Mf 3 31 16

217874

Midwest Farm&Ag VOLUME 1 NUMBER 9

Published by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC

The DeLong Co., Inc.

• Complete Grain Handling Facilities• A Complete Line of Delco Foods • TELEPHONE 608-676-2255 • P.O.Fertilizer BOX 552and • CLINTON, WI 53525 •Delco Seeds • Delco Liquid Chemicals • 212798

608-676-2255 Clinton, WI See Us When You Buy or Sell

March 31 2016

T

2 • Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

ACES alumni opportunity to bring youth to ‘college’ URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) alumni are encouraged to register to attend ACES Family Academies with their young Illini fans ages 8 to 13.

The one-and-a-half-day event will take place July 7-8.

ACES Family Academies allows ACES alumni to share their Illinois experience with their child, grandchild, or friend.

This educational experience allows youth to explore the ACES campus,

attend classes showcasing the variety of career paths available through ACES, and ultimately enjoy time with their family member learning more about the world around them.

“I would recommend this program to all ACES graduates because of the opportunity to return to campus and act like a student again while participating in exciting new learning experiences along with your grandchildren or children,” says Randy Sims, a 1969 agricultural economics alum. “ACES Family Academies is well organized

and the participants really feel welcomed. My grandson and I had a ball.”

Some of the classes that will be offered are: Paper Airplanes and Drones in Agriculture; Food Challenge; Man’s Best Friend; Wonderful World of Agribusiness; and Global Crop Failure Crisis! How Can You Be a Part of the Solution?

“The classes are both fun and educational. What a fantastic introduction to encourage college life in my grandson’s future and to help alums like myself to reconnect with the Uni-

versity of Illinois campus,” says Jerry Benjamin, a 1965 agricultural economics alum.

To register for this year’s ACES Family Academies, visit go.illinois. edu/ACESFamilyAcademies. Registration is open until May 15 for ACES alumni. Space is limited. Registration will open if space allows for nonalumni from May 15 to June 1.

For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/ACESFamilyAcademies or contact the ACES Alumni Association at (217) 333-7744.

PDPW brings April learning events to dairy industry WISCONSIN — The Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) is committed to bringing dairy farmers, the next generation, and the dairy industry the tools needed to enhance their businesses.

April PDPW educational events include: April 12, 13, 14, Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Wis. – Hoof Care Workshop April 16-17, Brillion, Wis. – Youth Leadership Derby® April 20, Online – World Class Webinars – Feed Additives in Tight Margins April 28, Chilton, Wis. – Dairy’s Visible Voice® – Preparing for a Crisis Before It Happens Hoof Care Workshop, April 12, 13, and 14, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., repeating in Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Wis., respectively.

The workshop will feature

two industry experts, Dr. Nigel Cook from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Gerard Kramer, from the University of Minnesota.

Drs. Cook and Kramer are geared to help even the astute cow gurus identify the most difficult on-farm hoof health issue, and develop the best treatment protocols.

Youth Leadership Derby,

April 16-17, from 10 a.m. on Saturday and concluding at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday. Hosted at the Brillion High School, in Brillion, Wis., this overnight lock-in is available to high school students age 15-18 years old.

Students interested in advancing their career and college preparation will be engaged with keynote speakers, on-farm wet labs, breakout sessions, and enveloped with a fast-paced learning experience.

Attendees will also be exposed to UW-Madison college mentors, dairy leaders, and like-minded peers that are looking to grow their leadership and agribusiness acumen. Registration is due by April 10.

World Class Webinars, “Feed Additives in Tight Margins,” April 20, from noon

to 1 p.m., online. This webinar, featuring well-known Dr. Mike Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, is the second in the series “Feed Quality to Ensure Production.”

Dr. Hutjens will showcase how dairy managers can include feed additives, even on tight margins, through direct feed microbes, new research on yeast products, organic chromium, and futuristic products such as enzymes and essential oils.

Registration is due by April 13.

paring for a Crisis Before It Happens, April 28, from 8:30

a.m. to 5 p.m. in Chilton, Wis. This advanced hands-on workshop will equip dairy farmer owners and key leaders with the skills and confidence to manage the media and community during a farm crisis.

You will dive into your farm’s personal crisis plan: identify risk, develop a physical response plan, and prepare basic response materials, fact sheets, material locations and emergen-

Sustainable landscaping series offered in Boone County

BELVIDERE — Besides being pleasing to the eye, did you know that your yard could potentially save you money and energy? Sustainable landscapes conserve and improve the enviDairy’s Visible Voice - Pre- ronment, are esthetically pleasing and save money.

Come learn from University of Illinois Extension Educators, Candice Miller and Jay Solomon about various aspects of sustainable landscaping. While this program is designed for home gardeners, landscape professionals may also gain valuable knowledge.

The series is divided into two parts with both being held at Belvidere High School (in the Ag classroom) located at 1500 East St. in Belvidere. Participants should park by the greenIf you have a question we will find the answer house behind the Performing Arts Center, and enter through Service is our business door 30. This series is open In Business for over 50 years! to the public and everyone is welcome, but pre-registration is * We stock new & used equipment & have required.

Landscape planning, something for every price range & budget design, plant selection Monday, April 11 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Join us for a fresh look at landscape design with a focus on sustainability and beauty.

Starting with a review of classic landscape design techniques, we will explore ways to reduce www.porterslpe.com 211805 your grass lawn space by inte-

1640 Center Ave, Janesville (608) 752-3839

Need Financing?

We have that too!

Blowers & Mowers on Sale now

cy response contacts.

To learn more about any of these PDPW educational events or to register, visit www.pdpw. org or contact PDPW at 1-800947-7379.

Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led, grassroots organization of its kind, focusing on education, networking and professional development to shares ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.

grated plants and working hardscapes.

Learn how to choose the proper plant for your site, avoid plant health issues with proper placement, and incorporate weed control techniques.

Gaining efficiency with landscaping Thursday, April 14 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Landscaping can be inviting and add efficiency to your home. Learn how installing a rain garden, planting a xeriscape, using Illinois native plants, and mulching techniques can conserve water.

Explore ways to reduce or control your energy bills with landscaping choices: selective plant locations, utilizing rain water storage and solar pumps for irrigation, and creative landscape lighting.

Register early to receive the discount rate of $24 before April 6, or $30 afterwards. Your registration includes a variety of printed books and handouts for your future reference. Final registration deadline is April 8.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs or to register, please contact the Boone County Extension office at (815) 544-3710. You may also register online at: http://web. extension.illinois.edu/bdo/

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 3

Want to raise chickens in your backyard?

Extension’s local foods, small farms educator can help BELVIDERE — It doesn’t get much better than frying up a couple of farm-fresh eggs that you just collected yourself.

Maybe that is why so many people, whether they are on a rural acreage or an urban homestead, are becoming increasingly interested in raising chickens in their backyards.

“Whether motivated by

extremely local food, or simply having a showy pet to decorate the yard, there are a number of things you need to know about raising chickens so that your family and your birds can live happy and healthy together,” says Andy Larson, a new Local Foods Systems and Small Farms Educator with University of Illinois Extension.

Andy will be offering a

class on home-scale poultry production called “Raising Backyard Chickens Right” to be held on Tuesday, April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Boone County Extension Conference Room located at 205 Cadillac Ct., Suite 5 in Belvidere.

