Rural Route April May 2020

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

april | may 2020 • vol. 26 no. 2 | wfbf.com

PRIDE &PROMOTION page 15

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

contents vol. 26 no. 2

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APRIL | MAY 2020

CORONAVIRUS IMPACTS

Six possible impacts of COVID-19 on farming.

DAIRY POLICY EVENT

Farm Bureau co-sponsored a 'Dairy Economics and Policy' event.

WISCONSIN AG OPEN

Save the date and plan to golf in this annual fundraiser.

RURAL RESILIENCE

Learn about what tools are in place to help cope with tough times.

PRIDE AND PROMOTION

Meet Jackson County Farm Bureau member Darby Sampson.

DISCOVERY FARMS

On-farm research leads to approachable solutions.

OPINIONS

Columns by Bragger, Duvall, Newton, Towns, Camps and Wenzlaff.

FFA FARM FORUM

More than 180 high school juniors attended this annual event.

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Apply for the next Leadership Institute Class.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

See the Ferris wheel of summer fun with Ag in the Classroom.

RURAL MUTUAL

For the fourth year in a row, Rural Mutual will pay dividends.

COVER PHOTO BY SARAH HETKE

ONLINE LIBRARY

WIFarmBureau

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

wfbf.com

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EDITOR'S NOTE

F

red Rogers gave a lot of advice through the years on his TV show called Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, but recently, I was reminded of one of his most famous lines.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,’” said Rogers to his television viewers.

As we find ourselves in a strange time of uncertainty and unknowns, I think Rogers’ advice is useful.

I see our Farm Bureau members and the agricultural community as helpers. Always looking to assist one another and looking for ways to keep doing what they are doing to feed those around them.

The agricultural community is small but strong. During a crisis, it seems everyone is considered a friend or neighbor.

Shortly before the chaos began, I was at my family’s farm. My dad had gotten his International Hydro 100 tractor running and I wanted to remake a photo of my daughter on it with him. Thirty years earlier, I was sitting on my dad’s lap on the same tractor.

In 30 years, so much has changed, but if you look at the photos and compare, nothing has changed. The tractor has weathered our family’s agriculture-related storms and still runs. My dad’s hair is a little gray, but the love beaming in the photo is the same.

I hope this story is a reminder to take care of those around you. The ones you care about matter most.

Take this time of uncertainty and unknowns to be a helper. People are looking for you.

They need you to guide them through this difficult time.

Amidst this chaos, we managed to complete another issue of Rural Route. The content seemed to come and go as events and activities were canceled and postponed.

I hope you enjoy this piece of normalcy amongst the waves of change we are adapting to.

Wishing you and your family health and strength.

Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Sarah Hetke - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Joe Bragger, Independence (President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove (Vice President) Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Kevin Krentz, Berlin Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford Peter Kimball, Baldwin Darby Sampson, Melrose (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Kelly Oudenhoven, De Pere (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's Rural Route (ISSN 1082-1368) (USPS 39940), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February|March, April|May, June|July, August|September, October|November and December|January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

For advertising rates and information: Wisconsin accounts contact Slack Attack at 608.222.7630 or barbara@slackattack.com.

National accounts contact Casey McNeal at 800.798.2691 ext. 334 or casey@iafalls.com.

For general inquiries, contact Amy Eckelberg at 608.828.5706 or aeckelberg@wfbf.com.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

NEWS

Daniels Named Interim Chief Administrative Officer D ave Daniels has been named Interim Chief Administrative Officer of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

The action by the WFBF’s 11-member Board of Directors follows the departure of Dale Beaty from the position.

He will oversee the day-today business operations of the Farm Bureau and its dedicated professional staff who are responsible for carrying out Farm Bureau's government relations, member relations, public relations, business

operations and services to county Farm Bureau organizations across Wisconsin.

Daniels currently serves as Wisconsin Farm Bureau Vice President and for the past 20 years has represented the eight southeastern counties in Wisconsin as the District 1 Director.

He is part owner of Mighty Grand Dairy LLC, a multifamily dairy farm in Union Grove, that has 575 cows and raises 500 replacement heifers. To feed the animals, they grow 1,150 acres of alfalfa, corn, soybeans, winter forage and winter wheat.

The LLC was formed in 1997 to optimize the three families’ working capital and to have a better work schedule. Daniels and his wife, Kim, live on the farm. They are members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and have two adult children: Tara ( Josh) and Maxx (Erin).

Rural Mutual Recognizes Top Agents For 2019 O n February 21, Rural Mutual Insurance Company recognized its 2019 topproducing agents at its annual Honors and Awards Banquet held at the Madison Marriott West.

Jenni Zinda-Mancl (Stevens Point, Lake and Woods District) was named Rural Mutual’s Agent of the Year. Jenni also was Zinda-Mancl recognized as the Top Performer for the Lake and Woods District in Personal Lines, Commercial Lines and Life Lines.

Rookie of the Year honors went to Matt Ubersox (Cuba City, Hidden Valleys District).

The District of the Year honors went to the Capitol District, managed by Kurt Johnson.

Pulsfus Jenni Zinda-Mancl (Stevens Point, Lake and Woods District) was the Company Top Performer in Commercial Lines.

Daryl Pulsfus (Prairie du Sac, Capitol District) was the Company Top Performer in Farm Lines.

Jacob Shropshire (Columbus, Capitol District) was the APRIL | MAY 2020

Ubersox

Johnson

Shropshire

Nelson

Company Top Performer in Personal Lines.

Jared Nelson (Mount Horeb Capitol District) was the Company Top Performer in Life Lines.

Congratulations to the agents on an outstanding year. wfbf.com

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NEWS

Six Possible Impacts of COVID-19 on Farming T

he World Health Organization now considers the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a pandemic. The rapidly evolving situation is raising questions throughout the U.S. The stock market has taken a hit in recent weeks creating wild volatility and there are growing concerns about the virus and our reaction to it causing a significant downturn in the general economy.

But what about agriculture? Below are six specific things that farmers, farming families, ag employers and ag employees need to be aware of and plan for.

1. Markets and farm prices. As we see growing levels of concern, recommendations for 'social distancing,' reduced travel, avoiding crowds, closures and other protective practices to slow the spread of COVID-19, consumers will be making tough choices about food, eating away from home and overall spending. Dairy is prominently featured in out-of-home eating and there may be some disruptions in food service sales. This will likely have an impact on markets and prices. There also have been bottlenecks at ports in other countries as ships wait to be offloaded with U.S. dairy and other farm products. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange has shut down floor trading of all products until “further notice,” though electronic trading will continue.

Concerns about the impact of the virus on the broader economy are likely to have an even larger impact on dairy prices.

Many countries of the European Union were already hovering just above a recession prior to the viral outbreak and this event is likely to push them over the edge. Prior to this event, China also was experiencing slower economic growth. The U.S. has enjoyed strength in the economy, but there have been leading indicators prior to pandemic concerns that suggested that we were past the peak of the business cycle and that an economic slowdown, or perhaps that a recession was coming. A worldwide recession, like the one experienced in 2008-2009, would push the previously expected milk price recovery off for at least another year.

2. Supply chains slowdowns and shortages. As logistics are disrupted and efforts proceed to slow the spread of the virus, multiple connected industry sectors are already being impacted.

With some products, 'panic buying' is creating additional concern. As an example of supply chain interruptions on farms, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests the potential for animal pharmaceutical products to be in short supply for at least some of the larger drug manufacturers. If the virus were to spread more broadly in an agricultural state like Wisconsin, we could see issues with farm product delivery and pickup as workers – milk truck drivers for example – stay home due to illness or because they are caring for family members or school-age children. These same concerns would affect processors. Slowdowns also could impact fertilizer,

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fuel and other input movement and availability as we head toward spring.

In an extreme case, we could have concerns with utilities – electricity, natural gas, propane – based on input availability or labor shortages. However, utility companies generally do a good job of contingency planning, which helps buffer the impact of unforeseen events.

Shutske 3. Farmers’ health.

Throughout the Midwest, farmers are a relatively older population, as compared with the general worker population. The 2017 ag census shows the average age of farm operators to be almost 58 – at least a full 10 years older than workers in most other sectors. And, unlike other industry workers, farm operators, 26 percent are age 65 years and up.

A full 11.7 percent of our principal farm operators Stephenson are age 75 and older. Data from other countries that have done more extensive testing suggest that COVID-19 has a much higher level of severity for those in their 60s and older, meaning that preventive and protective recommendations from the CDC and state (and local) public health experts are critical for our farming population.

4. The farm workforce. Even if the general population infection rate remains relatively low, it is likely that we will see some workers who end up sick. But, perhaps more importantly, even if the infection rate stays low (single digits), it is highly likely that workers will need to be out of work particularly with school closures and/or workers who need to stay home to care for sick or elderly family members. The fear of this event and lack of information may also lead to higher levels of absenteeism.

5. Worker safety and personal protective equipment. There are shortages of PPE and other protective equipment vital WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

for operating a farm safely and keeping workers and animals healthy. As a result of the current demands by the healthcare industry, N-95 respirator supplies are highly limited (likely to be needed this spring for handling dusty grain as a result of last fall’s sub-optimal harvest conditions). There also are reported concerns about availability of protective gloves that have now become commonplace on dairy farms as a protective means to improve milk quality and protect the health of animals and people.

6. Other disruptions. Sparse populations and less frequent travel may provide a natural social distancing for rural communities but there are challenges that may be faced by rural residents. Many gathering places, such as schools and churches, are being closed and told to halt normal routines and events.

As a substitute, in some areas and for high school and college students, classes and services are being taught online. This may be difficult for some rural residents as high-speed internet service is not available in some areas of the state including some of our communities with a strong agricultural base.

WFBF Resources on COVID-19 W

isconsin Farm Bureau is dedicated to monitoring the COVID-19 situation while assessing how it may impact farmers and rural communities and provide resources as they become available.

On March 24, Governor Tony Evers issued a Safer at Home order requiring Wisconsin citizens in non-essential industries to stop travel and remain at home or their place of residence.

In anticipation of this order, WFBF joined other ag groups in sending a letter urging Gov. Evers to exempt Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food manufacturing, farm supply retail, farm workers, agribusiness and veterinary medicine from the shelter in place requirement.

“Constant communication is essential during this challenging time,” said WFBF President Joe Bragger. “WFBF will continue to be a voice for farmers in raising the concerns and challenges from our rural communities. Farmers should remain in contact with their stakeholders to learn of any changes that may be coming.”

Other ag groups that signed on to the letter include the Dairy Business Association, Cooperative Network, Midwest Food Products Association, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants, Wisconsin BioFuels Association, Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, Wisconsin Nursery and Landscape Association, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean APRIL | MAY 2020

Only time will reveal the severity of the impacts on agriculture from the novel coronavirus. We urge everyone to take reasonable precautions to limit the spread of the disease and its influence on your businesses and lives. Hoarding of farm supplies is not recommended and could cause even greater problems for the sector, but prudent purchases of necessary inputs might minimize disruptions to your business.

Please keep informed, listen to the experts and follow the recommendations of federal, state and local agencies and authorities. Updates and additional resources available to help farmers and other rural communities prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 virus and its impacts can be found on the Extension Farm Management website at farms.extension.wisc. edu/2020/03/06/coronavirus.

Mark Stephenson, director of dairy policy analysis with the UW–Madison Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and UW–Madison Division of Extension, and director of the UW Center for Dairy Profitability John Shutske, professor and extension specialist with the UW–Madison Department of Biological Systems Engineering and UW–Madison Division of Extension, and director of the UW Center for Agricultural Safety and Health

Association and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.

