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december | january 2014-2015 • vol. 20 no. 6 | wfbf.com

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contents

vol. 20 no. 6

12 18 features 12

SCRAPBOOK

articles 6

A look at the 95th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in pictures.

18

HERRICKS Cashton dairy farmers received Leopold Conservation Award.

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CLARK

RESOLUTIONS

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5

news

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Members

28

member benefits

MEFFERT

30

Opinion

36

leadership

40

ag in the classroom

43

foundation

45

Rural mutual

STADELMAN Retired Towns Association executive awarded for distinguished service.

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departments

Delegates set legislative policy for 2015.

Long-time Dane County leader received top member award.

ARNDT Rock County man looks to grow Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association.

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YFA AWARDS Meet the best and brightest emerging talent in Wisconsin ag.

Meet the 2014 Young Farmer and Agriculturist Chair.

Foundation Funds Ag Grants to Wisconsin Classrooms december | january 2014-15

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Editor’s Note

G

oodbye. That is one of the hardest words for me to say, especially when I am saying goodbye to something that I love. Right now that something is being on Farm Bureau staff.

A childhood classic, “Winnie the Pooh Bear,” said it best; “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

A little over four years ago when I was hired green out of college, I would never have imagined the phenomenal people who I would work with or the incredible tasks I would have the pleasure of completing. One such project that I will miss greatly is in your hands: Rural Route.

When I started we had just printed our last newspaper-style Rural Route and were in the stages of planning our first glossy magazine Rural Route. I started on the editing and writing side of the magazine, with sprinkles of design suggestions to the communications company we outsourced it to. After two years with that structure we took the magazine back in-house and

{from Sheri Sutton} I got the privilege of staying home with my sons (Carter, two-yearsold and Quinton, four months) while designing, editing and writing Rural Route from my home office part-time.

Farm Bureau is growing and with that so is the need for more communication projects. I opted not to go to full-time and in the home office when asked, so now it is time to say goodbye.

This reminds me of a recent ride I had with my dad on his combine.

He was saying goodbye to his favorite season: harvest. As we went back and forth down the rows, my dad was excited about the yield he was getting… one of his best years.

I couldn’t help but relate that to my season at Farm Bureau and the yield I have witnessed… truly worthy of treasuring.

All seasons must come to an end, and just like Pooh Bear said, I am one lucky girl. Lucky that I have experienced an incredible role at Farm Bureau that it is hard to say goodbye. So, thank you. Thank you members and staff who have made my time here cherishable.

Whatever season in life that we’re in, let’s take the time to realize just how blessed we are.

And now the word I must say to wrap it all up: goodbye.

Sheri Sutton Rural Route Assistant Editor/Designer Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Casey Langan 608.828.5711

Assistant Editor/Designer Sheri Sutton 262.949.2418

Contributor Amy Eckelberg 608.828.5706

Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550

Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) www.wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com “Like” us on Facebook facebook.com/WIFarmBureau Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/WIFarmBureau

WFBF Board of Directors Jim Holte, Elk Mound, (President) Richard Gorder, Mineral Point, (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Joe Bragger, Independence Kevin Krentz, Berlin Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Wayne Staidl, Peshtigo Don Radtke, Merrill Rosalie Geiger, Reedsville (Women’s Committee Chair) Andrea Brossard, Burnett (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 39940) (USPS 1082-1368), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February/March, April/May, June/July, August/ September, October/November and December/ January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

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

For general inquiries, contact Casey Langan at 608.828.5711 or clangan@wfbf.com.

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news

Jim Holte Reelected WFBF President Morton new District 2 director, Geiger named Women’s Chair, Brossard selected to lead YFA

J

im Holte has been reelected for a third one-year term as the president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Holte raises beef cattle and grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa on 460 acres of land near Elk Mound in Dunn County.

Holte was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 1995 to represent District 9 on the board. District 9 represents the Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix and Superior Shores Farm Bureaus.

Holte previously served as WFBF’s representative to the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) board.

He formerly chaired the Wisconsin Livestock Siting Review Board. He is a graduate of the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program (WRLP). He formerly served as a school board member in Elk Mound, board member for GROWMARK, Inc. and citizen board member for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. He is also a past president of the Wisconsin Beef Council.

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

Richard Gorder, a dairy farmer from Mineral Point in Iowa County, was reelected as vice president. He represents District

3 (Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland and Vernon counties) on the WFBF Board of Directors.

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

Arch Morton Jr. of Rock County was elected to a three-year term as the new District 2 director, representing Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Rock and Sauk counties.

Morton raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa and winter wheat near Janesville. He succeeds Jerry Bradley of Sun Prairie in Dane Jr. Arch Morton County.

Joe Bragger, a dairy farmer from Independence in Buffalo County was reelected to a three-year term on the board representing District 4 (Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe and Trempealeau counties).

Rosie Lisowe, a dairy farmer Rosalie Geige from Chilton in Calumet r County was reelected to a three-year term representing District 6 (Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties).

Rosalie Geiger of Reedsville in Manitowoc County was elected to a one-year term as the new Women’s Committee chair.

She succeeds Nicole Adrian of Andrea Brossard Platteville in Grant County.

Andrea Brossard of Burnett in Dodge County, a third-generation dairy farmer, was elected to a one-year term as chair of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee. She succeeds Tim Clark, a native of Lomira in Fond du Lac County.

In addition to Holte and Gorder, other Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board Directors who are currently serving their three-year term are Wayne Staidl of Peshtigo in Marinette County, Don Radtke of Merrill in Lincoln County, Dave Daniels of Union Grove in Kenosha County and Kevin Krentz of Berlin in Waushara County.

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Delegates Set Policy for 2015

Delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells established new policy directives for the organization on Monday, December 8.

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arm Bureau delegates adopted the policies that will guide the legislative agenda for the state’s largest general farm organization over the next year. Resolutions were submitted by farmers from across the state through Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process.

To address a shortage of agricultural agents in the University of Wisconsin-Extension system, delegates suggested that ag agents should not be required to have a master’s degree and should be encouraged to work across county lines. Furthermore, the UW-Extension system was asked to establish regions in which specialized ag agents are assigned.

In regards to laws pertaining to high capacity wells, delegates opposed defining multiple small wells on contiguous land as a high capacity well. They also supported grandfathering in existing high capacity wells under the laws in which they were installed or upgraded including: • Renewal of existing well permits and transfers with the sale of the land.

• Reconstruction or repair of an existing well, and the ability to replace a well if there is nominal movement from the original well location.

Farm Bureau’s legislative policy is a result of the grassroots resolution process. It begins locally on the county level and culminates with statewide delegates discussing the issues on Monday morning of the WFBF Annual Meeting.

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Delegates went on record supporting the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for commercial and agricultural purposes. However, they want drone operators to be required to gain consent of the land operator before flying over it. Any information collected should be the sole property of the farmer-land owner and only be used by others with signed consent of the farmer-land owner.

Delegates from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 61 county Farm Bureaus also voted to: • Support limiting the bear population to the state’s original goal and support combining the authorization to trap and hunt bear on a renter’s property on one form.

• Support under-documented workers being able to obtain a provisional driver’s license with the completion of an instructional course.

• Oppose mandating labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) products or ingredients in Wisconsin.

• Oppose any municipality or county having the ability to levy a special assessment on agricultural property for constructing any public work or improvement.

• Support development of technical standards for the irrigation of manure and processed waste water.

• Support the concept of credit trading and adaptive management between municipalities and the agricultural community to reduce phosphorus discharge into surface waters.

on the web To see Farm Bureau’s policy book go to wfbf.com/legislation-regulations/ policy. The 2015 policy book will be uploaded by this spring.

Save the Date

Ag DMarch Ay At the CApitol 11, 2015 Monona Terrace Convention Center • Madison, WI

Schedule of Events:

Presented by:

11:00 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Opening Program 11:45 a.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. Legislative Briefing 3:00 p.m. Leave for Capitol Visits

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

december | january 2014-15

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news

Jack Meffert Receives ‘Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau’ Award

D

ane County’s Jack Meffert has received the highest award the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation bestows upon its members.

Meffert was presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s “Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau” award during the organization’s 95th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 7. Meffert, a dairy and crop farmer from rural Waunakee has provided exceptional leadership and support to Farm Bureau’s efforts.

Meffert was elected to the Dane County Farm Bureau Board of Directors in 1980. He served as its membership chair from 1987 to 2013.

“He exemplified what a membership chair should do, with 280 Farm Bureau members credited to his referrals,” said Tom Jelinek, Dane County Farm Bureau President. “He spends hundreds of hours each year visiting with prospective members.

He advocated working with Frontier-Servco FS employees and Rural Mutual Insurance Company agents to bring a unified effort to membership work.”

Meffert strongly supports the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program and youth programs in Dane County. He has served as a mentor to many board members and has encouraged many young members to attend the YFA Conference, serve as voting delegates or volunteer with Ag in the Classroom.

Since 1995 he’s coordinated a golf outing fundraiser for Farm

“He exemplified what a membership chair should do, with 280 Farm Bureau members credited to his referrals,” - Tom Jelinek, Dane County Farm Bureau President

Bureau programs and scholarships. He recently encouraged and assisted new board members to continue the event. He also implemented a scholarship program for Dane County Farm Bureau members and their children to assist those entering careers in agriculture.

Meffert served as the Dane County Farm Bureau’s Secretary/ Treasurer from 1982 to 2013. He served as the Dane County Farm Bureau representative on the DancoPrairie FS Board of Directors for more than 15 years.

“He truly understands and promotes the Farm Bureau family concept with his support of FS and Rural Mutual Insurance services,” Jelinek said.

He has served many times as a delegate to the WFBF Annual Meeting. He was named the ‘Friend of Agriculture’ by the Dane County Farm Bureau in 2013.

As a member of the Dane County Dairy Promotion Committee, his family hosted the Breakfast on the Farm in 1988. He has served on the Town of Vienna planning committee for more than a decade. He is a member and usher at St. John’s Church in Waunakee, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and Waunakee FFA Alumni.

Jack and his wife, Marilyn, have three children (Jeff, Jean and Sue), two grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren. He farms in partnership Quality Buildings with his son, Jeff.

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Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Richard Stadelman Receives Farm Bureau’s ‘Distinguished Service to Agriculture’ Award

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ichard Stadelman was presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s “Distinguished Service to Agriculture” award during the organization’s 95th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 7.

The Distinguished Service to Agriculture is awarded for outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s agricultural industry. Richard Stadelman retired as the Wisconsin Towns Association’s Executive Director in August.

“Rick has been a strong supporter of Wisconsin’s Right to Farm law and the use value assessment of farmland,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President. “He was also a key partner in securing support for Wisconsin’s update to implement of husbandry laws this year.”

“A true friend of agriculture, throughout his career Rick’s leadership played a big part in creating state standards for siting livestock farms and the farmland preservation program.”

The Wisconsin Towns Association is a voluntary association of 1,255 towns and 18 villages. Stadelman began his career with the Towns Association in 1979. He first served as general legal counsel. In 1984 he became its legislative representative, and was named executive director in 1987.

Stadelman is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1972. He served as Assistant District Attorney from 1973-74 in Shawano and Menominee counties. He was twice elected District

“A true friend of agriculture, throughout his career Rick’s leadership played a big part in creating state standards for siting livestock farms and the farmland preservation program.” - WFBF President Jim Holte Attorney of these counties in 1974 and 1976. After that he practiced law in Shawano while working on a part-time basis for the Towns Association.

As Executive Director of Wisconsin Towns Association, he served on several Legislative Council Special Study Committees and several advisory committees for state agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Livestock Siting Advisory Committee and Working Lands Committee.

Rick and his wife, Sue, live in the Town of Richmond, along the Red River near Shawano. They have four children.

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Congratulations YFA Award Winners...

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Dustin Williams

Earns Excellence in Ag Award

ustin Williams of South Wayne was selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Excellence in Agriculture contest at the organization’s 95th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells, December 7.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award goes to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 who is actively engaged in agriculture, but derives the majority of their income from an off-farm agricultural career. The winner is selected based on their knowledge of agriculture, leadership in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations.

Williams is an agricultural education instructor at Blackhawk Technical College in Monroe. He is the vice president of the Green County Farm Bureau and is active in their county Ag in the Classroom program.

He was recently elected to the Green County Fair Board and helps with the county’s tractor safety program Williams will compete in the national Excellence in Agriculture contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Conference next month in San Diego. He will also be a guest of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at next year’s WFBF YFA Conference in Wisconsin Dells. He received a $250 FS Fast Stop gift card from GROWMARK, Inc. and will be a guest at its annual meeting in Chicago in August. He also qualifies for the YFA Washington, D.C. trip in 2016.

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zaukee County dairy farmer Mark Mayer was selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Achievement Award at the organization’s 95th Annual Meeting on December 7.

Mayer who lives in Fredonia has a dairy farm and farms 550 acres. He first rented facilities to farm until purchasing his current farm in 2006. He attended Lakeshore Technical College for dairy herd management.

Mayer is the vice president of the Ozaukee County YFA Committee, serves on the Ozaukee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and is active in the county Policy Development Committee. He also serves on his local fire department.

Farm Bureau’s Achievement Award is a contest that recognizes farmers between the ages of 18 and 35, who have excelled in their farming career, understand current issues affecting agriculture, and have shown leadership and involvement in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations.

Mayer will compete in the national Achievement Award contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Conference next month in San Diego.

He also qualifies to attend a trip to Washington D.C. in 2016.

He will be a guest of the WFBF at next year’s WFBF YFA Conference, and of GROWMARK, Inc. at its annual meeting in Chicago in August. FABCO Equipment Inc. awared Mayer 40 hours use of a FABCO skid-steer loader and Rural Mutual Insurance provided him a free financial plan.

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Mark Mayer

Earns Achievement Award

... and Discussion Meet Winners

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than Giebel of Juneau County was selected winner of the 2014 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Agriculturist Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 95th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 7.

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

Giebel is a senior at UW-Platteville where he is pursuing a degree in agricultural education. He enjoys working on his parents’ farm in Juneau County, where they raise dairy steers, corn and alfalfa.

He also works as a freelance writer for the Wisconsin Agriculturist and Filament Marketing. On campus, he is a member of the UW-Platteville collegiate Farm Bureau, Collegiate FFA and Alpha Zeta. He is also is a member of the Juneau County Farm Bureau and a lifetime Mauston FFA Alumni member.

Giebel will compete in the national Discussion Meet contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Conference next month in San Diego. He qualifies for the YFA trip to Washington, D.C. in 2016. Midwest Stihl awarded a chainsaw and Rural Mutual Insurance provided a free financial plan. Giebel will be a guest of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at next year’s WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference, and a special guest at the annual meeting of GROWMARK, Inc. in Chicago in August.

Other state finalists in the Discussion Meet were: Adam Wehling of Buffalo County, Jamie Propson of Manitowoc County and Peter Kimball of Pierce County.

Ethan Giebel

Wins YFA Discussion Meet

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Nate Zimdars

Wins Collegiate Discussion Meet

ate Zimdars was selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 95th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 7.

Zimdars is a junior at UW-Madison where he is earning a degree in history and education. He grew up on a sheep and poultry hobby farm near Ripon.

His passion for agriculture grew from his involvement in 4-H and working on his grandparents’ dairy farm, a strawberry farm and an apple orchard. Nate is a member of the Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau.

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

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

Zimdars will represent Wisconsin in a national collegiate Discussion Meet contest at the American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Nashville this February.

Other finalists included Emily Selner of UW-Madison, Rachel Leege and Kallie Jo Kastenson from UW-Platteville, and Kaylin Spaeth and Aaron Zimmerman from UW-River Falls.

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Wisconsin farm bureau federation

2014

Annual Meeting

Scrapbook

This year was Dunn County Farm Bureau member Carl Casper’s 50th Annual Meeting!

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news

The ‘Social’ Scene at #WFBFAM14

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Wisconsin farm bureau federation

IN THE FAMILY. IN THE BLOOD. When the second generation of Kaiser Family Farm approached Ruder Ware on leaving the farm to their sons, our experienced team of ag attorneys knew where to begin, and how much a smooth transition meant to them. We know that farms are highly specialized businesses requiring careful planning to minimize potential disagreements and “surprises.” But we also know that to some, a farm is more than just a business. It’s a treasure and a tradition.

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news

WFBF Grows in 2014 The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation marked another year of membership growth in 2014. WFBF ended its membership year in September with 45,270 members, an increase of 389 from 2013, marking the seventh straight year of membership growth.

Bayfield

Superior Shores (Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Ashland)

Douglas

Iron Ashland Sawyer Price Polk

Rusk

St. Croix

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Marinette

Langlade

Taylor Chippewa

Dunn

Oconto

Marathon Eau Claire

Pierce

FBF membership is comprised of voting and associate members.

Voting members are farmers, people with direct involvement in production agriculture and owners of agricultural property. Associate members are individuals and businesses who join Farm Bureau to utilize services and benefits and to support the work of the organization.

WFBF ended the 2014 membership year with 24,224 voting members and 21,046 associate members.

Forty-three county Farm Bureaus saw an increase in membership in 2014. Those with the largest membership gains were Jefferson, Rock and Winnebago counties.

Thirty-nine of the 61 county Farm Bureaus reported an increase in voting members. The largest increases came in Manitowoc, Rusk and Rock counties. With a renewal rate of 93 percent for voting members, combined with 1,677 new voting members, the Farm Bureau achieved an increase in voting members for the tenth time in the last 13 years.

“Membership growth is a high priority for any association, and

Lincoln

Barron

Clark Portage

Trempealeau

Wood

Brown Waupaca

Jackson

Buffalo

Manitowoc Calumet

Adams Monroe

Total Gain Only Voting Gain Only Both Voting and Total Gain

Kewaunee

Outagamie

Waushara La Crosse

Door

Shawano

Winnebago Marquette Green Lake

Juneau

Fond du Lac

Sheboygan

Vernon Crawford

Richland

Columbia

Sauk

Washington Dodge Ozaukee

No Gains Iowa

Waukesha

Dane

Jefferson

Milwaukee

Grant Lafayette

especially for an organization like Farm Bureau that represents farmers and agriculture in general,” said Bob Leege, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Executive Director of Member Relations. “The need for an organization that provides a voice for agriculture is greater today than ever. Having a growing membership adds strength to that voice.”

Among the member benefits are a $500 private offer discount on eligible General Motors vehicles, a discount on AAA membership and many other travel and equipment discounts.

Green

Rock

Walworth

Racine Kenosha

WFBF members work to develop grassroots policy that is lobbied in Madison and Washington, D.C. on their behalf. A variety of programs provide networking and leadership development opportunities to members. In addition, WFBF assists farmers in sharing their stories with the non-farming public.

on the web Learn more about membership and benefits here wfbf.com/benefits-membership.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Membership Volunteers Earn Producer Club Status “Farmers are as busy as they’ve ever been and cannot always stay current on legislative matters.

That’s why a Farm Bureau membership is a very small investment to help do that job for them.“ - Keith Jacobson, Racine County volunteers from 34 counties earned Producer Club status. arm Bureau wrapped up another Producer Club member Keith Jacobson successful membership year on from Racine County summed up the September 30, reaching a gain in importance of membership recruitment, membership for the seventh consecutive saying “Farmers are as busy as they’ve year. This achievement was made ever been and cannot always stay current possible in large part due to the efforts on legislative matters. That’s why a Farm of a dedicated group of volunteer Bureau membership is a very small membership workers who invited investment to help do that job for them.” their friends and neighbors to join the Producer Club member Dan Obert from organization in 2014. For more than Vernon County added “Once most people thirty years, the Farm Bureau Producer understand what Farm Bureau does for Club has recognized volunteers who agriculture and has to offer them, they are sign at least five new Farm Bureau more than happy to join! For me, that is members during the membership year, very rewarding.” which begins on October 1 and ends on Once again, Fond du Lac County September 30. In 2014, 77 Farm Bureau Membership Chairman Trayton Greenfield

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led the way among all volunteers with 30 new members signed.

Other top membership workers included Jim Meng (15 new members), Mike Harms (14), Karyn Schauf (11), Randy Wokatsch (11), Tim Miller (11), Dan Obert (11), Keith Jacobson (10), John Scott (9), and Tim Hoyt, Jeff Ditzenberger, and Todd Quarne (each with 8).

“As a membership organization, it is crucial that Farm Bureau continues to bring new members into the fold” said Bob Leege, Executive Director of Member Relations. “Our volunteer membership workers have accepted the challenge of helping to ensure that Farm Bureau will have a growing base of active members and the financial strength to carry out our mission in years to come.”

Counties Recognized at Annual Meeting

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ounty Farm Bureaus across Wisconsin work hard to promote agriculture, build membership and strengthen our programs. To honor this outstanding work, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation presented the 2014 County Activities of Excellence Awards during the WFBF Annual Meeting.

Chosen counties and their outstanding areas of work include: Iowa County for planning, promoting and hosting Farmers Appreciation Day, a community event that celebrates agriculture and recognizes local farmers and agribusinesses; Richland County for organizing and conducting a successful assembly candidate forum to discuss agricultural issues; Dodge County for its “Dodge Dash – 5K Run/Walk, an outreach event to build a connection between the county Farm Bureau and

community members and businesses; Sauk County for its “Discover Agriculture” educational outreach program to second grade classrooms in the county; Green County for implementing a County Farm Bureau Facebook page to share information and ideas with fellow Farm Bureau members and the general public; Manitowoc County for its 25th annual Breakfast on the Farm event, connecting the public with local farmers; Outagamie County for its successful Young Farmer and Agriculturist membership recruitment event; Taylor County for organizing and conducting its first “Cans for a Cause” event to collect

food items for local food pantries and raise awareness of the need for increased support to feed hungry families in the local community; and Iowa County for conducting an agriculture promotion event at local grocery stores in conjunction with Super Bowl Sunday.

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Meet the Herricks Family:

A Heritage of Conservation

By Casey Langan

“Y

ou put a higher value on things,” Jack Herricks says of farming on hilly countryside. “It’s hard to make a living on these hills. We want to keep the top soil that can be lost so easy.”

