Rural Route February-March 2019

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

february | march 2019 • vol. 25 no. 1 | wfbf.com

‘Meat ’ the Wyttenbachs

Page 14

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FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

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AFBF POLICY SET

Members from across the U.S. discuss Farm Bureau policy.

AFBF ANNUAL CONVENTION

See highlights from the convention in New Orleans.

CABINET APPOINTEES

Learn how these new appointments affect Wisconsin agriculture.

WYTTENBACH MEATS

Sauk County farmers also own a meat market.

UW DISCOVERY FARMS

Learn about a program that specializes in water quality research.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

WFBF reflects on 100-year history.

OPINION

Opinion pieces from Holte, Duvall Truelsen, Hetke and Camp.

PICTURE THIS

Members share the beauty of winter.

KICK-OFF

Ag in the Classroom hosts kick-off at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.

RURAL MUTUAL

Prevent slips, trips and falls.

COVER PHOTO BY 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 was the day after a severe snowstorm when my husband and I were driving by a large farm field. The wind had picked up overnight and caused some large snow drifts. It looked like the ocean, with waves of white instead of blue.

It was freezing cold that morning. I was thankful to be inside a warm vehicle looking out at the frozen field. Despite the miserable weather the day before, the aftermath was pure beauty.

The last few weeks I have seen beautiful photos from farmers throughout the state.

Frozen icicles on barn roofs, delicate snowflakes on farm house windows and frost accumulation on chains, gates and eyelashes.

At times, it's been a hard winter with the weather conditions and severe cold. Rather than complaining, the farmers I know have been staying positive and taking in the winter beauty.

After attending the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum in January, I've come to terms that farmers will again be challenged in the coming year.

I hope that together, as the agricultural community, we will be positive and optimistic just like we've been with the weather.

As a Farm Bureau member, one thing that should make you proud is the achievements the organization and members brought home from the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau received the Pinnacle Award, which is awarded to a select number of state Farm Bureaus that excel across multiple programming categories. We also received the New Horizon Award for the first-ever IGNITE Conference held in 2018.

Wisconsin was well represented with YFA members competing in contests at the national level. Ryan and Lindsey Prahl competed in the Achievement Award. Justin and Livia Doyle made it to the top 10 in the Excellence in Ag competition. Kelly Wilfert excelled in the Discussion Meet by placing third overall amongst all national competitors.

In addition to seeing coverage from the AFBF Annual Convention, you will read about a Farm Bureau family who farms and owns a meat market. The Wyttenbach family is well-known in Sauk County, and for good reason. I hope you enjoy learning more about their business and positive attitudes.

Challenges face us everyday and I know the upcoming year won't hold back. I hope together we can celebrate our successes and find the beauty in everything.

Thank you for reading, Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Sarah Hetke - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Jim Holte, Elk Mound, (President) Kevin Krentz, Berlin, (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Adam Kuczer, Pulaski Don Radtke, Merrill Andrea Brossard, Burnett (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Julie Wadzinski, Rice Lake (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

New Policies Adopted at AFBF Annual Convention provisions of the farm bill. While the initial shutdown has passed, this policy speaks to any future shutdowns of the federal government.

Trade Delegates voted to favor negotiations to resolve trade disputes, rather than the use of tariffs or withdrawal from agreements. They also voted to support the U.S.'s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

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armer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation's 100th Annual Convention adopted policies to guide the organization's work during its centennial year on key topics such as farm bill implementation, cell-cultured food products, trade, rural broadband access and rural mental health programs.

"As our organization has done for the last 100 years, grassroots delegates from across the nation came together to express a unified voice on issues vital to the success of our farms, ranches and rural communities," American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said. "It was fitting to have President Trump and numerous members of Congress among our attendees as we kicked off our centennial celebration. We continue to face a challenging farm economy and we stand ready to work with Congress and the Trump administration to address the issues important to our farm and ranch families."

Government Shutdown Delegates urged the administration and Congress to work together to end the government shutdown as soon as possible.

The shutdown meant farmers and ranchers were delayed in securing loans and crop insurance as well as disaster and trade assistance. The impasse delayed implementation of important

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

Cell-Based Food Delegates adopted a comprehensive policy to support innovation in cell-based food products while ensuring a level playing field for traditional protein. Delegates affirmed that the Agriculture Department is best equipped to be the primary regulator of new cell-based products as it encouraged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use the Food and Drug Administration's expertise in food safety. The policy also calls for complete and accurate product labels to ensure that consumers have all the pertinent information they need.

Rural Broadband Delegates supported improved broadband coverage maps through better data and third-party provider verification. AFBF will work with the Federal Communications Commission to address map inaccuracies.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Delegates supported increased funding for programs and facilities for the treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues. Delegates also voted to support funding for the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network, which was included in the 2018 Farm Bill. AFBF will urge appropriations committees to fund this program, which is critical to address the mental health issues faced by many farmers, ranchers and other rural Americans.

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NEWS

Duvall Reviews Achievements, Talks Future I n front of a celebratory gathering of approximately 6,000 farmers and ranchers from across the nation, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall opened AFBF's 100th Annual Convention by outlining a few of the organization's many historic accomplishments – from leading the way on the nation's first farm bill in the 1930s to helping develop the Food for Peace Program in the 1950s. As AFBF heads toward a new century of service to America's farm and ranch families, Duvall said the organization will continue to be guided by the honorable principle that "farmers want to feed people."

That job is not without challenges, such as the weather disasters, economic challenges and trade complications seen in 2018. However, Duvall said that 2018 was also a year marked by big victories on issues affecting farm and ranch families across the nation.

"Most of us are happy to see 2018 in the rear-view mirror, but on the policy front 2018 could go down in our history as a huge success story," Duvall told the farmers and ranchers gathered in New Orleans for the organization's centennial meeting.

The list of victories starts with tax reform, which lowered tax rates for almost every farmer and rancher. That effort included a doubling of the estate tax exemption for farm families, a longsought goal of the American Farm Bureau, Duvall said.

Another big win, according to Duvall, was passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which improved risk management tools, protected the availability of crop insurance and provided essential funding for trade development, agricultural research and development and programs for beginning farmers.

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Reform of expensive and overreaching regulations continues to be a bright spot for agriculture. Duvall said the Trump administration has taken 28 deregulatory actions thus far, with about half of those related to agriculture. Duvall listed a few of the 50 additional initiatives in the works, such as an exemption for electronic logging devices for livestock haulers and rules governing the renewable fuel E15.

One of the brightest points in the regulatory reform area is the new Clean Water Rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. That rule is being proposed to replace the flawed and unworkable 2015 WOTUS rule.

"Farmers and ranchers want clean water and clear rules, and we know we can have both," Duvall said. "We believe this new Clean Water Rule is rooted in common sense, will protect our nation's water, and allow farmers to farm their land without having to hire a team of consultants and lawyers."

As for the year ahead, Duvall told members to gear up for additional opportunities related to regulatory reform, farm labor, trade and infrastructure, including rural broadband.

In closing, Duvall told members he views Farm Bureau as a big family.

"Farm Bureau members throughout our history, and still today, have always answered the call to feed, fuel and defend our nation. I am grateful for this wonderful organization," Duvall said. "Its founding 100 years ago was truly a breakthrough in American history. The founding fathers and mothers of our nation and of Farm Bureau were guided by a divine hand, a hand that still guides us today."

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Gives Agricultural Trade Outlook for 2019 A

merican Farm Bureau Salmonsen Federation policy experts gave an overview of the issues expected to affect farmers and ranchers in 2019 in a workshop at the organization's 100th Annual Convention.

David Salmonsen, senior director of congressional relations for AFBF, said the diverse impacts of tariffs, the outcomes of free trade agreement negotiations and the future of relations with China are all critical for the future of ag exports and the growth of American agriculture.

Salmonsen discussed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and outlined the process for ratification. "It could be quick or it could be slow, but there is a timeline that has to be followed," Salmonsen said.

If USMCA is implemented, it will increase quota access for U.S. dairy products into Canada and end Canada's Class 7 pricing. It also will keep agricultural tariffs between the U.S. and Mexico at zero.

Salmonsen said that the U.S. also has begun trade negotiations with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom, although the start of U.K. negotiations depends on when the U.K. completes the process of leaving the EU. He added that in any agreement, there is political bargaining that will go on over several months.

With an update on China, Salmonsen said a U.S. delegation went to China to negotiate in early January. There have been no formal announcements from the administration yet but talks are continuing.

"All of these negotiations are with major trading partners," Salmonsen said. "These are substantive and important

negotiations that we will be following very closely throughout the coming year."

Salmonsen was joined by AFBF director of congressional relations Veronica Nigh, who discussed the economic impacts of the trade issues and tariffs, noting that exports will continue to be important to U.S. agriculture.

"Ninety-five percent of the world population is outside the U.S., so export markets will always be our opportunity for growth." Overall, 20 percent of U.S. agricultural production is exported.

Discussing the potential impact of USMCA, Nigh said that while it is positive that the U.S. will be exporting more dairy to Canada, it isn't going to be a major mover of the market as Canada's total population is 36 million people and the country has a strong domestic dairy industry. But it is a positive sign for U.S. agriculture.

Nigh noted that if the U.S. were to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement, there would be great cause for concern as old tariffs we have not seen in 20 years could return.

Citing the impact of Chinese tariffs, Nigh said that ag exports to China were down by $2 billion in 2018, and USDA forecasts exports to decline by an additional $7 billion in 2019. China was ranked as our second-largest trading partner for several years but is projected to be fifth in 2019. Currently, 99 percent of all U.S. ag products exported to China are subject to tariffs.

Summing up the impact of the China trade disputes, Nigh said that the biggest concern is that many countries grow soy and corn, and now there's room in China's markets for these commodities. "We could lose the market even if the tariffs eventually go away, and it would take time to restore these markets."

2019 Policy Book Available Online W

ant to know where Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation stands on an issue? The 2019 policy book is available at wfbf.com.

The document reflects the most recent policy directives established by voting delegates at the 99th WFBF Annual Meeting in December.

"Members and delegates establish Farm Bureau's legislative agenda from resolutions submitted by our voting members," said Jim Holte, WFBF President. "These grassroots-generated policies address agricultural topics like transportation, land and water stewardship, regulatory overreach and private property rights."

"We want this information easily accessible to all of our members and the decisionmakers who have a role in agriculture's future," Holte added.

To view the policy book online, visit wfbf.com/policy/policy-development.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

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ore than 50 Wisconsin Farm Bureau members and staff attended the American Farm Bureau's Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members stood behind WFBF President Jim Holte and WFBF CAO Dale Beaty as they held the New Horizon Award and Pinnacle Award.

Manitowoc County member Kelly Wilfert (left) was one of 36 state competitors in the Discussion Meet, finishing third.

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WFBF President Jim Holte carried the Wisconsin flag during the opening ceremonies of the AFBF Annual Convention.

Justin and Livia Doyle made it into the top 10 in the Excellence in Agriculture Award at the AFBF Annual Convention.

Marathon County Farm Bureau members Ryan and Lindsey Prahl represented Wisconsin in the Achievement Award contest.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue introduced President Donald Trump at the 100th AFBF Annual Convention.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members attended the flapjack fundraiser breakfast. The breakfast supports agricultural education through the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

For the second year in a row, President Donald Trump addressed Farm Bureau members at the AFBF Convention.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau delegates (from left): Dave Daniels, Jim Holte and Kevin Krentz listened to the policy discussion at the AFBF Annual Convention.

Farm Bureau members Brian (right) and Kristi (left) Fiedler attended a farm tour while in New Orleans.

Carl Casper (left) and Dave Kruschke (right) have attended the AFBF Annual Convention for 45 years and 33 years consecutively.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

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NEWS

Farmers Focus on Breaking the Chronic Stress Cycle J

ohn Shutske, professor and Extension agricultural safety and health specialist at the University of WisconsinMadison, outlined the cause of stress and the best practices for coping with high levels during a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation's 100th Annual Convention.

Working with farmers on stress management for more than 30 years, Shutske encouraged farmers to implement strategies to handle pressure to minimize the impact of stress.

"Stress impacts farmers mentally and physically and it comes in many formats," said Shutske. "A lot of time when we talk about stress we focus on short-term impact, but we need to also look at long-term stress."

Shutske explained the cycle of stress and the impact it has on the human brain. He explained that normal stress isn't concerning, it's the long-term chronic stress that is most worrisome. With depressed commodity prices this is especially relevant for today's farmers.

"If you have constant levels of high stress your brain receptors physically begin to wear out," said Shutske. "If your brain is constantly fueling stress hormones, it can lead to serious problems."

Not only can stress impact blood pressure and anxiety, it can also severely impact relationships.

"Long-term stress can also impact opioid and alcohol misuse and we know from research that farmers have a higher rate of suicide," said Shutske.

Shutske encouraged farmers to focus on the things they can control in their businesses and relationships, rather than things they can't. He suggested proactively managing stress with these tips: Plan – Look ahead to the coming weeks and plan what you can. This includes setting time aside for family and hobbies.

Set goals – Goal setting can help you stay focused on what

Wisconsin's John Shutske talked about farm stress at the AFBF Annual Convention.

needs to get done. Set goals that are specific, measurable, actionorientated, realistic and time-specific.

Write things down – Writing things down helps you mentally prepare for the tasks on your to-do list. Typing on a device doesn't always have the same impact.

Health – Maintaining overall health is important to moderate stress levels. Don't underestimate the importance of visiting your family practitioner and openly discussing mental health.

Fuel – With the brain using 25 percent of the body's energy, eating a balanced diet must be a priority to manage stress.

Watching caffeine and sugar intake is equally important.

Exercise – Exercise shouldn't be overlooked as a stress management tool. Staying active regularly can help balance stress levels.

Relaxation – It's important to take time to reflect or meditate.

Taking time to relax and reflect is important to moderating stress levels.

Looking For More Resources?

Facebook Videos – In 2018, John Shutske and WFBF coordinated a three-part video series on Facebook. You can view the videos by going to the video tab on the WFBF Facebook page and find the 'Farm Stress Video Series.'

Lunch & Learn – In April, John Shutske will host WFBF’s Lunch & Learn on mental health. To sign up, visit http://bit.ly/WFBFLunchLearn after March 13. Details can also be found at wfbf.com.

Farm Center – The Wisconsin Farm Center provides information and support to farmers and their families. Farmers and small agribusiness owners can contact the Farm Center tollfree at 800.942.2474, or visit the fourth floor of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection office building at 2811 Agriculture Dr., Madison. Office hours and the toll-free number are available weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Learn more at datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/FarmCenterOverview.aspx.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Brossard Named to National Committee A ndrea Brossard has been appointed by the American Farm Bureau Federation to its Promotion and Education Committee for the 2019-2021 term beginning in March.

Brossard serves as the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee Chair.

Brossard is a thirdgeneration dairy farmer at Brossard Dairy Farm, LLC, her family's farm, in Beaver Dam. She also serves as the secretary/treasurer for Dodge County Farm Bureau and is a graduate of the WFBF Leadership Institute. Brossard is also a graduate of the AFBF Women's Communications Bootcamp.

She and her husband, Mason Rens, reside in Burnett.

The AFBF Promotion and Education Committee is comprised of 10 individuals representing qualifying Farm

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

Bureau Promotion and Education states. It was launched in 2014 to develop and centralize resources that inspire and equip Farm Bureau members to convey the significance of agriculture.

Committee members support and encourage state Farm Bureau volunteers to participate in projects and activities by providing resources for programs, communicating with state leaders and contributing collaborative ideas.

"Dedicated Farm Bureau leaders, such as those selected to serve on national committees, remain the foundation of our grassroots organization," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

"We commend them for their willingness to serve and build greater understanding between modern farmers and consumers."

Other new members of the committee include: Barbara Rogers-Scharneck, Massachusetts; Stacey Lauwers, Michigan; Heather Lang, North Dakota; and James Barbour, Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Bergin, Montana, was reappointed to a two-year term starting in 2019.

National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. They study farm and food policy issues, participate in leadership training exercises and hone other professional skills during their tenure as committee members.

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NEWS

WFBF's Reaction to Agriculture's Key Cabinet Positions W

isconsin farmers know that leaders at government agencies have important roles. Farmers want and need to be a part of conversation in the state especially when they involve agriculture, transportation and natural resources.

Brad Pfaff was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to serve as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Pfaff has spent most of his career working on behalf of Wisconsin farmers and rural residents at the local, state and federal levels.

"Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is pleased with Gov. Evers' appointment of Brad Pfaff as Wisconsin's Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection," said WFBF President Jim Holte. "Brad is no stranger to the Wisconsin agricultural community. His rural roots give him a solid foundation to serve our farmers well in a stressed economic time."

Pfaff grew up on his family's dairy farm in La Crosse County.

Prior to his appointment, Pfaff was the deputy chief of staff to U.S. Representative Ron Kind. He has also served as the executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, overseeing the implementation of federal crop assistance programs, the Conservation Reserve Program and federal farm loan programs.

Craig Thompson was appointed by Gov. Evers to serve as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

According to WisDOT's website, it is one of the largest state agencies, with 3,400 employees and a biennial budget of more than $6 billion. The department supports all modes of transportation, including state highways, local roads, railroads, public transit

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systems, airports and harbors. In addition, the department includes the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Division of State Patrol that enforces laws and assists motorists throughout the state.

"Wisconsin's farmers rely on rural infrastructure to keep their businesses functioning," said Holte. "Craig understands the dependence our farmers have on well-maintained roads. They are a vital piece in keeping agriculture as an economic driver for the state."

Previously Thompson was the executive director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin. He has more than 25 years of experience working with Wisconsin businesses, communities, legislators and units of government.

Preston Cole was appointed by Gov. Evers to serve as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. He had been a member of the Natural Resources Board since 2007, first appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle and then reappointed for another six-year term by Gov. Scott Walker in 2013.

"With more than 10 years of experience on the Natural Resources Board, Preston knows the environmental concerns that farmers face," said Holte. "We look forward to working with him on a balanced approach of protecting our natural resources while keeping our farmers farming."

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Gefvert to Lead WFBF's Governmental Relations K

on policy and governmental initiatives.

aren Gefvert has been promoted by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation to its executive director of governmental relations.

As the leader of the WFBF's governmental relations team, Gefvert is responsible for managing the responsibilities of the division, overseeing lobbying efforts on state and national levels and working with county Farm Bureau members

"Karen is a proven performer and a dynamic leader," said WFBF's Chief Administrative Officer Dale Beaty. "She has extensive experience working with our members, Farm Bureau leaders at the county, state and national levels, those in state and national government and many of our friends in agriculture. She is the right person to lead our governmental relations team."

Growing up in the country, Karen got her first taste of agriculture raising rabbits and poultry as 4-H projects in Burlington, Wisconsin. After college, Karen spent a few years working in the poultry industry in Arkansas and then returned to Wisconsin where she taught high school agriculture at Janesville Parker High School for two years before joining Farm Bureau in 2011. In her former role as director of governmental relations, she managed all national lobbying efforts.

Gefvert and her husband, Brad, live near Fort Atkinson with their five children.

Gefvert began her duties on January 21. She succeeds Paul Zimmerman as executive director of governmental relations.

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13

‘Meat’ the Wyttenbachs

Farm family discusses meat market business Story by Sarah Hetke • Photos by Lynn Siekmann

S

auk County Farm Bureau members Fritz and Ginny Wyttenbach have long been known in the local community for providing high quality meats even before opening their meat market.

The couple is the third generation on the Wyttenbach family farm, with their son Mark being the fourth.

"We didn't live on the farm when I was first born, we moved there when I was 10 years old," Fritz explained. "My grandpa did most of the farming. We were just there to have fun.

Gradually that changed and my brother and I took on more responsibility over time."

Fritz, his brother and their father owned beef cattle, pigs and crop land. As Fritz and his brother saw their children taking an interest in also becoming part of the family's farm, they saw an opportunity to divide the business with Fritz focusing on beef cattle and his brother focusing on the pigs.

Today, Fritz and his son Mark raise 1,000 head of dairy steers for partnering dairies and farm 400 acres of owned land in addition to some rented land. The Wyttenbachs harvest all corn silage from their land and buy other feed ingredients such as distillers grain, dried corn and dry hay.

"We end up buying a majority of our feed and for us this works out fine because the only machinery we have invested in is our feed mixer and manure spreader along with a couple loaders," Fritz said.

The couple has been selling beef from the farm for quite some time and through customer feedback, they knew they

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had something special.

"We were selling beef halves and quarters off the farm and customers were telling us they couldn't get that kind of quality anywhere else," Fritz said.

A New Venture Being an entrepreneaur-minded farmer, Fritz had an idea to start a meat market.

After years of planning and preparation, the couple selected a plot of land north of Prairie du Sac in an area that was expecting future business and housing expansion. After constructing a meat market from the ground up, Wyttenbach Meats opened its doors in early April 2002.

The first few years presented a number of challenges, but Fritz said they were not unlike the challenges they faced on the farm.

"At times, it can be challenging – as any small business owner will tell you," Fritz said. "Some things about owning a business are very much the same as farming – its hard work, long hours and sometimes low pay."

Fritz's advice to other farmers looking to pursue a valueadded venture is to be sure you consider every expense the business will incur and calculate what the profit margins will be.

He says always pursue your dreams but proceed with caution and make sure you ask a lot of questions because you will learn things that will make you better prepared to weather the challenges that owning a small business presents.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Award-Winning Meats

Quality is king for the Wyttenbachs. They differentiate their product by ensuring their customers will consistently get highquality meats from their store.

"When we started the meat market we wanted to be known for high quality, not low prices, and we are very proud of the quality meats we have to offer," Ginny explained.

"It's not the cheapest, but it's the best," Fritz proudly added.

Some of the beef that is sold at the market comes from the Wyttenbach farm. This allows the family to control the quality from the farm to the meat market. The Wyttenbachs know the quality of the feed that is given to the steers and the daily care routine. This all adds up to a high quality end product for consumers.

"We try to use as much of our own beef as possible, but there are times of the year where we have gaps in processing availability or higher-than-normal demand," Fritz explained.

"Any time we purchase beef, we always make sure it is Choice Angus or better," Ginny added. "We only purchase quality meats because that is what we have built our business around and that is what our customers expect."

The same quality can be expected from the pork and chicken that they family purchases, along with the venison processing they offer.

The Wyttenbachs also take pride in their smoked meat and sausage products, which they credit to Keith Gritt, their sausage maker for the past 11 years.

"We have an excellent sausage maker and if you look in the retail section of our store you can see all the awards he has won," said Ginny. "He wants to be critiqued and learn how he can get better."

"We always have people stop in and say they grew up eating the bologna and need to stop in when they are in the area because they like it so much," Ginny said.

One of the unique products that Keith created is called a 'strawsage' which as the name suggests is a snack stick with a hole in the middle that serves as a straw for a Bloody Mary.

Wyttenbach Meats partners with Sysco to distribute this product to stores and restaurants across the state and rest of the country.

Community Involvement A quick glance around their store showcases just a few of the awards that Wyttenbach Meats has won during the last 16 years. A few of their most prominent accolades include: grand champion bacon at the 2017 Wisconsin State Fair, champion cottage bacon at the 2017 American Association of Meat Processors Convention and two first place finishes in the 2018 Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors competition with their Sauk City Bologna and smoked bratwurst.

Made from a 90-year-old recipe that originated in the area, the Sauk City Ring Bologna is one of the store's flagship products.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

The couple is known for more than quality products. They are also a source for employment opportunities in the community.

"We try to make this a positive work environment by showing our employees that we aren't afraid to do any job that they do," Ginny explained. "We work alongside them, give flexible working hours and always try to give positive feedback. We've had people say they worked somewhere for several years without ever receiving a compliment."

Wyttenbach Meats has four full-time employees and seven part-time employees in addition to Fritz and Ginny.

"With such a small number of employees, we are really more like a family," Ginny said. wfbf.com

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In addition to creating a positive work environment, the Wyttenbachs also are passionate about making a positive difference in their community.

"When you have a local business, you need to be involved in your community, which is something we try very hard to do," Fritz said.

A veteran himself, Fritz worked with local businesses, organizations and individuals to collect donations to cover the costs of an Honor Flight.

The veterans trip is free and normally, the guardian of their choice, pays a small fee to attend. However, Operation Eagles' Wings raised more than $200,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enough to fully fund two Honor Flights. Approximately 180 veterans, their guardians and support staff were able to attend free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Heroes for Honor Committee, Sauk Prairie residents and surrounding communities.

The family's involvement doesn't stop here though.

A Voice for Agriculture

Fritz and a local group, Heroes for Honor, spearheaded Operation Eagles' Wings in 2016 where he partnered with the Badger Honor Flight, a program that takes veterans to the monuments in Washington, D.C. "Fritz attended one of these Honor Flights with his uncle and when he came back, he was so moved by the whole experience he knew he wanted to do something to support the cause," Ginny shared.

The Wyttenbachs have been Farm Bureau members for the past 45 years. The family has opted to sign up both the farm and the meat market as WFBF members because they truly believe Wisconsin Farm Bureau is making a positive difference.

Much like the Wyttenbach's commitment to providing high-quality meats to their customers, the couple credits their Farm Bureau membership to the organization's commitment to serving as a voice for agriculture.

"Number one, [Farm Bureau] promotes agriculture," Fritz said. "They go to bat for you on legislative issues, I like where they stand on the issues and there are less and less people speaking up for agriculture."

The Wyttenbach family is clearly committed to their farm, local community and standing by Wisconsin agriculture. Their passion and dedication to high quality spans much further than the meat market counter tops.

Fritz on the farm with his son, Mark.

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Rural Route

Dairy steers at the Wyttenbach farm.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

UW

Discovery Farms Using science to understand the relationship between agriculture and water quality

Content and photos supplied by UW Discovery Farms

O

n-farm, water quality research is the foundation that built the Discovery Farms, a University of WisconsinMadison Division of Extension Program. We find it imperative in today's world to bring sound science to the forefront of agriculture in order to analyze and understand field management impacts on our state's water quality. Every land owner has choices to make and UW Discovery Farms strives to have our 16 plus years of water quality research aid farmers and land owners to make informed decisions that work for them.

Why is water quality research important to agriculture? The relationship between agriculture and water quality is complex and can be influenced by many factors at varying scales.

Monitoring water quality is one way to provide evidence of farm impact and can assist farmers and land owners in making sound, beneficial management decisions to preserve the environment and farm landscape. The support of Wisconsin Farm Bureau demonstrates Wisconsin farmers' dedication to the development of practical solutions to environmental concerns based on reliable research. We are thankful for this support that helps us continue our work in Wisconsin.

Farmers, like many of you, are our most important partners. We partner with farmers to collect water quality data on privately owned farms. This approach produces data from working farm fields coupled with real, often unpredictable weather events. Information is delivered directly back to farmers and compiled to share with all members of Wisconsin's ag community

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and beyond. One Discovery Farms participant said, "Discovery Farms is the link between farmers and city residents to better tell our story of what farmers are doing to protect our environment."

It is clear that there is no silver bullet solution when it comes to mitigating nutrient and sediment losses from farm fields.

However, with an informed understanding of water quality impact and the right combination of best management practices, losses are reduced. Wisconsin's farmers are innovative and many have already adapted farming practices to prevent these losses such as reducing tillage, no-till, grassed waterways and cover crops.

Our approach to research is farmer-led. We meet multiple times a year with our steering committee made up of farmers and advisors from Wisconsin's major environmental and agricultural organizations, including Wisconsin Farm Bureau. This keeps us informed on what our research initiatives and regional targets should be.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Key Lessons From Edge-of-Field Monitoring in Two Wisconsin Watersheds We recently completed a 7-year study to evaluate how land use and agricultural management affect soil and nutrient runoff and water quality under varying management systems in two western Wisconsin watersheds, Dry Run in northwestern Wisconsin (DR sites) and Jersey Valley in the Driftless Area ( JV sites). These findings have compelled participating farmers to reconsider how they manage their land, with several farmers trying out new practices for the first time or improving their current management practices. As one participating farmer puts it: "Monitoring gave us hard evidence, like it or not."

That valuable evidence is the best tool for informing practical management strategies for protecting water quality.

The Dry Run watershed is an 18,000-acre watershed in northwestern Wisconsin. The eastern portion of the watershed has somewhat poorly-drained soils, while the western portion has long slopes and well-drained soils. Corn and soybeans are the most common crops grown in the Dry Run watershed.

The Jersey Valley watershed is a 4,500-acre watershed in the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin. This region is characterized by steep slopes, flash floods and trout streams.

Corn for silage or grain and alfalfa are the most common crops, as the watershed is home to many dairy farms.

Tillage Practices and Landscape Conditions Influence Soil Loss Edge-of-field (EOF) monitoring typically showed lower soil losses during runoff events at pasture and no-till sites ( JV2 and JV4) than at conservation tillage sites (DR1 and JV5). At JV2 and JV4, a combination of year-round soil cover, little soil disturbance and conservation practices like contour strips and grassed waterways produced consistently low soil losses and protected these fields from high soil losses even during extreme rainfall or saturated conditions.

Soil loss in pounds per acre at four EOF sites.

Annual soil losses at the conservation tillage sites (DR1 and JV5) varied significantly with seasonal factors. At DR1, 65 percent of the annual soil loss occurred during June. In June 2013 and 2014, several inches of rain fell early in the month and the crop was not developed enough to provide adequate soil protection. In addition, in 2013 the field had been tilled the previous fall and again in the spring to incorporate turkey manure. In 2014, the farmer had planted soybeans in May after one vertical tillage pass, and then the soil remained saturated through most of the summer. A combination of saturated soils, little soil cover and recent disturbance led to higher soil losses in both years. Using these results, the farmer is now working FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

toward limiting tillage passes to those required for manure incorporation. He has also repaired a waterway. Both changes should lead to consistently lower soil losses.

Tillage and bare soil coupled with poorly timed heavy precipitation led to significant soil losses at JV5 in 2014 and 2016. In 2014, most soil losses occurred in June. The farmer had incorporated manure on two of JV5's fields in April and used a vertical tillage pass in May to smooth out the field for corn planting. Runoff and soil loss followed soon after when wet weather in June (including three events greater than 1.5 inches) fell on the freshly tilled fields. In 2016, most of the soil loss occurred in late September with a combination of wet conditions and bare soil after the farmer had harvested corn silage.

As our EOF monitoring shows, large and consecutive storms play a major role in soil loss. Farmers and farm advisors should consider a network of conservation practices that can protect fields during weather that delivers intense rainfall or many consecutive days of precipitation on already saturated soil. Keys for soil protection include maintaining cover on the soil with residue or cover crops, maintaining waterways and minimizing soil disturbance. It is possible even in challenging landscapes to keep soil losses at bay. Identifying strategies to reduce soil losses is the first major step in protecting water quality while also protecting farmland.

UW Discovery Farms was also interested in how the runoff from agricultural land broadly compares to runoff from other land uses. That's why we also set up EOF monitoring stations on three non-agricultural sites in these watersheds.

To read more results from this study, check out the publication Edge-of-field water quality in two Wisconsin Watersheds on our website, https://bit.ly/2WadWK0.

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Once soil loss is controlled, pay close attention to factors like P accumulation at the surface.

Once soil loss is at bay, it is important to keep in mind dissolved P loss. Dissolved P loss often is the dominant source of P loss in systems that do not incorporate manure or nutrients.

Accumulated P at the surface can be transported with runoff. There are indications that manure incorporation could decrease a field's potential risk for dissolved P loss as long as the practice doesn't disturb soil so much that it creates erosion and soil Soil and P losses at four loss issues. Considering both monitoring sites. dissolved and particulate P loss is critical when determining realistic expectations for P loss from different land uses and management systems.

Average annual soil losses were 4-10 times lower at the pasture and no-till sites ( JV2 and JV4) than the conservation tillage sites, but average annual P loss between JV2, JV4 and the DR1 conservation tillage site were very similar. The proportion of dissolved P loss from the conservation tillage sites was lower than the no-till or pasture sites because the farmer delivered P from manure and/or fertilizer below the surface through incorporation.

At JV2 and JV4, farms surface applied manure without incorporation during spring, summer and fall. Dissolved P losses could be decreased at JV4 if the farmer were to incorporate manure and fertilizer under the surface, however, any action that results in increased soil loss, would create its own set of particulate P loss â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and soil loss- concerns. Similarly, DR1 could

possibly decrease soil losses slightly by decreasing current tillage intensity, but total P losses may not decrease because of the tradeoff in proportion of dissolved to particulate P loss.

Keeping soil losses to a minimum, watching buildup of P at the surface and avoiding manure and fertilizer applications close to runoff events are the main components of achieving low losses. Try to achieve consistency, no matter the weather.

Dissolved P moves with water. Particulate P moves with soil particles.

Risk of nutrient loss from application timing isn't limited to manure or winter.

The time between fertilizer or manure applications and a runoff event can be a significant driver of nutrient losses. A clear example of this effect occurred at DR2 in June 2013 and 2014.

The two events that do not follow the linear trend line where total P loss and soil loss relate to each other, indicate that runoff was high in P without any All surface runoff events at DR1, DR2 and soil loss. At DR2, DRs (239 measured). the farmer applied N, P and K after first crop alfalfa shortly before two different runoff events. These two runoff events resulted in the most dissolved P loss of the project from a single event. When nutrients do not have time to bond with the soil, they are readily available to be moved by runoff water.

Farmers should assess both the risk and need of applying manure or fertilizers before they apply them. When runoff risk is high, you must take extra caution when considering nutrient applications. In addition, you should make sure nutrients you apply are necessary for crop growth.

Landscape of the Jersey Valley Watershed

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Where is Discovery Farms Now? Nitrogen Use Efficiency

In the 2019 growing season, the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Project will continue into its fifth year of tracking nitrogen on working farm fields. The project assists farmers in assessing their N-management practices based on field, season or soil specificity. See Wisconsin-specific benchmarks developed from NUE monitoring in a new Discovery Farms publication titled Statewide benchmarking for NUE in corn grain and silage that will soon be available on our website and in print in all major ag newspapers.

Edge-of-Field Surface Monitoring Three new edge-of-field monitoring regions were established in 2018 located in Langlade, Kewaunee and Juneau/Sauk Counties. Six monitoring stations, two in each region, will collect surface runoff for the next several years. Local partners

are assisting in sample collection and educational outreach in these new project areas.

For four years we have been monitoring surface runoff in Rock County on multiple farm fields. The baseline phase of monitoring is complete at these sites, and we are now transitioning into the experimental phase that will test the impact of cover crops on surface runoff.

Tile Monitoring In northeastern Wisconsin, we are monitoring 24 tile drainage systems in five counties. Three different scales of monitoring are taking place in this study at intensive, intermediate and basic sites.

Soil Health A soil health evaluation is incorporated into both the NUE and Tile Projects. The goal is to identify how management and inherent soil factors impact soil health. We are digging up a better understanding of biological, chemical and physical measurements of soil health. In March of 2019, research from four years of this data collection will be presented at a regional meeting in northeastern Wisconsin.

Meet Us! UW Discovery Farms has a dedicated staff ! As an Extension Program, we are here to serve all members of Wisconsin's agricultural community. We are always looking for ways to reach

more folks across the state and accept invitations to share our research at gatherings, conferences and meetings of all sizes.

We'd love to hear from you and share our work!

Pigeon Falls

Green Bay

Madison

Amber Radatz

Eric Cooley

Abby Augarten

Kevan Klingberg

Aaron Wunderlin

Co-Director aradatz@wisc.edu

Outreach Specialist kevan.klingberg@ces.uwex.edu

Co-Director etcooley@wisc.edu

Senior Research Specialist aaron.wunderlin@ces.uwex.edu

Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator abigail.augarten@ces.uwex.edu

FOLLOW US! UW Discovery Farms @DiscoveryFarms

Erica Olson

Farmer Network and Communications Coordinator erica.olson@ces.uwex.edu

Aaron Pape

Tile Drainage Education Coordinator aaron.pape@ces.uwex.edu

CONTACT US! 715.983.5668 www.uwdiscoveryfarms.org

Judy Goplin

Program Assistant judy.goplin@uwex.edu

UW - Madison Division of Extension

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

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21

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation invites you to attend

AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL March 20, 2019

Monona Terrace Convention Center â&#x20AC;˘ Madison, WI

Schedule of Events: 11:00 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Opening Program 11:45 a.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. Legislative Briefings 3:00 p.m. L eave for Capitol Visits

Early Registration Deadline: March 14 Cost: $ 30 per person by registration deadline $35 after deadline and at the door

Presented by:

Detach and return to WFBF to register.

Ag Day at the Capitol Registration Form Contact Name: Address:

City: County: Zip Code: Telephone: Amount Enclosed: (# of people)

Thank You to Our Sponsors: Rural Mutual Insurance Company

x ($30) =

Mail to: Wisconsin Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705 Questions? Call 1.800.261.FARM

Event #991022

Name & County of Attendees:

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FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

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wfbf.com

23

No Matter the Season

your Farm Bureau benefits are here!

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

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

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

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

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members save up to 20% off published rates at participating Choice Hotels.

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

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

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

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

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

Save up to 80% on Office Depot Preferred Products along with reduced prices on ink, paper, office supplies, toner, stamps/daters, pens, pads, furniture and much more.

Wyndham Hotel Group

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members save up to 20% off published rates at participating Wyndham Hotels.

Receive a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade (Platinum 2 status) – which unlocks the best loyalty rewards including valuable equipment discounts.

Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Office Depot® • Avis • Budget • The Country Today • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • John Deere Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits!

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Rural Route

*WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP LEVERAGE YOUR FARM BUREAU® MEMBERSHIP & SAVE — ONLY AT GRAINGER!

Grainger Products Benefit Wisconsin Farm Bureau Members W From motors, tractors, generators, power tools, cleaning products and much more, choose Grainger for your everyday product needs. With Grainger, you have easy access to over 1.7 million products and same-day shipping on 99% of in-stock items*.

isconsin Farm Bureau members get special member prices on selected categories and brands from Grainger and get free standard parcel shipping on standard Grainger products.

Joe Bragger on his farm.

Visit Grainger.com/FarmBureau or call 1.800.GRAINGER today.

Take advantage of your Farm Bureau membership to access exclusive discounts and free shipping on all standard orders.

It's easy to get started with your price savings using three GRAINGER’S methods: GOT Farm Bureau Member Prices It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

YOUR BACK 1. P resent the Wisconsin Farm Bureau account at 1. Go to your state Farm Bureau website to find yournumber Grainger account number. time of purchase: 2.855922019 Head to Grainger.com/FarmBureau or call 1.800.GRAINGER. 3. Start saving!

2. G o to grainger.com/farmbureau to establish a new Grainger.com® account using that account number; or 3. C all Grainger customer service at 800.472.4643 to update your existing Grainger account with the Farm Bureau organization account number: 855922019.

"Don't be afraid to call them and ask for help, they provide it," added Bragger. ®

CUSTOMER SERVICE

ONLINE SOLUTIONS

©2018 W.W. Grainger, Inc. W-ALC1707

FAST DELIVERY

BRANCHES

SOURCING

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

TECHNICAL PRODUCT SUPPORT

*Within the continental U.S. when your order is received by 5 p.m. local time at the shipping facility, which may be in a different time zone from you.

G r a i n g e r. c o m / F a r m B u r e a u | 1 . 8 0 0 . G R A I N G E R

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

Exclusive Farm Bureau member prices are included on products in these categories: • Safety: Facility, footwear and people • Cleaning: Consumables and others • Electrical • Hand tools • HVAC: Filters and others • Manufacturing: Welding • Motors • Paint, equipment and supplies "If you need a part, tool or a maintenance item, Grainger has it," said Bragger. "If you're not sure and have an idea and need advice, Grainger staff will connect you, free of charge, with one of their technicians or engineers who will work with you to get you set up, item number and all."

There also are exclusive Farm Bureau member prices on select products from these brands: Georgia Pacific, DeWalt, Irwin, Johnson, Klein Tools, Proto, Stanley, 5.11 Tactical, Ariens, Cushman, ECHO, EGO Power Systems, Gerber, Fiskars, Miller Electric, Rite in the Rain, Sqwincher, WD40 and Zep. FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

BIG BEND ROAD TRACK & TRAIL LLC 262-662-1500 roadtrackandtrail.com - 10 min from Milwaukee Always wear a helmet and don’ t drink and ride. ©2018 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.

wfbf.com

25

Leaders Through the Years

ÂŽ

au re

Wi s

n Farm B nsi u co

Cen

I

ten nia

Organization has been guided by 16 presidents in 100 years

l

n the early days of Wisconsin Farm Bureau, the organization saw much turnover in leadership. New on its feet, it functioned more as a county Farm Bureau does today and there was no staff assistance.

In 1920, when George Hull became the first president membership was at 500 members. In 1921, George McKerrow took over as president, but in 1923, Hull served as president when McKerrow left to maintain his farm.

In 1924, two top officers left their posts to become candidates for political office. Farm Bureau needed to be effective in legislative battles and bipartisan. The Hull membership elected Orrin Fletcher to serve as president.

By 1925, Farm Bureau was established as the voice of Wisconsin farmers. Membership had grown to 3,000 with enthusiasm high to keep building membership.

In 1926, when Hugh Harper was elected president, he didn't stay in the role long as was typical in the early years of WFBF. There was an issue with the lack of administration to make decisions between the members at the Board meetings. The Wisconsin Farm Service Board was established to be the central management body responsible to the Board.

In 1927, W.G. Patterson helped the organization get back on its feet. Membership had dropped to 1,800 farmers with

26 organized counties.

When Fred E. Coldren assumed the leadership role in 1928, he made the decision to hold the Annual Meeting in Waukesha; this marking the first time it wasn't held in Madison. News that membership had increase for the first time since 1922 was welcomed.

Janesville native H.C. Hemmingway was elected Farm Bureau president in 1930. Public perception was increasing about the organization and several organization meetings were held in 1931. As the Depression era ramped up, Hemmingway stepped down to vice president and Joseph W. Schwartz took the Hemmingw ay reins in 1932.

While economically, farmers were hit badly in the Great Depression, social activities such as the Farm Bureau bands and picnics continued to be popular. At the 1932 WFBF Convention, a Farm Bureau Band Tournament was a main attraction. The prize was $100 in gold.

Another means of keeping WFBF viable in the depression years was providing "WFB" branded products such as livestock feeds, salt and minerals, petroleum products, insecticides, machinery, fencing materials and twine.

In 1939, a special convention celebrated Farm Bureau's 20th anniversary. It also brought the re-election of H.C. Hemmingway. As the Great Depression ended and

WFBF Centennial Timeline ASSOCIATED WOMEN OF FARM BUREAU WOMEN'S COMMITTEE created WFBF MEMBERSHIP grows to 1554

1938

WI COOPERATIVE FARM PLANT FOODS organized WFBF MEMBERSHIP 10,059

1939

Mary Swanton selected as the FIRST MISS FARM BUREAU

(but the program would not be renewed until 1960)

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Rural Route

1944

WFBF MEMBERSHIP 17,065

1945 WFBF'S "VOICE OF AGRICULTURE" LOBBYING EFFORTS go full-time when William Kasakaitas is hired as WFBF Legislative Director

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

technological advances in agriculture made it possible for the urban population to grow, it became more important for farmers to have a strong voice when speaking to the legislature. In 1940, WFBF's first two official lobbyists were registered.

Pressure to increase membership continued to burden WFBF leadership and in 1942, Roscoe Smith from Monroe was elected as president. The Board of Directors announced the hiring of two employees that year: James Green as executive secretary and T.C. Peterson as director of organization.

In 1943, Farm Bureau members made a decision that impacted the future of the organization. They elected Curtis Hatch of Spring Green president. Large membership gains occurred during Hatch's tenure because of the institution of many new programs and the addition of staff to promote member relations, governmental relations and public relations. Hatch was also the first Wisconsinite to serve on the AFBF Board of Directors.

In 1959, Percy Hardiman was elected president after Hatch's resignation. Less than two years into their new office building on West Badger Road, Hardiman chose to focus on membership.

Membership growth was a concern in the 1950s because of farmers' interpretations of Farm Bureau's position on federal dairy price supports.

Hardiman In 1969, Neelian O. Nelson of Argyle became WFBF President. WFBF had built an office space on Mineral Point Road in Madison. The space housed

Wisconsin Farm Bureau; Rural Insurance Companies; Wisconsin Division of FS Services, Inc.; Midwest Livestock Producers; P-M-R Cooperative; Farm Bureau Marketing Association; Member Cooperatives Business Services; and The Clearing.

In 1971, Don Haldeman of Norwalk was elected president and had the longest tenure of all state presidents. The 1970s were good to farmers and Farm Bureau put more of a focus on service to it's members and a greater emphasis on supporting youth.

The organizational structure of WFBF staff changed in the 1980s as Haldeman took over duties of administrator.

Four divisions were formed: member relations, communications, governmental relations and finance.

Haldeman stepped down in August 1991 to become executive vice president and chief executive officer of Rural Mutual Insurance.

In 1992, Howard (Dan) Poulson was elected as the 14th president of WFBF. Serving on the WFBF Board for more than 20 years, Poulson had plenty of institutional knowledge. Poulson continued Farm Bureau's involvement with state and federal issues that impacted farmers.

In 2003, Bill Bruins was Poulson elected WFBF President when Poulson retired. The biggest change during Bruins' tenure was in 2008, when the County Services Program was started.

Dunn County's Jim Holte became the 16th president when he was elected in 2012. He continues to serve as WFBF's President.

Look for more history summaries in the upcoming issues of Rural Route. Excerpts from "Seventy-Five Years of Farm Bureau in Wisconsin" were used for this article.

FB Mutual Casualty Insurance Co. becomes RURAL MUTUAL CASUALTY INSURANCE CO.

WFBF MEMBERSHIP 20,659

1947 The FIRST WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE was held called "The Women's Short Course"

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

FARM BUREAU LIVESTOCK MARKETS are opened in Dodgeville and Monroe

1948 WFBF YOUNG PEOPLE PROGRAM created including the "TALK MEET" and "TALENT FIND" contests

WFBF MEMBERSHIP 25,325

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27

OPINION

Big Changes Bring Big Opportunities A Message from WFBF President Jim Holte

A

s you are most likely already aware, the new year brought some changes to our government bodies.

Within the state we saw a changeover in administrations. Tony Evers was sworn in as the 46th Governor of Wisconsin.

While a new face at the Capitol can be daunting for some, our organization doesn't see it that way.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau works on both side of the aisle because agriculture is (thankfully) less partisan than most. It must be. Our state's food production impacts Democrats and Republicans alike.

Transportation has been a long-term initiative of our membership. Gov. Evers shares the belief that transportation is critical to our state and it takes both parties to work out a plan. We hope to work with the state's administration to increase funding specifically for rural roads and bridges.

We were pleased when Gov. Evers tapped Craig Thompson to be Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Craig knows the need for proper

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transportation funding and can work with many groups to gather feedback. In his State of the State address, Gov. Evers announced a Transportation Task Force to be led by the Secretary. I am a proud member of that task force and can't wait to get to work advocating for our farmers who need infrastructure updates. We look forward to working with Craig and his executive team to find solutions on this issue.

There will no doubt be challenges with a new Democratic governor and a Republican-controlled legislature.

However, without one-party rule, we have an opportunity to engage more legislative members from both sides of the aisle.

WFBF has always sought to work with all elected officials and agencies, looking for solutions to recognized problems.

We have an opportunity to reach out to the Evers' administration to develop relationships and inform the executive branch about important agriculture issues.

We also have new agriculture committee chairmen for both the Assembly and the Senate. Both Representative Gary Tauchen and Senator Howard Marklein understand rural Wisconsin and will be advocates for improving Wisconsin agriculture.

This is another opportunity for different perspectives and fresh ideas. Newlyappointed Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Brad Pfaff is no stranger to the Wisconsin agricultural community.

His rural roots, and past experience at the Farm Service Agency, give him a solid foundation to serve our farmers well in a stressed economic time and we are excited to continue our good working relationship with him and his executive team.

At the national level, we also have

seen some changes since the November election. While Democrats control the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and President's seat remains Republican-controlled.

We will see plenty of discussion on immigration this session, which is a topic farmers must pay close attention to. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill already complete, implementation may be the biggest movement we see on a national level for a little while.

We will have to practice patience as we continue advocating for Wisconsin farmers, knowing we have some gridlock with two political parties fighting for power.

It's easy to see change as overwhelming.

But remember, change can be an opportunity for new ideas and improving the status quo. At WFBF we know change is part of life and look at new leaders as an opportunity to spread the message of Wisconsin agriculture even further. Through the years, we have seen the impact farmers can have when they cultivate a relationship with their elected officials.

I encourage you to stay involved with your elected officials on the local, state and national levels. An easy first step is attending Ag Day at the Capitol on March 20. Instead of watching change happen, this is your chance to be engaged in it.

Despite the changes, one thing remains the same, the importance of you sharing agriculture's story and amplifying rural Wisconsin's voice.

President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation since 2012, Holte is a grain and beef farmer from Elk Mound.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

2018 Farm Bill Delivers Wins for Farmers A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

T

he 2018 Farm Bill was a muchneeded win for farm and ranch country. For the first time in a long while, the farm bill was passed in the same year it was introduced, and we got the new farm bill signed into law well before spring planting begins. Farmers and ranchers are ready now for the bill to get implemented, and we know Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and his team at USDA are just as eager to get to work making that happen. In this column, I'd like to take a look at the improvements we all have to look forward to with the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.

First and foremost, the 2018 Farm Bill brings America's farmers and ranchers another five years of certainty in a time when many are struggling to hold on through a down farm economy. The starting point for every farm bill is to protect our country's ability to grow a safe, sustainable and affordable food supply. Farm Bureau has been in the room from our country's first farm bill all the way up to this newest one, and we are proud of the work our lawmakers have achieved to bring improvements to our risk management tools and protect crop insurance.

Risk management tools such as Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs were improved upon in the 2018 Farm Bill. Our lawmakers count on hearing from each of us on what works and what doesn't with programs like these. That's why Farm Bureau's Farm Bill Working Group spent nearly three years considering what changes were needed to provide farmers with the risk management tools that work best for individual businesses.

Support levels were adjusted in both ARC and PLC to respond to changes

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

in the market, and farmers will have greater flexibility to change programs at designated enrollment times to be sure they have the best tools for their business.

Speaking of farm businesses, this farm bill expands the definition of actively engaged to reflect the variety of business models across rural America. This was much needed, and beginning this year, extended family members such as first or second cousins who contribute to the farm will be eligible to receive risk management support from the farm bill.

The farm bill also modernized Marketing Loan Rates, which hadn't been changed in 10 years. Outdated loan rates, in some cases half of today's crop value, didn't make good business sense for farmers seeking post-harvest loans and it was bringing real challenges to family farms across the country. With the 2018 Farm Bill, those rates will be updated and modernized so that farmers and ranchers can keep moving their businesses forward.

The 2018 Farm Bill also addresses one of the fastest-growing concerns in farm countryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;how we'll get young people back to the farm. We need to find ways to share our passion for growing crops, raising animals and caring for the land with the next generation: The food security of our nation depends on it. Agriculture is the greatest industry around, but it can be costly to get started and hard to absorb the challenges of changing markets and weather in those early days. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, beginning farmers and ranchers and veterans returning to the farm will have greater access to risk management programs and loans to help them get a sure footing as they're starting out.

We must remember, however, that none of these tools would be available to

us without the hard-working men and women at USDA and FSA offices across the country. I hope you will thank these public servants as you go into your county offices. I know we're all grateful for the long hours they have put in, without pay, over the last several weeks to ensure farmers and ranchers are able to access the services we need to keep up our good work of growing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world. They have remained true in the mission laid out by Secretary Perdue, and helped us fulfill ours, to "do good and feed people."

AFBF's Market Intel team has already been hard at work crunching the numbers on what the changes to the farm bill will mean for farmers and ranchers across the country. You can read AFBF's Market Intel reports on fb.org.

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

wfbf.com

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OPINION

Why Has AFBF Been Successful for 100 Years?

A Message from Stewart Truelsen

I

t's a bit ironic that Sears is teetering on verge of liquidation and the American Farm Bureau Federation is still going strong after 100 years. In the early days of the Farm Bureau movement, Julius Rosenwald, president and later chairman of Sears, made financial grants to counties willing to hire an agricultural agent. This helped lead to the growth of county Farm Bureaus.

When the AFBF was formed in Chicago in 1919, its mission was to promote, protect and represent farmers by coordinating the work of state Farm Bureaus. One reason for its success is its impeccable timing.

A year earlier the nation was in the grips of the worst flu pandemic in history. Prior to that was World War 1, so 1919 was the first year farmers could really get together on a national organization. The automobile and telephone were coming on and that meant farmers were less isolated and more able to join together.

AFBF met an immediate need.

Agriculture was the nation's biggest business, but it had no voice or seat at the table with the major economic interests of the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;business, manufacturing, railroads and labor.

Throughout its history AFBF had outstanding leaders. The quality of leadership at all levels is a key reason for Farm Bureau's growth and success.

Edward A. O'Neal of Alabama was AFBF president during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Farm Bureau history almost ended there. It was the worst of hard times for agriculture. But O'Neal had the ear of the newly-elected U.S. President. He convinced President Roosevelt that drastic action was needed and the result was the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, the first farm bill. Farm Bureau action helped end the Great Depression.

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Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization and that is another reason for its success. It was organized first at the county level. State Farm Bureaus and the American Farm Bureau followed.

Shortly after AFBF set up shop in Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress, the 'Farm Bloc' was formed. This bipartisan group of senators and representatives passed farm legislation that had been bottled up for years. Farm Bureau pioneered grassroots lobbying and still uses this strategy effectively today.

Farm Bureau also has been the voice of reason over the years. During the farm credit crisis of the 1980s, AFBF was criticized because some farmers wanted the voice of agriculture to be a shout. But the organization never subscribed to tractorcade protests and strikes to get its way. During the crisis, Farm Bureau did what it does best: find a solution to the problem. The result was a debt restructuring program that eventually helped those farmers who could be saved from bankruptcy.

From its early years, Farm Bureau has always been inclusive of women and young people. The same year the amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified, 1920, the American Farm Bureau formed a women's committee, and two women were featured speakers during the general session of its annual convention. Farm Bureau started a rural youth program in the 1940s that is a major success today. Now called the Young Farmers & Ranchers program, it focuses on developing farm and community leaders for the future.

Throughout its history AFBF has been incredibly innovative. It was most likely the first organization to produce its own motion pictures. These silent films were often shot on location and then edited

in Chicago, which preceded Hollywood as a film capital. The films were used for recruitment and also addressed topics like fire safety.

As early as 1933, AFBF was investigating the possibilities of producing alcohol motor fuel from corn and other farm commodities. In the 1950s, it focused on expanding world trade. A Farm Bureau staffer who was an army officer in charge of food distribution in Europe after the war devised a plan to send badly needed surplus farm products overseas. Public Law 480, better known as Food for Peace, became the most important foreign food assistance program ever undertaken by the government.

AFBF also facilitated the growth of state Farm Bureau insurance companies that served the needs of farm families with inexpensive insurance products.

In 1948, Farm Bureau fire and casualty companies along with AFBF formed a national reinsurance company, American Agricultural Insurance Company, to backstop large insurance risks. Insurance products tailored to rural needs played a significant role in the growth of Farm Bureau membership.

Finally, AFBF has been successful because it is respected worldwide and represents the strong values and beliefs of rural Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;freedom, faith in God and country, hard work, perseverance and more. One of its strongest beliefs is the freedom to own private property.

Farm Bureau has been a strong defender of property rights because without it, American agriculture as we know it would not exist.

Unfortunately for Sears, the retail marketplace may no longer need it, despite the many years it served American families so well. But AFBF is still vitally needed as it starts its second century.

Truelsen is a food and agriculture freelance writer.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Can Pork's Past Help Dairy Find It's Future?

A Message from WFBF's Sarah Hetke

S

ince moving to Wisconsin two years ago, it has become increasingly apparent that the agriculture economy is struggling. The dairy industry in particular is undergoing some major changes. I recently attended the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Food and Ag Policy Summit where Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, addressed past challenges in the pork industry and how they relate to what dairy is seeing today.

This session made me reflect on my own connections to the pork and dairy industry. I've raised pigs and worked for a large family farm and more recently married into the dairy industry.

I remember my dad talking about weathering the farm crisis of the 1980s into the 1990s and how challenging it was for him to be a young farmer looking to buy land, equipment and livestock and hoping to ride out the low market prices.

Among other commodities, he and my uncle raised pigs. A good market price for finished pigs before times got tough was around $0.46 per pound. At one point, some farmers report market prices were $0.15 per pound, or less.

In the late 1980s, farmers in central Minnesota were challenged with a severe drought that financially, took several years to recover from. Just as farmers started to feel like they were catching up, hog prices crashed in the late 1990s.

A New York Times article from December 1998 was titled "Farmers Are in Crisis as Hog Prices Collapse."

The article describes a "bumper crop of

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

pigs" causing the processing plants to "overflow."

Sound familiar?

Many pig farmers felt like their hands were tied. They had pregnant sows giving birth to piglets that were going to cost a considerable amount more to raise than what the market would pay. As you can imagine, pig farmers started selling out because they could not turn a profit.

During that tough time a few pig farming families started crunching some numbers and calculating what kind of scale it would take to be profitable once the market turned back around. As a result, the pork industry looks much different today than it did back then.

The changing industry meant a lot of pig farmers were forced to make difficult decisions. These difficult times, however, were not the end of the book but simply turning to a new chapter.

Today, we see a new farming style for our pig farmers. Young farmers have contract growing opportunities that allow them to enter the agriculture industry with reduced financial risk. Everyone has their own opinion about contract growing, however, this option has allowed thousands of farm families to do what they love â&#x20AC;&#x201C; raise pigs.

Many young farmers have also mentioned that with the unpredictability of the ag marketplace, it is nice to know they have a consistent paycheck coming.

I certainly understand the dairy industry has several major differences in comparison to pork, however, Bill's presentation made me start asking some

questions to my dairy friends.

How do the industries connect? What does this mean for the future of the dairy industry? Would contract type opportunities be viable for dairy farmers?

Will the dairy industry follow the pork path?

I don't know the answers, but I hope that knowing more about the past struggles other farmers have faced gives a bit of hope for the future.

None of us may know what the future holds but coming together to learn from each other is important.

Ultimately, agriculture will endure forever. But future generations may not farm the way we do today, but is that necessarily a bad thing?

Hetke is WFBF's Director of Communications.

wfbf.com

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OPINION

Seasonal Patterns Signal Strength Ahead Guest Column by AgriVisor's Joe Camp

fall when active harvest grain flows often pressure prices.

Because the months of May, June and July are so crucial for crop yields in the U.S., corn and soybean markets often feature higher levels of weatherrelated risk premium during that time.

As the odds of significant crop loss due to drought or other weather troubles fall, grain prices normally also slip lower into the months of harvest, when farmer selling is active and weather risk premium in the market is at a minimum.

W

ith the regular cycle of data reporting from the U.S. Department of Agriculture interrupted by a government shutdown, grain traders have been starved for fundamental guidance so far this winter. Making matters worse have been uncertainties that continue to surround U.S. and China trade talks.

Left without the full picture on key price influences like yield, acreage or Chinese export demand, farmers should carry forward with a marketing plan formed around the market's known seasonal tendencies. The grain market's seasonal trends are strong and provide a clear maxim for pricing decisions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sell more during the window of seasonal price strength that comes in late spring or early summer and sell less during the

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Sell Ahead The most effective way to implement a seasonal-based marketing plan is to focus on increasing pre-harvest sales. Use a scale-up approach and make bigger sales as prices rise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you are comfortable that a large crop shortfall is unlikely.

Work with your crop insurance provider and grain marketing advisors to consider strategies that use pre-harvest sales to hedge production guaranteed by Revenue Protection insurance plans.

Hold Tight During Harvest Have a plan in place for bushels that must be marketed during harvest and utilize storage alternatives when prices take on seasonal weakness in the fall.

Keep basis in mind when exploring fall contracting options. Futures hedges or Hedge-to-Arrive contracts can be used to lock in futures prices while leaving basis open for possible appreciation.

Use Averaging Programs Most grain elevators offer an average price program to allow farmers to take advantage of seasonal price trends.

Averaging programs are structured so that an even increment of corn or soy production is priced every day or week, spanning the 10 to 12 weeks of the season that usually hold the season's price highs.

Know your options Farmers that need to make sales but wish to take advantage of seasonal upside opportunity may consider replacement hedge strategies that utilize option contracts. Forward sales can be hedged or 'replaced' with long calls or long-call spreads. Short-dated options can be used to hedge new-crop production during the critical spring production season.

Put options can help farmers lock in prices without the commitment of delivery. The purchase of a put option establishes a futures price floor while keeping production open for sale at higher prices if the market rallies.

Options are not suitable for everyone.

Likewise, there are risks associated with seasonal-based marketing strategies that should be fully considered. Talk with your advisor to discuss if these strategies may fit into your marketing program.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

I

f it were not for alder and aspen, tadpoles and spring peepers, earthworms and grubs – woodcock would not return each spring to dance on our property. Without spring trilliums and cattails, marsh marigolds and skunk cabbage – our piece of land would not be complete. With Old Man Winter still knocking at our doors, it's hard to believe that woodcock will be back in a couple of weeks.

Forty years ago, Andy, the town assessor called a large portion of our property wasteland and it appeared exactly as that – wasteland on the tax roll. It was a term used interchangeably with wetlands and swamp and used to justify a lower assessment and tax. To a farm-based township, if one couldn't work the land, it was considered worthless. However, to resident woodcock, land value was measured in available food and shelter and to that extent, they consider themselves rich indeed. You see, as the water table comes close to the surface, so too does the worm supply – a staple of their diet. Since the bill of a woodcock is only as long as a paper dollar is wide, a two-and-a-half-inch reach is the extent FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

of its ability to grab dinner.

When the snow melts and the ground thaws out in spring woodcock will return after a long journey from their southern wintering grounds, maybe as far as Louisiana. Should one or more decide to stop, then our land becomes part of their northern breeding grounds. Much to our delight and to that of our bird dogs, woodcock live and dine around here for nearly seven months of the year.

Spring woodcock migration is fueled by daylight, wind and the urge to mate. Male birds actively perform their courtship 'sky dance' in likely spots along the way north. Spring and fall, they feed and loaf in sheltered covers during the day and migrate after dark. Traveling at heights of somewhere around 50 feet and depending on wind direction and speed, they can cover 30 to 400 miles a day, alone, or in loose flocks often called 'flights.' All along the route, male woodcock set up shop at openings in the woods - called singing grounds - next to suitable nesting habitat that attract females.

By late March, local male woodcock, most likely following the river valley, will arrive and claim one of several singing grounds on our property. They begin dancing in the sky at dusk each evening, hoping to lure any early arriving females. Some early spring males are migrants on their way to more northerly breeding grounds.

They pick up favorable winds and continue up the Wisconsin River valley until they hit the south shore of Lake Superior, where they most likely follow a northwesterly direction to somewhere in Minnesota, or Canada.

Local birds hang around all summer and when nesting begins around the second week of April, we keep the dogs out of the woods until the end of July.

By early August, we're able to once again train our bird dogs on the adults and fully developed young of the year. Come early October, when powerful northwest winds and frosty nights return to the northern fringe of their range, woodcock begin a southerly migration. The exodus typically peaks in late October and early November but can begin as early as September and last well into November.

With the coming of autumn, winds will push large numbers of woodcock south. And once again, the cycle continues.

Blomberg is a freelance writer and a member of the Portage County Farm Bureau. His book, "Up the Creek" is available at amazon.com. wfbf.com

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ggie nswers

KAYLA ZAHN

We asked Ag in the Classroom volunteers: What is your favorite Ag in the Classroom activity or resource?

MARIANNE GUNDRUM ALLISON FUNK

Oconto County

Repotting plants. The students love learning about the unique succulents and getting their hands dirty. The best part is taking the plants home and teaching their parents.

®

Washington County

The essay contest. I enjoy reading to students and then listening to what they say about agriculture.

Rock County

BETTY KRCMA

Making homemade ice cream in the classroom.

It's fun to see the look on the kids' faces after the hard work and eating the reward. I enjoy promoting agriculture and dairy farming.

As an agriculture education teacher in an urban school district, I love the Ag in the Classroom bus tours. This program provides great networking opportunities to meet many different people in our diverse agriculture industry.

Winnebago County

Coordinating the book of the year with the essay contest. I enjoy the variety of topics, working with the students and encouraging them to participate in the essay contest.

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34

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau

Recipes courtesy of Wyttenbach Meats

Baked Reuben Dip Ingredients

• 32 oz. sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained • 10 oz. sliced deli corned beef, chopped • 2 c. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded • 2 c. Swiss cheese, shredded • 1 c. mayonnaise • 1/4 c. Russian salad dressing • 1 tsp. caraway seeds, optional • rye crackers

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients; stir in caraway seeds.

2. T ransfer to a greased 13" x 9" baking dish.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

4. Serve dip with rye crackers.

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Ingredients

• 2 lbs. beef stew meat, cubed • 2 cans cream mushroom soup • 1 can water • 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix • 2 c. sour cream • 1 c. mushrooms

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in crockpot.

2. Cook on low 6 hours.

3. In the last 30 minutes add sour cream and mushrooms.

4. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Pork Griller

Ingredients per Griller

• pork tenderloin, cut into two slices pounded thin • 1 slice provolone cheese • portabella mushroom • onion • tomato • 2 slices bacon

Directions

1. Between the tenderloin slices place one slice each of provolone cheese, portabella mushroom, onion and tomato.

2. Wrap in a crisscross pattern with two full slices of bacon.

3. Grill on medium-high for approximately 30-40 minutes turning once.

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Bev Brey, Greenwood

Cody Brueggen, Whitewater

Kesler Family Farm, Hilbert

Heather Rhinehart, Madison

Leslie Svacina, Deer Park

Jill Huenink, Cedar Grove

Shannon Anderson, Tomah

Send us YOUR Photos

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Jenifer Zimmerman, Deerfield

Mandi Mincheski, Denmark

@farmrunfarm; Kieler Farms, Inc., Platteville

Megan Yager, Mineral Point

David Kohn, Medford

Sarah Kaster, DePere

Raven DeLange, Elkhorn

Cassie Olson, Cadott

County Kernels 4-H Key Award - Columbia County

The 2018 Columbia County 4-H Key Award recipients were announced at their county awards day. Joanne Dalton, representing Columbia County Farm Bureau, made the presentations. The Key Award is sponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

Christmas Cheer - Portage and Wood Counties

Portage and Wood counties partnered with area agribusinesses to spread Christmas cheer to 15 families.

Agriculture Talk - Dunn County

Community Christmas Project - Waushara County

Waushara County Farm Bureau participated in the annual Waushara County Community Christmas project. Each year, approximately 400 area families receive Christmas gifts, clothes and food to help them celebrate the holiday season. Farm Bureau board members helped prepare for the day. Waushara County Farm Bureau donated $600 of milk to families.

On January 10, Sheila Harsdorf, former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, visited with community members, ag students and FFA members at Menomonie High School to talk about the state of agriculture. A few Dunn County Farm Bureau members joined the visit.

Octoberfest Cream Puffs - Outagamie County On September 29, Outagamie County Farm Bureau hosted the largest fundraiser they have each year. Due to the cold weather, the Octoberfest crowds thinned out a bit earlier than usual, so the sale of cream puffs were down, but coffee sales were way up. The county profited more than $2,400 for the one-day event.

The money supports the Adventures in Dairyland program, 4-H, FFA and the county Young Farmer and Agriculturist program.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

LEADERSHIP

Plan Now to Participate in National Ag Day Members on Facebook Live W isconsin Farm Bureau Federation and the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Program will once again host National Ag Day activities. On National Ag Day, Thursday, March 14, there are several ways for Wisconsin farmers and agriculturists to join consumers in celebrating, 'Agriculture Food for Life.'

Nominate A Farmer

Wisconsinites are invited to nominate someone who embodies this year's National Ag Day theme, 'Agriculture Food for Life.' The nomination form can be found at wfbf. com and involves explaining why this person embodies this year's theme. Finalists will be selected by WFBF's Promotion and Education Committee with the winner being selected by popular vote on Facebook.

#WIAgProud Campaign

WFBF is once again encouraging its members to download a #WIAgProud sign from wfbf.com and share a photo with the sign on social media explaining why you are proud to be a farmer or proud of Wisconsin agriculture. Anyone who participates will have his or her name placed in a drawing to receive a Culver's gift card.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

Join Wisconsin Farm Bureau members as they discuss their careers in agriculture. This is a great opportunity for high school and college students in addition to those looking to learn more about what a career in agriculture might look like. The career panel will be live at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14.

Ag in the Classroom Reading Event

Chose a group and read about agriculture. Group ideas include elementary classrooms, home school families, nursing home residents, day care centers or anywhere people are interested in learning about agriculture. The recommended book is the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom's Book of the Year "Fresh-Picked Poetry" by Michelle Schaub. The book is available for purchase at wiagclassroom.com. There are activities, background information and talking points available. After the visit, participants are asked to complete a report form so the outreach of the activities can be tabulated. Please use #WiReadsAg2019 on social media to talk about your reading activity. To download resources, visit wisagclassroom.org or agday.org.

Youth Contest

This year, for the youth contest, students are asked to draw and color an entry that 'Thanks Wisconsin farmers for providing food for life.' Students can draw and color their thank you entry and are encouraged to make a copy of the entry before submitting it. After the judging is complete, the contact information will be cut off and the thank you notes will be given to farmers.

The contest has three divisions: ages 6 and younger, ages 7 to 9 and ages 10 to 12. The entry page and contest rules are located on wisagclassroom.org under the Teacher tab and Lesson Plans.

All entries must be emailed or postmarked by March 31. One entry is allowed per child and winners will be announced in early April. The winner of each age group will receive a copy of this year's Book of the Year "Fresh-Picked Poetry."

wfbf.com

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Ag in the Classroom Essays Due April 1 T he annual Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom essay contest for fourth and fifth grade students is a learning opportunity that can be used as a classroom, individual, home

school or 4-H activity. This year's topic, 'Making it happen at the Farmers' Market,' will allow students to write about the different aspects of the farmers' market, preparation at the farm and what happens at the market. Because the Book of the Year, "Fresh-Picked Poetry," uses poems throughout the book, the students might choose to include a poem within the essay.

Contest rules, lesson plans, other supporting documents and county essay coordinator contact information can be found on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website, wisagclassroom.org.

Entries are due to county coordinators on April 1.

Agricultural Literature Matching Grants Available T

he Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Program is accepting applications for matching grants, up to $500, that will be awarded to groups conducting activities that promote agricultural literacy in K-12 schools.

Projects that use funds toward an ongoing, sustainable education effort will receive preference over a one-time program.

Applicants must have a matching donor for their project equal

to the amount of the Ag in the Classroom grant. The application deadline is March 1.

Interested groups or schools can get an application on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website at wisagclassroom.org, by clicking on the 'Grant' section. You may also contact Darlene Arneson, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, at 608.828.5644 or darneson@wfbf.com.

St. Mary School

Kiel FFA Alumni

Ag in the Classroom Grants Help Students

Awarded $500 for garden project

Student leadership and research is high on our list for our school garden. Less time is being spent with tillage and weeding now that we have a new garden tiller because of your generous grant.

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Rural Route

Awarded $500 for Ag Career Awareness Day

Hosting this event allows students to become hands-on with agricultural careers. Riesterer and Schnell brought a tractor to our event to talk about technology and careers in the industry such as a mechanic.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Centennial Campaign Hopes to Raise $100,000

W

isconsin Farm Bureau has begun a fundraising campaign to raise at least $100,000 by the 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting. This campaign is meant to serve as a celebration and a monetary foundation for our exceptional educational programs. Our members are served well by our leadership development programs and this campaign will enhance funding for these programs.

Please consider contributing. Your tax-deductible contribution will help keep the future of Farm Bureau programming strong. You can donate online at wfbf.com/centennial. Contributions will be taken until the 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting.

Centennial Donations between December 13, 2018, and January 29, 2019.

AGvocate

$1,000-$4,999 donation

Perry Goetsch Compeer Financial Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau

Thank You to the Following WFB Foundation Donors:

(Donations were made between December 7, 2018 and January 29, 2019.

•• Clark County Farm Bureau in honor of Tom Shafto's years of service •• Dan Poulson in memory of Dorothy Gessert •• Dan Poulson in memory of Wilfred Meier •• Lillian Wondra in memory of Lucille Schwartz •• Washington County Farm Bureau in memory of Elaine Linstedt

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2019

wfbf.com

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Ag in the Classroom Starts 2019 With Kick-Off Meeting

On Jan. 5, more than 60 participants attended the Ag in the Classroom Kick-Off Meeting at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson gave details on National Ag Day on March 14 and encouraged county Farm Bureau programs to apply by April 15 for White Reinhardt mini-grants from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education.

The Wisconsin Spudmobile was available for tours to attendees.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center's Director of Education and Programming Melissa Bender shared ways that groups and schools can visit the center.

Ag in the Classroom's Teacher of the Year Ashley VandenBush listed many of her favorite books and lessons with the group.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Top Take-Aways •• Three key websites: wisagclassroom.org, agfoundation.org and agclassroom.org •• Sharing information is critical with both volunteers and teachers.

•• Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom does daily Facebook posts highlighting deadlines, new resources and links to other information.

•• There are many ways to do Ag in the Classroom. It's not a 'one-way' program since it's based on volunteers, teachers' needs, budget and time.

Upcoming Events ••A one-day training will be offered on Tuesday, July 9, at West Madison Research Station. Morning presentations will be given by Wisconsin Beef Council, Wisconsin Pork Association, Dairy Council, and Discover Mediaworks. The Book of the Year will be selected. Participants will travel to O.J. Noer Turfgrass Facility after lunch to learn about soil and turf management.

••The 2019 Ag in the Classroom Bus Tour will be July 15-16 in Taylor County. Hotel information, registration and tour stops will soon be posted on wisagclassroom.org.

••A one-day training will be offered on Wednesday, July 31, at Neville Public Museum in Green Bay. Presentations will be given by Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers, Brown County Dairy Promotion, Wisconsin Dairy Council and Ag in the Classroom and website resources. A tour of the Neville Museum will focus on their agricultural and natural resource exhibits.

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Slips, Trips and Falls W

hen talking about safety, a plethora of different images and ideas come to mind, but how about something as simple as the way you walk?

Slips/trips/falls are consistently in the top three causes for work-related injuries, and in 2016, accounted for 25.7 percent of injuries and are the number one cause of injuries at home.

In the workplace, falls alone resulted in 849 workplace fatalities and caused 261,930 workers to miss one or more days from work. Fall protection in the workplace has been the number one cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation year after year since 2011.

When talking about slips, trips and falls, I want to divide it into two distinct categories. Slips and trips being the more common, and usually resulting in a fall, and falls from a height above ground level.

Gravity doesn't discriminate based on age, and while we may be more predisposed to slips, trips and falls the older we get, no one is immune. In fact, injuries in the tub or shower are most common among those between the ages of 15 and 24. Simply installing dispensers for washing products will prevent the inevitable dropped soap or bottle that precipitates these falls while attempting to retrieve it.

The most common causes of slips and trips, home or work, and strategies to avoid them are: •• Wear proper footwear appropriate for the conditions and surfaces. Everyone has a favorite pair of work boots, but is there any traction left on the sole? Everyone's gait causes wear on different locations of the sole. Overall, the boot looks to be in good condition with a lot of tread, be aware of the wear spots on the sole.

•• Wet or icy surfaces. In Wisconsin, we are moving into the spring when the freeze/thaw cycle is more pronounced.

Warmer days thaw ice and melt snow creating wet conditions that are tracked into buildings, and as soon as the sun sets, so does the ice outside. Make sure that salt or sand are available to treat surfaces. Inspect frequently due to weather and time of day changes. Consider the use of properly anchored floor mats in the entryway of buildings, and the addition of friction surfaces or grit additive treatments to outdoor stairs and smooth surfaces. In the workplace, use signs to warn pedestrians of wet surfaces.

•• When walking on slippery surfaces, shorten your stride.

Some surfaces may require that you shuffle to maintain balance. When looking at the anatomy of how a slip occurs when the foot comes down to the surface, the first point of contact is the heel. At this point, the force exerted is down and forward of the person's center of gravity. Because only a portion of the heel makes first contact, there isn't sufficient friction to prevent the slip.

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•• Approximately 20 percent of slips and trips occur in low-light conditions. Ensure that walkways and stairs are adequately lit, and free of obstructions that may cause someone to trip. Keep flashlights available because even a familiar path can be treacherous during a power outage.

•• Employ good housekeeping practices at home and work.

Ensure that items aren't protruding into or left unattended in walkways. Someone walking that same path repeatedly might be on autopilot and not realize, e.g., a delivery box is in their path. When using temporary extension cords or hoses, make sure to limit stretching those items across walkways. Never store items on stairs.

•• Vertical changes in walking surfaces, such as a sunken or raised sidewalk, should be marked to draw attention to the trip hazard or corrected if the difference in levels is substantial. There are many regulations covering different types of properties when it comes to walking surfaces, generally any deviation greater than 1 inch should be corrected.

•• Ensure walking surfaces are well lit, especially areas with a significant surface deviation.

The term 'fall' can cover many different scenarios. Some of the more common causes are: •• Working from a ladder at height. Ensure that the ladder is in good condition, securely placed so that the foot of the ladder doesn't kick out. Use an appropriate height ladder for the job. Numerous falls occur when someone is using an A-frame step ladder by standing above the highest step indicated for safe use. This changes the weight balance making the ladder more prone to tipping and possibly causing a fall. Ladder steps should have an aggressive texture to prevent slipping while climbing. ALWAYS use three points of contact while climbing a ladder.

•• Look for areas where there are a significant grade change where someone may step off, not expecting the significant drop. As a rule of thumb, any abrupt grade change greater WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

than the standard height of a stair, should have a warning.

This could be colored marking or signage. For homes, any deck/porch 24 inches or greater above ground level should have a railing. In the workplace, any elevated walking surface that exposes an employee to a fall must have railings to include a top rail, mid rail and toe kick. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ Any work completed at a height of 4 feet or greater in the workplace (6 feet for construction work) requires the use of fall protection. It's important to understand that the fall protection system setup must not allow the employee to fall and come in contact with the ground or other objects on the way to the ground. Frequently, this is misinterpreted with employees wearing a harness and using a lanyard that

would not prevent ground contact from a fall of 10 feet, for example.

As silly as it sounds, learning to walk doesn't stop when you are a toddler. The act of walking is generally done without much thought given to how we are walking, and more specifically, what we are walking on. Reconditioning our brain to think more about the how and where, will prevent you from becoming one of the statistics.

Chris Schlechta is the Safety and Loss Control Manager, Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

Spot the Warning Signs of Workers' Compensation Fraud A ccidents can occur in the workplace. When an employee gets injured as a result of a work-related accident, workers' compensation (WC) insurance protects the business and the injured employee; however, employees, employers and health care providers can take advantage of the system by committing WC fraud. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, WC fraud costs insurance providers billions of dollars every year and can lead to higher insurance premiums or penalties to the business.

One in 10 small business owners fear employees will fake an injury. One in five owners do not know how to identify WC scams. Know the warning signs to prevent these concerns and protect your business.

Top 10 Warning Signs of Workers' Compensation Fraud 1. D isgruntled employee: An employee who is likely to commit fraud may do so after being denied a vacation request or being reprimanded.

2. H ard-to-reach employee: Trouble contacting an employee on medical leave may be a sign the employee is working another job while collecting benefits.

3. N ew employee: Statistically, the newer the employee, the more likely the claim is fraudulent.

4. N o witnesses: If no one can corroborate the story, it might be a strong indication of WC Fraud.

5. D ifferent stories: Beware if the story varies from you, medical professionals, peers or witnesses.

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6. Accident day: Accidents on Monday mornings or Fridays afternoons should raise concern.

7. History of claims: Be aware if the employee has a history of filing claims that are suspicious.

8. Late reporting: The accident was not reported right away and there was no explanation why it was reported late can be a sign of fraud.

9. Changes in employment: Find out if the employee has a history of changing jobs, physicians and addresses.

10. Refuses treatment: Employee refuses to see a physician to examine the extent of the injury.

Be alert for these warning signs and know when to ask more questions. Talk to your local insurance agent to learn more about WC insurance to make sure you are protected and have the proper procedures in place to handle a claim or a fraudulent situation.

For more information, visit RuralMutual.com/learn.

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Five Steps for Protecting Your Tax Refund from Fraudsters • Protect your PII. Don't store your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Keep it and other important financial documents in a locked location in your home.

• Double-check your Social Security statement. When you receive your annual statement, make sure the income numbers are accurate. If they are higher than expected, someone else may be employed under your SSN. • Stay organized. For each year, keep your important receipts and financial and tax-related paperwork in a single folder so you can file your taxes quickly.

I

maging being unable to file your tax return because someone already filed in your name. And the worst part? You won't receive your tax refund for the better part of a year.

That's essentially what happens when you become a victim of tax identity theft. Your tax refund also could be delayed if another person uses your Social Security number (SSN) to get a job.

Reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

• File ASAP. Filing early is the first line of defense against tax identity theft. Keep an eye out for the essential paperwork from your employer, clients and financial institutions. Once you have everything, don't wait for the filing deadline. Submit your return as soon as possible.

• Know the signs of fraudulent requests. The IRS will only contact you through the United States Postal Service. Emails, texts or social media requests asking for personal or financial information, or additional tax payments are from scammers.

If your tax filing is rejected, follow these six steps to get your refund back.

1. Submit an Identity Theft Affidavit using IRS.gov (Form 14039).

2. Continue to file your tax return. (Use a paper form, if your electronic submission is rejected and attach the Identity Theft Affidavit.)

3. Respond promptly to IRS correspondence regarding the fraud.

4. Place a fraud alert with at least one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax).

5. Consider freezing your credit with each of the three credit bureaus.

6. Sign up for credit monitoring and identity protection services to keep track of fraudulent accounts and signs of fraud in other areas of your finances.

To learn more about digital defense tools families can use to protect their personal information, please contact your Rural Mutual Insurance agent or visit RuralMutual.com.

Rural Mutual Looks Back at 2018 A s we looked to 2019 and set new goals, we took time to reflect on the highlights and accomplishments in 2018.

•• We were recognized by Ward's 50 as one of the Nation's Best Insurance Companies for the 10th consecutive year.

•• We got a new look and launched our new website and customer service website. Both mobile friendly and easy to use.

•• We upgraded our financial strength and celebrated receiving an A.M. Best A+ Superior Credit Rating, making Rural Mutual one of only five single state insurers in the U.S. to receive this rating.

•• With the partnership of American Farm Bureau, we introduced a new program to help protect farmers, Dairy Revenue Protection. This program is a successful risk management tool to protect dairy farmers during unanticipated declines in milk market prices.

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•• After 13 years with Rural Mutual Insurance, Executive Vice President and CEO, Peter Pelizza, announced his retirement effective March 31. Upon Peter's retirement, the Board of Directors announced Daniel Merk as the incoming executive vice president and CEO. Thank you to you, our policyholders, who continue to put your trust in us each year.

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