Resources for farmers: WFBF developed a COVID-19 resources and updates page available at wfbf.com/covid-19-updates-resources. This page is updated frequently with new information, event cancellations or updates and features a form for members to share concerns, challenges or stories of rising to the occasion to help others in the community, state or across the country.

American Farm Bureau also has a resources page at fb.org/issues/impact-of-covid-19-on-agriculture.

Tips for farmers: • Communicate with your employees. Explain what is going on, talk about any changes they may face and how or if expectations have or may change. South Dakota State University and Idaho State University Extension programs created a COVID-19 resources video for Spanish-speaking employees. This video is available at bit.ly/SpanishCOVID-19.

• Always call ahead for previously scheduled appointments to make sure they can still be accommodated, or to learn of any changes.

• Stay in contact with all stakeholders (seed dealers, agronomy company, milk hauler, creamery, field representative, etc.) and ask questions to gain insight on what you should expect.

Please note, the Farm Bureau office in Madison is closed to all visitors, including Farm Bureau members; however, WFBF staff will continue to serve members by working from home. wfbf.com

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Ag Groups Urge Legislators to Help Rural Wisconsin A

t a press conference at the state shouldn’t be able to ride on our marketing Capitol on March 12, agricultural coattails.” organizations urged the Senate to take Dairy Processing Growth: Special up important bills that have been passed Session AB 6 will allocate up to $5 million by the Assembly and are available in state investments to a new export for Senate approval. Wisconsin Farm initiative designed to help cheese makers Bureau Federation, Dairy Business sell more dairy products abroad. Special Association, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Session AB 7 invests $1 million in the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, impactful dairy processor grant program Cooperative Network, Wisconsin at Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Trade and Consumer Protection.

Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin On March 12, at a press conference at the “Increased dairy exports and the creation state Capitol, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Vice Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin of new, value-added specialty dairy President Dave Daniels spoke in favor of State Cranberry Growers Association, products are key to stabilizing markets AB 873/SB 818.

Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, Wisconsin for milk and increasing profitability for Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers dairy farmers,” said Dave Buholzer, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin Association President and co-owner of Klondike Cheese Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants, Company in Monroe. “These investments in dairy processing are Grassworks and Farm Credit all supported a series of bills designed to strengthen every component of the industry’s supply important to Wisconsin farmers and our agricultural economy. chain and our rural communities.”

The next critical step before moving to the Governor’s desk Refundable Tax Credit on Farm Sets: AB 873/SB 818 is passage of these bills by the Senate. While the Senate was would allow a producer to claim an income tax credit up to expected to reconvene for its last floor session in March, it $7,500 on farm improvement taxes assessed on their business. has postponed due to the coronavirus. This coalition of farm “This bill literally puts dollars into the hands of farmers,” said organizations strongly supports these proposals, which deal with WFBF Vice President Dave Daniels. “Farmers fuel the local water quality, truth in food labeling, dairy processing, income economy by paying a feed bill, hiring an employee or buying tax, agricultural research at the University of Wisconsin and groceries for their family. When farmers succeed, our rural wildlife damage abatement. communities succeed.”

Water Quality: AB 789/SB 724 and AB 800/SB 722 University of Wisconsin Applied Ag Research: AB 556/SB provide increased assistance for rural well remediation. AB 497 would properly account for time spent by UW integrated 796/SB 718 provides funding for a pilot program to study the state specialists working with producers in the field to develop reduction of nitrates in groundwater. AB 795/SB 715 funds innovative farm practices. AB 627/SB 563 would increase producer-led water shed grants and incentives to try innovative funding for UW Extension state specialists conducting applied conservation practices such as cover cropping. AB 790/SB agricultural research. “UW Integrated State Specialists are 723 would increase funding for additional County Land and specialized agricultural faculty who conduct cutting-edge Water Conservation agents. “These modest investments by the research and lead farm extension programs that are vital to the legislature will pay huge dividends, both for water quality and health of Wisconsin’s farm economy,” said Wisconsin cranberry for farm profitability,” said Kirsten Jurcek, a beef farmer from grower Karl Pippenger of Pip’s Cranberries in Phillips. “As Jefferson County. “Saving soil saves us money in the long term. technology and growing practices change, we need the latest Maintaining our rural property values also depends on us having scientifically sound information for our growers to maintain clean water to drink and access to lakes and streams that are their commitment to sustainable farming and these researchers fishable and swimmable.” are essential to meeting that goal.”

Truth in Labeling: AB 515/SB 463 requires any food Wildlife Damage Abatement Program: AB 695/SB 628 identifying as a dairy product must include a milk-based would allow DNR to administer the current wildlife damage source. AB 516/SB 466 requires any product identifying itself abatement program directly and lifts the monetary cap on as milk must be sourced from the secretions of a mammal. AB individual damage claims. The bill also would encourage 518/SB 464 requires any product identifying itself as meat participation in the program by allowing bear traps to be placed must be sourced from the flesh of an animal. Dairy Business on rented acres without opening the land for public hunting.

Association President Tom Crave expressed, “These labeling “This bill represents a common-sense solution for those farmers bills are about fairness. Farmers pay millions of dollars into facing tens of thousands of dollars in losses due to wildlife checkoff organizations to promote milk, cheese, beef, pork and damage to their corn crop,” said Wisconsin Corn Growers Vice more. We’ve made the investment, and the plant-based industry President Zeb Zuehls.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Governor Signs Farm Bureau Backed Bills O

n March 3, Governor Tony Evers signed several agriculturerelated bills supported by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

“There is always more work to be done to support Wisconsin farmers, but today we celebrate some long-awaited bills,” said WFBF President Joe Bragger.

Four Wisconsin Farm Bureau-backed bills were signed by Gov. Evers. Those bills include: Assembly Bill 747/Senate Bill 685 removes the requirement for annual documentation verifying non-use of synthetic bovine growth hormone. This legislation simply requires farmers to complete this paperwork once and then it will remain on file with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

This bill was authored by Senator André Jacque (R-De Pere) and Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City).

“Our dairy farmers have been asking for the yearly rBST affidavit requirement to be removed,” said Bragger. “Dairy farmers will now be able to complete the verification one time and have that form be held on file with DATCP.” Authored by Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), Assembly Bill 113/ Senate Bill 91 establishes a system for buying and selling nutrient credits. Those who hold a water pollution discharge elimination permit including farmers, manufacturers and other businesses will be eligible to participate in the nutrient credit trading system.

“Farmers want to have a seat at the table in discussions about water quality and quantity,” said Bragger. “This nutrient credit trading system will reward farmers for implementing conservation practices on their farms that enhance water quality.”

Assembly Bill 578/Senate Bill 523 authored by Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) expands farmers’ exemption from the commercial driver’s license requirement. Farmers, family members or employees do not need a CDL to operate a commercial motor vehicle that is being used to transport agricultural products, machinery or supplies.

“This update to the CDL exemption for farmers is critical to accessing market channels, products and equipment,” said Bragger.

“The updated legislation simplifies the farmer CDL exemption by removing the mileage restriction to align state law with federal law.”

Authored by Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Don Vruwink (D-Milton), Assembly Bill 430/ Senate Bill 387 allows farmers to include crop insurance proceeds in calculating the manufacturing and agriculture tax credit value.

“This bill will literally put dollars into the pockets of our farmers,” said Bragger. “Our farmers battled poor weather conditions during some of the most critical times last year that resulted in the need to use crop insurance programs. This credit is much needed to support our stressed farmers.”

Bragger added, “WFBF would like to thank Gov. Evers for signing these bills and all the state legislators who authored, introduced or sponsored these pieces of legislation.”

APRIL | MAY 2020

Other Farm Bureau Backed Bills Awaiting State Senate Action AB 31: Tractor Rollover Protection Grants The bill will direct DATCP to create grants for organizations to use funds to reimburse the costs of rollover protection for farm tractors.

AB 796: Nitrate Reduction Pilot Program The bill will guide DATCP to create a nitrogen optimization pilot program. Grants of up to $50,0000 would be awarded to farmers to implement a project while collaborating with the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

AB 800: Well-Testing Grants The bill outlines how the UW System Board of Regents will support the operations of the Center for Watershed Science and Education in partnership with UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources and UW-Madison Extension.

AB 801: Freshwater Collaborative This bill creates a freshwater collaborative comprised of no more than six UW institutions that are required to devise new water centric training programs focused on undergraduates; provide students with work-study internship programs; provide scholarships and student support; amplify marketing and recruiting relating to Wisconsin's role in freshwater science; enhance workforce development programming; and recruit new faculty and staff for training programs, research and innovation.

AB 511: Fertilizer Labeling and Distribution This bill makes changes to requirements that apply to fertilizers and soil or plant additives that are produced from converting manure into compost or vermicompost and their derivatives.

AB 874: UW System Agriculture State Funding This bill requires the UW System Board of Regents to direct a study conducted by the UW System that includes examining and evaluating: funding and staffing levels for UW agricultural programs; current curriculum for agricultural programs offered at UW schools, along with proposals for enhancing this curriculum; the financial, technical, and other problems that Wisconsin farmers currently face, along with proposals to solve or mitigate these problems; and the programs, approaches and strategies implemented by other states to better support agricultural industries.

AB 875: Deduction of Medical Premiums for SelfEmployed This bill modifies the income tax subtraction for amounts paid for medical care insurance by self-employed individuals.

AB 791: Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment Grants This bill delays the elimination of the private on-site wastewater treatment system grant program to June 30, 2023. wfbf.com

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WFBF Co-Sponsors Legislative Briefing on Dairy Policy W

isconsin Farm Bureau joined Wisconsin Farmers Union, National Farmers OrganizationWI and Professional Dairy Producers in sponsoring a briefing for Wisconsin legislators and staff.

Numerous legislators co-hosted and attended this briefing called ‘Dairy Economics and Policy.’ Dr. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin, shared results from recent analyses of federal dairy policies designed to reduce volatility in dairy markets and improve dairy farm profitability.

Demographics, personal business decisions and financial stress all play a role in the significant loss of dairy farms in recent years. It’s important for legislators to know the options available to assist the dairy industry especially when it comes to the area of supply and demand. Hence the reasoning for the event being held at the Capitol.

The results show promise for significantly reducing U.S. government expenditures on dairy programs and curbing farm loss.

The analysis was motivated by concerns about low and variable milk prices and farm incomes and some industry groups expressing interest in programs to manage the growth of milk production.

The study was conducted by Stevenson and Charles Nicholson, an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University.

This study evaluated the impacts of two types of programs to manage growth in U.S. milk supplies. This information is taken from the Program on Dairy Markets and Policy Working Paper Series written by Stevenson and Nicholson.

The first program has a specified allowable annual growth in production with ‘market access fees’ paid by farms who exceeded that growth. This is similar to programs proposed by the Holstein Association and the Growth Management Program promoted by the Milk Producers’ Council in 2009, except that market access fees now differ by farm size. Two versions of this program were analyzed, one with fixed allowable growth and market access fees and another that linked these to the milkfeed price ratio.

The second type was a program pays a low value for milk produced above an allowable amount based on percentage reductions required given threshold values of a margin of milk price less feed costs. This is similar to the Dairy Market

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Stabilization Program initially proposed by the National Milk Producers’ Federation as a part of their Foundation for the Future initiative, except that the marginal milk is non-zero for farms with less than 500 cows.

The potential impact of these programs was assessed using assumptions as though the programs had been implemented on farms in January 2014. A variety of farm-level and dairy market outcomes were evaluated during 2014 to 2020 using a detailed dynamic simulation model of the global dairy supply chain.

The key findings: • The programs would generally reduce variation in milk prices, enhance average milk prices and margin over feed costs to varying degrees and increase net farm operating income for all farm sizes compared with a baseline scenario with existing policies. Average annual milk prices were increased with MAF-based programs up to between $0.40/ cwt and $1.10/cwt depending on the assumed restrictiveness of the program. Including refund payments for farms within allowable growth limits, milk revenue increases $1.19/cwt to $2.98/cwt. Reduction in the average variation in milk prices generally ranged from $0.01/cwt to $0.25/cwt.

