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FARM BUREAU MEMBERSHIP

Frequently asked questions about your Farm Bureau membership.

V'S BEEZ

Violet Richard embraces entrepreneurial spirit through beekeeping.

DISCOVERY FARMS

Farmers use data to drive change for cleaner water.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Learn how your Farm Bureau benefits pay for your membership.

FARM NEIGHBORS CARE

Groups awarded grants to support mental health initiatives.

VOICES

Comments from Olson, Duvall, Wilfert and Badtke.

SPOTLIGHT ON YFA

Meet District 7 YFA Committee

Representative Amanda Williams.

GATHER AROUND THE TABLE

Favorite recipes from the Wisconsin Beef Council.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Learn how Ag in the Classroom supports FFA across the state.

FOUNDATION

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation announces new giving society.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Thisissue is all about sustainability. But this time of year, for many farmers and families, is one of the hardest times of year to sustain your mental health, schedule or anything else.

It’s the time when farmers transition into the fields and kids transition out of school. It’s a time where you can literally feel people moving into new chapters and schedules.

Maybe you don’t see it, but I see chaos. It’s a circus out here, but maybe that’s just the Eckelberg household.

Amid the crazy schedules, busy days and long hours it’s important to take a step back and remember what all of this is for. We are working toward a better tomorrow. That’s what it all comes down to, right?

We challenge ourselves to make sure that we are leaving this world a better place for those who come after us. We work to make our lives more efficient to aid our mental health and financial stability. We research ways to make our farms have better soil for our animals and crops to last for the generations of the future. We give our families the best life we can through challenges and successes, all for a fulfilling life and future.

The ways that we invest in ourselves, families, businesses and communities is ultimately how we are being sustainable.

You’ll see that hard work and motivation reflected in the pages of Rural Route by our members. From 14- year-old Violet Richard who is finding ways to be involved in agriculture through bee keeping to dairy farmer Duane Ducat who is encouraging research on his farm through Discovery Farms, they both are leading in different ways for a brighter tomorrow.

Our members invest in their communities and themselves through Farm Bureau. You can see that through the events in the Grassroots section and in the member profiles throughout the magazine. Together we really do make a difference.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword. It’s something that serves as the foundation of just about everything we are working toward. I hope as you read through this issue you can reflect on just how much you contribute to the future. What does sustainability mean to you?

As always, thanks for reading!

Amy Eckelberg

Rural Route Editor

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Address of Publication

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550

Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550

Contact Information

608.836.5575

800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info@wfbf.com

WFBF Board of Directors

Brad Olson, Frederic (President) Joe Bragger, Independence (Vice President) Jim Renn, Hartland Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Pete Badtke, Ripon Dan Meyer, Kiel Brian Preder, Weyauwega Kim Bremmer, Loyal Steve Mueller, New Richmond (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Kendall Riskedal, Johnson Creek (Young Farmer and Agriculturist 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.

Q: Why pay dues to be a Farm Bureau member?

Farm Bureau is a membership organization that relies on dues as a primary source of revenue. By joining Farm Bureau, you become part of an organization that provides numerous member benefits (for more details, see page 17) while helping to support Wisconsin’s #1 industry. Members are classified at the county level as voting or associate, with voting members having the right to hold office and vote on the organization’s policy.

Q: I’m not a farmer, so why should I be a member of Farm Bureau?

Agriculture is a major driver of Wisconsin’s economy. We all have a vested interest in helping maintain a safe, affordable and abundant food supply. As a member of Farm Bureau, you support programs and policies that ensure that farmers can continue to feed and clothe us, while keeping Wisconsin’s economy strong.

Q: Can my spouse and I share a membership?

Yes! A Farm Bureau membership is a family membership. It applies to the member, member’s spouse and any children younger than 21. A family member 21 or older requires his or her own membership.

Q: I have an insurance policy with Rural Mutual. Why is Farm Bureau membership required?

In 1934, Wisconsin Farm Bureau members created the Rural Mutual Insurance Company to service the insurance needs of its members. Rural Mutual is an affiliate of Farm Bureau and access to insurance products sold through Rural Mutual is a benefit of membership. Therefore, a paid Farm Bureau membership is a prerequisite to purchase auto, homeowners, country estate, farm and crop/hail policies through Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

Q: How much are my annual membership dues?

Membership dues are established at the local level by your county Farm Bureau board of directors and vary from county to county. Annual dues range from $50 to $70, depending on which county you live in.

are my dues used?

When you join Farm Bureau, you not only become a member of your county Farm Bureau, but also Wisconsin Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau. Your membership dues are allocated as follows:

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Used to support state activities, conduct programs and provide staffing for those efforts throughout the state. Consumer and youth education, issue advocacy, leadership development and member publications are services that also are funded with state dues.

American Farm Bureau Federation

Forwarded to support Farm Bureau activities at a national level. These funds support agriculture’s voice in our nation’s capital as well as the many programs that AFBF has in place to educate consumers, share the message of agriculture and provide online resources to its members.

Member Protector Policy

Members receive $2,000 in accidental death insurance for themselves and their spouse and $1,000 for unmarried children under 24 years of age residing in the same household; policy does not increase in value.

County Farm Bureau

The remaining portion of your dues depending on the county is used to fund local events and activities. This may include county meetings, scholarships and other programs for youth, consumer education activities and member service programs in that county.

Login Process for Member Information and Benefits New Member Database: Login Process for Information and Benefits

Member Portal

We are excited to share that we now have a member interactive database. This means that with your help, we can provide better service to you, our members.

At the top of wfbf.com, you’ll see three buttons: Login, Join, Renew. To create your account and access your member information, you will want to click the login button.

Once you’ve clicked Login, follow these easy steps to creating your official account.

1) Under the login button, click “Create account”.

2) Click yes to “Are you a Farm Bureau Member”.

3) Verify your membership by entering your membership number, zip code and last name. (If you don’t know your membership number, you can find it on your mailing label listed as your Member ID or by emailing info@wfbf.com.)

4) Select your name and click next.

5) Create a User name (use your email address).

6) Create a password and confirm it.

7) Click Register.

Once you are logged in you will have access to update your account information, verify communication preferences, access your membership card and sign up for automatic renewal. Select My Account to access the drop down menu and verify that all of your account information is correct.

Account Information: Update your mailing address, phone number and add your birthdate. After clicking into Account Information you will see a sidebar where you can change your password and enter additional information about your farm and business to help us communicate more effectively with you.

Communication Preferences: Verify your email address, phone number and which e-newsletters (Ag Newswire, Policy Pulse, Member Benefits, Stewards, etc.)

Membership Card: Print a copy of your Farm Bureau membership card

Automatic Renewal: Sign up for and manage your dues to be renewed automatically on an annual basis

Payment Method: Include a card to be used for automatic dues renewal

Please be patient and if you have questions, reach out to a staff member or contact info@wfbf.com.

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From Hive to Heart

Mentorship Sustains Beekeeping and Beyond

By Kylie Ver Kuilen

The earliest evidence of humans collecting honey from wild bees was depicted in Spanish cave paintings dating to at least 10,000 years ago. However, it was not until 3100 BCE that evidence was found in Egypt of people practicing apiculture, what we now call beekeeping.

In the country of Georgia, the world’s oldest honey was discovered in a nobleman’s grave, demonstrating the use of honey in burial practices. Honey appears throughout sacred texts like the Old Testament and in classical literature such as Homer’s Iliad. For the Mayan civilization, honey was so integral to life that the average family maintained up to 60 hives and worshipped gods entirely devoted to bees and beekeepers.

Throughout history and across cultures, humans have been collecting honey and nurturing bee hives. While methods have evolved, one thing has remained constant: the sharing of knowledge from one generation to the next while caring for the natural world around them.

That passing down of wisdom is what sustains beekeeping. Today, that legacy lives on in young beekeepers like 14-year-old Violet Richard of Mazomanie.

Equipped with a pink beekeeper suit and tending to her hand-painted wooden hives, Violet is bringing her own style and spirit to a timeless tradition. But even the most ancient practices need new voices and new mentors to guide them.

In the same way that early beekeepers passed down their wisdom, today’s beekeepers play a vital role in sustaining not only the health of their hives but also the future of the craft itself.

Mentorship is its own form of sustainability. It’s a way to preserve knowledge, build community and plant seeds for future generations, especially those who may not come from a traditional agricultural background like Violet. Since Violet doesn’t live on a farm, she had to seek out involvement in agriculture on her own accord.

“It all began at a grad party. That’s where I met my mentor, Dan,” Violet said.

Dan Pethan comes from a traditional farming background. He grew up on a dairy farm in the Chilton area and went on to become a registered nurse. Beekeeping became a passion he found later in life. When he mentioned it at a graduation party, Violet immediately lit up with interest.

“The first time after Violet met him, he invited her out to learn about the bees, do a hive check and help him harvest honey with some other people to ensure this was something that we really wanted to do before we took the leap,” said Carrie Richard, Violet’s mom and beekeeper by proxy.

Dan didn’t just show Violet how to care for her four hives, he also showed her how to care for the world around her. Under his guidance, she learned to see beekeeping not only as a practice but a responsibility.

“Dan has certainly taught me a lot of things,” she said. “But the most important thing that he has taught me is to take better care of this planet.”

Together, they’ve embraced a no-waste approach to beekeeping. Violet now turns leftover beeswax into handpoured candles. First, she strains out every bit of honey, then melts and filters the wax, pouring it into molds. The unusable scraps are returned to the hive.

With her business V’s Beez, Violet sells both honey and candles at local markets with profits going towards her college fund. Those markets have become more than just a place to sell, they’re a space where she’s witnessed the power of community support firsthand.

One market in particular, designed for young entrepreneurs, left a lasting impression.

“The community of people who came to support all of the young children with business ideas was just incredible,” Violet said. “I also remember meeting this girl there and it had me thinking how hard it would be to start these things without your parents, without a mentor or without everyone who comes to support you.”

Violet has found community in other agricultural groups as well, such as 4-H. Inspired by friends of hers, Violet reached out to Lauren and Mitch Breunig of Mystic Valley Dairy to see if they would allow her to show one of their cows and offer their mentorship.

“Lauren was the one who helped me train and get used to being around my calf, and Mitch was the one who put all the pieces together,” Violet said. “He allowed me to show her, and he hooked me up with someone to cut and clean her before showing.”

Once again, Violet’s agricultural endeavors resulted in resounding success.

“For my class, I got first place,” Violet said with a smile. “Because of that, my calf was in the best of breed round, and we were called forward. It’s rare for a calf to be in the top group for best of breed.”

As many 4-H families can relate, Violet has officially caught the bug.

“She’s hoping to show her cow again as a yearling,” Carrie began before being cut off by an obviously excited Violet, who chimed in, “and another one too!”

“Yes, we’ve graduated to hopefully showing not just one, but two now,” Carrie said with a chuckle.

4-H has also given Violet a chance to showcase her beekeeping in new ways as well. Story continues on page 10.

With her business V’s Beez, Violet sells both honey and candles at local markets with profits going towards her college fund.

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“I’m a very outgoing person and love to do a lot of stuff, especially when it comes to the fair,” Violet said. “Last year, I put in ten projects. I made a lifecycle of a bee poster and I also put in my honey and one of the candles I had made.”

As Violet’s agricultural pursuits demonstrate, mentorship is a way of sustaining agriculture for future generations. Mentorship opens doors that might otherwise stay closed. It invites people in, especially those who didn’t grow up on a farm.

Through mentorship, we create pathways for young people to step into agriculture with confidence, and we ensure that the values of stewardship, sustainability and community continue to thrive for generations to come.

Or as Violet simply puts it, “I’m not a country kid, but I can still help the agriculture world grow.”

Carrie and Violet care for the hives together, including regular hive checks and honey harvesting.

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Data-Driven Change for Cleaner Water: On-Farm Research at Work

By Erica Gentry, Discovery Farms

For Deer Run Dairy, participating in on-farm research has driven transformative changes. “Water quality has been a focus in Kewaunee County for quite some time, but we don’t know what is actually going on in terms of the environment until you collect the data,” explained Duane Ducat who farms with his son, Derek, and business partner, Dale Bolgart, at the 3,200 acre Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee County.

Because of Kewaunee County’s sensitive landscape and water quality concerns, the farm participates in multiple initiatives that promote soil health and water quality.

Duane is a member of Wisconsin Farm Bureau's newly formed Sustainability Committee. The farm is also actively involved in Peninsula Pride Farms, a local watershed group, and serves as a Demonstration Farm, helping farmers test conservation practices. Another of those initiatives is monitoring edge-of-field runoff and bioreactor monitoring on tile drainage with the UWMadison Division of Extension Discovery Farms Program.

On-Farm Research in Action

Discovery Farms, part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Agriculture Water Quality Program, is one of Wisconsin’s original on-farm research initiatives. Discovery Farms takes a farmerled approach, working with local farmers, research experts, and a steering committee from Wisconsin agricultural and environmental organizations. This collaborative model provides farms with high-quality data tailored to their landscapes and farming methods, fostering improvements in agriculture’s relationship with water quality.

A Clear Water Quality Solution

Prior to the study, the field grew corn silage and used reduced tillage and cover crops. Despite these existing conservation practices, data from 2019 and 2020 showed large amounts of runoff, soil, and nutrients leaving the field. Visual observations identified rill and gully erosion forming a concentrated flow pathway leading directly into the monitoring station.

Although grassed waterways were in place downstream, there was no waterway upstream from the monitoring station. To reduce erosion in the area of concentrated flow, a grassed waterway was installed.

The results were significant: Data showed the newly installed waterway reduced soil loss by 99%.

For the farm, installation of a waterway was an easy fix to a seemingly hidden problem revealed through on-farm research.

Amplifying Results Statewide

“One of the main things that I learned was that a small change can make a big difference. That little waterway made a huge impact difference, and I don't think we would have realized that without having the monitoring station there,” explained Duane. By learning through on-farm research and being open to change, Deer Run Dairy has adopted impactful conservation practices and served as a model for other farms looking to implement similar strategies.

“Data is a tool,” said Duane, “I think farms should be open to doing research because you're working with the experts that have the equipment that provides data that can tell you what's actually happening on the field, and maybe it will change the way you're farming.”

In 2019, Discovery Farms partnered with Deer Run Dairy, NRCS, and the local Land and Water Department to install edge-of-field runoff monitoring to seek cropping systems that reduce surface runoff of soil and nutrients, reduce the risk of nutrients reaching groundwater and improve soil health. This monitoring system collects runoff water year-round to measure the amount of water, soil and nutrients leaving the field watershed. Samples are analyzed for soil, phosphorus and nitrogen content.

The results at Deer Run Dairy exemplify the effectiveness of on-farm research. A project was implemented, data was analyzed to assess its impact on water quality and a practical, adoptable solution was applied to minimize environmental effects.

This lesson on the importance of waterways, learned through Discovery Farms monitoring, has inspired a broader outreach strategy implemented by Extension’s Ag Water Quality Program. They regularly share these research findings and best management practices with farmers, agronomists and conservation professionals across the state, emphasizing the value of properly maintained waterways and their crucial role in protecting water quality. Even a seemingly small set of rills or a developing small gully can transport thousands of pounds of soil off the field.

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Check out these resources from Extension’s Ag Water Quality Program:

Grassed waterways are fundamental in reducing erosion and impacting water quality go.wisc.edu/grassedwaterways

Field Walkover Guide go.wisc.edu/fieldwalkoverguide

Results from Discovery Farms projects and others like it are shared every December at the annual Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference (WWASH) in Wisconsin Dells. Gathering nearly 400 farmers, educators, agronomists and conservation professionals, opportunities like this foster networking and space to learn from new and emerging research.

One conference attendee said, “There is so much to learn. Farmer presentations really add to encouraging other people to get more involved into adopting new practices.”

Water quality is a shared concern for both farmers and the community. The Extension Ag Water Quality Program tackles these concerns through research and education, offering practical, effective solutions. “The community wants clean water, and farmers want clean water; we’re all in this together. In order to keep doing what we are doing, we have to focus on practices that keep sediment in the field and keep water clean,” shared Ducat.

For more information and to keep up with new Extension water quality research opportunities and lessons learned, visit agwater.extension.wisc.edu.

Introducing Extension's On-Farm Research

Extension is expanding on-farm research opportunities across Wisconsin to support farms in adopting innovative, environmentally and financially sustainable practices.

Based on the success of the Discovery Farms Program and their on-farm research efforts, Extension has established a new On-Farm Research Network for Wisconsin, to address concerns facing farmers and agronomists in issues beyond water quality.

“The UW-Madison Extension On Farm Research Network is excited to collaborate with farmers, agronomists and other partners to support farmerdriven research initiatives that promote the adoption of sustainable practices.” Says Abby Augarten Extension’s On-Farm Research Coordinator. Are you interested in on-farm research opportunities? Find us at: go.wisc.edu/ OnFarmResearch

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Affordable Fitness Made Easy with Farm Bureau Member Benefits

Dodge County Farm Bureau member Karoline Homan has discovered how the Active&Fit Direct™ program supports both her health goals and her budget. With its affordable pricing and ease of use, the program makes it simple for members to save while stay active.

“It was very easy to access the Active&Fit Direct™ program login online,” Karoline shared. “It was also very simple to get it linked up to my existing account at my gym.

For just $28/month (plus applicable enrollment fees and taxes), Wisconsin Farm Bureau members can find their perfect gym from 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness Crunch Fitness®, Anytime Fitness® and more.

The program also includes access to one-on-one well-being coaching covering fitness, nutrition, stress, sleep and more—all at no additional cost.

“ This is a very easy way to save a good amount of every month,” Karoline said. “Thanks to this program, my Farm Bureau membership practically pays for itself in just a few short months.”

In addition to benefiting her own fitness journey, Karoline has helped her father take advantage of the program’s savings.

“My dad is a member of the YMCA, and I helped him set up his Active&Fit Direct™ program account to save money,” Karoline said. “Switching his membership was very simple and now he is also saving over $25 per month.”

The Active&Fit Direct program is a flexible, comprehensive low-cost fitness program offered through American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc. It’s one of America’s fastest-growing fitness programs. Its parent company, American Specialty Health Incorporated, was started in 1987 and provides a broad range of fitness and health care programs nationally. The Active&Fit Direct program’s mission is to help you become more active without breaking the bank.

“I am proud to be a part of an organization that is working for the agriculture industry while also offering its members many benefits such as networking, leadership opportunities and membership discounts,” Karoline said.

Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information about this benefit or to learn more about other discounts and incentives, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

4. The Active&Fit Direct memberships starting at $28/month with no long-term contracts.

7. Members get deep discounts on equipment and supplies and enjoy free standard ground shipping with this company.

8. Life Line Screening offers state-of-the-art ____ screenings to all members at a discounted price.

10. The ODP Business Solutions Discount Program saves members up to 75 percent off on of�ice, home and school ____.

11. Members save up to 35 percent with the AVIS and Budget car____ discount program.

14. Established by ____ Farm Bureau, Great Lakes Ag Labor Services, LLC supports employers’ efforts to meet seasonal workforce needs through the H-2A foreign worker visa program.

16. Members receive $2000 in accidental death insurance for themselves and their spouse and $1000 for unmarried children under age 24 living in the same household through this policy. (2 words)

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

18. Members save 20 percent on immersion trainings offered by t Food Finance ____.

20. This property and casualty insurance company was formed by Farm Bureau Members in 1934. (2 words)

21. Members save 20 percent with this hotel bene�it whose brand include Cambria, Comfort Inn and Radisson.

22. ScriptSave WellRx is a ____ drug savings card available to members.

ACROSS DOWN

1. This Wisconsin county is home to the headquarters of Case IH, an equipment manufacturer offering savings up to $500 per unit on eligible purchases.

2. This member bene�it program helps farmers and self-employed individuals to deduct 100 percent of their family’s medical expenses through their farm or business.

3.  ____ Apparel provides reliable work wear and of�ice wear at the best value.

5. Members receive a $250 pre-paid debit card with the purchase of select 4WD ATV, Side-by-Side and snowmobile models from this company.

6. Members earn 3X points on gas, grocery and dining purchases with the Farm Bureau ____ credit card.

9. AmericInn, LaQuinta and Super 8 are all brands of this hotel chain where members save up to 20 percent on stays.

11. Farm Bureau pays a $500 ____ to people providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals for arson, theft or criminal damage to a member’s property that is past with the appropriate sign or sticker.

12. A product offered through Farm Bureau Financial Services. (2

13. Members save up to $2750 on excavators, skid steers, wheel loaders and more from this company.

15. Members can sign up to receive an upgrade to Platinum 1 rewards with this company to unlock big savings on select agriculture and turf

19. Farm Bureau members receive a $500 exclusive cash reward on the purchase or lease of select trucks from this company.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members qualify for a variety of membership bene�its and discounts that serve the needs of farmers, families, and businesses across the state. Complete the crossword puzzle using clues that highlight the many valuable bene�its available exclusively to Farm Bureau members. Need a hint? Learn more about your Farm Bureau Member Bene�its by visiting w�bf.com/membership/member-bene�its.

Rural Communities Impacted Positively Through Farm Neighbors Care Grants

In early 2025, six county Farm Bureaus and two partner organizations received grants to support Farm Neighbors Care projects in their local communities. The Farm Neighbors Care campaign encourages meaningful, faceto-face conversations with farmers, offering a listening ear to support mental wellness and help break the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture. Below are a few highlights from projects that have taken place so far.

Sauk County Farm Bureau

Supporting community members in times of need is a top priority for the Sauk County Farm Bureau. Through their Farm Neighbors Care projects, they offered thoughtful gifts to those facing challenges and provided harvest meals to local farmers. Most importantly, they engaged in meaningful conversations that made a lasting impact on the people around them.

Oconto County Farm Bureau

Oconto County Farm Bureau teamed up with their county dairy promotion group, 4-H clubs and FFA chapters to distribute “Be Alert” signs within their communities. The project helped to promote awareness of a busy time for farmers and created a culture of care amongst those involved in the project.

Independence School District

The school district used the funds to create and deliver care packages to local farmers, each including messages written by students. K–12 student groups will deliver the packages in person, offering a handshake and conversation to help build community and show appreciation. This project not only supported farmers but also taught students valuable lessons in service, civic responsibility and compassion.

Chippewa County Farm Bureau

The Chippewa County Farm Bureau used their funds to sponsor a dinner meal in partnership with Agnes’ Table, providing food and supplies for those in need. Volunteers from the Farm Bureau helped serve the meal, offering companionship and raising awareness about mental health resources. This event aimed to foster community connections and help members better understand local needs.

Cattail Clovers 4-H Club – Polk County Club members prepared and delivered 36 lunches to local farmers during the spring planting season. The project showed their appreciation for farmers and the work that they do.

Farm Neighbors Care grants are provided by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation with support from McCade's Joyride.

Members Share Experience at Farmer Mental Health Roundtable

In May, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski hosted a roundtable event where Farm Bureau members were able to listen and share their experiences with farming and mental health.

At the roundtable, Secretary Romanski and DATCP staff emphasized the department’s commitment to farmer mental health, showcasing the Wisconsin Farm Center’s role in assisting farmers dealing with industryrelated stress. Romanski pointed out that roughly 10% of Wisconsin’s population works in agriculture-related fields, highlighting the critical need to support agriculture. He also shared that the number of mental health vouchers issued to farmers last year had doubled from the previous record, reflecting growing awareness and use of available mental health services.

Representing Wisconsin Farm Bureau were Pete Badtke, WFBF Board District 5 Director, Brittney Muenster, Outagamie County, Reuben Hopp, Fond du Lac County, Lindsay Fowler, Fond du Lac County and Nicole Barlass, Sheboygan County.

Wisconsin Farm Center: Did you know?

• DATCP’s Farm Center offers free and confidential services to Wisconsin farmers and their families.

• The Farm Center can be reached Monday thru Friday from 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM by calling (800) 942-2474.

• Most calls are answered live by the team and for the ones that aren’t, voicemail messages are typically returned within one business day.

Last Fiscal Year:

• The Farm Center’s team helped answer or resolve more than 1,000 questions and inquiries.

• The Center’s Farmer Wellness Program redeemed vouchers good for over 440 1-hour counseling sessions held by participating mental health professionals with farmers or their family members.

• The Farmer Wellness Program held 18 online support group sessions to build community amongst farmers across the State. Attendance continues to grow, and this year will show a greater than 35% increase compared to last one.

Sustainability Looks Different To Everyone

A Message from WFBF's Brad Olson

Sustainability is all around. We just see it differently.

There are some aspects of sustainability that are easy to see like corn growing in a no-till field or a grassed waterway preventing erosion. But what about working through a succession plan for your farm? Or giving time and energy to your community? Those items sustain our future too, just in different ways.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau recognizes and celebrates the farmers at the forefront of adopting and innovating in all aspects of sustainability. Our members are dedicated to advancing conservation across Wisconsin. We have recruited a group of thought-leaders in the sustainability space to create the WFBF Sustainability Committee. This group of members helped develop an updated sustainability mission statement for the organization and meets regularly to discuss this topic.

Perceptions and definitions of sustainability have adapted over time. Whether the conversation revolves around conservation, sustainability or regenerative agriculture, the one thing that has stayed the same is that agriculture is at the forefront of protecting land and water. In fact, many times the terms “sustainability”

and “regenerative” are interchangeable. Everything from reduced tillage to notill practices and precision technology to farmer-led watershed groups positions farmers as innovators and early adopters of sustainability.

Sustainability looks different depending on the farm, but one common pillar aligns farmers across Wisconsin. We recognize that sustainability and profitability need to go hand in hand. Regardless of the industry or business, profitability is essential to sustain a farm for more generations.

Though the environmental part is most obvious, sustainability shows up in our lives in other ways. We highlight these different ways through our 35 Under 35 program. The 35 Under 35 award program recognizes and celebrates the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in not only environmental, but also social and economic practices. Things like taking care of yourself, your community, your business and the future of agriculture are rewarded, as they should be.

Taking care of yourself is an essential part of sustainability. You can’t take care of your land and community if you aren’t taking care of your own mental health. An example of how we encourage mental health awareness is our partnership with the Badger State Sheriffs Association and Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association to provide mental health resources through the Farm Neighbors Care program.

We provided law enforcement with stickers with a QR code that allows for instant access to mental health resources. We need to take care of ourselves and those around us to be sustainable for the long term.

We also encourage things like succession planning. Every business needs a plan to move forward to the next generation or owner. This is important to consider for yourself and your assets. You can find succession planning resources from the Wisconsin Farm Center.

Local involvement is important to fuel sustainable communities. That can take several forms from running for your local board, town, county, village, church or school just to name a few. Volunteering for events in your local communities is one of the unlimited opportunities to help your community stay sustainable.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau sustains the future by equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders for success through our trainings and programs. From competitive Young Farmer and Agriculturists events to high caliber training through Leadership Institute, our programs are making a difference. Look for opportunities to celebrate all aspects of sustainability during this season. From farm fields to successful businesses, sustainability is key to a better tomorrow.

Olson was first elected President of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2023. He is a crop farmer near Frederic in Polk County.

Modern Agriculture Puts Soil Health First

A Message from AFBF's Zippy Duvall

Ilovespringtime on the farm. Everything is fresh and green. Everywhere you look, you see life. It’s a time of renewal, of regeneration. Really that is what modern agriculture is about year-round. But springtime brings this cycle into full technicolor on the farm.

When I look out on my farmland, I am reminded that it hasn’t always been this lush and green. It has taken years of hard work and dedication to get us to this point. I am proud of how my family has worked to renew the soil and bring life back to these rolling hills. The story on my farm can be repeated hundreds, thousands, and even millions of times over. It’s the story of modern agriculture. While terms like climate-smart, sustainability, and now regenerative have become buzzwords, these are all words for what farmers have been doing for decades: protecting our natural resources and promoting soil health.

Let’s talk about the latest buzzword, “regenerative.” Regenerative agriculture focuses on farm practices that promote soil health. If you’re a farmer like me, you’re probably thinking, “That sounds a lot like what I already do every day.” And when we dig into modern agriculture, the practices associated with regenerative agriculture—like cover cropping,

composting, and crop rotation, to name a few—are common practices.

As new terms like regenerative agriculture rise in popularity, we need to keep stepping up and sharing our farm stories.

While the term, regenerative, is growing in popularity, many people are not quite sure what it means. According to our research, there is a largely positive perception around the term, however, even if folks can’t quite define it. Soil health matters, and farmers agree. We know firsthand how important healthy soil is. It’s why we plant cover crops to prevent soil erosion. It’s why we rotate what crops we plant in a field to enhance nutrients in the soil. And it’s why beef cattle farmers like me rotate where our livestock graze to restore the soil.

Farmers are at the forefront of regenerative practices like these because we see firsthand what it takes to grow and sustain life. We know we have a big job to do, growing the food, fiber and renewable fuel that families at home and abroad rely on. As we innovate and adopt new tools and technology, we are also growing more with less. Farmers enjoy talking about efficiency, but unfortunately, that term gets misunderstood. It can have an impersonal tone to some. But efficiency is highly personal to farmers. We want to do our jobs better every day—caring for our land and animals—because of how much we care for our families and yours. For farmers, efficiency and regeneration go hand-in-hand. You cannot grow more, without first tending to your soil and ensuring it is healthy this season and for seasons to come.

Finally, we cannot talk about regenerative agriculture without recognizing the critical tools that help us do the important work of protecting our soil. Modern agriculture has come a long way

from the days when my grandfather carried a plow to his fields and hitched it up to his mule. Today’s precision agriculture equipment is allowing farmers to monitor crop health down to the plant, use less water, and pinpoint pesticide and fertilizer application. And yes, let’s talk about pesticides. Farmers are committed to safely using these products, which often require extra training and certification. What’s more, many of us live on the same land where we use these products, so we know how important safety is for our families and yours. Without pesticides, our crop health would suffer, leading to more waste, and we would lose regenerative practices like cover cropping and no till.

Both conventional and organic agriculture have a role in the regenerative agriculture discussion. Regenerative practices are not onesize-fits all either. What I need to do on my farm in Georgia is going to look different from what is needed on a farm in New Hampshire or Idaho. Farms of all sizes play a role in regenerative agriculture too. Whether farmers are working with 100 acres or 10,000 acres, they rely on healthy soil and are committed to doing right by the land.

As new terms like regenerative agriculture rise in popularity, we need to keep stepping up and sharing our farm stories. Let’s take ownership of this buzzword, rather than letting others define it for us. To my fellow farmers, I have said it many times over—the public wants to hear from you because they trust you. Farmers and ranchers are the most trusted voices when it comes to soil health. Our research shows that four out of five adults trust farmers and ranchers to make decisions about regenerative agriculture practices. Let’s show them that their trust is grounded in the right place.

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

Sustaining the Farm Means Succession Planning

A Message from Kelly Wilfert

Farming often demands that we live in the moment. Do what must be done today and, when we inevitably run out of hours, put off what can wait until tomorrow. But while we are busy farming, life sneaks up on us. Births, deaths. marriages, divorces. Farm families soldier on, doing what must be done in those moments to sustain the farm and the family.

How many times can a plan be patched together before the screws no longer hold? Now, if you’re a good mechanic, you might be thinking, “I bet you’d be surprised.” Perhaps you’re thinking of a particular piece of equipment that has been patched together more times than you’d like, but it still gets the job done.

A good farm succession lawyer is like a good mechanic. They have many tools and can patch together a farm succession plan in many ways.

The constant first step is diagnosing the problem(s). Farm families must answer a variety of questions to successfully transition the farm.

What are we trying to fix? Who gets what? Who will be in charge? Who will work together, and how? How will the farm’s and the family’s financials be impacted? What are the legal ‘problems’ that need to be ‘fixed?’

Farm families are unlikely to definitively answer these questions in just one meeting with one another. Instead, try to simply diagnose the problem(s). Where does everyone agree that a change is needed? Where are there still challenges? Write down these issues to remind you where the mutually-agreed-upon problems lie. Your notes will also help your attorney and other advisors understand the unique goals of your farm. Answering these questions will help you answer one overarching question: where do we want to be in the future, and what is preventing us from getting there right now? In short, what do we need to fix in our farm succession plan?

As farm families, we don’t need to select the tools or do that legal work on our own. Instead, like that good mechanic, an attorney will help identify the legal tools to solve the farm’s ‘problems.’ When a farmer brings a problem to a farm succession

attorney – whether it’s a change in distribution, probate, estate tax, long term care, or an entire farm succession plan – the lawyer will reach into their tool chest to see how they might be able to patch up a transition plan.

Unfortunately, if it’s “go time" (e.g., the middle of planting season for the mechanic or dealing with an unexpected death for the lawyer), family tensions may be high and limited tools may be available. Instead, just like winter maintenance on equipment gives us time to order parts or bring in a specialist, planning ahead for farm succession allows farm families to take the time they need to select the right tools and create a structured and sustainable plan for transition.

Farms can start by scheduling regular meetings with each other to talk about the questions above. Where are the problems? What should farm ownership look like in the future? If farms wait too long to start talking about maintenance on farm succession plans, they might not have access to all the tools needed to sustain the farm business and the farm family.

Wilfert is a proud member of the Manitowoc County Farm Bureau and WisGO Team.

Sus·tain·abil·ity

A Message from Pete Badtke

1. The ability to be sustained, supported, upheld or confirmed.

2. Environmental Science. The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.

What does sustainability mean to you? It can mean so many different things depending on how you think about it. Cost efficiency, market demand, job creation, innovation, risk management and reduced liability are all drivers of sustainability. As farmers, our livelihood depends on sustainability. Creating healthy soils while conserving water are just a few ways we support sustainable efforts on the farm. By implementing no-till or reduced tillage, we are protecting the soil by not disturbing the soil structure.

By keeping something growing on a field after a crop has been harvested, cover crops are another way we are saving soil from water and wind erosion. They also suppress and control weed growth.

Soils are also healthier by no-till,

reduced tillage and cover crops. Using these methods, water, nutrients and organic matter are held in the soil which will benefit the next crop planted in the very same field.

Farm families have the power to save the earth! As a farmer, I am trying new methods such spreading clover seed with a drone into standing wheat to provide a cover crop after the wheat is harvested that is already established. I have been using and following a nutrient management plan for years. By doing so, I am only applying fertilizer as needed, and using manure and previous crop nutrient credits, which is more profitable and saving the environment at the same time.

This year I am splitting my nitrogen applications on corn acres: applying half of the nitrogen at planting and the other half 30 to 45 days later to a growing plant that can use it immediately. Also, I am doing a nitrogen optimization trial on one of my corn fields. We will try different rates of nitrogen across the field, even as little as zero to see how yields can vary with different rates of nitrogen on a field that had previously grown a multi species cover crop.

Last year, I hosted a field day at my farm demonstrating many ways I am making a difference to save the planet. We had a soil pit showing compaction and its impact on soil structure and soybean roots struggling or thriving without compaction. We showed how grazing cattle can benefit soils and prevent water runoff along with a drone demonstration. I also became a new farm in the Upper Fox-Wolf Demonstration Farms Network a few years ago. We are looking at ways to promote agricultural conservation practices that reduce phosphorous runoff, creative ways to implement cover crops and other new ideas all in the name of being more sustainable. I farm in the Big Green Lake Watershed which covers 107 square miles. While the lake may be four miles away, the waterways and creek are only 150 feet from the closest field I farm. What I do or do not do can eventually make its way to Green Lake. You have the ability to make a

difference, too. Did you know each person can create almost five pounds of waste per day? Reduce, reuse and recycle are simple ways to be sustainable. You can put this into practice by picking up garbage in your neighborhood, composting leaves so they don’t end up in the sewer drains, recycling recyclable materials to save Earth’s resources, planting trees to shelter your home, and planting a pollinator garden this spring. These are just a few ideas, but there are so many more ways we can all be more sustainable.

As a member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s newly created Sustainability Committee, we established four focus points:

• Drive sound sustainability policy. Identify opportunities for committee members to advocate sound sustainability policy with legislators and decision makers.

• Encourage Farm Bureau member and farmer participation and support for advancing sustainability in Wisconsin. Increase farmer knowledge and support with leadership and tools to promote profitability and reduce barriers.

• Build public trust between Wisconsin farmers and consumers/residents. We will find a better understanding of consumers' views on Wisconsin agriculture.

• Expand our impact by collaborating with partners who share our vision. Partners like the Department of Natural Resources, county land conservation departments, producerled watershed groups, food processors, etc.

Guided by tradition and driven by innovation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau leads in responsible, practical and profitable solutionssupporting agriculture, protecting our environment and serving communities for future generations.

Badtke is a farmer in Green Lake County. He also serves as the District 5 Director on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Board.

5MINUTES

WITH COLUMBIA COUNTY'S

SYDNEY FLICK

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a manager at my family's dairy farm, Jazzy Jerseys. I take care of all things related to cows and calves, the people and accounting. We have a small farm store with local goods and retail our beef through shares and individual cuts, as well. I have degrees in dairy science and life sciences communication from UW-Madison. My husband Eddie and I welcomed our son Cooper in April. I also love to cross-country ski in the winter.

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

There are two aspects that are really enjoyable for me. One is simply the cows. They can always brighten my day, and their personalities never get old. The second is the people. Whether that is the unique structure of getting to work with family and raising family on the farm or working with our team to achieve our goals I really enjoy the connections that make the farm run.

What

is one agriculture

experience that has defined you and why?

I went on a two-week trip to Mexico through a dairy science class in college. We had five American students and four Mexican students with us. On top of seeing a variety of farms throughout central Mexico and broadening my viewpoints, it was the first time I had to force myself to speak the Spanish that I knew. After that trip, I continually worked to practice conversations in Spanish and use that every day on the job. It is so helpful to be able to communicate with our whole team.

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

As a YFA member and the Columbia County chair, my advice is to reach out to your county chair and let them know you want to get involved! Sometimes we need a little push or help finding YFA members that want to participate. YFA events are such a simple and fun way to network and meet other Farm Bureau members.

Supplied Photo

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We believe that where it’s made matters, and when you choose to buy a Henry rifle, shotgun, or revolver for hunting, plinking, protecting your family, teaching the next generation, or displaying in a place of pride, you are keeping our American traditions alive.

LEADERSHIP

SPOTLIGHT ON YFA

Get to know the members who are leading Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program.

Amanda Williams

District 7 WFBF YFA Committee Representative FARM BUREAU MEMBER SINCE: 2021

Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?

There are many reasons I value my Farm Bureau membership, but having a voice is at the top of my list. This organization values its members and will always go above and beyond to make sure its members’ voices are heard. Whether you’re a longtime member or have only been a member for a few months, everyone has a chance to be heard. I also value the people that have been brought into my life and the relationships that I’ve built through Farm Bureau. The networking opportunities are endless.

What has been your favorite Farm Bureau program/event/etc. and why?

I have a couple favorite Farm Bureau events. I love helping at the Shawano County Brunch on the Farm. The dairy industry is my passion, and this event is such an amazing way to showcase it to the public. I have been on the planning committee since I moved to Shawano five years ago. One of my favorite parts is watching the kids as they learn about where their food comes from. I also enjoy our District 7 Green Bay Gamblers Hockey Game Outing that we do in partnership with District 6. We are a hockey family through and through. My sons both play in winter and spring leagues. I love that I get to combine my hockey family and Farm Bureau family together on that night. We get to take a bit of a role reversal and teach them about hockey and the rules instead of agriculture. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Gamblers games tend to be very high energy and fun!

What would you tell YFA members about getting involved in the YFA program?

The Young Farmer and Agriculturist program is about empowering young people in agriculture to speak up about issues that affect agriculture. Whether it’s new policies, farming practices or market challenges, you have the opportunity to advocate for yourself and your community. Being a part of YFA gives you a seat at the table to shape the future of agriculture. You’ll meet a whole network of young farmers who are dealing with the same challenges

and triumphs. These connections can turn into lifelong friendships and professional relationships. And it’s not all about work … you’ll have opportunities for social events, farm tours and even agricultural competitions. It’s a great way to have fun while learning and growing.

Best words of advice/words of wisdom.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky. Stepping outside of your comfort zone or doing something new can be scary and downright hard. However, we don’t grow in that comfort zone. Get out and try

N C A M P U S with Collegiate Farm Bureau

The Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls each hosted an Ag Day on Campus event for students, faculty and community members. The events highlighted the importance of Wisconsin agriculture. From hands on activities and animal visits to Wisconsin commodity handouts and guest speakers, more than 150 Collegiate Farm Bureau members helped to share agriculture’s story across the three events.

UW-River Falls | April 10

UW-Madison | April 17

UW-Platteville | April 30

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Grassroots in Action

F arm Bureau prides itself on being a grassroots organization. Members belong to one of the 61 county Farm Bureaus. Throughout the state, local members advocate for Farm Bureau and agriculture in a variety of ways. Here are some of the activities and projects happening locally.

Washington County Farm Safety Program

Washington County Farm Bureau recently hosted their second annual Farm Safety Program. Thirty-two students heard from farmers and agriculture professionals about being smart and safe on the farm. They learned a variety of topics including working with animals, confined spaces, operating on public roads, grain storage, skid loaders, self-propelled equipment, farm chemicals, chainsaw safety, fire extinguishers and more. The class also toured Krueger Dairy Farm to learn more about animal care, manure storage and machinery safety. The Allenton Fire Department showed the class the grain rescue equipment and demonstrated how it is used.

Rock County Night Out at Prime Quarter

The Rock County Farm Bureau board thought a night out with fellow agriculture enthusiasts was the perfect way to celebrate National Ag Day. On March 18, the group met at The Prime Quarter Restaurant for the opportunity to visit with current members and recruit new members to join. This is the first year the county organization has hosted a dinner night out and after receiving positive feedback, there is talk of making it an annual event.

Sauk County Milk Drive

Sauk County Farm Bureau held a milk drive to donate milk to kids in their local communities. Milk donations continued throughout the county this spring. Milk drive funds were used to donate milk to kids participating in Easter egg hunt activities in Spring Green, Prairie du Sac, Loganville and North Freedom. Thank you the Rural Mutual Insurance Company Pulsfus Agency for matching the milk drive donation to double the milk donation impact in the community.

District 4 YFA Tours

Buffalo County’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program hosted a day of tours for those to learn what Grassland Dairy Products, Meyer Manufacturing and JTP Farms have to offer. The day started at Grassland in Greenwood to learn about butter production and packaging. It’s a state-of-the-art plant where they produce sticks, rolls and 40-pound blocks of butter. Meyer Manufacturing Corporation in Dorchester has grown since 1944 and members had the opportunity to see the hard work and quality that comes from this Wisconsinbased, family business. The last stop was at another state-ofthe-art facility at JTP Farms. All were able to see the two feed robots, feed kitchen and nine robotic milkers in action.

Barron County Beef Tour

Barron County Farm Bureau hosted a beef cattle handling & facility tour on March 22, spotlighting two of the county’s beef cattle farms: Crow Bar Ranch and Haugestuen Ranches. Attendees had the opportunity to tour each facility, hear from the host farmers, and gain valuable insight into designing and upgrading livestock-handling systems. UW-Extension Beef Specialist Bill Halfman was also on hand to offer expert recommendations and answer questions about beef cattle management.

Chippewa County Earth to Table Series

Chippewa County Farm Bureau kicked off its “Earth to Table” event series on April 6 with Gardening 101, held at Chippewa Valley Growers. Members and guests came together to learn the fundamentals of starting a garden just in time for spring. Attendees were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the greenhouse facilities and left with practical tips and best practices to apply in their own gardens. Future Earth to Table events include:

• June 21 – Celebrate June Dairy Month with an ice cream handout

• August 2 – Preserves: Learn different ways to preserve your garden vegetables

• October 18 – Chili Cook-off

• November 15 – Sourdough Class

Green Lake County Farm Tour

Green Lake County Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom committee organized a farm tour on April 11 at Trillium Hill Farm in Berlin. More than 200 students from five area schools attended. The highlight of the event was having 2025 Alice in Dairyland Halei Heinzel attend and give a presentation on the “Exposition Agriculture” program.

Sustaining Wisconsin Agriculture: KEEPING

THE FAMILY IN FARMING AND THE FARM IN THE FAMILY

By Brittney Muenster, District 7 Promotion and Education Representative

As a fifth-generation farmer, I’ve learned there are many factors impacting a family farm’s ability to move into the future.

Our farm celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2024 for 150 years of continuous family ownership. However, the path to this milestone was not linear and required commitment by many individuals. The most significant challenge to overcome for a family farm to continue is a collective ability to embrace change.

Change comes in many forms whether it’s market prices, consumer expectations, family requirements or family dynamic changes. All these moving parts must be addressed – where are we going and how are we getting there?

Adapting to these changes requires open, honest communication and realistic expectations by all parties. The space to have these conversations needs to be openminded and respectful. It takes many people to keep a family farm running. Effective communication ensures everyone feels heard and stays passionate about their work, making sure everyone’s needs are met.

Another significant factor ensuring a family farm stays operating for the future is financial health and awareness. Financial literacy is the foundation to successful business choices, especially if older generations have retirement goals because eventually, they won’t be there for future decisions. On the flip side, younger generations need to develop interest in the financial portion of the business to understand how to effectively manage.

Understanding what older generations went through to “keep the lights on” can be eye-opening. Mutual understanding is paramount to understanding the farm's profitability and potential investments required. A few years of ineffective financial management can cost a family farm years of investment.

The family is the heartbeat of every farm and the health of the family unit is critical to be sustainable for the future. With significant workloads, family goals and off-farm commitments, putting off conversations about individual needs can be easy to do. However, not

acknowledging these needs or creating future goals can slowly erode a farm’s success. An unclear path can leave individuals feeling purposeless or without opportunity, decreasing commitment and morale.

Future goals can come in the form of business growth, environmental practices, lifestyle improvements or farm ownership transition. All these topics are key to a farm’s survival and time needs to be made to discuss them. What they have in common is the need to start with an idea and an open conversation.

Effective communication takes practice and effort, especially if it’s new to the relationships involved. Having the courage to be open and honest within the family is vital to the farm’s survival. While intimidating, having a safe platform to express thoughts and ideas can provide great relief and momentum as well as strengthen a family; safeguarding a farm’s survival for years to come, keeping the family on the farm and the farm in the family.

The Muenster family was recognized as a sesquicentennial farm at Wisconsin State Fair.

Three generations of the Muenster family in front of the on-farm store.

Supplied Photo

AROUND THE TABLE

Visit gatherwisconsin.com for more recipes.

Cowboy Barbeque Marinade & Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove 1 cup to use as marinade. Bring remaining marinade to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until desired sauce consistency is reached, stirring occasionally. Set aside until ready to use as sauce.

2. Place beef steak(s) and 1 cup marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak(s) to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours for tender steaks; 6 hours or as long as overnight for less tender steaks, turning occasionally.

3. Remove steak(s) from bag; discard marinade. Place steak(s) on grid over medium, ash-covered coals or over medium heat on preheated gas grill. Grill according to the chart for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.

Grilled Steak Kabobs with Onions & Crumbled Blue Cheese

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb beef Top Sirloin Steak Boneless, cut 1 inch thick

• 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 3 teaspoons steak seasoning blend, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 2 large assorted onions (red, yellow, sweet), each cut into 12 wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut beef Top Sirloin Steak into 1-1/4-inch pieces. Alternately thread beef and green onion pieces evenly onto four 10-inch metal skewers. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 teaspoons steak seasoning. Cook's Tip: Eight 9-inch bamboo skewers may be substituted for metal skewers. Soak bamboo skewers in water 10 minutes before using; drain.

2. Thread onion wedges onto another four 10-inch metal skewers, alternating onion varieties. Brush onion wedges with oil; sprinkle with remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons steak seasoning.

3. Place onion wedge kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. (Gas grilling times remain the same.) About 10 minutes before onions are done, move kabobs to outer edge of grid. Place beef kabobs in center of grid; grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 11 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning once.

4. Sprinkle onion and beef kabobs with cheese before serving.

Recipe and Photo by Wisconsin Beef Council.

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Wisconsin FFA + Ag in the Classroom = A Growing Partnership

At the Wisconsin State FFA Convention, 40 FFA chapters were recognized through the new Food for America Program Recognition initiative. This award honors the efforts of FFA members, alumni and advisors who are dedicated to growing agricultural literacy in their communities.

To qualify for recognition, chapters were required to plan and execute at least one agricultural literacy activity using resources or lessons from Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC). Each participating chapter also submitted a slide deck showcasing their unique Food for America programs.

While the Food for America program has engaged Wisconsin FFA members for decades in educating schoolaged youth about food, fiber, fuel and farming, the recognition program represents an evolved partnership. AITC has expanded its support to meet the changing needs of this initiative. During the 2024-2025 school year, AITC awarded $500 Food for America grants to 10 chapters, hosted a new Agricultural Literacy Workshop and revised the awards program to acknowledge all chapters providing meaningful agricultural education experiences.

This collaboration yielded impressive results: the 40 recognized chapters hosted 229 agricultural literacy events, reaching more than 54,000 Wisconsin PreK-12 students with hands-on experiences. Each chapter was honored on stage at the State Convention and received a recognition badge and monetary award from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation – Agriculture in the Classroom.

Congratulations to the following FFA Chapters for earning Wisconsin FFA Food for America Program Recognition:

Adams-Friendship

Barron*

Beaver Dam

Big Foot

Black Hawk

Cambridge Clayton**

Clear Lake

De Soto

Denmark*

Fennimore*

Granton

Lake Geneva Badger

Lake Mills

Lodi

Manawa**

Milton

Mishicot

New London*

Omro

Oshkosh West Osseo-Fairchild* Pardeeville

Portage* **

Reedsville**

Richland Center

River Falls

Slinger Spooner Tomah

Union Grove* Unity Verona* **

Viroqua* **

Waterford

Watertown Waupaca*

Weyauwega-Fremont

Wisconsin Dells* **

Wittenberg Birnamwood

*Denotes chapter participation in the Food for America Agricultural Literacy Workshop

**Denotes Food for America Grant Recipient

In January 2025, 56 FFA members representing 35 FFA chapters participated in the inaugural Food for America Agricultural Literacy Workshop held at the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover. The workshop was funded in part by a grant from USDA-Agriculture in the Classroom and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Whether you’re buying or selling, LandGuys is here to help you find your piece of rural Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Legacy Tree

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation is thrilled to recognize supporters with a newly established giving society, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Legacy Tree. Lifetime contributions and planned or estate commitments to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation qualify supporters to be members of this special recognition society.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Legacy Tree celebrates supporters fueling programs that create informed consumers, engaged leaders and strong farmers. In 2024, over $390,000 was distributed to Foundation programs thanks to generous supporters.

Individuals and families whose lifetime giving totals at least $5,000, or who make any size planned or estate commitment, are welcomed as members. Members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Legacy Tree will be recognized throughout the year on the Foundation’s website, in publications and during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

“We’re excited to have a lasting way to thank and recognize those who are highly invested in the Foundation’s mission,” said Foundation Director John Hromyak.

Thank You

• CHS, Inc.

• Focused Track Solutions

About the

• Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau in memory of Sandra Gruetzmacher

Foundation

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1988 to provide support for agricultural education and leadership programs. Through donations and other contributions, the foundation invests time and resources to support the next generation of agriculturists.

“Our supporters serve as an example of how giving back can ensure a bright future for agriculture and we honored to be part of their legacy.”

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Legacy Tree also recognizes county Farm Bureaus and businesses, who are welcomed at $10,000 and $50,000 of lifetime giving, respectively.

Those who already meet cumulative giving thresholds will be contacted with more details, and the inaugural members to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Legacy Tree will be celebrated in December at the WFBF Annual Meeting.

Want more information or have questions?

Contact John Hromyak, Foundation Director at jhromyak@wfbf.com or (608) 828.5729

• Silica For Your Home in memory of Loraine Schneider to the Following Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between Mar. 20, 2025, and May 22, 2025)

• Mary Kuipers in memory of Loraine Schneider

Your support helps create informed consumers, engaged leaders and strong farmers by funding programs like Agriculture in the Classroom, Young Farmers and Agriculturists, Promotion and Education, Farm Neighbors Care, Gather Wisconsin and more. Scan the QR code to donate today!

Join us this summer for our fourth annual Giving Day, taking place on Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

All proceeds from Giving Day provide critical funding for education and leadership programs supported by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, including:

• Agriculture in the Classroom

• Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program and Conference

• Promotion and Education Program

• Leadership Institute

• Collegiate Farm Bureaus

• Sustainability and Education Programming

• Farm Neighbors Care

• Gather Wisconsin

Thanks to generous donors and sponsors like you, previous Giving Days have raised more than $130,000 in total, supporting these important Farm Bureau programs.

Event Highlights

• Limited edition t-shirt for donors of $100+!

• Prize drawings & giveaways throughout the day!

You don’t need to wait until Aug. 13 to be part of Giving Day! Visit wfbf.com/foundation or scan the QR code to give today.

Thank you for your continued support of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation!

Collegiate Farm Bureau

Young Farmer and Agriculturist

COUNTY FAIRS 2025

ANTIGO

LANGLADE COUNTY FAIR

715-216-2356

www.langladecountyfair.net

July 24-27, 2025

BARABOO SAUK COUNTY FAIR

608-356-8707

www.saukcountyfair.com

July 7-13, 2025

CEDARBURG

OZAUKEE COUNTY FAIR

262-375-6185

www.ozaukeecountyfair.com

July 30 - Aug 3, 2025

DARLINGTON

LAFAYETTE COUNTY FAIR

608-776-4828

www.lafayettecountyfair.org

July 9-13, 2025

ELROY

ELROY FAIR

608-633-2123

www.elroyfair.com

Facebook at Elroy Fair-Wisconsin Racing into Summer!

June 18-22, 2025

FOND DU LAC

FOND DU LAC COUNTY FAIR

920-960-8190

www.fonddulaccountyfair.com

Sneak Peak July 15th

Save the Date July 16-20th

FRIENDSHIP

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

608-339-4108

www.adamscountyfairwi.net

Facebook: Adams County Fair, Friendship, WI Aug 21-24, 2025

GALESVILLE

TREMPEALEAU COUNTY FAIR www.trempealeaucountyfair.com Find us on Facebook

July 16-20, 2025

GLENWOOD CITY

ST. CROIX COUNTY FAIR

PRCA Rodeo Aug 15 & 16 www.stcroixcofair.com

Facebook: St. Croix County Fair - Wisconsin

July 16-20, 2025

GREEN LAKE

GREEN LAKE COUNTY FAIR

920-294-4032

greenlake.extension.wisc.edu/fair

July 31 - Aug 3, 2025

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON COUNTY FAIR

920-674-7148

jcfairpark.com Find us on FB: Jefferson County Fair

July 9-13, 2025

LADYSMITH

RUSK COUNTY FAIR

715-532-2225

www.ruskcountyfair.com facebook.com/ RuskCountyFairLadysmithWI

Aug 7-10, 2025

LODI

LODI AGRICULTURAL FAIR

608-695-7770

www.lodiagfair.com

And on follow us on Facebook!

July 10-13, 2025

LUXEMBURG

KEWAUNEE COUNTY FAIR

920-845-9798

kewauneecountyfair.com

July 10-13, 2025

MAUSTON

JUNEAU COUNTY FAIR

608-547-2426

www.juneaucountyfair.com

Aug 10-17, 2025

PORTAGE

COLUMBIA COUNTY FAIR

608-697-5043

www.columbiacountyfairwi.org

July 23-27, 2025

RICE LAKE

BARRON COUNTY FAIR

715-736-3247

www.barroncountyfair.com

July 16-20, 2025

SEYMOUR

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY FAIR

920-833-2941

www.outagamiecountyfair.com

June 25-29, 2025

SHAWANO

SHAWANO COUNTY FAIR

715-526-7069

www.shawanocountyfair.net

Aug 27 - Sept 1, 2025

UNION GROVE

RACINE COUNTY FAIR

262-878-3895

www.racinecountyfair.com

July 23-27, 2025

WESTFIELD

MARQUETTE COUNTY FAIR

608-296-5200

Find Us On Facebook: www.facebook.com/marquettefairwi

June 24-29, 2025

5 Tips To Prevent Business Theft

B usiness theft can be financially devastating. To protect your business and its assets, you must take proactive safety measures.

UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF BUSINESS THEFT

Thieves use a variety of methods to target businesses, often exploiting vulnerabilities in security systems (or lack thereof). The most common tactics are shoplifting, employee theft, burglary, and cybercrime.

The consequences of theft extend beyond the immediate loss of stolen items. Businesses often face financial burdens like increased insurance premiums, replacement costs for stolen goods, repair expenses for damaged property, temporary closure, and legal fees. Additionally, theft can damage a business's reputation, leading to a loss of customers and decreased sales.

SECURE YOUR PHYSICAL BUSINESS LOCATION

Implementing the right security measures will significantly reduce the risk of theft and protect your valuable assets. Here are few things you should do:

• Install an alarm system: A high-quality alarm system is an effective barrier for potential thieves. Choose a system that is monitored 24/7 and includes features like motion sensors, door and window sensors, and a loud siren to alert you and authorities in case of a break-in.

• Implement access control measures: Restricting access to your business is key in preventing unauthorized entry. Use key cards, electronic locks, or biometric systems to control who can enter.

• Set up proper lighting and surveillance: What do vampires and criminals have in common? They don’t like good lighting. Install bright outdoor lights around your buildings, especially in dark areas or entry points. You’ll also want to install security cameras – crooks also don’t like to be recorded or identified.

PROTECT VALUABLE ASSETS

Securing the outside to protect the inside is only half the battle. Taking protective measures within the walls of your business is equally important to prevent items from vanishing:

• Secure inventory and equipment: Physical theft of

inventory and equipment can result in huge financial losses. Install surveillance cameras and secure locks to deter thieves and give you an extra layer of protection. Do regular inventory audits to identify any missing or stolen items quickly.

• Protect sensitive data and information: Make sure you have rock-solid cybersecurity measures in place, like firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. Regularly update software and train your employees on best practices to prevent data breaches.

• Use secure storage solutions: Use safes, lockable cabinets, and restricted access areas to further discourage theft. Store important documents, cash, and valuable items in these secure storage options to minimize your risk.

PREVENT EMPLOYEE THEFT

Did you know that 75 percent of employees admit they’ve stolen from their employer at least once? And small businesses are the most susceptible. Make sure your business remains in the minority by:

• Doing thorough background checks: Conduct detailed background checks during the hiring process to uncover any criminal history or suspicious activities that could indicate a potential risk.

• Establishing clear policies and procedures: Clearly define and communicate your business's policies and procedures. This includes outlining expectations regarding acceptable behavior, cash-handling protocols, and inventory management.

• Promoting a positive work culture: Building a positive work culture goes a long way in keeping staff from stealing. When employees feel valued, respected, and satisfied in their roles, they are less likely to engage in dishonest behaviors.

ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE SECURITY PLAN

Finally, fortify your business by developing an effective security plan. The key components of your security plan should be:

• Regular risk assessments: Assess the security risks your business faces on a quarterly or monthly basis. This can involve checking locks, alarms, and surveillance systems, as well as making sure your digital security systems are up to par.

• Training for employees on security protocols: Educate staff on security protocols, such as proper handling of sensitive information, password management, and spotting suspicious activities.

• Emergency response plan: In the unfortunate event of a security breach or theft, having an emergency response plan in place allows you to react quickly without getting rattled. This plan should emphasize first steps, like contacting the authorities, activating alarms, and activating backup systems.

If your business is ever burglarized by a career criminal or shady employee, it’s important you report it to your insurance carrier promptly. This will speed up the claims process to ensure you get what you’re entitled to.

It’s also never a bad idea to review your business coverage to confirm you’re protected should the unexpected happen. Connect with a local agent today to make sure your policy is safely in the fairway.

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Peace of mind for life.

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JOSHUA HURAY 715-934-2400 HILLSBORO KELLIE KLEDEHN 608-345-5686

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Break These Bad Driving Habits

From congested interstate traffic in Milwaukee and the Fox Valley to country roads in the Driftless Region and Northwoods, traffic accidents can happen anywhere in Wisconsin. This article highlights five driving habits to break for safer roads and to prevent your car insurance premiums from skyrocketing.

DRIVING DISTRACTED

Have you ever driven behind someone who repeatedly veers into other lanes? Or forced to beep at the driver ahead of you who’s stopped at a green light? There’s a good chance the driver is texting, checking email, or scrolling through a social media feed.

Using a phone while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving and is illegal in many states. It impedes your ability to react quickly to hazards and significantly increases the risk of accidents.

If you’re guilty of sneaking a peek while driving, break the habit by:

• Silencing your phone or placing it out of reach while driving

• Pulling over to a safe location if you need to use your phone

• Using hands-free devices for calls (remember, talking can still be distracting)

• Other distractions that take your eyes off the road include:

• Adjusting mirrors, temperature controls, and audio settings

• Eating

• Grooming

SPEEDING

Speeding is also quite common and increases the risk of accidents. Revving up to 85 mph on Highway 29 outside of Wausau or carelessly doing 45 mph in a Sheboygan school zone would:

• Reduce your ability to react to an unexpected situation

• Increase stopping distance

• Diminish the effectiveness of airbags and seat belts

What’s more, speeding tickets can tarnish your driving record and raise your insurance premiums. In cases of excessive speeding, some states may even suspend your license or revoke it. A minute or two saved isn’t worth the safety risks and financial consequences.

Always be aware of speed limits and adjust your speed based on road conditions, considering factors like weather, visibility, and traffic congestion. Pay attention to areas with increased police presence, such as school zones and construction zones.

CUTTING CARS OFF

We’ve all been on the receiving end of getting cut off by another driver. It’s maddening.

No matter which side you’re on, it’s dangerous for both parties. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself and others safe:

Use your turn signal: This seems like a no-brainer, but many forget to do it. Always flick on the blinker before merging or changing lanes to show your intention to other drivers.

Maintain a safe following distance: Following too closely often leads to cutting off other drivers. While a three-second gap between vehicles is a good rule of thumb, be sure to increase this distance at higher speeds or when the weather is bad.

DISREGARDING TRAFFIC SIGNS

Don’t listen to anyone who says, “No cop, no stop.” Obeying traffic signs and signals is crucial for safe and responsible driving. Common violations include running stop signs, ignoring speed limits, failing to yield right of way, and disregarding no entry signs.

To break the bad habit of disregarding traffic signs, follow these tips:

• Stay alert: Pay close attention to the road and traffic signs. As mentioned above, avoid using your phone or eating while driving.

• Refresh your knowledge: Review the driver's manual or take a refresher course to understand the meaning and significance of different traffic signs.

• Plan your route: Plan your route in advance and get familiar with the various signs you may encounter. This helps with anticipation and response time.

• Practice defensive driving: Adopt a defensive driving mindset, being vigilant for traffic signs and following their instructions, even if others do not.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

While it may seem obvious, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with significant legal and personal consequences. There’s no excuse for drunk driving with so many alternatives available, like:

• Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft)

• Taxis

• Public transportation

• Designated drivers

Lastly, be aware of medication effects and avoid driving if there’s a chance your judgment and reaction time could be impaired.

You can’t control other drivers, but breaking these bad driving habits will put you in control of your safety and auto insurance premiums.

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