Participants will discuss: Choosing chicken breeds and starting your chicks Considerations for building a coop and designing a

chicken run Overcoming winter weather and pressure from predators Handling and selling eggs in Illinois safely and legally The program fee is $10, payable in advance or at the door. Registration deadline is April 4. We reserve the right to cancel programs due to low registrations. To register or for more information on “Raising Backyard Chickens

Right,” contact University of Illinois Extension office at (815) 544-3710 or visit our website at web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo or email Extension Program Coordinator, Judy Hodge at hodg@illinois. edu.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Boone County Extension office at (815) 544-3710.

MADISON — Livestock owners will soon receive materials in the mail to renew their premises registration by July 31 in accordance with Wisconsin’s mandatory requirements, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

“Any premises that keeps livestock, even if it’s just one chicken in the backyard, is required to register their premise to aid us in managing a disease outbreak if that becomes necessary,” said Dr.

Paul McGraw, Wisconsin State Veterinarian of DATCP’s Division of Animal Health.

Registration and renewal are free and can be done online for convenience.

Anyone required to register or renew their current registration can do so online at www.wiid.org or by calling the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) at 888-808-1910.

WLIC is the contracted agent that manages the database on behalf of the state of Wisconsin and helps to ensure

confidentiality of the information.

Premises registration data has proven to be a valuable asset during past disease outbreaks. The information contained in the database allows responders to contact animal owners within a control zone to arrange testing of their animals to ensure there has been no disease transmission. As a result, the outbreaks were more efficiently managed and contained.

“Having the premises registration information keeps

us from having to spend time going door to door to locate the animals in question and allows us to direct our attention toward containing the disease,” McGraw said.

Only one exception exists for premises registration. Individuals with a sincerely held religious belief opposing registration of a premises can seek an exemption.

The individual must complete an application, including name, address and type of species being kept, and an affidavit, signed before a notary

public, requesting the exemption and providing the name and contact information for an authorized representative of the religion who can verify the religion’s opposition to registration.

This form is available from premises.datcp.wi.gov or by calling (608) 224-4872.

For background information about premises registration or more detailed instruction about how to renew your registration, please visit our website at premises.datcp.wi.gov.

Livestock owners reminded to renew premises registration

Stephenson County 4-H, Extension Foundation announces pork chop dinner with the assistance of the Stephenson County Pork Producers, featuring their special seasoning.

Potato salad or chips, cheese from local cheese producers, applesauce, drink, and dessert will also be served. Two serving lines and a special carry out line will be available.

FFA Alumni Consignment Auction

The dinner is planned by a committee of Foundation members and other 4-H volunteers, and donations from local businesses and restaurants help make it possible.

Advanced tickets are $6 and may be purchased from members of Stephenson County 4-H Clubs or at the U of I Exten-

sion Office, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $7, and hot dog meal tickets will be available at the door only and not sold prior to the event.

Many area restaurants and businesses have provided items for the meal and silent auction, and the Foundation appreciates their support.

There will be a silent auction

with gift baskets created by 4-H clubs and other opportunities to support local 4-H clubs.

All proceeds will benefit the Stephenson County 4-H and Extension Foundation and stay in Stephenson County.

For more information or questions, please call the University of Illinois ExtensionStephenson County at (815) 235-4125.

Mary Ann Inman photo

Clinton’s FFA Alumni held their annual consignment auction last Saturday at the Scot Forge site. Bill Perkins auctioned donated and consignment items.

We listen to you. We counsel for you. We fight for you.

Contact us at

608.882.5944

shannon-law.com

231841

FREEPORT — The Stephenson County 4-H and Extension Foundation announces its 9th Annual Pork Chop Dinner Fundraiser, which will be held on Sunday, April 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Freeport, 1200 W. Galena Ave. The dinner will feature a 6 oz. pork chop sandwich, grilled

4 • Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

National Pig Day passes us by again

By Emily Hanlin Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Ag Communications and Administrative Assistant

is where the piglets are born. A mother pig, or sow, is put into a special area called a farrowing stall. This stall has rails to separate the sow from her piglets. This way she won’t hurt the piglets when she lies down or turns over, but she can still provide the piglets with milk.

An average litter includes about eight to 12 piglets. They weight around 2.5 lbs. at birth and will stay in the farrowing bar for three to four weeks, or until they weigh 10 to 15 lbs.

The second stage of a pig’s life includes them moving to a new barn called a nursery.

Once they reach the right age and weight, they are weaned from the sow and, moved to

their new home.

From there, the pigs get a specially mixed diet of corn, soybeans, and supplements of vitamins and minerals to help them grow and stay healthy.

The pigs will stay in the nursery until they reach around 50 to 60 lbs.

After the nursery, pigs are moved to another new barn called a finishing barn. Here they will continue to eat grains like corn and soybeans until they reach market weight of around 280 lbs. Pigs are one of the few animals that will never over eat. A pig eats about 870 lbs. of corn and 120 lbs. of protein and minerals to reach market weight.

Morton to represent Farm Bureau on Wisconsin 4-H Foundation CLINTON — Arch Morton Jr., a Rock County grain farmer, will represent the Wisconsin Farm Bureau on the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Morton was appointed to serve a three-year term on the 17-member board that oversees governance and resource development of the 4-H Foundation.

Nearly 150,000 youth from Wisconsin’s 72 counties participate in 4-H. Wisconsin was one of the first states to offer 4-H 102 years ago.

The Foundation was created in the 1950s to financially assist the youth development program. Today the Founda-

tion’s signature event is the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Meat Products Auction at the Wisconsin State Fair.

ARCH The FounMORTON JR. d a t i o n receives the proceeds from an auction of the grand and reserve champion meat products exhibited at the fair. This year’s event is Aug. 9.

Morton serves on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Board of Directors. He represents District 2 (Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green,

Rock and Sauk counties).

Morton succeeds Dave Daniels of Union Grove as WFBF’s representative on the 4-H Foundation board.

Morton serves on the La Prairie Town Board in Rock County. He is a former president of the Rock County Farm Bureau, Clinton FFA Alumni and Rock County Dairy Promotion Council. He grows 240 acres of corn, soybeans, winter wheat and alfalfa.

For more information on the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, visit www.wis4hfoundation. org. For more information on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, visit www.wfbf.com.

Pig farmers in Illinois are always busy, because the weather in our state is so unpredictable, pigs are kept in these barns because farmers can’t control the weather, but their barns can.

The temperature and humidity are kept at a comfortable and constant level. Keeping pigs inside barns keeps them out of the varied weather conditions.

Midwest winters are very cold and summer heat can be hard on a pig. They are not able to sweat because they do not have sweat glands like people.

Due to this, they overheat very easily.

Therefore, farmers go to extreme measures to make sure

m f a f n’s u a K Country Store

Stop here for all your holiday baking needs.

Chicken Bacon • Turkey Bacon

Amish 2 lb. Country Roll Butter • Bulk Foods & Spices • Baking Supplies • Outdoor Furniture • Cook Books & Cutlery • Holiday Sprinkles 9550 W. State Rd. 81 • Beloit, WI 53511

608-362-1750

237187

BOONE COUNTY — Monday, March 1, was perhaps my favorite day of the year as it was Nationally Recognized as National Pig Day! Yes folks, a holiday dedicated to the pig.

This holiday celebration was started in 1972 by Ellen Stanley, a teacher from Texas.

From various postings online, (there wasn’t much to be found), the purpose of National Pig Day is “to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals.”