• Compared with the baseline scenario, the programs would generally decrease average annual U.S. milk production, the overall value of U.S. dairy product exports, domestic dairy product sales and U.S. government expenditures. These decreases are larger when the programs are assumed to be more restrictive.

To learn more about the analysis, visit dairymarkets.org/ PubPod/Podcast/Misc/SupplyManagement/Short.html.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Ag Open 9.15.2020 23RD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER

The Wisconsin Ag Open raises funds to support agricultural education and leadership programs through the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. This year’s event is Tuesday, September 15, at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove.

For more information, contact Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and golfers, last year’s event raised more than $9,600 for the Foundation.

The Wisconsin Ag Open begins at 10:30 a.m. with an awards program, appetizers and prizes afterward. Registration is $150 and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, box lunch, appetizers and entry into a door prize drawing. The field is limited to 144 golfers.

A

s any farmer can tell you, farm life can be demanding and stressful. Farmers and ag professionals have faced challenges from trade wars, natural disasters, depressed commodity prices, labor shortages and many other issues weighing heavily on the rural economy.

These challenges mean more farmers are experiencing stress and mental health issues, either directly or by having a friend or family member in distress. No one is immune and the impact creates a ripple effect in rural communities, affecting lenders, farm business advisors, field representatives, clergy, teachers and others who interact with families in stress.

“If more of us acknowledge [mental health] is a problem – and there is no shame in admitting it – then we can begin to help ourselves and each other,” shared American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.

AFBF sponsored research into mental health in rural communities and found that 75 percent of rural adults find it important to reduce the negative stigma around mental health.

Cost, social stigma and embarrassment were the three major barriers to seeking mental health treatment.

“Farmers are proud of the work they do and proud of the generations that worked the land and raised livestock before them,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Senior Director of Member Relations Wendy Kannel. “Often, when farmers face financial, social or mental health challenges they feel isolated and like they are failing their ancestors. It is important to remember there are resources specially designed to help farmers who are facing challenges.”

WARNING SIGNS OF CHRONIC STRESS • Changes in attitude, mood or appearance.

• Increased drug or alcohol use.

• Changes in the appearance of the farm or care of the animals.

• Not sleeping enough or sleeping too much.

• No longer wanting to get together with friends or family members.

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE • Talking about wanting to die.

• Looking for ways to kill oneself.

• Talking about feeling hopeless or helpless.

• Asking others to watch over family members/pets/livestock/ etc., if something were to happen.

• Talking about being a burden to others.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXHIBITS WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE • Do not leave the person alone. Talk with the person or find out who they trust to talk to and wait until that person arrives.

• Remove access to firearms, sharp objects and drugs and alcohol.

• Talk with the person and ask open-ended questions to determine the appropriate course of action (i.e., calling the suicide prevention lifeline, going to the emergency room, etc.).

“If “Farmers there is one thing are often regarded I know about working with as superhuman, strong and farmers, they are a very proud stoic, and that has contributed to group of people.

Talking about their the stigma surrounding mental illness financial plight and mental health is in our industry. I think we’ve gotten likely not high on the priority list. That so caught up in that archetype that we’ve certainly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk forgotten that we’re still regular human "I through these issues. There are a variety of beings who are allowed to think, feel, felt like all of my outlets for people to reach out to when hurt and express pain like friends just dropped it comes to mental health here everyone else.” me, that no one wanted “Don’t in Wisconsin.”

– Brittany Olson, dairy farmer anything to do with me. I felt be afraid to step – Ben Huber, agronomy like I was suffering alone in silence. out of your comfort zone manager The awareness of depression is out there, and have hard conversations, but we still have to shed this stigma of not because I tell you what, those talking about it … I want other farmers to conversations are a lot easier to be able to reach out to me. I have gotten have than the ones that we have calls from people in four or five states. after that person is gone.”

The biggest thing is to just listen."

– Jeff Ditzenberger, farmer mental – Randy Roecker, dairy farmer

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health advocate

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Life on the farm or as an agri-business professional can be very demanding. Between long hours and a seemingly endless to do list, folks in agriculture are motivated by their love for livestock and the land. During the past several years, farmers have battled low commodity prices, poor weather conditions and labor shortages, among other challenges.

With many of these challenges being outside of farmers’ control and building upon already tough times, stress and mental health issues have become very real concerns for many.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau partnered with 20 other ag organization in the state to launch the Farm Neighbors Care campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in rural communities.

“We can no longer live by the old adage of pulling yourself up by the bootstraps and continuing to move forward,” said WFBF’s Director of Communications Sarah Hetke. “Farmers and ag professionals are some of the hardest working people in their communities and don’t often talk about their stress level, but it is one of the most important things they can do.”

Farm Neighbors Care is a social media campaign that asks

rural residents to check in on farmers and agri-business owners.

For some, this conversation and check-in may be the dose of positivity needed to make it through a tough day.

“If you are dealing with chronic stress, depression or thoughts of suicide, don’t be ashamed, there are resources out there specially designed to help farmers and ag professionals,” Hetke added.

To participate in the campaign, farm neighbors can put together a small ‘goodie bag’, snack or meal and take a picture to share on Facebook with #FarmNeighborsCare. Deliver that item to a farmer and stay for a few minutes of conversation. This is meant as a time to check in and see how the person or family is doing. Ideally, this will not stop at one conversation, but will become a habit.

While dealing with limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, farm neighbors are encouraged to use virtual means to check in on those around them, especially those who are at a higher risk of severe complications from the virus.

For more information, visit wfbf.com/rural-resilience.

RESOURCES FOR WISCONSIN FARMERS • Local support groups (e.g., Farmer Angel Network, church groups, etc.)

• Wisconsin Farm Center – 800.942.2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov, hours 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday • The Wisconsin Farm Center offers a variety of services ranging from free counseling vouchers (with a mental health professional who has ag experience) to financial planning and farm succession assistance. It is important to call the Farm Center sooner rather than later to aid the staff in giving you as many options as possible. Do not wait until you are in a crisis to call.

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• American Farm Bureau – Rural Resilience, fb.org/programs/rural-resilience • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800.273.TALK (8255) • Your local hospital – every hospital has a mental health professional on staff 24/7. If you need immediate assistance for yourself or a loved one, go to the emergency room. wfbf.com

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

PRIDE&PROMOTION

By Sarah Hetke

“There is something to be proud of every day.”

T

hat was Jackson County Farm Bureau member Darby Sampson’s response when asked why she is proud to be a farmer.

Sampson added, “Some days I’m proud of the calf we saved. Others, I’m proud of how well we all worked together to accomplish a goal.”

Darby and her husband of 15 years, Clint, farm in Jackson County with Clint’s parents Alan and Kathy. The farm has transitioned from milking dairy cows to raising beef cattle and crops.

Sampson worked off the farm for Dairyland Laboratories, Inc., for five years before the farm was able to sustain her and Clint full-time. Today, the couple make nearly every decision about the daily management and future of the farm together.

“There’s always a list of improvements we would like to make, and even though we cross things off, it never seems to get shorter,” said Sampson.

The couple grows crops on 4,000 acres and cares for 200 Angus and Simmental cow/calf pairs. The farm also is home to a handful of ewes that have lambs each spring to be shown at the county fair.

Farming is truly a family affair for Darby and Clint as the couple’s two children, Colby, 10; and Cordell, 8, are showing a passion for farm life.

“It is so rewarding to watch your children grow up on a farm and see them learn something new every day,” Darby shared. “We want the farm to sustain us and our children, should they decided this is the lifestyle they would like.”

While farming full-time takes the majority of her time, Darby knows that marketing agricultural products and connecting with consumers also needs to be a priority.

“I pursued a degree in animal science and always said that the only reason I needed crops classes was so I could feed my animals,” Sampson joked.

“I also remember taking a required marketing class and thinking I would never use any of that information. It’s funny how life works because I use that knowledge almost every day.”

Promotion and Education Sampson first became involved with Jackson County Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee when the county was looking for someone to help with Ag in the Classroom activities.

“I really enjoy going into classrooms and interacting with the students,” Sampson shared. “This position came available while my kids were young, so I looked at it as an opportunity to do something I enjoy off the farm and interact with people I don’t otherwise see.”

In 2014, Sampson was elected to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee as the District 4 representative. This year, she will wrap up her second, and final, three-year term on the state committee serving as chair.

“With this being the last year on the committee, it played a major role in me deciding to run for chair,” Sampson shared. “I had served as vice chair for the two years prior, so it felt like a natural next step.”

Sampson says the committee is made up of Farm Bureau members who are passionate about teaching others about agriculture and providing resources to farmers and agriculturists to help them share their story with consumers.

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Colby (left) and his brother Cordell proudly showed off one of their lambs born this spring.

“If you’re looking to get involved with the Promotion and Education program, start by volunteering with your county committee,” Sampson said. “If you’re hesitant to get started, choose an activity that aligns with your interests and experiences. It is much easier to talk about something you know well.”

Farm Bureau Involvement Sampson and her husband were asked to join Farm Bureau

by Steve Kling, Jackson County Farm Bureau president and a family friend. Kling encouraged Clint and Darby to apply for the Achievement Award and was a motivating force behind Darby joining the county Ag in the Classroom program.

“I think the most successful way to get volunteers is to ask,” Sampson shared. “People don’t often ask for more things to do, but if they are asked it is often humbling how generous people can be with their time and talents. There are so many great things that I never would have been part of if it wasn’t for someone asking me.”

In addition to the leadership development opportunities The farm is home to several laying hens. Cordell enthusiastically went to check if any of the chickens had laid eggs.

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through Farm Bureau, Sampson is a strong advocate for the member benefits.

“We more than pay for our annual dues through the Choice Hotels discount alone while traveling for work and personal trips,” Sampson explained.

Farm Bureau plays a major role in the Sampsons’ lives. While Darby isn’t one to boast, she and her husband have given countless hours of volunteer time to help Farm Bureau grow stronger and build a solid foundation for the Promotion and Education program.

When it comes to being a farmer, a mom, a Farm Bureau member and the leader of the Promotion and Education program, pride is evident when speaking with Darby Sampson.

“Building connections with consumers is so important when trying to debunk the misconceptions about agriculture,” Sampson shared. “I’m grateful for the opportunities through Farm Bureau that have allowed me to share my agriculture story. I’m proud to be a farmer and proud to be a Farm Bureau member.”

Each spring, the Sampsons have about 200 beef calves that will be sold in the fall after weaning.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

What is the Promotion and Education Program?

The Promotion and Education Committee is a dynamic group of Farm Bureau leaders who develop, implement and promote programs that build agricultural awareness and provide leadership development to the agricultural community. Many Farm Bureau members are passionate about sharing their agriculture story and ultimately providing agricultural education for schoolage students and adults of all ages. To learn more, visit wfbf.com/programs/ promotion-and-education.

Upcoming Promotion and Education Events:

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• Various county dairy Breakfasts and consumer outreach events (Summer 2020) •L eadership Boot Camp series (next event will be November 2020) •P romotion and Education Committee breakout at the WFBF Annual Meeting (December 2020) • Ag LEAD Summit (Spring 2021)

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LEADERSHIP • ENGAGEMENT • ADVOCACY • DEVELOPMENT

Promotion and Education Playbook

The Playbook provides counties with ideas and resources for planning county activities and events. To create this resource, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee members collected events, programs and activities that happen throughout the state on a local level. Throughout the Playbook, you will find activities and events for all ages, time-frames and budgets in each of the following categories: Ag in the Classroom, consumer outreach, education and ag promotion, fundraising, member development, and policy development and implementation. Learn more at wfbf.com/programs/promotion-and-education/ playbook.

