December 23/January 24

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DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024 • VOL. 29 NO. 6 | WFBF.COM

The Ness Family:

Growing Joy Within Their Family, Community and Land Page 20

contents vol. 29 no. 6

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stay connected WIFarmBureau

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

HEALTH PLAN LEGISLATION

Legislation introduced for Farm Bureau Health Plans.

DELEGATES SET POLICY

Delegates at the WFBF Annual Meeting set policy for 2024.

KLUSSENDORF RECOGNIZED

Rob Klussendorf received Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award.

ANNUAL MEETING SCRAPBOOK

Highlights from the 2023 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference.

NESS FAMILY GROWS JOY

Sandhill Tree Farm spreads joy in their family, community and land.

CELEBRATING WES

Wes Raddatz retires from Farm Bureau after 28 years of service.

VOICES

Columns from Uken, Merk, Duvall and Gerbitz.

MCCADE'S JOY RIDE

McCade's Joy Ride supports Farm Neighbors Care.

FOUNDATION

Foundation fundraisers successful at WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

2023 ALL Award Recipient recognized.

RURAL MUTUAL

Stay healthy this winter using these tips.

COVER STORY PHOTOS BY KYLIE VER KUILEN AND LYNN SIEKMANN

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S

EDITOR’S NOTE

I

t's the time of year for traditions.

As a family with ‘littles’ we are also getting the opportunity to start new traditions as we head into the holidays.

It’s all a lot of fun!

I enjoy making Christmas cookies for our neighbors and we will be leaving some treats for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve, of course. Singing Christmas hymns and taking in a holiday movie or two are also on the list. But my favorite thing every year is getting our real Wisconsin Christmas tree at a local farm each year.

For the Farm Bureau family, this time of the year means we roll out the poinsettias for the WFBF Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agricultural Conference. Each year hundreds of members meet in the Wisconsin Dells to craft policy, network and learn new things.

While the event brings us together, I know each member put their own spin on the event and has some of their own traditions in conjunction with the event. I know many take in the water park attached to the conference center and do local shopping at the outlet mall. Some go to the same restaurant every year.

For me, I always look forward to a coworker’s cookies and I never leave without some tiramisu and a glimpse of the big Christmas tree in the lobby.

Whatever the tradition is for you, it’s special and fun and those memories exist because we take the time to get the Farm Bureau family together each year.

And, hopefully for the first-time attendees this year, this experience was the start of a new tradition.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, you will see a lot of community, family and fun reflected in the pages. I feel like you can see the energy jumping from the pages. There is plenty of post event information included so if you missed it this year, you can get caught up with everything that happened. If you were there, hopefully this will help you relive the fun all over again.

Our festive feature story is a great fit for this time of year because it features a family who gets to help other families celebrate the holidays. I hope you enjoy getting to know the Ness Family on page 18.

As we wrap up another year, know that you are part of something bigger than yourself. Your Farm Bureau family is filled with farmers, agriculturists and supporters.

The winter season can get long-winded, so as the holiday season winds down, don’t forget about your Farm Bureau friends.

Remember to check in on each other after the festivities of the Annual Meeting and Christmas wind down.

Enjoy honoring your traditions this time of year whether they are old or new.

Wishing you a blessed holiday season filled with love, laughter and gratitude.

Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Cassie Sonnentag - 608.828.5711 Rachel Gerbitz - 608.828.5709 Kylie Ver Kuilen - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Brad Olson, Frederic (President) Joe Bragger, Independence (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Kevin Krentz, Berlin Dan Meyer, Kiel Brian Preder, Weyauwega Kim Bremmer, Loyal Brenda Dowiasch, Augusta (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Kat Peper, Rock Springs (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 1082-1368) (USPS 39940), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February|March, April|May, June|July, August|September, October|November and December|January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

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

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

NEWS

Olson Elected President of WFBF, Krentz Re-elected President of Rural Mutual Insurance Company B

Olson

Bragger

Krentz

Daniels DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

rad Olson was elected president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Brad is a crop farmer near Frederic in Polk County. Joe Bragger from Independence in Buffalo County was re-elected to serve as WFBF Vice President.

Brad and his wife, Vicky, farm more than 600 acres of crops and are members of Polk-Burnett Farm Bureau. They have two children and two grandsons.

Brad was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 2022 to represent District 9 (Barron, Dunn, Chippewa, Pierce, Polk Burnett, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer and Superior Shores Farm Bureaus).

Kevin Krentz was re-elected president of the Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Kevin is a dairy farmer from Berlin in Waushara County. Dave Daniels of Union Grove in Kenosha County was elected first vice president of the Rural Mutual Insurance Company Board.

Kevin was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 2012 to represent District 5, which includes: Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties.

Kevin is president of Krentz Family Dairy, Inc. He has 600 cows and 1,300 acres of crops.

Kevin and his wife, Holly, have a daughter and three sons.

Nine of the 11 members of the WFBF Board are elected in each of Farm Bureau’s nine districts. These nine individuals also make up the Board of Directors for the Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Rounding out the WFBF’s Board are

the chairs of WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist and Promotion and Education Committees, both of which are elected to serve a one-year term on the board Dan Meyer of Manitowoc County was elected to a three-year term in District 6 (Brown, Calumet, Door, Meyer Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties). Dan is a dairy and crop farmer near Kiel.

In a special election, Kim Bremmer of Loyal in Clark County was elected to a two-year term representing District 8 (Clark, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Price, Taylor and Wood counties).

Kim owns Ag Inspirations, LLC, a Bremmer communications and marketing business for production agriculture. Kim succeeds Ryan Klussendorf of Medford in Taylor County.

Arch Morton Jr. of Janesville in Rock County was re-elected to a three-year term on the board representing District 2 (Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Rock and Sauk counties).

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

Brenda Dowiasch from Eau Claire County was re-elected to a one-year term as the chair of the Promotion and Education Committee and will serve as Dowiasch the representative on the WFBF Board.

Kat Peper of Rock Springs in Sauk County was elected to a one-year term as chair of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee and will serve as the representative on the WFBF Board. She succeeds Savannah Brown of Jackson County as YFA Chair.

Board members who were not up for Peper re-election included: Dave Daniels of Union Grove in Kenosha County, Robert Nigh of Viroqua in Vernon County, Kevin Krentz of Berlin in Waushara County, Brian Preder of Weyauwega in Waupaca County and Brad Olson of Frederic in Polk County. wfbf.com

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ISSUES NEWS

Health Plan Legislation Needed for Next Steps O n Nov. 29, LRB-4676 was introduced by Representatives Tony Kurtz, Clint Moses and Barb Dittrich and Senator Pat Testin.

This legislation would allow Wisconsin Farm Bureau to provide members with a unique and affordable health coverage plan option that is currently operated by state Farm Bureaus in six other states.

Why is Legislation the First Step in This Process?

In order to create plans like those offered by other state Farm Bureaus Wisconsin law needs to be amended to allow a non-profit agricultural membership organization incorporated in Wisconsin to offer a non-insurance health benefit plan to its members.

What Would the Proposed Legislation Do? Specifically, the proposed legislation would exempt Farm Bureau Health Plans from regulation by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. This exemption is similar to other associations plans and self-insured large businesses who offer coverage in Wisconsin.

Why are we Seeking Non-Insurance Packages for This Proposal?

Because the plan is defined as “not insurance,” the proposed bill would allow creation of individual non-ACA compliant member health care benefit coverage that would be fully underwritten and individually rated. This has allowed plans in other states to be provided at costs 30-60% lower than those otherwise available.

Why Does Wisconsin Farm Bureau Want to Offer This Benefit to Members?

Because too many farmers are currently faced with a choice between sending someone to work another job just to have access to employer-based coverage or pay unsubsidized rates for plans available from the Affordable Care Act. These premiums can be an excessive burden especially for family coverage if they don’t qualify for a premium subsidy. Deductibles have also increased to the point that some farm families can spend significant percentages of their annual income before receiving benefits from their coverage.

What Would a Health Benefit Plan Cover?

Farm Bureau will offer coverage that would include office visits, hospitalization, preventative care services, emergency room services, maternity care, prescription drug benefits, mental health, and substance abuse. Members can decide what level of coverage they’re comfortable with.

Who Will Benefit from Farm Bureau Health Benefit Plans?

Those who stand to gain the most are Wisconsinites who don’t have access to an employer sponsored plan and have income above the levels that normally qualify for a subsidies under the ACA. Typically, these Wisconsinites are buying their

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own individual coverage or are uninsured.

What Would be the Coverage Experience for the Member?

When members receive coverage, their experience will be similar to traditional health care coverage.

Once a contract is issued, members will receive a welcome packet containing Jason Mugnaini encouraged health plan cards and other members to contact their information about the process legislators during the 2023 WFBF Annual Meeting. for customer service and claims. Coverage will continue as long as members continue to pay their annual membership dues to Farm Bureau and their monthly health plan premiums, and premiums will not increase due to claims.

What are the Savings?

We project that the Farm Bureau Benefit Plans will offer savings of 30-60% compared to current offerings on the ACA market. Those savings are a direct result of the underwriting practice and administrative efficiencies.

Who Is Most Likely to Benefit from This Plan?

The plans can benefit many Wisconsinites, but are best if one of the following applies to you: You're currently uninsured or self-employed. You're considering early retirement but aren't eligible for Medicare.

Your current employer doesn't offer coverage or that coverage is too expensive. You can't afford coverage through your spouse's employer. You're currently enrolled in an ACA (Affordable Care Act) plan but are NOT getting or getting little subsidies to offset the cost. You're 26 years old and coming off parent’s coverage.

What is the Approval Process for Those Under 65?

These plans, being proposed, would be underwritten, which means not everyone who applies for coverage is accepted, but the goal is to always work with a client to see what can be made available.

The approval rating in other Farm Bureau Health Plans ran about 85-90%. We would do all we can to get coverage for people, so they have an option and don’t go uninsured.

Find more information by visiting, wfbf.com/wisconsin-farmbureau-health-plans.

Farm Bureau®

Health Plans Rooted in Care

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Farm Bureau

Delegates Set Policy for 2024

O

n Dec. 4, more than 230 delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th Annual Meeting established new policy directives for the organization Wisconsin Farm Bureau delegates adopted the policies that will be included in the organization’s policy book in 2024. Resolutions were submitted by delegates as part of the organization’s annual grassroots policy development process. Topics discussed on the delegate floor included dairy, energy and transportation.

During the dairy discussion, delegates supported the transfer of grade A permits from seller to buyer with a grace period to update current codes if necessary.

Delegates also supported the implementation of a dairy revitalization plan on both the state and federal level.

During energy discussions, members were diligent in their support of preserving Wisconsin agriculture land for agricultural production. Delegates supported: • Wisconsin law requiring an Agricultural Impact Statement (AIS) to construct solar and wind projects.

• Requiring new solar projects have to utilize brown fields, rooftops and degraded lands or low-yield, underutilized or marginalized farmland.

• Safety training for first responders around renewable energy sources.

• Making biofuels (both diesel and gas) more accessible for use across the state.

• Preserving Wisconsin agriculture land for agricultural production.

Delegates opposed farmland preservation tax credits to be claimed for land in solar energy projects unless it is an accessory use of the farm.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Delegates from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 61 county Farm Bureaus also supported: • Initiatives to expand access to affordable rural childcare.

• Increased financial support for crop damage due to wildlife.

• Creation and state funding for a Wisconsin Office of Agricultural Tourism.

• Reaffirmed support for a voluntary carbon credit market.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

On the federal level, delegates: • Supported easing Farm Service Agency Beginning Farmer Loan requirements for young farmers pursuing the purchase of a farm.

• Supported increasing the weight limit of drones.

The federal resolutions will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation for consideration at its annual convention next month.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

VOLUNTEERS SIGN MORE THAN 650 NEW MEMBERS Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation wrapped up the 2023 membership year on Sept. 30 with total membership of 48,434 members.

W

isconsin Farm Bureau Federation wrapped up the 2023 membership year on Sept. 30 with total membership of 48,434 members, a gain of 1,103 members over 2022. This was WFBF’s largest membership gain since 2011.

Farm Bureau 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 finished the year with 22,552 voting members and 25,882 associate members.

Forty-seven of the 61 county Farm Bureaus achieved a membership gain, led by Dane, Portage, Barron and Brown Counties. Thirty-eight county Farm Bureaus also reached a gain in voting members. The largest increases in voting membership came in Waupaca, Columbia, and Taylor counties.

Farm Bureau membership volunteers stepped up their efforts in 2023, signing up more than 650 new members.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

Bayfield

Superior Shores (Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Ashland)

Douglas

Iron Ashland Burnett

Sawyer

Polk Burnett Farm Bureau

Price

Polk Barron

Rusk Lincoln

St. Croix

Marinette

Langlade

Taylor Chippewa

Dunn

Oconto

Marathon Pierce

Eau Claire

Door

Shawano

Clark

Buffalo Wood

Portage

Waupaca

Brown

Outagamie

Jackson Manitowoc

Trempealeau

Waushara

Adams

La Crosse

Monroe Juneau

Marquette Green Lake

Fond du Lac

Vernon Sauk

Both Voting and Total Gain

Crawford Richland

Voting Gain Only Total Gain Only

Iowa

Washington

Columbia Dodge

Dane

Jefferson Waukesha

Grant

No Gains Lafayette

Green

Rock

Racine

Walworth

Kenosha

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ANNUAL MEETING

Tauchen Receives Distinguished Service to Ag Award R epresentative Gary Tauchen received the Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture award for his outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s agriculture industry during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 3.

Rep. Tauchen’s dedication to serving Wisconsin agriculture has been a theme for the entirety of his life. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from UW-River Falls and went on to found Tauchen’s Harmony Valley Farm near Bonduel in 1976 with his father, brother and nephew.

Besides his involvement with the family dairy farm, Rep. Tauchen has also been exceptionally involved with Wisconsin agricultural organizations. He served as vice president of Shawano County Farm Bureau, director of National Dairy Herd Improvement Association, chairman of AgSource Cooperative Services and was a founding board member of both Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium. Rep. Tauchen was a speaker for the National Institute for Animal Agriculture as well as the World Dairy Expo.

“He has served Wisconsin agriculture in many capacities,” said nominator and former WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “He has been actively involved in quite a few agricultural organizations giving him the opportunity to provide information and influence at the state, national and international levels.”

In 2006, Rep. Tauchen was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 6th Assembly District and served until 2023. During his time in the state assembly, Rep. Tauchen

Krentz and Tauchen on stage at the WFBF Annual Meeting.

The Tauchen family.

“He has served Wisconsin agriculture in many capacities. He has been actively involved in quite a few agricultural organizations giving him the opportunity to provide information and influence at the state, national and international levels.”

- Kevin Krentz

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chaired and served on many committees directly impacting agriculture and rural communities where he supported farmers around the state.

“Gary has been a huge advocate of Wisconsin agriculture over his tenure,” said Krentz.

Rep. Tauchen’s service has been recognized with a multitude of awards such as Friend of 4-H, Legislative Excellence award from the Dairy Business Association, Master Farmer award from the Wisconsin Agriculturist magazine and many more.

Though Rep. Tauchen has retired, he continues to dedicate himself to his local community as well as passion projects to improve the quality of life for people around the state of Wisconsin.

SUPPLIED PHOTO.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Klussendorf Earns Distinguished Service Award T

aylor County Farm Bureau member Robert Klussendorf received the highest award Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation bestows on its members.

Klussendorf was presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau award during the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 3.

“Rob is an excellent example of the service one can give to Wisconsin agriculture,” said nominator and WFBF Vice President Joe Bragger.

“Rob is the farmer and friend to all, willing to stand against any Goliath (from left): Kevin Krentz, Chris Klussendorf, Rob Klussendorf and Joe to make changes that Bragger. continue to benefit all farmers in the state of Wisconsin each year.”

Klussendorf ’s involvement with Farm Bureau began in 1968 when he attended a Waukesha Farm Bureau meeting where former WFBF Director of Special Programs Don Armitage said, “If you do not like what is going on and don’t do anything about it, don’t complain.”

“That statement set the stage for the rest of his life, if there is something that needs to be done or changed to better Wisconsin farmers, Rob gets involved,” said Taylor County Farm Bureau Vice President Gary Kohn.

Rob’s dedicated service to Farm Bureau started with the Waukesha County Young Farmer Committee where he served as chairman from 1975-1978. Rob was then The Klussendorf family. nominated and chosen to serve his district on the WFBF State Young Farmer Committee in 1977-1980 and was elected program which influenced the creation of a statewide Ag in the as chair from 1979-1980.

Classroom program.

Rob continued his Farm Bureau service as a Waukesha “Rob is the member that makes things happen instead of County Farm Bureau board member from 1978-2012 where waiting for them to happen,” Kohn said. “Rob’s grandfather, he served on several WFBF committees including a special Fred, was the first person to sign the Waukesha Farm Bureau committee on Young Farmer Finance, Policy Development charter, making the Klussendorf family the first members in Committee, Legislative Committee, VFA Committee, Ag in the the state. To Rob, Farm Bureau isn’t just a group of farmers, Classroom Committee, Communication Committee, and was it’s family.” the chair of the Tax and Education Committee.

Rob and his wife, Chris, now live in Medford and enjoy Rob also helped create his local Farmer in the Classroom spending time with their daughter, son and grandkids.

“Rob is the farmer and friend to all, willing to stand against any Goliath to make changes that continue to benefit all farmers in the state of Wisconsin each year.”

- Joe Bragger

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

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ANNUAL MEETING

Noll’s Dairy Farm Receives Leopold Conservation Award N oll’s Dairy Farm of Alma is the 2023 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Noll’s Dairy Farm was revealed as the award recipient at the November 16 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. Mark, Curtis and Scott Noll and their families received $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. A video celebrating the Buffalo County family’s conservation success will be premiered during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting on Dec. 3.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Wisconsin the award is presented with Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Culver’s, Compeer Financial, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. To view all past recipients of the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award, visit: SandCountyFoundation.org/Wisconsin.

About Noll’s Dairy Farm Mark, Curtis and Scott Noll and their families have long appreciated and enjoyed the natural resources in their care.

Their farm consists of 400 acres of contoured corn, soybean and hay fields managed in concert with 450 acres of adjacent forests, oak savannas and prairies that provide timber production and wildlife habitat.

Nothing showcases their commitment to conservation like their restoration of a dry bluff prairie remnant. These ecologically rare landforms, nicknamed goat prairies, are sparsely found along the Mississippi River bluffs of western

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Wisconsin. The Nolls were inspired to act after learning of their significance in the 1990s.

With sweat equity from family and friends, and little monetary assistance from state or federal programs, they removed undesirable trees and brush, and conducted prescribed burns. Today they actively manage one of the largest dry bluff prairie remnants in Buffalo County.

Through this process they also restored oak savannas, which is notable because prairies and oak savannas are among the most threatened natural communities in Wisconsin, currently occupying less than one percent of their historic range. Noll’s Dairy Farm is located along a winding road that leads to a popular overlook of the Mississippi River. A roadside sign informs motorists of the rare ecosystem that was brought back from the brink.