There is no real evidence to advocate that this is truly a “National” day, which requires an act of congress. However, the holiday is most regularly celebrated in the Midwest. The day attracted events at zoos, schools, nursing homes, and sporting events around the United States. It is an open question how exactly to celebrate or honor pigs. However you selected, hopefully you did not miss celebrating this day.

Pigs are clever and intelligent animals, but, most people are unaware of this high level of intelligence. They can be taught to do tricks. Some people even keep them as pets!

Here at the Farm Bureau, we like to thank pigs for all of the products they supply the agriculture industry with!

A pig’s life starts in what is called a farrowing barn. This

their pigs are always kept in well-lit, ventilated, and clean environments to provide the best atmosphere for their livestock as they can.

After a hog reaches market weight and is harvested, there are countless by-products that are used in every day products! Did you know that pig by-products are in all of the following items?

Sticking agents, leather treating agents, plywood adhesive, protein source in feeds, fabric printing and dying are all made from the blood of processed hogs.

Pig bones and skin can be made into glue, pigskin garments, gloves, shoes, china, buttons, and mineral source in feed, fertilizer, porcelain enamel, glass and water filters.

The hair from pigs is made into paint brushes, insulation, and upholstery.

Fatty acids and Glycerin from pigs are made into floor waxes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, insecticides, herbicides, oil polishes, rubber, antifreeze, plastics, printing rollers, cellophane, cement, fiber softeners, crayons, chalk, matches, putty and linoleum.

So, the next time you are enjoying a pork chop or even a hot dog, remember all of the other amazing uses the very animal that gave you your tasty treat also provides… and remember to not only celebrate pigs, but celebrate and thank a local farmer.

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 5

Enjoy outdoor exercise while volunteering for SMILES DARIEN — Springtime in Wisconsin is only a few short weeks away! Do you have Spring Fever? Are you ready to get out of the house and enjoy being active, while making a difference in someone’s life?

Please join us as a volunteer at SMILES! SMILES, located in Darien, Wis., provides the benefits of therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities to people of all ages who have special needs. Lives and living skills are improved through the classes and programs of SMILES. Here are a few ways SMILES can help with your Spring Fever:

Walking is a great form of exercise, and walking in one class at SMILES is equivalent to walking approximately 1 ½ miles, and burns approximately 300 calories.

Along with good exercise, you are reaping the benefits of helping others, which is good for your emotional well being.

In addition to walking in lessons, volunteers get active by grooming and saddling our therapy horses, and helping with stable chores.

Meeting new people and forming new friendships at SMILES help to relieve stress and provide joy.

Beginning March 28,

SMILES will begin their Spring Session. If you would like to help make a difference in someone’s life, then please join us at SMILES! No horse experience is required. Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older, and complete a volunteer training session. Classes are offered Monday through Saturday, mornings and evenings.

Visit our website for further information at www.smilestherapeuticriding.org. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (262) 882-3470 or email volunteer@smilestherapeuticriding.org to find out how you can become involved!

Extension horticulturalist discusses managing ‘thugs’ in the garden URBANA, Ill. — What is it about some plants that just can’t behave in the garden?

For those of us who have ever unknowingly planted a “thug” plant in the past, the bitter experience usually results in a much more thorough vetting process before any future aggressive plants are introduced to the garden, said a University of Illinois horticulture educator.

“It is important to research which plant species in your area have a history of aggressive growth and understand which site conditions promote aggressive growth,” said Elizabeth Wahle. “Plants can be aggressive in one area of the garden and not in another, and moving them where they don’t thrive as well is a good management tool.”

Butterbur (Petasites spp.) is an example of a plant that prefers a moist soil environment similar to what is commonly found along riverbanks, marshes, and ditches. In its preferred moist soil environment, butterbur aggressively spreads via thick, creeping underground rhizomes. But planted in a drier site, its spread is greatly diminished.

“When reading plant descriptions, certain terms may alert a gardener to potential aggressive growth. It’s a good tipoff when the plant is described as a reseeder, a vigorous grower, or a naturalizer that they tend toward aggressive growth,” Wahle explained.

Wahle added that aggressive growth isn’t always a bad quality. Sometimes the planting site requires plants with aggressive growth to rapidly stabilize soil, in the case of erosion control, or to fill in a design effect quickly.

“Take daffodils (Narcissus spp.) for example. Over time, daffodil multiplies and, in a small garden bed, can quickly outgrow the allotted space.

“This results in the need to dig and divide. But planted at the edge of a woods or other large sunny area, the daffodil‘s tendency to “naturalize” results in beautiful drifts of spring color.”

The same can be said about reseeders; it all depends on the planting site, the desirability of the plant, and how difficult it is to control.

Love-in-a-mist (Nigella spp.) is a very well-known reseeder, but most gardeners tolerate this quality in exchange for its tangle of ferny-like foliage that forms a “mist” around strawflower-like blooms.

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is another beautiful but aggressive reseeder, but it is not nearly as polite in the garden as love-in-a-mist.

“Whereas unwanted lovein-a-mist seedlings are quite easy but tedious to pluck out by hand, unwanted plants of this clump forming ornamental grass require a hand trowel or shovel to remove due to a very well-anchored root system,” Wahle said.

Edible garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) reseeds, and unwanted plants of this beautiful bloomer also have to be dug out entirely, or else the bulb underground will just regenerate new top growth. “So deadheading before seed production is not always enough when controlling reseeders that spread through other methods like bulbs and rhizomes,” Wahle said.

“Just because one member

of a plant family is aggressive does not mean all are. It should make you more cautious and conduct further research before planting a relative of a known aggressive thug plant,” she added.

It has already been noted that garlic chives is an aggressive spreader, and its relative wild garlic (Allium vineale) is listed on the Illinois non-native invasive list.

Yet ornamental onions like ‘Globemaster’ (Allium cristophii x macleanii ‘Globemaster’) and Star of Persia (Allium cristophii) are beautiful nonaggressive additions to the garden. Another option for aggressive spreaders is to look for hybrids that are touted as either sterile, so they don’t reseed at all, or those that at least do so less vigorously.

Like love-in-a-mist, planting spider flower (Cleome spp.) was often necessary only once due to its prolific reseeding.

Courtesy photo Today, though, there are hybrid cultivars like Cleome ‘Inn- SMILES student Kyler Moldenhauer thanked his horse Rodcleosr’ Senorita Rosalita which ney, with support of SMILES volunteer, Jason Fleck. has odorless foliage, no thorns, and sterile flowers that don’t produce seed.

“Sometimes growing in a container or adding some sort of border in the ground so roots can’t spread are good methods for limiting the spread of an aggressive plant,” Wahle said.

“Mint (Mentha spp.) is a • BULK TANKS • MILKERS • DAIRY SUPPLIES good example of an aggressive • HI PRESSURE WASHERS • RITCHIE WATERERS spreader that can be controlled 24 HOUR REFRIGERATION SERVICE by growing it in a container.

Using this method, its culiVENTLESS GAS SPACE HEATERS nary and aromatic value can be “For Service Call” enjoyed throughout the year, on the patio spring through fall, 4107 Hwy. 51 N Janesville then in a bright windowsill to continue harvest over the win211585 ter months.”

Tri-County Dairy Supply

(608) 757-2697

6 • Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

69th Alice in Dairyland top candidates announced WATERLOO — Six top candidates for the 69th Alice in Dairyland were announced recently, a key step in the process of selecting Wisconsin’s next official agricultural ambassador.

The six top candidates were announced at a press conference held at Crave Brothers Farmstead near Waterloo in Dodge County.

Following an extensive interview process, the next Alice in Dairyland will be selected from among the six candidates at the conclusion of the Alice in Dairyland Finals Program, May 5-7 in Dodge County.

“While the end destination is naming the 69th Alice in Dairyland, the journey through the coming weeks is one in which each top candidate will gain from this professional development experience,” said 68th Alice in Dairyland Teyanna Loether.

“The various components of the extensive interview process allows each woman to showcase communications and public relations skills required for being the ambassador of Wis-

consin’s $88.3 billion agriculture community. The personal growth they will experience from this process will carry far into their future careers.”

The candidates are: Jenna Braun, Mayville, is a field representative for a local canning company, where she works with area farmers to raise peas and sweet corn.

She developed a passion for agriculture while raising state certified seed potatoes on her family’s fifth generation corn, soybean and potato farm.

Braun graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Food Safety.

As a freshman in college, Braun served on the State FFA Officer team. She continues to volunteer with FFA students and enjoys working with and promoting all facets of agriculture.

“My goal while serving as the 69th Alice in Dairyland is to use my passion and experience to help the Wisconsin food and agriculture industry tell its story. There is some-

MORE MORE THAN THAN YOUR YOUR FARM, FARM, YOUR YOUR AMERICAN AMERICAN DREAM. DREAM.

thing so rewarding about being able to help someone understand where their food comes from.

“It is sometimes hard for us as agriculturalists to remember that with less than two percent of the U.S. population directly involved in farming, we are lucky to know what we know about agriculture and, if we don’t tell our story someone else will.”

Victoria Horstman, Sparta, grew up working on her family dairy. In May 2015, she earned her bachelor’s degree from UW Oshkosh in Journalism and Public Relations.

There she was active in the Public Relations Student Society of America and a member of Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society.

As a candidate for the 69th Alice in Dairyland, she plans to focus her efforts on educating others on the processes by which food is grown, processed and eventually consumed. She also intends to highlight Wisconsin products’ large economic impact by using new media to target younger audiences.

“I want young people to be knowledgeable and excited about the Wisconsin-made products that play such a vital role in the regional, national and global economy.

“I’m excited to meet entrepreneurs and members of the agriculture community, to learn about their businesses and share their stories with the rest of our great state.”

Kristin Klossner, New Glarus, resides on her family’s 257-acre dairy farm. She currently is a sales associate at the West Revenue Generation Services in their financial sector.

Klossner graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and minors in Dairy Science and Athletic Coaching.

Klossner credits her love of agriculture to growing up showing livestock through 4-H, FFA and the Wisconsin Holstein Association.

Klossner gives back to these organizations today by serving on leadership boards, coaching dairy bowl and hosting the John Klossner Memorial

Fitting Contest at the Green County Fair.

“As agriculturalists, it is our job to not only plant the seeds of our future harvest, but the seeds of knowledge as well.

Through the role of Alice, I hope to inspire upcoming generations to fall in love with the industry that provides food, fiber and fuel.

“Helping consumers connect with the land, animals and people who provide their food helps to give them an understanding and trust of the food they are consuming.”

Ann O’Leary, Evansville, grew up showing Jerseys and Holsteins at the county, district and state level.

She was heavily involved in the Rock County Jr. Holstein Association and the Rock County 4-H Program and served as the 2009 Rock County 4-H Fair Queen.

O’Leary studied Biology and Neuroscience at Carthage College and graduated with All College Honors in May, 2014.

She currently works at Epic

See ALICE, Page 7

We ofer We coverage ofer coverage that includes that includes coverage coverage for buildings, for buildings, equipment equipment and liability— and liability— all at competitive all at competitive rates.rates.

Call today Call today to gettoa quote get a quote to protect to protect you and youyour andfarm. your farm.

Debbie Debbie Ducharme Ducharme Agency, Agency, Inc. Inc. 237 Allen 237 Allen St St PO Box PO 10 Box 10 Clinton, Clinton, WI 53525 WI 53525 (608)(608) 676-2284 676-2284

American American Family Mutual Family Insurance Mutual Insurance Company,Company, American American Family Insurance Family Insurance Company Company 6000 American 6000 American Parkway, Madison, Parkway, WI Madison, 53783WI ©2015 53783007388 ©2015–007388 Rev. 2/15 – Rev. 2/15 221933

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 7

• ALICE

Continued from page 6 as a corporate recruiter, volunteers with the Rock County 4-H Program and serves on the Carthage College Alumni Council. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, water skiing and spending time with family.

“As Alice in Dairyland, I want to share the story of Wisconsin’s $88.3 billion agricultural industry with both producers and consumers.

“My goal is to educate them on the diversity of Wisconsin’s industry and encourage people of all backgrounds to become advocates of Wisconsin agricultural products.”

Emily Selner, Denmark, hopes to apply her diverse experience in the agricultural and food industry as Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador.

Growing up, Selner was active on her family’s dairy farm, where they milked registered Holstein cows.

In May, she’ll complete her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Life Sciences Communications from the University of WisconsinMadison.

At UW-Madison, she is president of UW’s Association of Women in Agriculture, chaired the World Dairy Expo Cheese Stand and is active in Collegiate Farm Bureau.

She currently works at the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association. She plans to attend law school in the future to become an attorney serving Wisconsin’s agriculture industry.

“My passion for agriculture

is rivaled only by my love for all things Wisconsin. It would be an honor to represent Wisconsin agriculture and share my experiences with consumers, agriculturists and others as the 69th Alice in Dairyland.”

Joanna Wavrunek, Denmark, is the fifth generation of her family involved in the farming industry. Agriculture has and continues to be the foundation around which she has built her life.

Her passion led her to serve as the State FFA Reporter and work as a facilitator for the National FFA Organization.

She promoted the agriculture industry while building leadership, civic engagement, and career success to thousands of students.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh majoring in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy.

Wavrunek currently works on her family’s dairy farm and at WIXX as a radio personality.

Courtesy Photo “As Alice in Dairyland, I The next Alice in Dairyland will be selected from among the six candidates at the conclusion would use my experiences, of the Alice in Dairyland Finals Program, May 5-7 in Dodge County. The finalists are Jenna education and personality Braun, Victoria Horstman, Kristin Klossner, Ann O’Leary, Emily Selner, and Joanna Wavrunek along with various resources delivers speeches; and utilizes ty: to share the story of Wiscon- Dairyland is June 6, 2016. social media to tell the stories In this highly visible and Candidate Discussion Panel, sin agriculture to educate a Friday, May 6, Barn at Windy broad audience and encourage fast-paced position, Alice in of Wisconsin agriculture.

Additional duties include Pine, Waterloo, 5:30 p.m. agriculturalists to be effective Dairyland travels throughout developing and executing mar- ($15); 69th Alice Finale Banthe state teaching rural and advocates.” keting plans, delivering class- quet & Program, Saturday, urban audiences of all ages Alice in Dairyland is a oneyear, full-time public relations about Wisconsin’s extensive room presentations, and net- May 6, Turner Hall, Waterworking with industry profes- town, 4:30 p.m. Social Hour, position with the Wisconsin agricultural industry.

5:30 p.m. Banquet; ($25); 69th In the position, Alice in sionals.

Department of Agriculture, Each year, a different Wis- Alice Finale Program Only, Trade and Consumer Protec- Dairyland cultivates relationtion (DATCP). The official ships with television, radio and consin County hosts the Alice Saturday, May 7, Watertown start date for the 69th Alice in print media outlets; writes and in Dairyland interview activi- High School, 7 p.m. (Afterties, with Dodge County serv- glow Reception to follow) ($5). ing as the host county this year.

For all event information The 69th Alice in Dairyland and ticket sales, visit aliceinwill be selected at the conclu- dairyland.com. Direct program sion on the three finals pro- questions to Alice in Dairyland ourselves, our community and public acceptance; and global gram, May 5-7.

Program Manager, Becky Paris our FFA chapter. issues, ranging from climate The public is welcome to at (608) 224-5115 or “Points are awarded for change, to trade and terrorism attend three public events durRebecca.paris@wisconsin. performance. I always think are three topic options. ing the Finals in Dodge Coun- gov. afterward that I did terrible, A fourth is particularly but I always do better than I pertinent to Green County think I did,” she said. “One at this time: “How does the person among 5 or 6 in a heat agriculture industry balance can be a chairperson to lead the agriculture’s water needs discussion, ensure bullet points with maintaining vibrant for the topic are addressed and communities?” that everyone is included.”

Framing the FFA contest Discussion Meet topics in to hone skills of discussion – this year’s sectional and state not debate, is much needed, contests are true to life. few would disagree. People in They demonstrate that many areas of public policy and future farmer members of this politics have become polarized BLACKHAWK PROPANE COMPANY, INC. organization are preparing for on a number of topics.

PROPANE FOR HOME...FARM...AND INDUSTRY challenging realities we all Cramer plans to attend face, consumers and producers UW Eau Claire to get a 1000 Doner Drive • South Beloit, IL alike. communications degree after Agriculture’s labor needs, high school. She loves working 815-389-3522 including effects of immigration with children and would use www.blackhawkpropane.com policies on farming; technology her degree to help them with 212786 in agricultural education, and speech needs.

FFA speech contest gets tomorrow’s farmers talking about solutions

By Tony Ends Staff Writer

JUDA — Future Farmer of America winners of the district speaking contest held last month in Parkview gather on, Wednesday, March 16.

Senior Kelsey Cramer of Juda was among those who’ve advanced to the sectional.

Chapter members from 25 schools in Green, Rock and Dane counties will take part.

A modest young woman, whose family milks 49 cows as part of the Chalet Cheese Cooperative in Monroe, Cramer seems genuinely in tune with the spirit of the event.

“This is my fourth year to take part in the Discussion Meet,” Cramer said. “We are given a topic to discuss, not debate, and we’re to come up with solutions to benefit

8 • Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

BTC students earn five first place finishes; qualify for National PAS Conference in March KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The seven members of Blackhawk Technical College’s chapter of the Post-Secondary Agriculture Students Organization (PAS) recently garnered five first-place finishes in the Wisconsin PAS competition and qualified for the national event that will be held in Kansas City, Mo., on March 15-19.

Brianna Sheehan of Beloit earned two first place finishes in the Impromptu Speaking and Dairy Production Employment categories. She also earned third place in the Prepared Speaking competition.

Carly Arneson, Marika Jansen and Brad Grebner, all from Monroe, also picked up first-place awards. Arneson competed in Agricultural Education; Jansen in Floriculture; and Grebner in Landscaping and Nursery Horticulture.

Mike Raab, Argyle, took second in the Fertilizer and Agriculture Chemical division.

Also competing for BTC were Mark Pakes of Janesville and Brian Klahn of Evansville, who helped the squad also qualify for the national Crops and Soils Specialist contest.

The competition, which featured other state technical schools, was held in Wisconsin Dells on Feb. 8-9.

The students are enrolled in the Agribusiness Specialist oneyear technical diploma program at BTC’s Monroe Campus. A new two-year Agribusiness Science and Technology associate’s degree program will begin at the Monroe campus in the fall of 2016.

Questions about the agricultural programs or the Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Organization should be directed to instructor/club advisor Dustin Williams at (608) 329-8210 or dwilliams61@blackhawk.edu The National PAS Organization has more than 6,000 members from 57 chapters located in 18 states. PAS is available to students in Post-Secondary Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Natural Resource Programs in 550 technical colleges in all 50 states.

The PAS mission is to provide opportunities for individual growth, leadership and career planning through participation From left - Carly Arneson, Brian Klahn, Marika Jansen, Brad Grebner, Mark Pakes, Mike Raab, in employment experience pro- and Brianna Sheehan all scored well at the recent Wisconsin Post-Secondary Agriculture grams, course work and PAS Students competition. activities.

Farm Bureau takes ag to classrooms for National Ag Day

By Emily Hanlin Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau

Tuesday, March 15 is nationally recognized as National Ag Day. It’s a day to acknowledge and celebrate the plentiful abundance of products provided by agriculture. Every year, farmers and agricultural associations along with many others across America join together to recognize the contributions of the agriculture industry.

National Ag Day falls dur-

ing National Ag Week, March 13-19. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level. However, the awareness efforts in local communities across America are just as important as the national promotions.

According to agday.org, “Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the influence of agriculture in our everyday lives.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

Country Pride Meats “Fresh from our farm to your table” Full ‘Old Fashioned’ Retail Counter

Homemade beefsticks, sausage & beef jerky Try our wide selection of delicious homemade brats!

Try our wide selection of delicious homemade brats!

Fresh cut daily!

Check us out on Facebook.

109 Church St. • Clinton, WI 53525 • 608-676-4181

215912

Custom Slaughtering

Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

“Understand how food and fiber products are produced, Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.”

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand how large of a role this industry really plays.

This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training. By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture.

In our local counties, the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau has a similar mission: Be the voice, resource, and advocate for farm families and agriculture, while promoting stewardship for today and future generations.

The Farm Bureau has implemented the Agriculture in the Classroom program to enforce

their goal of inspiring interest in agriculture in our local youth.

To do this, they bring agriculture into elementary and middle school classrooms and provide hands on learning focused on the agriculture industry.

The Ag in the Classroom program, along with the Discovery Center Museum, celebrated National Ag Day early Richard Beuth of Leaf River with their “Ag All Around Us” with piglet at Nashold Elementary. event.

This occasion, which allowed ous aspects of the agriculture families to create crafts, pet industry. farm animals, play games, and On National Ag Day, stuclimb aboard real farm equipdents learned how every ingrement, was a huge success. dient in a pizza comes from On March 15, Winnebagothe farm, had opportunity to Boone’s Agriculture in the pet a real farmyard animal, and Classroom (AITC) Coordinator, Diane Cleland, and Agri- the teachers received Ag Day culture Educator, Emily New- T-shirts. comer, celebrated with their Each American farmer feeds adopted classroom. more than 144 people ... a draThe Adopt a Classroom pro- matic increase from 25 people gram has been in place for in the 1960s. Quite simply, three years. This year, they have adopted Ms. Crespo’s American agriculture is doing and Mrs. Stewart’s classes at more and doing it better. As the world population soars, there Nashold Elementary School.

The AITC program goes into is an even greater demand for these classrooms once a month food and fiber produced in the and educates students on vari- United States.

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 9

Surprising strength in soybean prices according to report URBANA, Ill. — The U.S and world soybean situation continues to be one of surplus. The USDA’s March 9 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report projected 2015-16 marketing-yearending stocks of U.S. soybeans at 460 million bushels, 10 million bushels above the February projection.

The projection of world ending stocks, with stocks for Argentina and Brazil adjusted to an October-September marketing year, was lowered by 57 million bushels. According to University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good, those stocks are still expected to be record large.

“At the projected level, U.S. stocks would represent 12.5 percent of projected use for the year,” Good said. “Stocks as a percent of use have been larger on numerous occasions, with a high of 28.5 percent for the 1985-86 marketing year. However, stocks at the level projected for this year are considered surplus in light of the record-large South American crop being harvested.”

Soybean prices declined from the summer high as the large U.S. crop unfolded. May 2016 futures have traded in a post-harvest range of $8.535 to $9.175.

The price of that contract was near contract lows on March 2, but moved about 40 cents higher

by mid-March.

“The modest price strength was somewhat of a surprise, coming in the face of a slowdown in the pace of the domestic crush and the impending large South American harvest,” Good said.

Good added that the price strength may be attributed to a number of factors.

“The USDA did not increase the forecast size of the South American crop on March 9 as many had expected. The recent strength in the value of the Brazilian currency may also make U.S soybeans a little more competitive in the world market.

“If that strength persists, there will also be less incentive to expand soybean acreage in Brazil in the coming year. In addition, the more widespread discussion of the elevated yield risk for the 2016 soybean crop may be reflected in the recent price strength,” he said.

An additional factor that may be somewhat supportive to soybean prices is the current pace of U.S. soybean exports, Good said. “The USDA projects 201516 marketing-year exports at 1.69 billion bushels, unchanged from the February projection and 153 million bushels less than the record exports of last year.

“The export projection was not increased in the March 9 WASDE report even with a

55-million-bushel increase in the projection of imports by China during the current year.

“That increase is partially offset by smaller import projections for Mexico (7 million bushels) and the European Union (18 million bushels). The projection of Brazilian exports was also increased by 37 million bushels.”

With about 25 weeks left in the marketing year, the USDA reports that cumulative marketing-year export inspections for U.S soybeans have reached 1.48 billion bushels, 105 million bushels less than cumulative inspections of a year ago.

However, cumulative Census Bureau export estimates (which are the estimates eventually reflected in the USDA soybean balance sheet) through the first five months of the current marketing year exceeded inspections by 32 million bushels.

“A year ago, cumulative Census export estimates through February were only 6 million bushels larger than cumulative inspections,” Good said.

“If the 32-million-bushel margin through January has persisted, cumulative exports have now reached 1.512 billion bushels, only 79 million bushels less than the total of a year ago.

To reach the USDA projection of 1.69 billion bushels for the year, exports during the remain-

Gretta’s Goats at Short Leg Farm in Pecatonica awarded top environmental, animal welfare certification across the country, farmers Gretta Winkelbauer and Eric Strong recognize the growing consumer interest in how animals are raised on farms. Managing animals outdoors on pasture or range has known benefits for animals, consumers and the environment.

Winkelbauer and Strong started their farm business in 2011 when Winkelbauer was accepted into the Prairie Crossing Farm Business Development Center as one of their incubator farmers, and the business has grown steadily to keep pace with demand for markets and wholesale accounts.

After purchasing a larger farm in 2013, Winkelbauer and Strong are now in the final stages of completing a farmstead creamery and mobile milking parlor, and plan to add farmstead cheese to their product line in July 2016.

“Graduating from the Prairie Crossing Farm Business Devel-

opment Center incubator program and then purchasing our own land fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a farm where we can work with animals and farm sustainably,” says Winkelbauer.

“We’re excited to be a part of a like-minded community of farmers and to be able to share our passion for sustainable farming with our customers through our AWA certification.”

AWA Program Director Andrew Gunther says, “The accountability and integrity offered by Animal Welfare Approved farmers like Gretta and Eric are unmatched in farm production. We’re glad to have Short Leg Farm in the AWA family.”

To learn more about Gretta’s Goats at Short Leg Farm, and for a full list of where products are sold (including the future release of Certified AWA goat’s milk cheeses), visit their website or follow the farm on Facebook.

The pace of sales will continue to slow in a seasonal fashion as the world turns to South American supplies, but new sales averaged 14.5 million bushels per week for the four weeks that ended March 3.

“Although 2015-16 marketing-year U.S. soybean exports may marginally exceed the current USDA projection, year-ending stocks of soybeans will still be quite large,” Good said.

“The USDA’s March 1 Grain Stocks report should confirm mid-year soybean stocks that were well above those of a year ago.

“For soybean prices to continue to move higher, expectations of a stronger demand environment will have to emerge or conditions will have to begin to point to a much smaller U.S. soybean crop in 2016.

“Expectations for the size of that crop will begin to unfold with the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report to be released on March 31.”

Midwest Food Processors disappointed in GMO Senate Vote The Midwest Food Processors Association (MWFPA) today expressed its disappointment with the United States Senate’s inability to come to agreement on a bill prohibiting states from requiring genetically modified food labels. A cloture vote on the bill, which required 60 votes for passage, failed 48-49 yesterday.

MWFPA President Nick George said failure to pass the measure “opens the door to unnecessarily raising the cost of food for families across the country.”

He pointed to a recent study conducted by the Corn Refiners Association that found consumers could pay up to $1,050 more a year per family for food should state-level GMO labeling mandates become effective.

Vermont is set to require such labels this summer, and other states are considering similar

laws.

“Genetically modified foods are an integral part of the industry and our diets. Seventy to eighty percent of the American food supply contains GMOs and we have consumed them for 20 years without issue.” said George.

“Basic crops like corn, soybeans and sugar beets cost up to 30% less thanks to GMOs. These savings are then passed along to our consumers” he added.

MWFPA supported the Senate bill and similar legislation that would create a sciencebased system of national uniformity regarding the labeling of food products derived from genetically engineered plants.

Such uniformity would prevent the creation of a patchwork of conflicting state or local labeling laws which could interfere with interstate and foreign commerce.

212627

PECATONICA — Gretta’s Goats dairy goat herd at Short Leg Farm is now certified as Animal Welfare Approved. This certification and food label lets consumers know these animals are raised in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. and Canada, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent family farm.

Gretta’s Goats Certified AWA goat’s milk soaps are available throughout Chicago, including select Whole Foods locations, Green Grocer, Dill Pickle Food Co-op, Local Foods, Roger’s Park Provisions, Logan Square Farmers Market and Glenwood Sunday Market, as well as select stores in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Washington. Gretta’s Goats soaps were featured in the fall 2015 edition of Edible Chicago magazine, Crate and Barrel’s Late Spring 2014 catalog, and on Oprah.com.

Like other AWA farmers

der of the marketing year need to total only 178 million bushels.

That is about 74 million bushels less than exports during the same period last year.

Weekly shipments, then, need to average only about 7.2 million bushels per week to reach the projected total for the year, compared to the average of 10.3 million bushels in the same period last year. Weekly inspections have exceeded those of a year ago in each of the past five weeks.”

As of March 3, the USDA reported that 138 million bushels of U.S. soybeans had been sold for export, but not yet shipped.

According to Good, to reach 1.69 billion bushels, new sales need to average 5.34 billion bushels per week for the remainder of the marketing year.

Since some sales are typically carried forward to the next marketing year, sales likely need to average about 6.7 million bushels per week for cumulative sales to result in exports of 1.69 billion bushels.

CLINTON AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY, INC.

200 Allen Street, Clinton 608-676-4515

10 • Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

Survey shows grocery prices down in Wisconsin MADISON — Lower energy prices coupled with rebounding supplies of beef, eggs and dairy means lower food prices.

That was the finding of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Marketbasket survey of 16 basic food items used to prepare one or more meals.

The average cost of $49.70 in March was $3.67 (or 6.9 percent) less than the same survey conducted last fall. The survey items were also down $2.26 (or 4.3 percent) from one year ago.

Prices of 11 of the survey’s 16 items dropped in priced compared to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s surveys conducted in the spring and fall of 2015.

Eggs, beef, pork and dairy products were driving the survey’s lower average price.

“Overall, declining energy costs have had a calming influence on food prices the past couple of years,” said Casey Langan, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s spokesman. “Greater supplies of milk, pork, beef and eggs are also having a beneficial impact for grocery shoppers.”

“Last spring’s outbreak of Avian Influenza sent shock waves throughout the poultry industry and the price of eggs soared to historic levels,” Langan said. “As egg supplies have returned to normal levels, their 54 percent drop since last fall reflects a return to normalcy.”

One dozen large, Grade A eggs averaged $1.34 per dozen in March, compared to $2.94 last September.

“Unlike the poultry business, which can repopulate its flocks with a relatively quick turnaround, that’s not the case with beef cattle,” Langan said. “The beef industry is finally growing in size after a period of reduced supplies and historically high prices worldwide.”

“A prolonged drought in western and southern states took a toll on the size of the U.S. cattle herd, shrinking it to a size not seen in 60 years. This came as millions of consumers in China, India and Brazil were adding more protein to their

diets, causing beef exports to rise,” Langan said.

“The two beef items on the survey, ground chuck and sirloin tip roast, both saw price decreases of 11.8 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively, since last fall,” Langan noted.

“This price movement would signal that the export market for U.S. beef has softened and the sizes of both the cattle herd and beef supplies are growing.”

Strong supplies in the U.S. and abroad have also reduced pork prices. Since last fall, one pound of bacon dropped more than 7 percent (from $4.51 to $4.18 per pound) while one pound of sliced deli ham reduced more than 17 percent (from $5.36 to $4.44) in price.

An over-supply of milk globally has had a dampening effect on the price Wisconsin dairy farmers receive for their milk.

The reduced price has been passed on to the consumer.

Shredded mild cheddar cheese decreased by 8.8 percent (from $4.77 to $4.35 per pound) over the past year. Likewise, a gallon of whole milk dropped by 25 cents (from $3.51 to $3.26) or 7 percent during that time period.

Just three of this survey’s items have seen consecutive price increases since March and September of 2015: a box

219140

of Cheerios, one pound of boneless chicken breast and a one-half gallon of orange juice.

Wisconsin survey price is less than national average Wisconsin’s $49.70 Marketbasket is $3.58 less than the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national survey of the same 16 food items. AFBF’s survey rang in at $53.28 (6.7 percent difference).

Farmer’s share is just $7.95 During the last three decades

retail grocery prices have gradually increased while the share of the average dollar spent on food that farm families receive has dropped. In the mid-1970s, farmers received about onethird of consumer retail food expenditures in grocery stores and restaurants.

Since then that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Using that percentage across the board, the farmer’s share of this quarter’s $49.70

grocery bill would be $7.95.

Despite higher prices, the USDA says Americans will still spend approximately 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average in the world.

The Marketbasket survey is a quarterly look at the trends in food pricing in Wisconsin in relation to changing farm prices, weather and wholesale and retail food marketing. Members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau collected price samples of 16 basic food items in communities across Wisconsin in March.

The Marketbasket Survey is an informal measure of prices at grocery stores in Wisconsin. The prices reported reflect variations in communities and retailers. The prices reported are not validated by any outside source.

Prices were collected for this survey in the communities of Algoma, Ashland, Belleville, Beloit, Burlington, Chilton, De Pere, Eau Claire, Edgerton, Manawa, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Medford, Menomonie, Mequon, New London, Paddock Lake, Platteville, Plover, Richland Center, Saukville, Shawano, Sparta, Thorp, Union Grove, Waterford, Watertown and West Bend.

Durbin, Bustos, Schakowsky travel to Cuba with President Obama WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky traveled to Cuba last Sunday with President Obama. Obama will be only the second sitting U.S. President to visit Cuba after Calvin Coolidge’s visit in 1928.

“By establishing new trade partnerships in Cuba, we have a real opportunity to grow our agricultural economy and create more good-paying manufacturing jobs in Illinois,” said Congresswoman Bustos.

“Cuba represents a new market for Illinois exports and President Obama’s decision to embark on this historic diplomatic mission represents a major step forward for our region and our State. I’m honored to be a part of this delegation and I look forward to working with our equipment manufacturers, agricultural producers and exporters to grow our economy.”

“I’m excited to join President Obama in Cuba-the changes he

has made to America’s Cuba policy mark a new and long overdue diplomatic chapter in our hemisphere,” said Durbin.

“Reestablishing travel and trade relations means real benefits for people in Illinois and across the country, from farmers to small businesses to working families. But this policy change is about more than just travel and trade—it’s about opening Cuba to new ideas, new values, and improved human rights that our 50 year old policy of exclusion could not achieve.”

“President Obama overturned an ineffective and outdated policy when he re-established diplomatic ties with Cuba,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky.

“I am sure that this new age in our relationship with our close neighbor will prove beneficial both to American manufacturers, farmers, and tourists, as well as the Cuban people. I am honored to join the President on this historic visit. I look forward to working to increase economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the

United States and Cuba, and maybe scouting some new talent for the Cubs.”

Approximately 20 Members of Congress traveled with President Obama to Havana.

The delegation was slated to meet with Cuban officials and civil society, attend a speech by President Obama, a State Dinner, and a baseball game.

In January, Durbin participated in the first congressional delegation visit to Cuba since the United States announced its change of policy. Durbin worked for years to secure the release of Alan Gross – including visited him in jail in Cuba in 2012 - and was present to welcome him home in December of 2014. Durbin is an original co-sponsor of legislation to lift bans on U.S. travel, and agricultural and telecommunications exports to Cuba.

In October, Bustos traveled to Cuba as part of a bipartisan agricultural trade mission to learn more about the barriers to increasing trade between Illinois and the island nation.

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 11

Reflecting on St. Pat’s meal, the many things agriculture provides We recently celebrated every Irishman’s favorite holiday: St. Patrick’s Day. There are several ways that this holiday is celebrated here in the mid-west.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area, you turn the river green. If you’re in elementary school, you get pinched if you didn’t wear green (undies don’t count!). But my favorite way to celebrate is with food!

If your family or friends served a St. Patrick’s Day meal, I bet your main dish was corned beef. Having raised beef cattle, you might be surprised to know that I had never eaten beef in this form until our St Patty’s Day Party here at the Farm Bureau. I am very glad I tried it though.

According to the Beef Checkoff, all beef is grass fed, natural and nutritious. There are many

choices when it comes to beef, so no matter what you desire, there is a great beef choice for you.

“Beef is a great source of protein and the protein that beef gives your body is more of the high-quality protein you need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, preserve and build muscle. Research shows that eating lean beef can help lower cholesterol levels as part of a hearthealthy diet and lifestyle.”

A live beef animal that weighs 1000 pounds will make a carcass weighing about 615 pounds. The carcass makes about 432 pounds of meat.

Seven beef hides can be made into 20 footballs, 12 basketballs, 18 soccer balls, 12 baseball gloves, 18 volleyballs, 144 baseballs, and 8 pairs of cowboy

boots. Other products made from beef, according to the Missouri Beef Industry Council, include gelatin.

Gelatin is made from the bones and horns and it is used in making candies, marshmallows, ice cream and photographic film.

Bones are used to make glue and fertilizers. Blood meal, a fertilizer, is made from blood.

Beef fat, called tallow, is an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, candles, shortenings, and chewing gum. Many medicines, including insulin and estrogen, are made from the glands of the cow.

Another common food you will find at your St. Patty’s day meal is cabbage.

According to Farm to School, “Cabbage is one of the oldest vegetables in existence and

Farmland protection is important asset for Boone County

By Kathryn Menue Rock Valley Pulishing Staff Editor

25-50 gallons of water each day!

One dairy cow produces enough milk each day to fill about 99 school milk cartons.

The milk cows produce can be made into many other products you can find a grocery store including flavored milk, ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and buttermilk.

Every year US dairy farmers provide enough milk to make more than 1 billion pounds of butter, 7 billion pounds of cheese, and 1 billion gallons of ice cream.

Together, these ingredients provide nine essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins a, D, and B12, riboflavin and niacin.

Before the modern day milking machines were created, a dairy farmer could milk about six cows by hand in one hour.

Now because of this new technology, farmers can milk over 100 cows in an hour. Illinois has about 102,000 dairy cows that produce close to 2 billion pounds of milk a year.

Of all of those 102,000 dairy cows in Illinois, 97% of them live on family owned and operated dairy farms. There are about 51,000 dairy farms in the United States.

Each and every one of them work hard to provide safe, wholesome, nutrient-rich milk to the public, while caring for their animals, land and communities.

So, next year when St. Patrick’s Day rolls back around, remember to thank a farmer for providing you with that yummy Irish meal!

farm has a baseball field in their cornfield. Rumor has it, DelRose said, that when a film crew was working on the movie, Field of Dreams, that they considered using the baseball field that is located on the Boone County farm. However, they decided to go with another farm in Iowa, but the unique baseball cornfield is still a landmark that Boone County can treasure and preserve.

According to DelRose, by preserving these farmlands, the farms will be able to produce and distribute locally grown food that is healthier than the imported foods that can often be recalled. Whereas, when food is locally grown, consumers know where it is coming from and they know how it is made.

“We would love if more famiFARM - CITY lies placed their farms in conserELEVATOR, INC. vation easement,” DelRose said.

Plus, under the farm bill and county codes, farmers can Darien, WI Milton, WI Orfordville, WI receive tax incentives for placing (262) 728-9010 (608) 868-7521 (608) 879-2904 their farms under conservation FARM CITY ELEVATOR, INC. easement.

Brodhead, WI Zenda, WI Caledonia, IL For farmers looking to pre(608) 897-2100 (262) 275-9500 (815) 765-0075 serve their land for future generations, conservation easement is always an option.

For more information on the Boone County Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission, please go online to: http://www. boonecountyil.org/department/ SEED • FERTILIZER • CROP PROTECTION • ENERGY • TURF planning.

Building Profitable Relationships With Our Patrons For more information on the 14937 IL Route 76, Caledonia, IL Farmland Protection Project, please visit: www.fppbc.org.

223724 225083

BOONE COUNTY — Each county, each city, each community has a special aspect that makes it unique. Some cities are comprised of industrialization, some grow off marketing, and some are more commercial, while others are based on an agricultural foundation; that’s where Boone County sits. Boone County is heart and soul a farming community.

Of course, like any community, Boone County does incorporate other factors, such as small business and big industry with the Chrysler plant, yet a great portion of Boone County is dedicated to farmlands.

With such a strong farmland structure providing for the county, Boone County has established the Boone County Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission and the Farmland Protection Project to preserve the farmlands of the past and present and to ensure a stable future for Boone County.

The Farmland Protection Project’s mission is to preserve food, water, recreation, and quality of life for the future generations of Boone County. To ensure the continuation of Boone County’s stability, the board of the Farmland Protection Project advises farmers to register their farmland under conservation easement.

Conservation easement is taking development rights off of farmlands, so that farms cannot be sold for real estate development. The farms under conservation easement can still be sold,

but only for the continuation of farming.

Residential homes can still be built on these farmlands as well, but some of the land must be dedicated to farming.

“I think that the conservation easement is important because it just ensures there’ll be that agricultural presence in the community,” Gina DelRose, Farmland Protection Project Secretary and Boone County Agricultural Conservation Easement Associate Planner, said.

DelRose continued by stating that the conservation easement also allows farmers to know their farm will be safe, even if their children do not want to continue farming. They won’t have to worry about being pressured by developers wanting them to sell. With the conservation easement, they know their farm will go to someone who wants to continue farming.

Currently, there are only two farms in Boone County that are registered under conservation easement.

The first farm is Bruce Stennerson’s 150-year-old farm in Manchester Township.

The second farm registered under the conservation easement is owned by Richard and Karen Gadke of Capron.

“We’re hoping by preserving this farmland that this farm can be farmed by other young farmers who want to pursue their dream of owning and operating a farm,” Richard Gadke said.

The conservation easement also preserves a unique sense of history for Boone County.

In Boone County off of Woodstock and Loveridge Road, one

continues to be a dietary staple throughout the world.”

There are at least a hundred different types of cabbage grown throughout the world, but the most common types in the United States are the Green, Red, and Savoy varieties.

Cabbage has nearly no fat.

One cup of shredded raw cabbage contains approximately 50 calories and 5 grams of dietary fiber. This vegetable is a very rich source of phytochemicals, the naturally-occurring plant chemicals that may protect people against some forms of cancer.

In cultures, where cabbage is a main staple, reports show a low incidence of breast cancer.

Research suggests this is due to the protective effect of sulfurcontaining compounds in cabbage.

Cabbage can be cooked and served in many different ways including steamed, boiled, braised, microwaved, stuffed, or stir-fried, and eaten raw.

My way of contributing to the holiday potluck at work was a green cake with green frosting.

Several of the ingredients in my dessert, besides lots of sugar and some food coloring, were dairy products.

Butter, milk, and a combination of the two, buttermilk, all played a large role in the homemade dessert I provided.

Dairy cows are amazing animals. They can turn grass and grain into milk. According to Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, a 1,500 pound cow will 100 pounds of feed a day, which includes corn silage, hay, grain corn, soybean meal, vitamins and minerals.

They can also drink up to

815-765-2571

12 • Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

Walls can’t hug… but Azura can!

Yes to Azura!

Short-Term or Long-Term Assistance Available What sets Azura Apart?

Currenlty • High Caregiver to Resident Ratio •

Exclusive MOSAIC Connections Training; a required an advanced dementia and engagement education system featuring the Virtual Dementia Tour

•

Incontinence, Medication and Behavioral Expression Management

•

Personalized Life Engagement Programming; featuring MOSAIC Therapies of Cognitive Stimulation, Creativity, Exercise, Community Participation and more!

•

Secured Entrance and Exits

•

On-site Beautician, Dental Care, Podiatry, Physician, Home Health Therapies and Hospice Care Unique MOSAIC Dreams Program!

•

Beloit  Clinton  Monroe 608-295-2764 www.azuramemory.com

Call today to witness the Azura experience!

232068