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Spring Ahead

with these savings.

For complete details, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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

Special member pricing and free shipping. Visit wfbf.com for more details.

"Grainger is one of the best member benefits that Farm Bureau members have available. The access to this service is amazing, the Farm Bureau discount pays more than the cost of membership every year."

- Joe Bragger, Buffalo County Farm Bureau member

Members receive an incentive discount ($300 to $500) when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

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

Farm Bureau members receive $500 bonus cash off the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford vehicle and $750 bonus cash off the purchase or lease of an eligible new Lincoln vehicle. Must be a member for 30 days. Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com/Login/Login for complete details or to print your certificate.

“I was interested in purchasing from Ford before learning about the Farm Bureau discount, but that gave me more incentive to purchase a new vehicle instead of used.

Kaitlyn Riley, Crawford County Farm Bureau Member

Members can receive a 35% discount on daily grain, livestock and feed input marketing advice, current market quotes and updates. Visit agrivisor.com.

Members qualify for a variety of discounts on new purchases. Visit wfbf.com to print your certificate and for details on models and discounts.

"With the Farm Bureau member discount, we purchased two skid loaders and saved an additional $1,000, which made the deal even sweeter.”

- John Piechowski, Waushara County Farm Bureau member

Members are eligible for a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade (Platinum 2 status) – which unlocks the best loyalty rewards including valuable equipment discounts. Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau today to register!

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

Visit farmbureau.bank.

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

Accidental Death Policy • Life Line Screening • Avis • Budget • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program Choice Hotels • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Office Depot • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* 18

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

ggie nswers

We asked WFBF Promotion and Education Committee members: What is your favorite Farm Bureau activity or event?

Andrea Brossard

Jacki Moegenburg

Darby Sampson

Lynn Leahy

Brittney Muenster

The Dodge County Farm Bureau Fish Fry. This event continues to grow and reaches more than 550 people in the Dodge County area. It’s a successful fundraiser and community outreach and public relations. Dodge County has grown the silent auction and raffle prizes with donations from community groups.

The Ozaukee County Ag in the Classroom training workshop and YFA Conference.

The WFBF Annual Meeting.

So much happens during it including determining policy, electing leaders for the next year, seeing old friends and meeting new people.

My favorite Farm Bureau activity is Ag Day at the Capitol. I enjoy meeting with my legislators and having conversations about important agriculture issues and bills in the legislature. I learn a lot from our government relations team about current legislation.

My favorite Farm Bureau activity is the WFBF Annual Meeting because it’s an opportunity to make new connections within the industry as well as meet with old friends. I always leave with a new perspective and ideas to take back to my farm.

Dodge County

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Ozaukee County

Jackson County

Waushara County

Outagamie County

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

DISCOVERY FARMS

On-Farm Research Leads to Approachable Solutions

Content and photos supplied by UW Discovery Farms

D

iscovery Farms® has been researching and addressing water quality concerns and their connection to agriculture for almost 20 years. Farmers lead our program which finds solutions to address and protect Wisconsin’s water quality and natural resources.

Our on-farm research has served as an important tool for farm management, policy development and University research.

We are a proud part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Being a part of the University gives us the opportunity to work collaboratively with specialists and ensures the credibility of our research.

The state of Wisconsin’s water quality recently has been put under a microscope. Farmers face increasing scrutiny and economic challenges on top of extreme weather events.

Discovery Farms Programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota have collected more than 250 site years of on-farm edgeof-field water quality data, BUT there are still plenty of opportunities to learn more and address concerns in order to keep farmers in business and preserve water quality. We have witnessed that farmers are incredibly innovative and take risks to test new practices and conserve their farming landscapes.

One of our goals is to capture those management shifts in a credible research setting and quantify agriculture’s impact on water quality.

The goal of Discovery Farms is to use research from operating farms to provide farmers with a toolbox full of different management practices that they can incorporate into their systems based on their farms' needs.

Discovery Farms is a farmer-led, on-farm research and outreach program. We are guided by our steering committee that meets multiple times per year and is made up of 20 representatives from agricultural and environmental groups in Wisconsin.

"Discovery Farms research is really important for the simple fact that it’s done on real farms. It’s done on the real-world farms that the producers work on. It is initiated by farmers. By being initiated by farmers it shows that we are not afraid to show any results that are produced by these farms through our research."

- Terry Quam, steering committee Chair Terry Quam presented at the Discovery Farms Summit in January.

“I was all for Discovery Farms right away.

We were getting a lot of pushback from regulation. I wanted to see how we were doing on our farm. I also wanted to see if we could improve things. If we get some facts and good figures, we can pass it on when Dennis Mitchell is a farmer in St. Croix County. He was a Discovery Farms talking to people.” participant from 2010 to 2017 as a part of the Dry Run Watershed Project. Mitchell - Dennis Mitchell explained when talking about how and why he became a Discovery Farms participant at the Discovery Farms Summit in January.

There will never be a cookie cutter solution to solving complex problems, especially in the diversity of Wisconsin’s agriculture and landscape. “Every farm, every part of the state is so different. It’s hard to lump sum answers.”

Dennis shared, “you have to involve the farm to determine what works best for their situation.”

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farms with his son, Kyle, and his brother, Steve.

Historically, Discovery Farms’ primary focus has been on surface water quality. We are looking forward to broadening our horizons by partnering with state groundwater specialists to incorporate subsurface water monitoring into our portfolio.

Fusing together our history and success in producer engagement and outreach with groundwater expertise and research has the potential to move the peg in the right direction for preservation and improvements to groundwater and potentially leachable nitrogen in Wisconsin.

assessment tool to support farmers to evaluate their current N management practices. An individual producer can calculate NUE for his or her field, compare his or her value to Wisconsin benchmarks, and use decision trees to determine if, and what, shifts in management would be valuable for improvements in profitability and water quality.

Evaluating NUE ranges from simple to more intensive monitoring efforts. Discovery Farms can assist farmers in applying these assessments to their operations. See our guide on how to calculate NUE for your farm: Nitrogen Use Efficiency: A guide to conducting your own assessment.

Simple monitoring: Partial Factor Productivity and N Balance

Discovery Farms Nitrogen Work

Developing a nitrogen (N) management plan is a challenge for farmers given the dynamic nature of the N cycle, variable weather conditions and contradicting messaging regarding appropriate N rates from the public and private sectors. Additionally, as farmers face increasing fertilizer costs and scrutiny in decreasing nitrate leaching, there is a lot to be gained by improving N application strategies for increased efficiency and water quality protection. Due to the complexities of N cycling, there is a benefit to farmers to evaluate N use for their given system and soils and a value for on-farm N assessment tools, such as Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE).

Discovery Farms and farmers have been collaborating since 2015 to conduct on-farm N assessments to better understand NUE and potentially leachable N. With five growing seasons of data collection and 300 fields in our database, we have established benchmarks for different NUE categories, ranging from low to high use efficiency.

See those benchmarks in: “Statewide Benchmarking for NUE in Corn Grain and Corn Silage.” Given the diversity of Wisconsin’s soils, landscapes and systems and the prevalence of manure and legumes as a nitrogen source, Wisconsin specific benchmarks of NUE provide a realistic APRIL | MAY 2020

For a farmer interested in assessing N management, the first step is to evaluate Partial Factor Productivity (PFP) on a given field. PFP is yield divided by N applied, or ‘how much did the field produce at a given N rate?’ Fields with lower efficiencies not only have an economic incentive to improve NUE, but also have a need to decrease their risk to water quality. Fields with the lowest NUE typically have higher N balance.

N balance (N applied minus N removed) measures the amount of unused N in a system. Some of this N will be lost to volatilization, denitrification and ammonia loss, but the main pathway of N loss is through nitrate leaching. Therefore, N balance is a good indicator of potentially leachable N and is a valuable tool to assess water quality impacts of N applications.

Fields with PFP metrics in the low and low-mid use efficiency categories have higher N balances and pose a greater risk to water quality. wfbf.com

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Fields with PFP metrics below the median of 1.3 bu/lb N can benefit from adjustments to N management for both profitability and water quality. Within our dataset, we analyzed major contributors to low use efficiencies and developed suggestions to fine tune management. By utilizing the decision tree, producers with low NUE can determine what the main contributors were to their specific field’s lower efficiency and what appropriate shifts in management could be.

Through the simple measurement PFP (yield/N applied), producers can learn their efficiency category based on Wisconsin-specific benchmarks, understand potential water quality impacts and determine if, and what, shifts in management are appropriate.

Intensive Monitoring: Zero-N Test Strips

Incorporating a zero-N test strip on a field is a great way to further on-field monitoring in order to measure the true economic efficiency of added N and the amount of N supplied by the soil. A zero-N strip is a small plot that is one width of

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the applicator and 100-feet in length that does not receive more than 40 pounds of N per acre as starter fertilizer. We measure N content in grain and stover of both the zero-N test strip and a comparable with-N test strip to calculate several measures of NUE, including Uptake Efficiency.

Uptake Efficiency tells us how much of the applied N was taken up by the crop, and thus how much was not utilized.

In our dataset, there are a couple of contributors to lower uptake efficiencies, one of which is if a larger amount of N is supplied by the soil. Plant uptake in the zero-N test strip can estimate how much N was In the corn grain dataset, the mineralized in soil. median uptake efficiency is Higher values could imply 57%, or 57% of N applied was that farmers could reduce taken up by the crop. The their N rate on these fields middle fifty percent of our without economic losses to data ranged from 39-79%. yield. For producers interested in the true economic efficiency of applied N and N cycling in their soil, including a zero-N test strip is a good next step for monitoring NUE.

Looking ahead: assessing potential solutions to nitrate loading

In the next stages of the Discovery Farms NUE Project we hope to focus research efforts to assess if certain management practices can decrease potentially leachable N and how to connect potentially leachable N to real N losses through groundwater monitoring. This project will offer opportunities for farmers, UW county educators, land and water conservationists, producerled groups and more to partner to develop solutions for Wisconsin’s agricultural and water quality challenges.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Power in Partnerships

“By partnering with Discovery Farms, the producers in our local producer-led watershed are able to receive data on how their own farming practices and practices in the surrounding area are impacting water quality in their watershed. Discovery Farms helps our farmers connect with a community of like-minded individuals who educate and support farmers in implementing environmental management practices on their farms. I am most interested in learning how the cover crops planted at the edgeof-field monitoring site will impact surface runoff and water quality.”

- Sarah Fleck, Juneau County Land and Water

Our work has brought us to meet and establish strong relationships with people and organizations throughout the state with similar interests of protecting water quality while maintaining farmer productivity and profitability. We are building upon these relationships and establishing new partnerships to maximize capability and impact of our research efforts.

As a statewide program, we strive to reach and represent as many areas in the state as possible in order to provide a robust sampling of data to our audience. Traditionally, Discovery Farms has provided the manpower to collect samples at all our monitoring site locations, which limited the locations of our research. In the past few years, we have established new partnerships through both our NUE project and edge-of-field monitoring. This has given us the power to reach new areas of the state while creating new, strong relationships at the local level .

