Rural Route October 2019

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

october | november 2019 • vol. 25 no. 5 | wfbf.com

Finding Fulfillment at Farm Bureau

Holte Reflects Before Upcoming Retirement Page 16

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MEMBERS VISIT D.C.

Members weigh in on the importance of trade for agriculture.

FINALISTS SELECTED

Three farmers selected as finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award®.

HOLTE RETIREMENT

WFBF President Jim Holte recalls his time with Farm Bureau.

CENTENNIAL REFLECTION

Take a look back at the leadership programs Farm Bureau has had.

OPINIONS

Columns from Holte, Duvall, Kannel, Hetke, Camp and Schlechta.

FARM BUREAU FLAVOR

You'll enjoy these favorites from Jim Holte's wife Gayle.

YFA CONTESTS

Meet the members who will compete at the YFA Conference.

COLLEGIATE FARM BUREAU

Meet the three collegiate Farm Bureau officer teams.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Program launches new user-friendly website.

WISCONSIN AG OPEN

This year's annual golf outing was a great success.

RURAL MUTUAL

Rural Mutual recognized for the 11th consecutive year by Ward's 50.

COVER PHOTO BY SARAH HETKE

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION'S

EDITOR'S NOTE

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can still remember waiting outside New London High School just before walking in for graduation. I stopped with some friends in the parking lot to take photos before we headed in for the big moment. Walking across that stage I felt proud of my hard work and was looking forward to where it would send me.

Four years later, I can vividly remember sitting in the UW-Green Bay’s Kress Center with thousands of other students waiting for my moment to walk across the stage to shake hands with the Chancellor.

I had successfully earned a degree I was excited about and that would allow me to have a career I would enjoy.

About two years later, I was in a classroom of a church in a wedding dress waiting to walk down the aisle. Knowing life would never be the same, my dad and I stood with nervous anticipation behind the doors of the church sanctuary. This moment felt like the final strings attached to my childhood as the doors flew open and I saw my soon-to-be husband and the next chapter of my life.

About a month ago, I stopped my husband and asked to take a photo of the two of us as we walked down the halls of St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. We were about to meet our firstborn. Scared and nervous, the photo op gave me a moment to reflect before another life chapter began.

Milestones like these are the highlight reel of our lives.

Farm Bureau is hitting a milestone this year with its centennial celebration. It’s no easy feat accomplishing 100 years. Along the way there have been numerous achievements and changes.

Some, that have been reflected on throughout this year in Rural Route, wfbf.com and on our social media pages.

Farm Bureau will elect a new leader in December as WFBF President Jim Holte has announced his retirement, marking a new chapter in the organization’s book.

As we reflect on the moments that have marked milestones for the state’s largest general farm organization, we should acknowledge that at some point someone knew they were making a change. Leaving a mark, writing a page and creating chapters in our Farm Bureau story.

As for me, I’ll be focusing on my new personal chapter in the coming weeks. You can bet our daughter Chloe will know where her food comes from and visit often with the hardworking people who grow and raise her food.

On a final note, I want to give a big shout out to the public relations team and colleagues who are covering for me while I am focusing on our newest addition. They have done some outstanding work to ensure we don’t miss a beat and to make sure Rural Route still makes it to your mailbox on time. Enjoy!

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 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

Farm Bureau Contributes to Water Quality Conversation W

isconsin farmers have a long-standing commitment to participate in the regulatory process. This commitment rang true as many Farm Bureau members participated in the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality hearings.

The Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality was asked to gather information to make policy recommendations on surface water and groundwater in Wisconsin. With a goal to listen to all stakeholders, Wisconsin Farm Bureau encouraged members to attend and share their perspectives.

The areas of focus for the task force were identifying the best practices for soil mapping and data collection, determining the sources of contaminants, assessing runoff management, investigating remedies that will protect a healthy and stable supply of water and best practices for designing and constructing wells and septic systems.

Farmers are the original stewards of the land, so no one is more capable of sharing thoughts and stories on the above areas.

The hearings started with two dates in the State Capitol where key stakeholders provided their perspectives on the issues and addressed the current practices and regulations focused on water quality standards. WFBF was one of the key stakeholders invited to testify. WFBF President Jim Holte talked about practices farmers use to preserve and protect water resources.

• May 8 (Lancaster) – The focus of this hearing revolved around the soil and bedrock formation in southwest Wisconsin.

Presenters included those involved in the Southwest Wisconsin Ground and Geology Study (SWIGG) and the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance. Agriculture was front and center with presentations from Discovery Farms, UW-Platteville Pioneer Farms and the Wisconsin Pork Association.

• May 29 ( Janesville) – The committee heard from the Rock County Conservationists, Wisconsin Soybean Association and the Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition. There was also a lengthy presentation from the Wisconsin Septic Trades about septic systems and precast concrete.

• June 12 (Mauston) – The committee heard from conservationists and agricultural groups including the Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.

• June 13 (La Crosse) – In La Crosse, Minnesota's chief geologist and hydrogeologist talked about unique things they are doing in their state regarding water quality. Presentations were also given by the Wisconsin Rural Water Association, Midwest Environmental Advocates and Carbon Cycle Consulting, LLC. • July 11 (Racine) – Frank Masters from the Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program talked about what they do to assist cleanups and its relationship to water quality. UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences, the Water Council and Alliance for Water Stewardship spoke in addition to the Milwaukee

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

Metropolitan Sewerage District.

• July 23 (Tomahawk) – The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association talked about water conservation practices and the Wisconsin Paper Council discussed water usage in the paper industry.

• July 24 (Stevens Point) – Farm Bureau member John Eron and Wood County's land conservationist were invited speakers to talk about the Mill Creek Producer-Led Watershed Group.

George Kraft of the Central Sands Water Action Coalition and Mark Borchardt from the USDA-Agricultural Research Service talked about their individual water research.

• August 13 (Milwaukee) – Lead pipes were the big discussion in Milwaukee. Besides the Department of Health Services and the Department of Natural Resources, there were presentations from the American Council of Engineers, MillerCoors, Milwaukee Health Department and the Milwaukee Water Works.

• August 28 (Green Bay) – There was a presentation from the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association on the impacts of water quality on property value. Other groups that presented were the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance and the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Brown County and Kewaunee County Conservationists were also there to speak on the water quality challenges faced in their counties.

• August 29 (Marinette) – PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) and PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl) were the headlining topics in Marinette. The majority of invited speakers from the American Chemistry Council and Johnson Controls to the Wisconsin DNR and River Alliance of Wisconsin focused on this subject matter and its implications to the area’s water quality.

• September 4 (Menomonie) – At this meeting of the taskforce, committee members heard from the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance and the Dairy Business Association about practices dairy farmers are using to have positive impacts on water quality.

• September 5 (Superior) – Invited speakers included Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network, Wisconsin’s Green Fire, Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Douglas County and Ashland County conservationists also spoke to the committee about water quality in the area.

Farm Bureau members were in attendance at nearly every meeting talking about practices they use to have a positive impact on the environment and water quality. Thank you to the members who devoted time during their busy schedules to provide testimony.

The committee concluded its public hearings at the beginning of September and in the coming weeks, they will work to form policy proposals. Once the proposals are presented, WFBF will make sure agriculture’s voice is heard and encourage policies to be based on sound science.

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NEWS

WFBF Calls Attention to Revised Livestock Siting Rule T

his summer, the Wisconsin business on to a future generation.

Department of Agriculture, This is also an issue for those Trade and Consumer Protection who hope the market value of his proposed revising the Livestock or her setup remains strong for Facility Siting law (ATCP 51). future investment.

The proposed changes raised Stifling the growth of some red flags about the impacts agriculture will negatively impact these updates would have on rural communities by limiting Wisconsin farmers. job opportunities and reducing The original purpose for money that flows through the Livestock Facility Siting, which local economy. When farmers was passed in 2003, was to succeed, rural communities thrive. eliminate the patchwork of local Wisconsin farmers need laws (From left); Cindy Leitner, Wisconsin Dairy Alliance; regulations that created areas that ensure future success, the Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association; around the state where farmers proposed changes to the livestock Tom Crave, Dairy Business Association; Keri Retallick, were not welcomed to expand and Wisconsin Pork Association; Kevin Krentz, Wisconsin Farm siting law do just the opposite. pass their business on to the next Bureau; and Jennifer Wickman, Cooperative Network WFBF was an active voice participated in a press conference about livestock siting. generation. in conversations about these “The proposed changes came proposed changes. In August, from DATCP’s technical expert committee, a group that WFBF signed on to a letter with other agriculture stakeholders does not include any farmers,” WFBF President Jim Holte urging the DATCP Board to reject this proposal. WFBF said. “Farmers need to have a seat at the table when crafting members were also encouraged to attend one of the 12 hearings significant farm policy.” held around the state or to submit comments online for Specifically, three sections of the proposed rule outlined below DATCP to review before the September 13 deadline. are most concerning.

On September 16, WFBF partnered with the Dairy Business 1) The elimination of odor scoring to be replaced with Association, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Cheese extreme setbacks from property lines.

Makers Association, Cooperative Network and Wisconsin 2) The addition of another regulation for nutrient Dairy Alliance to host a press conference summarizing our management. comments and concerns about DATCP's proposed rule and the 3) The turning of compliance monitoring authority over to process they used to create the rule. local governments.

The DATCP Board heard from staff at the September 19 “The proposed changes raise some major concerns for Board meeting with a summary of the most common comments farming families who wish to expand or new farmers looking to from the hearings and written comments. Board members will build,” added Holte. “The proposed changes are unworkable for receive an updated version of the proposed rule before their many farming families.” next meeting scheduled for November 7. It is expected that the This is an issue that WFBF believes should concern any DATCP Board will take a vote on the updated proposal at the livestock farmer who anticipates expanding or passing his or her November meeting.

Timeline for Revised Rule August 2019

DATCP held six public hearings

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September 2019

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

January 2020

Public comment period ended on September 13

DATCP will prepare final rule based on comments

Final rule draft will be presented to the DATCP Board

Governor’s written approval will be requested

DATCP will submit final draft rule to the legislature

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Manure Frac Tank Use in Wisconsin Know Your Responsibility and Liability

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he use of frac tanks in Wisconsin as an efficient and effective way to transport manure from the farm to field is increasing in use. While current law gives guidance to farmers on how to get permission for such items as drag lines to be in the road right-of-way and to go through culverts; it is very important to understand that there is no such guaranteed allowance in state law mandating local municipalities allow for the use of frac tanks in road right-of-ways.

Communication with your local municipalities will be key to understanding what will be required of you to be able to place your frac tank in the road right-of-way. The requirements will likely vary from municipality to municipality, so it is important to understand and follow those requirements.

While a town is not legally obligated to allow the use of a frac tank in the road right-of-way, it is important for farmers to be proactive and build a relationship with the town board of supervisors to explain why using a frac tank in the right-of-way is the best practice to use for you and your farm.

Being engaged and having ongoing conversations with town supervisors can be good for both the supervisors and you. While you would be educating town supervisors about the use of frac tanks; you might be just as surprised to learn that it could cost up to $50,000 or more to repair a ditch or a piece of road that has been damaged by the use of a frac tank.

Given the costs to repair ditches and roads, a town may require $50,000 in bonding and $2 million in liability insurance.

Beyond understanding the requirements that the local municipality will require you to meet, it is also important to make sure that you are properly insured and that you have the appropriate amount of liability coverage for hauling manure and using frac tanks. When it comes to municipal roads, hauling manure and the use of frac tanks, it is important to understand the weight restrictions in place for various roads to ensure the loads you are transporting stay within the acceptable limits. Be sure to check with your municipality for complete details on weight restrictions for the roads you will be traveling on.

If road damage occurs as a result OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

of normal and permissible use, a finding of liability on the part of the hauler is unlikely. Insurance coverage for other causes of road damage would depend upon when and how the damage occurred. Damage that results from an accident involving vehicles or farm equipment will typically be covered, while intentionally hauling overweight loads might not be covered.

If a third-party is hired to haul and spread manure for you it is always a good idea to have them name you as an additional insured to protect you against any damage they might be responsible for. If a local municipality requires coverage for potential damage to their roads due to heavy and frequent loads that are being hauled on them, a bond can be purchased to satisfy this need.

So before you drop that frac tank in the road right-ofway, remember to establish communication with your local municipality well in advance to seek permission and to know exactly what is required of you. Doing this will make sure that everyone is on the same page and limit headaches during manure application.

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Wisconsin Farm Bureau Members Visit

Capitol Hill

Members weigh in on importance of trade for agriculture

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to locks and dams on the arm Bureau leaders traveled Mississippi River. to Washington, D.C., on WFBF board directors September 11-13, to meet with on the trip included: Jim Wisconsin’s Congressional Holte, Elk Mound; Dave delegation to encourage swift Daniels, Union Grove; approval of the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement Arch Morton Jr., Janesville; and emphasize the overall Robert Nigh, Viroqua; Joe importance of trade for Bragger, Independence; Kevin Krentz, Berlin; Rosie agriculture.

Lisowe, Chilton; and Don Each of the Wisconsin Radtke, Merrill.

Farm Bureau Federation’s nine Member leaders on the district directors brought two were (from d e d n e tt a trip included: Mark Mayer, members from his or her part of o mbers wh ctor Arch ire d District 2 me rd a o b Belgium; Judy Uhlenhake, the state as part of the WFBF F lwin, WFB . left); Galen A w o Burlington; Galen Alwin, Leaders Fly-In. vz Le d Ralph Morton Jr. an Prairie du Sac; Ralph Levzow, Rio; “The value of the trip to Travis Klinkner, Genoa; Laura Daniels, Cobb; Clint Sampson, Washington, D.C., was twofold; Melrose; Matt Krenz, Fall Creek; Adam Jones, Wautoma; Joe first we could witness firsthand the strength of our organization Wollinger, Markesan; Aaron Augustian, Kewaunee; Angie at the national level and secondly the impressive impact we Feider, New Holstein; Bob Fox, Kaukauna; John Herman, make in federal government policies,” said Calumet County Stevens Point; Carl Lippert, Pittsville; Brittany Olson, Chetek; Farm Bureau member Angie Feider. and Dean Berseng, River Falls.

In addition to trade, members talked about the need for labor Wisconsin Farm Bureau members also met with officials from reform, challenges with gray wolf population management, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, the Senate Agriculture rural broadband coverage, the repeal of the Waters of the Committee and the Australian Embassy.

U.S. rule and the need to fund infrastructure improvements

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

AFBF staff member Do n Parrish talked with WFBF leaders about water issues including the repeal of the WOTUS rule.

F members lked with WFB ta n so n h Jo Endangered Senator Ron sues such as is n o rt o p p band. about his su d rural broad n a rm fo re t Species Ac

r reau membe unty Farm Bu aff st a ith w Jackson Co ter) spoke n e (c n so p ind's Clint Sam ntative Ron K se re p e R m o enewal member fr es with the R g n lle a h c t u mptions. office abo refinery exe ll a sm rd a d Fuels Stan

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Office of eting at the e m a d e d n atte ore about WFBF leaders e to learn m tiv ta n se re p e Re that is being the U.S. Trad and progress ts n e m e re g trade a made.

Senator Tammy Baldw in expressed her supp ort for issues including the need for trade agreem ents and accurate labeli ng of dairy products .

Attendees of the Lead er's Fly-In met with representatives from the Senate Agriculture Committee.

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NEWS

Kannel Promoted to Senior Director of Member Relations W

endy Kannel has been promoted by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation to its senior director of member relations.

In this role, Kannel will assume direct management responsibilities and have a closer working relationship with the management team.

She will continue to provide support for the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program, Collegiate Farm Bureau and training and leadership development.

“Wendy has worked closely with Farm Bureau members in a variety of roles,” WFBF Executive Director of Member Relations Bob Leege said. “Her experience working with numerous Farm Bureau programs as well as having worked directly with county Farm Bureaus for four years will serve her

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well in this new role.”

Since 2015, Wendy has served as WFBF’s director of training and leadership development. She has also served as Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom coordinator and WFBF’s district 9 coordinator. Prior to joining the Farm Bureau staff, Wendy was an agri-science teacher in the Mishicot School District for six years.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to grow in my career with Wisconsin Farm Bureau while continuing to serve our members through training and leadership development.”

Kannel grew up on a dairy farm outside of Spring Valley in Pierce County. The UW-River Falls graduate has a degree in agricultural education. Kannel assumed her new role on August 26.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Rural Mutual Insurance Makes Monumental Commitment to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Centennial Campaign I sin Farm Bu on ®

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n 2018, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation kicked c off a fundraising campaign in honor of the organization’s centennial celebration.

The campaign aims to raise $100,000 for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation by December 2020.

Rural Mutual Insurance recently committed to matching all donations ($1-10,000) up to the $100,000. They will match all previous donations to the campaign, which just passed $50,000.

“We are very appreciative of Rural Mutual Insurance’s generosity,” said WFBF’s Chief Administrative Officer Dale

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Beaty. “This fundraising effort is meant to celebrate Wisconsin Farm Bureau reaching 100 years and Rural’s gift will lay the foundation for our future."

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1988 to provide support for agricultural education and leadership programs. Through donations and other contributions, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation invests time and resources to support the next generation of agriculturists. As a 501(c)3, your donations are tax deductible and 100 percent of funds received support agricultural education and leadership programs.

To donate to WFBF’s centennial fundraising campaign, visit wfbf.com/centennial/centennial-fundraising. Donations will be accepted for the campaign until December 2020.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OF $50 OR MORE ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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NEWS

Finalists Selected for Leopold Conservation Award® T

hree finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In Wisconsin, the $10,000 award is presented annually

by Sand County Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association.

their soil. They raised and direct marketed Scottish Highland beef cattle until 2015. Their pastures provided deep-rooted ground cover to reduce soil erosion. The Priskes lease 165 acres of farmland to Madison College for use as an agricultural education facility.

This year’s recipient will be revealed at the November meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Bill Ciolkosz Consumer Protection in Madison.

The award will be presented December 8 at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells.

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to sponsor this award which recognizes farms that demonstrate a high standard care for their soil, water and livestock,” said WFBF The finalists are: President Jim Holte. “These finalists • Bill Ciolkosz of Thorp in are farmers who lead by example, and Jeff Lake Family Clark County: Expanded inspire others to continue to search dairy facilities and feed and for better methods of protecting manure storage areas at their resources.”

Ciolkosz’s 200-cow dairy “Leopold Conservation Award farm were designed to meet recipients are at the forefront of a conservation and efficiency movement by America’s farmers goals. Water runoff from and ranchers to simultaneously more than 100 acres of achieve economic and environmental cropland is diverted across success,” said Sand County Foundation President and Chief grass waterways before Executive Officer Kevin McAleese. reaching a diversion dam to The first Wisconsin Leopold reduce erosion and protect Conservation Award was presented water quality. Ciolkosz plants Dorothy and John Priske to woodland conservationist Gerry pine trees and maintains Mich of Appleton in 2006. The 2018 food plots and ponds for recipient was dairy farmer David Geiser of New Holstein in wildlife habitat.

Calumet County.

• J eff Lake of Boyceville in Dunn County: Lake grows The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans, snap beans, kidney beans made possible thanks to the generous contributions from and alfalfa with no-till cultivation practices. To provide Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Land and Water wildlife habitat and gain efficiencies, some marginal cropland has been converted into grass and full-season cover Conservation Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, American Transmission Company, Compeer Financial, crops. Soil samples are taken to prevent over application McDonald’s, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation of fertilizer. These efforts earned Lake the first-ever Service, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Corn Growers Precision Agriculture Farmer of the Year award from Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Pheasants Forever.

Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean • J ohn and Dorothy Priske of Fall River in Columbia Marketing Board and Whole Foods Market.

County: The Priskes adopted no-till and rotational grazing For more information on the award, visit practices, and installed grass waterways to improve water leopoldconservationaward.org. infiltration, sequester carbon and build organic matter in

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Promotes Road Safety Through Media Key takeaways from the events included: D riving farm equipment on the roadway is a necessary part of owning a farm but can create confusion for general motorists.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau hosted two Rural Road Safety Days Dane County Farm Bureau member Ryan Ripp in 2019 – one spoke with a reporter about road safety during the fall media event hosted on his family’s farm. in the spring in Outagamie County and one this fall in Dane County. These events allowed local Farm Bureau members to share their perspective on why road safety is important and how farmers and general motorists can work together to prevent crashes.

At these events, representatives from local media outlets were invited to learn about laws and general best practices when sharing the roadway with farm equipment. The media attendees then created a story to share with their followers outlining the information shared at the event to promote safety on the roadways when farm equipment traffic is present.

For Motorists

•• Always watch for hand or turn signals, especially for lefthand turns, prior to passing.

•• It is illegal to pass farm equipment in a no passing zone, regardless of speed.

•• Farm equipment is large and requires extra braking distance, do not pass within a short range of a controlled intersection.

•• Stay back, stay patient and stay safe.

For Farmers

•• If a line of cars is forming behind you, pull off to the side when the road shoulder width and condition allows for equipment to completely exit the lane.

•• Never wave on cars to pass your equipment. Motorists must determine for themselves when it is safe and legal to pass.

•• Always follow proper lighting and marking protocol.

*For more information on lighting and marking of farm equipment, visit fyi.extension.wisc.edu/ioh/ioh/lights-and-marking/

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Outagamie County Farm Bureau member Keith Oudenhoven spoke to a TV reporter at the spring road safety event.

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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'BUDDIES'

Becky Hibicki, Ripon

Jeri Lynn Proft, Melrose

Jaimee Parker Campbell, Rice Lake

Ashleigh Calaway, Vesper

Gloria Regan, Hilbert

Peter Curran, Sun Prairie

Kaitlyn Huber, Merrillan

Leslie Strey, Osseo

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

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December 6 - 9 • Wisconsin Dells Notice of Annual Meeting of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Cooperative

Notice of Annual Meeting of Rural Mutual Insurance Company

In accordance with the bylaws and pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, the undersigned Secretary hereby gives notice that the Annual Meeting of members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Cooperative, will convene on Monday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

In accordance with the bylaws and pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, the undersigned Secretary hereby gives notice that the Annual Meeting of members of the Rural Mutual Insurance Company will convene on Monday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

- Dale Beaty, Secretary

- Dale Beaty, Secretary

Join us to Celebrate Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Centennial December 7

2 p.m. – Centennial Exhibit Grand Opening

6:30 p.m. – Centennial Program

Step back in time by visiting the Centennial exhibit featuring historical items, videos and more.

WFBF Centennial Video Debut Live Auction of Betty Engel Paintings 100 Years of Farm Bureau - Panels hosted

by Max Armstrong The program will begin with the WFBF Centennial video debut and a live auction of the exclusive Betty Engel Centennial paintings. Directly following there will be two panel discussions with former Farm Bureau leadership and legislative partners hosted by Max Armstrong.

4-5 p.m. – Reception: Taste of Farm Bureau Visit various Farm Bureau-themed food stations while chatting with new and old friends.

5:30-6:30 p.m. – Centennial Banquet Enjoy a plated meal and Farm Bureau-themed dessert stations.

8:30 p.m. – Farm Bureau Family Reunion/Social Enjoy the company of your Farm Bureau family.

One-day registration is available through October 25.

Visit wfbf.com/events/annual-meeting-yfa-conference to register.

Want to learn more about WFBF’s Centennial celebration? Visit wfbf.com/centennial.

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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Finding Fulfillment at Farm Bureau Holte Reflects Before Upcoming Retirement

By Amy Eckelberg

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“I was asked by the well-known Carl Casper to join Farm Bureau,” Jim said. “I didn’t know what that all entailed at the time but slowly it was explained to me and soon I was participating in young farmer events and activities.”

His involvement 1989 led to him serving on the Dunn County Farm Bureau board of directors before spending five years as the county president.

“It was when I was given the opportunity to serve as county president that I was able to see a broader view of the organization,” said Jim. “I appreciated the grassroots approach that Farm Bureau had. The tough questions and discussions started at the county level and then made their way up to state and national levels.”

After gaining experience on the county level he was asked about participating in state-level activities.

“I remember the day I received an invitation to be part of the state livestock committee and attended my first meeting,” said Jim. “WFBF Board member Bill Hanson chaired the committee and he later served as vice president for WFBF. There’s been a long list of leaders I have grown to know and appreciate through the years and that’s something I will not take for granted.”

Knowing his predecessor’s time on the board was nearing an Rural Roots end, Jim considered running for the position which included In 1976, after graduating from UW-River Falls and marrying a seat on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual his wife Gayle, Jim began renting his grandfather’s farm.

Insurance boards.

He milked cows until the 1990s “I participated in the Wisconsin when he decided he couldn’t Rural Leadership Program, which commit to a life of dairying because is a two-year commitment,” Jim of the pressure on his body and no explained. “During those two years, I relatives wanting to farm. had to cut back on commitments to He converted the farm to grow other organizations, but as my time grain and raise beef cattle. Since the in the leadership program drew to transition, he has grown a corn and a close, I knew I wanted to become soybean rotation and now works more involved in other activities closely with UW Discovery Farms particularly with Farm Bureau and to do on-farm water research. local boards.”

He raised 350 to 400 beef steers He also aspired for a seat on the annually but drew back once Farm Elk Mound School Board. Not Bureau duties demanded his time. knowing if he would be successful, Holte at the St. Croix County Farm Bureau His start in Farm Bureau began he ran for school board and the food stand with Carl Casper (right) and other with a simple ask from a farmer in WFBF Board, ultimately getting county members. the area. both seats. f you peek into Jim Holte’s office, you will quickly observe his true joys in life.

The artwork and family photos showcase his love for his wife and family, especially his grandkids.

Badger signs and Packer wall-art hang prominently highlighting his admiration for the home teams.

The vintage Farm Bureau sign from his grandfather Burt leaning in the window emphasizes just how long-ago Farm Bureau was introduced to his family. However, it wasn’t until he was a young farmer that he would follow the path to Farm Bureau.

Since 2012, Jim has served as the Wisconsin Farm Holte with his grandfather's Bureau Federation Farm Bureau member sign at and Rural Mutual the 2015 WFBF Annual Meeting.

Insurance President.

In his first Rural Route column, he wrote about ‘the glass being half full.’ If there is one thing that has carried him through his presidency it’s his desire to maintain a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances.

“I have always placed a high value in building relationships with other groups and individuals during the good times because we often rely on each other during the difficult times,” Jim said.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

“It was a hectic time when I began in both roles,” said Jim. “Both were important to me but eventually I didn’t seek reelection for the school board because it was just too much.”

Jim was elected in 1995 to represent WFBF’s District 9, which consists of Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer and St. Croix counties as well as the Superior Shores Farm Bureau made up of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron counties.

Memories

opportunity that he is grateful for.

“The biggest learning curve I had was being involved with the Rural Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors,” Jim said.

“I learned a great deal about the insurance industry and really got to understand how great of a member benefit it is to have an insurance company dedicated to Wisconsinites and Wisconsin farmers.”

Farm Bureau Family

It’s the close relationships at the county level that brought Jim into the Farm Bureau family. It was from these connections that his admiration for the organization blossomed into a desire to have a hand in its future.

“I will never forget the people I have met who have guided me through my Farm Bureau journey and the experiences this organization has provided,” Jim said. “Our organization is special because we are here for farms of all types. Many voices coming together in unison isn’t always easy but is why we carry the reputation we do on Capitol Hill.”

Jim says membership has shown its strength through the years with participation, attention to details and determination.

“Our members are working hard every day to feed those around them,” Jim added. “If they make time to be involved

Holte walked with Secretary Sonny Perdue during his visit.

During his tenure, Jim had the privilege to serve in many roles including on the American Farm Bureau Board of the Directors.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had while involved in Farm Bureau,” said Jim. “Through my involvement on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors, I have met many other state leaders and they all have one thing in common – a connection to agriculture. These people are just like my neighbors down the road and that is what makes our organization so strong.”

During his tenure, he hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on his family’s farm, A family photo taken during Sonny Perdue's visit to Holte's farm in 2017. provided testimony to the U.S. Senate in Farm Bureau, we take that very seriously. Our members are Environment and Public Works Committee on modernizing our foundation and I hope we have served them well and will the Endangered continue to.”

Species Act in Jim added that it’s the people who make Rural Mutual Washington, D.C., Insurance and Wisconsin Farm Bureau the organizations and and has appeared businesses they are. dozens of times “I have had the privilege to work with the variety of on RFD-TV. employees throughout Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural In his role as Mutual Insurance,” added Jim. Their professionalism and president for dedication to their organization and business are second to WFBF, Jim also none. I am proud to have had a small role in the success of serves as president carrying out our goals and initiatives.” of the Rural As he heads into the next chapter, he looks forward Mutual Insurance Holte participated in a RFD-TV to spending time with his family, especially his wife and Company Board interview while in Washington, D.C. grandchildren.

– a learning OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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"Our members are our foundation and I hope we have served them well and will continue to.â&#x20AC;?

- WFBF President Jim Holte

Holte gave testimony to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee at a hearing on wolves in Washington, D.C.

Always a Cheesehead, Holte with AFBF President Zippy Duval at Henning's Cheese in Kiel.

In 1994, then President of the Four Seasons FS Board of Directors, Holte broke ground with former WFBF President Dan Poulson at the future home of FS.

1999

Holte represented Wisconsin by carrying the state flag at the AFBF Convention.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

March 27-28

Marriott Madison West, Madison

Friday, March 27 9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Registration Open Kickoff Luncheon and Keynote

Creating Ripples, Making Waves!

Unleashing The Best in Yourself & Others

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Paul Wesselmann The Ripples Guy Concurrent Breakout Sessions (4) 1:45-2:45 p.m. *break* 3-4 p.m. *break* 4:15-5 p.m.

Reception Dinner and Program/Speaker

8:30 p.m.

Farm Bureau Game Shows

8:00 a.m.

uffet Breakfast and General B Session

1:45 p.m.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau President

Saturday, March 28 Building and Protecting the Farm Bureau Brand Judy Rupnow Senior Counselor, MorganMyers 9:30 a.m.

11:45 p.m.

oncurrent Breakout Sessions (4) C 9:30-10:30 a.m. *break* 10:45 a.m.11:45 p.m.

Closing Lunch and Program

Registration

Earlybird Registration through March 4: $140 After March 4: $175 Registration will open October 15.

Hotel Information Marriott Madison West 1313 John Q Hammons Drive Middleton, WI 53562

Hotel Room Rate: $139 + tax Presented by:

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

ggie nswers

We asked Promotion and Education Committee members: What is a unique way you share agriculture’s story?

Andrea Brossard

Katelin Steege

Darby Sampson

Lynn Leahy

Katie Roth

Kay Gilbertson

I thank people for buying dairy products at the grocery store and engage them in conversation about food and farming.

I have conversations with reviewers, auditors and regulators I work with at my job. Not only do I talk about different farms, I get the opportunity to talk about farming with people who don’t have a background in it.

My favorite activity is Lunch with a Farmer.

It brings farmers into schools to eat lunch with students while chatting with them about their farms.

I am a member of my community’s curling club and city band.

The majority of the members do not have any connection to agriculture so I have an opportunity to make friendships and have candid agricultural conversations with them.

At the grocery store I always thank consumers for buying milk. People like being appreciated!

One time it reminded a woman she forgot to purchase cottage cheese.

I enjoy sharing our story at church.

Although this is a familiar crowd, many in our church family are not farmers. They have a genuine curiosity about what we are doing on the farm.

District 2

District 7

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

District 4

District 5

District 3

District 9

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Plenty of Benefits Ripe for the Picking For complete details, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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

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

Rural Mutual

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

"I was interested in purchasing from Ford before learning about the Farm Bureau discount, but that gave me more incentive to purchase a new vehicle instead of used.” - Kaitlyn Riley, Crawford County Farm Bureau member

Insurance Company

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

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

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

- John Piechowski, Waushara County Farm Bureau member Special member pricing and free shipping. Visit wfbf.com for more details.

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

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

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

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.

Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Avis • Budget • The Country Today • ScriptSave $500 Reward Protection Program • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Six Flags • Ford • Office Depot Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* 22

Rural Route

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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Wi s

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Developing Leaders in Agriculture Farm Bureau Sets Up Wisconsin’s Ag Leaders for Success

Women as Advocates for Ag In 1921, women from Waukesha County formed the Farm Bureau Ladies Auxiliary Post #1 to help promote and protect the business, educational and social interests of the farm family.

It was the first organized Farm Bureau women’s program in the country. In 1923, a women’s group was formed within Wisconsin Farm Bureau, and at the 1938 WFBF Annual Meeting, the creation of the Associated Farm Bureau Women established the first Women’s Committee on the state level.

In 1954, the group became the Women’s Committee.

That year, Isabel Baumann, the committee chair, became the first female to sit on the WFBF Board of Directors. By 1979, there was female representation on all the WFBF commodity committees.

The committee spearheaded numerous educational and promotional programs and projects over the years, including the Women’s Leadership Seminar, spokesman

training, Farm-City Festivals, commodity promotion, the Youth Citizenship Seminar and citizenship essay contest, Agriculture in the Classroom, Miss Farm Bureau Program, Food Check-out Day and the Marketbasket Survey.

To better convey the committee’s purpose and program of work, the WFBF Women’s Committee was re-named the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee in 2015.

Farm Bureau’s emphasis in building leadership skills amongst female members clearly shows today with representation not only on the Board of Directors, but across state committees and county board of directors.

Opportunities for our female leaders today would not be possible without the tireless efforts of the women of Farm Bureau who paved the way during the last 100 years.

Building Future Leaders In 1948, WFBF created the Farm Bureau Young People Program, dedicated to teaching rural youth better farming methods, citizenship and leadership.

County and state talk meets, the predecessor of today’s Discussion Meets, were created to prepare members to present their ideas clearly and help

WFBF Centennial Timeline WFBF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM begins

COUNTY FARM BUREAU SERVICES PROGRAM offered to county Farm Bureaus

FARM BUREAU’S RURAL ROUTE becomes official voting member publication

1995

2007 USE-VALUE ASSESSMENT of farm property enacted Revisions to upgrade Wisconsin’s RIGHT TO FARM LAW enacted

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WFBF LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE created

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

promote Farm Bureau programs and policy. Beginning in 1952, Wisconsin’s Talk Meet winner represented WFBF by competing at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention.

Since 1964, the chair of the Young People’s Committee has held a seat on the WFBF Board of Directors. In the late 1960s, the Young People’s Program was renamed the Young Farmers Program.

Since 1982, when the Washington, D.C. trip for the Young Farmers Program was created, nearly 700 young farmers have traveled to our nation’s capital to meet with their elected representatives and learn more about Farm Bureau’s legislative efforts at the national level.

Renamed the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program at the 2008 WFBF Annual Meeting, to include young members who worked in careers that support agriculture, the program continues to build future leaders for Farm Bureau and Wisconsin agriculture.

WFBF’s Signature Leadership Program In 2007, the WFBF Leadership Institute was created to produce strong and effective leaders through personal and professional development.

2019 marks the 13th class for the intensive yearlong leadership training program.

Since its inception, 84 percent of graduates are

involved at the county and district level, 117 are on county boards, 27 are county board presidents, 10 are on the state board, six are AFBF committee members and 10 have participated in AFBF leadership programs.

“Farm Bureau’s leadership programs have pushed me to take on more active roles in various levels, such as serving as the District YFA representative for three years, as well as the State YFA Chair for one year. At the county level, I have tried to step up to the plate to volunteer for more activities,” said Trempealeau County Farm Bureau member Derek Husmoen.

Farm Bureau has created several other leadership development training opportunities for its members. The IGNITE Conference is focused on strengthening county Farm Bureaus. The Ag Lead Summit is a conference dedicated to developing agricultural advocacy skills.

Leadership Boot Camp is a one-day training, held annually, based off topics the WFBF Leadership Institute covers. Other opportunities include workshops at the WFBF Annual Meeting and an online monthly Lunch and Learn webinar program.

Excerpts from "Seventy-Five Years of Farm Bureau in Wisconsin" were used for this article.

Young Farmer Committee name changed to YOUNG FARMER AND AGRICULTURIST COMMITTEE YFA CONFERENCE and WFBF ANNUAL MEETING combined

2008

2010 WFBF Women’s Seminar changed to WISCONSIN AG WOMEN’S SUMMIT COLLEGIATE FARM BUREAU AT UW-MADISON formed

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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OPINION

Policy Initiatives: A Year in Review A Message from WFBF President Jim Holte

A

s another year wraps up, it’s appropriate to reflect on what Farm Bureau has worked on this year and where our policy initiatives sit.

Like every year before, this year came with challenges for our members and governmental relations staff with turmoil in politics and split government on both the state and national level. Regardless, our members and staff have always approached policy with optimism and this year is no different. Any win for agriculture is important, especially in our current climate.

Our three biggest items for focus this year on the state level were water, dairy and hemp.

While Farm Bureau has always been engaged in water quality initiatives such as UW Discovery Farms and farmerled watershed groups, this year we were even more engaged on this topic. The Governor put this topic in the spotlight early in his term by declaring 2019 the ‘Year of Clean Drinking Water.’

Farm Bureau made it a priority to give our members the tools and resources needed to share their water quality story at the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality hearings held around the

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state. To kick off the series of hearing, I testified in Madison on behalf of our state’s farmers by sharing information about how invested our farmers are in protecting and preserving water quality for generations to come.

We continue to monitor and engage with this issue as we all care about access to clean drinking water.

Dairy was another high-level priority item for WFBF. Following a new resolution from last year’s delegate session we tasked our state Dairy Committee with looking at the challenges our dairy economy is facing from all sides. They met far more often than in normal years and have provided their policy recommendations to the WFBF Board of Directors for review. There is sure to be further dairy policy discussion at the WFBF Annual Meeting.

Funding for the UW System’s Dairy Innovation Hub was also an initiative WFBF weighed in on. This $8.8 million investment in research for our state’s dairy community is extremely valuable as it will add researchers at the three agricultural colleges in Madison, Platteville and River Falls. The research conducted will focus on four areas: land and water use, human health and nutrition, animal health and welfare, and improving and integrating farm businesses and rural communities. We need this research now more than ever if we want to continue to be the experts others come to for dairy knowledge and practical guidance.

Lastly, hemp continues to be a popular topic of conversation here in Wisconsin. WFBF helped get this newly reintroduced crop back in the state and we know we need to keep giving it attention to succeed. Wisconsin farmers and processors engaged with cautious excitement during the 2018 growing season. In 2019, the excitement grew as was made evident by a tremendous increase in both hemp grower and

processor license applications.

On the federal level, hemp won a huge victory when it was removed from the list of controlled substances and was included as a crop in the Farm Bill allowing for crop insurance coverage.

In addition to hemp, there are several other issues WFBF has been monitoring on the national level. We have worked to make it clear that Wisconsin wolf numbers need to be addressed. WFBF participated in town halls and hearings, but most of all rallied our members to submit comments to support a proposal to delist gray wolves from the endangered species list and turn population management back to the DNR. We are hopeful that our work in Wisconsin will be heard on the national level.

Dairy Revenue Protection made its way to the stage this year. This program is designed to help farmers manage against unanticipated declines in revenue from milk price volatility. This new product was developed by the American Farm Bureau in collaboration with the Risk Management Association of the USDA. In a time of price volatility, farmers need to have access to effective risk management tools, and I’m pleased that it could be added to Rural Mutual’s existing portfolio to provide more options in our risk management toolbox.

It has been a busy year for Farm Bureau and there is never a shortage of topics we are monitoring and engaging with on behalf of our members. While you’re busy working on the farm, WFBF is proud to be working for you on the issues that matter most in Madison and Washington, D.C. Thank you for your continued support.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Regional Concerns Match National Priorities A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

T

his summer, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with nearly all state Farm Bureau presidents and their staff. I have come away from these meetings even more impressed by how Farm Bureau’s elected and staff leaders are devoted to keeping agriculture strong.

I’ve attended four regional meetings, as well as the American Farm Bureau’s annual Council of Presidents meeting with presidents from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Discussions about what excites us about agriculture’s future and what keeps us up at night showed how our leaders are abreast of trends, threats and opportunities.

In the Southern region, I saw a great presentation on how important the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, at the end of the Mississippi River, is for reaching foreign markets. Infrastructure issues were top-of-mind in all four regions, from improving roads and bridges to increasing rural America’s access to broadband.

Broadband is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity! That’s why Farm Bureau is asking everyone to contact members of Congress and urge them to support the Broadband Data Improvement Act. The bill will change how we map areas that don’t have broadband, so we can get a better picture of where we need to do more work and commit more resources.

In the Midwest, much of the discussion was focused on this year’s flooding, trade challenges and farm economy—the perfect storm that has hit farmers and ranchers in the region and elsewhere.

What I heard is most farmers and ranchers support efforts to make China play by the rules, but the Administration

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

must negotiate an end to this trade war sooner rather than later. Even with the financial assistance the President has provided, and we are grateful for it, farmers cannot hold on forever without a market for what we grow. We need to reopen access to China and pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to modernize trade with our nearest neighbors. United States-MexicoCanada Agreement approval will let our trading partners near and far know that we mean business when we negotiate trade deals.

In the West, federal lands and endangered species issues were a main topic. Western ranchers and the state Farm Bureaus that work for them are supporting a federal rule, long overdue, to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list. Wolf numbers far exceed the recovery targets set under the Endangered Species Act, and ranchers fear for the safety of their livestock.

Delisting does not open a free-for-all against wolves; on the contrary, gray wolves would continue to be managed under state conservation programs, while also allowing farmers and ranchers to protect their animals.

In the Northeast, there was a lot of discussion about the cost and availability of agricultural labor. With states like Massachusetts and New York passing increases in their state minimum wage, and other states like Connecticut considering wage hikes, many farmers in the region worry they won’t be able to afford workers, if they can even hire them in the first place. A national solution to our agricultural labor shortage, one that

sets a fair, market-based wage, is needed now more than ever to ensure that agriculture can survive in every state.

The discussions at all these meetings confirm that our national policy priorities truly are national in scope—they affect farmers in every part of the nation, even if they bubble up in different ways and at different times. Our farmer members are looking to us and their elected officials in Washington to work for national solutions on these issues and more.

American agriculture truly is in good hands with these Farm Bureau leaders.

I’m grateful for our national farm organization, and I’m Farm Bureau Proud to work alongside you.

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

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OPINION

Learn and Grow with Farm Bureau A Message from WFBF's Wendy Kannel

L

et’s face it, we’ve heard and said it a million times, “It’s just really busy right now.”

Each of us are faced with a multitude of responsibilities each day. Our farms, businesses, families, friends, volunteering and, of course, Farm Bureau are just a few things that make the list. But how and when do we stop to evaluate where we are at and make priorities in our lives so we can continue to learn and grow?

Have you ever gotten to the end of the day and thought about how busy you were but felt like you never really accomplished anything?

When was the last time you really stopped to think and reflect on what is happening in your day-to-day?

Self-reflection allows us the time to look at our thoughts, feelings and actions.

Just spending 15 minutes a day to stop and reflect can help provide clarity from all that needs to be done.

Within the agriculture community, we value the relationships we have built and often put others before ourselves.

But what are your priorities? Write them down. Ask your family and friends to help and try to find balance between treating yourself and giving to others.

Putting yourself first can be difficult, but if you aren’t able to take care of you, who will? What opportunities will you take advantage of to help yourself learn and grow?

As Farm Bureau members, I challenge you to look at the opportunities that are available through our organization to grow personally and professionally. If you are looking for something to take you outside your comfort zone, consider applying for the Farm Bureau Leadership Institute, a year-long program devoted to building leaders. Throughout the year, you will see what makes you the person and leader you already are by diving into your strengths, understanding emotional intelligence and challenging you to think outside of the box. It will

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help you tell your story while learning more about Farm Bureau and how you can be an active and engaged member.

Most of all, the connections you make with your classmates and facilitators who are a part of the program will be priceless. These people will become your biggest supporters and help you develop even more as a leader. Not sold on the Leadership Institute quite yet?

Let me introduce you to Shane Goplin, a Farm Bureau member for 18 years who has held various leadership positions through Farm Bureau including serving his county as president and multiple terms on WFBF committees.

While Shane had been an effective leader within our organization, he thought his leadership opportunities had plateaued until he learned about the Leadership Institute.

When I asked him about what he gained, he mentioned that his participation provided him with so many other opportunities. He has shared his story with reporters from the New York Times, built confidence in himself and made connections with many others inside and outside the agriculture community.

Because he has taken advantage of personal development, he feels he can better serve Farm Bureau members because those members have confidence in him to lead and serve.

The Leadership Institute is a large time commitment, so if you are looking for a way to ‘dip your toe in the water,’ there are many other leadership development opportunities within Farm Bureau.

