability initiatives and activities, please contact Rachel Gerbitz, WFBF Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships, rgerbitz@wfbf.com or 608.828.5709.

“At Wisconsin Farm Bureau, we all have a responsibility to make a positive impact to protect our natural resources and preserve our livelihood and communities to ensure the success of future generations.”

156 Volunteers Sign 551 New Members

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation wrapped up the 2022 membership year on Sept. 30 with total membership of 47,331 members, a gain of 501 members over 2021. This was WFBF’s largest membership gain since 2013.

Farm Bureau membership is comprised of voting and associate members. Voting members are farmers with direct involvement in production agriculture, and owners of agricultural property. Associate members are individuals or businesses who join Farm Bureau to use services and benefits and to support the work of the organization.

WFBF finished the year with 22,664 voting members and 24,667 associate members.

Forty-four of the 61 county Farm Bureaus reported a membership gain, led by Clark, Portage and Wood counties. Forty-four county Farm Bureaus also reported an increase in voting members. The largest increases in voting membership came in Iowa, Portage and Washington counties.

Farm Bureau membership volunteers stepped up their efforts in 2022, signing up more than 550 new members.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation wrapped up the 2022 membership year on Sept. 30 with total membership of 47,331 members.

Polk Burnet t Farm Bureau

IT TAKES A TEAM

Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 2023 membership campaign is underway, with the theme ‘It Takes a Team,’ featuring a head-to-head competition among the nine Farm Bureau districts to sign up new and past-due members, reach county membership goals and earn points toward winning the yearlong competition. Each district has selected a team name and logo. Points are scored as follows:

• From Oct. 1 – March 31, Farm Bureau volunteers score two points for their team for every new member signed, and one point for every past-due membership renewal that a volunteer

collects. Each district team will also earn 10 points for each county that reaches its Early Bird goal by March 31.

• From April 1 – Sept. 30, Farm Bureau volunteers score two points for their team for every new member signed, and two points for every membership renewal that a volunteer collects. District teams will earn 10 points for each county that reaches a gain in voting members and an additional 10 points if their team captain (District Board Director) signs five new members and is part of the Farm Bureau Proud Club.

Learn more at wfbf.com/membership/membership-volunteer-hub.

Top Membership Workers Recognized at Annual Meeting

Mike Strupp, with his wife Marian, represented Washington County as a top 10 membership worker.

John Falk from Washington County earned a spot in the Farm Bureau Proud Club by signing at least five new members. He is pictured with his wife, Tiffany.

Christina Winch represented Grant County in the Farm Bureau Proud Club. She attended with her husband, Peter.

Krista Dolan from Iowa County earned a spot in the Farm Bureau Proud Club by signing at least five new members. She is pictured with her husband, Ryan.

Outstanding Collegiate and YFA Members Recognized

Kelly Oudenhoven Earns Farming for the Future Award

KellyOudenhoven was selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Farming for the Future Award at the organization’s 103 rd Annual Meeting on Dec. 4.

Kelly is co-owner and herd manager of Larrand Dairy in Outagamie County. Kelly and her husband Keith are the fourth generation to carry on the legacy of their family farm where they milk 450 Holsteins and grow crops on 950 acres. Together, they have four children, Josie, Jack, Allison and Clayton. Recently, Kelly opened a farm store, Larrand Specialty Farm Products, and sells direct to consumers.

“This contest recognizes Young Farmer and Agriculturist members who excel in their farming, leadership ability and involvement in Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Kelly is an outstanding advocate for agriculture.”

The Farming for the Future Award is presented to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 who has derived a majority of his or her income from on-farm production.

Kelly is on the Outagamie County Farm Bureau board of directors and serves as the Ag in the Classroom coordinator and Promotion and Education chair.

She will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., the opportunity to attend the 2023 AFBF FUSION Conference in Jacksonville, Florida, is eligible to participate in the 2023 YFA

Washington, D.C., Fly-In and be a guest of WFBF at the 2023 YFA Conference.

Other participants included: Dustin and Ashley Ellis of Buffalo County; Heather Erdman of Eau Claire County and Stephanie Abts of Manitowoc County.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation co-sponsors this award with GROWMARK, Inc., and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. This is a new Wisconsin Farm Bureau award replacing the Achievement Award competition.

Rachel Harmann Tops YFA Discussion Meet

reach a solution on current issues affecting agriculture.

Rachel is a volunteer engagement representative for the American Red Cross. She raises and shows registered beef cattle with her husband and sons.

Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from UW-River Falls. She serves as Door County Farm Bureau’s vice president and local affairs chair. She is participating in AFBF’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership program; was an Alice in Dairyland finalist; Master of Beef Advocacy graduate; Wisconsin Beef Ambassador and graduated of WFBF’s Leadership Institute Class XIV.

Rachel Harmann of Door County Farm Bureau was selected as the winner of the 2022 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist Discussion Meet contest during the organization’s 103 rd Annual Meeting on Dec. 4.

The Discussion Meet contest is a panel discussion in which Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are judged on their ability to express their ideas and opinions and

Rachel will represent Wisconsin during the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in January. She will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., is eligible to participate in the 2023 YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In and be a guest of WFBF at the 2023 YFA Conference.

Along with awards from Farm Bureau, Rural Mutual Insurance and GROWMARK, the winner was presented a chainsaw courtesy of Blain’s Farm and Fleet.

The other Discussion Meet finalists were Sarah Hetke of Sauk County; Erin O’Toole of Dodge County; and Kallie Coates of Racine County.

Christa Hoffman Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award

Brad have two young children and live near Gresham on the family’s dairy farm.

“This contest recognizes Young Farmer and Agriculturist members going above and beyond for agriculture and within their communities,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Christa is a shining example of the impact Farm Bureau members have in rural areas.”

The Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award is presented to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 who has not derived a majority of his or her income from a farm for the past three years. Examples of occupations of ideal applicants include agricultural education instructor, fertilizer salesperson, veterinarian, farm employee, journalist or marketer.

Christa serves on the Shawano County Farm Bureau board of directors and is the co-chair for Brunch on the Farm.

Christa Hoffman was selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award at the organization’s 103rd Annual Meeting on Dec. 4.

Christa is a business development administrator at URUS. She manages grant-funded projects focused on improving cattle management practices on farms in emerging markets. Working for a global cattle genetics company, her primary focus is establishing new commercial markets while providing access to artificial insemination to make long-term impacts on production and profitability of farms. Christa and her husband

She will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., the opportunity to attend the 2023 AFBF FUSION Conference in Jacksonville, Florida, and is eligible to participate in the 2023 YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In.

Other participants included: Amy Silver of Green County; Julie Wadzinski of Barron County and Julie Sweney of Dodge County.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation co-sponsors this contest with GROWMARK, Inc., and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. This is a new Wisconsin Farm Bureau award replacing the Excellence in Ag competition.

Michelle Stangler Wins Collegiate Discussion Meet

Michelle Stangler, a student at UW-River Falls, was selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 103rd Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 4.

Michelle is a junior at UW-River Falls studying agricultural marketing communications and journalism. She was born and raised on a small dairy farm near Watertown and was active in both 4-H and FFA, serving as a Wisconsin FFA State Officer in 2019-2020. Michelle is passionate about agriculture communications and currently serves as reporter for her Collegiate Farm Bureau and is a past Ag Day on Campus co-chair.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet is a panel discussion in which collegiate members are judged on their ability to lead a committee discussion on current issues affecting agriculture and to develop consensus on an action plan to effectively address issues.

By participating, members build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach a consensus and solve problems.

Michelle will receive a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., and will represent Wisconsin in the national Collegiate Discussion Meet held in conjunction

with the American Farm Bureau FUSION conference in Jacksonville, Florida, in March.

Other finalists included Nicole Broege and Ethan Jackowski from UW-Madison; Mindy Smits and Isaac Ward from UWPlatteville; and Amy Jentges from UW-River Falls.

from the 103rd Annual Meeting

Like a Diamond

ZIMBAL MINK RAISES WORLD-RENOWNED MINK THROUGH

ENVIRONMENTALLY-SOUND PRACTICES

Near the shore of Lake Michigan lies a not-so-hidden gem in Wisconsin agriculture. Zimbal Mink is a fourth-generation mink ranch and home to some of the most highly sought-after mink in the world.

“We have a reputation and are known for our quality,” said Valerie Zimbal. “We strive to maintain a consistent, high quality, luxury fur.”

Valerie’s great-grandfather, Robert, planted his farming roots in Sheboygan County in 1940. While serving in the Korean War, Robert wrote to his fiancée, Audrey, that he would like to build a mink ranch with her. On August 24, 1954, he returned home, married Audrey and they received five pastel mink as a wedding present.

Today, Zimbal Mink is an award-winning ranch housing more than 400,000 certifiable mink. The Zimbal family raises premium mink that are sold internationally to designers and consumers alike.

Wisconsin leads the nation in fur production, due largely to its climate, location and food access.

“Mink need access to fresh food, particularly meat,” said Valerie. Not only do they thrive here because of the climate, but they have access to healthy diets and fresh water. Mink rely on high-quality food sources to grow nice, thick, silky coats.”

Despite growing up on the ranch, Valerie’s love for fashion and creativity led her to fashion school in New York

from fur. Zimbal Mink works closely with the Alice in Dairyland. Valerie also travels throughout the world to meet with buyers and designers who use Zimbal products.

The Zimbals are active participants in the Fur Commission USA’s Humane Herd Certification Program. The program ensures that the care, feed, housing and management of the herd meets criteria standards to continue raising some of the highest quality mink in the world.

However, mink ranching does not come without its challenges. A proposed amendment to a federal bill proposed in early 2022 would have banned the purchase, sale and transportation of mink.

“As farmers, we have to keep an eye on policy,” said Valerie. “That is why it is so important that organizations like Farm Bureau understand and support us to keep us moving forward.”

The coronavirus pandemic had a monumental impact on mink ranches across the world, as mink are highly susceptible to disease.

“Pelts are sold on live auction, but COVID brought that to a halt. It devastated our industry,” Valerie explained. “And then came the war between Russia and Ukraine.”

Both Russia and Ukraine are large markets for fur. Russian sanctions and the ongoing war continue to impact global mink sales.

City. That same love is what brought her back to Zimbal Mink where she now manages the farm’s public relations efforts and puts her skills to work with the fur. She said it is a rewarding career that she is proud to be a part of.

“We have built incredible connections with people both in the state and internationally,” Valerie said. “Mink is a small international industry.”

Despite challenges, Valerie said her family is tremendously passionate about the work that they do.

“There is a common misconception that mink ranching is cruel, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Valerie said. “This is our livelihood. We take great pride in the care we are providing these animals and are very passionate about what we do.”

Story by Cassie Sonnentag & Rachel Gerbitz

Zimbal Mink is a fourth-generation family-owned and operated mink farm located in Sheboygan County. The family raises more than 400,000 mink that have some of the most desirable fur in the world.

Same Goals, New Generation

Carrying on the tradition of their ancestors while providing high-quality mink pelts for the global market remains a priority for Zimbal Mink.

When Valerie’s great-grandparents started Zimbal Mink, their goal was to raise healthy animals that provide quality garments. This starts with the highest standard of care for the animals.

“Fifty years later, we still have the same goals,” Valerie said. “The quality is reflected in the care we give them. Our main goal is to keep the mink healthy, stress-free and give them access to clean water”

Zimbal’s participation in the Fur Commission Humane Care Farm Certification Program puts them at the forefront of transparency and sustainability.

Mink are natural recyclers. These composting critters keep food that is not fit for human consumption out of landfills by consuming byproducts of fish, cheese, eggs and meat production. They save hundreds of thousands of tons of food from ending up in landfills every year.

Mink require a high-protein diet comprised of mostly raw meat. Access to high-quality meat and cheese byproducts helps to create a consistent high-quality feed for the mink. Zimbal’s location within an hour of Green Bay gives them ample access to meat and cheese byproducts to feed. Food companies and processors also benefit from this partnership because they receive a small premium for products that would otherwise be wasted.

Mink require access to fresh, high-quality food sources to maintain a healthy coat. Zimbal mink use byproducts of fish, cheese, eggs and meat in their herd’s daily diet.

Nothing is wasted throughout the mink’s lifecycle. When the fur has been harvested, mink meat is used for rendering and oils are used in various cosmetics.

Meeting and exceeding the high standards of care for the mink leads to producing the best quality mink pelts in the world. It is a great reflection on the family’s caretaking abilities. “Mink are like a high-end restaurant: you need a good location, server, host, ingredients, chef and ambiance. If anything is missing, it takes away from the experience,” Valerie explained. “The same goes for mink: they need a good environment, quality feed and excellent care to raise highquality pelts. That starts with us on the farm.”

The mink’s lifetime is as sustainable as the garment it creates.

There is no comparison to the quality product created from real fibers. Once the coat has retired, unlike synthetic material, mink coats are biodegradable.

Mink garments tend to be passed down from generation to generation, just as the legacy of Zimbal mink has been carried on from Valerie’s great-grandparents. A well-maintained mink garment will last decades.

Whether here in Wisconsin or in designs across the globe, Zimbal mink continues to be the fur industry’s most coveted not-so-hidden gem.

“High-quality fur is like a diamond,” Valerie said. “It’s an investment, but lasts a lifetime.”

MEMBERSHIP

Member Saves on Car Rental During International Trip

It’s easy for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members to receive up to 35% off of Avis base rates with Avis Worldwide Discount.

Sauk County Farm Bureau member Dorothy Harms benefited from the discount while enjoying a trip to Germany with her sister to research their ancestors.

a reservation. Avis Car Rental operates one of the world’s bestknown car rental brands with approximately 5,450 locations in more than 165 countries.

“Until I started doing some research prior to our trip I wasn’t aware that I could use the Farm Bureau Avis member benefit in a foreign country,” added Dorothy.

She explained that using the Avis member benefit is easy to use.

“The code was easy to submit for discounted pricing for our rental car,” explained Dorothy.

Dorothy is a life-long resident of Sauk County and is an active community member. She serves as a 4-H leader and a member of the Farmer Angel Network. She and her husband Don are fourth generation farmers and have been members of Farm Bureau for 10 years.

The couple has also owned Valley Springs Farm Bed and Breakfast for the past nine years and direct sell red angus beef.

“By sharing my membership benefit experience I hope to inspire others to use the Farm Bureau benefits,” added Dorothy.

For more information about Farm Bureau member benefits, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

“In September, we traveled to Germany to locate ancestral homes and farms and needed a vehicle to travel to Waldmünchen in Bavaria near the border of the Czech Republic,” said Dorothy. “We met with distant relatives who are still farming on the land of our family. What an incredible experience.”

Dorothy explained that many of the early German emigrants arrived in Plain where she grew up from Waldmünchen.

“Over the years, there have many exchanges of information and many residents of the area have traveled to Waldmünchen in search of family history,” said Dorothy. “We were fortunate to know and work with someone who knew the families that we needed to connect with.”

Farm Bureau members also can enjoy additional offers including dollars off, a complimentary upgrade or a free weekend day. Visit avis.com/wifb or call 800.331.1212 to make

SUPPLIED PHOTO

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Your Farm Bureau Member Benefit

Farm Bureau $500 Exclusive Cash Reward offer for new 2021/ 2022/2023 Ford Ranger, Maverick, F-150, and Super Duty (to F-550). Must be a member for 30 days. Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com for complete details or to print your certificate.

Through an exclusive program offered by Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, Farm Bureau members receive a $250 pre-paid debit card with the purchase of select 4WD ATV, Side-by-Side and Snowmobile models. Fill out the rebate form at bit.ly/3inykme. You need your Farm Bureau member number to complete the form.

*You must be a paid Wisconsin Farm Bureau member at time of purchase to receive the $250 rebate.

Members receive an incentive discount (up to $500) when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers.

Rural Mutual

Insurance Company

To find a Rural Mutual Insurance Company agent, visit ruralmutual.com or call 877.219.9550.

You can get more information about the services Farm Bureau Financial offers from your local Rural Insurance agent. Learn more at fbfs.com.

Farm Bureau members who are agricultural producers and patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage when patronage is paid.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members save up to 20% off published rates at participating Choice Hotels.

Members qualify for a variety of discounts on new purchases. Visit wfbf.com to print your certificate and for details on models and discounts. Must be a member for at least 30 days to be eligible.

Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s FDIC-insured checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans. Visit farmbureau.bank.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members save up to 20% off published rates at participating Wyndham Hotels.

Member

*WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* For complete details, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

Annual Report: A Strategic Snapshot

In 2019, WFBF implemented a strategic plan that was crafted by a group of Farm Bureau members from across the state and approved by the WFBF Board. The five focus areas are: Grassroots Policy Guides Engagement; Raise Public Awareness through Ag in the Classroom and Consumer Outreach; Retain, Grow and Develop Members; Economic Viability for the Organization; and Environmental Stewardship. This year, WFBF has accomplished many goals regarding the plan Including:

Raise Public Awareness through Ag

in the

• WFBF completed a social media audit.

Classroom and Consumer Outreach

• Ag in the Classroom is engaging more with teachers and working to add grant opportunities and develop a partnership with Alice in Dairyland.

• The Promotion and Education Committee implemented Table Talk within the Rural Route magazine and uses social media to promote commodity months and recipes featuring Wisconsin products.

Coming soon:

• An external website hub of information for consumer outreach that encompasses all types of agriculture is slated to launch in 2023.

• The Ag in the Classroom program and Public Relations team are hiring interns to assist with content creation.

Environmental Stewardship

• An organizational sustainability statement was created by a group of Farm Bureau members.

• A Sustainability Media Day was held in conjunction with the Rural Road Safety Media Day.

• WFBF sponsored the Discovery Farms Conference.

• A 4RWI event was held in partnership with Jefferson County Farm Bureau, GROWMARK and Insight FS.

• WFBF coordinated a communication working group with other groups and organizations to collaborate on sustainability messaging.

• WFBF was represented at the national Sustainable Ag Summit.

• Regular content highlighting members and sustainability is included in WFBF publications.

• WFBF continues to partner with Sand County Foundation on the Leopold Conservation Award.

• A new webpage can be found on wfbf.com featuring information for members.

Coming soon:

• A processing tour will be held for Farm Bureau members to learn how food companies are being sustainable.

• A new e-newsletter will launch in 2023 solely focused on this topic area.

• More consumer outreach efforts.

Grassroots Policy Guides Engagement

• Hosted a policy development workshop.

• Implemented electronic voting at the WFBF Annual Meeting.

• Policy Pulse, an e-newsletter dedicated to policy updates, was developed to deliver more timely information to members.

• General advocacy training sessions were held for the WFBF Leadership Institute and IGNITE Conference.

Coming soon:

• A new program called Campaign School is slated for 2023.

• Farm Bureau University will be implemented and hold permanent training online.

• New position within the Government Relations Department: Member Advocacy and Issues Coordinator. This position will develop new opportunities to proactively deliver member value through education and information outreach pertaining to advocacy.

Economic Viability for the Organization

• Ag in the Classroom continues to seek funding opportunities.

• New sponsorship: Insight FS sponsored the new 35 Under 35 recognition program.

• Volunteers For Agriculture fundraising events were hosted in District 3 and District 7.

• An online Giving Day raised more than $21,000 for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

• A e-newsletter informing members about member benefits will be sent seasonally.

• The WFBF Board established a budget committee for the 2022 budget creation.

Coming soon:

• Membership database considerations and conversations are ongoing.

• The WFBF Board of Directors established a Foundation Task Force to evaluate the overall status of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Retain, Grow and Develop Members

• Graduating collegiate Farm Bureau members now receive a paid membership upon graduation.

• Using member testimonials in advertising to share Farm Bureau’s story.

• President Krentz met with collegiate Farm Bureau officer teams to discuss their needs.

• The YFA program created the inaugural 35 Under 35 recognition program to highlight different aspects of sustainability.

• Representatives from Rural Mutual Insurance and Insight FS met with the Member Relations team to answer questions and strategize about membership.

• Continuous evaluation of communication tactics and preferences are ongoing.

• Promotional toolkits created by WFBF Public Relations team were started to help with communication.

• An Introduction to Farm Bureau video was created for Rural Mutual agent training and the Member Relations team.

Coming soon:

• New and updated member recruitment pieces.

• New position within Member Relations Department: WFBF Director of Young Leader Programs. This position will be responsible for coordinating programs related to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, Collegiate Farm Bureau, FFA and 4-H.

• New member welcome and retention program to be introduced to county Farm Bureaus with introductory county information and a welcome gift that county directors can distribute to new voting members.

• Farm Bureau University will serve as an online training hub.

VOICES

It Starts With Us

A Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz

achieve together often far exceed those we attain when working independently.

Throughout the year, I’m always impressed by the work and accomplishments on the local level by our county Farm Bureau leaders.

We make time to educate youth and families about their food, give back to our communities, pay it forward to those less fortunate, defend farming through policy involvement and build a network of support for fellow farmers and agriculturists. Farm Bureau is unique that way. Our strength is in our numbers and our grassroots philosophy.

our young people have opportunities to further their agriculture-related educational pursuits. We have worked with all UW agricultural schools to find solutions that will meet the needs of the next generation while standing on the principles set forth by our partnering agricultural groups.

On the national scene, WFBF helped advocate for American Farm Bureau to host a national forum to discuss Dairy Federal Milk Marketing Orders as we get closer to true reform.

Ilike to think that it hasn’t been that long since I first became involved with Farm Bureau, but I’ve been a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member just shy 25 years.

My first memory of Farm Bureau is helping my mother in the Farm Bureau food stand when I was very young. Anyone who knows my mother knows I was ‘voluntold’ to help, but I loved being part of a team anyway.

The reason I became a WFBF member was the opportunity to network with other likeminded individuals. I thought membership was a great way to make friends while talking shop and learning about farming and agriculture through the experiences and knowledge of others.

As I saw the benefits of my Farm Bureau membership unfold, I continued to get more involved in the organization. Farm Bureau was well respected at many levels. During a trip to Washington, D.C., I began to realize how, as a member of Farm Bureau, I could have influence on a legislative bill or policy that impacted my farm and my community.

Farm Bureau has influenced me and my life greatly.

Collaborating with others will always get you further than working on your own. Being part of a team has its challenges, but the outcomes that we can

As agriculturists, we are a small percent of the total population. Therefore, our role in educating others about what we do has never been more important. We are the ones the world relies on for food, fuel, and clothing. It starts with us.

Our Ag in the Classroom program is the perfect vehicle for this. Not only do we have dedicated volunteers working at the local level, but we have a new Ag in the Classroom coordinator who started this past year. Together, they have been working diligently to make Ag in the Classroom a major success.

This year, we started the new 35 Under 35 program with the leadership of our YFA Committee and WFBF’s director of sustainability communications and partnerships. This program has created quite a buzz and it allowed us to showcase how impactful our members are in all areas of sustainability, not just in the environmental space.

When we come together as a team and a unified group, we are an enormously powerful voice legislatively. That is a large part of who Farm Bureau is and it’s up to us to maintain that reputation.

With the announcement of the UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course changing its structure, Farm Bureau has been at the table to ensure

We also are heading into another farm bill and WFBF has established a Farm Bill Working Group made up of Farm Bureau members to help prioritize the needs of Wisconsin agriculture. This group will be an integral part of discussions surrounding our next farm bill.

That’s a short list of the many areas we are working in for you. Farm Bureau also gives opportunities for each of us to connect with our representatives. We must be engaged with our local, state and national representatives.

Coming together isn’t always easy. It’s hard to work on so many needs across the diversity we have in our state. Ultimately, we have different backgrounds, priorities and opinions.

But when we come together and when we get behind one voice, we are impactful.

Remember, you are part of something bigger. What we are and who we become starts with us.

I sincerely thank you for being a part of the Farm Bureau family and wish your family a blessed new year.

Krentz was elected president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2020. He is a dairy farmer from Berlin.

“When we come together and get behind one voice, we are impactful.”

Coming to the Table to Modernize Milk Markets

A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

many different groups were trying to change the federal milk marketing orders that determined the prices – and they often didn’t agree. I would sit at my table, wishing all the groups would get together and fix the system so farmers like me could get a fair price for our milk.

Well, it might have taken a few decades, but a couple of weeks ago, that finally happened. Farm Bureau brought together farmers with representatives from co-ops, processors, and other milk organizations to find a way forward.

few years, our leadership in bringing folks together delivers results for America’s farmers and ranchers.

I got my start in farming helping my dad with dairy cows. I loved it from the start when I was just a young boy, and I stayed in the dairy business for nearly 30 years. But there were too many mornings when I’d open up my milk check and be shocked by how small it was. Now, I know that farmers are price takers, not price setters. We all work hard to produce a healthy, safe, and quality product, but to stare at a check that could barely pay my expenses sure wasn’t easy. I tried to understand how milk prices were set, but the system was, and still is, confusing. More than 40 years later, I hear the same frustration from nearly every dairy farmer I encounter across the country.

As I tried to learn more, I realized that

Two years ago, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told me and our state Farm Bureau presidents that USDA wouldn’t change federal milk marketing orders until we could all come together to find a proposal that worked for everyone.

When we gathered in Kansas City, we weren’t sure what common ground we might find. But sitting down at the table is what needed to be done if we wanted to make any progress that would help farmers. After two days of long discussions, we found common ground that could help us modernize milk marketing. We need to update federal milk marketing orders and make them more resilient, so we don’t face the same problems we did at the start of the pandemic. We also agreed that we must improve price transparency and ensure timely payments to farmers.

We couldn’t have made this progress without coming to the table. Just as Farm Bureau has done many times in the past

When different groups debated the best way forward on federal climate policy, we noticed elected officials didn’t want to take sides and pitted us against each other. But, we knew that if we could stand together, we could help lawmakers create policies that respected farmers and treated us as equal partners in caring for our environment. We found common ground across agriculture, food, forestry and environmental groups and got together to form the Food and Ag Climate Alliance. As we worked to bring more transparency and fairness to livestock markets, we sat down with other livestock organizations that have different ideas than we do. We moved past areas where we knew we couldn’t agree and tried to find common ground.

While we work hard with members of Congress to move forward policies that will help America’s farmers and ranchers, sometimes we need partners to get it over the finish line. That’s why we must work with others who may not always agree with us. If we can find common ground, we can build on that foundation to ensure American agriculture remains strong for the future.

President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Duvall raises beef cattle, hay and poultry in Greshamville, Georgia.

VOICES

Market Focus Shifts To Demand

A Guest Column by AgriVisor’s Karl Setzer

either, especially with strong domestic usage figures. While we need to limit our exports, we do not want them to totally stop, which will keep volatility at elevated levels through the rest of this marketing year and likely into next.

Trade is already starting to look forward to next year’s ending stocks and projecting sizable increases. This is especially the case on corn where some believe 2023-2024 ending stocks could nearly double from this year. This is coming from thoughts we will see upwards of 3 million more corn acres next year and a return to trend yields.

suffering from drought. This is the highest level in drought since 2000.

Some farmers are starting to second guess their winter wheat plantings as they want to see soil moisture build before seeding. We also are seeing farmers hold back on their fertilizer applications as it is too dry for activation. Farmers also are holding off on anhydrous ammonia applications in some regions as conditions are too dry for the product to stay in the soil.

We are now at a stage in the marketing year where more interest is falling in commodity demand, and debate between commodity supply and projected demand is staring to intensify.

A major hindrance for the market recently has been lower than expected export sales. The real question is how much more demand the U.S. could see if buyers do start to surface.

The current stocks to use on corn is in a rationing position at 8.3%. On soybeans the stocks to use is even more thin at just 4.5%. This means the U.S. cannot afford much more export demand on

Soybean carryout next year is also likely to increase, especially if South America produces the size of crop that is expected, and the U.S. share of global trade diminishes.

A major factor when it comes to new crop production in the United States will be weather, specifically how long the La Niña continues to have a presence. This event has brought drought to parts of South America and the U.S. Plains. Models indicate the La Niña will start to fade this winter, which will be a great benefit for South American production.

The most concern over drought at the present time is on the U.S. Plains where dry soils are starting to impact fertilizer applications. Nearly three-quarters of the U.S. Plains and Wheat Belt are currently

A factor that has impacted commodity values along with all markets recently is concern regarding the state of the global economy. Nearly every country in the world is reporting inflation, with some more than 10%. This has started to affect what countries are importing with many only making minimal purchases at this time.

The strong value of the U.S. dollar also is impacting demand and deterring buying interest. The most economic worry is on China who is the world’s leading commodity importer. China continues to enforce COVID-19 restrictions, which is further limiting its commodity use.

Setzer is the commodity risk analyst for AgriVisor, one of WFBF’s member benefits.

Spotlight on Collegiate Farm Bureau

Name: Brianna Wanek

Year in School: Junior

Major: Dairy science with a certificate in environmental science

Hometown: Cashton

Why did you decide to join Collegiate Farm Bureau?

Growing up and working on a 400-cow dairy farm with my parents who were very active in Farm Bureau, specifically the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, instilled my love for agriculture. I have fond memories of going to county Farm Bureau annual meetings and cookouts and getting to meet other members in the organization. As a very active FFA member, I attended FFA Farm Forum. I

World Dairy Expo Cheese Stand

What is the cheese stand?

Every year, the cheese stand at World Dairy Expo is staffed by Collegiate Farm Bureau and Badger Dairy Club members and serves as our largest fundraiser. We sell grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate shakes and many other items. A fan favorite is the specialty cheese sandwiches, where we get to showcase different cheeses from across Wisconsin. This is organized by staff at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. We also hold a coupon program that more than 40 trade show exhibitors participate in. Trade Show Exhibitors create a coupon to hand out at the show and we count the ones that are turned into the cheese stand and send an invoice to the companies. The companies have full creative control over what the coupons look like and it is always fun seeing what is created.

How many sandwiches and shakes were served this year?

We estimate that we sold more than 19,000 sandwiches and 15,000 shakes.

learned more about Farm Bureau and what the organization stood for. When I started college, joining Collegiate Farm Bureau seemed like the perfect solution to finding other students who share the same love for agriculture as I do. Currently, I serve as the UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau’s vice president and second-year cheese stand chair.

Why should other students consider joining?

Collegiate Farm Bureau is not just for students who grew up on farms or in the agricultural industry. It truly is a group of people who love agriculture of all kinds and those who are interested in learning more about agriculture. The chapter goes on different trips throughout the year to learn about different industries and see things we may not have seen before. We have the opportunity to attend the YFA Conference every year, which allows us to network with Farm Bureau members and other Collegiate Farm Bureau members.

What do the proceeds from the cheese stand support?

The proceeds from the cheese stand are split between the organizations. Collegiate Farm Bureau uses the money for our spring trip. The spring trip’s purpose is to go to a different state and learn about that state’s agriculture industry. We go on agricultural tours and visit a college. It’s a lot of fun and a great learning opportunity for our members. The money also goes towards other activities during the year like Ag Day on Campus.

Any other information you want to share?

We could not do what we do without generous sponsors. All of the cheese and butter is donated by AMPI and Dinner Bell. We also get generous donations from Brevant, Cargill and this year, C.O. Next. We truly are grateful for their support.

LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP

Members Chosen for State Committees

Promotion and Education Committee

Jenny Leahy of Fond du Lac County was appointed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee by the organization’s board of d irectors. Tammy Wiedenbeck of Grant County and Brittney Muenster of Outagamie County a lso were reappointed to this committee.

Their terms began at WFBF’s Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference, Dec. 2-5, in Wisconsin Dells.

Jenny Leahy grew up on a dairy farm in Fond du Lac County. She attended UW-Oshkosh where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Jenny teaches social studies at Berlin High School and helps on her family’s farm on weekends and summers. She also is active in the ALA Badger Girls State program. Jenny is a member of the Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau and is excited to be serving on the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee.

Tammy Wiedenbeck serves as a Regional Business Development Manager for Hilbert Communications, Bug Tussel Wireless and AT&T Subsidiaries. Along with her fulltime role, Tammy is the seventh generation on her family’s beef and crop farm where she works with her brother’s family and her parents. She also manages a photography business.

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee

Darren and Kendall Riskedal of Jefferson County, Casey and Morgan Lobdell of Iowa County, Luke and Ashley Lisowe of Calumet County, and Lexi Cook of St. Croix County have been appointed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee by the organization’s board of d irectors. Their terms begin at the end of the YFA Conference on Dec 4.

Darren and Kendall Riskedal both grew up in agriculture and met through a leadership conference for 4-H and FFA members. Darren works for Insight FS as a precision equipment specialist and Kendall works as a project lead for Filament in Madison. The couple have a son.

Casey and Morgan Lobdell are both passionate about the agricultural industry. Casey works as an animal nutrition consultant and Morgan works as an associate brand manager.

Luke and Ashley Lisowe both grew up on their parents’

Brittney Muenster is a graduate of UW-Madison’s Farm & Industry Short Course and a fifth-generation farmer on her family’s 200-acre farm in Seymour where they raise cattle for beef and milk production. In addition to farming, Brittney is an independent insurance agent specializing in farm and agribusiness insurance with Family Insurance Center.

The Promotion and Education Committee is a group of nine leaders who represent the nine Wisconsin Farm Bureau districts. Committee members develop, implement and promote projects and programs that build awareness and understanding of agriculture and provide leadership development for the agricultural community. The committee’s chair sits on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Board of Directors as the program’s representative. The Promotion and Education Program is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

family dairy farms. Ashley graduated with a degree in dairy science from UWRiver Falls. Luke graduated from UW-Madison’s Farm & Industry Short Course.

Luke is part owner of his family’s dairy farm. Ashley works alongside Luke on his family’s farm while taking care of their son, Rhett.

Lexi Cook lives in Baldwin with her husband, Matt. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm in northern Wisconsin and is a graduate of UW-River Falls. Lexi is a dairy herd information technician for Central Star Coop and serves as the YFA chair and vice president of St. Croix County Farm Bureau.

The WFBF YFA Committee consists of nine couples or individuals (ages 18-35) from around the state. Its goal is to get more young farmers and agriculturists acquainted with and involved in Farm Bureau. The YFA Program is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Leahy

(from left): Kendall, Darren, Ashley, Luke, Lexi, Matt, Morgan and Darren.

Grandma Muenster’s Cocoa Crinkles

Ingredients

• ¾ c. corn oil

• ¾ c. baking cocoa

• 2 c. sugar

• 4 eggs

• 2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

1. Mix oil and cocoa together until blended. Stir in sugar.

2. Add eggs one at a time and stir until well blended. Add vanilla.

3. Stir flour, baking powder and salt into oil mixture. Chill several hours or overnight.

• 2 c. flour

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• ½ tsp. salt

• 1 c. powder sugar

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

5. Drop teaspoons of dough into powder sugar. Roll in sugar and shape into balls.

6. Place about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Vanilla Meringue Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites

• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp. cream of tartar

Directions

1. Crack eggs and place egg whites in mixing bowl. Let warm to room temperature for 30 minutes

2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Add vanilla extract, cream of tartar and salt to egg whites. Beat on medium speed until foamy.

4. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition, until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes.

• 2/3 c. sugar

• dash of salt

5. Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag; insert a #32-star tip.

6. Transfer meringue to bag. Pipe 1¼in. diameter cookies 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Bake until firm to the touch, 40-45 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues in the oven for 1 hour (with door closed).

8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a baking sheet.

9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Part One

Measure the following into a pot that you will put on the stove. Bring this mixture to a boil and boil for one minute. Stir so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

• 1/3 c. cocoa

• 2 c. sugar

• 1 stick of butter (½ c.)

• ½ c. milk

Submitted by Clara Hedrich

Part Two

In a separate bowl measure

• 3½ c. oatmeal

• 2/3 c. crunchy peanut butter

• 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients in the bowl well. Pour the boiling syrup mixture over the oatmeal mixture and mix well. Drop from teaspoon onto wax paper. Let cool at least 10 minutes before eating.

Submitted by Brittney Muenster

Submitted by Lynn Leahy

Recipes submitted by the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee.

The Ag LEAD Summit gives attendees the opportunity to learn more about tools, resources, ideas and best practices when advocating for agriculture and conducting promotional events. The summit is coordinated by WFBF’s Promotion and Education Committee, whose mission is to build awareness and understanding of agriculture and provide leadership development for the agricultural community.

5MINUTES

WITH WINNEBAGO COUNTY’S

REBECCA POPPY

By Marian Viney

Please share a little about yourself.

I’ve been married to Brian for 18 years. We live in Omro and have three daughters: Madelynn, Vanessa and Scarlett. I earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching and coaching. Currently, I am an office manager for a financial company and coach middle school volleyball.

When you were growing up what did you want to be?

I wanted to be a teacher or work in a bank.

You and your family own and direct market beef. What are some of the challenges you face? What are some of the successes that you are most proud of?

As farmers, our biggest challenges are the weather and time. My husband and I work full-time outside the farm. So it’s very stressful to get everything done and if the weather doesn’t cooperate that just adds more stress. Our biggest success would have to be building our herd. In 2012, we started with seven heifers and have grown to 56 cow and calf pairs and more than 100 head of steers.

You serve on the Winnebago County Farm Bureau board of directors and as the Winnebago County Ag in the Classroom coordinator. Please share your experiences.

I love being in schools and sharing my passion for agriculture. A couple of my favorite events are Ag Read Alouds that the FFA students do at the elementary schools for National Ag Day. I also enjoy reading the Ag in the Classroom Book on the Year and introducing the essay contest to the fourth- and fifth-grade students. I love going into the schools for career days.

What is one agricultural experience that has defined you?

Watching the birth of our calves and then watching the animals grow up.

Have you participated in other Farm Bureau activities? What is one Farm Bureau experience that you are most proud of?

I help with the Farm Bureau food stand at the Winnebago County Fair. We’ve also started doing a beef event in May for Beef Month and a pork event in October for Pork Month.

I’m most proud of the beef event. This last May we had our best cow and her calf on display for the public to see and pet.

What is something that many Farm Bureau members do not know about you?

I never took a single agriculture class while in high school and I was not involved in FFA.

Reduce Farm Stress By Improving Your Recordkeeping

By Katie L. Wantoch, Extension Farm Management Outreach Specialist

Regardless of the time of year, it is important for farmers to spend some time in their office completing their least favorite activity: paperwork.

Most farmers enjoy getting their hands dirty from digging in the soil, repairing machinery or working with livestock. They will reluctantly compile the necessary information for income tax preparation, credit borrowing and crop reporting.

A good set of financial records will do much more than satisfy the IRS or the lender. Today’s successful farmers are using detailed financial statements to identify the most profitable farm enterprises for their business, determine per unit production costs, track trends and financial progress in the business and to create comprehensive business plans.

Goals of a Good Recordkeeping System

Farmers may want different features in a good recordkeeping system, like easy-to-use or the ability to generate detailed reports. Here are five possible goals to consider for recordkeeping.

1. Be ready for the unexpected.

Farmers will want to be ready when there is a new opportunity. A limited time offer on machinery, rented farmland for sale, etc. If farmers have a good understanding of your financial position, cash flow and possible tax consequences, they will be prepared to take advantage of an opportunity.

2. Plan ahead.

Farmers may want to plan for the next month, quarter, year, or for retirement and beyond.

3. Communication is key.

Business can only be successful if all involved communicate, whether that be verbal or written using records.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Farmers should not be afraid to reach out to farm advisors, consultants, ag professionals or other farmers to find the system that will work for their needs, especially if they are feeling overwhelmed.

A complete and accurate farm records system will help to reduce farm stress in the long run. Collecting and reviewing records will provide insights into the strengths

4. Conduct thorough analyses.

A farm business needs to be profitable, not every year but on average. Conducting a business analysis will provide a farmer with a clear understanding of profitability and cash flow, helping to see the patterns over time and different events that may have impacted the business.

5. ‘Garbage in – Garbage out.’

This adage applies to recordkeeping. It is important to be consistent in how values are entered to generate reports.

and weaknesses of the farm business and allow for problems or opportunities to be identified.

A good recordkeeping system will differ for each individual and business. There is no best record-keeping system for all situations. Evaluate which option might work the most effectively to generate the management reports needed for farm business decision-making.

Rate Your Recordkeeping

The following questions are designed to have a farmer think about his or her current system and what might need to improve to have a better recordkeeping system.

1. Are income and expense transactions for the farm business regularly entered in an accounting system before being placed into storage? Or is recordkeeping disorganized, stored in multiple locations and hard to find?

2. Are financial transactions entered into an electronic system, such as a spreadsheet or computerized software program? Or is the checking account and receipts used as the primary record for financial transactions?

3. Is one person responsible for recordkeeping and

sharing the reports with others in the farm business? Or do multiple people share the duties? Is there uncertainty about roles?

4. Does the farm business gather the necessary information to complete timely reporting, such as for planting crops, breeding decisions, income taxes, etc.? Or is the farm behind on reporting?

5. Does the farmer analyze his or her performance on a regular basis, such as monthly or quarterly? Or do he or she rely on lenders or consultants to analyze the business?

Farmer Mental Health Warning Signs and Resources

Farming is a stressful occupation. Poor mental health and stress on farms often stem from things beyond the control of any one person: trade issues, rising input costs, animal disease and more weigh heavily on farmer’s minds. Additionally, rural communities have changed over the years, with fewer resources available to farmers.

People involved in agriculture tend to be more stressed than the general public, with farm women and children carrying even higher levels than years prior. For some, the burden is too much.

As family members, colleagues, friends and neighbors, it’s important to know the warning signs for your own mental health and the mental health of others.

Mental Health Warning Signs

• Changes in routines or social activities.

• Decreased interest in activities or events.

• Decline in the care of domestic animals.

• Decline in personal appearance and health.

• Decline in farmstead appearance.

• Increase in illness.

• Increase in farm accidents.

• Signs of stress in children.

• Making end-of-life adjacent plans, such as giving things away.

If you’re noticing signs of mental illness, it can be a hard conversation to start. What matters is showing genuine care, empathy and listening. Wisconsin agricultural organizations have taken huge strides in providing programs and resources for those struggling.

Farmer Mental Health Resources

• 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline – 888.901.2558

• Wisconsin Farm Center Helpline – 800.942.2474

• Farm Aid – 800.FARM.AID

• Crisis Hotline – 988

• Counseling Voucher Program – Get counseling services from a mental health provider in your local area at no cost. Get a voucher via the 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline (888.901.2558) or Wisconsin Farm Center Helpline (800.942.2474).

• Farmer Wellness Tele-Counseling Sessions – Request a session via the 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline (888.901.2558) or Wisconsin Farm Center Helpline (800.942.2474).

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a close friend or family member. People want to help – all you must do is be open to having a conversation.

Rural Mutual Insurance promises to protect Wisconsin farms, families and businesses. We understand that not all losses are physical and recognize the importance of mental health during these times as well. Learn more at ruralmutual.com/about/mental-health-resources.

Submitted by Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members live and work with beautiful landscapes and livestock. On this page we highlight those sights and special moments. Please email your best photos (high resolution jpgs at 300 dpi) to Lsiekmann@wfbf.com Due to the high volume of photos we receive, we are unable to publish every photo. Photos sent in may be used in other WFBF publications.

Chris Blank

Kellie Zahn

Kayla Kringle

Wisconsin FFA

Mid-West Farm Report

UW-River Falls

UW-Platteville

Jackie Lee

Stephanie Hoff

Photos submitted during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference via TacBoard. See other photos from the conference on WFBF’s social media channels.

Ag Literacy Lesson Spotlight: Christmas Trees

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Tis the season to be sustainable. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many families will take time to decorate a Christmas tree. While there are many options for trees, Wisconsin Christmas trees contribute to holidays throughout the United States.

Real Wisconsin trees provide habitat for wildlife and can be easily recycled after the holiday season. Whether you cut your own or buy a fresh cut off the lot, turn your Christmas tree into a learning opportunity with this Ag Literacy Lesson.

Ring Around the Tree Activity

Looking for a way to share your family ‘tree’ along with your Christmas tree? Gather the kids and create your own Family Tree Ring Timeline.

Materials

• Cross section from your REAL Christmas tree, also called a ‘tree cookie’

• Paper

• Pens/marker/crayons

Directions

1. Determine the tree’s age. From the center of the tree cross section, count the rings. Each ring represents a year of growth – the wider the ring, the more growth that occurred during a specific year.

2. Compare the life span of the tree with the events that occurred in your family (marriage, birth of a child, special trips, etc.)

3. Use the piece of paper to record significant events. Encourage kids to decorate the timeline.

4. Display the timeline near your Christmas tree and enjoy the questions and conversations that follow.

Looking for more ideas on connecting holiday traditions with the agricultural source? Visit wisagclassroom.org.

Ag Badging Field Guide Now Available

National Agriculture in the Classroom has developed a resource that can be used without cords, the internet or a personal device. Meet the AgBadging Field Guide. The Ag Badging Field Guide leads learners through an exploration of agriculture – what you eat, wear and use every day. It is designed for nonformal (e.g., Day on the Farm programs) and formal classroom use in grades 3 through 5.

Students can earn five different themed badges and a completion badge. Students select activities to earn badges within the themes of Agriculture and the Environment, Plants and Animals, Food and Health, Technology and Engineering, and Geography and Culture.

When a student collects badges for all five themes, he or she

earns a completion badge and a Field Scout Code Name.

A special grant from Compeer Financial has allowed Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom to bring the AgBadging Field Guides into our collection of resources. The guides will be available to county programs, FFA Food for America Programs and summer school classes that have participated in an in-person or virtual training.

Upcoming virtual training options include:

• 12 noon, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

• 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

To register for the virtual trainings email Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Beth Schaefer at bschaefer@wfbf.com.

A special opportunity for agricultural educators is scheduled during Wisconsin FFA Farm Forum.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM Fall Training Held in Warrens

On Nov. 11, Ag in the Classroom volunteers from across Wisconsin spent time learning, sharing and preparing to lead agricultural literacy activities in their communities.

The Fall Ag in the Classroom Volunteer Training took place in conjunction with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Leadership Boot Camp in Warrens. Many participants took advantage of the back-to-back development activities and a discounted rate for participating in both the Leadership Boot Camp and the Fall Volunteer Training.

The afternoon-long workshop kicked off with updates from Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Beth Schaefer, followed by idea sharing from seasoned Ag in the Classroom County coordinators and volunteers.

WFBF’s Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships, Rachel Gerbitz shared tips on incorporating an ever-increasing topic of sustainability by leading demonstration ideas and sharing tips to talk sustainability with students of all ages.

Additional lesson demonstrations to support the Book of the Year and 2023 Essay Contest were led by Beth Schaefer. Attendees gained a greater understanding of the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program priorities and participated in hands-on activities to take back to their counties.

Did you miss the fun? Check out the resources for county coordinators and volunteers at wisagclassroom.org/about-aitc/resources-for-countycoordinators.

Agriculture Literacy Project Grants Announced

WisconsinFarm Bureau Foundation’s Agriculture in the Classroom program has awarded $4,000 to schools and educators to support innovative core curricula initiatives that incorporate agriculture.

Groups, schools and educators can apply for up to $500 as part of the Ag in the Classroom’s ‘Ag in All Classrooms’ grant program.

Educators that have been awarded funding for Fall 2022 include:

• Sheila Kroseberg, Waupaca High School, Waupaca

• Jamie Propson, Mishicot High School, Mishicot

• Katelyn Dei, Slinger High School, Slinger

• Kim Pokorny, SAGES Charter School, Fox Lake

• Livia Doyle, Mineral Point Elementary School, Mineral Point

• Amy Smith, Pecatonica Elementary School, Blanchardville

• Kally Koch, Riverdale School District, Muscoda

• Kirsten Konder, Glenwood City

High School, Glenwood City

• Linda Zimmer, Our Lady of Sorrows, Ladysmith

• Zachary Markhardt, Green Bay East High School, Green Bay

Funding opportunities for educational projects and initiatives occur year-round and can be found at wisagclassroom.org.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is accepting proposals for Spring Ag in All Classroom Grants and Summer School Grants. Application information and deadlines can be found at wisagclassroom.org.

(from left) Carmen Michels, Cheryl Duchow and Rosalie Geiger prepare Cover Crop kits to tackle soil erosion and cover crop demos in classrooms and at events.

Heidi Slinkman shook Ice Cream in a Bag, an activity curated to support the 2022-2023 Book of the Year, "Tales of the Dairy Godmother – Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish.

It Takes ALL Volunteers

Volunteers and business and industry partners are the lifeblood of Wisconsin’s Agriculture in the Classroom program. Their generous giving of time, talent and treasure has allowed the program to reach thousands of students, educators and families to increase their awareness and understanding of agriculture.

The Agriculture Literacy Leadership Award (ALL Award) was created to acknowledge and recognize these individuals’

Business and Industry Partner: Wisconsin Soybean Association

Wisconsin Soybean Association is one of the longestrunning partners of Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom. The continued support of innovative programs, including the ‘Soybean Science Kit’ has allowed more than 60 counties to host and present soybean STEM learning resources with students and educators.

Wisconsin Soybean Association’s support of agriculture literacy efforts have extended to the annual Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest, a program that challenges students to explore where and how Wisconsin agriculture products are produced while meeting critical writing standards in English Language Arts.

Thousands of students have expanded their understanding and grown their awareness of agriculture thanks to the longtime partnership and support of the Wisconsin Soybean Association.

contributions to growing agriculture literacy in Wisconsin.

This award is not a legacy or life-time achievement award; this award honors the on-going work of volunteers who continually contribute leadership in advancing agriculture literacy through shared time, talents and creativity.

A selection panel reviewed and selected the nominees, and the inaugural recipients of this award were honored during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting.

Volunteer: Don and Beverly Meyer, Sauk County Farm Bureau

Don was instrumental in starting a strong Sauk County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom program by reaching out to teachers in Sauk County with its Taste of Sauk County event.

Don and Beverly have continued to lead agriculture literacy efforts in their community and state by volunteering at World Dairy Expo Youth Tours. They help educate more than 1,100 urban students each year on dairy.

Don’s passion for youth education and agriculture has led him to devote his expertise in mentoring FFA, 4-H and Ag in the Classroom volunteers.

Don and Beverly’s continued support and leadership of Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom has impacted thousands of students and educators in Sauk County and across the state.

Thank you for your continuous innovation, passion and dedication to increasing agriculture literacy in Wisconsin.

To all volunteers and industry partners, thank you for your time and dedication to increasing the awareness and understanding of agriculture. Nominations for the 2023 ALL Awards will begin in Summer 2023. Watch for more information on how you can nominate an outstanding volunteer and business partner.

Soybean Science Kit training participants.

Steve Trzebiatowski, President of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, accepted the award on behalf of the Wisconsin Soybean Association.