Our current partners include: • Juneau County Land and Water and The Farmers of Lake Redstone - surface edge-of-field monitoring • Ag Source Laboratories and the Antigo Flats Producer Group - surface edge-of-field monitoring • Kewaunee County Land and Water Conservation, Peninsula Pride Farms, NRCS and the Door/ Kewaunee Demo Farms Network - surface edgeof-field monitoring • Sauk County Land Conservation - Nitrogen Use Efficiency • Pepin County Land Conservation and Division of Extension - Nitrogen Use Efficiency • Dunn County Land Conservation and Division of Extension - Nitrogen Use Efficiency APRIL | MAY 2020

We are looking forward to expanding upon this partnership model that will grow our database and work towards our collective goals of clean water and a strong agricultural community in Wisconsin. If you are interested in learning more about Discovery Farms partnerships, contact us! erica.olson@wisc.edu The research we do at Discovery Farms means nothing if not shared by people like you. All of our results are turned into publications, fact sheets or journal articles. Access extensive amounts of agriculture and water quality information on our website and subscribe at the bottom of the home page to stay up to date on Discovery Farms happenings! uwdiscoveryfarms.org Follow us on social media @UWDiscoveryFarms DiscoveryFarms wfbf.com

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OPINION

Conservation – A Constant State of Learning A Message from WFBF President Joe Bragger

“W

hen the land does well for its owner, and the owner does well by the land--when both end up better by the reason of their partnership--then we have conservation. When one or the other grows poorer, either in substance, or in character, or in responsiveness to sun, wind and rain, then we have something else, and it is something we do not like.” - Aldo Leopold, 1939 I recently read this in a book by the Soil and Water Conservation Society about Aldo Leopold. I want to share with you how this resonates with me and probably many other farmers.

In the first paragraph, Leopold clearly identifies the value that all farmers place on good conservation.

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Farmers understand that as we continue to improve our conservation efforts the health of our soils also improve.

Improving our soil improves our bottom line and water quality, so it’s a win-win situation.

It’s important to note that as the farm economy suffers so does the ability for a farmer to invest dollars to go above and beyond in conservation efforts. The relationship between good conservation and farm profitability works from both sides of the coin. However, farmers continue to improve conservation on their farms to the best of their ability as new information and technology becomes available. I can relate to the journey our own farm underwent.

While growing up, our heifers were raised in a lot where two of our streams converged. The area was completely devoid of vegetation and covered with mud and manure. The area was certainly chosen by the previous generations because of the access to a readily available water source. We learned this was not a good idea. What was once an accepted practice was shown to be completely detrimental to the water quality and fish habitat of the stream. But at the time, who knew? Once we did know this information, the area was converted to a grassy lawn and the cattle were given a new barn, away from the stream to prevent contamination.

Learning is a constant for many people,

but especially for farmers. We use the best information we have available at the time and continue to adapt as new information arrives. We rely on science and research to show us how we can make the biggest and best impacts on the natural resources around us. I guess what I’m saying is that the art of conservation is something that all farmers are continually refining and improving.

The learning on our farm didn’t stop with moving the cattle away from the stream. We also learned of the benefits of no-till planting about 20 years ago.

In addition, we started using cover crops nearly 10 years ago. We now have a nutrient management plan and are constantly evolving our conservation practices.

As we are nearing Earth Day, I encourage you share your story of how you protect and preserve water quality on and around your farm. It is important for us to have an open mind to try new things and talk openly about what we are doing. After all, if we don’t tell our story someone else might and there’s a chance we won’t like what they have to say.

I’m not Aldo Leopold, but with continued research and learning, I can strive to be a better farmer through conservation efforts.

Bragger was elected president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2019. Bragger is a dairy and poultry farmer from Independence.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Sustainability, Our Farm Legacy in Action A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

F

armers and ranchers are always looking for better, more efficient ways to feed the world. We don’t stop with good enough. Like my dad always told me, “If you take care of the land, it will take care of you.” Those are words all farmers live by.

For generations, we’ve recognized the importance of protecting our resources.

Our family farms tell the story of the strides we have made together in reducing our environmental impact and leaving the land better than we found it.

For farmers, sustainability is at the heart of all we do in tending to the soil and caring for animals, relying on the sky and land to provide life for our families and neighbors.

We need to own the term, sustainability.

It’s not a buzzword for us: it’s a way of life. I would imagine that many Americans aren’t aware of the extent of our current climatesmart farming practices.

To us, it’s simply smart farming. That’s part of the reason we formed a new coalition of 21 agricultural groups to share our commitment to sustainability.

Farmers for a Sustainable Future stands ready to be a resource about agriculture’s environmental efforts, and to help share your story more broadly.

A recent Duke University poll showed more than a third of rural voters trust local farmers and ranchers the most about environmental and conservation issues.

At Farm Bureau, we do not take that trust for granted. We’re committed to earning the trust of those in urban areas, too. We know there are many questions about how food is produced, how we are protecting natural resources and what we are doing to reduce emissions. We welcome questions and we’ll do our best to answer them.

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Smarter farming, new strategies and technology are helping us produce more while lessening the impact on the environment. In fact, over the past 70 years, production of food, feed and fiber has grown 270 percent while the use of land, energy and fertilizer have remained steady. The numbers prove what we know: we are doing more with less.

The way we grow our crops today is drastically different than just a few decades ago. The use of conservation practices and no-till crops are on the rise.

Natural topsoil is being left undisturbed during planting and harvesting, reducing the chances of erosion from rain and wind, and trapping carbon within the earth instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. Choosing the best crop for a region helps conserve water.

Varying the types of crops planted in a field increases soil fertility and harvests.

Few people realize that American farmers were among the first environmentalists—that’s a fact we all can, and should, take pride in. More than 140 million acres, 15 percent of all farmland, is dedicated to conservation and wildlife habitat today. That equals the total land area of California and New York state combined. And that number does not include the millions of acres in state-led conservation practices.

Greenhouse gas emissions, one of the most cited factors in addressing climate change, are trending down in American agriculture. In all, agriculture represents less than 10 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, far eclipsed by cars, electricity production and other industries. Production agriculture is creating less greenhouse gas than just 30 years ago. We’re doing this by using geothermal energy and harnessing

the power of the sun and wind. Satellite technology helps farmers plant and harvest crops more efficiently, requiring less fuel and labor. Methane digesters capture and neutralize animal waste, turning it into fuel and fertilizer.

While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, we are keeping our eyes on the horizon for ways to keep improving.

The demands for agricultural production are not slowing down. The farming and ranching practices we employ today – and the innovations to come – are setting the stage for the next 30 years when the demand for food will increase by 70 percent. But we need partners—partners in research, innovation and investment to advance practices that reduce emissions and capture carbon. Together we can leave the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. Farmland has always been a living legacy from generation to generation, and farmers are committed to ensuring that tradition of sustainability lives on.

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

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OPINION

Where is Farm Bureau on Supply Management?

A Message from AFBF's John Newton

opposed a mandatory quota system but was willing to consider a flexible supply management system. Now, as directed by our grassroots farmer and rancher members, we’ve updated our perspective.

While we still oppose a mandatory quota system, we support a “flexible, farmer- and industry-driven milk management system.”

D

airy supply management is a topic that evokes a lot of emotion.

On one side of the debate, farmers contend that without coordinated management of the U.S. milk supply, prolonged downturns in milk prices will force small and medium-sized dairy farmers to shutter their barns, while larger farmers use economies of scale to find the ever-elusive 'profitability.'

On the other side of the debate, farmers argue that capitalism and open markets are the way to go, and that more efficient, profitable, farms should not have to slow their trajectory because profitability remains intangible for other dairy farmers. If you followed the 2014 Farm Bill debate you’ll remember then-U.S. House Speaker John Boehner describing the dairy market stabilization program as 'Soviet-style.'

So, where does Farm Bureau stand?

Under policy developed by farmers and ranchers, Farm Bureau historically

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What exactly does this mean?

It’s complicated.

For certain, the farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Convention, held in January, were clear that any efforts to manage the milk supply should not include federal intervention. That means that USDA should not dictate how much milk a farmer can produce.

Beyond that, it is my understanding that we are open to evaluating concepts proposed by dairy industry stakeholders – provided that farmers have a seat at that table. Given our annual policy development process, Farm Bureau’s national policy can be refined if any of that cream rises to the top.

While some in the industry are proposing supply management- and growth management-style programs, a concept worth considering is one I became familiar with early in my career as a financial analyst at General Electric: supply chain management. At GE, we strategically produced light bulbs, refrigerators, washing machines, wind turbines and aircraft engines based on the demand of our customers. At the highest level this meant coordinating with customers to understand their needs, managing our inventory levels, reviewing our supply chain to ensure resources were

being utilized efficiently and adjusting production schedules based on demand.

Could the U.S. dairy industry do something similar?

I propose that in some parts of the country they already are. Some cooperatives and processors in the Northeast and Southeast have introduced their own supply chain coordination programs with penalties and incentives designed to balance supply with processing capacity and downstream demand. Could these programs be adopted on a wider basis?

The challenge, although some see it as more of a frustration, is that (to date) these efforts have had hardly any impact on the milk check because the price for most milk in the U.S. is based on a limited number of transactions on the CME spot market. Ultimately, efforts to coordinate the milk supply in Vermont or Arkansas will do little to move the price of cheese if manufacturers in Wisconsin, New Mexico, California or Kansas still have surplus cheese to sell in Chicago. Despite the consolidation that has occurred in U.S. dairy, the industry is still somewhat disaggregated, making industry-wide coordination appealing to some.

Where will this all end up? My guess is the dairy industry is still figuring all this out. When they do, Farm Bureau is more than interested in having a seat at the table to discuss.

Reprinted by permission from the February 24, 2020 edition of Hoard’s Dairyman Intel.

Newton is American Farm Bureau's Chief Economist.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Livestock Siting Bill Opens Door for Future Discussions A Message from WFBF's Debi Towns

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he last week of a legislative session is always intense. When leadership announces the last day the Assembly and Senate will be on the floor, all-ofa-sudden it becomes very real that many bills part way through the process are not going to make it to the governor’s desk.

Bills that are not in final form will be dropped from the schedule.

During the last week of the current session, a collaborative bill that had been developing for months and was offered

by Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City), suffered that fate. Since last autumn, a-number-of livestock groups and local government groups representing the towns and counties met and worked through an update of Wisconsin’s livestock siting law. The livestock siting law had worked well over the past 15 years, but local governments as well as livestock producers believed there could be some modernizations to the law that would clarify and smooth out the process. Sen. Marklein and Rep. Tranel spent many hours working with this collaborative group in an effort to find a compromise that worked for all.

Both legislators were very clear that the collaborative changes must satisfy the needs of both local governments as well as livestock producers. It also was the goal of the group to make the law work better for small- and mid-sized farms in Wisconsin. Most of the dairy farms in Wisconsin are family-owned. Finding a path for these producers to continue their family business but grow to a size that would produce a profit while affording them the lifestyle advantages that attract the next generation is critical.

There was give and take from all stakeholders. Local governments no longer wanted to approve livestock siting permits. They wished to transfer that responsibility to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer

APRIL | MAY 2020

Protection while retaining their full authority for zoning. This would relieve local governments of the expensive and time-consuming task of reviewing applications for which they did not have expertise. This could also provide more predictability and uniformity for producers seeking new permits.

Livestock producers need predictability in expectations when planning a new site or expanding an existing one. Lenders need to know the cost and timeline expectations when making decisions to finance the project. The current application fee is stated in regulation, not statute. A recent legal opinion has suggested that DATCP does not have statutory authority to set a fee in the regulation. So, rather than wait for a court challenge, another update change was to set the application fees in statute. This was brought forth by livestock farmers.

Another update that was brought by the livestock groups was defining a clear timeline for the application process, including how many days each entity is allowed to review and respond when presented with an application for a new siting or the expansion of an existing one. This included DATCP, the local government and the applicant. This was an effort to avoid some of the long, drawn-out approvals at the expense of the applicant.

Other updates included requiring DATCP to include livestock producers in the rule-making process – something that had been ignored in the previous rule writing cycle. The bill also would have explicitly prevented local governments from mandating expensive bonding requirements costing some farmers tens of thousands of dollars every year.