Also noticeable from the road is the contour strip cropping system that divides the farm into 119 fields. This scenic yet practical configuration, coupled with a no-till system, helps prevent soil erosion. The Nolls also plant winter rye, turnips and tillage radishes as cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion.

Given their location hundreds of feet above the Mississippi River, the Nolls understand the importance of keeping soils in place and away from surface and ground waters. Since 1969 they have installed more than 20 earthen dams and erosion control structures to prevent the formation of gullies. Manure from the Noll’s dairy cows is kept in a storage facility before its nutrients can be spread as fertilizer on fields.

Construction of the manure storage was largely financed with revenues from selectively harvesting mature timber on the farm.

Since drafting their first timber harvest management plan in 1997 the Nolls have continuously improved timber stands for future generations, and enhanced wildlife and pollinator habitat.

The Nolls enrolled 735 acres in a cooperative effort with Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources in 2014 that manages deer populations at levels that support hunting and regeneration of woodlands. The Nolls have since attributed a reduction in crop damage to giving deer a choice of habitats due to dozens of different forestry projects underway.

The family annually hosts a hunter education course to ensure a conservation ethic is instilled into youth. By hosting tours for schools and conservation organizations, the Nolls show others what dry bluff prairies, oak savannas and a strong land ethic look like.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Farm Bureau®

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program

FARM BUREAU® LEADERS PRESERVING AGRICULTURE

CONGRATULATIONS

Thirty-five individuals were selected as Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 Under 35 Award finalists. The award was presented by WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program in partnership with Insight FS.

The 35 Under 35 program recognizes the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in environmental, social and economic activities.

Applications were evaluated for the applicant’s involvement in one of five categories with a top individual selected in each.

• Sustainable Environment: Recognizes individuals who are good stewards of the land and their resources.

• Sustainable Service: Recognizes individuals who are serving agriculture through trade skills or advisory roles.

• Sustainable Self: Recognizes individuals who are serving their community through leadership, mentorship and mental health advocacy.

• Sustainable Storytelling: Recognizes individuals who use their platform to share agriculture’s sustainability successes.

• Sustainable Future: Recognizes individuals who are preserving generational success on the farm.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT | TOP INDIVIDUAL: Scott Timm, Green • Jason Behrend, Wood • Eldon Henthorne, Vernon

• Ben Sosnovske, Lincoln

SUSTAINABLE SERVICE | TOP INDIVIDUAL: Brady Zuck, Rusk • Alana Biermeier, Juneau • Erin Elsner, Taylor • Katie Reineking, Sheboygan • Julie Sweney, Dodge

• Tammy Wiedenbeck, Grant • Eric Wuthrich, Green • Nate Zimdars, Fond du Lac

SUSTAINABLE SELF | TOP INDIVIDUAL: Leah Weninger, Washington • Whitney Barnes, Brown • Andrew Dal Santo, Grant • Emily Herness Oates, Trempealeau • Emma Huber, Adams

• Nicole Laack, Sheboygan • Brittany Olson, Barron • Tess Zettle, Green

SUSTAINABLE STORYTELLING | TOP INDIVIDUAL: Teyanna Marx, Dane • Joanna Guza, Brown • Sarah Hetke, Sauk • Stephanie Hoff, Dane

• Rachel Klinkner, Monroe • Libby Hafften, Jefferson • Heidi Strey, Eau Claire

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | TOP INDIVIDUAL: Kristin Quist, Polk Burnett • Lindsay Baneck, Jefferson • Sydney Brooks Howard, Waupaca • Adam and McKenzie Gruna, Portage • Josh Huber, Adams DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

• Jacki Moegenburg, Ozaukee • Brooke Trustem, Rock • Austin Vandertie, Door

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OUTSTANDING COLLEGIATE AND YFA MEMBERS RECOGNIZED

(from left): Jackowski, Kesler, Flick, Zimdars

Flick Wins Farm Bureau’s Farming for the Future Award Sydney Flick was selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturalist Farming for the Future Award at the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference on Dec. 3.

Flick is the farm manager at her family's farm Jazzy Jerseys in Lodi. Flick manages the cows, team members and accounting for the 800-cow dairy. Recently the farm added a farm store and began retail selling beef, both of which she currently manages.

“This contest recognizes young farmers who excel in their farm involvement, future goals, leadership abilities and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations,” said former WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Sydney is a strong voice for Wisconsin farmers and an incredible agriculture advocate.”

The Farming for the Future Award is presented to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 to 35 who derive a majority of their income from on-farm production.

In addition to her dedication to her family’s farm, Flick is also

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involved in a number of agricultural organizations. She is active in dairy promotion and serves as the Cows on the Concourse committee chair. Flick is also the YFA chair for Columbia County Farm Bureau.

Flick will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., will have the opportunity to attend the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, is eligible to participate in the 2025 YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In and be a guest of WFBF at the 2024 YFA Conference.

Other finalists included Jacob and Eliza Bobolz of Rock County, Brad Laack of Sheboygan County and Victoria Wachholz of Marquette County.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation co-sponsors this contest with GROWMARK, Inc. and Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Kesler Wins Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award Kaitlyn Kesler was selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturalist Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award at the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference on Dec. 3.

Kesler is the director of communications and outreach for the Wisconsin Beef Council. Her passion for agriculture started on her family's registered Jersey farm near Gays Mills. She served as the 48th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs and the 71st Alice in Dairyland. In 2022, Kesler received the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation 35 Under 35 Award for Sustainable Storytelling because of her work with the Wisconsin Beef Council and currently is participating in the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute.

“This contest recognizes our young members who have gone above and beyond for agriculture within their communities,” said former WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Kaitlyn exemplifies the impact Wisconsin Farm Bureau members have in rural communities across the state.”

The Outstanding Agriculture Professional Award is presented

to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 to 35 who excels in their leadership abilities, agriculture involvement, and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations. Applicants are agriculturists who have not derived a majority of their income from a farm (that they own) in the past three years.

Kesler will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., will have the opportunity to attend the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, will be eligible to participate in the 2025 YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In and be a guest of WFBF at the 2024 YFA Conference.

Other finalists included Julie Sweney of Dodge County, Brooke Trustem of Rock County and Tammy Wiedenbeck of Grant County.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation co-sponsors this contest with GROWMARK, Inc., and Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Zimdars Wins Farm Bureau’s YFA Discussion Meet Nate Zimdars of Dane County was selected the winner of the 2023 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturalist Discussion Meet during the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference on Dec. 3.

The Discussion Meet 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.

Zimdars was most recently a farm broadcaster with the MidWest Farm Report. As of Dec. 4, he will be a machine operator with Emmi Roth Cheese in Stoughton.

He grew up on a small hobby farm outside of Ripon raising sheep and poultry. He attended UW-Fond du Lac and UW-Madison majoring in political science and history. He

is a former state FFA Officer and Wisconsin FFA Alumni President. Zimdars is a graduate of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute Class XII and is a former county Farm Bureau board member.

Zimdars will represent Wisconsin during the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in January. He will receive $1,500 courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., and is eligible to participate in the 2025 YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In. Along with awards from Farm Bureau, Rural Mutual Insurance and GROWMARK, Inc., the winner was presented with a chainsaw courtesy of Blain’s Farm and Fleet.

Other finalists included Issac Christenson of Polk-Burnett Farm Bureau, Paul Lippert of Wood County Farm Bureau and Brooke Trustem of Rock County Farm Bureau.

Jackowski Wins Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet Contest Ethan Jackowski, a student at UW-Madison, was selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 3.

Jackowski is a sophomore at UW-Madison pursuing a degree in biochemistry and a public policy certificate.

Jackowski found his passion for agriculture when he joined FFA his freshman year of high school. He currently serves as the vice president of Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-Madison and looks forward to continuing to advocate for agriculture in his future career.

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

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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 a consensus and solve problems.

Jackowski will receive a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., and will represent Wisconsin in the national Collegiate Discussion Meet held in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

Other finalists included Amanda Bender from UW-Madison, Brooke Casey and Katie Zimmer from UW-River Falls and Isaac Ward and Katelyn Meinholz from UW-Platteville.

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MEMORIES from the 104th Annual Meeting Sustainable Storytelling Finalists at the 35 Under 35 networking reception.

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d a workshop.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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Lucky winners of $500 for nominating a first time attendee to the YFA Conference.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

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The Ness Family:

Growing Joy Within Their Family, Community and Land

By Kylie Ver Kuilen

N

estled between lush Christmas tree rows, a spring-fed pond and the Milwaukee River, you’ll come across a rustic white barn with a sign that reads Sandhill Tree Farm. A farm that boasts a rich agricultural history that dates back to 1837. However, the Ness family’s chapter began in 2020.

Jaclyn and Dave Ness were interested in real estate and had been looking at another property when they saw Sandhill Tree Farm was on the market.

“Purchasing a Christmas tree farm, especially in the middle of the pandemic, might seem unconventional. But the pandemic caused many people to reassess their lifestyles and seek fulfillment in activities that bring joy and connection. That’s what drove us,” Jaclyn said.

Jaclyn and Dave began the lengthy process of determining whether this next step in life was the best one for their family.

During the visits they made while considering the purchase of the farm, they quickly saw the impact it had on their family as a whole and their three children Callyn (13), Carter (10) and Colton (8).

“Truly that’s what Sandhill does, it creates memories. It creates happiness. It’s provided that to us,” Jaclyn said. “From the joy of cutting down Christmas trees, to celebrating life moments, it’s a space where people create cherished memories with their loved ones and that’s what attracted us to it the most.”

Thus began the Ness family’s chapter on the nearly twocentury-old farm. A chapter where the family’s passion is to find joy not only for themselves but for their community and the land itself.

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The Family Although it had been a way of life for earlier generations of Jaclyn and Dave's families, farming had not been practiced recently. As a result, Jaclyn and Dave had to become fully immersed in every aspect of managing a Christmas tree farm.

“Part of the reason this suits us is that Dave and I both have open personalities. We’re not afraid to ask questions or to be humbled. We appreciate the mistakes we’ve made and learn from them,” Jaclyn said.

Jaclyn and Dave have not been the only ones committed to learning; their children have dedicated themselves to the farm as well. Whether it's helping with planting, pruning or even running the gift shop, their children have found ways they enjoy being involved.

“It’s amazing to have an opportunity for our kids to participate. While they’re young, they’re still able to do so much,” Jaclyn said. “You can’t get a better real-world experience than working on a farm. It develops a strong work ethic, creates entrepreneurial spirit and encourages skill development.”

Callyn has taken the initiative to run the gift shop which has taught her financial literacy, communication skills as well real-time problem-solving. It’s not all work though, Callyn has a passion for this aspect of the business.

Jaclyn also stated that having a central focus to ground the family has allowed them to be more connected to each other. One example of this is the children understanding the time commitment it takes to run a farm and offering help where they can.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

“It has allowed us to grow closer and have something as a family to focus on. The kids have their different interests and Dave and I have our day jobs, but this is something that centrally grounds us,” Jaclyn said. “It gives us something that we all find our own happiness in but yet we’re doing it together.

That’s the greatest benefit to the family is finding something that we all can singularly focus on together. It brings us closer.

It helps us become who we are.”

The Community Acquiring Sandhill Tree Farm has not only brought the Ness family closer to each other but also to their newfound community.

When asked what it means to them to be a part of so many families’ holiday traditions, Jaclyn said “Honestly, it fills our hearts. Throughout the year you can get emotionally drained but those days around Christmas really do fill us back up and create a sense of hope for what the world can be when we all come together.”

Besides the Christmas trees, the Ness family also offers “extra touches of holiday cheer” such as complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes, a crackling campfire and an antique sleigh for photos.

As Jaclyn puts it, “It could be a cold miserable day, but they left feeling warm.”

Being involved with their local community as well as fostering a community centered around Sandhill is of great importance to the Ness family.

“Dave likes to say to the kids, as we’re out and about in the community, we have Sandhill on our back and that’s who we are. Sandhill is us and we are Sandhill,” Jaclyn said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to feel early on an ownership and commitment to the community that we reside in and that the farm is in.”

The Land Another way the Ness family has found joy since taking on Sandhill has been caring for the land that their farm resides on.

“One of the things that we came into the farm having a strong focus on was sustainability. We really did our research, talked to people and took courses about how to elevate the farm’s sustainability,” Jaclyn said.

The Ness family has implemented sustainable practices such as mitigating the effect of invasive species and utilizing equipment that allows them to cut down on the amount of chemicals used all while planting about two trees for every one that gets cut down. The family also encourages programs that recycle real Christmas trees such as the Department of Natural Resources using them to create fish beds or communities turning the trees into mulch.

These practices have not only been good for business but also for local wildlife.

“We’ve seen a really exciting return of animals to the farm.

And I say that with hesitation because the animals can interfere with the trees but we want to live in harmony with them,” Jaclyn said. “The first year we hardly saw any animals out here. And now we have an abundance of cranes, turkeys and hawks.”

The Future These past three years have been filled with countless memories for the Ness family, and each planting season brings new ones.

“That first planting season, it was that feeling of future,” Jaclyn said. “Not only what we’re doing for our own future as a family but the future of the community, the world, the families that are going to come in 8 to 10 years and take this small transplant home. For us, all the hard work that we put in, is really about trying to bring happiness and joy to the world.”

MEMBER BENEFITS

Another Year of Saving with Farm Bureau Benefits T

hroughout the year Farm Bureau member benefits are used by members across the state. Ever curious as to the usage behind these benefits? Or how often they are used?

By being a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member, you qualify for benefits and services that provide a range of options that respond to the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin. Learn more about your member benefits by visiting wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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Did you use a Farm Bureau member benefit this year? We want to hear about it! Testimonials selected for use in WFBF publications will receive a $20 gift card. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/WFBFtestimonial to submit your member benefit testimonial.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Get the

MOST out of

EVERY DOLLAR with your

FARM BUREAU MEMBER BENEFITS Wisconsin Farm Bureau members qualify for a variety of membership benefits and discounts that serve the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Member Protector Policy Learn more about your Farm Bureau member benefit savings by scanning the QR code or visiting wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits. *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice.*

A Lifetime of Service:

Thank You, Wes Raddatz

By Kylie Ver Kuilen

O

ver the years, Wes Raddatz has served the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in countless roles, in countless ways.

And yet, Wes will proudly say, “I’ve gotten so much more from Farm Bureau than I ever put into it.”

Though Wes became an official member of Wisconsin Farm Bureau during the summer of 1975, his involvement with Farm Bureau began just four months after he was born. His father, Gordon Raddatz, was very involved with Farm Bureau as well as several other agriculturalrelated organizations including being an original charter member of the Winnebago Co-op Farm Supply. This co-op was an affiliated supply cooperative of the Winnebago County Farm Bureau.

“My dad, as a concerned parent should be, was eager to get his newborn son off to a proper start in life, and therefore made the $50 investment for me in two shares of preferred capital stock in the fledging organization he was involved with,” said Wes. Since that moment, Wes has been involved with Wisconsin Farm Bureau in one way or another.

After spending his childhood working on the family dairy farm near Oshkosh, Wes went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from UW-Madison. The spring after graduation, Wes bought a farm seven miles from his father’s.

Cow Biz Farm consisted of a 100-cow milking herd that was supported by 600 acres and eventually four employees.

Fast forward a few months to one fateful July day in 1975, Larry Pfaffenroth, a Rural Mutual Insurance agent, drove down

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Wes’s driveway and officially signed him up for membership.

In September of 1975, Wes’s father, Gordon, who was serving on the Winnebago County Board of Directors, encouraged him to attend the county’s annual meeting. It was there that Wes was asked to be the Young Farmer Chair for Winnebago County.

“I, without hesitation, said yes and my career with Farm Bureau began,” Wes said.

Wes would go on to serve as the Young Farmer Chair on both the county and state levels from 1975 to 1984. During his time serving as chair, he participated in the Young Farmers Discussion Meet and made it to the state’s Final Four three years in a row. Wes was also a finalist for the Outstanding Farmer Award.

Wes mentioned that his involvement and travel with Farm Bureau not only helped him take time off from the farm to avoid burnout but also allowed him to learn about new ideas to bring back to his farm.

“My philosophy has always been, if you find out just one thing that you can take back home and make a change on your farm – if you just find one thing – it paid for that entire registration fee or the time you had to hire somebody,” said Wes. After serving as a Young Farmer Chair for nearly 10 years, Wes became a board member of the Winnebago County Farm Bureau. During that time, Wes took the opportunity to become even more involved in Farm Bureau and eventually served on just about every committee on the county and state level. In 1992, Wes was elected President of the Winnebago County Farm Bureau.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wes began a new path in his life in 1993 when he began working as a Dairy Technology Specialist at Braun Dairy Equipment and sold a part of his farm in 1994. He worked as a Dairy Technology Specialist until 1996 until, once again, fate intervened and he came across an ad in a statewide farm newspaper.

The ad was placed by Wisconsin Farm Bureau and was looking for a new Field Supervisor, a position that was transitioned into and is known today as District Coordinator.

Wes called up Jeff Lyon and Dan Paulson, who were overseeing the hiring process, and asked if he should send in a resume.

They told him instead to come in for an interview. And thus began Wes’s 28-year-long employment with Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Wes mentioned Orval Aulenbacher as an integral mentor of his throughout his involvement with Farm Bureau but especially as he transitioned into the Field Supervisor role. Orval had been a Field Supervisor when Wes was a Young Farmer representative and offered especially helpful advice to him as Wes eventually took on Orval’s counties after his retirement.

“He was always an inspiration to me, before and after I was a WFBF employee,” said Wes. “He was one of those guys you couldn’t say no to and knew how to get people involved.”

When asked how his own Farm Bureau involvement has impacted his life, Wes chuckled and said “Well, Farm Bureau has kind of been my life. Not totally, but Farm Bureau has played an extremely important part in my life from the very beginning. I imagine it will carry through into my retirement. I can’t imagine not helping out even in some small way.”

Wes spoke at length about the impact Farm Bureau had on his life. In truth, it was Farm Bureau that was impacted by Wes. Thank you, Wes, for your lifetime of dedicated service to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and its members.

We wish you a wonderful retirement filled with tractor rides with Mr. Dog, many trips down to North Carolina to visit your daughters and grandchildren and, of course, some muchdeserved downtime for you and your wife, Cindi.

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VOICES

Thank You For Your Membership and Business

A Joint Message from RMIC's Dan Merk and WFBF's Bradley Uken 653 were signed by 166 Farm Bureau volunteers. Rural Mutual agents from across that state brought in another 3,844 members. It should be noted that the entire WFBF Board signed at least five new voting members, a first-time achievement in the organization’s history.

A

s we close out another year, Rural Mutual and Wisconsin Farm Bureau want to say thank you for being members and policy holders of our organizations. The year has brought great growth and many positives for both of us. Overall, it has been an outstanding year.

However, this hasn't been a one-year wonder, in fact our strong relationship started nearly 90 years ago in 1934, when Rural Mutual was started. It was during that time that Wisconsin farmers weren’t happy with their insurance options and formation of our own insurance company was hatched. Through the following years both organizations have seen change but remained steadfast in serving our members and clients.

This year was no different in the support that we provided for each other.

The Farm Bureau supports Rural Mutual by offering programs that meet the informational and educational needs of our members and Rural Mutual provides high quality service and products to protect the present and future of clients.

This year saw tremendous membership growth, ending the year at 48,434 members, a total gain of more than 1,100 members from last year. Of the new members that were signed this year,

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Some of the individuals we`d like to highlight are: Volunteers • Trayton Greenfield of Fond du Lac County signed 40 new voting members bringing his lifetime total to more than 2,400 new members signed.

• Scott Breitrick of Shawano County signed 27 new voting members.

• Joe Bragger of Buffalo County signed 22 new voting members.

Rural Mutual Agents • Jenni Zinda-Mancl signed 143 new members.

• Jacob Shropshire signed 134 new members.

• Barbi Manter signed 90 new members.

Achieving membership quota in 2023 means the Farm Bureau has seen growth in total members 15 of the last 16 years. Thanks in large part to Rural Mutual. We would both be remiss if we didn't also mention our friends at Insight FS for their work in helping us with membership as well. Through their efforts of returning patronage to their customers and our members we have been able to bring in new members and retain memberships.

Our partnership is more than just signing new members and growing our numbers. Together, we are providing critical training opportunities for future leaders and educating members on the latest issues impacting agriculture and communities across the state. The Leadership Institute and trip to D.C. are an example of what we are doing

to train leaders to grow our respective organizations but also those in their home communities like school boards, or library boards. We've seen more than 200 graduates of this program.

Another example is the partnership we have with the recently completed YFA Conference and Annual Meeting.

Here we bring together more than 1,100 members, clients and families to network, learn and set directions for our respective organizations. It`s an outstanding weekend, one you`ll see highlighted throughout this issue of Rural Route.

Rural Mutual and Wisconsin Farm Bureau have a relationship that has deep roots. A relationship that has been developed, built, maintained and grown by hundreds of great leaders. Today, our foundation is rock solid and our relationship is stronger than ever.

We look forward to your continued Farm Bureau membership and providing you excellent service and products as a Rural Mutual customer. 2024 is going to be another great year!

Merk is Rural Mutual Insurance's Executive Vice President and CEO and Uken is WFBF's Chief Administration Officer.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Got Real Milk? The Need for Accuracy in the Dairy Case A Message from AFBF's Zippy Duvall

T

he dairy aisles can be a bit of a puzzle these days due to the misleading labeling of plant and nutbased beverages as “milk.” Don’t mistake me here, everyone should have the options they are looking for, but they also need to know exactly what they are getting. According to the Food and Drug Administration, that’s not happening with dairy. Roughly one in four Americans have felt misled when reaching for a non-dairy option because the term “milk” led them to believe they were actually getting milk.

Dairy alternatives have surged in popularity recently, offering consumers a wide range of choices such as soy, oat, almond, rice and coconut. But since these products use dairy terms, like milk and cream, there has been a growing concern regarding the clarity of these labels and adherence to the standards of identity established by the FDA. The FDA’s standard of identity serves

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as a defining framework for products within the marketplace to ensure consumers get what they are paying for. For example, “jams” must contain a minimum amount of fruit, and the terms “cheese alternative” or “cheese substitute,” must be used for products that don’t meet a minimum standard for cheese. However, despite the existence of a standard for milk, enforcement by the FDA has notably been absent and allowed various plant and nut-based products to use terms like “milk” without repercussions.

This leniency has caused confusion for consumers and raised questions about fair branding practices. The American consumer has come to know and trust the health benefits of real, dairy milk, but this mislabeling has hijacked the term and trust in quality and nutritional value that goes along with it.

Farm Bureau proudly advocates for the interests of all farmers and ranchers, including dairy farmers, almond growers, soybean farmers, coconut growers and oat farmers. We value choice in the marketplace and along with that ensuring consumers are given accurate information about the food products they choose.

Earlier this year, the FDA came out with draft guidance on dairy terms, and while it acknowledges nutritional differences in non-dairy products, it gave these alternatives permission to keep using dairy terminology. FDA also left it to the companies producing nondairy alternatives to choose whether to include clarifying nutritional statements on their labels, an ineffective approach to providing shoppers with information important to differentiating the products they consume.

This current guidance for milk substitutes risks setting a precedent that could lead to other trusted food names being misused and misunderstood for alternative products. Consumers deserve accurate labels at the grocery store so that they can make informed choices that meet their needs. That’s why Farm Bureau is calling on FDA to amend the draft guidance and prohibit the use of terms such as “milk” on products that don’t meet the outlined standard of identity.

Our grassroots leaders, along with state and national staff, have been actively engaged in advocating for more accurate labeling practices, providing comments on the guidance, and submitting solutions adopted by other countries. For instance, in Canada and the EU, "almond milk” is labeled as “almond beverage,” providing a clear distinction.

There is also potential to get this solved within the farm bill by passing legislation such as the Dairy Pride Act, which would prohibit any alternatives from using dairy terminology on their products.

At Farm Bureau, we will always support consumers’ access to a variety of options, including non-dairy, but this issue surrounding labeling has brought to light just how important transparency and product standards are. We must continue to advocate for clarity and give consumers the freedom to make informed choices in the dairy aisle.

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

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VOICES

It Takes A Team

A Message from WFBF’s Bradley Uken

W

e just wrapped up our membership year, themed “It Takes a Team”. This theme means so much to me.

As an organization, we are moving forward together trying to make Wisconsin agriculture better. It’s the bonds we have with fellow members and the roots we have as an agricultural industry and organization that makes us a team.

This year, our team moved the organization forward in many ways. We saw tremendous membership growth, growing to nearly 48,500 members. This marks the 15th of 16 years we have seen growth. So much of that credit goes to you, our members, for not only signing new members but simply renewing your dues on an annual basis. But I can’t help but also thank both Rural Mutual and Insight FS for their help, as well.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation made great strides this year, too. A special task force was charged with looking at the future of our Foundation.

Together, they developed a mission, vision statement and goals for the foundation

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moving forward.

One of those goals was hiring a Foundation Director. John Hromyak filled that position this summer and is leading efforts to raise funds to support the Young Farmer and Agriculturalist and Promotion and Education programs, our sustainability efforts, the Leadership Institute and our Ag in the Classroom work.

The $150 million roads bill that passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor was a huge step forward in establishing better rural roads. While admittedly not nearly enough dollars to improve every road, it is the beginning of what we hope is a bigger commitment.

We look forward to working with all parties to grow that commitment in the future.

The launch of Gather Wisconsin is another tool to help us tell our story to consumers. Interacting, talking with and listening to consumers about their questions and thoughts about agriculture is critical if we want to ensure the individuals that are purchasing our products fully understand that we are growing and raising the safest, most reliable products in the world.

Finally, we are nearly fully staffed here at Wisconsin Farm Bureau. While this seems perhaps trivial to many, not being fully staffed creates several challenges, mostly for staff doubling down on responsibilities to seamlessly continue to deliver Farm Bureau service and programming for our membership. We have been fortunate to bring on some great individuals, add them to our already awesome team and truly have something special building here at the Farm Bureau.

As we flip the calendar to another year and embrace this year’s theme of Building a New Frontier, we will have several unique and special opportunities that face

the organization.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau is actively seeking legislation that will allow us to offer health plans to our members. The proposal is going to take a lot of work to get the legislation required for us to offer it passed. We will be asking you for help in contacting your state legislator to encourage them to support our proposal.

Local government issues are continuing to rise across the state, many that have a direct impact on your businesses, often negatively. Farm Bureau is going to need to be more engaged than ever in defending our industry on these local issues. We need your help to grow agriculture for future generations.

Renewable energy is going to continue to be a topic of discussion as we roll into next year. As an organization, we need to provide the resources you need to make the best decision for your farms as it pertains to these contracts. We started this process this year with a fact sheet located on our website along with a short informational video. Additionally, we held a break-out session at the recent Annual Meeting on this topic. We will continue to look for ways to get this information out to our members so that you can make well-educated decisions.

Finally, we will have a new membership database in place in 2024. The new database will be an improvement. While final rollout plans are still being finalized, we have been working through this implementation this fall and are excited about what this system will mean for our connections with our members.

Thank you for being a Farm Bureau member. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Uken is WFBF's Chief Administrative Officer.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Year in Review: WFBF’s Focus on Sustainability A Message from WFBF’s Rachel Gerbitz

T

he topic of sustainability continues to change and evolve, but the importance of the concepts remain.

The last two years have proven that sustainability is more than a fad – it is a driving force shaping consumer purchasing habits. Agriculture is at a pivotal moment to embrace change and drive conversations. Wisconsin Farm Bureau continues to embrace sustainability through programming and communication initiatives to be a leading voice in this conversation.

To enhance member communication and resource sharing, WFBF launched Stewards, a sustainability e-newsletter, in January 2023. Stewards is a source for sustainability and conservation news, events and deadlines. The monthly e-newsletter is sent out on the third Tuesday of every month. To subscribe to Stewards, visit bit.ly/stewardsnewsletter.

WFBF collaborates with agricultural organizations monthly and works to build

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new partnerships to bring consistent messaging and exciting programming in the sustainability space.

During 2023, WFBF joined the ranks of food companies and agribusinesses engaging with the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). CFI’s mission is to help build trust in today’s food system. CFI’s partners represent the diversity of today’s food system – from farmers to food companies and restaurants to retailers.

WFBF uses CFI’s research and insights to guide consumer communication such as the Gather Wisconsin brand.

New in 2023, WFBF partnered with the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and UW-Green Bay Division of Continuing Education and Community Engagement for the Sustainable Leadership Seminar Series. The series of five seminars explores leadership and sustainability in environmental, social and economic spaces. The program is sponsored by Compeer Financial.

WFBF hosted three Leaders of the Land Processing tours in 2023.

The purpose of this tour series was to offer different perspectives regarding environmental stewardship across Wisconsin. The tour series highlighted sustainability throughout the food supply chain, bringing together farmer and retail perspectives. Tour stops included Bernatello’s Foods in Kaukauna, Alsum Farms in Adams and Bush Brothers & Company in Augusta.

Leaders of the Land is one way WFBF is sharing sustainability stories. Monthly Leaders of the Land profiles are shared in the Stewards newsletter and on Gather Wisconsin.

WFBF’s 35 Under 35 award program

continues to recognize young farmers for their leadership in environmental, social and economic activities. More than 120 YFA members were nominated for the recognition and 45 members submitted video applications. Finalists were recognized at annual meeting and celebrated with an exclusive networking reception.

35 Under 35 received national recognition receiving the inaugural Anne Marie Moss Team Effort Award at the 2023 American Farm Bureau Communicators Conference. The award celebrated a team effort focused on a priority issue for AFBF – sustainability.

The program was commended for its collaboration and successful amplification of young farmer voices.

Sustainability continues to be a priority in Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom efforts. WFBF brought sustainability demonstrations to several events this year, reaching nearly a thousand students with conservation messaging. New for 2024, a sustainability lesson has been created to accompany the book of the year and essay contest.

Just as sustainability remains an important pillar of farming, Farm Bureau will continue to provide new opportunities and resources to celebrate and elevate sustainability in Wisconsin agriculture.

Gerbitz is WFBF’s Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships. In this role, she oversees the organization’s sustainability communication efforts.

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LEADERSHIP

New Members Appointed to State Committees Appointees to Promotion and Education Committee

A

family farm, Gaynor Cranberry shley Schlender of Jefferson County Company. Heidi and her husband, and Heidi Slinkman of Wood County have been appointed to the Brian, have one son, one daughter Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and a springer spaniel. Heidi and Education Committee by the currently serves as Wood County organization’s Board of Directors.

Farm Bureau Promotion and Ashley and her husband, Troy, and Education chair and has begun helping with Wisconsin's Ag in sons, Trent and Duke, own and operate a the Classroom programs. Heidi is robotic dairy farm and custom chopping passionate about her family, farm business in Watertown. From a young and community. age, agriculture has been an important In addition to these new aspect of Ashley’s life as she grew up (from left): Mueller, Schlender, Slinkman and appointees, Brenda Dowiasch on a dairy farm and showed cows and Dowiasch. from Eau Claire County and Steve horses at local and state fairs. This Mueller from St. Croix County were re-appointed to serve a prior experience has led her to share her love of agriculture second term on the committee. by teaching others through various roles, such as, 4-H general The Promotion and Education Committee is a group of leader and summer intern, teacher, Jefferson County Farm nine leaders who represent the nine Wisconsin Farm Bureau Bureau volunteer, school volunteer, dairy project leader and districts. Committee members develop, implement and promote more. Ashley enjoys watching her boys play sports, helping projects and programs that build awareness and understanding them show their registered Jerseys and Holsteins and traveling. of agriculture and provide leadership development for the Heidi is a cranberry grower from Wisconsin Rapids. She agricultural community. The Promotion and Education Program officially began her committee appointment in June 2023. For is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. the last 17 years, she has served as the business manager for her

Appointees to Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee

H

Jason Behrend is a fourtheather Erdman of Eau Claire generation farmer. He raises County, Victoria Smith of hogs and rotationally grazes Marquette County, Luke and Ashley cattle. He enjoys learning Lisowe of Calumet County and Jason new soil-building farming Behrend of Wood County have been practices and has been an appointed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s active member of Farm Young Farmer and Agriculturist Bureau for more than ten Committee by the organization’s Board years. Jason currently serves of Directors. as the Wood County Farm Heather Erdman raises kids, crops Bureau YFA Chair. and cattle with her husband, Steven, on Luke and Ashley Lisowe their family farm. Their four children are (from left): Ashley Lisowe, Luke Lisowe, Jason Behrend, were reappointed to the the fifth generation raised on their farm. Victoria Smith and Heather Erdman.

As a family, they show cattle at local committee for 2024. They and national shows. Heather currently serves as the Eau Claire both grew up on their parents’ family dairy farms. Ashley County YFA Chair and is an active member of the Augusta graduated with a degree in dairy science from UW-River Falls.

FFA Alumni Association and Friends of the Fair.

Luke graduated from UW-Madison’s Farm & Industry Short Victoria Smith grew up immersed in agriculture and the Course. Luke is part owner of his family’s dairy farm. Ashley Farm Bureau family. Being a third-generation member, she works alongside Luke on his family’s farm while taking care of prides herself in being part of this grassroots organization and their children.

The WFBF YFA Committee consists of nine couples or teaching others about the importance of agriculture. Victoria individuals (ages 18-35) from around the state. Its goal is to currently works with children in rural communities through the Head Start program and at her local library where she helps get more young farmers and agriculturists acquainted with and teach future farmers and farm supporters about opportunities involved in Farm Bureau. The YFA Program is funded by the in farming.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Leadership Boot Camp Focuses on Storytelling Leadership

Training Series

More than 40 Wisconsin Farm Bureau members gathered in Fond du Lac for the Leadership Boot Camp held the last weekend of October. The Leadership Boot Camp is hosted by the Promotion and Education Committee and serves as a fast-paced, challenging training session with a focus on equipping members with resources and tools to promote agriculture.

Darci Daniels led a ‘Storytelling that Sells’ session.

Training concluded with a storytelling mastermind activity led

by Cassie Sonnentag.

Hannah Barthels, Rachel Harmann, Stephanie Hoff and Kaitlyn Kessler shared sustainable storytelling successes.

Members gathered at LaClare Family Creamery for a preconference event.

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McCade’s Joyride Supports Farm Neighbors Care When Mason Schubert first heard about the Farm Neighbors Campaign on the radio, he knew that the efforts to support mental health and suicide efforts through McCade’s Joyride would be a perfect fit.

McCade’s Joyride was started in 2018 to honor McCade Schubert who died by suicide in 2017. Through his brothers, Mason and Drake, a memorial joyride was started with contribution originally given to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We have always talked about wanting to support local causes to help people in our community. We didn’t know there was such a need for farmer mental health resources until we started to do some research. We knew Farm Neighbors Care would be the perfect fit for funds from the joyride,” Mason shared.

During 2023, events included a car cruise, two car shows and “Cars and Coffee” events with all proceeds benefiting Farm Neighbors Care.

Proceeds were given to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation to support Farm Neighbors Care projects across Wisconsin and for training related to mental health and suicide prevention. McCade’s mom, Carie Jommen added, “We really enjoy putting these events together to honor McCade but we wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of our friends and family. It really is a team effort, and we are grateful for their support.”

Farm Neighbors Care

To learn more about McCade’s Joyride visit: Web: mccadesjoyride.org Facebook: mccadesjoyride Instagram: @mccadejoyride

is a campaign to support our farmers who are facing stress due to low market prices, poor weather and crop conditions, etc. Farming can be an isolating career, especially if other family members work off the farm. It is important to check in on your friends, neighbors and family members to gauge how they are doing and offer support and a listening ear.

The campaign asks rural residents to have face-to-face conversations with farmers and agri-business owners. For some, this conversation and check-in may be the dose of positivity needed to make it through a tough day.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call. It’s OK to not be OK. 988 – National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 888.901.2558 – 24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline – Wisconsin Farm Center 32

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

AROUND THE TABLE Visit gatherwisconsin.com for more recipes.

Japanese Pork Curry Bowl

Courtesy of the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa.

INGREDIENTS • 11/3 lb. pork loin, small dice • 1 Tbsp. olive oil • 1 Tbsp. cumin seed • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced • 1 yellow onion, minced • 1 stalk celery, finely grated

• 1 clove garlic, finely grated • 1/2 in. fresh ginger; piece, finely grated • 2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced • 1 Tbsp. ketchup • 1 Tbsp. paprika • 11/2 tsp. red miso

• 1 c. pork stock • 1 bay leaf • 1/2 curry (x 1/2 inch piece Japanese brick) • 2 tsp. rice vinegar • salt • pepper • 4 c. steamed white rice

INSTRUCTIONS 1. C urry: Place a small Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil. vegetables about 4-5 minutes until they start to get tender and the Add the cumin seeds and toast for a few minutes, until fragrant. Add onions become slightly translucent, then add rest of ingredients and half of the pork loin and allow it to get some color, about 7-8 minutes, simmer over low heat 10 minutes or until the pork and vegetables are remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. Repeat with the second half tender and the sauce has thickened. of pork loin and when lightly browned after 7-8 minutes, add back the 2. Serve the pork curry with steamed rice and sides of buttered corn first batch of pork. Add butter, add carrots and onions and sweat the and quick pickled kale.

Classic Be ef Tenderloin Roa st with Cranberry Drizzle INGREDIENTS

Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

• 1 beef Tenderloin Roast Center-Cut, 2-3 lbs.

• 1 lb. yellow onions peeled, cut into wedges • 21/2 lbs. Brussels sprouts, trimmed • 1 Tbsp. olive oil • 11/4 tsp. salt, divided • 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped

• 1 Tbsp. pepper • sauce • 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar • 3 Tbsp. shallots, finely chopped • 1 16-oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

INSTRUCTIONS Cooking vegetables in oven with roast. Roast beef reserved 1 tsp. thyme mixture and remaining 1. H eat oven to 425°F. Combine onions, in 425°F oven 35 to 45 minutes for medium 1/4 tsp. salt. Keep warm.

Brussels sprouts, oil and 1 tsp. salt on metal rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness. 2. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for baking pan; toss to coat. Set aside.

Roast vegetables 45 to 50 minutes or until 2. Combine thyme and pepper in small bowl. tender and lightly browned medium. Transfer roast to carving board; Reserve 1 tsp. thyme mixture for sauce; set Sauce tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 aside. Press remaining thyme mixture evenly 1. M eanwhile, prepare sauce. Combine vinegar to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue and shallots in small saucepan; bring to a to rise about 10° to 15°F to reach 145°F for onto all surfaces of beef Tenderloin Roast.

3. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Stir in medium rare; 160°F for medium.)

Insert oven-proof-meat thermometer so cranberry sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; 3. Carve roast into slices; serve with vegetables and sauce. tip is centered in thickest part of beef. Do simmer 6 minutes to blend flavors, stirring not add water or cover. Place prepared occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in

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5

MINUTES

WITH GREEN COUNTY’S

ERIC WUTHRICH

Tell us a little about yourself.

Although I did not grow up on a farm, I knew at a young age that farming would be in my future. Growing up, I always looked forward to visiting my grandparents' farm in Monroe and hoped that I could call Green County my home. After graduating from UW-River Falls in 2020, this dream became a reality. I am currently a District Sales Manager for AgriGold covering southwestern Wisconsin and live in New Glarus with my girlfriend, Jackie, and our dog, Donna. This year we are harvesting our first crops and we cannot be more excited to continue my family’s farm. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, hunting, fishing and riding in the UTV.

What do you enjoy most about your career in agriculture? Why?

What is a Farm Bureau experience that you are most proud of and why?

I enjoy helping my customers grow and succeed on their farms. As a District Sales Manager, my goal is to place the correct seed on the right acre for my growers. It is very rewarding for me to receive calls from excited customers in the fall when they are harvesting a successful crop that they put so much work into.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to attend the YFA conference and share these experiences with my girlfriend, Jackie. Through this, it has helped grow her passion for agriculture and create new friendships. I am excited to see what future opportunities will be presented because of this.

What is a success in your agriculture career that you are most proud of?

What is something that most Farm Bureau members would not know about you? Explain.

I am very lucky to be able to work with some very progressive growers throughout southern Wisconsin. One thing that I am very proud of is providing corn hybrids and soybean varieties to new, young growers and having them succeed and continue farming for the future.

I enjoy doing custom leatherwork in the winter. I have made belts, gun holsters and knife sheaths.

What are some of the challenges you face in your career in agriculture and how do you handle them?

Mother Nature can be a large challenge for my farmers. I am constantly watching the weather and making recommendations on when to plant corn and soybeans for my customers.

What is one agriculture experience that has defined you and why?

My passion for agriculture developed at a young age when visiting my grandparents farm and riding in the equipment.

The time spent with my grandfather grew my burning passion

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for agriculture and has led me to the person and young farmer that I am today. Growing up in town, I am forever grateful for the time spent in the cab of the tractor and combine with my grandfather.

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Why are you proud to be a Farm Bureau member?

I am proud to be involved in a great organization that has a common goal of helping farmers and ranchers succeed. The people of Farm Bureau have been incredibly welcoming and I can tell that I will have lifelong friends because of this. There are so many opportunities to get involved in the organization.

The Leadership Institute is a great way to truly get to know yourself and learn new ideas to take back to the county boards.

What advice do you have for new Farm Bureau members or those looking to get more involved?

Get involved! There are so many opportunities to learn more about agriculture, legislation and yourself. It does not take a title to be a leader. This means that even if being on the board isn’t for you, there are other ways you can be involved such as committees, YFA events and other various local events.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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N CAMPUS with Collegiate Farm Bureau Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls had busy fall semesters. The students hosted recruitment events, participated in fundraisers, attended homecoming and social activities and conducted their respective Collegiate Discussion Meets. See firsthand how collegiate members across the state do an impressive job representing agriculture and Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

UW-Platteville students had a fun time representing Collegiate Farm Bureau in their homecoming parade.

In October, UW-River Falls Collegiate Farm Bureau hosted their annual Fall Dance. More than 100 students line danced the night away.

The Cheese Stand at World Dairy Expo is coordinated by the UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau. This year, they sold about 19,000 grilled cheese sandwiches. The money raised is used to help fund their educational spring trip.

UW-Madison members participate in the Ag in the Classroom program by visiting schools around the Dane County area and teaching students about agriculture.

Each collegiate chapter hosted a Discussion Meet in October. These UW-Madison participants discussed how our organization can further engage diverse agricultural communities and cultivate dynamic future Farm Bureau leaders.

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Brag About Ag has become an annual event at UW-Platteville. Students enjoy an evening of camaraderie and hearing from industry professionals. This year’s speakers were Kim Bremmer of Ag Inspirations and Amber McComish of Lucky Cow Coffee & Gelato.

In November, UW-Platteville members volunteered at “A Day on the Farm" – an enlightening agricultural event that provides attendees with an opportunity to visit a working dairy farm, discover more about agriculture and learn how their food gets to the table.

During their Fall Farm Tours, UW-River Falls members learned more about the business functions of Forestville Vines. In addition to hearing about the operation of the vineyard, students were able to pick their own grapes to enjoy.

UW-River Falls members, Carter Beaulieu and Bailey Kuhn, attended a Wisconsin Farm Bureau's Leaders of the Land tour where they learned about Bush Brothers and Company sustainability practices. They are pictured here with WFBF District 9 Coordinator Katie Mattison.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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FOUNDATION

In Memory of Jim Holte

Former WFBF President Jim Holte passed away in October. To date, more than $7,000 has been raised in his memory for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Mark Anderson John & Darlene Arneson Andrea Brossard Bill & Mary Bruins Josh & Ashleigh Calaway Carl Casper Dave & Kim Daniels Jon & Amy Eckelberg Richard & Shirley Felts Lynn Siekmann & Ryan Goth Diane Hanson Lisa Helt Trevor, Melissa & Sophie Jacobson Dave & Sue Johnson Ryan & Cheri Klussendorf David Kruschke Robert & Heidi Larson Teresa Marker

Katie Mattison Dan & Julie Merk Rich & Darci Meili Robert & Betty Nigh Peter & Annette Pelizza Chris & Kelly Pollack Wesley Raddatz David Geiser & Deborah Reinhart Rick & Donna Schemm Becky Schollian Robert & Karen Schwandt Jessie Singerhouse Allen & Cassie Sonnentag Beverly Strand Dwight & Diane Tolk Austin & Wendy Volkert Ryan & Tracy Walsh Debra Zachman

Epic Systems Corporation GROWMARK, Inc. Illinois Farm Bureau Rock County Farm Bureau Rural Mutual Insurance Company All of the county Farm Bureaus in District 9 joined together to donate $2,100 in memory of Jim Holte.

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between Sept. 27 and Dec. 5, 2023)

• C arol Hioki • J esse Singerhouse • K ewaunee County YFA

Committee • S ally Schoenike in memory of Marvin Twardokus •D odge County Farm Bureau in memory of Marvin Twardokus •M arathon County Farm Bureau in memory of Sharon Theis • T aylor County Farm Bureau in memory of John Walkowicz

About the

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERS DURING THE WFBF ANNUAL MEETING AND YFA CONFERENCE

Silent Auction: $14,358 raised from 190 lots

50/50: $1,883 raised from two raffles

Twenty Wars: $2,522 raised with District 4 winning

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE FOUNDATION! DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Fond du Lac Program Named 2023 ALL Award Recipient T

he Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council Agricultural Ambassador Program received the 2023 Ag in the Classroom Agriculture Literacy Leadership Award during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting on Sunday, Dec. 3.

The ALL Award was established in 2022 to honor the ongoing work of volunteers who continually contribute leadership in advancing agriculture literacy through shared time, talents, and creativity.

The Agricultural Ambassador Program, run by the Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council, offers free virtual or in-person presentations on a range of agricultural topics tailored for grades K-4 to 8th-grade. Some of the topics covered include health and nutrition, food safety, and agricultural careers.

During the 2022-2023 school year, the program impacted more than 12,650 students and provided Ag Mags and other Ag in the Classroom resources to students and teachers.

Additionally, the program hosts various educational events for the public to connect with producers. These include the Agriculture Showcase, Breakfast on the Farm, Day on the Farm and June Dairy Day. The program also collaborates with the Fond du Lac

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Agricultural Society to create an interactive educational exhibit at the Fond du Lac County Fair, featuring the “Moo”turnity Ward. These initiatives are aimed at providing valuable information about agriculture and raising awareness of its importance.

The Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council will be Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s nominee for the National Agriculture in the Classroom Partner in Agriculture Literacy (PAL) Award, to be presented at the 2024 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 25-27, 2024.

To ALL volunteers and industry partners, thank you for your time and dedication to the cause of increasing awareness and understanding of agriculture. Nominations for the 2024 ALL Award will begin in Summer 2024. Watch for more information on how you can nominate an outstanding volunteer and/or business partner.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Volunteers and Top-Notch Presenters Make for a Successful Volunteer Rally T

he Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Fall Volunteer Rally was held on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Fond du Lac Radisson Inn and Conference Center. The one-day event proved to be a triumph with 48 enthusiastic volunteers in attendance for workshops and panels.

To kick things off, new county coordinators were invited an hour early for the Ag in the Classroom Coordinator 101 pre-workshop session. The training sessions were wide-ranging, informative and engaging. Ashley Hagenow, the 76th Alice in Dairyland, introduced the Exploring Wisconsin Agriculture lesson. Tonra Degner, Nancy Liegel and Dana Westedt, Ag in the Classroom County Coordinators from Juneau and Sauk counties respectively, led the Essay Contest Tips and Tricks session. John Hromyak, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Director, presented a Foundation Overview and County Incentives update and helped to Waupun FFA members Connor present 37 counties with Kuhn, Blayne Kloosterboer and Abel Kooima shared how they partner with schools, local businesses and farms to host Day on the Farm for nearly 400 fourth-grade students.

annual reporting incentives.

The Waupun FFA Chapter Food for America leaders and advisor Tari Costello presented their FFA Day on the Farm program, while Jeni Maly, from Waupun Parks and Recreation, discussed Partnership Opportunities for County Ag in the Classroom programs.

Lastly, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Beth Schaefer led a Make and Take session which highlighted the new soil, seed and strawberries lessons. The generous support from Culver’s provided each county in attendance with a soil, seeds and strawberries lessons kit. The event was productive, informative and left volunteers feeling energized and well-equipped to promote agriculture in their communities.

Did you miss the Ag in the Classroom Fall Volunteer Rally?

Catch up with Ag in the Classroom at upcoming IGNITE Conferences - learn more on page 22.

Members practiced modeling soil samples with M&Ms, as part of the Soil, Seeds and Strawberries lesson and kit, courtesy of Culver’s.

Thirty-seven counties received incentives for completing the 2023 Ag in the Classroom County Annual Report courtesy of Ag in the Classroom funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

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Waupun Parks and Recreation Art Educator and Art Studio Owner Jeni Maly shared the collaborative ‘Ag in the Park Program’ held in Summer 2023 at West End Park in Waupun.

Tonra Degner, Nancy Liegel and Dana Westedt presented tips and tactics for planning and promoting a successful essay contest program.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

RURAL MUTUAL

Staying Healthy During the Winter Months T is the season for holiday gatherings and sharing germs!

Here are some simple tips to keep you healthy this winter.

Practice Good Hygiene • Avoid sneezing or coughing directly into your hands.

• Wash your hands in warm, soapy water regularly for at least 20 seconds (especially before and after prepping food and after you sneeze).

• Clean the shared areas in your household frequently. Wiping down ‘high-touch’ surfaces will help kill germs quickly.

• Stay home if you get sick. If you are unable to stay home until you’re healthy again, grab a mask and try to keep your distance from others to avoid spreading your illness.

Eat Healthy It’s important to add fruits and vegetables to your diet during the winter. Foods like almonds, spinach and broccoli not only add great flavor to recipes but they also boost your immune system. Mix up some fruit in your breakfast smoothie or pile vegetables into your next casserole. Your taste buds and body will thank you later.

Stay Active It’s important to keep your body moving in the colder months. If you can, set up a space in your house to work out.

Whether you’re lifting weights, doing yoga or following along to a Zumba workout, it’s a great way to stay active. If you’re

dedicated to going to the gym instead of home workouts, reach out to a friend for an accountability partner- it’ll be a lot harder to stay in the warm house.

Stay Hydrated Keep drinking your water in the colder weather. The daily recommendation for water intake in adults is half a gallon (64 ounces). Some people may need more or less than that. If you get sick, make sure you increase your water intake so you can replace the fluids your body lost during the illness.

Reduce Alcohol Alcohol has been known to increase your stress and anxiety levels, mess with your sleep and weaken your immune system.

Consider swapping an alcoholic drink for a glass of water.

Whether it replaces your nightcap or is a spacer between drinks at an event, your body will thank you for it the next day and in the long run.

Pay Attention to Mental Health Many people suffer from seasonal depression or the winter blues. Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you’re struggling mentally, you may feel the physical effects and vice versa. Moving your body, connecting with loved ones or finding a hobby might help shake the winter blues. If you need more support, talking to a professional might be the right move.

Rural Mutual Named a Best Place to Work in Madison R

ural Mutual Insurance is proud to be recognized on Madison Magazine’s 2023 list of Best Places to Work. The only way to be named to this list is by a vote of confidence from its employees in the form of an anonymous survey.

The Best Places to Work survey was done by an independent third party, Quantum Workplace, utilizing 10 key factors: team effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, feeling valued, manager effectiveness, compensation, benefits, individual contribution, trust in co-workers, job satisfaction and retention.

Vice President of Organizational Development Mark Schuster believes the way employees are treated directly affects customer satisfaction, which is one of the many reasons employees are so highly regarded. Schuster says that just like the farmers, business owners and families Rural Mutual insures, its employees are hardworking and committed to doing the right thing.

“Rural Mutual employees take pride in being the top writer DECEMBER | JANUARY 2023-2024

of farm insurance in the state,” said Director of Marketing and Brokerage Services Michael Lubahn. “When you think of a farmer’s characteristics, you think about words like ethical and hardworking. Our employees mirror those values.”

Schuster says Rural Mutual believes in work-life balance and fosters a people-focused culture. “We know our employees have family and personal obligations, and we value a balance that allows them to do both,” he said. “Our company values transparency. We review results with our employees on a regular basis, so there are no real surprises.”

Rural Mutual offers its employees a competitive wage and benefits package, hosts employee happy hours, sporting events and food trucks, and provides paid time off to volunteer at local charities.

“Just being nominated for the Best Places to Work award is amazing by itself, since an employee must nominate the company,” Lubahn said. “But to win this award, you really have to earn it.”

Rural Mutual Insurance Company has been protecting Wisconsin for 89 years. As a Ward’s 50® company, Rural Mutual provides a full line of insurance products exclusively to families, businesses, and farms in Wisconsin. wfbf.com

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Winter Car Maintenance Tips T hese car care tips can help keep you safe this winter.

1. Check Your Tires It’s common for car tires to lose air pressure in the winter thanks to the drop in temperature. Driving on tires with low pressure is dangerous for many reasons. Not only is it bad for gas mileage but the tire can also breakdown leading to a blowout, and it won’t ‘bite’ through the snow to maintain traction.

Additionally, having tires with adequate tread can make a big difference in how your car handles snowy roads. Consider replacing your tires before winter or swapping out your allseason tires for winter tires. Winter tires have treads specially designed to grip snow and ice for optimum traction on slick roads. Getting through snow requires the deepest grooves possible.

2. Upgrade Your Headlights It’s important that your vehicle’s lights are in excellent shape,

providing the brightest possible illumination in the winter.

Brush all snow from the vehicle and exterior lights before driving. Bright headlights are also a safety precaution to help you watch for animals on the move, especially deer.

3. Keep Your Gas Tank Full A full gas tank may prevent accumulated water from freezing inside your fuel pump. It also can help you stay warm should you get stuck or breakdown by allowing your car to stay running until help arrives. Make sure to keep your gas tank at least half full.

4. Stock A Roadside Emergency Kit If you break down or get in an accident in the cold weather, be prepared with a roadside emergency kit. Keep winter clothing, accessories and a blanket in the car in case you have to wait for assistance. Some other items include emergency lights or flares and a shovel or device to clear away snow.

Protect Your Buildings from Snow Loads This Winter W

inters can be tough especially on buildings. Most people take for granted the amount of stress their homes, businesses, barns and storage facilities endure throughout Wisconsin winters. Every year, these structures support heavy snow and ice, otherwise known as snow load.

Did you know heavy, wet snow can weigh up to 21 pounds per square foot? Snow packs a great deal of weight which increases when you add rain, ice and sleet to the mix. Many farm claims in the winter are related to collapsing buildings due to snow load. Take the time to inspect your buildings before winter arrives.

Inspect Your Buildings Before the snow falls, check your building for wood decay or metal corrosion. For example, if you’ve damaged a support post with a piece of machinery or have corrosion of metal truss plates, that can be an issue once you’ve got the weight of snow up above. Be aware of any buildings that are susceptible to collapse, such as an older building or one without a concrete foundation. Any obstructions, such as ventilation or a cupola, or changes in roof height or pitch, are places where snow can really pile up and lead to stress on the building. If you see a problem, get it repaired as soon as possible.

Removing Snow from the Roof Once snow is on the roof, you will want to remove it right away. Make sure the area is clear of people and animals in case any of the snow unexpectedly shifts and falls.

It’s recommended to use a snow rake with a long extension arm to remove snow while standing safely on the ground. Don’t walk around on the roof to remove the snow. This can not only damage the roof but also be very dangerous due to the snow and ice covered surface.

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You can also get the roof to shed the snow itself in some buildings. You can drive up the roof temperature by warming up the building and closing the ventilation system. Once the structure is above the freezing point of the snow, it will start to melt against the building’s roof creating water that will push sheets of snow off.

Keep an Eye Out Look out for snow drifts. High winds can cause snow to drift as high as the roof. If you see this happening, get your loaders out and move those drifts before they spread to the roof and become an additional weight.

Watch your roof and buildings all winter, especially ones with heavy loads, for signs of stress or damage, aging, misaligned or bowed trusses and creaking sounds are signs of a building in danger of collapsing.

Be Prepared Make sure you’re properly covered before winter storms roll in. Reach out to your local Rural Mutual agent for additional information.

Connect with Rural Mutual Insurance @RuralMutual @RuralMutual @Rural.Mutual @Rural Mutual Insurance Company www.RuralMutual.com WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION