Rural Route

Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

february | march 2016 • vol. 22 no. 1 | wfbf.com

An Attention

to detail Page 14

Ag Day at the Capitol Pa g e 6

You can’t predict your future.

But we can help you protect it.

Contact your agent to see how we can help safeguard your family’s future with life insurance and prepare you for a retirement that’s financially secure.

Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. LI156-WI (1-16)

contents vol. 22 no. 1

6

9

5

6

Holte re-elected WFBF President Jim Holte re-elected to AFBF Board of Directors.

Ag day at the Capitol Members gather in Wisconsin’s Capitol to discuss top ag issues.

9

New AFBF Leadership Bob Stallman passes gavel to Zippy Duvall of Georgia.

14

14

18

22

26

22

26

27

30

An Attention to Detail Meet Janet and Travis Clark of Fond du Lac County.

Ag Outlook Forum UW researchers forecast farm economy for 2016.

Member Blog Insider’s view from the YFA Discussion Meet.

A taste of District 3 Sample recipes from the A Taste of District 3 cookbook.

Member Benefits A pocket reference guide for your Farm Bureau member benefits.

Opinion Columns from AgriVisor, Duvall, Eckelberg, Foy, Holte, Langan, Richard and Zimmerman.

27

41

stay connected

41

46

National Ag Day Preview of tools to help promote National Ag Day.

Rural Mutual Prepare for winter weather and get your crop hail insurance.

WIFarmBureau

Cover photo by Casey Langan February | March 2016

wfbf.com

3

Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

Editor’s Note

O

ne of the last pages completed just before the Rural Route goes to the printer every two months is the editor’s note. This issue was no exception.

In a moment of writer’s block my eyes diverted from the computer screen to the contents on my desk. My frequent excuse for a messy desk is that resembles what’s going on in my head: a mixed bag of ideas, deadlines, opinions and memories, all fighting for my attention.

Behind the computer screen is a faded 1990 exhibitor’s pass to the Dane County Fair (it cost $1). Right next to it, a pink ribbon hangs from a thumb tack. Both items remind me of my humble beginnings in agriculture. On the windowsill there’s a framed copy of a State FFA Degree from 1991. How’s it possible those three items can now be considered antiques?!

Something from 10 years ago is a figurine of two elephants and two donkeys holding hands in a circle. I’m not sure if this gift from a friend during the years I worked at the State Capitol was meant to be ironic, but I rarely saw such unity.

More recent acquisitions are a Pam Jahnke bobble-head doll, many framed photos of my wife and son, ‘Best Magazine’ plaques from the American Farm Bureau

4

Rural Route

that have never been hung on the wall, and a poster frame containing the 32 covers of this magazine dating back to the fall of 2010.

There are also post-it notes everywhere that contain statistics and quotes that I think will prompt future columns and stories. These scribbled thoughts must provide insight to the nightly cleaning crew about the person who sits at this desk.

One quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower seems an obvious choice: “Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”

Others have to do with writing, like “Numbers numb. Stories sell.”

“Write what I mean. Not what I say.” That one came from a well-known Wisconsin ag leader who relies on a ghost writer, but whose name will be kept confidential.

“Bloom where you’re planted.” A nice reminder you don’t have to move a thousand miles away to do great things.

Two quotes on post-it notes speak to the need-to-know-now nature of any magazine editor: “Give me the baby…I don’t have time for the labor.”

“Tell me what time it is…not how to build a clock.”

Speaking of time, the windowsill also is home to a small hour glass whose sands count out two minutes. A visual reminder that time is valuable. I know that yours is so let me use this space to say thanks for giving me your time while reading this editor’s note and this issue of Rural Route.

Casey Langan Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Casey Langan 608.828.5711

Designer Lynn Siekmann 608.828.5707

Contributor Amy Eckelberg 608.828.5706

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) www.wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com

WFBF Board of Directors Jim Holte, Elk Mound, (President) Richard Gorder, Mineral Point, (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Joe Bragger, Independence Kevin Krentz, Berlin Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Wayne Staidl, Peshtigo Don Radtke, Merrill Rosalie Geiger, Reedsville (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Derek Orth, Stitzer (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 39940) (USPS 1082-1368), 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 Casey Langan at 608.828.5711 or clangan@wfbf.com.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

News

Stallman Tells Members to Stand Up and Be Counted F armers and ranchers need to adopt technology and they need to stand up for their rights. But most of all, they need to share their stories, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman told members at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention.

Stallman’s address – his last after 16 years as the head of the nation’s largest farm organization – echoed the challenges farmers face when government oversteps the limits of the law. He reminded attendees that the organization’s struggle to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest, flawed water policies was not yet over.

“You know, if we’re going to let the federal government dictate where we can and cannot farm—or cut trees, or build homes, or otherwise use the land for any productive, economic activity—then this is not the Land of Liberty,” Stallman told attendees. “It is not the country that our forefathers envisioned—nor is it a country that will be able to feed itself for very long.”

Struggles notwithstanding, technology is helping to make farmers’ lives easier than they were just a generation ago.

“We have tremendous potential through new technologies: unmanned aircraft, data mining, biotechnology, robotics and who knows what else is coming,” Stallman said. “These advances stand to make farming and ranching more productive, less costly, less labor-dependent and even better for the environment.”

Stallman urged members to share their stories with the world, on social media and elsewhere.

“You know, we farmers used to complain that no one paid any attention to what we did—that people thought their food just came from the grocery store—and that we in agriculture didn’t have enough ways to get our message heard.

“Well, people are sure paying attention to farming and food production now!

And in this age of social media, we no longer have to depend on others to tell our story for us. We have unlimited opportunities to engage—one-on-one or with thousands of followers—and have real conversations about agriculture.”

Stallman reminded Farm Bureau members of the importance of fairness and the dangers of depending on government.

“When we ask for the aid of government, we should not be surprised when we find ourselves bound by the chains of government,” Stallman said. “When we seek sustenance from the government, we have no moral standing to fault others who seek the same.

“We cannot have the freedom to live, work, play and pray as we see fit if we are willing to take those same freedoms from others. Just as our nation has emerged from contentious political and ideological battles before, we will do so again.

You and I – all of us – have the responsibility to keep America great.”

Holte Re-Elected to AFBF Board of Directors W isconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Jim Holte has been re-elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

Holte’s election to a two-year term was made by delegates at the 97th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, on January 12. Last year, he was elected to fill a one-year term on the AFBF Board.

Holte raises beef cattle and

February | March 2016

grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa on 460 acres of land near Elk Mound in Dunn County.

In December, Holte was re-elected for a fourth oneyear term as the president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Holte was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 1995 to represent District 9 on the board. District 9 represents the Superior Shores, Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer and St. Croix county Farm Bureaus.

A 1975 graduate of UW-River Falls, Holte and his wife, Gayle, have two children and four grandchildren.

Next year, Farm Bureau members will gather for the 98th AFBF Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona.

wfbf.com

5

2016 Ag Day at the Capitol

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel encouraged attendees to apply for producer-led watershed projects that are administered

by DATCP. 3. Grant County Farm Bureau members gathered for a photo before heading to the Capitol to meet with their legislators.

6

Rural Route

2. Before heading to the Capitol, attendees received a briefing on current agricultural legislation from WFBF lobbyists: Paul Zimmerman, Rob Richard and Karen Gefvert.

4. Waushara County Farm Bureau member John Piechowski (right) and WFBF Board member Kevin Krentz (middle) met with State Representative Scott Krug.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

January 27

5.

6.

7.

8.

5. Brown County Farm Bureau president Stan Kaczmarek waved as he walked to the Capitol.

6. State Representative Kevin Petersen had a meeting with constituents from Farm Bureau’s districts 5 and 6.

7. State Representative Warren Petryk welcomed constituents from northwestern Wisconsin to his office.

8. It was standing room only as members from western Wisconsin met with State Senator Kathleen Vinehout.

February | March 2016

wfbf.com

7

Talk of the Town at Ag Day High Capacity Wells Assembly Bill 477 and Senate Bill 291, authored by Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay), addresses high capacity wells and groundwater withdrawals. A hearing was held on Senate Bill 291 in October. Since then, discussions are still underway to see if an agreement can be reached concerning comprehensive groundwater legislation.

Issues being discuss include protection of existing private wells, process for determining sensitive resource areas, and what happens to proposed high capacity wells permit applications while the sensitive resource area is being studied.

Senate Bill 239, authored by Sen. Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac), has a narrower scope than the Cowles/Krug high capacity well legislation as it only addresses existing wells. Senate Bill 239 would require no further DNR permitting for the repair, replacement, reconstruction or transfer of ownership of existing wells previously permitted, but notification to DNR is required with any of these actions. A public hearing was held in October.

Implements of Husbandry (IOH) 3.0 Assembly Bill 564 and Senate Bill 448, authored by Rep. Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) and Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), update current IOH laws with 15 very technical modifications. For instance: the definition of farm tractor is updated to reflect recent changes in statutory language from Act 377 and Act 15; use of ‘farm implement’ in Chapter 347 of statutes is changed to ‘implements of husbandry’; SMV sign usage is updated to correct inconsistencies and clarify its true purpose (to indicate speed); and further clarifies how wide implements being trailered need to be properly lighted and marked. Senate Bill 448 passed the Senate on a voice vote and is currently awaiting a vote in the Assembly.

Piping of Manure Assembly Bill 518 and Senate Bill 390, authored by Rep. James Edming (R-Glen Flora) and Sen. Jerry Petrowski (RMarathon), establish a local permitting system to allow lines transporting liquid manure temporarily within highway rightsof-way. In addition, the bills also establish a local permit system to install permanent pipes or conduits for temporary piping under existing road ways. This legislation would help alleviate the excessive weight and use of larger vehicles on local roads and bridges. Senate Bill 390 passed the Senate on a voice vote and is currently awaiting a vote in the Assembly.

Right-of-Way in Roundabouts Assembly Bill 451 and Senate Bill 379, authored by Rep. Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg) and Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), allow larger vehicles (including IOH and Ag-CMVs) to legally deviate from a lane when going through a multi-lane roundabout. The bills also require smaller vehicles to yield to larger vehicles in a roundabout. Assembly Bill 451 passed the Assembly and Senate on a voice vote and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

8

Rural Route

Fall Harvest Weight Exemption Assembly Bill 733 and Senate Bill 509, authored by Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) and Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), moves up the start date on the 15% seasonal weight limit increase for certain vehicles transporting agricultural crops from September 1 to August 1. A public hearing was held on Assembly Bill 733, and Senate Bill 509 passed committee unanimously.

Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan Wisconsin is undergoing a process to develop a state voluntary pollinator protection plan. The purpose of the plan is an educational resource that is useful for Wisconsin residents interested in pollinator health, habitat and conservation. A draft of the plan was released by DATCP staff on January 19 for a 30-day public comment period.

The plan is available online at datcp.wi.gov; search for ‘pollinator protection plan’ or email DATCPAgriculture@wisconsin. gov for a direct link. It is also available by writing to DATCP, ATTN Pollinator Protection Plan, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911. You can comment through Friday, February 19, by sending emails or written comments to the addresses above.

Harvest for Hope Assembly Bill 611 and Senate Bill 474, authored by Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), would create a public-private partnership between the State of Wisconsin, its food banks and agricultural community that will significantly increase the amount of fresh, local farm products available in all 72 counties for Wisconsin residents who are at risk for hunger. Harvest for Hope grants will encourage farmer donation of farm products to food banks by providing a modest amount of funds to cover the costs of harvesting and processing excess or unmarketable farm products that would otherwise be left in the field. The grant is generated from private funds raised by a statewide association of food banks that is matched dollarfor-dollar by the State up to $250,000 in each fiscal year. This program will expand the ongoing charitable efforts of farmers and food processors and provide nutritious food for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents statewide. Senate Bill 474 passed committee unanimously and a public hearing was held on Assembly Bill 611.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

News

Get to Know AFBF’s New Leadership

D

elegates at the 97th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention elected Zippy Duvall to serve as the new president of AFBF and Scott VanderWal as vice president.

Vincent ‘Zippy’ Duvall (left) is a poultry, cattle and hay farmer from Greene County, Georgia, and served as president of the Georgia Farm Bureau for nine years. Duvall has held numerous leadership positions in Farm Bureau and his local community.

He is the 12th president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

A Farm Bureau member since 1977, Duvall held numerous leadership positions in the Greene County Farm Bureau, including president and vice president.

Duvall has served on numerous GFB Commodity Advisory Committees, the GFB Policy Development Committee and, as past chair, the GFB Young Farmer Committee. He has represented Georgia as a voting delegate at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention since being elected to the state board and served on the AFBF Board of Directors in the 1980s as chairman of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. He also served as member of former Gov. Sonny Perdue's Agricultural Advisory Council.

In addition to his Farm Bureau leadership, Duvall is chair of the Greene County Board of Commissioners and is a member of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.

Duvall is a member of the Greensboro Farmers Bank Board of Directors and is a member of the Greensboro/Greene County Chamber of Commerce. Duvall and his wife, Bonnie, have four children: Vince, Corrie, Zeb and Zellie.

February | March 2016

Scott VanderWal (right) is a third-generation family farmer from Volga, South Dakota. On their farm, Scott and his wife, Michelle, raise corn, soybeans and do custom cattle-feeding and some custom harvesting.

VanderWal has been a member of the South Dakota Farm Bureau board of directors since 1997, including three years as vice president. He was elected president in 2004 and has held the office since.

The VanderWals are both graduates of South Dakota State University and served on the South Dakota Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for several years, including one year as chairs. The couple also served on the American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Committee from 1992 to 1994, where VanderWal was elected second vice chair.

VanderWal's agricultural background includes an exchange trip to Germany in 1996, tours of the soybean ‘frontier’ in Brazil in 2001 and 2006, and an agricultural trade mission to Cuba in 2004. He is a graduate of the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program. The VanderWals have two sons, Kyle and Austin.

wfbf.com

9

News

Farm Bureau Delegates Chart a Course for 2016 D

for products designated as genetically modified organisms. They denounced mandatory labeling of food products containing GMOs at the local, state and federal levels.

elegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico elected new leaders and approved policies that will help determine the future of agriculture, during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention. Renewable fuels, governmental reform, farm policy, risk management and international trade were among the most important matters slated for action over the next year.

Law Enforcement Delegates approved new policy related to forfeiture reform that requires that individuals be convicted of a federal crime before their property is seized.

Risk Management Delegates approved new policies that covered a wide range of agricultural topics. Among other things, they: • Supported the addition of cottonseed to the list of oilseed crops eligible for farm programs; • Supported voluntary risk management products for poultry growers that would provide assistance during disease outbreaks; and • Reaffirmed support for programs that provide emergency assistance for livestock and tree producers not covered by federal crop insurance programs.

Regulatory Review and Reform Delegates addressed recent malfeasance by establishing a new policy that opposes governmental attempts to sway public opinion regarding rules that are open for public comment, whether by social media or other means.

International Trade Delegates reaffirmed support for fair and open world trade that benefits agriculture. In particular, AFBF voted to support the Trans Pacific Partnership, which promises to expand opportunities for U.S. farm goods to some of the fastest-growing markets around the world.

Biotechnology Delegates reaffirmed their support for the use of genetically modified plant varieties and other innovative technologies. Delegates also called for a voluntary and uniform labeling system

10

Rural Route

Immigration Delegates reaffirmed support for flexibility in the H-2A program that would allow workers to seek employment from more than one farmer. They also called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform to assist in solving the continuing shortage of agricultural workers.

Big Data Delegates reaffirmed support for the protection of proprietary data collected from farmers, as well as fair compensation for farmers who choose to sell their data to third parties including other farmers.

Energy The delegates maintained their strong support for biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard. They also called for continued tax incentives to benefit biodiesel and other advanced biofuels.

Interested in national ag issues?

Consider being part of Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Contact Team (FBACT). This grassroots action network advances agricultural and rural interests by connecting members of Congress to those people who matter most – their constituents.

For more, visit www.fb.org/legislative/fbact.

Quality Builders for Quality Buildings.

Since 1958 Suburban . Commercial . Agricultural . Horse Barns & Arenas

Toll Free 800. 558. 7800 . waltersbuildings.com

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Transparency Key to Building Consumer Trust W

ith research affirming that increased transparency boosts consumers’ trust in the food they eat and how it was produced, transparency is no longer an option for farmers and ranchers, the Center for Food Integrity’s Charlie Arnot told farmers during a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention.

As farms have grown bigger during the decades, people’s trust in agriculture has declined, Arnot said. Consolidation, integration and technological advances in agriculture have resulted in safer, more available and more affordable food— and more skepticism from the public.

“As we’ve changed in size and scale and in the kind of production techniques and technology we use, we now reflect a different type of agriculture than many people anticipated,” Arnot said. “We consistently hear from people that they trust farmers but they don’t trust farming.”

As a result, agriculture has lost its social license— the privilege of operating with minimal formalized restrictions, such as laws and regulations, based Visit YouTube.com/ on maintaining MeetAmericasFarmers/videos to see public trust by interviews with numerous farmers. Please doing what’s right. share these videos with your friends on Key to trust is social media. value similarity,

February | March 2016

and many consumers feel the current generation of farmers don’t share their values.

“Shared values are three-to-five times more important to building trust than sharing facts or demonstrating technical skills or expertise,” Arnot said.

In consumers’ eyes, farmers’ practices are an illustration of values in action. By being transparent and sharing their practices, farmers can demonstrate their values, which in turn builds trust.

But consumers don’t only want to hear from farmers, they want farmers to listen to them. They want a chance to ask their questions, get answers and to be heard and acknowledged on issues they consider important.

There are many ways farmers and ranchers can give consumers these critical opportunities to engage, but before they put themselves out there, they should consider a few things.

First, understand that who you are is as important as what you know.

Second, look at skepticism as the fuel for discovery. It’s not personal.

“Embrace skepticism as a chance to engage,” Arnot said.

Third, transparency is no longer optional for farmers and ranchers. It’s up to farmers to find ways to illustrate their commitment to doing the right thing in producing food.

“Somebody’s going to be telling your story, it should be you,” he emphasized.

In closing, Arnot stressed that building consumer trust would not be a quick fix.

“One of the great things about farmers is your commitment to solving problems,” he said. “This is not a problem that is going to be solved in the next cycle of production. This is a generational problem. We need a long-term vision to build trust.”

For more on this topic, visit www.foodintegrity.org.

wfbf.com

11

News

Former Skeptic Says Pro-Science Means Pro-GMO M ark Lynas shared his experience of moving from anti-GMO activist to advocate for biotechnology at a featured workshop at the 97th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

World-renowned environmentalist Lynas told an audience of farmers and ranchers how he changed his mind on GMOs when he came face-toface with the science supporting biotechnology.

“As a scientist, you must have data to back up what you’re saying,” Lynas said. “I realized I wasn’t holding myself to the same scientific standards on GMOs as I applied to my research

on climate change. You can’t pick and choose where you use science to back up your argument. You have to be consistent.”

He also asserted that we need more advances in technology, and that GMOs are critical to helping farmers around the world feed a booming population.

“Science and technology need to keep progressing to preserve the resources we have left,” he said.

And Lynas is backing up his belief in GMOs with action: He is now working with Cornell University to help develop GM crops that will help farmers in developing countries grow better crops without pesticides.

Even with clear scientific support, Lynas acknowledged, it’s difficult to convince the general public on biotechnology because of the scare tactics employed by activists. But he believes transparency can go a long way in building trust with consumers: “Transparency on GMOs will help dispel fears because people assume something is risky if they think information is being withheld from them,” Lynas said.

But this is where farmers can help bridge the gap.

“People need a believable source of information. As farmers, you have credibility because you understand what you’re doing and why. You can explain the real benefits GM crops have for both the land and consumers.”

Lower Costs Expected for Livestock, Poultry L ower costs and higher production are on the horizon for the livestock and poultry sectors, according to Dr. Steve Meyer, Vice President of Pork Analysis for EMI Analytics.

Meyer addressed farmers during a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention.

Sparked by lower fuel prices, consumers have more disposable income to spend on protein.

“We have seen fundamental changes on the perception of animal fats, and there’s more interest in incorporating protein in diets,” Meyer said. “And consumers have been willing to pay for meat.”

That consumer demand, coupled with lower production due to drought has led to increased prices for meat products.

The meat sector was significantly impacted by disease—avian influenza and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus—over the last few years, but the industry has rebounded.

12

Rural Route

“We’re better at managing disease and it shows,” Meyer said.

Although a stronger U.S. dollar has negatively affected impacted trade, mandatory Country-of- Origin-Labeling repeal averted retaliatory tariffs, which will help agricultural exports.

The Trans Pacific Partnership could be a major development for all species, especially beef and pork, in the coming years.

“TPP is a game changer,” Meyer said. “It’s going to open up the Japanese market for lower value products that we haven’t been able to ship before.”

Lower input costs have also helped the livestock and poultry sectors, and those costs are forecast to remain low in 2016, leading to expected production growth for beef, pork and poultry.

Meyer also cautioned that several risks—trade disruptions, world economy and demand— could change the outlook for 2016.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Land Values Fairly Strong Despite Drop in Farm Income L ed by weak crop prices and exacerbated by a sharp decline in livestock prices, particularly cattle, net farm income decreased significantly in 2015, a Federal Reserve Bank economist said.

In fact, farm income has decreased by 55 percent since 2013, said Nathan Kauffman, an economist who also serves as assistant vice president and Omaha Branch executive with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Kauffman addressed farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. during a workshop on trends in farm income and land values at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention.

“I don’t have the best of news to share this morning,” Kauffman said. “The sky is not falling, but this is definitely a period of adjustment.”

However, he said that the drop in income has so far not been accompanied by a drop in farmland values.

“Farmland values have, in many ways, defied expectations associated with lower crop values,” he said.

Among the factors that are driving the decrease in crop prices is a gradual buildup in the global supply of all major commodities, including corn, soybeans and wheat.

“Global inventory is very, very high,” he explained.

At the same time, key demand factors have also “softened

significantly,” he said, specifically mentioning ethanol production, which has been nearly flat in the past few years, and U.S. exports to China, which have decreased steadily as growth has slowed in that market.

An additional factor is credit conditions, which have deteriorated in the past two or three years.

A strong dollar, coupled with a somewhat sluggish global economy, has made selling crops overseas more

difficult, he added.

Despite all these negatives, farmland values have remained relatively steady.

“The changes in crop values haven’t been met with changes in land prices,” he said. One of the major reasons is that there just hasn’t been a lot of land on the market. In addition, he noted that how land prices fare depends very much on the quality of the land.

“It’s not across the board,” he said. “Very-high quality land is fetching very good prices,” but more marginal land is seeing some decreases. He added that while land prices have increased faster than rents, both have been slow to adjust to the decreases in crop prices.

“It’s not what you would have expected when corn decreases from $6 (per bushel) to $3,” he said.

2016 Policy Book Available Online W

ant to know where the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation stands on an issue?

The 2016 Policy Book is now available online at wfbf.com.

The document reflects the most recent policy directives established by voting delegates at Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 96th Annual Meeting in December.

“Members and delegates establish Farm Bureau’s legislative agenda from resolutions submitted by our voting members,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President. “These grassroots-generated policies address agricultural topics like transportation, land and water stewardship, regulatory overreach and private property rights.”

“We want this information easily accessible to all of our members and the decisionmakers who have a role in agriculture’s future,” Holte added.

To view the policy book online, visit wfbf.com/legislative/policy.

February | March 2016

wfbf.com

13

An Attention

to detail Meet Janet and Travis Clark

By Casey Langan

I

t seems all of the pieces have fallen into place at Vision-Aire Farms, LLC in Fond du Lac County. Beyond the neat-andtidy appearance from the road, visitors find a family working in unison and a dairy herd churning out high quality milk.

None of this happened by accident. Clear communication and a laser’s focus to detail are the ingredients for success at a farm recently recognized as one of the six top dairy herds for milk quality in the United States.

Roger Grade (who treats planning ahead as a hobby) and his wife, Sandy, are transitioning the farm they purchased in 1972, to a trio who each specializes on their preferred area of work:

14

Rural Route

their son, David, their daughter, Janet, and her husband, Travis Clark.

“It was the best decision we ever made,” Janet said of returning home to farm in 2010.

Janet Clark is a 2015 graduate of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Institute leadership course. The mother of three projects a sense of purpose and calm while wearing many hats.

She cares for the calves and does its bookkeeping. She works part-time for Rural Mutual Insurance Company, and she connects with consumers on social media about farming.

Her brother, David, specializes in the farm’s crops and

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

machinery. He conducts the farm’s equipment repair, mixing of feed and field work on nearly 1,000 acres of owned and rented land. He also provides custom planting, baling and harvesting for a number of other farms. David’s wife, Torrie, is a kindergarten teacher and they have three children.

Her husband, Travis, focuses on the cows. He and employee, Cory Tavs, milk the herd together every day at 4:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in a doubleeight parlor with a low-line milking system that was built in 2012. They follow a written milking procedure that spells out a protocol for predipping, drying teats with a paper towel, stripping out foremilk, attaching the milking units and post-dipping after the milking machine has been automatically taken off. The cows are housed in a tunnel ventilated barn that was retrofitted from stanchions to free stalls in 2012.

Travis is a firm believer that routine is important to cows. Sand bedding for the herd is applied on the same day each week and stalls are raked twice daily. He pours over the herd’s daily and monthly production reports.

The farm’s milking protocols were based off of recommendations from their equipment supplier, Central Ag Supply, that observed how Clark and Tavs milked the cows.

"I listen to everything Pam Reugg has to say," Travis said.

Reugg is a UW-Extension milk quality specialist and dairy science professor at UWMadison.

Going by the book has meant selling a cow giving 110 pounds of milk because her somatic cell count was too high, but it has all paid off. The Clarks received a National Dairy Quality Award from the National Mastitis Council in Arizona earlier this month. They were nominated for the award by BelGioiso Cheese, which buys their milk.

The herd’s beginnings can be traced back to Roger Grade’s affinity for registered Holsteins that began as a youth in 4-H. The Grades bought the farm near Eldorado in the Town of Lamartine in 1972, after Milwaukee’s urban sprawl pushed him away from his native Colgate.

“I saw opportunity here,” Grade recalls. “A good location, a good price and a good barn built in 1957.”

Today, the farm’s transition from one generation to the next is being executed with thoughtful precision. They formed two limited liability corporations, one for the dairy another for the land, and are gradually gifting shares to Janet and David. The milking herd has grown from 65 cows to 135 cows to support the three families.

Janet said the transition from off-farm jobs (with weekends off ) to farming full-time was February | March 2016

Calves at Vision-Aire Farms are the products of an investment in good genetics and an accelerated feeding program. Young calves are fed two gallons of pasteurized milk daily and kept in hutches until weaned. From there they move to a row of super hutches until nine months of age when they go to a custom heifer raiser. They return to the farm when they are confirmed 60-days pregnant.

The herd boasts many big, strong two-year old cows giving more than 100 pounds of milk per day. The herd of big, registered Holsteins has a 26,782 rolling herd average and a 58,000 somatic cell count average. With the milking herd at its maximum capacity (due to the longevity of the cows and sexed semen being used on first-calf heifers) some cows are being sold to other dairies.

wfbf.com

15

a challenge at first. So was getting reacquainted within the local community.

“But I knew this was the type of life I wanted for our family,” Janet said. “I grew up in 4-H and FFA and I wanted that for my kids.”

So did Travis, who grew up in rural Shawano County (near Birnamwood) with horses and poultry, and his uncle's dairy farm across the road.

Prior to joining the farm in 2010, Janet and Travis Clark lived in Dodgeville. The couple He grew up showing his own registered Holsteins met in 1999 and married in 2002, both have ag-related degrees from UW-Platteville. and milked cows while in The Clarks are shown here with their children: Grace, 11; Eve, 8; and Levi, 4. college.

Today, both of their daughters show calves as 4-H members, and they agent, Mike Immel, where she specializes in describe 4-year-old son health insurance.

Levi as “all farm.”

"What better job is there?” she asked. “I'm Family working together a farmer and I talk to farmers about health is often the focus on insurance." her posts on the farm’s “She is dependable, accountable and Facebook page. communicates well with our clients,” Immel “I share photos of me said. “She understands who we are and what and the kids feeding we stand for.” calves,” she said. “On Immel remarked on the farm’s spiffy Christmas Day I posted a appearance. He’s not the only one who has picture of me and Travis noticed. In 2014, the landscaping around milking cows together. the barn that greets motorists along State Basically, I'm a mom with Highway 23, received a beautification award kids, so I can connect with from the Fond du Lac County Natural other moms who have Beauty Council that typically goes to tidy views on dairy farming." homeowners.

Her foray into social It’s clear the scenic farm located just media was prompted Janet graduated from the Farm Bureau Institute east of Rosendale along State Highway 23 by her involvement in produces high quality cattle, milk and work at the WFBF Annual Meeting in December.

Farm Bureau and other ethics. affiliations. So was a newfound appreciation for the importance of lobbying on agriculture’s behalf. In 2014, Janet traveled to Washington, D.C, with other young farmers and agriculturists and it made an impact.

"It really opened our eyes to what Farm Bureau does and why we need to be involved,” said Janet, who will return to Washington in April with her fellow Institute classmates.

She served as one of the Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau's delegates at the WFBF Annual Meeting in December, and as a Farm First Cooperative delegate. Travis is a delegate for CRI Ag Source. The Clarks are in their second year on Farm First’s Visit their Young Cooperators Steering Committee. They were recently Facebook accepted to the National Advisory Council for the National page by Milk Producers. searching Since the fall of 2013, Janet also has worked as a customer ‘Vision Aire service representative for Rural Mutual Insurance Company’s

Farms, LLC’.

16

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

News

Craig Culver Serves Up His Story to Farm Bureau Leaders H e left the butter burgers and frozen custard at home, but Wisconsin restaurateur Craig Culver shared a story of perseverance with presidents and vice presidents of county Farm Bureaus on January 26 in Madison.

In 2015, the Wisconsin-based franchised chain of Culver’s restaurants grew to 562 locations and generated more than $1 billion in sales. Its namesake was quick to point out that his success in the restaurant world did not come overnight and it was passed down from his parents.

Selling quality products and maintaining a culture where the words: please, thank you and my pleasure, are important, Culver told attendees at Farm Bureau’s Council of Presidents meeting.

When he was 11, his parents bought a run-down A&W restaurant in Sauk City. That venture eventually led to purchasing a seasonal resort and restaurant called the Farm Kitchen near Baraboo. All of its food was made from scratch and it catered to vacationers from Chicago and Minneapolis.

While his parents had no previous “Our back was against restaurant experience, Culver said they the wall, but we’re not knew to surround quitters. We lost lots of themselves with talented people. His money that first year. mother, who grew up Broke even the second on dairy farm near Pickett, was “not a year and made a profit big risk taker but she the third year.” was a good business woman. Our guests felt like they were walking into our home. She was Miss Hospitality.”

Likening the 24-7 nature of running a restaurant to dairy farming, Culver admitted that he grew up not wanting to own a restaurant. Culver sought a biology degree after graduating from high school in 1968. After college he returned home. His father asked him to take over the Farm Kitchen.

“I said no. I wanted a life with banker’s hours.” Culver said.

“What was I thinking? It was one of my great regrets. My dad said go find your dream and the Farm Kitchen was sold.”

Culver needed a job. He would land as a general manager at a McDonald’s in Madison. He likened the experience to getting a business degree. It was then that he found the urge to be an entrepreneur. He moved back to Sauk City and with his parents’ help, bought the A&W the Culvers once owned. After six years, he would sell that business and would own a supper club in Baraboo. However, the new owners of that A&W lacked the energy and leadership required to succeed. They asked Culver to buy it back. He changed the name to Culver’s and painted the orange roof blue.

He said the restaurant’s signature frozen custard and butter February | March 2016

burgers came from other restaurants he had frequented.

The custard came from Oshkosh and the butter burgers originated in Milwaukee, but nobody knew of those products when Culver’s opened on July 18, 1984.

“It was like having a party and nobody came,” he recalled. “Our back was against the wall, but we're not quitters. We lost lots of money that first year. Broke even the second year and made a profit the third year.”

“Who would have thunk it?” he asked of the success that followed. “Certainly not me.”

He challenged Farm Bureau leaders to bring a smile, manners and a commitment to work to their organization and personal lives.

On the web

Check out Culver’s Thank You Farmers campaign at: www.culvers.com/inside-culvers/thank-you-farmers

wfbf.com

17

News

UW’s Ag Outlook Forum Shows a Farm Economy in Transition

By Casey Langan

T

here’s an oft-recited statistic that agriculture in Wisconsin has an economic impact of $88 billion.

“It’s probably on the high side,” admitted Steven Deller, when asked if it still holds true in 2016.

Revised expectations seemed to be the theme of the Wisconsin Agricultural Economics Outlook Forum held last month on the UW-Madison campus.

Deller is the agricultural economics professor who helped come up with the $88 billion statistic based on results of the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture. He said that figure captures farm commodity prices and the impact of food processing.

Not only has farm income plunged from recent historic highs, but recent layoffs at Oscar Mayer and Tyson Foods also put downward pressure on the economic impact statistic. Still, Deller noted that the U.S. Census of Agriculture is done every five years and to give a new number every year would “create more confusion than insight.”

Providing insights into a nearly $1.7 billion drop in farm income from 2014 to 2015 was agricultural economics professor

Bruce Jones. He said that decline was largely because dairy receipts were down a similar amount.

“Profit margins in Wisconsin agriculture were about 8 percent,” Jones said. “That’s tight. Expenses stayed nearly the same, but the value of output dropped considerably.”

He said described the outlook for farm income in 2016 as flat, but noted that smaller farms may fare best in this downturn. The smallest farms (those with less than $100,000 in annual sales) are most likely to be supported by income from an off-farm job. The smallest farms also have twice the income, relative to their debt, according to Jones.

“Debt to asset levels are 78 percent or better depending on the asset class,” Jones said of Wisconsin farms. “That is an extremely good ratio. Relatively low level of debt by Wisconsin farmers means their staying power should be considerable.”

“If there is any financial concerns on the horizon it’s that cash on hand is down, when looking at figures from the past two years,” Jones added.

DAIRY

normal. Stephenson said 2015’s modest increase in milk production coupled with cow numbers indicated there were many marginal cows being kept in milking herds.

Another productivity statistic he noted was Wisconsin maintaining a higher milk production per cow than California for the first time in 60 years. Some of that has to do with California suffering its worst drought in 1,200 years. As a result, the cost of feed there vastly outplaces what is paid in Wisconsin.

If the U.S. economy doesn’t hold up, Stephenson has concern of the impact it will have on milk prices.

Following historically high prices for dairy, is an uptick in store or a period of false hope? That was the question that Mark Stephenson, director of dairy policy analysis at UW-Madison, tried to answer for Outlook attendees.

Following a big drop in the cost of corn, hay and soybean meal since 2012, dairy farmers enjoyed the highest ever margin of milk price over feed costs in 2014. Last year’s drop in the price of milk saw a return to margin differences that he called

GRAINS Several years of good production coupled with softening demand due to a strong U.S. dollar has taken its toll on corn and soybeans, with little relief in sight was the message delivered by Brenda Boetel, professor of agricultural economics at UW-River Falls.

The impact of currency exchange rates is considerable. She noted the change in values for currencies from the United States (upwards) and Brazil (downward) has essentially increased the price of U.S. grain on the world market by 40 percent.

“If we didn’t produce a single soybean this year, we’d already have 26 percent of the needed supply. That’s a big cushion,” she said.

She predicts soybeans will see a decrease in acreage in 2016

18

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

and cash prices could be as low as $7.46 at harvest.

There’s not much potential for corn demand to rise either in 2016. Boetel said 3 million acres of corn would need to exit production in 2016 just to get projected supplies in line with demand.

The rise of grain prices brought some acres that were once pasture or enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program into production. It remains to be seen how much of that land may revert back to those uses or other crops (sunflowers in the Dakotas were given as an example).

A forecast of fewer acres planted to wheat in 2016 is not good news for growers of corn and soybeans.

Of more immediate concerns to many farmers will be the grain prices in the next few months. Boetel said a historically high amount of 2015’s corn crop has not been sold yet. She predicts price volatility this spring as farmers are forced at some point to sell and make cash flow.

“Negative margins for grains means farmers will have to look at marketing and not just count on production gains,” she said.

She cautioned not to look for big increases in demand for corn for ethanol anytime soon.

High levels of ethanol production are likely to continue due to relatively high profit margins for ethanol producers. Ethanol is being stockpiled and current production exceeds levels mandated by the federal government.

“Less than 40 percent of new autos sold in 2015 could burn 15 percent blend ethanol,” Boetel said. “They’ll be on the road awhile. Ethanol is a mature industry.”

The lower costs that farmers pay for inputs were one of the few bright spots for 2016 (with the exception of seed costs trending upwards). Economists also predict downward pressure on farmland rental rates as the long-term incentive to keep paying high rent goes away.

MEATS Boetel predicts lower prices for poultry and pork, but stable beef prices in 2016.

Expansion of the nation’s beef herd has begun and will likely continue in 2016. Keeping breeding stock in beef herds led to a 2 percent decrease in beef production in 2015. Protein demand remained strong for beef, pork and poultry in 2015, but additional pork and poultry supplies put downward pressure on beef prices.

Finished cattle prices in 2016 are expected to average about 7 February | March 2016

percent. The average 2016 feeder prices will likely be about 20 percent lower than in 2015.

Pork production was up slightly more than 7 percent in 2015.

Carcass based national average hog prices hit historic highs and averaged more than $100 per hundredweight in 2014, but were closer to $70 in 2015. This year should see similar prices to 2015.

GENERAL ECONOMY A Wall Street Journal survey of economists puts a low probability (15 percent) of the United States’ economy slipping into a recession in 2016. Deller noted that China’s economic fates are the wildcard. He said the U.S. economy has entered a period of sustained, but modest growth. The historical average quarterly growth rate (annualized) since 1947 has been 3.2 percent and the consensus forecast during the next year is 2.6 percent.

“The unemployment rate could be a little better but it’s moving in the right direction,” Deller said of the expectation it will stabilize between 4.5 and 4.7 percent during the next two years.

The Wisconsin economy is in a weak recovery from the Great Recession. Job growth is below expectations given national growth rates and historical patterns. Unemployment rates are reasonable, but the number of discouraged workers (those who quit looking for work and no longer are counted as unemployed) remain an issue.

Deller said the national economy weighs heavy on Wisconsin and its neighboring states.

On the web

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation was one of the sponsors of the Agricultural Economics Outlook Forum.

For more information and to read the annual report, visit: Go.wisc.edu/2016-ag-outlook-materials.

wfbf.com

19

The challenge is on for you to sign up at least five new Farm Bureau members by September 30.

Farm Bureau volunteers are eligible to receive a $20 cash award for every new member signed.

Volunteers signing five or more new members by September 30 receive special recognition as members of the Farm Bureau Proud Club and enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in December.

Membership applications are available online, from your county Farm Bureau office or by contacting the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at 800.261.FARM. To receive proper credit for new members signed, be sure to fill in your name as the “membership worker” and submit all memberships prior to September 30.

Do your part to strenghten Farm Bureau’s voice.

New members must have no prior membership or be at least 25 months past due. Official contest rules available from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

20

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

News

Former YFA Leader Now Chairs DATCP Board M

iranda Leis of Cashton was elected chair of the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in January.

Leis, who also farms with her husband, Corey, and his father, Wayne, is a member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau board of directors. Previously, she was the Young Farmer and Agriculturist chair at the county and state level. In 2013, the couple received the prestigious YFA Achievement Award from WFBF. Leis is a project manager for CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley in La Farge.

On the DATCP Board, she succeeds Andy Diercks of Coloma, who had been chair the past seven years.

Leis told The Country Today newspaper she is “honored and humbled” to be the second woman to chair the DATCP Board in its 119-year history.

“I know the year ahead will be busy as usual with several important issues and changes coming before the board,” Leis said. “I am excited to be in a leadership role during this time.

I am also excited to help advance the role of women leaders in the agriculture industry.”

Leis said the role of women in agriculture continues to evolve and change.

“Many women are coming to the agricultural field on the farm production side and within the industry,” she said.

“Women need to continue taking on leadership roles and support each other in doing so.”

One of the key issues likely to be on the DATCP Board’s plate in 2016 is changes to the livestock facility siting rule. She said the rule should come before the board in early spring.

The DATCP Board’s nine members are gubernatorial appointees.

The Leises, who have three daughters, also operate a custom harvesting business and own a Hereford beef herd.

Winter is a Great Time for Photo Contest Pics S ubmissions are still being accepted for the American Farm Bureau Federation and American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s 2015 Farm Bureau Photo Contest. The contest is open to all state and county Farm Bureau members and staff above 18 years of age at the time of entry, including professional photographers.

“The winter months offer many opportunities to get great pictures of farmers and ranchers working safely on the farm,” said Kim Baker, AFBF’s assistant director, creative services.

“We want to showcase what life on the farm is really like, and these authentic photos will help tell agriculture’s story.”

Photo submissions will be used to accurately portray today’s agriculture and the safe practices of farmers and ranchers. Additionally, submissions also will be used for future publications, promotions and social media by AFBF and related companies. All photos submitted must exemplify safe practices on the farm or ranch.

The contest is open for submissions until March 31, 2016.

Photos may be entered in four categories: farm families, farm labor, technology and consumer outreach. Monetary prizes will be awarded to the top three placing photos from each category.

First place winners will be awarded $150, second place, $100 and third place, $75.

Contest winners will be announced April 15, on American Farm Bureau’s social media platforms and website.

February | March 2016

For more information on how to register and to view the contest rules and regulations, visit the 2015 Farm Bureau Photo Contest webpage at www.fb.org/programs/photocontest.

Questions about the contest may be sent via email to photocontest@fb.org.

wfbf.com

21

Visit wfbf.com to read more blogs!

A Challenge to Consider

By Ryan Klussendorf, WFBF Guest Blogger

I

was raised in a Farm Bureau family, so I have been a Farm Bureau member all my life.

(However, I officially paid my own membership 15 years ago.) My great grandfather was a charter member of Waukesha County Farm Bureau. My grandfather was a board member for more years then I could count at the time. My dad was the state young farmer chair and an active member of the Waukesha County Farm Bureau board until he moved to Taylor County and joined that board.

To say Farm Bureau is a family tradition is an understatement. When I married and moved to Medford, we were asked by the president of Taylor County Farm Bureau to be the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program chairs.

Those who know me well understand that I am very quiet, hate large crowds and would prefer an under the radar lifestyle. Luckily, my wife took up the challenge and continued our Farm Bureau tradition.

For nine years I have watched as she went from the YFA chair to the county president. She competed in the Discussion Meet and filled out the application for the Achievement Award. In 2011, Cheri and I were awarded the YFA Achievement Award. It was standing on that stage that my Farm Bureau involvement truly began. A few short weeks later, we were in Hawaii competing in the American Farm Bureau contest.

Fast forward a few years to our YFA leadership trip to Washington, D.C. I used to think speaking up was pointless. I assumed everyone felt the same way I felt about the issues at hand, someone else was bound to speak on the topic and I wouldn’t have to, RIGHT? As a group we discussed who would bring up what hot button topic with the legislators. After Jim Holte introduced the group to each legislator, awkward silence followed. I figured I was here, the time is now, so I stood up and started the conversation, in every office. During this experience I became more interested and it was that spark that started the fire.

When we got home from that trip I joined our county fair’s market animal show and sale committee. My oldest son was about to show and sell his first swine project. So I thought what the heck, when you don’t agree with the rules you join the committee and change the rules. The meetings were long and so off-topic that I hated them. There was no parliamentary procedure used, and we lacked a leader who wasn’t a dictator. I went from the pain-in-the-butt on the committee (who would require a motion to move forward) to the vice chair in one year. Our meetings went from a drag-down, screaming across the table, embarrassing mess; to an organized, still controversial but worthwhile meeting. I realized that if I could influence that committee, I could do Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet.

The following year I was all excited to compete. Until the schedule came out and it was at 4:30 p.m., not a good time for this dairy farmer. So instead, at our county’s annual meeting I ran for county delegate. I was elected as a delegate, and for the first time in years I didn’t leave on Sunday afternoon from the state Annual Meeting. From there I was recommended for the District 8 Policy Development Committee, for a two-year service. Last August, at the District 8 Discussion Meet,

22

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

I advanced along with my wife and another contestant to the state competition.

I studied and researched before the Annual Meeting, but mostly my goal was to feel more comfortable with talking in public. When I advanced to the round of 8, I was shocked. I competed again thinking there is no chance I will go on, I hate talking in public.

I was standing in the silent auction area when a young lady came up to me and congratulated me for moving on to the final four. I dismissed the thought and told her they were not announcing that until that night’s meal. Cheri suggested that I check the event’s mobile app and low and behold there was my name!

My initial reaction was I want to go home. You could have knocked me over with a feather I was so shocked. I went to work talking to our fellow Farm Bureau members who had the knowledge and experiences with high capacity wells that you can’t find on the Internet or any book on the shelf. They had the real life experiences and involvement that I lacked. They were living the topic of balancing water needs. I didn’t get much sleep that night, my wife can attest to that, and at 4:30 a.m. I took a long walk because my brain would not shut off.

During my walk I came across the banner with the Farm Bureau motto: ‘A Voice for Farmers. A Vision for Agriculture.’ I had used that motto during my closing statement at every Discussion Meet I had competed in, but it wasn’t until that moment, in my sleepless state, that I realized I got my voice from Farm Bureau.

I challenge all of you to find your voice, to take a stand on the platform Farm Bureau gives to make a difference and let your voice be heard. It’s like I said in every opening statement, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.”

February | March 2016

wfbf.com

23

Katherine Larson, Viroqua

Ashley Ellis, Independence

John Gutzman, Rio

Heidi Pettis, Clintonville

Janet Hetke, Ladysmith

Send us YOUR Photos 24

Rural Route

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, 4x6 inches at 300 dpi) to lsiekmann@wfbf.com. Due to the high volume of photos we receive, we are unable to publish every photo.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

County Kernels Ronald McDonald House – Shawano County

Butter Promotion – Jefferson County

Shawano County Farm Bureau members donated a van full of items that were greatly appreciated by families going through a hard time at a Milwaukee hospital and staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

They will continue collecting items into the 2016.

Members of the Rock Lake Troopers 4-H Club promoted butter at Sentry in Lake Mills on November 21. They gave shoppers a free pound of Land O’ Lakes butter with their purchase of butter. The 4-H members put a dairy fact label on each free pound of butter. They also handed out holiday recipe brochures for the adults and dairy coloring books, tattoos, cow pencils and milk magnets for children. The free butter was provided by the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Book Donation – Pierce County

Farm Tour – Marquette County

The Pierce County Farm Bureau donated the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom books of the year from the past seven years to the Ellsworth Public Library. The books included The Beeman, First Peas to the Table, A Young Shepherd, Fantastic Farm Machines, Farmer George Plants a Nation, Seed Soil Sun and How Did that Get in My Lunchbox?. These books will provide an understanding of how food is produced.

Radio Visit – Richland County

February | March 2016

On October 2, the Marquette County Farm Bureau women’s committee hosted the annual Ag in the Classroom farm tour for more than 130 fourth grade students. Thank you to the students who came to the Ken and Cheri Borzick farm and to the Montello FFA and Westfield FFA for sending members who served as tour guides. Thank you to the Borzick family for hosting the event.

In October, Richland County Farm Bureau president Dick Hauser visited with Ron Fruit of WRCO 100.9 about the newest implements of husbandry regulations. He was joined on air

by WFBF staff members Rob Richard, Gretchen Kamps and Melissa Doyle.

wfbf.com

25

Farm Bureau Recipes from the Farm Bureau Favorites: A Taste of District 3 cookbook. To purchase your own copy for $10, contact Melissa Doyle, District 3 Coordinator, at 866.355.7343 or mdoyle@wfbf.com.

Cheesy Potato Soup

2 cups boiling water 1 /2 cup diced carrots 2 cups diced potatoes 1 /2 cup diced celery 1 /4 cup diced onion 1 /2 tsp. salt 1 /4 tsp. pepper 1 /4 cup butter 1 /4 cup flour 2 cups milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup cooked ham, cubed

Add the boiling water to the vegetables. Add salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Do NOT drain. In a kettle, melt butter then stir in flour and add the milk.

Stir until thick. Add the vegetables and ham. Stir in cheese. Do NOT let boil.

Simmer until ready to serve.

Submitted by Mary Jo Johnsrude, Crawford County

Peanut Butter Bars /2 cup butter /2 cup white sugar 1 /2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 /3 cup peanut butter 1 cup chocolate chips 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup quick oats 1 1

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour, baking soda and oatmeal. Mix well and pour into 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 350째F. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips.

Let melt and spread, let cool. Frost with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup peanut butter and milk until spreadable. Double recipe for jelly roll pan.

Submitted by Derek Orth, Grant County

Grape Salad Salad 3-4 lbs. green and red grapes 8 oz. cream cheese 8 oz .sour cream 1 /2 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

Wash grapes and pat dry.

Cream the cream cheese and sour cream together. Add sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Pour mixture over grapes and stir gently. Refrigerate.

Topping When ready to serve, top with 1 /2 cup brown sugar brown sugar and walnuts or 1 cup chopped walnuts or /2 pecans. pecans Submitted by Beverly Jean Porter, Grant County 26

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Farm Bureau Membership Doesn’t Cost... ...It Pays Wisconsin Farm Bureau offers benefits and services to its members, covering a range of options that respond to the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin.

Communication

Auto

General Motors - Most 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC (except Corvette) models are eligible for the $500 Bonus Cash program.

The Bonus Cash program can be combined with most other offers. It cannot be combined with discounted pricing (employee, dealership employee and supplier pricing). To qualify for the offer, individuals must be a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member for at least 30 days prior to the date of delivery of the vehicle. The purchaser’s driver’s license must match the address on record for their Farm Bureau membership.

Members must present their Farm Bureau Bonus Cash Certificate to the dealer to take advantage of the Bonus Cash program. Print your Bonus Cash certificate at www.fbadvantage.com/Deals/gm. The $500 Bonus Cash program can be used more than once. A separate certificate is needed for each vehicle purchased or leased. Call 800.261.3276 for questions on eligibility guidelines. Contact dealership for full details.

AgriVisor - Wisconsin Farm Bureau members can receive a 35% discount on daily grain, livestock and feed input marketing advice, as well as current market quotes and updates. Members go to www.agrivisor.com and click on E-Visor to sign up or call 800.676.5799 to learn more.

The Country Today - The Country Today will give a discounted rate and donate $5 to the Ag in the Classroom Program with every new subscription or renewal purchased by a Farm Bureau member. Write ‘Farm Bureau member’ on your renewal or mention it when calling 800.236.4004.

Travel

Insurance

Rural Mutual Insurance Company - Rural Mutual Insurance Company is a Wisconsin-based company. That means that premiums paid here, stay here to keep Wisconsin strong. Rural Mutual offers a full line of insurance products sold exclusively in Wisconsin, including home, auto, farm, business and financial products. With Rural Mutual you get personalized service from people in more than 100 local offices statewide who live and work in your community and who understand your needs.

To find a Rural Mutual Insurance Company agent, visit www.ruralins. com or call 877.219.9550. You also can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RuralMutual.

Farm Bureau Financial Services is a dynamic multi-state insurance and investment organization headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. Their companies were originally formed to offer specialized service to rural Farm Bureau Federation members. But, as the years passed, the breadth and scope of those offerings have grown as have its clientele and the size of the organization. Today, FBFS serves thousands of individuals and families in not only rural areas, but also suburban and metropolitan.

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

Travel

AAA - Wisconsin Farm Bureau members are eligible to save up to 20% on membership to AAA. They also do not have to pay an enrollment fee when joining.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members who are already members of AAA can receive the 20 percent discount on their next renewal. Call 877.731.3315 and give group code “WI07”.

AVIS Car Rental Discount Program - Members can save 5%-25% on Avis’ daily and weekly rates. To receive these discounted rates, use Avis Worldwide Discount number: WISCONSIN A298849. To rent a car and enjoy all the benefits of a great partnership, visit Avis.com or call Avis at 800.331.1212.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. - Members save an average of 20% off published rates at almost 5,000 Choice Hotels worldwide! Call 800.258.2847 or go to choicehotels.com and use Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation ID #00209870 to book in advance.

Wyndham Hotel Group - Members save 20% off the best available rate on their overnight hotel accommodations at more than 5,000 participating locations throughout North America. Advance reservations are required. Blackout dates may apply. Discounts cannot be used with other programs. Call: 877.670.7088 and choose the name of the hotel you want and be sure to mention Farm Bureau ID # 8000004288. You also can visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

AAA Save up to 20% on AAA membership and the enrollment fee to join AAA is waived.

877.731.3315; Group code: WI07

AVIS Car Rental Discount Program Save 5%-25% A vis Worldwide Discount number: A298849.

To Rent: A vis.com or 800.331.1212

Wyndham Hotel Group Save 20% off the best available rate at more than 5,000 participating locations.

Ramada® Days Inn® Super 8® Baymont Inn & Suites® Microtel® Wingate® Hawthorn® Howard Johnson® Travelodge® Knights Inn® Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® Wyndham Grand® Wyndham Garden®

Choice Hotels International, Inc. Save an average of 20% at participating Choice Brand Hotels.

A scend Hotel Collection® Cambria® Comfort Inn® Comfort Suites® Sleep Inn® Quality® Clarion® MainStay Suites® Suburban® EconoLodge® Rodeway Inn®

Farm Bureau ID#: 8000004288 For reservations: 877.670.7088.

WFBF member ID#: 00209870 Advance reservations required 8 00.258.2847 or choicehotels.com; select ‘special rate/CORPID

On the web

View additional WFBF member benefits and more details on our website at www.wfbf.com/benefits-membership.

Auto

General Motors Receive a $500 discount on qualifying Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicles.

Individuals must be members for at least 30 days. Print your certificate at fbadvantage.com/Deals/gm

Health ScriptSave® Prescription savings card 800.700.3957; scriptsave.com Group number: 703A

Protection Reward Protection Program Post a reward sign or sticker to earn a $500 reward for providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals for arson, theft or criminal damage to a member’s property.

Accidental Death Policy Receive $1,500 - $3,500 in accidental death insurance for themselves and their spouse, and $500 for minors.

Member Benefits 2016 Wallet Guide Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705 800.261.FARM wfbf.com/benefits-membership

Financial

Supplies & Products

AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program - Some of the largest expenses that small business owners face are the costs of their family’s medical care. Farm Bureau has teamed up with TASC (Total Administrative Services Corporation) to bring you the AgriPlanNOW! program, which is based on Section 105 of the IRS code and can allow farmers and other self-employed individuals to deduct 100 percent of their family’s medical expenses through their farm or business. AgriPlan clients save an average of $5,000 a year on their medical expenses. Deductible expenses include all health and qualified long term care insurance premiums, as well as out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision costs. In addition, Farm Bureau members receive a 15% discount off the cost of AgriPlanNOW! Be sure to mention discount code WIFA. To learn more about AgriPlan and/or sign up, simply click here to visit the AgriPlan website or call one of TASC’s friendly AgriPlan specialists at 888.595.2261.

Farm Bureau Bank - Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s FDICinsured checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans. Call 800.492.FARM (3276), or check online at www.farmbureaubank.com.

Health ScriptSave® - ScriptSave® is a prescription drug savings card available to Wisconsin Farm Bureau members at no cost. Your entire household can use the card for instant savings that average more than 37% with potential savings up to 75% on brand name and generic medications (based on the 2013 national program savings data). The ScriptSave card is accepted at thousands of independent and chain pharmacies nationwide. The card also offers savings on hearing care, diabetic supplies and active living supplies. You can sign-up by calling ScriptSave directly at 800.700.3957.

Mention Group #703 to identify yourself as a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member. You also can sign up online at www.scriptsave.com. This is a discount only, not an insurance policy and does not provide insurance coverage. Discounts are available exclusively through participating pharmacies.

Case IH - Eligible Farm Bureau members will receive an incentive discount ($300 to $500) when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers.

The discount is stackable, meaning it can be used with other discounts, promotions, rebates or offers that may be provided by Case IH or a Case IH dealership. A current Farm Bureau membership verification certificate must be presented to the Case IH dealer in advance of product delivery to receive the incentive discount. Go to www.fbverify.com/case to check out eligible models and print your certificate.

Caterpillar - Members qualify for a variety of discounts on new purchases.

Members must provide a valid Member Verification Certificate to the Cat dealer at the time of quote to receive the discount. Visit www.fbadvantage.com/cat to print your certificate and for details on models and discounts. The discount can be combined with any current retail discounts, promotions, rebates or offers available through Caterpillar or its dealers with the exception of other membership purchase incentives (such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association discount).

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

Grainger Industrial Supply - Receive a 10% discount on all Grainger catalog items. For a free catalog call 608.221.3861. When ordering use the Farm Bureau account #855922019 and a credit card. Members with an existing account who would like to take advantage of the 10% discount can call 800.261.FARM(3276) to have their account coded to receive the discount. Shipping is free for orders placed online at www.Grainger.com.

Office Depot - Save up to 80% on Office Depot Preferred Products along with reduced prices on ink, paper, office supplies, toner, stamps/daters, pens, pads, furniture and much more. Members get free next-day delivery with free shipping on orders more than $50 and terrific copy and print pricing. You can print off a free discount card online and have it laminated for free at your local Office Depot store.

To learn more, visit wfbf.com/officedepot.

Polaris - Farm Bureau members will receive a manufacturer’s incentive discount of $200-$300 depending on the vehicle acquired. There is no limit to the number of incentive discounts that a Farm Bureau member may use so long as it’s no more than one per unit acquired and the acquisition(s) is/are made for their personal and/ or business use. Individuals must be members for at least 30 days to qualify. Visit fbadvantage.com/polaris to print your certificate.

Protection $500 Reward Protection Program - Farm Bureau pays a $500 reward to people providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals for arson, theft or criminal damage to a member’s property that is posted with a Farm Bureau reward sign or sticker. Contact your county Farm Bureau office to request a sign or auto sticker and a complete list of requirements.

Accidental Death Policy - Members receive $1,500 in accidental death insurance for themselves and their spouse, and $500 for minor children. The policy increases in value $200 for each consecutive year of membership up to $3,500. The policy covers any accident, except those on a public road or highway occurring or arising out of occupancy or use of a vehicle required to be licensed under state laws.

*WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.*

Insurance

Rural Mutual Insurance Company Offering a full line of insurance and financial products for your personal, farm and business needs. www.ruralins.com Farm Bureau Financial Services Multi-state insurance and investment organization serving individuals and families. Contact your local Rural Insurance agent or visit www.fbfs.com.

Financial

AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program Farmers and other self-employed individuals deduct 100% of their family’s medical expenses through their farm or business. www.tasconline.com or 888.595.2261 Farm Bureau Bank FDIC insured checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans. www.farmbureaubank.com.

Supplies & Products

Case IH I ncentive discount ($300 to $500) on qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers. View models and print your certificate: - www.fbadvantage.com/Deals/Case Caterpillar S ave up to $2,000 on Cat agricultural construction equipment.

Provide a valid Member Verification Certificate to the Cat dealer at the time of quote to receive the discount.

- www.fbadvantage.com/Deals/cat FS-GROWMARK Patronage P atrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage dividends when patronage is paid.

Grainger Industrial Supply R eceive at least a 10% discount on all Grainger catalog items.

Free catalog: 608.221.3861 Farm Bureau account: #855922019

Office Depot Save up to 80% on Office Depot Preferred Products. Members get free next-day delivery with free shipping on orders more than $50 and terrific copy and print pricing.

Visit wfbf.com/officedepot.

Polaris Receive a manufacturer’s incentive discount of $200-$300. Individuals must be members for at least 30 days.

Print certificate: w ww.fbadvantage. com/Deals/polaris

Communication AgriVisor 35% discount on marketing advice 800.676.5799.

The Country Today $5 donation to the Ag in the Classroom program per subscription 800.236.4004.

My Farm Bureau member number:

My county’s contact information:

Look Out!

is on Instagram!

Farming is a business of uncertainty, but here’s something you can count on.

You can find Wisconsin Farm Bureau by searching “wifarmbureau” in the Instagram app. Be sure to follow us for photos and videos throughout the year.

Chevrolet presents this exclusive $500 private offer 1 toward the purchase or lease of an all-new Chevy Silverado — the 2014 North American Truck of the Year. From the family of the most dependable, longest-lasting 2 full-size pickup in America, rest assured your Silverado will keep you working without skipping a beat.

BERLIN WEST SIDE GM 920-361-5100 www.westsidegm.com CEDARBURG NEWMAN CHEVROLET 262-377-3020 www.north2newman.com

Got Email?

Are your membership records current?

If you’ve moved, acquired a new telephone number or changed your name or email address, it’s important that your new information is reflected in your membership records.

Email addresses and cell phone numbers help Farm Bureau reach you in instances where prompt communication is important.

ELLSWORTH QUINN MOTORS OF ELLSWORTH, INC. 715-273-4331 www.quinnmotorsofellsworth.com

SAUKVILLE ERIC VON SCHLEDORN CHEVROLET BUICK CADILLAC 262-284-8000 www.thegmdealer.com STEVENS POINT LEN DUDAS MOTORS INC. 715-344-3410 www.lendudasgm.com

FREDERIC LARSEN AUTO CENTER, INC. 715-327-4217 larsenauto.com RICHLAND CENTER JONES CHEVROLET-BUICK, INC. 608-647-3788 www.joneschev.com SALEM HARTNELL CHEVROLET 262-843-2361 www.hartnellchevy.com

SUN PRAIRIE ZIMBRICK CHEVROLET 608-251-7676 www.zimbrickchevrolet.com VIROQUA SLEEPY HOLLOW CHEVROLET BUICK GMC 608-637-8300 www.sleepyhollowchevrolet.com 1 Offer available through 4/1/17. Available on qualified 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet vehicles. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors. 2 Dependability based on longevity: 1987–April 2013 full-size pickup registrations.

If you need to update your records, email your current contact information to dmeili@wfbf.com, and our staff will make the update.

February | March 2016

wfbf.com

29

Opinion

Two Drastically Different Elections A Message from Jim Holte

W

e have all tired, in recent months, of the constant political bombardment on every TV news program. It would be bearable if candidates would stick to issues and solutions. The sad reality in politics is that candidates are quick to ‘go negative’ against their ‘opponents’ because more times than not, it works.

I’m proud to tell you that the exact opposite approach was on display at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention last month. I was one of 353 delegates charged with replacing Bob Stallman, a cattleman and rice grower from Texas who served as AFBF President since 2000. Four good candidates emerged to accept

30

Rural Route

that leadership role. Each came from a different sector of the nation (Arizona, Georgia, Indiana and Oregon).

Each engaged in a campaign that can only be described as polite and positive.

Each displayed a high level of character as they confidently talked about their strengths. It was refreshing that each had nothing but good to say about their competitors. It was clear by their acts that each was proud to be a farmer and strived to use their considerable leadership abilities and rock-solid values to represent farmers from across our nation.

In any election, there is a winner and losers. The winner needed to earn the votes of 177 of the 353 delegates. It took three ballots to narrow the field.

Emerging victorious was Zippy Duvall.

He’s a former dairyman who raises beef cattle, hay and poultry in Greshamville, Georgia. I’ve found Zippy to be a warm and engaging guy who welcomes conversation. He’s a non-judgmental man of faith who confidently has courage in his convictions. Farm Bureau members will be well served by him and as a member of the AFBF Board of Directors, I look forward to seeing where his leadership skills take our organization.

When his name was announced as the winner, every delegate in the room stood up and applauded. Can you imagine anything remotely similar to this happening upon the outcome of this November’s presidential election?

Throughout the entire campaign for

AFBF President, I couldn’t help but compare it with the unappealing political process playing out on our national stage.

It’s disheartening to see debates devolve into insult contests, where the candidates focus less on voting records and policy positions, and resort to name-calling and attacks on the religious beliefs or personal appearances of others. All that comes of this is a polarized electorate and a paralyzed government.

These two elections stand in stark contrast for another reason. Wisconsin accounts for just three delegates at the AFBF Annual Convention and yet all four candidates either came to Wisconsin to meet with the WFBF Board or spent an hour on Skype taking our questions on agricultural issues and AFBF’s governance. What a difference from the presidential contest, where after the Iowa caucuses it quickly becomes about big media markets in big cities in big states, where the nominees will likely be picked by the time Wisconsinites go to the polls on April 5.

While selecting an American President culminates with a peaceful transfer of the most powerful job in the world on the steps of the U.S. Capitol next January, I wish the entire process looked a little bit more like the classy way it’s done by the American Farm Bureau.

WFBF President since 2012, Holte is a grain and beef farmer from Elk Mound in Dunn County.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Protecting Our Freedom to Farm in 2016 A Message from Zippy Duvall

I

am honored to begin serving alongside you all as the new president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. For almost a century, AFBF has been the leading voice of agriculture, standing up for farmers and ranchers across our great country. But the real strength of Farm Bureau is our active grassroots membership. Like you, I learned a long time ago that I’d have to step outside my fencerows if I wanted to have a say in the matters affecting my farm. You are the backbone of the organization, and together we can address the toughest issues facing U.S. agriculture in 2016.

Freedom from Government Overreach Farmers and ranchers need to be free to work our land. We have a deep respect for our natural resources—our living depends on it. But some federal agencies, far removed from the realities of farming, seem not to care. Instead of respecting our expertise, they produce unworkable regulations that ignore our concerns and trample our rights. The courts and the Government Accountability Office have called out the Environmental Protection Agency for its unlawful advocacy and legal overreach with the Waters of the U.S. rule. Farmers and ranchers can’t wait through the years of litigation it may take to resolve this in the courts. We’re pleased that Congress has recognized this and joined in the call to ditch the rule. The EPA must draft a new rule that acknowledges our concerns and respects our freedoms.

Free to Innovate Technology plays a critical role in improving efficiency and reducing our

February | March 2016

environmental footprint. We are using less pesticide on our crops, farming with fewer acres and using water more efficiently thanks to smarter farm equipment, data services and genetically modified seeds. Emerging technologies like drones and CRISPR gene modification mean we’ve yet to see the limit of what we can do to make our farms even more efficient and productive.

Scientists, federal agencies and industry leaders all agree that GMOs are safe, but the push for mandatory labeling sends a mixed message to consumers.

When it comes to knowing what’s in our food, consumers deserve the facts, not scare tactics. We want to have an honest discussion about what biotechnology is and how it’s used for everyone’s good. It’s up to Congress now to create a national, voluntary labeling program that gives farmers and consumers choices.

New Markets Freed Up America’s farmers and ranchers are proud to feed and fuel the world. Our agricultural exports are higher than ever before thanks to important trade agreements that break down barriers like high tariffs and non-scientific restrictions on our food. We have some of the highest quality products available, and our ability to sell American-grown products around the world will keep U.S. agriculture prospering. New trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership will open up some of the fast-growing markets in the world. AFBF will be working with Congress and the administration this year to move this agreement forward to set a more level playing field for U.S. agriculture.

Of course, these aren’t the only issues we’re facing in the months ahead. We’ll continue to work to help farmers face an uncertain economy, press on for a workable solution to farm labor, and continue working tirelessly to ensure all consumers have access to safe, affordable food, just to name a few.

I’m eager to serve with all of you at the national level and am confident that we’ll continue to protect the business of agriculture for future generations.

We’ll step outside those fencerows and make our voices heard. At Farm Bureau, we’ve shown time and again that we are stronger when we stand together.

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

wfbf.com

31

Opinion

Farmers Must Seize this ‘Watershed Moment’ A Message from Paul Zimmerman

I

n the previous issue of Rural Route, President Holte’s column ‘Rethinking Manure Management’ asked farmers to step up their game when it comes to minimizing manure’s potential environmental impact.

This year Wisconsin farmers are being given a golden opportunity to do just that.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has $250,000 to grant to watershed projects that are led by groups of five or more farmers. This collaborative approach on the local level sets the stage for farmers to prove they are the environmental stewards they often say they are.

This project was funded in the 2015-17 state budget as a result of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and many commodity

32

Rural Route

groups requesting its approval to the Governor’s office, State Legislature, DATCP and the Department of Natural Resources.

To qualify, producer-led groups must include at least five farmers who want to help others in the watershed voluntarily work on reducing nonpoint source pollution. The group must collaborate with one of the following entities: DATCP, DNR, a county land conservation committee, UW-Discovery Farms, UW-Extension or a nonprofit conservation organization. The collaboration requirement was included to give farmers a range of options on which experts to work with to ensure the best possible chance of success for the project.

Grant funds may be used for start-up costs such as work planning meetings, field days and hiring an expert to assist the effort. Grant funds also can be used for incentive payments to farmers to implement conservation practices such as soil testing, planting cover crops, nutrient management planning, equipment rental or other best management practices.

The maximum grant per entity is capped at $20,000 and requires matching funds (equal to the amount requested by the group).

This proactive approach to conservation is not entirely new. It’s already happening in northwest Wisconsin’s St. Croix/Red Cedar River Watershed and by the Yahara Pride Farms project near Madison.

We in agriculture often critique regulators for not understanding farming

or what practices really work (or don’t) on the land. We also like to say that onesized regulations do not fit all.

This producer-led watershed effort is intentionally designed to work anywhere across Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural and geographical landscapes.

This includes grain, vegetable, fruit and livestock farms. This includes everywhere from the Northwoods to southeastern counties facing urban sprawl, regions known for sand, clay or karst, flat fertile prairies or rolling hills and valleys.

Grant applications are now available from DATCP, see their website for more information: datcp.wi.gov and search watershed protection projects.

There’s a sense of urgency to get these projects started across Wisconsin.

Farmers need to show regulators and the general public that we can work together to initiate and implement conservation practices. The public must be shown that we can raise livestock, spread manure and raise crops without harming the environment. If we can’t show successful outcomes, efforts to regulate farming will intensify.

The bottom line is this: It is up to you as farmers to get together and talk about what problems you want to solve locally. If you fail to do so, be prepared for someone in Madison or (worse yet) Washington, D.C., to tell you how, where and when you can farm.

Zimmerman is WFBF’s Executive Director of Governmental Relations.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Technical Colleges Can Be a Key Partner Guest Column by Dr. Morna K. Foy

O

n April 1, the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) will recognize National Ag Day at Fox Valley Technical College. Of course, every day is ag day for your 16 technical colleges.

For more than a century, the colleges have worked with you to ensure Wisconsin’s ag economy remains vibrant.

National Ag Day provides another opportunity to review our own operation, and a chance to consider where we add value now, and how we can best prepare for the future.

When most people think of college, they think of classrooms. Our colleges currently offer more than 30 different programs, and technical college students are engaged in every aspect of farm business.

Our programs provide critical skills in areas like agri-business, ag equipment technology, ag power equipment, dairy herd management, farm business and production management, food manufacturing and processing and sustainable food and agriculture.

While we may be best known for delivering on-campus instruction, we also work on the farm. For example, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore offers a short-term Farm Business and Production Management program that helps farm families reach their goals.

Farmers receive instruction in creating a business plan, optimizing the use of agronomic resources in production, evaluating livestock management plans, and planning for equipment operation and maintenance.

Eight other technical colleges across the state offer similar short-term instruction, including Madison College, which covers a geographic area that serves thousands of farms and generates an estimated $14.6 billion of agriculture-

February | March 2016

related economic activity annually.

Northcentral Technical College’s Agriculture Center of Excellence combines classroom and on-farm instruction with its collaborative, 110acre operational farm. Instruction can result in college credit for high school students, as well as transfer to UW-River Falls or UW-Green Bay. Farm business and ag technology is evolving, and so is the way people choose to engage in learning. Our colleges are responding to, if not leading, the change.

Fox Valley Technical College was the first college or university in the state to launch a Precision Agriculture program that integrates GPS technology into farm operations. Last fall, it also helped launch an Ag Power Youth Apprenticeship in response to increasing demand for qualified service techs.

Whether it’s on campus or on-farm, Wisconsin’s technical colleges are a key partner in ensuring operational efficiency and competitiveness. Our instructors are required to be industry experienced. As a result, they bring expertise and a highlyvalued industry perspective.

Of course, we also rely on your expertise and input. The 13-member WTCS Board responsible for coordination and oversight of the technical colleges must include a farmer.

No other industry enjoys this status.

Becky Levzow currently serves in that role. She is an energetic industry champion and a fantastic representative of the more than 33,000 women farmers in Wisconsin.

In addition to representation at the state level, each of the colleges’ ag programs is required to have an advisory committee, which combine our instructors with industry partners and others to ensure instruction reflects current needs and standards.

I’ve long believed that agriculture is such an important industry to Wisconsin not only because of its economic impact, but because it’s who we are – hardworking, communityminded entrepreneurs. I’m committed to working with you to preserve this unique characteristic of our great state.

Our colleges need your input and support. Help us celebrate National Ag Day every day with your involvement.

Communicate your interests to our farmer board member, Becky Levzow.

Consider applying to be a trustee for one of our 16 colleges. Ask about joining a program advisory committee. Serve as an adjunct instructor.

Together, we can make Wisconsin’s ag future even brighter.

Foy is president of the Wisconsin Technical College System and a lifelong Wisconsin resident.

Photo credit Fox Valley Technical College Below:“The

success of FVTC’s agriculture programs is anchored by relevant technologies and industry partnerships.”

wfbf.com

33

Opinion

My Relationship with the Internet: It’s Complicated A Message from Amy Eckelberg

I

’m a millennial and I work in communications.

I adore all things Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

You’d think I would love the Internet, but lately I would list our relationship as complicated.

While on YouTube I had a video ‘suggested’ to me. The words ‘Udder Truth’ in the headline caught my eye. I stupidly clicked on ‘My Reaction to the Udder Truth’ and forced myself to watch a 14 minute-rant by a foul-mouthed young lady bashing a farm family that was featured in an informative video about the dairy industry. With a little online digging, I found that she is a hardcore vegan advocate and a ‘struggling’ actress (and I’ll leave it at that).

I decided against sharing the video with my ag friends. With 5,000-some views, it wasn’t worth giving it any more exposure. For the same reason, I decided not to post my own video to counter her arguments.

I won’t lie, sending her some fresh cow pies crossed my mind.

Ok, it more than crossed my mind. I researched it. In case you are ever in need, there is a website called poopsenders.com that will do the deed for a mere $15.95 (plus shipping and handling). You’re welcome.

Speaking of poop-selling websites, if you have never visited the PETA or HSUS Facebook pages, please do. Just like poopsenders.com, you need to see them to believe it.

“Don’t believe everything you see on the Internet” has unfortunately become a cliché instead of advice to be followed for some people. I know this to be true, having monitored some of the misinformation about food and farming that’s often spewed online.

Some days I want to throw my hands up in disgust. Sometimes I question if anyone is listening to those farmers who are on social media. I wonder if the right audience is seeing their side or are farmers just talking amongst themselves?

Vegan activists excel at drowning social media with their forceful messages. Yet, a poll commissioned by a vegetarian advocacy group found that less than 0.5 percent of American adults consider

themselves vegans. So while vegans’ numbers are few, they have loud (and obnoxious) activists.

An interaction I had on my family’s farm Facebook page also gives me hope.

We had posted a photo of someone petting a calf during a farm tour. A friend of that person commented on the photo asking why we kept our “little calves in dog kennels so they can't move around?”

I quickly explained that we gave them their own hutch to keep them separated from other calves when they are first born. This gives them access to their own water and grain. I noted that we find this individual attention to be the best way to care for our calves.

Care to guess what her response was? It wasn’t hateful, defensive or hurtful. It was, “Thank you for the information. I have so much respect for farmers. I would love to bring my kids for a tour someday. Just want to know more about how we get our food and how animals are treated in the process.”

This is what it is all about: an honest question, an open answer, a respectful response.

There are days that even I (a techloving millennial) have to remind myself of this interaction. I hope it serves as motivation for all of you who stick your necks out for the sake of agriculture on the Internet.

Eckelberg is WFBF’s Director of Communications

The Badger

A Message from Casey Langan

A

side from maybe the Green Bay Packers, cheese and beer, Wisconsinites agree on very little anymore. Everything is viewed through a political prism and a philosophical slugfest soon follows.

This was sadly on display on my social media pages when Oscar Mayer announced last year that it would be closing its plant in Madison. There was a time when this might have been a routine business story, when the writing might have been on the massive plant’s wall that it had outlived its usefulness, and when everyone’s first thought might have been the hundreds of families who would be losing a blue-collar, middle-class incomegenerating job.

Those days appear to be gone. Instead, the focus on social media was fingerpointing and name-calling by people looking to create a villain and score political points.

A Facebook post from an acquaintance in the business community summed up the current state of affairs with accuracy.

“This is sad. What makes me even sadder is that all my liberal friends are bashing Walker and Republicans and blaming them.

All my conservative friends are bashing liberal Madison and blaming them.

I’ve seen so much hate on my feed for the last five years. Why would anybody want to deal with Wisconsin? It’s like inviting yourself into the most dysfunctional family ever.

If we spent as much energy trying to improve our state together, as we do trying to destroy the people we disagree with, maybe we would be more appealing as a state.

So this goes across the boards; not directed at any particular person, but just in general.

The sheer nastiness I see as a result of this

February | March 2016

State

announcement shows how selfish and misguided we have become. We’ve forgotten that it’s about the state and only care about who we can blame.”

There are some within Wisconsin’s agricultural community who should take these words to heart.

Public infighting about the impacts of large livestock farms reflects poorly on everyone. When the only voices that get air or ink are the fringes (those looking to expand or those who think large farms are environmental and economic disasters) then it appears as if there is no middle ground on anything related to herd sizes, commodity pricing or the loss of dairy farms.

The number of Wisconsin dairy farms has been on the decline for more than 50 years. At this point I think most farmers realize that dairy herds are sold for many reasons. Anyone laying blame squarely on the price of milk or large farms is being either intentionally deceptive or naïve.

I also think most farmers realize the foreign economies have as much to do with their incomes as the big farm down the road. In agriculture, it doesn’t pay for us to publicly lament about low prices or high cost inputs. Not only did a historically profitable ‘super cycle’ just end, but the general public doesn’t care about farmers’ financial bottom lines anyway. They also quit paying attention to agriculture’s concerns when it appears that farmers cannot agree on anything.

There is a troubling trend afoot where some organizations use these issues as a way to differentiate themselves.

That is wrong. Bashing one segment of agriculture should never be used as a membership recruitment tool by another.

I’m not saying there aren’t legitimate

differences and competing interests within agriculture, but some would be wise to follow Farm Bureau’s lead by not choosing one commodity, farm size or management style at the expense of another. At a time when nastiness is the new normal, I expect someone somewhere will throw a barb at me for saying that. Oh well, someone has to start speaking up for the middle ground.

Wisconsin agriculture is made to appear as polarized as its politics when there is open disagreement on whether there is room for farming of all types and sizes.

There is an unspoken rule that many families once followed: Keep squabbles within the family and don’t make it personal. I wonder how long it will take Wisconsin and the farming community to remember that.

Langan is WFBF’s Executive Director of Public Relations .

wfbf.com

35

Opinion

Transportation Talk with Rob Richard Springtime Means Déjà Vu for IOH

W

isconsin’s sure signs of spring will soon be here: the return of the robins, crops being planted and … another Implements of Husbandry bill needing the Governor’s signature.

It was April of 2014 when a comprehensive revamp of Wisconsin’s laws impacting the use of implements of husbandry (IOH) on roadways was written into law. It was April of 2015 when Governor Walker signed IOH 2.0 into law. At that bill signing ceremony I jokingly told him that I’d see him the following April since a pattern was forming. Well, April is approaching and it’s likely (knock on wood) that I will indeed be with the Governor in April to watch him sign IOH 3.0.

State Senator Jerry Petrowski

36

Rural Route

(R-Marathon) and State Assemblyman Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) are once again ushering through IOH companion bills (Senate Bill 448 and Assembly Bill 564) to make some very technical changes to the original law. This is a good bill that needs to get done, but I also hope this is it for a while.

Among the 15 items addressed in the latest IOH bill is a clean-up of the statutory definition of farm tractor; clearer specification of the purpose and use of the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign; expansion of where farm equipment can be operated on the roads before no-fee permits may be required by using the phrase “to or from a farm-related destination”; allowing the transport of Ag-CMVs in a manner similar to IOH; and simplification of the permitting process for those who need a no-fee permit for multiple pieces of equipment that are identical.

We at Farm Bureau will keep you updated on what happens with the IOH bill this spring, but in the meantime here’s what you should be prepared for as the planting season approaches.

In the April-May 2015 issue of Rural Route, I wrote an article entitled ‘4 IOH Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself…’. Those questions were: • Now that the IOH law is in effect, is any of the machinery I own and operate overweight or over length?

• If the answer to the first question is yes, what roads and/or routes will

I be traveling on to plant, cultivate, fertilize or harvest?

• Once I have my routes, how do I know if I need a no-fee permit to legally operate on the roads I’ll be driving my equipment on?

• Permit or no permit, what am I at risk of financially and legally?

The premise of that article hasn’t changed, except now I have a fifth question. To be compliant with the law, you should ask yourself: • Now that the new lighting and marking requirements went into effect for ‘wide’ IOH as of November 1, 2015, do I need to retrofit my equipment with the necessary reflective tape, SMV sign, amber flashers and red tail lights that may now be required for road use?

The two go-to websites on this topic are: 1. wisconsindot.gov. Under ‘Key Department Initiatives,’ click ‘Agricultural Equipment.’ Information is provided on IOH and Ag-CMV definitions, the permitting process, weight limits, local ordinances and bridge restrictions.

2. There also is a link on the DOT site to DATCP’s interactive map showing the weight class for local, county and state roads throughout Wisconsin. This can also be accessed directly at datcpgis. wi.gov/IOH. If all else fails, call me.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Taking ‘Zero in Wisconsin’ to Heart I never thought much about the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s ‘Zero in Wisconsin’ campaign, until now. Recent accidents involving tractors, and a personal incident from five years ago, have me taking our state’s campaign to reduce traffic fatalities to heart.

For the past two years, I have spent much of my time working on Wisconsin’s Implements of Husbandry (IOH) law in Wisconsin. It’s been tiring and rewarding.

This law is so comprehensive that a third version is in the works to make some very detailed and technical changes so we get it right for farmers and agribusinesses.

The rewarding part is that I’ve been able to travel the state and talk to farmers, local elected officials, law enforcement and the general public about the law.

This includes explaining the new lighting and marking safety provisions for farm implements that went into effect last November.

I have to admit, the reception has been mixed. Some farmers say these changes are reasonable considering the size of some farm equipment and the public’s inexperience sharing the road with large equipment. I also have been told that new lighting and marking requirements are a burden and the public just needs to pay more attention while driving. I think both arguments are correct.

Last October a woman was killed when the driver of her car tried to pass a tractor pulling a corn picker and gravity box

February | March 2016

while it was making a left-hand turn. The car’s driver and the farmer were severely injured. In January, similar incidents in Lafayette and Columbia counties led to two farm tractor driver fatalities when semi-tractor and trailers crashed into the rear of both tractors. Preliminary reports suggest the farm tractor in the Columbia County crash met legal lighting and marking requirements, while the Lafayette County crash is still under investigation.

While I appreciate the ‘Zero in Wisconsin’ campaign’s worthy and lofty goal, I don’t think we’ll ever get there.

Call me cynically pragmatic. According to the DOT’s website, an average of 570 people died annually on our roads from 2008 to 2012. The number for 2015 was 560 deaths. I echo their call to stay within the speed limits, stay sober behind the wheel, buckle up and stay off the phone (especially texting) to eliminate preventable deaths, but changing or regulating human behavior is a difficult, and often times, monumental task.

However, my cynicism will not stop me from doing my part to educate farmers on the necessary steps to legally light and mark their IOH equipment.

When promoting they go beyond what’s required, I like to tell them to “Light ‘em up like a Christmas tree.”

Are the new requirements a burden for farmers? It depends. What’s the burden to family and friends when you’re injured or die in an accident because your

equipment had minimal or no lighting and marking? Look, I dread (even hate) the idea of telling farmers how to do their job. Still, there are so many variables on the road that place farmers in danger. The lighting and marking law is intended to minimize those variables at minimal cost to farmers.

Don’t get me wrong, the burden doesn’t just rest with farmers. It is equally incumbent upon the general driving public to be courteous and cautious while on Wisconsin roads.

Five years ago, a few days before the birth of my daughter, my next-door neighbor was driving a small tractor on a county road just beyond his driveway.

A speeding teenage driver came around the road’s bend and struck my neighbor, sending his body airborne into a utility pole. My neighbor was fortunate to live, but a traumatic brain injury has kept him incapacitated in a wheelchair, changing his life forever. There are too many stories in rural Wisconsin like this where others have not been as fortunate.

His story and the rash of recent farm fatalities have helped put my last two years working on the IOH law into perspective. I can’t prevent accidents from happening and I don’t know if we’ll ever achieve ‘Zero in Wisconsin,’ but my many conversations with farmers across the state tell me we’re on the right track.

Richard is WFBF’s Senior Director of Governmental Relations.

wfbf.com

37

Opinion

A Case for Higher Grain Prices in 2016 Guest Column by AgriVisor’s Joe Camp

T

he grain bears were in control throughout 2015, setting prices back to levels not seen since 2010. A glut of global grain supplies, increased U.S. export competition, and weakness in the broad commodity space were a few of the major headwinds for the market. All of these negative influences remain at the start of 2016, but all are likely to improve in the grains’ favor before 2017.

Rarely in modern history have world growers collectively harvested the type of bumper crops observed during the past three seasons, when global grain yields leaped so far above trend. Supply grew to comfortable levels relative to global usage and large surplus inventories weighed on prices.

While the U.S. farmer may very well achieve large crops in 2016, it has become less likely that world growers will together enjoy another harvest that exceeds trend in the way it did in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Impactful weather and productivity considerations point to a

38

Rural Route

smaller crop in the harvest season ahead.

El Niño is still very much a threat to South American and Asian crops. Brazil’s soybean season began with dry weather in some regions of the country and wet weather in others. Dry conditions caused significant trouble for Asian growers, with wheat production losses in India and palm production cuts in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Thank El Niño for a wet winter in North America, but be wary of the weather phenomenon paving the way for development of a La Niña event.

Meteorologists peg the chance of La Niña at around 50-50. La Niña (which can last for three years) is associated with dry weather in parts of North America and damaging weather in other major growing regions around the world.

Large global grain supplies mean plenty of competition for U.S. exporters.

Growers in Brazil and Argentina harvested record crops last year. Growers in the Black Sea region (Russia, Ukraine and Romania) also amassed large exportable surpluses. Not only did exporters in those regions have plenty of grain to take to market, but they also enjoyed a favorable shift in trade terms.

Since summer 2014, the U.S. dollar has steadily climbed higher. Traders priced in relative U.S. economic strength and the related prospects for higher interest rates.

While the U.S. economy gained strength in 2015, many economies abroad were faltering, placing downward pressure on foreign currencies and the doing the opposite for the U.S. dollar.

Recession in Brazil, a new government in Argentina, lost oil revenue in Russia, and political instability in Ukraine all placed pressure U.S. exports. As economic

troubles weakened the currencies of these major trade competitors it made the price of their goods more attractive to world buyers. While each of these economies looks likely to adjust to recent economic and geopolitical changes in the months ahead, none of these pressures will subside overnight. Yet, there is reason to believe that the worst is over for U.S. exporters struggling against unfavorable currency terms.

Grains were not the only commodity to suffer in 2015. Commodities from copper to oil fell precipitously for most of the year. Worries about weak demand from China and other growing nations spooked investors into pulling massive amounts of money from the commodity space, hurting nearly all of its individual components, grains included.

There is reason to believe that money can return to commodities in 2016. Much of the impetus for returned confidence in commodities as an investment class will rely on restored confidence in China.

While that country’s financial markets have had a rocky start to 2016, many analysts still look for China to experience a ‘soft landing,’ whereby its economy will effectively adjust to slower growth.

If broad commodity market sentiment improves, investors may become attracted to the grains again as surpluses shrink and better export demand develops.

Farmers should go forward into 2016 feeling optimistic that the worst of broad commodity market pressures and negative grain supply and demand fundamentals are behind us.

Camp is the Risk Management Specialist for AgriVisor, one of WFBF’s member benefits.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

T

he pine tree that gave up its life to become lumber would be proud. Given the choice of converting into a pile of ash from a fire, decaying and rotting on the forest floor, or being struck by lightning, our pine took the route of becoming a piece of furniture; namely a table and bench.

Not just any run of the mill table and not just any bench. It’s our country kitchen table and kitchen table bench. For nearly three decades they have served our family well as a refuge at mealtimes.

Beyond meals, they, along with four store-bought maple chairs, have served a host of family members and friends at holidays, deer hunting seasons and various random gatherings. The two rest comfortably next to our four-byeight-foot kitchen window. They become our perch as we gaze east across our yard at the bird feeders, the outdoor wood boiler, the kennel outbuilding and my office. Beyond that, we can see our 10-acre prairie grass field, Vera’s pond and the woods that surround the creek.

From the perch we’ve observed eagles, osprey, deer, coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks and a multitude of songbirds too February | March 2016

numerous to mention in this space. Around the table and from the bench we’ve discussed nature, homework, current events, politics and all other matters concerning life and death.

The pine table and bench have served us well in that regard.

Not just any table and bench, don’t you know. They were made with love and care by the boss’s father John. Look in any direction in our home and you’ll spot his remarkable handiwork: maple kitchen cabinets, wood casing around the windows and doors. Even the ceiling of our living room, made with aspen tongue and groove paneling made from trees we harvested along the creek, milled years ago by neighbors Cliff and Dave. A woodworker extraordinaire, John handcrafted the sturdy pine furniture, cutting, planning, gluing, sanding and securing each piece with wooden pegs and hidden screws. After three decades it stands sturdy and true despite a family’s worth of wear and tear.

Like the time I accidentally broke the thick plate glass that originally covered the tabletop.

“Don’t worry, I’ll replace it,” I told the boss.

Yet 25 years later it remains glassless. The food grade varnish has lost the battle of time and across its surface are wounds and scars. Claw marks on ‘my corner’ of the table must have come from one of our dogs long ago. Or was it our one and only cat named Spike? Numerous scratches and scores scattered throughout are a result of hard-pressed pens and pencils used while doing homework, bill paying or doodling. Memories, one and all. No doubt about it, our table and bench have character.

The country kitchen table and kitchen table bench made by my father-in-law John has become a refuge. An oasis from summer’s sweltering heat and winter’s bitter cold – where we can, despite the weather, still enjoy the outdoors and our backyard, the fields, the pond and woods beyond.

And to think, it all began with a sturdy pine tree and a fine woodworking craftsman.

Blomberg is a freelance writer and a member of the Portage County Farm Bureau.

wfbf.com

39

$500 Farm Bureau Private Offer *See Salesperson For Details

)GPKUKU &T 1THQTFXKNNG

5 ,CPGUXKNNG 9JKVGYCVGT 9+

www.burtnesschev.com 40

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Ag in the classroom

Spread the Word: March 15 is National Ag Day E ach year, National Ag Day is celebrated in March. It is designed to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. This year, Wisconsin Farm Bureau wants to help you share agriculture’s message in your local communities on National Ag Day on March 15.

To make this as easy as possible, we have provided you some helpful tools.

To access the ‘National Ag Day Toolbox’, please visit our website: wfbf. com/programsevents/ nationalagday. You also can find other resources on www.agday.org.

If you’ve never celebrated National Ag Day, start small. Pick one thing you or your county Farm Bureau can do to participate. Collectively we will make an impact.

Items we’ve included:

• #wiagproud Campaign: In its third year, the #WIAgProud campaign is designed to connect consumers to farmers. To participate all you have to do it download the #WIAgProud sign, print it, then take a picture or video of you doing something related to agriculture. Perhaps you’re shopping at the grocery store, or maybe you’re feeding pigs, working with the vet or nutritionist, moving cows or unloading seed corn to deliver to your customers. There also is a chance you might be hauling grain, finishing a research report or buying inputs for next year. No matter what you are doing, share it with others.

Just remember to use #WIAgProud when you post it on social media!

• Facebook Posts on Farm and County Farm Bureau Pages: You can reach a lot of people on Facebook by downloading one of our infographics and uploading it to your page. You don’t have to use all of them, but maybe choose one that applies to you. Once you’ve posted it, make sure you check your Facebook page throughout the day in case you have someone who engages with your post and asks a question.

Make sure you have a respectful and thoughtful conversation.

February | March 2016

• Coloring Contest: The Ag in the Classroom program has a coloring page available for counties to host a local contest for children 12 years old and younger. The picture drawn by Kari Morrison can be downloaded from the website listed above.

It doesn’t have to be a contest; it can just be an activity that you do to help promote agriculture. For example, you can visit an after-school program or local library or maybe leave a supply of coloring sheets at your local grocery store. If you get a chance to have some face-time with kids, you could read an agriculture-friendly book and pass out the sheets for them to color. Be sure to find a place to display them!

• Newspaper Ads: While technology is certainly part of our daily lives, many consumers still read the local newspaper.

We’ve provided ad templates for your use.

They are simple and have a basic message.

If you want to add your county contact information, please do! These are simply designed to help give you a springboard to promote agriculture in your communities.

Sample newspaper ad.

• Blogs: March is National Nutrition Month so we reached out to a few of our dietician friends to give some insight. So often we focus on the fact that we’re producing food, and we forget to celebrate everyone who is consuming it. Take a moment to read these articles from a different perspective in the agriculture world.

You could share them on Facebook or send them to your local newspaper editors.

• News Releases: Perhaps you want to do something in your local newspaper, but you’re unable to do an ad. Please use one of these releases and add a local flair to it. If you can’t think of a way to add a local flair, just use the one we have prepared.

• Radio Ads: Think of all the people your county Farm Bureau could reach with one of the sample radio ads we’ve produced.

Any way you choose to promote National Ag Day, please know it makes a difference.

wfbf.com

41

Ag in the classroom

Volunteer Spotlight Shining a light on some of Ag in the Classroom’s Shining Stars

We asked Ag in the Classroom volunteers to answer the question, “What is your favorite part of your Ag in the Classroom Program?”

Cheri Klussendorf Taylor County “I love making lip balm with preschoolers.

My favorite part is reading a bee story and watching them guess what we will be making. We have a great time allowing each of them to touch and add their very own bee’s wax into the beaker before melting. While it melts they work on a bee project using their hand print for the bee’s wings. After we pour the lip balm into the containers, and watch it cool we also have the students make a card for Mother’s Day that says, ‘Just Bee-cause I love you! Happy Mother’s Day.’ It is a super fun project and no matter what the ages of the students they seem to love to make projects for their mom.”

Sheila Everhart Rock County “I have been farming for many years and during this time I have provided many formal and informal presentations on what it means to live on a farm, farm equipment, farm animals and food production for all sorts of groups. As the Rock County Ag in the Classroom coordinator, I enjoy volunteering in classrooms, teaching about different foods and practices on farms. I think it’s important for students to know where their food comes from and how agriculture and farmers are important in their day-to-day lives.

Agriculture literacy is needed to understand agriculture’s story, its history, culture and future.”

for Farming’s Future (WFB Foundation)

Thank you

A voluntary $5 contribution now appears on your dues notice. These funds support education and leadership development programs.

Ashley Henke Marquette County “Our farm hosts an annual Ag in the Classroom farm tour that’s important to our community.

My favorite part of this tour is teaching children about agriculture and being an agvocate in my community. Students get an up close and personal look at the farm, and get a chance to learn things they may not be able to learn in the classroom. They get to learn about many different areas of the farm and agriculture in general.

Watching the students eyes light up when they get to the farm and their questions are some of my favorite parts.

It’s very important that kids learn where their food comes from and that it doesn’t just come from a grocery store.”

Don’t Forget...

Farm Bureau member signs are available.

These single-sided 18” x 24” heavy aluminum all-weather signs are ideal for indoor/ outdoor use (for your yard, buildings or shop areas) and can be personalized with up to 14 characters per line.

$45 each

Download your order form today at: wfbf.com/aboutwfbf/ foundation/farm-bureau-member-signs.

42

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Foundation

First Peas to the Table Named Foundation for Agriculture’s Book of the Year T

he American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its ninth annual Book of the Year award to Susan Grigsby for First Peas to the Table. In this lighthearted story, a little girl, Maya, and her classmates learn about gardens and peas, as well as Thomas Jefferson’s garden at Monticello.

Grigsby, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri, is the author of three picture books, as well as poetry. She teaches creative writing in schools, museums and nature centers, often integrating the lessons with science, social studies and art.

“I am so happy that, thanks to this recognition from the American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture, more children will have access to First Peas to the Table,” said Grigsby.

“I sometimes help students set up their own school gardens and am always inspired by the sense of wonder that develops as the children discover the infinite number of variables involved in turning one tiny seed into a plant that can feed a family.”

“After reading the agricultural-related correspondence and journals of Thomas Jefferson, I was struck by the passion that he and others had in regards to experimenting to figure out which plants, previously grown on other continents, would grow best in each of the diverse environments spread across the country,” she continued. “I wrote the book to celebrate how every gardener, young and old, learns through experimentation, through failures and success and with a joy for the wonders of nature.”

The Book of the Year award springs from the Foundation’s effort to identify accurate ag books, a collection of nearly 500

books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately cover agricultural topics. Book of the Year selections are educational, help to create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives, as well as tell the farmer’s story. The accurate ag books database is available at: www.agfoundation.org/recommended-pubs.

To accompany the First Peas to the Table book, the Foundation has created an educator’s guide and a School Garden Ag Mag. Again this year, the Foundation is offering a Spanish text version of the Ag Mag.

Join us for the 19 Annual th

Monday, September 12, 2016

Benefiting the

February | March 2016

S944 Christmas Mountain Road Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Registration and Sponsorship Deadline: August 8

wfbf.com

43

Foundation The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s mission is to support agricultural education and develop rural leaders.

Programs the Foundation Supports: • Ag in the Classroom • Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program • Promotion and Education Committee

• Leadership Training Institute • Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapters • 4-H and FFA

Ways to Contribute • Include the

for Farming’s Future voluntary contribution

on your dues renewal

• Golf in the • Legacy giving

• Donate to the Silent Auction at the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference

• Support Foundation fundraisers

Together We Can Make A Difference What Can Your Contribution Mean?

$15 Can buy a book for your local library or school. sponsor a collegiate Farm Bureau $25 Can member’s registration for Ag Day at the Capitol. provide a Teacher Mini-Grant to help $100 Can enhance agriculture education.

Can sponsor a YFA member’s registration $125 for the YFA Conference. buy a new My American Farm tablet $300 Helps to help share the agriculture story. a county Farm Bureau member to $800 Sponsors attend the leadership training Institute.

No matter the amount, each contribution helps support agricultural education and develops rural leaders.

For more information, or to donate online:

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705-0550 Phone: 608.828.5644 • www.wfbfoundation.com

Thank You to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between December 1, 2015 and January 29, 2016.)

• Dale Beaty • Carl Casper • Keith Engel • Jim Holte • Pearl Mary Goetsch 44

Rural Route

• Crystal Pollack • Carl Casper in memory of David Schaffer • Amy Eckelberg in memory of Betty Much • Jim Holte in memory of Linda Dernell • David Kruschke in memory of David Schaffer

• David Kruschke in memory of Rita Kerber • Howard Poulson in memory of Lucile Draeger • Taylor County Farm Bureau in memory of Edward Langteau

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Rural mutual

March 4-5, 2016 Madison Marriott West, Middleton

Keynote Panel: “Women In Ag: Understanding Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Heading”

Register by February 26th

Moderator: Amy Pflugshaupt, Anchor/Reporter, NBC 15 Madison

Registration Fee: $150 One-Day Only Registration: $110

Closing Keynote: “The Importance of Writing Your Own Story” Jerry Apps, Author & Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Breakout Sessions Kim Bremmer Panel Discussion

Deb Ihm Laura Daniels & John Quirk Kevin Bernhardt Trish Lawson Lisa Johnson Angie Horkan & Ali Carter Anthony Schmoldt Lisa Johnson Panel Discussion Katie Digangi (TBD)

OMG, GMOs: How to Talk about this Hot Topic Working with Legislators: How to Effectively Make Your Point Above all the Noise Preserving the Family Farm Legacy Protecting the Next Generation of Farmers How to Prepare for the Bumpy Ride in Ag Insurance 101: Young Adults and Parents Where to Start in Beautifying Your Landscape Eating and Feeding On-the-Go A Deep Dive into Medicaid Recovery Straw Bale and Container Gardening The Dos and Don’ts of Hosting a Farm Tour DIY: Farmhouse Projects What to Do if Your Identity is Compromised

Registration is easy. Register and pay online at WiAgWomensSummit.com.

Registration deadline: February 26, 2016

Book a Hotel Room Because a hotel room is not included in the registration fee, please make your reservations at:

Madison Marriott West

1313 John Q Hammons Drive Middleton, WI For reservations, call (888) 745-2032 or book online at WiAgWomensSummit.com.

Invite Your Friends Grab your friends, family and neighbors, and bring them along. Let’s make this the best Summit yet!

For updates, like “Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit” on Facebook.

AgVocate of the Year Award Presentation Sponsored by Pam Jahnke, Midwest Family Broadcasting

Entertainment: Casino Night

Presented by:

WiAgWomensSummit.com February | March 2016

University of Wisconsin–Extension

©2016 Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit wfbf.com 45

Rural mutual

Preparing for Winter's Worst U npredictable winter weather can wreak havoc on your property.

Winter storms can result in business challenges caused by frozen pipes, blackouts, snow and ice storms.

Frozen Pipes Thousands of people experience frozen and burst pipes every year and even a small crack leaking for one day can release more than 250 gallons of water. Pipe insulation can protect your pipes for as little as 50 cents per foot, while a single burst pipe averages $5,000 in damages. Prevent frozen and burst pipes with these simple steps.

• Visually inspect the exterior of your building, and seal any air leaks close to the pipes with insulation or caulk.

•M aintain 65°F or higher in the building during the winter.

•D isconnect outdoor hoses and shut off the indoor water valve.

•D uring unusually cold snaps, allow one faucet to drip warm water slowly. Even a small trickle can prevent pipes from freezing.

• Install pipe insulation for as little as 50 cents per foot.

• Wrap high-risk pipes (i.e., those in unheated areas) with heat cables or heat tape. Make sure these products are approved by testing organizations, and follow the installation instructions carefully.

• W hen leaving the building for an extended period of time, have someone check on it daily when temperatures drop significantly. They should identify and address water damage or standing water and confirm that a faucet has been left dripping warm water. For summer vacation homes, drain your water system and shut it off before leaving.

Snow or Ice Build-up Most roofs are designed to withstand 30 pounds of weight per square foot. Winter storms with significant snow or ice buildup create challenges that can jeopardize your building if it's not equipped to handle the weight. Consider the suggestions below to protect your property.

• Inspect gutters, downspouts and scuppers for damage, blockages, vegetation and any other fault that would prevent their proper operation. Examine the fasteners, hangers and supports.

• Survey the condition of your roof and have all required repairs made to the roof surface, including all flashing and fasteners.

• Check for heat leaking into attics and concealed spaces under the roof to minimize the potential for ice dams.

• Create a snow removal plan or contract for snow removal and ice treatment.

Article contribution by Mutual Boiler Re. Mutual Boiler Re is a member of the FM Global Group.

46

Rural Route

Time to Purchase 2016 Crop Hail Coverage C

rop input costs will probably remain at high levels with seed, herbicides, insecticides, fuel, land, rent and labor leading the way.

You may have already contracted the sale of some of your 2016 crops. This means that when contracts come due you must either deliver the commodity or the money to buy out your contract. If you plan to feed your crops and they are lost, you will need to purchase quality replacement feed.

If you have never considered crop hail insurance as a risk management tool in the past, consider purchasing it in 2016. Crop hail insurance has been proven useful to many Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. Their loss experience proved that crop hail insurance was the best insurance product to indemnify them for their loss when a hailstorm damaged all or a portion of their crops.

Crop hail insurance allows flexibility in your risk management insurance program. You can insure both profit and the cost of production in the event that you lose your crop. Whether you have insured your crops in previous years or are purchasing crop hail insurance for the first time, you need to determine what level of coverage will fit your situation and type of farm.

Rural Mutual crop hail insurance covers your crops in units of one acre so that when a hailstorm crosses your property and damages a portion of your crops you have coverage. Crop hail insurance covers your growing crops for direct loss of yield due to hail, fire, lightning, vandalism, malicious mischief, vehicle damage, fodder for silage corn, replanting allowance for covered perils, transportation coverage and fire department service charges.

Rural Mutual offers no deductible and deductible policies that allow you to select what amount of your risk you wish to transfer and how much you will self-insure. Rural Mutual also has a wide array of discounts available, including new business and loyalty discounts.

Farmers are in business today simply because they made the good business decision to purchase crop hail insurance.

Rural Mutual’s crop hail insurance has protected Wisconsin farmers for more than 68 years.

Contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance agent today to get more information before purchasing your 2016 crop hail insurance.

Premiums paid here stay here to keep Wisconsin strong!

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Fuel isn’t the only thing driving your success.

Businesses that are driven to succeed partner with FS. Our energy experts stay focused on what’s ahead, providing next generation fuel management tools and state-of-the-art software, along with a breadth of essential, quality products that point the way forward. FS is always discovering new ways to help customers optimize their operations and ensure they’re ready for what’s next.

www.insightfs.com • www.conservfs.com

©2016 GROWMARK, Inc. A14174D

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

CROP HAIL INSURANCE

Don’t Get Caught With Your CROPS Down!

Rural Mutual Insurance Company’s Crop Hail insurance covers more than just hail damage.

It also covers crop losses caused by fire, lightning, transportation, vandalism and damage caused by non-owned vehicles. In addition, if your crops are destroyed early in the growing season, our policy offers financial assistance for replanting expenses... with no reduction in coverage.

To protect what’s important to you, visit us on Facebook or on our website at www.ruralins.com to find an agent near you.

www.ruralins.com 48

Rural Route

Wisconsin farm bureau federation