The compromise was drafted into a bill that was heard by both houses’ ag committees. It passed out of committee by clear majority and was on to be scheduled for a floor vote. Before it could

be scheduled, however, one of the ag stakeholders who had supported the bill in the hearing changed their mind. Upon additional review after the hearing, they believed the bill created an imbalance in favor of the local government. They withdrew their support for the bill. With the shortness of time, there was no path to rework a compromise.

Sen. Marklein and Rep. Tranel were not willing to bring forth a bill that did not have the unanimous support of the stakeholders. The bill died before coming to the floor. The process was valuable, however. It revealed the importance of considering all stakeholders’ needs as well as the value that livestock farming brings to Wisconsin's economy.

We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Marklein and Rep. Tranel as well as other key legislators serving on the ag committees. Even though the bill is not moving forward this session, it has opened a door for discussion on continuing to encourage and improve the livestock industries in Wisconsin.

Towns serves as Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s senior director of governmental relations.

wfbf.com

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OPINION

Travel Builds Confidence

A Guest Column by AgriVisor's Joe Camp

“T

ravel is fatal to prejudice,” wrote Mark Twain in a quote that was recited by one of my Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program classmates on the last night of our two-week international trip. It was a fitting reminder of the commonalities that the group had found in each other and in those we met throughout our tours of Kenya and Israel.

Travel can break down barriers among people and it can build bridges between industries including agricultural. Our group’s journey introduced us to new crop production technologies, farm marketing and business management ideas, forms of

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governments and institutions and groups of consumers.

Travel is shaped by challenges faced along the way. Kenya, for all of its potential as an engine of African economic development, remains burdened by high unemployment and underemployment, massive corruption and crime-induced social instability.

Israel, as a shining example of human progress by technological innovation, stays mired in tensions over religious ideologies and territorial rights.

Travel requires practice of leadership and teamwork. Like most travelers, our cohort was presented with risks involving personal security and health.

We took away a better sense of our responsibility to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings. We worked together to remain calm and open to the experience, staying gracious to the people around us.

Travel is an experience that makes the world’s current events topical to the traveler. Our trip to Kenya and Israel made us directly vulnerable to issues like regional terrorism threats and the global coronavirus pandemic.

It provided us with a first-hand look at the news of the day, we came to better understand how concerns about crime could influence interest in an African safari vacation, or how religious tourism in the Holy Land could be impacted

by fear of cross-border rocket attacks, or how panic over a virus could empty airports and hotels and put pressure on the economy.

Travel is a foundation of American industry and linchpin of the global economy. The 30 of us traveling Illinoisans were reminded to appreciate the comparative advantages that our state and country derive from access to open borders, mature railway networks, efficient waterways, high-performing airlines and an expansive hospitality services industry.

Travel disruptions and delays occur regularly as tests of preparedness. At the time, coronavirus concerns tested our ability to get home, but not because of travel restrictions issued by the U.S. government.

Travel builds trust for the process of adjusting to the economic impact of coronavirus, as it builds trust in the relationships needed for U.S. agriculture to continue being a leading international trade partner.

For me, travel also builds confidence that can be used to represent U.S. agriculture and give assistance to tackling today’s global challenges.

Camp is the risk management specialist for AgriVisor, one of WFBF's member benefits.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Farmers Call for Endangered Species Act Reform A Message from WFBF's Tyler Wenzlaff

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he Great Lakes gray wolf seems like a staple of Wisconsin’s environment, but it wasn’t long ago that the wolf was nearly wiped from the regional landscape. During the 1950s bounties, poisoning and unregulated hunting took a toll on the population pushing the gray wolf to near extinction in the state.

Since then, the wolf can be considered one of the great success stories of the Endangered Species Act. Slowly, beginning in the 1980s, the state’s population began to rebound. Wisconsin’s wolf population was estimated at 25 in 1980, 34 in 1990, 248 in 2000 and 704 in 2010, according to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reports. Currently, DNR reports estimate Wisconsin’s population at more than 900 animals, nearly three times the state’s population goal.

As the wolf populations have grown steadily over the last few decades, the responsibility of wolf management has shifted between state and federal.

Currently, in the Great Lakes region, federal courts have returned federal protections to the wolf. Previous to that decision – as recently as 2014 – Great Lakes states managed wolf populations to great success. For two years, Wisconsin successfully managed their wolf population with licensed hunts keeping the population under control. During that time, the wolf population continued to grow and exceeded the state goal of 350 wolves. Now unmanaged, the wolf population has ballooned to more than 900 wolves and has led to increased conflict with wolves and livestock – causing unfortunate and disastrous consequences.

In 2016, the DNR conducted a Wolf Tolerance Survey where they surveyed residents both within the current wolf range and outside. Most of the survey respondents expressed concern about the risk that wolves pose to the safety

APRIL | MAY 2020

of children (63 percent), this belief was shared equally among respondents both within wolf range and outside. Sixtyeight percent of respondents want the same or fewer wolves on the landscape.

Even in DNR’s own survey, a clear majority of Wisconsinites support a managed wolf population.

Western states have gone through the same issues facing the Great Lakes states.

Fortunately for a few of those states, signed federal legislation delisted the gray wolf and allowed state management.

Wisconsin is now asking for the same ability, to management it’s wildlife without federal intervention. We proved with two years of hunts that we could successfully manage wolf hunts and still to call your federal legislators and ask grow the population. for their support on returning gray wolf There is a glimmer of hope on the population management responsibilities horizon, three bills have been introduced back to the state DNR. in Congress to allow Great Lakes states to manage their wildlife: H.R. 4494 authored by Con. Peterson (D-MN), S. Wenzlaff is the director of governmental relations for 831 authored by Sen. Johnson (R-WI) Wisconsin Farm Bureau. and S. 3140 authored by Sen. Lee (RUT). These bills will finally return wolf management where it belongs, to the Wisconsin Federal Legislative Contacts population that must live District 1 - Congressman Bryan Steil with the management (R-Janesville) | 202.225.3031 decisions that are made, as District 2 - Congressman Mark Pocan opposed to federal judges (D-Madison) | 202.225.2906 thousands of miles away.

Wisconsin Farm District 3 - Congressman Ron Kind Bureau supports the (D-La Crosse) | 202.225.5506 efforts to return the District 4 - Congresswoman Gwen Moore gray wolf population to (D-Milwaukee) | 202.225.4572 state management and District 5 - Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner encourages you to contact (R-Menomonee Falls) | 202.225.5101 your federal representatives and senators asking for District 6 - Congressman Glenn Grothman their support. Wisconsin (R-Campbellsport) | 202.225.2356 has proven we can manage District 7 - Vacant wolves in the past and District 8 - Congressman Mike Gallagher we can do it again with (R-Green Bay) | 202.225.5665 your help.

Please take a few minutes Senator Ron Johnson | 202.224.5323 Senator Tammy Baldwin | 202.224.5653 wfbf.com

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Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

C

onsider this a tribute to the sump pump. My family owes, in part, its existence along the creek to sump pumps.

You see, I bought a cheesemaker’s house 41 years ago knowing full well it was built in an area prone to high ground water. Built in 1922, it still stands proud, right across the road from a crossroad cheese factory, which at the time, was surrounded by dozens of small family dairy farms. With four-foot thick field stone walls built on a bedrock foundation, our home has stood the test of time and will be here long after I depart this world.

The creek that flows behind the house is the lifeblood of the land. It bisects our property after draining the neighbor’s woods and farm fields. Three-quarters of a mile in length, it controls the water table and eventually feeds a backwater slough that empties into the Wisconsin River.

When the boys were very young, I’d dare them to spit into the creek, then ask them to imagine their salivas’ journey to the ocean, by way of the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

The creek bisecting our land tries as hard as it can to drain away excess groundwater, but the perched water table lays over bedrock and clay and moves slow. During certain times of the year – like spring and rainy stretches – it finds its way into our basement. That’s when our faithful sump pump takes over.

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Did you ever wonder why they’re called sump pumps? Webster has defined sump as a low part or area where liquid collects when it drains from something. Experts have traced it back to the 1653 Middle English word ‘sompe’ or swamp.

Hence pronounced sump.

I’ve lost track of how many pedestal sump pumps we’ve gone through over the years. A pump tends to have a life expectancy of three, maybe five years under my watch. During the winter the pumps more or less hibernate.

But come spring and summer rains, they work overtime.

“Honey, the pipes on the sump pump came apart downstairs while you were gone,” the boss remarked during winter’s last sub-zero cold snap, “Water was spraying all over the place.”

So, I investigated. Indeed, the line outside had frozen and the pump’s water had nowhere to go but back – to a weak spot in a basement section of PVC pipe. Outside I found a sag in the flexible drainpipe buried under a foot of frozen snow and ice. So, I unplugged the sump pump.

Problem solved.

Now, a more industrious fellow than me would have chipped and dug away in the subzero temperatures. But not me. I knew darn well that soon enough, Mother Nature would do the work for me. At the time, the long-range temperature forecast was calling for 40s and 50s.

Before it hit 50 degrees, the boss and I dragged the outdoor furniture out of winter storage and began our regular habit of drinking second cups of morning coffee on the kennel deck. The sun came out, snow began to melt away and temperatures rose to predicted levels. It may have looked like I was loafing on the deck, but rest assured, I was hard at work mentally – counting the hours until my sump pump pipe would thaw out. And then it happened - presto!

The pipe thawed. I plugged in the pump and water began to flow away from the house.

Like the previous owners, the sump pumps we’ve owned over the years have allowed us to live where toads, frogs and salamanders belong and thrive. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Blomberg is a freelance writer and a member of the Portage County Farm Bureau. His books, "Up the Creek" and "Wisconsin Bird Hunting Tales and Letters from Art" are available at amazon.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Barbecued Pork Chops Ingredients

• 2 c. soy sauce • 1 c. water • 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed • 1 Tbsp. molasses • 6 pork chops, 1-11/2 in. thick)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar and molasses.

2. Bring to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

3. Pour into a shallow glass container or resealable bag. Add pork chops and turn to coat.

4. C over and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Coconut Joys

Sauce: • 1/2 c. ketchup • 1/2 c. chili sauce • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar • 1 Tbsp. water • 1/2 tsp. ground mustard 5. D rain. Discard marinade. Place chops in a shallow, ungreased baking pan. Cover and bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

6. M eanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sauce ingredients. Bring to boil, stirring until smooth.

7. B rush over both sides of chops.

Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes.

Recipe submitted by Connie Behrend

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted • 2 c. powdered sugar

Directions

1. Melt butter and add powdered sugar. Stir in coconut 2. Form into 1" balls.

• 3 c. coconut, shredded

3. Place on cookie sheet. Chill.

4. Store in plastic container

Grandma Betty’s BBQ Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped • 1 lb. ground beef • salt and pepper to taste • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Brown onion and hamburger with salt and pepper until cooked.

2. Add remaining ingredients.

APRIL | MAY 2020

Recipe submitted by Sue Thelen

Recipe submitted by Rachel Harmann

• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 1/3 can tomato soup • ketchup to taste 3. Simmer until hot and flavored through.

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W

isconsin Farm Bureau has kicked-off a new membership campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to engage as many volunteers as possible in the 2019-2020 membership year by asking them to pledge to contact at least one person they know and sign them up as a new Farm Bureau member by April 30. The campaign officially kicked off in October.

Emily Johnson

Dustin Williams

Who signed you up as a member? My boss, Jessica Sarbacker.

Who signed you up as a member? Roger Mahlkuch, a local Rural Mutual Insurance agent.

Rock County

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? Jessica suggested that it would be a great way for me to connect with other young farmers and ag business professionals.