Don with students at the 2022 World Dairy Expo.

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In conjunction with the WFBF Annual Meeting, a silent auction was hosted to raise funds for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. Thanks to generous supporters there were 183 items in the silent auction and $13,512 was raised. The funds raised are used for the Ag in the Classroom, Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Leadership Institute programs. Thank you to all who donated, bid or purchased items.

Silent Auction Twenty Wars 50/50 Raffles

On Sunday afternoon, members participated in a Twenty Wars contest to see which district could earn the most points. District 2 came out ahead and $5,552 was raised. To celebrate, District 2 Board Director Arch Morton, Jr. took a pie to the face on stage.

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The YFA Committee hosted its annual 50/50 raffles, raising a total of $1,914 between the two.

Thank You Foundation

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between Sept. 21 and Nov. 30, 2022.)

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•

About the

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1988 to provide support for agricultural education and leadership programs. Through donations and other contributions, the foundation invests time and resources to support the next generation of agriculturists.

Nate Zimdars

Jessie Singerhouse

Washington County Farm Bureau

Calumet County Farm Bureau in memory of Oscar Guelig Jr

Drake & Associates in memory of Kaitlyn Mc Namara

Rural Mutual Named One of the Best in the Nation for 14th Consecutive Year

adison-based Rural Mutual Insurance Company has announced its selection as Ward’s Top 50 Top Performer. This marks the 14th consecutive year the company has been recognized for this award. Annually, Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of more than 2,900 property and casualty insurance companies in the United States and identifies the top performers in each segment based on objective data and subjective quality measures.

In selecting the Ward’s 50, companies are identified that pass financial stability requirements and measure their ability to grow while maintaining strong capital positions and underwriting

Mresults. Each Ward’s 50 company has passed all safety and consistency screens and achieved superior performance over the five previous years analyzed. The top 50 companies are awarded the Ward’s 50 Seal and their names are listed as the Ward’s 50 Top Performers for the year.

“This is an impressive streak to continue but is not something that I take for granted. It’s an accomplishment I’m very proud of achieving and attribute our success to the hard work of our employees and agents who are dedicated to our policyholders every day to make this possible.” said Rural Mutual’s Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Merk.

Merk notes that this recognition reinforces Rural Mutual’s promise that when a claim happens, “we will be there to help our insureds rebuild following times of unintended financial loss.”

Rural Mutual has protected Wisconsin farmers, families and business owners since 1934. The company does business in only one state, so premiums paid here, stay here to keep Wisconsin strong.

Rural Mutual Named Best Places to Work in Madison

Rural Mutual Insurance is proud to be named to Madison Magazine’s 2022 list of Madison’s Best Places to Work. The only way to be named to this list is by a vote of confidence from its employees in the form of an anonymous survey.

“Since Rural Mutual Insurance is a Wisconsin-focused property and casualty insurance company, all premiums paid in Wisconsin stay in Wisconsin,” said Rural Mutual’s Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Merk. “Our agents and claim specialists are your neighbors. It’s our responsibility to help keep Wisconsin strong.”

Merk says that while the company may not have a pool table in the break room, the compensation and benefits packages are top-notch and people appreciate having the flexibility to handle family obligations outside of work, as noted by one employee in

a recent company survey.

"The company’s values extend to employees,” said Vice President of Organizational Development Mark Schuster. “Work-life balance, flexibility, an open-door policy and family-like environment also are part of the people-focused work culture.”

ABOUT THE LIST

The Best Places to Work survey was done by an independent third party, Quantum Workplace, using 10 key factors: team effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, feeling value, manager effectiveness, compensation, benefits, individual contribution, trust in co-workers, job satisfaction and retention.

Once data collection was complete, Quantum conducted a rigorous security audit to verify surveys. The results were compiled and analyzed to determine which organizations have the highest levels of employee engagement.

“Our agents and claim specialists are your neighbors. It’s our responsibility to help keep Wisconsin strong.”

- Dan Merk

RURAL MUTUAL How to Spot a Phishing Scam

P

hishing is a type of crime in which the target is contacted by phone, email or text message by someone mimicking a trusted company or person. These criminals’ main intent is to trick individuals into providing sensitive information like passwords and banking data, which can lead to financial losses and stolen identities.

Unfortunately, phishing is an extremely common cyber-crime. In fact, one in every 99 emails is a phishing attack, and 30% of these messages are opened by the recipients, according to Clearedin.

If you ever receive a suspicious call, email or text, beware of the consequences.

Ways to Detect a Scam

Mysterious

senders

Whether you receive a message from someone you don’t know or from someone posing as a friend, family member or colleague, do not open it if the subject or topic is unexpected or seems out of character. Report the sender to spam to prevent hearing from them again.

Misspelled or phony hyperlinks

Carefully investigate all links before clicking on them. Here’s a clever tip to spot fraudulent websites: Hover over a link to display the URL or web address. If the URL is obviously different from the so-called destination or contains misspellings or extra characters, do not click it. For example, in “bankofarnerica.com,” the “m” is actually a “rn.” Keep in mind that this trick only works on laptops and desktop computers, so if you’re on a mobile phone, delete the email or text immediately

and/or report it as spam.

Sketchy attachments

If there is an attached file in an email you weren’t necessarily expecting, do not open it. These malicious files often contain ransomware or other viruses that can infect your device.

Sense of urgency or too good to be true deals

If a message from an alleged brand urges you to ‘act fast’ on deals and discounts that are only here for a limited time, your best bet is to just ignore it. Many of these extraordinary statements (e.g., “You’ve won a free iPhone!” or “You’ve been selected. Claim your prize now!”) are strategically written to attract recipients’ attention. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Rooted in Farm Safety Series Debuted

Rural Mutual Insurance Company partnered with the Midwest Farm Report and the Fabulous Farm Babe to present a video safety series called, 'Rooted in Farm Safety.’ A three-video series was released focusing on how you can be safer on a farm.

Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. Farming is one of the few industries in which family members who often share the work and live on the premises also are at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

As reported by Marshfield Clinic, we know that about one in five farms will be the site of an injury in Wisconsin in 2022, and 80% of those people injured will need medical care.

Rural Mutual has been protecting farms across the state since 1934. Rural Mutual also believes in protecting the families and children in their farming communities. This three-part video series focuses on Stress, Fatigue and Kids on the Farm.

These topics easily fall to the wayside during the busiest farming seasons like planting and harvesting. It is important to

Rural Mutual that these topics stay top of mind because most of these injuries can be prevented.

To reduce the chance of injury on the farm, make sure the environment is as safe as possible. Learn more about Rural Mutual’s safety initiatives by watching its Rooted in Farm Safety Series and reading farm safety articles at ruralmutual.com/farm-safety.

A good story sticks with you.

do

financial decisions.

As you close the books on this year, you know your choices are shaping your financial future. That’s especially true with the current economic climate; market volatility and high inflation have made the stakes of your decisions even higher. Let us help you make the best decisions for you and your family.

Contact your Farm Bureau agent or advisor to discuss year-end financial strategies that could benefit you now and for years to come.

Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Advisory services offered through FBL Wealth Management, LLC.+ Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. Individual must be a registered representative of FBL Marketing Services, LLC to discuss securities products. Individual must be an investment adviser representative with FBL Wealth Management, LLC to discuss advisory services. Individual must be licensed with issuing company to offer insurance products. +Affiliates. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services. WM030 (10-22)