He credits his father with instilling a value that land is a precious resource. It was his dad who built the farm’s first retention dam, added grass waterways and stressed not overspreading manure where it was most convenient.

Jack remembers picking rocks every spring as a child and watching his dad plow the hilly contoured fields just south of Cashton.

He farms the same contours today, but a switch to no-till farming practices helps keep topsoil on the fields and rocks in the ground.

At one point, Jack had transitioned to chisel plowing which left more residue on the fields, but erosion was still evident.

“I made up my mind I was going to be a no-till farmer. It’s like a marriage,” he explained. “I’m gonna make this work. I’m not going to give up on it.”

“It’s less effort and it leaves the rocks in the ground. It reduced erosion substantially,” said Jack, who takes every opportunity to talk about it to other farmers. Workshops have been held on the Herricks farm, where he’s showed others how to adjust a planter for no-till.

“I take every opportunity I can to talk to farmers about notill,” he said. “I tell them it saves on soil, toil and oil.”

Herricks’ farm was an active participant in the Jersey Valley Watershed Project and was a research site for the University of Wisconsin’s Discovery Farms project. The research gave

credibility to Herricks’ efforts to keep nutrients on the soil. Two decades of conservation efforts in the area have revived the nearby Brush Creek to a Class 3 trout stream.

Years ago, Herricks says it was common for every square foot of land not cropped to be fenced off and grazed. After he abandoned that practice, there was regrowth of young trees. He began planting cover crops that could be used to feed heifers, while keeping soils intact.

“Conservation is part of our heritage, just as farming is,” he said.

“To appreciate where we are today, we have to remember where we came from.” Jack Herricks

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It’s for this type of land ethic that Jack and his wife, Pat, and their family received the prestigious 2014 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, it recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.

Finding his true calling “I was privileged to know early on what I wanted to do,” Jack says. “I’ve never had a job interview.”

While Jack always wanted to be a farmer, he says it was an unforeseen turn of events that brought him home to the farm.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Herricks Dairy Farm Named Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Recipient He gave thought to becoming a priest between the ages of 14 and 18 while attending the Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, but that was not his calling.

Jack wanted to be a dairy farmer, but as the second oldest of 12 children, he wasn’t sure if that was a realistic option.

With hopes of always working around cows, he planned to become a veterinarian instead. In 1971, following a year at Loras College in Iowa, he was set to transfer to UW-River Falls, where his older brother was also studying.

Tragedy befell his family when his father was killed in a tractor accident. Jack, 19 at the time, quit his summer job and came home to help on the farm. He and his older brother realized the farm was not big enough to support both of them.

“I spoke up right away, well I’d like to farm,” Jack told his mother and older brother.

His older brother wanted to continue his education to become a teacher. So it was settled.

“It was not just stepping into a farmer role. There were a lot of mouths to feed around here. I also helped mom raise children, including my youngest brother who was just six months old at the time,” he said. “He was more like a son than a brother because of his age. He grew up here and worked on the farm before settling into his own career. It was a great thing for both of us.”

Jack met his future wife in 1971 as well. Pat was a senior at Cashton High School, who attended a cattle judging field trip at the Herricks farm.

One of 13 children, Pat was a farm girl from nearby Portland, who always said she wouldn’t marry a farmer.

“I thought maybe she was interested in farming since she was out here judging cattle,” Jack said with a laugh.

Jack asked his brother about her. The couple married in 1973. During those first lean years, he said they worked for 10 percent of the milk check. They raised a labor-intensive, but lucrative acre of tobacco for a few years.

The Herricks have three children (Angie, Nathan and Daniel) and seven grandchildren. Nathan is a financial consultant in North Carolina. Angie and Daniel both did stints in college before realizing they wanted to be on the farm.

2012 marked a century of farm ownership by the Herricks. Today their farm consists of 1,010 acres (250 of it is wooded). All crops are grown to feed their herd of 600 dairy cows.

“Dad liked raising crops, but he emphasized the cows are where we make money,” he said. “We have to take care of the cows first.”

The herd consists of Holsteins crossbred with Jersey and Brown Swiss. Their milk is shipped to Foremost Farms.

In 1996 a transition was made from a traditional stall barn to a free stall barn and parlor. The Herricks’ home, barns and sheds are neatly tucked in a scenic valley. Heifers and dry cows are kept at rented facilities on other farms.

(Continued on page 20.)

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and County Foundation and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation are proud to announce Herricks Dairy Farm is the recipient of Wisconsin’s Leopold Conservation Award. The award honors Wisconsin landowner achievement in voluntary stewardship and management of natural resources.

The announcement was made during the November 19 meeting of the Wisconsin Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board in Madison. An independent judging panel made the selection September 17.

Jack and Pat Herricks, along with their children and their families, operate a 600-cow dairy farm in Cashton in the rolling hills of Monroe County.

The Herricks have practiced no till farming since 1992 before many farmers had considered it.

Jack Herricks’ decades-long commitment to conservation practices includes soil erosion control measures, reduction of runoff into area waterways, forestry management, enhancement of wildlife habitat and careful manure management.

“This is a great award,” said Jack Herricks. “It recognizes the lifetime of efforts that we’ve practiced on our farm. But for me personally, it offers another venue to spread my conservation ethic to more people.

And I really look forward to doing that.”

“The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is proud to recognize Jack and Pat Herricks as this year’s recipients,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President. “Their life-long conservation efforts inspire others and benefit our natural resources.”

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. It inspires other landowners through these examples and provides a visible forum where farmers, ranchers and other private landowners are recognized as conservation leaders. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”

The 2014 Leopold Conservation Award along with a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold and $10,000 was presented to the Herricks December 7 at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is made possible through the generous support of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Badgerland Financial, Alliant Energy Foundation, American Transmission Company, DuPont Pioneer, Farm Credit, The Mosaic Company and The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation. december | january 2014-15 19 Visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

(Continued from page 19.)

Sand is used for bedding in the freestall barn. Jack says the mix of sand in the manure “helps mellow out the heavy clay soil.”

In 1981 he transitioned from hauling manure every day to utilizing short-term manure storage. Now they spread manure about every 10 days. One manure pit stores about two months of waste from the parlor. Another pit can hold two weeks’ worth of manure from the free stall barn.

“People can get by without a car, a watch, maybe even electricity, but not food,” Jack said. “I feel so privileged to be part of this little group of people that can produce food.”

“When I came home to farm I had a suitcase of clothes and 10 dollars,” he recalls. “All I had was a desire to succeed with 34 cows and 120 acres. Today I still think we’re a little family farm.

It almost overwhelms me to think how we grew from where we started. It doesn’t seem possible.”

“Early on I thought I was doing this for myself. Somewhere I came to know this isn’t my land. It’s God’s land. I’m his caretaker. I felt a great sense of responsibility to care for these resources,” he said. “This farm has nurtured our family for a century. It behooves us to make sure it can take care of future generations by producing food on this land.”

Farm Bureau Seedlings Check out the recent baby boom by Farm Bureau staff:

Hayden 3.14.14

Mom: Director of Governmental Relations Karen Gefvert

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Fynnley 4.22.14

Mom: Director of Governmental Relations Karen Gefvert

Levi 5.30.14

Mom: District 6 Coordinator Kimberly Rusch

Quinton 7.5.14

Mom: Director of Communications Sheri Sutton

Sadie 10.19.14

Mom: District 5 Coordinator Becky Hibicki

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

1st Tammy Wiedenbeck, Lancaster

The state YFA Committee sponsored a photo contest for Farm Bureau members to enter their best pictures of how they innovate, educate and motivate others about Wisconsin agriculture. The top three entries are shown here.

2nd Lindsey Prahl, Wausau

3rd

Tammy Wiedenbeck, Lancaster

Send us YOUR Photos

Photo submitted by Amber Keller, Avalon

Photo submitted by Kelly Berg, Elkhorn

nek, Vesper

Photo submitted by Jenna Oko

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members live and work on some of the most beautiful pieces of land.

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.

december | january 2014-15

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Meet Austin Arndt

By Casey Langan

Austin Arndt has a message for fellow young farmers:

Get involved.

“Y

ou hear people talk about how busy they are,” he said. “Everyone’s busy; Get over it. That’s just the world we live in.”

It’s not just talk from this 30-year-old, thirdgeneration beef and crop farmer. He walks the walk as the president of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association.

“There’s a need for the next generation to step up and take more of a leadership role,” he surmised.

Arndt took that step after being asked to join the board of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, an organization of about 200 members made up of breed associations and individual cattle owners.

He had been looking to get involved in something following his 2006 graduation from Iowa State University, where he played nose tackle on the football team, worked at the Iowa State Teaching Farm and belonged to the Block and Bridle Club.

Armed with a degree in animal science and economics, Arndt returned to farm with his family.

The 30-year-old admits farming is the only thing he’s ever wanted to do.

His grandfather, Willard Arndt, began farming southeast of Janesville in Rock County’s Town of LaPrairie. Today, Arndt Farms Inc. consists of his father Bob, uncles David and Allen, and brother Abraham. Together, they grow a variety of crops across 3,000 acres and market 1,850 beef cattle annually.

“If we don’t tell our own story, they will for us and I guarantee we won’t like what they have to say.”

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Austin and Abraham own their own cattle business, Arndt Angus LLC, which consists of 50 commercial Angus cows, and another herd of 50 high-end, registered Angus cows. They sell genetics to others via the use of embryo transfer technology.

The Arndts’ diverse crop production includes staples like field corn, soybeans and alfalfa, specialty crops like peppermint, and canning crops like sweet corn, green beans and peas that are sold to the nearby Seneca Foods processing plant.

Blessed with flat topography, two-thirds of their rich, sandy cropland is under pivoted irrigation systems. It’s ability to warm up quickly (due partly to cover crop residue) gives the Arndts the ability to double crop. Cover crops like turnips and winter rye are eventually consumed by the cattle herd.

The marketed cattle are often bought at 800 pounds from farms in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Kentucky. The Arndts have found success buying cattle via the Internet.

Online sales of cattle (by the lot) lists their origin, current location, pedigrees, weights, vaccinations, implants, delivery date and what they are eating. The buyer can sort by region, type and weight.

“It lets you find exactly what you want,” Arndt said. “It works pretty good.”

Not only does the buyer avoid driving long distances to auctions, but the cattle avoid the stress of making a stop at a sale barn between farms.

It’s not how things were done in the past, and that’s a trend with Arndt. He and his brother foresee changes in their family farm’s future. Arndt is also helping navigate the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association’s path forward.

“Beef demand remains strong, especially export markets, and cattle supplies remain tight. Herd expansion has likely started. The prospects for herd expansion indicate that it may take the rest of the decade and prices will remain steady or push higher over that time.”

As Beef Grows in Wisconsin, Arndt Looks to Grow the Cattlemen’s Association

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xtreme drought in the South and West, coupled with an extended period of high feed prices took a toll on the size of the U.S. cattle herd. At a time of strong international demand and historically high prices for beef, the U.S. cattle herd was reduced to numbers not seen since the 1950s.

However, Wisconsin has bucked that trend. Arndt says it’s one of three states where beef cattle numbers have grown over the past five years.

“There’s great potential in Wisconsin,” he said. “We have green grass, plentiful moisture and sunshine. Much of the West is not as fortunate.”

Ranking second for the number of slaughter facilities, Arndt says “Wisconsin is set up really well.”

The average size of a Wisconsin beef herd is about 18 head of cattle. For some it’s a hobby, for others their farm’s main source of income is something other than beef.

“Those producers (with 18 head of cattle) are just as important to the Wisconsin beef industry as a producer with 500 head,” he said.

While there are about 15,000 farms with beef cattle on them, Arndt admits the WCA’s membership has been stagnant at about 200 members.

This is part of his challenge as the president of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association.

“We need to better communicate the value of membership in the organization,” he said. “There’s quite a few that don’t know what we do to represent them in Madison.”

The WCA’s Board of Directors is working on a strategic plan with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to align their common goals, revamp their dues structure, strengthen state affiliations and coordinate member benefit offerings. WCA also seeks to be the unifed voice of the Wisconsin beef industry in the legislative arena, and increase the frequency and type of communication with members and non-members.

For more information about WCA visit wisconsincattlemen.com.

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County Kernels Dunn County

Governor Scott Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch made a stop in District 9 on Tuesday, October 7. They went to Loren and Diane Hanson’s farm in Elk Mound. Farm Bureau members from around the district heard both Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Kleefisch speak and also talked with them about agriculture. Lt. Governor Kleefisch spoke about agriculture’s $88 billion impact in Wisconsin.

Dane County

The Dane County Annual Golf Outing was held on August 19 at Lake Windsor Golf Club. The golfers enjoyed excellent weather and a beautiful course. After the golfing was finished everyone moved indoors to continue the fun with a great meal, raffle and silent auction. Due to the generosity sponsors and participants they were able to raise $3,000.

Marquette County Counties in District 7 and 8

The Marquette County Farm Bureau hosted the June County Dairy Breakfast on June 15 at the Ken and Cheri Borzick family farm. More than 1,100 people were served.

They milk 200 Holstein and Jersey cows and use robotic feeders to help in their day-to-day chores. The Borzicks have been farming since 1981. In 2008, they built a new milking parlor and free-stall barn to help their ever growing farm.

On September 20, 18 YFA members from Districts 7 and 8 toured the Gardner Cranberry processing facilities in Pittsville. More than 55 percent of the state’s cranberry production finds its way through this facility. Some cranberries are stored for fresh and frozen sale, some are processed into juice concentrate and some end up in bags and jars of dried cranberries. The group experienced the process from the cranberry bog to the finished product.

Winnebago County Winnebago County Ag in the Classroom coordinator Cecelia Brooks had a busy summer attending the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market on Saturdays to conduct a variety of hands-on Ag in the Classroom activities. She conducted the “garden in a glove,” a handprint animal activity, butter making and had children take a cheese quiz and answer Wisconsin agriculture trivia. Each Saturday she worked with approximately 35-60 youth. According to Brooks, “It’s just cool being able to reach into an urban community and educate people on where their food comes from and how agriculture impacts their lives.”

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Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Members

Farm Bureau

Recipes and photos courtesy of the Wisconsin Pork Association

All-Star Pork Meatballs 1 pound ground pork 1 tablespoon onion flakes 3/4 cup corn flakes, crushed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black

pepper 1 egg 1/4 cup ketchup 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, onion flakes, corn flakes, salt, pepper and egg. In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar and dry mustard. Spoon two tablespoons of the ketchup mixture into the pork and mix well. Spray muffin tin with vegetable cooking spray. Form six meatballs and place in muffin tin.

Coat the top of each meatball with the remaining ketchup mixture. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees, until nicely glazed and internal temperature is 160 degrees.

Applesauce-Stuffed Tenderloin 2 pork tenderloins, 1 pound each 1/4 cup apple juice or vermouth 2/3 cup chunky applesauce 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon fennel seed, finely crushed 1/4 teaspoon salt Heat oven to 425 degrees. Using a sharp knife, form a “pocket� in each tenderloin by cutting a lengthwise slit down center of each almost to, but not through, bottom of each tenderloin. Place tenderloins in shallow roasting pan.

In small bowl, stir together apple juice, applesauce, peanuts, fennel, salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into pocket in each tenderloin. Secure stuffed pockets with toothpicks. Roast for 20-27 minutes until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees, followed by a three-minute rest time before slicing to serve.

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After graduating from UW-Madison in 2008 with degrees in agricultural journalism and agricultural economics, Clark pursued a job with Elanco Animal Health in North Carolina as a sales representative in the hog industry, but his passion for cattle and to be closer to family drew him back to Wisconsin.

Meet 2014 YFA Chair

Tim Clark

By Sheri Sutton

“A

requirements, but the vocal outbursts from the local community took us by surprise. Friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners expressed disapproval and dismay. Several people tried to petition our family to sell the farm and leave the area.”

This shook the Clark family. They desired to communicate and explain the benefits they provide to the local community and to repair the big disconnect between their farm and their neighbors, so Tim turned to Farm Bureau, the voice of agriculture.

The family had been members for generations, but this event gave them the desire to be active members. Tim was quickly appointed to serve as the Fond du Lac County YFA chair and he began hosting socials, fundraisers - Dale Beaty, WFBF and county service projects to better Director of Training & Leadership Development connect agriculture to the local community.

In 2010, he created District 5’s YFA Ball – a social and routine for them as they had made other smaller expansion entertainment gathering. It drew in more than 150 members one projects since transitioning from dairy to beef nine years prior. of which was Danielle Hammer.

“It wasn’t until we pulled up to the Dodge County public “I knew she was going to be my wife when I saw her that office for their monthly meeting that we realized this was going evening,” said Clark. “I was planning a social event for our YFA to be very different,” explained Clark. “The public hearing could members, I didn’t think I was going to meet my best friend.” not overturn the building permit because it met all of the state s our family sat around the table after the town board meeting, we looked around at each other and asked what could we have done differently and what should we do now?” Tim Clark said referring to an event that dramatically changed him and his family.

In 2009, the Clark family applied for a building permit to add facilities to their farmstead in LeRoy, Wisconsin that would double their beef-feedlot capacity. This process was fairly

“Tim’s greatest leadership skill is being able to project his passion and drive in such a way as to inspire others to do and be more than they ever believed they could.”

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Wisconsin farm bureau federation

in each county program.”

The couple married this past When asked what his summer and purchased their message is to YFA members, first heifer calf. They now have Tim said, “Get active! Holding a more than 40 animals on their membership is one thing, being a farm Wisconsin Land & Cattle member is another. It wasn’t until Company, LLC in Beaver Dam. I needed the Farm Bureau that “It hasn’t been very easy, I became active with the Farm but we’re on track to live out Bureau. The opportunities for our American dream,” said personal growth are tremendous.

Clark. “Danielle and I are fifth Clark is the youngest of David and These are unique opportunities generation farmers but our Patty Clark’s five children, all of whom that are tailored to your passion families’ history doesn’t make are dependent on agriculture to feed for agriculture, but only if you us farmers. The values we have their families. get active with the gained from program.” being raised Tim has taken on the farm advantage of many have motivated opportunities us to become in Farm Bureau farmers so from serving we can pass on the Policy them along Development to the next Committee to generation.” graduating from To help the Institute support his leadership family and class and from his farming participating in the dream, Tim YFA Washington, works as the D.C. fly-in to District Sales competing in Manager for Married in June, the Clarks will begin “It hasn’t been very easy, but we’re on track the final four Dairyland Seed, a two-year term on the American Farm to live out our American dream,” said Clark.

Discussion Meet covering Dane, Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher and numerous Columbia, Committee in February. activities in Sauk, Richland, between.

Adams and His family still farms in LeRoy Juneau counties in south-central – almost 2,000 acres of corn, Wisconsin. soybeans, alfalfa and wheat At December’s Farm Bureau and raise more than 2,250 beef Annual Meeting, Clark wrapped cattle annually. When referring up his year of service as the state back to the town hall event in YFA Chair. In that role he traveled 2009, Clark said, “There has more than 5,000 miles, attended not been much change in our more than 60 YFA events and held local community where my a yearlong seat on the Wisconsin family farms today, however it Farm Bureau Federation Board of has changed the Clark Family.

Directors.

We open our doors to schools “I joined Farm Bureau for rural Clark is also involved in the Midwest and other organizations that leadership development, but I’ve Forage Association, Mayville FFA are willing to come and hear gotten so much more,” mentioned Alumni and is a men’s group leader at our story and learn about beef Clark. “With a mission to be the St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Parish. production in Wisconsin.” voice for agriculture, Farm Bureau is the organization for everyone.

Networking opportunities, member-benefit discounts, Rural Mutual insurance, legislative representation, leadership on the web development, and other social benefits are a few areas that Farm Bureau members can ‘live out’ their membership. The Follow Tim and Danielle Clark’s blog, Young Farmers with Old Values, at strength of our organization comes from the leadership grown wfbf.com/author/tclark. december | january 2014-15

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on the web

Member Benefits

Savings for your Family or Business

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

Wisconsin Farm Bureau offers benefits and services to its members, covering a range of options that respond to the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin.

Supplies & Products Case IH - Eligible Farm Bureau members will receive an incentive discount ($300 to $500) when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers. The discount can be used with other discounts, promotions, rebates or offers that may be provided by Case IH or a Case IH dealership. Go to www.fbverify. com/case to see the eligible models and print your certificate.

FS-Growmark Patronage - Members who are patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage dividends when patronage is paid.

Grainger Industrial Supply - Grainger Industrial Supply is the nation’s leading maintenance, repair and operational supplies distributor. Receive at least a 10% discount on all Grainger catalog items. For a free catalog call 608.221.3861.

When ordering use the Farm Bureau account #855922019.

Auto General Motors - Eligible members may receive a $500 discount on qualifying Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicles they purchase or lease. Individuals must be members for at least 30 days to qualify.

Health ScriptSave® - ScriptSave is a prescription drug savings card available to you at NO COST as an added feature of your membership. Call 800.700.3957.

Stroke Detection Plus - Stroke Detection Plus offers preventative medical screenings at a discounted price to Farm Bureau members. These ultrasound screenings help detect blockages that can lead to stroke, aortic aneurysms and other artery diseases.

For more information, call 1.877.732.8258.

Polaris - Farm Bureau members will receive a manufacturer’s incentive discount of $200-$300 depending on the vehicle acquired. Members should negotiate their best deal with their preferred Polaris dealer and then add the manufacturer’s incentive discount to the bottom line. There is no limit to the number of incentive discounts that a Farm Bureau member may use so long as it’s no more than one per unit acquired and the acquisition(s) is/are made for their personal and/or business use. Individuals must be members for at least 30 days to qualify.

Financial

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

AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program - The AgriPlanNOW! program is based on Section 105 of the IRS code and can allow farmers and other self-employed individuals to deduct 100 percent of their family’s medical expenses through their farm or business. To learn more about AgriPlan and/or sign up, go to www. tasconline.com or call 888.595.2261.

Accidental Death Policy - Members receive $1,500 in accidental death insurance for themselves and their spouse, and $500 for minors. The policy increases in value for consecutive years of membership up to $3,500.

Farm Bureau Bank - Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s FDIC insured checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans. Go to www.farmbureaubank.com.

Insurance

Travel

Rural Mutual Insurance Company - Offering a full line of insurance and financial products for your personal, farm and business needs exclusively for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. Our rural Wisconsin heritage assures that you’ll find in us the strong values you expect and deserve. Visit us on the web at www.ruralins.com to find your nearest Rural Mutual agent.

Farm Bureau Financial Services is a dynamic multi-state insurance and investment organization serving individuals and families in not only rural areas, but also suburban and metropolitan. You can get more information about the financial services from your local Rural Insurance agent. Learn more about Farm Bureau Financial Services at www.fbfs.com.

Communication

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Office Depot - Save up to 80% on Office Depot Preferred Products along with reduced prices on ink, paper, office supplies, toner, stamps/daters, pens, pads, furniture and much more. Members get free next day delivery with free shipping on orders over $50 and terrific copy and print pricing. Visit wfbf.com/officedepot.

AAA - Members can save up to 20% on AAA membership and the enrollment fee to join AAA is waived. FB members who already belong to AAA can receive the discount by calling before their next renewal. To enroll or to add the benefit to your existing account, call 877.731.3315 and give them the group code “WI07.”

AVIS Car Rental Discount Program - You can save 5%-25% on Avis’ daily and weekly rates. To receive these discounted rates, all you need to do is use your Avis Worldwide Discount number: A298849. To rent a car and enjoy benefits visit Avis. com or call Avis at 1.800.331.1212.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. - Members save an average of 20% at participating Choice Brand Hotels. Call 800.258.2847 to make the required advance reservation or book online at choicehotels.com. Make sure to select “special rate/CORPID.” Request WFBF member rate using ID# 00209870.

AgriVisor - WFBF members can receive a 35% discount on daily grain, livestock and feed input marketing advice, as well as current market quotes and updates. Call 800.676.5799.

Wyndham Hotel Group - Members save 20% off the best available rate at more than 5,000 participating locations throughout North America. Mention Farm Bureau ID# 8000004288 when making your reservations. Call 877.670.7088.

The Country Today - With every new subscription or renewal, The Country Today will give a discounted rate and donate $5 to the Ag in the Classroom program. Write “Farm Bureau member” on your renewal or mention it when calling 1.800.236.4004.

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

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8/22/14 5:46 PM

opinion

Make the Best of 2015: Don’t Sit on the Sidelines A Message from WFBF President Jim Holte

gifts. Aside from my family, there’s no other group of people I’d rather be spending time with.

Teamwork makes our organization tick. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau could never accomplish its high profile legislative priorities or deliver services to members, without the variety of

“T

hings turn out the best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

This basketball season I found that quote from coaching legend John Wooden. During his time leading the UCLA men’s basketball team in the 1970s and 80s, he assembled teams that dominated with a quiet, but confident style.

Unlike today’s elite college athletes, Wooden’s players made four-year commitments to the team. Wooden won seven NCAA tournaments in a row, and 10 in 12 years, with many different players as the seasons went by.

He understood the importance of teamwork.

Its importance is not lost on me either; especially coming off a successful Annual Meeting and the Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Conference, with more than 1,000 members gathered in Wisconsin Dells. More than a business meeting, it often feels like a big family reunion that appropriately falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, holidays associated with giving thanks and giving

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roads and bridges, to rural broadband.

To accomplish this it will take teamwork with others ranging from commodity groups to the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, the Wisconsin Towns Association to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, and hunters to mothers who like to blog about where there food comes from. We are better positioned for success by working with others.

As farmers, what we plant in the spring we harvest in the fall. The same principle applies to Farm Bureau’s success when it comes to membership.

Just like those simple seeds we plant, all it often takes to grow membership is a simple ask. I know this because the reason I became interested in Farm Bureau was because a local leader gave me a phone call. Those people who recruit others to be part of our team are celebrated at the Annual Meeting as members of our Producer Club.

Follow their lead by stepping up your game. You’re already part of a great team as a Farm Bureau member. In 2015, don’t sit on the sidelines, volunteer, contribute and make the best of your days.

Because after all, things turn out the best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.

“Teamwork makes our organization tick. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau could never accomplish its high profile legislative priorities or deliver services to members, without the variety of local activities, financial support and membership efforts taking place in our 61 county Farm Bureaus.” local activities, financial support and membership efforts taking place in our 61 county Farm Bureaus.

Teamwork also involves letting others get in the game. The energy level at the YFA Conference is infectious. While I watched nearly 500 YFA members in action, I cannot wait to see where they will take this organization.

In sports, championship teams can briefly bask in their glory before thinking about next season. As farmers, we never have the luxury of resting on our laurels.

In 2015, there’s work to do with issues like nutrient management, so-called ‘bigdata,’ animal welfare, high capacity wells, immigration reform and infrastructure needs varying from good old-fashioned

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

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

for Farming’s Future A Message from WFBF’s Wendy Kannel

A

s a farm kid in rural Wisconsin, I learned the important values of hard work, doing what’s right and being a part of a community. It was, and still is a great life to lead.

Some of my favorite memories came from the farm. My grandma would take me and my siblings to pick mustard in

continue these programs that are so important to growing future leaders and educated consumers.

The Foundation needs your help.

In early 2015, you will notice a $5 voluntary contribution line-item for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation on your dues renewal statement or

“The Foundation needs your help. In early 2015, you will notice a $5 voluntary contribution line-item for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation on your dues renewal statement or Rural Mutual Insurance bill. We hope you’ll gladly see this as an investment in farming’s future.” the oat fields. We’d pack up the farm truck, make sure we had plenty of water and head down the dirt road to the fields.

Back then I thought the best part of picking mustard was that grandma gave each of us a penny for every piece of mustard we harvested. As a kid, earning $5 pretty much felt like winning the lottery!

Those mustard memories with grandma are priceless. It was a simpler time for me, as $5 is rarely a big deal any more.

That is, unless we’re talking about the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, where $5 can make a huge impact. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation provides the funding for the Ag in the Classroom program, collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at three Wisconsin universities, Farm Bureau’s leadership Institute, as well as the Women’s and Young Farmer and Agriculturist programs.

I’m not sure how grandma’s mustard grew back every year, but I can tell you that it’s dollars that are needed to

Rural Mutual Insurance bill. We hope you’ll gladly see this as an investment in farming’s future.

Why is this necessary?

Aside from contributions from generous supporters, the Foundation has traditionally relied on two annual fundraisers: the Wisconsin Ag Open golf outing and a silent auction at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. Programs like Ag in the Classroom and the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program were moved under the Foundation’s umbrella a few years ago. While this has provided a tremendous cost savings to our bottom line, it also means that additional funds are needed to keep these programs sustainable.

Just like the teamwork I learned picking mustard with grandma; the agricultural community has always seen the importance of growing its future.

Moving forward, we want young students to know that farmers grow their food. We want college students

from all backgrounds to see agriculture’s opportunities. We need to help grow the next crop of agricultural leaders and help Farm Bureau members find their voice.

The Foundation is our vehicle to make these things happen.

Want to give more?

You can! Have you benefited from a Farm Bureau program and want to ensure those opportunities are available in the future? Is there a special project or area you feel passionate about?

If so, I am asking you to GIVE to a way of life you love. ENRICH the education of young people through agricultural education. PLEDGE to get young people started in agriculture. COMMIT to tomorrow’s leaders. INVEST in the future of farming.

Thank you for your contribution and commitment to Farm Bureau.

Kannel is WFBF’s Foundation Director and Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.

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Shift of Focus from Supply to Demand Guest Column by AgriVisor’s Joe Camp

done well to keep up. For use here at home, processors were crushing every bean they could get their hands on.

period this summer. The availability of freight was another part to the story. It became increasingly difficult to compete for rail space needed to transport meal to export position.

When it comes to corn, notice a strong ethanol grind but appreciate that the export program has started slowly.

Our traditional trade partners are likely to become more active down the road and China remains a wild card as a country that could turn on demand for U.S. corn like the flip of a switch.

Feed use is also likely to rise now that lower prices have sparked rebuilding of livestock herds.

Stocks are currently large, no doubt.

But, bumper crops are the product of conditions that are far from guaranteed in the next growing season. We also cannot count on the rest of the world contributing to another year of record global corn, wheat and soybean crops.

Just as free stocks are to draw down because of a probable return toward trend-yield, so too will they dwindle because of the strong demand profile for ag commodities. Now that harvest is in the rearview mirror, market participants are finally starting to take note of the favorable outlook for usage and prices should continue to respond accordingly.

“Strong demand has been the focus since early October and the adjustment of prices has signaled that market participants now perceive the level of stocks as anything but burdensome.”

H

arvest has wrapped up, leaving us with bountiful grain stocks to handle. As we work into the second quarter of the marketing year and attempt to form an outlook for prices going forward, take note of the ongoing transition of attentions from those centered on supply to those focused on demand.

Farmers enjoyed exceptional weather conditions this growing season. It was almost as if market analysts were competing with one another to report the highest yield estimates, with each week marked by loftier forecasts. Stocks would prove much too burdensome as a result of record yields, they said.

But, strong demand has been the focus since early October and the adjustment of prices has signaled that market participants now perceive the level of stocks as anything but burdensome.

The soy complex has been at the center of our newfound focus on demand. The book of export sales has grown at a rapid clip and shipments have

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With comfortable room above the pace set last year at this time, it is more than reasonable to believe that the USDA’s current exports estimate looks a bit light. At 1.72 billion bushels, 2014/15 soybean exports would only beat the last marketing year by 4.5 percent.

The current estimate projects crop production to grow about 19 percent.

Take a look at the USDA’s updated balance sheet for soymeal. Production is estimated at 42.8 million short tons, up about five percent over the last marketing year. More than two-thirds of production is used domestically. Cattle numbers are down from recent years, but hogs and poultry are very much into the herdrebuilding process. Exports will eat up nearly 30 percent of meal output this year.

A lack of physical product in the hands of the processor made for a difficult transition into the product production season. Cash prices strengthened into the fall and confirmed pre-harvest expectations that pegged the producer as a reluctant seller of soybeans. Crushers also scrambled to secure whole beans as plants returned to full capacity after an empty pipeline

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

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Farmers Grow in Rock Star Status

Guest Column by Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst

F

armers are never cool. We aren’t avant-garde or cutting edge and we can’t discuss “Breaking Bad.” We’re too tight to pay for that cable channel.

Some, like me, are overweight and need a haircut. We hike our pants up, having no idea that showing our underwear might give us street cred.

But for a few weeks each fall, we are interesting. We are envied. We have charisma and sex appeal. For a short while in October and November, we’re close to trending on Twitter or appearing on cable TV. We matter because we drive combines.

It took me a while to understand that the average guy on the street dreams of owning or at least driving a combine.

I realized that I was driving the equivalent of a red Ferrari when I received a cellphone call from a St. Louis couple I’d never met, who wanted to come to our farm and drive my combine.

They both crowded in the cab and rode for hours.

Later I made the acquaintance of a Japanese economist who lived in Toronto. She, too, traveled to spend a day on the combine. A Canadian diplomat came to our farm for a combine ride.

He’s excited about operating tens of thousands of pounds of steel and guiding hundreds of thousands of dollars of farm machinery.

Last week, a crew working on a documentary about food stopped by to film our harvest and launch a drone, which hovered in front of the combines as we drove through the

field. Our combine will be the star of a documentary by an Oscar-nominated director. It may be that the monitor on my John Deere will soon demand an agent and a social media strategy.

Family farms, which means almost all farms, are an awkward marriage of progress and habit, of old and new, of the most traditional of tasks carried out by the most modern of technologies.

“For a few weeks each fall, we are interesting. We are envied. We have charisma and sex appeal.”

My memories begin with stories of my grandfather harvesting corn with nothing but a corn hook attached to his glove and a mule; the two row corn picker that I rode on as a small boy; the combine that we operated when I began farming, a model famous for overturning on the slightest of inclines; to the behemoths we operate today.

We map yields, are in constant touch with satellites, and have sensors collecting and storing information on every process goings-on in the machine.

My grandfather bragged about picking 100 bushels a day; we do that in about three minutes.

Mark Bittman and Michael Pollan recently hosted a meeting on the future of food, kicked off with an op-ed in The Washington Post, criticizing modern farming and the food distribution system as venal at best and murderous at worst.

According to them, our present food system has evolved in response to bad government policy.

Bittman and Pollan’s belief in our federal government’s ability to change the diets of hundreds of millions of Americans and their confidence that farming has developed the way it has because of the Department of Agriculture is a sort of touching combination of naivete and hubris.

The improvements in those big green, red and yellow machines driving through Missouri fields this fall have done more to change farming than the long forgotten farm bills of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and the scientists who breed new seeds, the engineers who design the machines we operate and the farmers who gladly adopt every new and better way of raising food own the future in ways that journalists and lawmakers never can.

Hurst of Tarkio, Mo., is president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, a farmer and greenhouse grower.

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I’ve Gone and Married the Farmer’s Daughter!

Guest Column by Jonathan Eckelberg

I

’ll admit it. Growing up I was naive to how my food actually got to my table and what farmers did to get it there. I understood neither the struggles nor the joys of farm life.

My dad grew up on a hog, beef and dairy farm, but I never had the opportunity to experience it. Destroyed by fire before I was born, it was sold.

As a city kid, I often heard my dad say, “Everyone should have to grow up on a farm.”

In college I met and began dating a farm kid, Amy Manske. My first visit to meet her family included a day of picking rocks. I quickly understood why her weekends home were far from relaxing.

In October, I officially joined a farming family (and became a forever rockpicker) by marrying Amy.

Farmer-in-training I’ve been fully immersed by the “farmer schedule,” and as someone not used

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to long, physically laborious days, it’s exhausting. I help milk and feed the cows, feed calves and clean the parlor.

I find the calves relaxing. (I’ve heard of puppy therapy, but is calf therapy a thing?) I’ve named a few of them and Amy’s mom gives me updates on how they are doing and of new arrivals.

The cows on the other hand can be stubborn and cleaning after them seems endless. I once scrubbed the parlor walls until they shined. It didn’t take long for one cow with a strategically-aimed butt to change that.

I’ve learned that farming has many routines with plenty of curve balls thrown in. When the silo broke, as the new guy I was recruited to haul what felt like hundreds of wheelbarrows of feed until 1:30 a.m. because the cattle can’t go hungry. Those are the days I can’t believe farmers keep farming.

A small piece of the puzzle I now know where my dad became so knowledgeable about things, and my father-in-law is one of the smartest men I know. Seeing (and sometimes helping with) the labor that goes into each day gives me great appreciation for farmers. Many farmers are a caregiver, veterinarian, midwife, mechanic and business person, in addition to being a spouse and parent.

Agriculture is lucky to be made up of so many knowledgeable men and women. The education, diversity and passion I have seen as an onlooker in the Wisconsin ag community is impressive.

I work for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, promoting everything that is awesome in our state, which includes

ag-tourism. I have met some remarkable people involved in ag-tourism and seen the diversity and opportunities we have.

Tourism and agriculture are two of our state’s leading industries and it’s an honor to be involved with both.

Respect I never thought I would grow to like farm smell in my car or the dirt under my nails. I enjoy spending time at the farm and I think that shocks Amy. She may not say it, but I know she is impressed when I drive by on a tractor or put a milker on a cow. She rolls her eyes when she finds me out back by the calves. As someone who grew up feeding them every day she doesn’t get my fascination. I know both of our families (especially mine) are surprised at my willingness to help out.

Farming has given me new perspectives about life. I’m no longer a consumer who doesn’t give thought to where his food comes from. I could not farm every day. For those who do, I respect you.

It’s true what they say: agriculture is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle, a passion.

I like to think I’ve become part of this community as a part-time farmer and a Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation member.

I’m fortunate in many ways to have married the farmer’s daughter.

Eckelberg is the digital content specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and husband of WFBF’s Amy (Manske) Eckelberg.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Let’s Dialogue Together Guest Column by Nancy Kavazanjian

P

roducing healthy, affordable food is a top priority for farmers and ranchers across this country, yet recent actions by some self-proclaimed food activists imply otherwise.

And, we saw a clear change in tone as the conference progressed. Certainly this was only one small success in the larger victory USFRA is committed to: People trusting U.S. farmers and

“The truth is we all are part of the food movement.

So, let’s make sure we’re dialoguing together instead of having a bunch of one-way monologues as we move forward in the quest for ever healthier, more affordable, increasingly efficiently raised food for all!”

As a Wisconsin farmer and chairperson of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, I know how deeply farmers and ranchers believe in and care for the food we raise. But that hasn’t stopped a few food elitists from suggesting otherwise as they call for a national food policy they claim “could save millions of lives.”

This call to action came first in a Washington Post opinion column followed by a New York Times “Food for Tomorrow Forum” held at the Rockefeller Foundation’s swanky Stone Barn Farm.

There, over two days, USFRA leaders injected ourselves into the conversation.

We wouldn’t have been there without the Alliance because, although we were among the few actual farmers and ranchers there, we weren’t exactly invited. Rather, we invited ourselves, and paid dearly, to be part of the conversation. Our Food Dialogues panelists and farmers who attended showed that American agriculture wants to be part of the dialogue on tough topics – and that we are committed to healthy food for everyone.

It was important that we attended; that we had real people to stand up and say ‘we speak for American Agriculture.’

ranchers to produce safe, affordable, nutritious food in caring and sustainable manners.

Healthy debate about our food system is important and USFRA – with Farm Bureau’s support - is helping lead this debate. We are dedicated to helping consumers understand how food is raised. We aren’t a policy organization – therefore we don’t lobby – but we do wonder how this country can adopt a national food policy without first adopting a national energy policy or a national transportation policy!

We also believe farmers, ranchers and our industry partners have more in common with the food movement then their leaders recognize. Our values and commitments are stated in full on our website www.fooddialogues. com but basically, the Alliance stands for accessible healthy food choices for all Americans, at affordable prices, marketed with transparency and honesty.

We may have different ideas of how to get achieve these goals. That’s okay. We need robust conversation from all sides to find the best possible solutions. We need big and small farms, conventional and organic, and rural and urban farmers at the table working together.

We believe farming decisions must be based on practical, knowledge-based solutions that can evolve and improve with emerging science. Too many times people have romanticized notions about farming concepts that may solve one problem while creating another. Often the supposed food movement doesn’t give credit to the massive strides in improvement we worked so hard to achieve, especially around sustainability and animal care.

The truth is we all are part of the food movement. So, let’s make sure we’re dialoguing together instead of having a bunch of one-way monologues as we move forward in the quest for ever healthier, more affordable, increasingly efficiently raised food for all!

Nancy Kavazanjian is a corn grower and Farm Bureau member from Beaver Dam and serves as chair of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Board of Directors.

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leadership

New Faces on Farm Bureau Committees Women’s Committee

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hree Wisconsin farm women have been appointed to threeyear terms on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Committee. Their terms began at the WFBF’s Annual Meeting, December 6-8, in Wisconsin Dells.

Amanda Carlson of Waukesha County grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota.

She had an internship with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation before moving to Hartland to work as an account coordinator with Charleston-Orwig, Amanda Carlson an agricultural marketing agency. She also works parttime on a dairy farm. She represents eight counties in southeast Wisconsin (District 1) on the committee.

Amber Cordes is a director of the Barron County Farm Bureau and is the county’s Ag in the Classroom coordinator. She and her husband, Will, have two Amber Cordes children and operate a dairy farm near Cumberland. She served on the executive committee of the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Barron County in 2013.

She represents nine county Farm Bureaus in northwest Wisconsin (District 9) on the committee.

Darby Sampson is the Jackson County Farm Bureau Darby Sampson Women’s Committee chair and Ag in the Classroom coordinator. She and her husband, Clint, own a herd of beef cattle and raise corn, soybeans and hay in partnership with his parents. They live near Melrose and have two children. She represents six counties in west-central Wisconsin (District 4) on the committee.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee carries out a number of projects and activities to educate youth and consumers about farming, food safety and animal welfare. The Women’s Program for Education and Leadership is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

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Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee

T

hree young agricultural leaders have been appointed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee. Their terms began at the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference, December 5-8, in Wisconsin Dells.

Jaclyn Pettis of Eau Claire County is a dairy farmer from Osseo. She and her parents own a registered herd of Jersey dairy cattle. She works at the Menards Distribution Center in Eau Claire as an inventory controller. She is the secretary/treasurer of the Eau Claire County Farm Jaclyn Pettis Bureau and is a graduate of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Institute leadership class. She represents Farm Bureau’s District 4 (Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe and Buffalo counties) on the committee.

Amanda Knoch and her husband, Josh, farm in rural Westfield in Marquette County.

In addition to farming, she is a farm insurance underwriter and Josh and Amanda Knoch Sunday school teacher. He is an emergency medical technician and fireman. Together, they are the Marquette County Farm Bureau’s YFA chairs and also chair the county’s Dairy Breakfast Committee. They represent Farm Bureau’s District 5 (Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties) on the committee.

Carley Blado Carley Blado of New Holstein is the Calumet County Farm Bureau President. He works as the lead herdsman at the 400-cow Park Farm Inc. in Kiel. He assists with field work and other farm operations. He owns 40 cows and 35 heifers on the farm. He represents Farm Bureau’s District 6 (Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties) on the committee.

The Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee consists of nine couples or individuals (ages 18-35) from across the state. Their goal is to get more young farmers and agriculturists acquainted with and involved in Farm Bureau.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

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THINGS TO DO

1 2

right now to get ready for the 2015 Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit March 13-14, 2015 Madison Marriott West, Middleton

RESERVE THE DATES Get your calendar. Open it to March 13-14, 2015.

Now, reserve it for attending the Summit. Done!

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Madison Marriott West 1313 John Q Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI Call for reservations: (888) 745-2032 Reduced Hotel Room Rate: $118 + tax Request the “WI Ag Women’s Summit” room block by February 13, 2015 to receive this rate.

to save $25

Registration is easy. Send in the form below or register and pay online at www.wiagwomenssummit.com.

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NOMINATE AN AGVOCATE OF THE YEAR by January 15th Know a woman who is a true advocate for agriculture in Wisconsin? Nominate her for the AgVocate of the Year award, sponsored by the Fabulous Farm Babe, Pam Jahnke.

Nomination forms and more information is available online at www.wiagwomenssummit.com.

Presented by:

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Wisconsin

Ag SWomen’s U M M I T

by February 13th to save

Because a hotel room is not included with the registration fee, please make your reservations at:

REGISTER by February 13th

Early Bird Registration Fee: $115 (if received on or before February 13, 2015) After February 13, 2015: $140 NEW! One-Day Only Registration: $100 (no early bird discount for one-day option) Registration deadline: March 6, 2015

BOOK A HOTEL ROOM

University of Wisconsin–Extension

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS Grab your friends, family or neighbors and bring them along.

Let’s make this the best Summit yet! For more information, like “Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit” on Facebook.

 TO REGISTER: Complete the mail-in form below -OR- register and pay online at www.wiagwomenssummit.com Name(s): Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip:

County:

E-Mail:

My check is enclosed for: _____ $115 Early Bird Registration (before February 13th) _____ $100 One-Day Only (please circle one: Friday or Saturday) _____ $140 Registration Fee (after February 13th) Please select your Friday evening meal (which will be during Lent): _____ Deep Fried Cod _____ Chicken

Are you a WI Farm Bureau member? Yes No Are you a Badgerland Financial customer? Yes No Note: You do not have to be a member or customer to attend. All are welcome!

Do you have special dietary needs? Yes No If yes, please indicate:

Please mail form and payment to: WI Farm Bureau/Women’s Summit, P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705 Please make checks payable to: WI Farm Bureau Foundation december | january 2014-15 wfbf.com

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Advertise

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in the

It doesn’t cost.

Circulation: 24,000+

It pays!

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S

2015 advertising calendar February/March 2015

Ad Space Confirmation: Jan. 9, 2015 Ad Materials Due: Jan. 23, 2015 Mailing Drop Date: Feb. 13, 2015

Wisconsin

Farm Bureau F E D E R A T I O N

April/May 2015

august | september 2014 • vol. 20 no. 4 | wfbf.com

Ad Space Confirmation: Mar. 6 2015 Ad Materials Due: Mar. 20, 2015 Mailing Drop Date: Apr. 10, 2015

June/July 2015 VFA Makes November Endorsements New Member Benefit: Polaris 2014 Annual Report

Ad Space Confirmation: May 8, 2015 Ad Materials Due: May 22, 2015 Mailing Drop Date: Jun. 12, 2015

FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS INFO PAGE 12

August/September 2015 John Piechowski:

People and Products People and products have influenced the bottom line for Henry’s Honey over the years. Many have come and gone from Henry’s Honey but the family aspect has remained. The high school and college students they hire say they miss it when they leave for other jobs.

“We’ve seen some pretty outstanding kids who have worked here,” Piechowski said. “We make it enjoyable. No matter how dirty the job we have fun.”

He has also met people in the business who have become more friends than colleagues.

“I’ve got friends that I met awhile back because of bee keeping and I still have them,” Piechowski said.

John explained that while Wisconsin has a nice variety of flowers and creates what he considers the best tasting honey in the country, it is important for him to do business out of state.

“We were one of the first honey farmss to take our bees out of state,” Piechowski said. “My bees are used to pollinate California’s almonds.”

By using a variety of resources John has the opportunity to sell a variety of products. Some of the specialty flavors Henry’s Honey carries are wildflower, basswood, orange blossom and buckwheat (John recommends this for an easy and effective cough remedy).

Another popular product that John raves about is whipped honey. By softening honey and adding liquid honey while mixing it for about 45 minutes they get a creamy honey substance which they then bottle and sell.

“Take it and spread in on toast. It’s yummy,” Piechowski said. “It gives you good energy and it is good-tasting. It’s a popular product.”

John reports that right now honey prices are good but when they aren’t he can rely on extra income with the pollination services.

“Some growers can double the yield by putting bees on it,” Piechowski said.

John works with cranberry, blueberry, apple, cucumber and zucchini growers to help them pollinate.

Busy Bee as a

By Amy Manske

Y

ou could say honey runs through John Piechowski’s veins.

As an owner of Henry’s Honey, the Waushara County Farm Bureau member is one of Wisconsin’s few full-time beekeepers.

Henry's Honey started as a few hives, meant to provide a sweetener for a farm family's meals during the Great Depression. By World War II, John's father and uncle were providing beeswax for the war effort. Today, the rural Redgranite business has about 1,400 hives, down from a peak of 3,500. John works full-time with his son, Dan. Another son, Ron, helps when he can.

“We do everything from starting the bees, to bringing the honey in, to packaging the honey and selling it,” Piechowski said.

The business also owns and operates Wisconsin Cooperative Pollination Services which transports bees regionally for

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Ad Space Confirmation: Jul. 10, 2015 Ad Materials Due: Jul. 24, 2015 Mailing Drop Date: Aug. 14, 2015

the commercial pollination of crops and also offers custom extracting to local beekeepers.

“Keeping bees and packaging is challenging,” Piechowski said, “sometimes they step on each other’s toes.”

They package honey at least twice per week for a variety of customers. Most of their products are sold in Wisconsin at farmers markets, niche food stores and local grocery stores.

“We did ship our first load out of state (this summer) to New York,” Piechowski said. “I don’t know where that’s going to lead. It could blossom into something.”

The business (and amount of bees) has always stayed a size the family could handle.

“We are a family operation here,” Piechowski said. “Working together is a big thing with our business.”

John said since his grandkids now own some bees; the farm has reached the fourth generation.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

October/November 2015

Another project for Henry’s Honey is working with graduate students from UW-Madison on honey bee research. John is hoping that he can help honey’s future by providing his bees to research.

“We’ve had our ups and down. It’s sometimes a challenge to keep bees. It’s education that gets you through that,” Piechowski said.

Ad Space Confirmation: Sep. 11, 2015 Ad Materials Due: Sep. 25, 2015 Mailing Drop Date: Oct. 16, 2015

One Sweet Story “Around 1960, I was on Farm Bureau's state young farmers committee. About ‘61 or ‘62, a dark-haired gal from Crawford County joined the committee.”

John went on to share that the brunette woman named Marilyn became his wife in 1965. It was the same year he joined the Waushara County Farm Bureau board. The year they wed, three other couples from the young farmer committee (now called the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee) also married.

John has many fond memories from his time on the young farmer committee and other Farm Bureau activities. John and Marilyn have always been active in both 4-H and Farm Bureau.

“We’ve been in the Farm Bureau family for a while,” Piechowski said. “Our daughter was born when Marilyn was on the state Women’s Committee,” Piechowski said. “I remember having to babysit when she was about two weeks old so she could attend her meeting. Our little girl was passed around the Farm Bureau office quite a bit that day.”

The fall of 2015 will mark his fiftieth year on the county board. During his tenure he has served on numerous committees including the state policy development committee and while in existence, the bee and honey committee.

December/January 2015 - 2016

Want to learn more about Henry’s Honey?

Find them online: www.henryshoneyfarm.com Henry’s Honey Farm AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2014

wfbf.com

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State Accounts SLACK ATTACK barbara@slackattack.com 608.217.5549 38

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Ad Space Confirmation: Nov. 20, 2015 Ad Materials Due: DEC. 4, 2015 Mailing Drop Date: Dec. 28, 2015 General Inquiries CAsey Langan clangan@wfbf.com 608.828.5711

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

leadership

One Million Pop Tabs to Ronald McDonald House Charities

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he nine-member Wisconsin Farm Bureau Women’s Committee hosted a contest this year to collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The competition that was held between the nine Farm Bureau districts was created to help collect pop tabs to be donated to three Wisconsin Ronald McDonald houses. The money made from the pop tab donations is used to help families pay the suggested donation of $10 to stay there.

Members from across the state brought their pop tabs to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting held December 6-8 and generated a whopping total of 734 pounds of pop tabs, equivalent to one million tabs. The donation of pop tabs equal more than $300 or 30 one-night stays for families of the Ronald McDonald Houses.

The district that generated the most pop tabs was District 5 (Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago county Farm Bureaus). They contributed 306 pounds of the 734.

The Women’s Committee plans to host the competition again this coming year and encourages everyone to save their pop tabs.

If you would like to contribute or have any questions contact Deb Raemisch at 608.828.5712.

The Women’s Program for Education and Leadership is a dynamic group of Farm Bureau leaders who plan and carry out projects and activities to educate youth and consumers about agriculture and promote positive messages about farming, food safety, animal welfare and other agricultural topics appropriate to adult and youth audiences. The WFBF Women’s Committee is a group of nine women who represent the nine Wisconsin Farm Bureau districts. The chair of the WFBF Committee sits on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Board of Directors as the program’s representative.

Cruise the Caribbean with Farm Bureau

T

he 97th Annual Convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation will be held January 9-13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members traveling to Florida for this event will have the opportunity to participate in an optional seven-day pre-convention tropical getaway aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Spirit.

Sailing round-trip from Port Canaveral, a short commute from Orlando, the cruise will take place January 2- 9, 2016 and will visit three ports of call: Nassau, St. Thomas and Tortola. For those wishing to escape the Wisconsin winter and experience

the crystal blue waters and white sand beaches of the Caribbean, this cruise will provide your “floating hotel room” as you travel from island to island and experience a taste of tropical paradise.

WFBF has blocked a limited number of cabins on this cruise and available space will fill up quickly. By making a refundable $250 deposit, you can reserve your spot on this cruise before available space is gone. To request a flyer with complete details on this cruise, current fares and instructions for reserving your stateroom, contact Bob Leege, WFBF Executive Director of Member Relations at 608.828.5710 or bleege@wfbf.com.

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ag in the classroom

Foundation Funds Classroom Projects The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, through the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program, has awarded 18 Teacher Mini-Grants to Wisconsin teachers to use in agricultural literacy lessons and activities. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to obtain funding that may not be available through their local school budgets.

The following teachers were awarded grants that will be used this school year: Brenda Fernholz, NOW Elementary School, Ontario: Awarded $100 for “Egg Hatching” project. Used as part of the farming and life cycle unit, kindergarten students will be able to identify the stages of a chicken’s life cycle as well as other farm animals. They will investigate a variety of farms and engage in journaling about their experience.

Heather Gayton, Adams-Friendship Elementary School, Adams: Awarded $100 for “Farm to Table Ed-Venture” project.

Students will research Wisconsin agriculture products and construct a farm to table booth where they will facilitate presentations, discussion and hands on activities for a summer school program.

Cheri Oglesby, St. Rose Elementary, Cuba City: Awarded $100 for “Life on the Farm, Work and Play” project. Pre-K students and their parents will experience an evening of chores and fun on the farm. Students will learn about caring for animals which includes feeding calves’ goats, donkey and ducks. The evening will also include fun farm activities.

Jennifer Schultz, Baraboo High School, Baraboo: Awarded $100 for “What is Ag?” project. High School agriculture students will educate elementary aged students about agriculture and the importance in plays in the community.

Joel Putz, Immanuel Lutheran School, Manitowoc: Awarded $100 for “March-May” project. Using a grow light system to help grow plants, second grade students will look at plant anatomy, soil, composting and nutrition.

John Slipek, Abbotsford Elementary School, Abbotsford: Awarded $100 for “Growing Lettuce for Dinner” project. Using the high school greenhouse, second grade students will grow a variety of vegetables and make observations as they monitor germination, environmental factors and grow rates.

Karen Williams, Riverside Middle School, Watertown: Awarded $100 for “A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words” project. Middle school family and consumer science students will gain an understanding of where their food comes from by capturing photos of how the products go from the farm to the table.

George Klink, Elmwood Elementary School, Elmwood: Awarded $100 for “Raspberry Farm” project. In coordination with high school horticulture students, fourth graders will plant raspberry plants and investigate how different environmental conditions influence plant growth.

Gretchen Frendt, St. Paul Lutheran School, Cumberland: Awarded $100 for “Nature’s Sweetness” project. Pre-K students will learn about growing sugar maple trees and the process of tapping maple trees, collecting sap and making maple syrup.

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Kathy Garske, Amherst Elementary School, Amherst: Awarded $100 for “It Came from a Cow” project. As part of a solids and liquids unit, second grade students will gain an understanding of how various products are made from milk.

Leah McKelvey, Barrie Elementary School, Fort Atkinson: Awarded $100 for “Barrie School Garden” project. Students will start a school garden that will promote healthy eating, physical activity, appreciation of agriculture and environmental stewardship. Produce from the garden will be used for “Taste it Tuesdays” and an after school garden club will be formed.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Mary Cooper, St. Mary’s School, Richland Center: Awarded $100 for “From Seeds to Salads” project. Fifth grade students will discuss conditions suitable for the growth of plants, identify major parts of the plant and plants’ needs and plant seeds while observing, measuring and recording plant growth.

Matt Peetz, Dana Westedt and Amy Bass, Pineview Elementary School, Reedsburg: Awarded $100 for “Let’s Keep Growing” project. Elementary students will be introduced and encouraged to be more knowledgeable about where their food comes from by starting seeds, recording growth and transplanting them into the school garden.

Rachel Sauvola, New Richmond High School, New Richmond: Awarded $100 for “Veggie of the Month” project.

High school students will engage elementary aged students in learning about different vegetables each month. During school lunch, students are encouraged to try the vegetable and answer trivia questions about the vegetable.

Sandy Cordes, Little Wolf Junior High School, Manawa: Awarded $100 for “Greenhouse” project. In working with special needs students, a small greenhouse will be used to learn how to grow produce and flowers for themselves. This will provide an opportunity for hands on learning while developing sensory skills.

Shannon Lyon, Fort Atkinson High School, Fort Atkinson: Awarded $99.90 for “Agriculture Literacy for Our Youth” project.

High school students will work with elementary students to increase agricultural literacy and showcase the importance of agriculture and the connection it has to multiple subject areas.

Shari Graffunder and Sheila Burris, River Valley Schools, Spring Green: Awarded $100 for “Egg Carton Basket” project.

Elementary students will learn to plant seedlings, care for plants and share them within the community.

Whitney Barnes, Bay Port High School, Green Bay: Awarded $100 for “Food for America” project. High School agriculture students will research top Wisconsin agricultural commodities and develop presentations to educate fourth grade students about agriculture.

Would you like to support agriculture literacy projects like this?

Donate $100 now to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation!

Simply click on the donate button at wfbfoundation. com and choose “Grant Contribution” or send in your check to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation at P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705.

The first 20 donors will receive a pack of Betty Engel notecards!

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Eau Claire Educator Recognized for Ag Literacy

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racey Tumaniec, a fifth grade teacher at Manz Elementary School in Eau Claire, is the recipient of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom’s Outstanding Teacher Award.

Each year the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation recognizes a teacher for their efforts in educating students on the importance of agriculture.

Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas, with the exclusion of certified agriculture education instructors, are eligible to apply for the award.

“Tracey does an exceptional job of infusing agricultural

concepts in to her curriculum,” Wendy Kannel, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator said. “She wants to make sure her students understand and appreciate the importance of agriculture in our society. With her enthusiastic approach of using hands-on activities and real-life examples she has done just that.”

Tumaniec received her Bachelor of Arts in elementary and middle education from Viterbo University, a Master’s of Education in Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and principal licensure from Viterbo University. She taught in the Black River Falls School District before coming to Eau Claire in 2014.

Tumaniec will be Wisconsin’s nominee for the National Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award and will receive $500 towards attending the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Wendy Kannel (right) presented Tracey Tumaniec of Eau Claire’s Manz Elementary School with the Outstanding Teacher Award.

Volunteer Spotlight Highlighting some of Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s Shining Stars!

son Crystal John

Trempealeau County “I volunteer because it is important to talk to young people about agriculture and the important role that it plays in our world. Having kids of my own, I have become more aware that there are so many kids that really don’t know anything about agriculture and it is more important than ever to have those discussions.”

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es Amber Cord

Barron County

“Connecting our teachers and their students with resources is so important, but being available to them is even more. Ag in the Classroom has such a great network of amazing people and resources that now I can’t imagine not being involved. I volunteer because we need to help everyone see that they need agriculture in every facet of their daily lives, and that we as farmers do our best to produce a safe, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable product.”

Livia Doyle

Iowa County

“I have two passions in life: farming and teaching.

As a fourth grade teacher, I find ways to incorporate Wisconsin agriculture and history daily into my classroom. As the Iowa County Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, I continue to push and challenge myself to find new ways to reach out to children of all ages and teach the importance of agriculture. I realize how crucial the education of agriculture is to people both young and old. As a member of Farm Bureau and volunteer with the Ag in the Classroom program, these opportunities have provided me to do just that!”

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

foundation

Members Funding the Foundation

During the walk-around raffle Saturday night of Annual Meeting, Adams County member Jeff Huber won a Remington 870 shotgun and Dane County member Kevin Skemp won a quilt made by Mary Prestrud from the state Women’s Committee. The raffle raised $2,940 for the Foundation.

Twenty-four teams competed in the 75-question trivia contest raising $1,440 for the Foundation. A Rock County team won with 58 of the 75 questions correct. Left: Jim and Cindy Meng of Rusk County. Right: An Ozaukee County team pours over the questions.

The Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee’s 50/50 Raffle raised $1,980 for the Foundation. Left: YFA Committee members Josh Knoch and Brian Fiedler sold 50/50 raffle tickets. Right: Marion Barlass from Rock County was the lucky 50/50 raffle winner.

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Silent Auction Raises Funds for Foundation 305 items were donated to the silent auction and $21,511 was raised.

“The Foundation’s Silent Auction was successful because of our members. From donations that came from county Farm Bureau’s, Women’s Committee members, Institute leadership graduates, businesses and individual members to those who bid on and bought items, it truly was a team effort. This goes to show that our members are committed to agriculture education and leadership development programs.” - Wendy Kannel, Foundation Director

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Wisconsin farm bureau federation

rural mutual

Are You Covered? Are You Sure?

Discussing snow removal with Peter Pelizza.

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ow that Wisconsin is under Old Man Winter’s grip it is important to remember that with the threat of more snow on the horizon, state emergency officials across the region are urging people to clear their roofs and decks to minimize the likelihood of structural collapse. To prevent major damage, here are a few preventative measures that people can take to reduce stress and save money on major repairs.

Before attempting to remove snow from roofs, take note that clearing roofs can be a dangerous task. Think twice before jumping on the roof with a shovel in hand. Most officials don’t support the idea of people climbing onto their roofs to remove the buildup, as the weight of a person may be just enough to trigger the roof to collapse. Also, taking the wrong step on an icy roof can easily send you sliding down a slippery slope.

Dangers of Snow-Covered Roofs

How Do You Remove Snow from the Roof?

Picturesque snow-capped houses and barns are charming, but don’t be fooled by their delicate beauty. Snow has a great deal of weight, and that weight increases immensely when rain, ice and sleet are added to the mix. Two feet of snow on the averagesized roof can be the equivalent of 38,000 pounds (19 tons). All of this weight puts stress on your roof and weakens its structure.

Pole buildings that were exposed to collapse conditions last year, but somehow stayed up are now at a greater risk of collapse. When a pole building carries a load at, near or above the snow load rating for an extended period of time the Gusset plates, bottom chords and webs often weaken permanently. Most ag buildings are rated to 38 pounds per foot when built some of these (because of the loads from last year) may now hold only 28 pounds before they collapse.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is, timely snow removal from roofs, shoring up of bottom chord and the addition of knee bracing will restore the buildings to 38 pounds or better.

We do recommend that you consult a professional building contractor before doing any structural alterations on your own.

Once snow buildup occurs or ice dams form, using a roof rake is the best option that doesn’t require spending cash on a professional. The rake has an extended handle, which enables you to pull snow off the roof -from the safety of the ground.

Insurance Coverage Rural Mutual receives a number of inquiries regarding whether our policy covers snow removal from a roof to prevent ice damming. Our property policies with Rural Mutual Insurance cover direct physical loss, not the maintenance required to prevent a loss from occurring. There are also situations where we do exclude collapse on some buildings as well as some roof structures, so it is important to review your policy.

We do cover the internal water damage from an ice dam, but we do not cover snow removal to prevent ice dams.

Ice damming is a well-known and well-documented condition. Property owners should be aware and realize that it’s their responsibility to maintain their properties to prevent such conditions. Taking preventative measures can help reduce damage from occurring and minimize repair Insurance Company costs. www.ruralins.com | 877.219.9550

december | january 2014-15

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Scholarships Awarded to Wisconsin Teens

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melia Rohl of the Town of Clifton in Pierce County and Kolten Pope of the Town of Hull in Portage County were the recipients of the $1,000 Wisconsin Towns Association scholarship sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

The announcement was made at the Wisconsin Towns Association annual convention held on October 27 at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Stevens Point.

Rohl is a graduate of Prescott High School and is attending UW-Madison, while Pope is a graduate of Stevens Point Area Senior High School and is also attending UW-Madison.

Scholarships were awarded based on the applicant essays in response to the question:

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What does local control mean for town government and why is it important in 2014?

To apply for the scholarship, participants must live in a town municipality that has Rural Mutual insurance coverage as of May 1, 2014; be a 2014 graduate of a Wisconsin public or private high school; and plan on enrolling in a Wisconsin public or private college or vocational-technical school in 2014.

The Wisconsin Towns Association is a non-profit association of town and village officials promoting education for local government officials throughout the state. Rural Mutual Insurance is the Wisconsin Towns Association’s endorsed insurance carrier.

Wisconsin farm bureau federation

Here’s to bringing up the sun.

Here’s to muddy boots and grease-stained hands.

Here’s to caring for this great land.

Here’s to protecting what you live for.

We’re proud of our agricultural roots, and proud to be the insurance company so many families rely on to protect them from the unexpected. Here’s to protecting you, your family and your future.

www.fbfs.com FB10 (4-14)

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

25%

Coverage for your most preCious asset. you!

UP TO

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Our already low premiums are even lower when you bundle your auto and home or farm or country estate and life. Contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance Company Agent to see how you can save up to 25%. Or visit us on Facebook or on our website at www.ruralins.com to find an agent near you.