What convinced you to say yes? I had never been a part of anything like Farm Bureau and I was looking to connect with other young farmers.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? There are so many benefits to my membership. I am so thankful for the many friends that I have made. I also have been a part of some awesome programs and experiences. I am a graduate of the WFBF Leadership Institute, and I have been to Washington, D.C., twice to lobby for farmers and agriculture.

Kristi Fiedler

Shawano County Who signed you up as a member?

Adam Kuczer

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? Farm Bureau will give opportunities for you to speak up on ag topics.

What convinced you to say yes? I liked that I could influence policy to create change.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? Leadership training, life-long friendships, an incredible network outside of my core industry, opportunities to travel, compete and lead.

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Green County

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you?

I don’t remember exactly what Roger said, but I know he said it would be good for me and my agriculture career to be involved with Farm Bureau.

What convinced you to say yes? My parents always had a Rural Mutual Insurance farm policy and were Farm Bureau members. Lynn Luckasson, a close family relative, has been an agent for Rural Mutual Insurance for as long as I can remember. He encouraged me to get involved.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? Farm Bureau has helped me become connected. I am an agriculture instructor and I grew up on a small dairy farm, but I didn't really start getting connected with the industry until I joined Farm Bureau.

And I didn’t really get involved until Jeff Ditzenberger pushed me to get on the board. So, the networking piece was a big benefit for me. I also am a huge fan of the policy development process and have been involved in that at the county level and have served as a delegate for several years. I really enjoy learning about the issues, hearing everyone’s opinions and being able to voice my own opinion.

Walter Taylor Oconto County

Who signed you up as a member?

Ryan Ernst, Sheboygan County

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? You are our ag teacher, you should join and come to our social at Kim’s 5 Corner Tavern.

What convinced you to say yes? Free food, bar, lots of friends will be there and we will talk about Farm Bureau.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? I love the political side, I love the educational outreach for schools, Ag in the Classroom. I love talking ag with my college friends from all over Wisconsin. I have met new people who have inspired my educational craft.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE DEADLINE MOVED With the disruption of regularly scheduled county Farm Bureau events and board meetings due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, county Farm Bureau membership recruitment efforts have been disrupted as well.

The Farm Bureau early bird membership incentive deadline is extended to April 30. It normally is March 31. In addition, the ‘Be a Piece of the Puzzle’ membership campaign will be extended through April.

We understand that reaching out personally to potential new members will be challenging and will require some methods other than face-to-face contact in the coming weeks and months.

Please remember that new members can sign up online by visiting wfbf.com/ membership/application. Thank you for your ongoing support of Farm Bureau membership.

WFBF.COM/MEMBERSHIP APRIL | MAY 2020

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More than 180 M

ore than 180 high school students from across Wisconsin attended Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s FFA Farm Forum in Wisconsin Rapids, February 21-22. The annual conference is designed for high school juniors who are involved in their school’s FFA chapter and are interested in agriculture careers.

“It is incredible to see so many young people gathered together with a passion for agriculture and a desire to learn,” said WFBF President Joe Bragger. “FFA Farm Forum is a great partnership between WFBF and Wisconsin FFA. We know leadership development through FFA is second to none and we are excited to host this conference for our future agricultural leaders.”

During the two-day event at Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids, FFA members attended workshops on post-secondary opportunities focusing on learning more about farming and Wisconsin’s agricultural community. Taking a new approach this year, many workshops were based on the agriculture, food and natural resources career cluster. Making this change helped better align the program with curriculum agriculture teachers are using.

at FFA Farm Forum The agriculture, food, and natural resources career cluster is one of 16 career clusters recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Educators use career clusters as a tool to blend academic and technical preparation, provide career development and offer options for students to explore all aspects of an industry.

The agriculture, food and natural resources cluster is broken down into seven career pathways: Food Products and Processing Systems; Plant Systems; Animal Systems; Power, Structural and Technical Systems; Natural Resources Systems; Environmental Service Systems; and Agribusiness Systems.

In addition to the career-based workshops, students were introduced to WFBF programs, participated in networking activities and heard from several keynote speakers.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors FFA Farm Forum in cooperation with the Wisconsin Association of FFA. This year’s FFA Farm Forum marks the 48th time the event has been hosted for Wisconsin youth.

Opening keynote speaker Reba McClone WFBF President Joe Bragger discussed the value of shared with students how to pivot in life when Farm Bureau membership while highlighting the unexpected challenges or opportunities arise. close relationship between Farm Bureau and FFA.

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Closing keynote speaker Nate Zimdars talked about the importance of sticking to our agricultural roots regardless of where life takes us.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Workshops Highlight Agriculture Careers Ben Huber and other team members from Insight FS shared how their roles fit in the agriculture community and gave students tips on how to broaden their hirability for a career in agriculture.

Bryant Scharenbroch, UW-Stevens Point assistant professor of soil and waste resources, led a workshop about soil science and how to pursue a career in soil management.

Career Pathways

FFA members learned about integrated fruit and vegetable production during the workshop presented by Seneca Foods.

d s anems t c u st rod g Sy P n d i Foo ocess r P

An i m a l

Madison College instructor Nick Lindloff and representatives from John Deere Corporation highlighted their unique partnership and showcased technology being used in John Deere equipment.

System s

Plant Syst em

s

Members of WFBF's Young Farmer and Agriculturist committee talked about opportunities to get involved in Farm Bureau.

Students learned about programs the Farm Service Agency offers for young and beginning farmers.

Power, Structural d Technical Systeman s

Natural Resources Systems The Mid-West Farm Report Farm Assistant Reba McClone helped students identify food and farming buzz words and discussed how to be proactive when sharing messages about agriculture.

Environmental Service Systems

WFBF Director of Local Affairs Steve Boe discussed hot topics in agriculture throughout the state and how these issues impact family farms.

Agribusiness Systems

The FFA Farm Forum is sponsored by APRIL | MAY 2020

:

for Farming’s Future

(WFB Foundation) wfbf.com

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Alissa Grenawalt, Beloit

David Kohn, Medford

Becky Wellnitz, Brodhead

Hayli Haumschild, Pittsville

Jenifer Zimmerman, Deerfield

Gretchen Kamps, Belmont

Becky Hibicki, Ripon

Derek Orth, Fennimore

Send us YOUR Photos

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members live and work with beautiful landscapes and livestock. On this page we highlight those sights and special moments.

Please email your best photos (high resolution jpgs, 4x6 inches at 300 dpi) to Lsiekmann@wfbf.com. Due to the high volume of photos we receive, we are unable to publish every photo. Photos sent in may be used in other WFBF publications.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

APRIL | MAY 2020

wfbf.com

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Looking for a Picture Perfect Leadership Experience?

the "The Leadership Institute gave me My ms. drea my for h reac to ce den confi will and g, usin am I passion is education. to s skill d foun new my use, to continue and educate the public about farming itz Gerb s Chri y." sustainabilit

"I joined the Leadersh ip Institute to become a better publi c speaker. The class did just that and got me out of my comfort zone about public spe aking. Now I feel more comfortable spe aking to a group."

- Mike Harms

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"The Leadership Institute is a grea t opportunity to wo rk on your leade rship and professiona lism, all while m eeting new people with sim ilar interests fro m around the state and co untry." - John He rman

dership Institute "Being part of the Lea h the tools and wit me re pa helped pre ry. Whether it sto experiences to tell my community or job my m, far is about my pared pre r tte organizations, I feel be ons and ini op , ces en eri to share my exp l most fee I rk wo be an advocate for the hn Za llie Ke t." passionate abou

"The Leadership Institute was well-worth the investment of time and money for me personally and for my career. I was not only challenged professionally but I developed lifelong connections from all across the state and developed a better understanding of Farm Bureau and it’s role in improving agriculture." - Jaime Sawle

"Leadership Institute participants learn the communication techniques that are forgotten in many places. If you see yourself as a leader in the foreseea ble future, you need to apply for this class."

- Scott Timm

Consider applying for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute. A year-long leadership development program for members.

Get all of the details at wfbf.com/programs/leadership-institute.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

County Kernels District 8 - QPR Training

On March 11, counties in District 8 hosted QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) training as part one of their focus on the health and wellbeing of our fellow farmers and agriculturists through the District 8 Initiative of Supporting our Agricultural Community. This is a five-prong approach to ensuring that every farmer, agribusiness employee/employer and ag-vocate knows that Wisconsin’s largest general farm organization has their back and knows it’s okay to not be okay at times.

Jeff Ditzenberger, a Green County Farm Bureau member and mental health advocate, provided the training for county board leaders and agriculturists.

District 3 - Grocery Store Tour

District 3 Farm Bureau members enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Fennimore's new grocery store, Bender's Foods.

Attendees learned about marketing strategies and the role farmers and consumers play.

Fond du Lac County - Pizza Fundraiser

Eau Claire County - Classroom Visit

On March 9, Eau Claire Ag in the Classroom committee members Jody Wilhelm, Brenda Dowiasch and Gretchen Accola visited Augusta Elementary fourth-grade classes.

They read "Right This Very Minute" and played BINGO where they matched ag products to their sources. They answered questions about ag and gave out prizes and pencils to classroom participants.

Every year, the Fond du Lac County Young Farmer and Agriculturist committee conducts a pizza fundraiser. On February 28 about 20 volunteers made 1,248 pizzas in five hours. Proceeds from the fundraiser help fund the YFA committee activities throughout the year and sponsor members to attend the WFBF YFA Conference.

Clark, Marathon, Portage and Wood Counties - FarmerTalk 2020 In February, Clark, Marathon, Portage and Wood County Farm Bureaus partnered for #FarmerTalk 2020. Discussion topics included cover crops, no-till and farmer-led watersheds. Guest speakers and panel members included Jason Cavadini, Agronomist Marshfield Agricultural Research Station; John Eron, Friends of Mill Creek Watershed; and Shane Wucherpfennig, Wood County Land and Conservation Department.

APRIL | MAY 2020

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A Ferris Wheel of Summer Fun with Ag in the Classroom June 30 Workshop on the turf and soils industry for agricultural education instructors at the Wisconsin Association of Agriculture Educator’s Professional Development Conference in La Crosse.

July 2 and July 13 Teachers selected for the MORE Grant Program will meet to receive the 50 classroom sets of “The Hungry Planet” by Peter Menzel. The book details the food consumption of families around the world. Companion educational lessons and resources will accompany the books and will be distributed at the required three-hour training, held in two locations the state.

July 9 Ag in the Classroom and Soybean Science Kit training in Oshkosh. We will pick the 2020-2021 Book of the Year, brainstorm ideas for the essay contest, have in-depth training on Ag in the Classroom resources and use the Soybean Science Kits.

July 21-23 Visit Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom during the 2020 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Eau Claire. The booth will be in the Youth Tent. You can do hands-on activities, pick up resources and learn more about upcoming events.

July 27-28 This summer, the annual Summer Ag in the Classroom Bus Tour travels south to Green County. Stops include: Blackhawk Technical College, Alp and Dell Cheese Store, Emmi Roth USA, Wegmueller Dairy Farm, National Historic Cheesemaking Center, Hawk’s Mill Winery, GC seeds, Larson Acres and Kuhn North America.

August 14 Training on Skills based learning, Academic Career Planning and Ag in the Classroom resources in Oconto Falls.

Agriculture instructor Walter Taylor will host the group and share his water testing procedures, share skills-based learning and academic career planning. Darlene Arneson will share Ag in the Classroom resources and plans for the 2020-2021 school year.

August 18 Training on Inquiry-Based Education and teaching methods, Ag in the Classroom resources, school agriculture education department and farm tour in New Richmond. We will start with agriculture instructor Rachel Sauvola sharing her inquiry-based education and teaching methods, tour the high school facilities. Darlene Arneson will provide an update on Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom resources. The group will eat lunch at the school. We will travel to the School District of New Richmond’s school farm called the SOAR Educational Center. SOAR stands for Student Opportunities with Agricultural Resources. The goal of the SOAR Center is to provide an engaging hands-on approach to farm to fork education whereby a team of junior and senior students lead the effort to produce beef and vegetables for school lunch and eggs for sale to the community.

August 22 Back to School Kick-Off at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc. We will kick-off the school year and launch the 2020-2021 essay contest, book of the year announcement, share upcoming grant and award deadlines and share best practices. We will enjoy lunch participants will have time before and after the meeting to tour the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and participate on the farm tour.

There are many opportunities for training in the summer for teachers and volunteers. For details, visit www.wisagclassroom.org.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Sponsors Make Educational Resources Possible W

isconsin Ag in the Classroom is fortunate to have many sponsors and those who support and fund educational resources for teachers, students, parents and volunteers.

With the early signs of spring, we have received many requests for Ag in the Classroom resources and materials.

Thank you to the Ag in the Classroom sponsors for your support including:

Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board: The WSMB provides financial support for more than 60 Soybean Science Kits that are used in schools, home school groups, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, at dairy breakfasts and other events throughout the state. The soybean kits provide 21 lessons connecting science and agriculture in fun, engaging activities and is an exciting resource for educating students and teachers about soybeans and the many uses in food, household products, newspaper ink and alternative fuels.

The Soybean Science Kit is an engaging, interesting handson approach that teaches fourth- through ninth-grade students the physical properties of polymers and oil, while instilling an appreciation for the use of biological, renewable resources in industrial manufacturing. In addition, there is a biotechnology focus for students to learn about the structure of DNA and gain a better understanding of this building block for all forms of life.

Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board: The WCPB provides financial support for the publication of the “World of Corn” activity book.

This elementary school age resource has activities, word searches and coloring pages to learn about corn.

All day, every day, corn is part of our world. Did you know that corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica? Students and young learners meet Captain Cornelius, leader of the Corn League of Champions and learn about where corn will take us next as a renewable fuel and other possibilities.

Culver’s: Culver’s sponsors the printing of the 2020 Wisconsin Farm Facts and bookmarks.

Did you know that Wisconsin ranks first in the nation for snap beans for processing, cheese, APRIL | MAY 2020

cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey for humans, milk goats and corn for silage?

The Farm Facts highlights Wisconsin’s top 10 commodities, where Wisconsin ranks nationally and has an emphasis on the green industry and ag-related careers.

Other groups and individuals who provide funds for printing and distribution of other Ag in the Classroom materials: The popular Ag in the Classroom publication, “This Business Called Agriculture” and its educator guide, for students in grades third through fifth, highlights crops, commodities and animals grown, raised and produced in Wisconsin. A reader will learn about changes in agriculture, agribusiness, organic and conventional farming, soils, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, specialty crops, turf, forestry and logging, Christmas trees, maple syrup, grains, corn, soybeans, genetic improvements, dairy goats and cattle, veal calves, beef cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, poultry, furs, fish, bees, exotic farm animals, animal identification and tracking and rendering.

Another Ag in the Classroom publication, “An Agricultural Career for You” and its educator guide for students at multiple grade levels features career pathways in agriculture and natural resources along with lists of ag-related jobs. Your pathway to career success may involve one of these agriculture-related pathways including: Plant Systems, Animal Systems, Power Structural and Technical Systems, Natural Resources Systems, Environmental Service Systems, Agribusiness Systems and Food Products and Processing Systems with more than 25 to 50 possible careers listed for each pathway. Also included is a list of Wisconsin universities, colleges and technical schools with agricultural degrees along with careerrelated activities.

Thank you, Ag in the Classroom sponsors and those who support the program. wfbf.com

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Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Deadlines Extended W

isconsin Ag in the Classroom has extended deadlines for several grants and contests due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With schools being closed, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom wants to be flexible with deadlines to allow participation while also respecting the need to put individual health and safety first,” said Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson.

Deadline extensions include: • The MORE for Agriculture grant deadline to apply is now May 10. This grant is available to teachers in grades 7-12. The MORE grant will provide 50 classroom sets of "The Hungry Planet" by Peter Menzel. The book details the food consumption of various families around the world. Companion educational lessons and resources will accompany the books.

• Essay contest submissions are now due

by April 24. This contest asks fourthand fifth-grade students to respond to the essay prompt, “How has Wisconsin agriculture affected your life today?” If school does not resume, parents may send entries to the county essay coordinator.

Find your coordinator at wisagclassroom. org/events-activities/essay-contest.

• The youth coloring contest, that is part of National Ag Day activities, deadline has been extended until May 1. Students are asked to draw and color a picture that shows people who are involved in growing, producing, processing, selling, preparing or somehow have another connection to food. The contest is open to children ages 12 and younger.

• National Ag Day reading event submission deadline has been extended until June 1. People of all ages are invited to take their favorite children’s book about agriculture and set up a virtual, Facebook Live or other social media reading.

Because many libraries are closed, people

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may need to use their own library, borrow from a friend or buy books online. The recommended book is Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s Book of the Year, "Right This Very Minute" by Wisconsin author Lisl Detlefsen. The book is available for purchase through the online store on wisagclassroom.com.

“With schools being closed and many parents looking for ways to continue their children’s learning, we encourage families to visit the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website for lesson plans, virtual learning games and more,” added Arneson.

To learn more about any of these grants or contests, visit wisagclassroom.com or contact Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Sharing the Story of Wisconsin Agriculture Each and Every Day MidwestFarmReport.com Sales: Ted.W@mwwg.com (608) 441.3644

APRIL | MAY 2020

wfbf.com

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Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between January 29 and March 20, 2020

• Farm Bureau Life Financial Group Inc. • Benevity Community Impact Fund • Green Lake County Farm Bureau in memory of Duke Lohrey • Christina Jones in memory of Lucille Casey • RJJG LLC in memory of Lucille Casey • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Barbara Brock • Donna Stewart in memory of Lucille Casey • Joseph Pierce in memory of Lucille Casey • Wyatt Berg in memory of Lucille Casey • Katheine Casey in memory of Lucille Casey • Bob and Lisa Leege in memory of Alice Steiner • Oconto County Farm Bureau in memory of Barb Brock • John and Darlene Arneson in memory of Jane Maciejewski

Centennial Donations between December 3, 2019, and March 20, 2020.

AGvocate $1,000-$4,999 donation

Ross Bishop

Harvester $300-$999 donation

Dale Theel

Planter $100-$199 donation

Outagamie County Farm Bureau

About the

Founda tion

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1988 to provide support for agricultural education and leadership programs.

Through donations and other contributions, the foundation invests time and resources to support the next generation of agriculturists.

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Thank you to Betty Engel for donating three paintings (pictured above) for Wisconsin Farm Bureau's Centennial Celebration. These paintings were auctioned at the 2019 WFBF Annual Meeting. The paintings raised $2,750 for the Centennial Fundraising Campaign.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

RURAL MUTUAL

Rural Mutual Declares Dividend for Farm Policyholders F

or the fourth year in a row since Rural Mutual established the first-of-its-kind Farm Dividend Program, the Board of Directors declared a five percent dividend on eligible farm policies to be paid in 2020.

Based on the company’s positive operating results, an estimated $2.5 million will be paid in 2020.

Farmers started receiving dividend checks in late February.

“Wisconsin’s farmers are a major contributor to our state’s economy and essential to the success of Wisconsin. As the leader in the agricultural insurance industry Rural Mutual Insurance is committed to protecting these hard-working individuals,” said Dan Merk, Executive Vice President and CEO of Rural Mutual. “Our financial strength and farm product performance allows us to reward our farm policyholders in the form of a farm dividend.”

The Farm Dividend Program is one of the many ways Rural Mutual serves its farmers and reinforces its relationship with Wisconsin Farm Bureau. Together we keep Wisconsin Strong.

APRIL | MAY 2020

For more information on Rural Mutual Insurance’s Farm Dividend Program, please contact your local Rural Mutual agent.

Wisconsin’s #1 Farm Insurer Rural Mutual is the #1 writer of farm insurance in Wisconsin for a good reason: Founded by farmers, for farmers, we understand your unique needs, whatever size your farm.

Even better, our knowledge is specific to Wisconsin, which is the only market we serve.

We know your farm is more than your business, it’s your way of life. We offer a broad range of coverage options to prevent putting that way of life at risk.

Our farm coverage options include your home and personal items, farm buildings, vehicles, farm personal property and workers’ compensation for your farm employees. And we offer a broad range of non-farm coverage. Our multi-policy discount makes insuring your risks with Rural Mutual the right choice.

Find an agent in your local community or request more information online at RuralMutual.com.

wfbf.com

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RURAL MUTUAL

The Laws of Physics: Lock Out, Tag Out for Farms O ften when talking to groups about the importance of having an established Lock Out, Tag Out procedure on the farm, someone invariably will point out, “Hey, farms are exempt from that.”

While there may be a grain of truth in there, the reality is the Laws of Physics provide far more direction on how to prevent an injury on the farm than the laws of OSHA … but more on that later.

When was the last time you, or someone you know, was injured while working on farm machinery or equipment because something moved when it shouldn’t have? It happens every day, multiple times a day, all around the state. It happens to guys like Derek while he was working on an auger in a grain bin, and his brother Eric walks by and wonders why the knife switch on the panel is off as he flips it on.

It happens to guys like Jared when he was installing a new outlet, and Alex walks in wondering why the lights are off and the switch isn’t working. He walks into the breaker room without seeing Jared and finds the breaker that someone shut off for whatever reason.

Lock Out, Tag Out (LOTO) or 'Hazardous Energy Control' as defined by OSHA is a process by which we can work on equipment and machinery safely after every energy source has been controlled. Electric and mechanical energy are the two types of energy that first come to everyone’s mind. We also need to consider other sources of energy including hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, gravitational and any other source of energy that could cause unintended movement resulting in injury.

When considering the energy source, we must consider what energy may be released either by turning the machine on, or what may be released turning it off. For instance, turning the electric power on will activate mechanical processes, while turning off or bleeding off hydraulic power may result in a component moving as the hydraulic pressure holding it in place is reduced.

Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In many cases, simply 'turning off ' the power doesn’t make something safe to work on. Not only must we disconnect the power source, but we must find a way to dissipate the stored energy.

Think of the spring in a pen. You can exert effort to depress the spring, but even when you stop exerting pressure to the spring it still wants to move. It still wants

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to return to its neutral position. The energy that wants to return the spring to its neutral position is stored energy.

The first step in establishing a LOTO policy is to develop a procedure for each piece of equipment.

Evaluate each piece of equipment against the list of energy sources above and determine how you can disconnect, release energy in a controlled manner or interrupt the release of energy to prevent movement.

Think: Safety brace to prevent a dump body from lowering.

Next, you need to determine what types of control devices are needed. In many instances a simple padlock used solely by one employee is enough to lock out power. Then after applying the LOTO control devices, attempt to restart the equipment to ensure all power sources have been locked out. Lastly, train affected employees on the procedures.

While farms are exempted from the LOTO standard for general industry detailed under 29 CFR 1910.147, I recommend that every farm use the same principles. The OSHA standard for farms only mentions disconnecting power sources of engines during servicing/maintenance in 29 CFR 1928(a)(11). As an employer, however, you are always subject to the OSHA general duty clause in Section 5(a)(1), which requires that each employer furnish to each of its employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm. More importantly, we are all subject to the laws of physics.

I invite you to visit the collection of articles and videos at RuralMutual.com as well as to visit our social media channels.

We will be releasing a series of short (1 to 3 minute) videos specifically on LOTO to help provide additional direction on how to use LOTO on the farm to ensure safety.

Chris Schlechta, Rural Mutual Safety and Loss Control Manager

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION