Neighbors-1204 April/May 2012

Neighbors® Interesting stories throughout Central Wisconsin!

April/May 2012 Vol. 2, Issue 4 - $4.95 Reigning Rabbits Lukas’ Coloring Contest Minhas Craft Brewery

FROSTY’S DYNASTY Duckett Holsteins & Genetic Futures, Rudolph, WI

Award winning Duckett Holsteins, Frosty (right) with daughter, Stone-Front Iron Pasta (left). Photo by Beth Herges.

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OJ Wojtaleicz & Dan Wysocki, Wysocki Produce Farm, Inc.

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Left to Right below: OJ Wojtaleicz, Jay Wolf & Dan Wysocki.

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Table of Contents

Cover Profile

April/May 2012, Vol. 2, Issue 4

8-17 Frosty’s Dynasty

These two rabbits from our Reigning Rabbits article resemble Yin & Yang oriental symbols.

Duckett Holsteins & Genetic Futures, Rudolph, WI.

Features 20-27 Reigning Rabbits Central Wisconsin Rabbit Breeding & Showing.

28-32 For the Love of Beer & Cheese A Day Trip to the Monroe, “Swiss Cheese Capital of the World.”

34-37 Platinum Planter Tour John Deere Planter Manufacturing Facility, East Moline, IL,

Regular Columns 4 Together Thoughts from Jim Faivre, Faivre Implement CEO and Neighbors’ publisher.

40-41 Lucas’ Coloring Contest Celebrating a special boy whose love of all things John Deere, helped launch a safe donation.

6 Grounded Ruth Johnson, Neighbors’ Editor, reflects on daily life.

38-39 Flying Feather

Faivre’s involvement in shows, community and charitable events and other activities.

Now you can subscribe to mailed print copies of Neighbors Magazine

46 Dr. Fixit

DETAILS ON PAGE 39

Regular Column and Photos by Denise Krause, Feathered Gold Stables.

42-43 Inside Faivre

Chris Brockman, Faivre Implement’s resident Dr. Fixit, answers reader questions.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

Together 31 years in business and it still seems like yesterday that I first started Faivre Implement in 1981.

I entered the world of Deere in 1976 with a parts counter job at a DeKalb, IL John Deere dealership. Fresh off the farm, I had absolutely no idea that job would lead to a lifelong career in the farm implement business.

How drastically the business world has changed. For years, communications were through landline phones, snail mail or personal contact. To me, personal contact is still the best but we now utilize email, web searches, cell phones and social media.

Back then, we encouraged customers to order their 4430s and 4630s with air conditioning so they would not roast in their sound guard cabs.

We offered 8-speed power shift and hydraulic assist front-wheel drive and replaced safety- trip moldboard plows with auto-reset and variable width models.

The new 7000 planters with Tru-V openers had a leading edge electronic technology option - a seed monitor system available from Dickey John.

Above: Jeff Willoughby and Scott Johnson, Sentry Insurance, stopped by to award me with a plaque for being their customer for 30 years. Bottom: This month, while visiting with Mike Fuller, Genetic Futures, I smelled some of the fresh feed for the cows up close. I could not identify the slightly spicy scent so Mike told me it was from the hops blended into the mixture! Hops have been used for centuries as a natural way to help reduce bacterial growth and prevent illnesses in many livestock animals.

Best of all, the Parts department had just converted from a manual card system to a new semi-computerized system called D-Parts.

One thing stays the same, though. All the great friends and customers I met over the years continue to be an important part of my life – people I will always consider my “neighbors”.

Happy trails & blue skies for all!

Jim Faivre Publisher, Neighbors CEO, Faivre Implement neighbors@faivre.com

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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www.faivre.com www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl www.twitter.com/faivreimpl STEVENS POINT 6832 Johnnies Lane, Stevens Point Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300  Fax: (715) 592-6116 Page 5

WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court, Westfield Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191  Fax: (608) 296-3912 Neighbors-April/May 2012

Grounded

Neighbors® Interesting stories throughout Central Wisconsin!

PUBLISHER Jim Faivre neighbors@faivre.com

Championing agriculture and celebrating rural life is a common theme that runs through every issue of Neighbors.

That is partly due to our large agricultural base of readers but it is equally related to the fact that if you scratch the surface of almost every Central Wisconsinite, you find each person is either related to or knows someone in farming or is in a business that caters to the agricultural field.

Even for those readers who are none of the above, we discovered early on, through their direct comments and emails, how much they liked reading about agriculture.

Dear to my own heart, having grown up in Iowa and spending summers visiting my uncle’s farm and later being directly involved with a large grain farm in Central Illinois, I find it quite natural to write about all forms of agriculture.

This month we focus on Duckett Holsteins, Genetic Futures and show rabbits – one of my favorites because my son and I had a pet rabbit named Oreo, who looked amazingly like the rabbit above (taken at the Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Show in Jefferson).

Thank you for reading Neighbors and keep your comments coming.

We now offer mailed print subscriptions (see page 39 for details).

Warm regards, Editor, Neighbors Magazine, neighbors@faivre.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Gary Smith gary@faivre.com Brett Faivre brett@faivre.com

Terry Faivre terry@faivre.com

EDITOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ruth Johnson neighbors@faivre.com 715-592-4300

CIRCULATION & WEB MANAGEMENT Ruth Johnson neighbors@faivre.com 715-592-4300

LINK TO CURRENT/PAST NEIGHBORS ISSUES www.faivre.com/neighbors.php ________________________________________________

Click here to subscribe to free online Neighbors issues! www.faivre.com/neighbors_signup.php

STEVENS POINT 6832 Johnnies Lane, Stevens Point Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300  Fax: (715) 592-6116 WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court, Westfield Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191  Fax: (608) 296-3912 www.faivre.com www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl www.twitter.com/faivreimpl Copyright 2012, Neighbors, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Back issues are available online, www.faivre.com/neighbors.php. Publisher not responsible for content of materials submitted.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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FROSTY’S DYNASTY Duckett Holsteins & Genetic Futures, Rudolph, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

“We are all wanderers on this earth. Our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams.”

— Gypsy proverb

Every big dream has a launching point. For Mike and Julie Duckett of Duckett Holsteins and Genetic Futures, their vision of what their future could hold, revealed itself with a single cow – Harvue Roy Frosty. This is truly her saga.

The Duckett connection began when Mike Duckett, hailing originally from a Leicester, North Carolina dairy farm, first met his wife, Julie, at Louisville, KY’s Mid-East Fall National.

Shortly thereafter, Mike traveled to the Rudolph, WI dairy farm owned by Julie’s parents, Jim and Nancy Junemann, to view their operation but primarily to spend time with Julie.

He wound up working for Julie’s parents and subsequently, he and Julie were married.

(Continued on Page 10) Opposite Page: Harvue Roy Frosty (also known as Frosty), a back-to-back, two-time World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion winner and the focal point of the Duckett Holsteins and Genetic Futures dynasty, has generated a steady stream of awardwinning progeny. Right: Julie and Mike treat their own cows and the cows they board, as individuals. As a result, each cow has clearly distinct personalities, which is what helps make them so special. These two “Jersey girls” look like they are sharing a bit of gossip or perhaps commenting on the person behind the camera!

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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FINDING FROSTY In 2006, Mike Duckett, who has a sixth sense about prime breeding stock, heard about this special, two-year-old cow, Harvue Roy Frosty, owned by Dave and Debra Hardesty at Harvue Farms, Berryville, VA. Instinctively, he and Julie decided to drive to Virginia to check out this attention-getting cow that captured his imagination.

Mike said when he got to the farm, “I cannot explain it but when I took one look at her, I instantly knew that was our cow – the one I was sure would launch us into a higher dimension.”

“Frosty is an uncommonly big, modern dairy cow, who is put together about as well as a dairy cow can be. She has an extreme udder, superior dairy characteristics and first-class milking characteristics. Frosty is definitely in a league of her own – the high amongst the highest of echelons.”

(Continued on Page 12) Top: The Duckett and Junneman’s picturesque homestead and Duckett Holsteins headquarters where Julie tends to the Duckett’s own herd. Left: Raised as a dairy farmer, Julie Duckett runs the Duckett Holsteins’ daily operations and maintains immaculate grounds and buildings. Faivre Implement delivered this new John Deere 5105 M tractor the day we shot these photos. Julie will be the tractor’s primary operator, which she says will help greatly ease her daily chores.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Jon Hamerski, Hamerski Farms, “We’ve dealt with Mid-State for over 16 years. We get the brands we like at value prices backed by super service and parts. When we need trucks, we call Mid-State!”

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(Continued from Page 10)

SECOND THOUGHTS Mike was not prepared to pay the $40,000 the Hardestys wanted for Frosty and attempted to negotiate a lower sales price. Finally, he gave up and left with Julie to visit another breeder hours away who had a cow they also intended to buy.

However, try as he might, he could not get Frosty off his mind and later that same night, Mike and Julie got back in their truck.

They returned to Berryville at 11:00 pm to buy Frosty for $36,000, now jointly owned by Mike and Julie, Jim and Nancy Junemann (Julie’s parents) and Green Bay, WI veterinarian, Scott Armbrust.

Three weeks later, another buyer offered the group $100,000 for Frosty and within a year, they were approached by a different breeder from Quebec, who offered $300,000.

“At the time, a lot of people would think I was crazy if they knew we turned down a chance to make that much profit in that short of a time frame. Luckily, the rest of the group trusted my judgment and stood by my decision not to sell Frosty,” Mike reveals.

(Continued on Page 14) Top: Julie keeps the livestock barns neat as a pin. She even elevates the cows’ tails when they are resting so they do not get muddy. Left: Frosty at the 2009 World Dairy Expo Show where she captured Supreme Champion for the first time.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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STEVENS POINT 6832 Johnnies Lane, Stevens Point, WI 54482 Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300  Fax: (715) 592-6116 WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court, Westfield, WI 53964 Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191  Fax: (608) 296-3912 www.faivre.com www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl www.twitter.com/faivreimpl

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Page 13

Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from Page 12)

HIGH HONORS In 2006, after Frosty was purchased by the Ducketts, she was nominated All-American Senior Two-Year-Old. At the 2007 World Dairy Expo, she won the Intermediate Holstein championship and was named Reserve Grand Champion.

The next big win was the 2009 World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion title. Six weeks after winning five-year-old class, she won Top Honors at the Canadian National Holstein Show, and Reserve Grand Champion at Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

DAIRY ATTRIBUTES

Mike & Julie Duckett 7285 County S Rudolph, WI 54475 715-459-6480 www.holsteinworld.com/duckett mjduckett@solarus.net

Frosty has proved her worth outside the show ring as well.

At nearly four-years-old, she produced a 365-day record of 38,953 pounds of milk with 1,747 pounds butterfat (4.5%) and 1,229 pounds protein (3.2%). At five years and seven months, she produced 40,725 pounds of milk with 2,030 pounds butterfat (5.0%) and 1,138 pounds protein (2.8%).

"Ten years ago, everybody thought show cows were not milk producers," Mike explains. "Frosty has been right at 40,000 pounds several times. Dairy operators know that is impressive."

(Continued on Page 15) Top: A Japanese trainee, Hikaru Sumikura, helps Julie with all chores, pretty much a 24/7 job. Middle: Some of the Duckett’ own calves and Frosty’s descendants keep a close eye on visitors. Bottom: The Ducketts’ information is superimposed over a photo by Beth Herges, titled Show Girls, of several of Duckett's award winners.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court, Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191

Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from Page 12)

Frosty’s winning record has generated lots of attention. Mike says. “An Australian told me he came to the Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair just to see Frosty. We’ve had a steady stream of farm visitors from around the world wanting to see Frosty in person."

NEW DIRECTIONS

In 2010, realizing the importance of capitalizing on Frosty’s popularity and name recognition, Mike and Julie Duckett, David Dyment and Mark Butz formed Genetic Futures, a state-of-the-art bovine reproductive facility performing in-vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation.

Genetic Futures also houses and cares for 60-75 surrogate virgin heifers simultaneously through embryo implantation, pregnancy and calving phases and even boards calves until they are shipped to buyers.

Once the heifers give birth, they are sold to dairy farms and a new round of heifers arrives to continue the cycle.

(Continued on Page 15) Top: Mike Fuller, Manager of Genetic Futures, also runs a tidy facility. The cows on the facilities’ right side are 60-75 virgin “open” heifers who serve as surrogates for fertilized embryos from registered show cattle. Bottom: These surrogate heifers on the facilities left side, have tested positively for pregnancy. They are kept separate from heifers, which are not yet pregnant, because they require attention that is more specialized.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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EXPANSION “Genetic Futures buildings include a 100 cow free-stall barn and free-stall facility for 800 heifers,” details Mike Fuller.

“That will nearly double in the near future with the addition of another similar facility on the property to house and board donors.”

Currently, donors are shipped to Genetic Futures with their eggs collected every second Wednesday and then fertilized.

Providing permanent housing for these donors will help reduce the stress involved in shipping them back and forth throughout the state.

According to Mike Fuller, “We implant approximately 70-90 embryos every second Thursday. All recipients are tested to insure they are negative for BVD, Anaplasmosis, Neospora and Leukosis. We keep all of our facilities as immaculate as possible and try to provide a greater quality of life for the animals we tend.”

(Continued on Page 18)

Top: I always shoot several angles for whatever I am trying to capture with my camera. In every shot I took depicting this scene, the cows were looking all over the place. This shot was so interesting though because for some reason, they all turned simultaneously as if they were posing for the camera. Middle: The tags on the calves’ ears signify their lineage. This calf is from mother, Silk, and father, Cameron. Bottom: Mike Fuller, Manager for Genetic Futures, poses with a calf from mother, Fifi, and Bradnick, father. The red tags are bull calves (boys) and the yellow tags are heifers (girls).

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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FROSTY’S PROGENY "We now have a worldwide market for embryos from Frosty’s daughters and beyond to the new batch of granddaughters from her sons,” states Mike Duckett. “At the 2008 World Classic Sale, one of her heifer calves sold to a Mexican syndicate. At the 2008 Classic, a Canadian breeder bought one of Frosty’s unborn calves.”

“It has been pretty exciting ever since we first bought Frosty, exclaims Julie Duckett. “Most importantly, we see the impact this wonderfully great show cow and her offspring has on the Holstein breed long-term. Her legacy will endure in the generations to come.”

“Going forward, our priority is to get the highest percentage of pregnancies and live calves as possible so that our clients like Sandy Valley, Fustead, Lookout Holsteins, Marita Holsteins, Butlerview, Morsan, Arethusa, Elite Dairy Genomics, SPEEK-NJ, Select Sires and others can maximize the marketing from their elite donor animals,” summarizes Mike Duckett.

Top: Dairy cattle breeders from around the globe seek offspring of award-winning cows, like Frosty and some of the other donors, whose embryos are implanted into Genetic Futures’ surrogate heifers. Mike Duckett stands beside some of the many calves that have resulted from successful In Vitro Fertilization. Middle: Harvue Roy Frosty photo

by Beth Herges, illustrates Frosty’s extreme udder. Bottom: All of the calves born at Genetic Futures are well cared for and while some are rather shy, they are still quite inquisitive.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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REIGNING RABBITS Central Wisconsin Rabbit Breeding & Showing

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

All photos in this article were taken at the Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Association Show, Jefferson, WI, March 9-10.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

A melting pot of nearly every American Rabbit Breeders Association (ABRA) recognized breed of rabbit imaginable is what I found at the Badger State Rabbit Breeders Association Show held March 9-10 in Jefferson, WI. Livestock show participants can sometimes be extremely competitive but I was very pleased to discover the genuine congeniality of the show rabbit owners, who as a whole, seem to be generous, gentle souls openly sharing tips and advice with one another.

If you have any interest in showing or raising rabbits, I highly recommend you join both ARBA and the Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Association (WSRBA) because each of these active groups will provide you with all the information you need to pursue the rabbit world.

(Continued on Page 23) Opposite Page: Jacalynn Gumz (middle), a seasoned small market animal and show exhibitor, poses with two young 4-H students. Ten-year-olds Faith Riebau (left) daughter of William & Lorrie Riebau and Nina Wood (right), daughter of Greg & Dorothy Wood were at the show with Sue Schmidt, Advisor of Wayne Crusaders 4-H. Both are from Theresa, WI. Jacalynn shows Dutch and Cinnamon rabbits. One of her rabbits brought well over $1,000 at the 2011 Marquette County Fair. Top: Melody Stremkowski, Amherst, WI, Secretary & Treasurer of Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Association (WSRBA) and Upper Midwest Dutch Rabbit Club shown with one of her beloved Dutch rabbits. Right: ARBA District 3 Director Jim Miller, Hancock, WI arranged his rabbit in a typical show pose and stepped back as if to say, “Voila�.

Jim is well respected throughout ABRA for his quality-bred rabbits.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from Page 21)

LOCAL CONNECTION Jim Miller, Hancock, WI serves as our area’s ARBA Director and says, “We have a strong tradition of quality animals and friendly breeders. Our members travel locally and nationwide to successfully exhibit their rabbits. The ARBA website maintains links to the state organizations and national breed clubs in our district along with lots of resources.”

APPEALING FACTORS Jim, who has raised rabbits for more than 25 years, shares his beliefs, “When it comes to personality, rabbits can be as different as people. The longer you are around them, the more you realize how much diversity and individuality they harbor."

ARBA recognizes 47 unique rabbit breeds, each with their own standards of perfections related to exhibiting and judging, and more, which can be applicable even if your rabbit will simply be a pet.

(Continued on Page 26) Top: Laura Peters of Back Forty Rabbitry, Medford, WI, poses with her son and a niece visiting from Iowa, who is holding their super soft and silky Angora rabbit.

Right: Cherry Buttles, whose husband, Kevin, is President of the Wisconsin Rabbits State Breeders Association, holds one of the many Rex varieties she is exhibiting.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from Page 23)

Jim Miller suggests that before you purchase rabbits of your own, do some research to find out what breed(s) will suit you best. “Rabbit shows are a great place to actually see and touch each breed and variety within that breed. You can also meet many breeders firsthand, who live in your area and can give you good, solid advice,” states Jim. If you start showing rabbits yourself, you will need to join the ARBA in order for your rabbits to win Grand Championships.

Grand championship can be worthwhile to achieve and are lucrative because they help insure your rabbit's quality as well as increase the monetary value of the rabbit and its offspring.

SIDE BENEFITS Generally, each rabbit produces one pound of potent, relatively weed seed-free manure per week or about fifty pounds per year. Rabbit manure is less likely than some other kinds of manure, to burn your plants. It makes great fertilizer and is a good choice for plants that need heavy feeding, such as roses and azaleas.

(Continued on Page 27) Top: Cherry Buttles shows how a Castor Rex rabbit’s fur looks when you blow on it to expose the dark coloring at the base of the hair shafts. The rabbit is very striking, with rust or ground cinnamon coloring and a uniform gray ticking across the back.

Left: One of the French Angora breeders holds a treasured rabbit.

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Rabbits live an average of six to eight years. Owning rabbits requires a commitment to feed, house and care on a daily basis with no more than one day's supply of feed at a time.

PEDIGREES Purchasing pedigreed rabbits helps you avoid mixed breeds or low quality specimens that may have serious genetic defects, which can affect resale value.

For added protection, purchase a Registered rabbit, which an ARBA licensed registrar has examined and certified free from defects and disqualifications. More importantly, buy your rabbit from a known, reputable rabbit breeder, who can answer questions after the sale and guarantee satisfaction.

Cherry Buttles summarizes, “Showing rabbits or just attending WSRBA shows gives you an opportunity to gain new friends, visit new areas of the state, observe a variety of rabbit breeds first hand and learn more about your hobby. People involved in the shows become almost like an extended family.”

Top: Samantha Holstrom, Blanchardville, WI, an active 4-H project participant with one of her Champaign D’ Argent rabbits. Right: Bob Koch, an ARBA sanctioned judge, examines a duo of stunning rabbits. Licensed ARBA judges evaluate rabbits according to ARBA published ideal guidelines. Rabbit shows are based on physical conformance to established, written standards rather than performance or personality.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

Day Trips

By Heather Kizewski & Ann Marie Worzalla

FOR THE LOVE OF BEER & CHEESE There is no escaping that Wisconsin is known for beer and cheese. We all know it in the same way most people associate Hawaii with pineapples and Mai-Tais and Jamaica with jerk chicken and rum.

ORIGINAL PLAN

It is our specialty and we love it. Those who move away often miss it terribly – many will have it shipped or have family bring it in bulk when visiting.

For several months, our plan for this Day Trip originally was to tour a cheese factory near the Swiss community of Monroe, WI and randomly explore the town.

Welcome to Day Trips!

Inspired by an authentic passion for travel, each month we will share a unique adventure accomplished in one day; no overnight bags required.

We are sisters-in-law from Stevens Point and Amherst, whose families are involved in potato farming, so we are firmly entrenched in Central Wisconsin.

For more than six years, we have ventured forth in search of unique destinations – it is amazing how far you do not have to go to experience the moments we often seek in faraway lands.

We hope to spark your

Above: Sisters-in-law, Heather Kizewski (Left) & Ann Marie Worzalla (Right).

OPEN OPTION While driving, we agreed that we would ‘play it by ear’ considering the brewery offered only one tour that day, plus keeping in mind that Monroe is on the southern border of Wisconsin – just barely north of Illinois and about an hour west of Dubuque, Iowa. If we made ‘incredible time’ maybe we could pull it off.

SACRIFICES It was a grey-skied, windy Wednesday in early March – temperatures in the high fifties.

(Continued on Page 29)

The night before we left, I came across a link for Minhas Craft Brewery, the second oldest continually operating brewery in the nation, which happens to be walking distance from downtown Monroe. I jotted down the phone number and mentioned it to Ann Marie when I picked her up in the morning.

Top Left: The brewery’s museum displays these beautiful, antique kegs from Marathon City Brewing Company along with a plethora of beer-related art and memorabilia. Right: Founded in 1845, Minhas Craft Brewery promotes itself as the oldest brewery in the Midwest, as shown on their sign.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

Day Trips (Continued from Page 28)

Fortunately we did make incredible time, but after calling the brewery, we learned the tour is quite thorough – not something to rush through.

We knew in order to make this plan work we would have to make sacrifices. Finding ‘the perfect place’ for lunch was out as well as our cheese factory plan.

Because we committed to less hemming and hawing, we parked the car, ate the granola bars Ann Marie packed, and headed out with just enough time to comfortably admire old buildings as we made our way to the brewery.

CHIMING COURTHOUSE Most impressive upon arriving to downtown Monroe is the Green County Courthouse, built in 1891, located in the center of the Monroe square.

Above: Minhas Craft Brewery beer bottles zipping through the assembly line, full speed ahead. The world’s youngest brewery owner, Canadian Ravinder Minhas and his sister, Minjit Minhas, own this brewery, the 14th largest in the U.S.

BREWING HISTORY Founded by a Mr. Bissinger (first name unknown) in 1845, Minhas Craft Brewery is the Midwest’s oldest continuously operating and second oldest continually operating brewery in the nation with the first is in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

(Continued on Page 30)

My first thought was that it resembled a Roman cathedral. Later that night I read on Green County’s website, “it stands as a splendid example of Romanesque style architecture and has become one of the most photographed structures in southern Wisconsin.”

Although distinguished by arched porticos with polished marble pillars, windows with white granite block accents and a 120-foot clock tower; what astonished us most was that it chimed soft music continually throughout the day.

Had it been less windy (and with more time to kill), we could have spent hours sitting at an outdoor terrace with coffee, basking in the synergy of the old-world buildings and beautiful ‘chiming’ town.

Right: Monroe’s historic Green County Courthouse is a striking visual Romanesque edifice, whose sheer massiveness dominates the downtown district.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Day Trips

SAMPLES Our guide gave us the option to sample several different beers and we sampled two: Rhinelander Original and Lazy Mutt. Our personal favorite was ‘Lazy Mutt.’

We learned that Blumer’s Old Fashioned sodas are also brewed there - something we first tried (and loved) at a restaurant in New Glarus last spring.

The soda is also available for sampling in the tasting room. Our favorite was the blueberry cream, which we both brought home for our families to try.

PRODUCTION

(Continued from Page 29)

What we found most interesting is that the brewery was around before Wisconsin even became a state (admitted to the Union May 29, 1848).

In addition to the tour and tasting, the brewery also offers the America’s ‘Largest Beer Memorabilia Museum’.

THE TOUR Costing ten dollars, the tour begins with a pleasant, informative speaker who educates the group on the brewery’s history in a way that does not put anyone to sleep.

The tasting room has soft lighting and ‘saloon- style’ ambience with vintage brick walls, golden wood floors, tables, and Swiss chairs and stools. I also noticed many antique kegs, barrels, wall tins and photos.

After a short video in the tasting room about the brewery’s long, rich history, we headed to the production sections of the building, which reminded me of the TV series Laverne and Shirley, whose theme song stuck in my head all day!

AWARDS AND MEDALS Producing nearly 70 million cans and bottles of beer each year, their brews have won over 150 medals and numerous accolades such as Top beer in the USA, Connoisseur Guide to Beer and Best American-Made Beer in the Market, Consumer Digest.

Other awards include Exceptional & Highly Recommended, Beverage Tasting Institute; First Place, New York Times Taste Test and First Place, Chicago Beer Affair.

GIFT PACK We were grateful that in addition to providing such a thorough tour, they gave us gift packs of bottles of various beers and sodas to try at home along with our sampling glasses!

(Continued on Page 32) Top: Beer historians love the museum’s beer collectibles and recall the brewery as the former Joseph Huber Brewing Company, home of Berghoff Beer. Middle & Bottom: After seeing and touching the raw ingredients and various aspects of the brewing process, legal age guests can enjoy samples in the Lazy Mutt Lounge. Today, the flagship brews are Lazy Mutt and Swiss Amber Ale.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

HEADQUARTERS FOR STIHL POWER TOOLS Faivre Implement serves up the lean, mean, formidable strength and durability of STIHL’s cutting and trimming equipment.

Chain saws, trimmers, blowers, edgers, pole pruners, wet/dry vacuums, weed eaters, safety equipment, protective accessories and much more.

Step up to power, step up to STIHL! - Available at Faivre Implement www.faivre.com  www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl STEVENS POINT 6832 Johnnies Lane, Stevens Point, WI 54482 Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300

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WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court, Westfield, WI 53964 Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191

Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Day Trips

BAUMGARTNER’S It turned out we did not have to sacrifice cheese after all. We stopped at Baumgartner’s, which bills themselves as ‘Purveyors of the Finest Wisconsin Cheese Since 1931.’ We were impressed by their 1930’s appearance and amusing signage.

Although technically not a cheese factory, this respected retail establishment is one of Wisconsin’s oldest cheese stores.

We bought smoked Gouda, Havarti, squeaky cheese curds and fresh string cheese.

(Continued from Page 30)

CHOCOLATE TEMPTATIONS After the brewery tour, we took our items to the car.

Across the street, we noticed an alluring chocolate and espresso bar called Chocolate Temptations and thought we had better check it out.

The options seemed endless. Too late for lunch and too early for dinner, we decided this could still be ‘the perfect place’ – confirming this belief at the mercy of our gigantic almond biscotti with lemon icing and crème de menthe covered Oreos.

Top: Chocolate Temptations lured the sweet tooth in both of us - it was quite difficult to choose from the array of delectable offerings. Middle: The goat on Baumgartner's entry roof reminded us of a scene straight from Switzerland.

Bottom: Baumgartner's is certain to satisfy the true Wisconsinite's never-ending craving for all things cheese with so many head-turning choices.

FINAL REFLECTIONS We were more than satisfied with our last minute change of plans. The brewery tour with its world-class beers exceeded our expectations.

Gaining historical information in such a unique, friendly atmosphere made the adventure exceptional!

Monroe’s easily walkable historic downtown, remarkable architecture and musical courthouse are worth checking out in person.

We appreciated Monroe’s locally made cheese, beer, sodas, candy and equally inviting people. It is easy to see why Monroe is considered the 'Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA.' Page 32

Neighbors-April/May 2012

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Faivre Implement’s facility is located directly across the street from B&B Paving Co. Stop by and see the smoothly paved results for yourself. We believe you will agree that we get the job done right - the first time and every time!

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(715) 592-4775 Page 33

Neighbors-April/May 2012

PLATINUM PLANTER TOUR John Deere Planter Manufacturing Facility East Moline, IL

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

Building on success is what John Deere did when they developed the Platinum Planter Tour similar to their existing Gold Key Tours that allows customers to experience their own or a similar new John Deere combine being built on the assembly line.

The Platinum Planter Tour provides customers, whom have purchased a new John Deere planter and up to three of their guests, with a behind-the-scenes, VIP tour of the John Deere planter manufacturing facility located in East Moline, IL. Phillip Rendall and Alan Rendall, owners of Phillip A. Rendall Farms Inc., Almond, WI and their foreman, Dean Lamb, were Faivre Implement’s first participants in the Platinum Planter Tour.

Their tour, which occurred in mid-February, provided the perfect “green” break for winter downtime.

(Continued on Page 35) Top (left to right): Platinum Planter Tour participants Gary Smith (Faivre Implement, General Manager), Dean Lamb (Phillip A. Rendall Farms Inc., Foreman) and Phillip A. Rendall Farms Inc.’s owners Phillip Rendall and Alan Rendall. Middle: The iconic leaping deer sculpture, which personifies the John Deere brand, is a perfect focal point for the front of the John Deere Store, one of the stops on the Platinum Planter Tour. Bottom: An assembly line team worker keeps a careful eye on the planter parts assembly line.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from Page 34)

While at the plant, they followed the actual production process of a planter similar to one they ordered.

According to Phillip Rendall, “During the walking tour, we got to see the factory’s full production and assembly activities and speak with actual production line operators, which really helps you understand what is going on in each step.”

“We really like how the workers stress safety aspects and explain how their jobs impact quality, delivery and cost,” explains Alan Rendall.

The Rendalls, John Deere enthusiasts, both agreed that seeing the John Deere plant and headquarters, which was the first visit for both of them, was well worth the trip and one they would highly recommend to anyone.

(Continued on Page 36 with the Rendalls' actual new planter) Top (left to right): Dean Lamb and Phillip were impressed with the tremendous precision and huge number of parts involved in the production of each planter.

Right: Planter parts wait for their turn to be assembled into a new unit, ready for final inspection and shipping to individual farming operations.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from Page 35)

In mid-March, the Rendalls’ new John Deere MaxEmerge XP planter arrived at Faivre Implement where it was prepped and then delivered to the main Rendall farm. “We are pretty committed to John Deere machinery and Faivre Implement. We are very pleased with this new planter and can’t wait to operate it in the fields,” states Phillip.

Top: Phillip Rendall (in tractor) backs up his new John Deere 8235R tractor to hook up his new John Deere MaxEmerge XP planter for the very first time while Faivre Implement’s Gary Smith, General Manager and Alan Mehne, Service Manager, supervise. Right: Gary Smith answers Phillip and Dean’s planter questions. Bottom (Left to Right): Alan Rendall, Phillip Rendall, Gary Smith, Dean Lamb and Alan Mehne take a break from demonstrating the new planter’s operation for a full shot of the new planter.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

0% Fixed-Rate Financing for 48 Months on Compact Utility Tractors* *Click on offer above for qualifying details, (details also available at Faivre Implement).

Since the introduction of John Deere’s first steel plow over 170 years ago, horses have played an influential role in John Deere’s heritage.

John Deere’s commitment to horses and the land has never changed. Horse owners now use compact tractors equipped with forks and more, lawn tractors and Gators like our new 4-seater XUVs. These bad boys possess enough “horsepower” and 4x4 performance to travel where you want and still carry up to four people.

In honor of the equestrian world, Faivre Implement offers special discounts on equine-related products, merchandise and gifts through the John Deere Equine Association Discount Program: http://www.deere.com/en_US/CCE_promo/weg/discounts.html Page 37

STEVENS POINT 6832 Johnnies Lane Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300

WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191

Neighbor to Neighbor, it’s Faivre! www.faivre.com  www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl www.twitter.com/faivreimpl Neighbors-April/May 2012

Flying Feather*

“When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill ~

Regular Column and Photos by Denise Krause Owner, Feathered Gold Stables, www.featheredgold.com

Horse show sense! For those who show horses once or twice a year or even longer, shows can be a daunting and unnerving experience.

The stress level is high with tempers short and unbearable butterflies in the tummy. Competitors’ appetites change dramatically, trips to the bathroom double and riders ask, “Why, why, why am I doing this?”

You do it because even with all the anguish, it really is fun! The thrill of competition, the rewards you receive and the memories you create, last a lifetime.

PREPARATION

If you have not hauled your horse ever or very often, it will save time and headaches if you haul him somewhere a few weeks prior to the show.

Denise Krause & Diesel of Feathered Gold at the Heartland Fall Classic.

This preparation will teach you how much time you will need for show day loading, lessening your horse’s stress later.

Occasionally, show grounds, whether local fairgrounds or private stables, permit you to haul your horse over to ride and school for practice. Call ahead for permission though.

Successful shows do not happen by themselves. You must learn to prepare your horse for the job, focus your thoughts and conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner.

IMAGE

First, prepare your horse by training him for the tasks that will be required.

If you need to canter from a walk, practice until you never get a trot stride.

Grooming should not start the night or even morning of the show or you will stress your horse. Start a few weeks before the show.

If you have to stand still and then back up when the judge walks by, practice backing with a friend walking by and make it straight, without resistance.

If you have to trot or canter circles in a dressage test or an equitation class, practice making the circles round and symmetrical while riding at home.

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Once your horse is well schooled and can be hauled successfully, he needs to be well groomed.

If your horse’s tail is stained, wash it a week before the show in case the stains need more than one washing to disappear.

Horse’s hooves should be in good condition, well shod or trimmed.

Extra-long toes with overdue shoeing or chunks missing from hooves are not acceptable at shows.

Try not to schedule a farrier visit the day before the show in case your horse gets sore after a fresh trim.

ACCESSORIES Clean tack and clothes are standard requirement at shows and should be prepared ahead of time.

Some saddles and tack have nitty gritty spots such as elaborate tooling, which you can clean in advance with a soft toothbrush. The night before the show, quickly touch up dusty saddles and tack with spray leather cleaner.

Clean and try on your show clothes and even ride in them ahead of time to make sure everything fits properly and rides well.

It is nice to know your new breeches for that equitation class are so slick that you slide off the back of your saddle at every canter depart.

(Continued on Page 39) *Feather is the flowing hair on Gypsy Vanners’ legs.

Neighbors-April/May 2012

(Continued from page 38)

CONCENTRATION Once you are at the show, learning to focus your thoughts will lessen the stress of competing. This is the point of the show where you might hold your head in your hands and say, “Why, why, why?”

This is normal and it gets easier. Here is a mental exercise to help you by asking yourself, “Why am I here?”

You are here because you love horses. You are here to show off your beautiful horse, who has worked long and hard for you and who wants to show the other horses and ponies what he or she can do. You are here because you are proud of your work and your horse.

SINGLEMINDEDNESS Now, focus on the job at hand. Concentrate on tacking up and dressing properly and neatly. Make sure the saddle pad is straight. Put a hair net on to hold stray hair and use hair spray. DO NOT worry about the other people tacking up. DO NOT let loose dogs and loud children distract you.

Subscribe Today to Neighbors Magazine

Think about how long you need to warm up. If friends or family members are nagging you or will not leave you alone, explain to them you are memorizing something important such as your reining pattern or jump course and need time to yourself. Then get AWAY from them.

Visualize your ride. Picture your horse’s mane below you. As you ride by, imagine the walls or rails of the arena. As you prepare to enter the arena, tell yourself that you know what is required, you have done it at home, and you are ready to do it here. Think positively!!!

During your ride, continue concentrating and focus on what you are doing and how your horse is responding.

If he is too fast, slow him down. If you are on the wrong posting diagonal, do not fret, just change it. If he spooks, gather him together and continue onwards.

DO NOT think about the people on the sidelines. DO NOT think about the sound of the horse trailer pulling in just when you go in. Just do the job, which you have prepared to do for so long. FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS! Finally, to make horse shows more enjoyable, be a good sport. Absolutely, never criticize another competitor.

Find the positives and be a good example. Clap for a riders and tell competitors they did a good job. That is what makes you a real winner!

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Receive a Chance to Win a John Deere D110 Lawn Tractor when you subscribe to our FREE online issues or buy a mailed printed issue subscription (INTRO OFFER 6 issues for $19.99/year).

3 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE:

Neighbors is an insightful, free, bi-monthly online magazine with 48-pages of photos, stories and more about interesting people and businesses throughout Central Wisconsin!

Neighbors, published

by Faivre Implement, offers mailed print subscriptions (6 issues for $19.99/year).

Subscribe today!

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SERVING OUR CENTRAL WISCONSIN NEIGHBORS SINCE 1981 www.faivre.com www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl

Neighbors-April/May 2012

FOR LOVE OF DEERE! Celebrating the Boy Who Launched a Safe Donation!

Lukas Vuorinen

The twists and turns of fate often connect invisible dots that lead us in directions in which we would not otherwise have ventured.

Last year, thieves broke into St. Mary Immaculate Conception-Torun in Stevens Point, WI and stole their safe, an ancient, heavy square weighing about 425 pounds.

Lukas Vuorinen, a six-year-old at that time, and son of Kristi and Scott Vuorinen suggested to his mother, who was in charge of finding a new safe that they get a John Deere safe.

Lukas, whose family did not farm and who were not purchasers of John Deere equipment, was virtually born to love everything John Deere. His entire room and all of his clothing were John Deere-related as was every gift he requested.

Page 40

After Lukas found the safe he wanted at Faivre Implement, the church contacted Jim Faivre to ask if he could give them a break on the price.

Not knowing how they came to ask him about the safe, Jim called them back to say, “We have decided not to give the Church a break on the price. Instead we are going to donate the safe to St. Mary’s.”

That sequence of events created a wonderful bond between St. Mary’s, the Vuorinens and Faivre Implement.

It reminded all of us what it was like to actually be “neighbors” and it felt good to be involved in something so grand.

Since Lukas loves coloring, we offer this coloring contest (directions on the next page), with prizes for the winners.

(Continued on Page 41)

Neighbors-April/May 2012

COLORING CONTEST DIRECTIONS Lukas will judge entries and select one winner at the July 2012 Neighbors Open House. Winner will receive a John Deere/Faivre Implement hooded sweatshirt (Lukas is pictured at right with his mother, Kristi).

Simply print out a copy of the photo above or pick up a copy at either of our locations, have your child color it and return it to either location via mail or drop it off. Choose the colors you prefer or refer to the color photo on page 40 (HINT: Since Lukas is the judge and loves everything John Deere, you might want to stick with the traditional Deere colors).

Date: _______________________________________ Child’s Name: ________________________________ Child’s Age: __________________________________ Parent Name: ________________________________ Parent Phone: _______________________________ Parent Email: ________________________________

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STEVENS POINT

WESTFIELD

6832 Johnnies Lane Stevens Point, WI 54482 Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300

N6701 Harris Court Westfield, WI 53964 Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191

SERVING OUR CENTRAL WISCONSIN NEIGHBORS SINCE 1981 Neighbor to Neighbor, it’s Faivre! www.faivre.com  www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl www.twitter.com/faivreimpl Neighbors-April/May 2012

Inside

AMS Clinics Held in Faivre’s New Training Facility Faivre Implement’s Ag Management Solutions (AMS) professionals are now holding regular training sessions for individual with this equipment or who are considering whether or not this equipment would be a right fit for their operation.

The new training facility is located in the lower level of Faivre’s headquarters building, which also house all of the AMS equipment in climatecontrolled areas.

With comfortable seating, large viewing screens and a lounge area newly remodeled by Eric Beggs Construction, Inc, Bancroft, WI, the recent first session was deemed a success by all in attendance.

Contact Keith Dernbach, (715)-592-4300 or keith@faivre.com for future class dates.

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

It’s Show Time!

We’ve been hopping with all the home and business Spring shows making the circuits in Waupaca, Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, Stevens Point and more!

Everyone always likes to ride the Gators and lawn tractors we bring along and we will have many photos to share. We just had to get these two great ones out, particularly with UWSP’s mascot, Stevie at the Portage County Business Expo! Go Pointers!

Be sure to check out our brand new Honda Power Equipment!

Page 43

Neighbors-April/May 2012

Grabbing all the Gusto

Outstripping limits!

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Neighbors-April/May 2012

Gator Glory!

Straight up Fun! Travel just about anywhere; do just about anything with John Deere’s great, new Gators – conquering the universe one mountain, one forest, one field, one stream at a time!

Get the exact horsepower and performance to travel where you want with whomever you want, even even models that carry up to four people.

You can tame the wild or simply feel the wind in your hair.

Test-drive one today at Faivre Implement, your local John Deere dealer in Stevens Point, Westfield and online, www.faivre.com.

STEVENS POINT 6832 Johnnies Lane Toll-Free: (800) 622-2611 stevenspoint@faivre.com (715) 592-4300

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WESTFIELD N6701 Harris Court Toll-Free: (800) 356-3337 westfield@faivre.com (608) 296-2191

SERVING OUR CENTRAL WISCONSIN NEIGHBORS SINCE 1981.

Neighbor to Neighbor, It’s Faivre! www.faivre.com  www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl www.twitter.com/faivreimpl

Neighbors-April/May 2012

Ask Dr. Fixit OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CHRIS BROCKMAN Chris Brockman (pictured at left), truly bleeds green.

He started working on John Deere lawn equipment when he was very young, tagging along to work with his dad, Bob Brockman, a John Deere dealer in Wisconsin Rapids.

Chris, an Advanced Certified John Deere Technician, has over 25 years of experience and is a true expert on all lawn care equipment.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions to drfixit@faivre.com and Chris will address your questions personally, in Dr. Fixit’s Neighbors magazine column or on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/FaivreImpl.

READER QUESTION #38 I have a John Deere2210 compact utility tractor.

According to the operator’s manual, it is time to change the engine coolant. Should I get premixed coolant or coolant concentrate?

DR. FIXIT ANSWER #38 Either will work; it is just a matter of preference.

I like the premix myself. The premix comes ready to pour into the cooling system. The water has been treated and neutralized so there will be no adverse effects on the engine or cooling system.

It has a protection level of minus 34 degrees. With concentrate, there is a chance of introducing silicates and nitrates into the cooling system.

That could have detrimental effects on the system and your engine. The other thing with concentrate is that now you need a tester to check your protection level. John Deere offers both concentrate and premix, available at our parts department.

READER QUESTION #39 I purchased a new John Deere X324 last fall am ready to do the 8-hour service, engine oil & filter change. Why is it important to change the oil so soon?

Page 46

DR. FIXIT ANSWER #39 During the first 8 hours of engine run time, you are seating the piston rings to the cylinder wall and this causes very small particles of metal to enter the engine oil. Even though these particles are very small, they can cause unneeded wear to internal engine parts. Run the engine to get the oil warm and then drain the oil and change the filter. The filter may be on pretty tight, so a filter wrench may be required.

READER QUESTION #40 I am restoring an old John Deere 420 garden tractor and would really like to doll this tractor up and make it a showpiece. I saw an ad on Craigslist for a rear PTO attachment from a John Deere 425 garden tractor. Will this fit on my 420?

DR. FIXIT ANSWER #40 Unfortunately not. The rear PTO on a 425 is gear-driven and mounts on the rear of the transaxle housing. The rear PTO on your 420 has an electric clutch driven by a shaft that mounts off the back of the transmission. There is also a speed difference between the two, the 420 has 2000 RPM and the 425 has 540 RPM. Both machines are 20HP, are green and yellow, have four wheels, a seat, steering wheel, hydrostatic drive and power steering, but that is where the similarities end.

Neighbors-April/May 2012

“First impressions mean everything in our business.”

Scott Kollock, Owner Vista Royalle Campground, Bancroft, WI

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Eric’s team built our storage garage, maintenance building, concrete flatwork, bathroom/shower house and now three deluxe rental cabins, which renters love so much, we are adding more in the near future. Quality counts and EBC gets my vote!” ~ Scott Kollock

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Portage County Business Council 2011 Small Business of the Year 1044 Main St, Stevens Point, (715) 341-0411