The Leadership Boot Camp, hosted by the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee, is a one-day conference focusing on different topics each year.

This is a great refresher for past Institute

participants or a way to fit personal and professional development into a busy schedule.

WFBF also hosts monthly Lunch and Learn webinars that can be viewed from the comfort of your own home, barn or office. Past topics include agricultural advocacy, farm safety, nutrition labeling and policy development.

County Farm Bureaus across the state also are looking for members to serve on boards, committees or help with

individual events throughout the year.

Have a knack for something that brings you joy – graphic design, taking photos, talking to people or organizing events?

Your local Farm Bureau is probably looking for assistance, which is an opportunity to grow your skill set or try something new. Your opportunities to learn and grow through Farm Bureau are there if you choose to take them.

As we move into fall, and you will likely be spending countless hours in a tractor, truck or combine, I challenge you to reflect on your priorities for 2020.

What skills, talents or time can you offer to your county Farm Bureau? What personal or professional development opportunities will you pursue?

I cannot wait to see what you learn and how you can help make Farm Bureau a strong voice for farmers across our state.

Kannel is WFBF's Senior Director of Member Relations.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Family Is the Best Part of Farming A Message from WFBF's Sarah Hetke

A

s a little kid I couldn’t wait for the fall school days to be over. The bus ride always seemed to take too long. For many years we were the lucky family to be the last stop, and I impatiently waited to race down the driveway and hope I could finish my homework in time to catch a ride in the tractor with my dad.

The weekends were filled with hours of tractor time as we chopped stalks, tilled the soil and hauled corn and soybeans.

While I wasn’t old enough to really be of much help, I didn’t want to miss a minute of the action. My main duty came when we unloaded corn and beans. I usually went in the house to say hi to grandma, give her an update on where we were at and grab a Diet Coke for my dad (grandma always kept her fridge wellstocked with pop of all varieties and a fresh pitcher of iced tea).

One of the memories I am most fond of is riding in the combine with my grandpa, mesmerized by how tall the corn was and how the machine worked.

I loved the evenings when my family, cousins, aunt and uncle and grandparents gathered around the kitchen table in my grandparents’ house. Grandma always had a delicious meal ready to feed the masses.

As grandma got older and didn’t cook as much, we found our meal tradition turn toward ordering pizza or Chinese food – something we still reminisce about.

Much to the chagrin of everyone else

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

in my family, I remember hoping that harvest would go through Thanksgiving so my dad would stay home to help my uncle finish up before the snow started flying because this meant more time in the tractor and another family meal at grandma’s house.

The fall season is here once again and while that means more family time, this season also brings challenges. It is no surprise to anyone reading this column that agriculture is going through some tough times. Wisconsin Farm Bureau recently partnered with 16 other agricultural organizations to launch the Farm Neighbors Care campaign.

One of the best parts of rural America is the sense of community and the support neighbors receive in times of need. As farmers battle with another year of low prices, it is time we step up and support one another in the simplest of ways – through conversation.

WFBF is asking farm neighbors and agriculturists to stop in and visit with the farmers you know. You can bring along a small token of your appreciation like coffee and donuts or call ahead and let that person or family know you’ll bring a meal. This will offer time to talk about what is going well on the farm and what challenges they are experiencing.

Challenge yourself to not let this stop at one conversation, but to make it a regular habit.

If you want to learn more about how to spot signs of depression, start conversations, handle tough conversations or what resources are available to farmers, you can search #FarmNeighborsCare on Facebook or email me at shetke@wfbf.com.

I hope that this fall when the stress starts mounting, we can reflect on the good times we’ve had and lean on family and friends to get us through the tough days.

Hetke is WFBF's Director of Communications.

wfbf.com

29

OPINION

Right Time for Replacement Hedges?

A Guest Column by AgriVisor's Joe Camp

T

he grain market has featured considerably more volatility in 2019 than in recent years, allowing better opportunities for marketing but also requiring greater focus on risk management strategies. One strategy in particular has attracted additional attention from farmers this year, the replacement hedge.

The replacement hedge typically involves re-ownership of sold grain through the purchase of futures or call options. Buying futures or calls allows participation in futures price upside that

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would otherwise be eliminated by the cash sale.

Replacement hedges allow producers to pass on storage costs and quality risk to the buyer upon sale and delivery of the cash crop. Because a cash price is already established, basis is locked in and price risk becomes limited to movement in the futures market.

Futures or options can be used to achieve re-ownership, but the two types of contracts have different profiles of cost, risk and reward. Whereas futures keep downside price risk open, long call options only risk premium paid for the contract, plus commissions and fees.

Producers have been active buyers of call options in 2019. Spring weather concerns rallied prices to levels that presented profitable marketing opportunities and encouraged cash sales, but hedgers also held on to an outlook for further upside on prices.

The sell-cash/buy-call strategy may be considered if it is expected that futures will rise and basis weaken. Selling grain in such a scenario captures a favorable basis and generates cash income that can be taken when needed; buying the call option leaves open the potential for participation in futures market upside.

Replacement hedges can be employed

with help from a licensed broker.

Producers wishing to hedge using futures and options may seek out information on brokers by searching the National Futures Association registry. Producers should be aware of all services offered by the broker and have a clear understanding of all commissions, fees and margin requirements associated with the account agreement.

Some replacement hedge strategies can be initiated without an open brokerage account. Many local grain buyers offer re-ownership opportunities in the form of minimum price contracts, which involve the elevator buying call options to attach to a cash grain contract. Option premium charges are deducted from the cash sale price and gains from the position can be added to the effective selling price.

Strategies for re-ownership may warrant consideration for cash sales made when the outlook for futures remains bullish. Replacement hedges are not appropriate for all producers. Talk with your advisor to discuss if such 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

Don’t Forget About Fall Harvest Safety A Guest Column by Rural Mutual's Chris Schlechta

T

iming is everything with fall harvest. Sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate adding pressure to a short time frame that can make or break the year. Remind your family and employees about these safety tips to make sure you have a safe and productive harvest.

Roadway Safety Many roadway accidents involving farm equipment happen at dawn and dusk. Ensure that all equipment is properly placarded with a Department of Transportation slow moving vehicle sign and appropriate yellow warning lights. The Wisconsin DOT provides a quick resource to determine what safety precautions are required for your situation at wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/agri-eqveh/ag-veh-safety.aspx.

If possible, have someone follow in a truck equipped with yellow warning lights to act as an escort vehicle. The escort vehicle should maintain a safe following distance behind the equipment to provide the operator with a buffer from other vehicles approaching too closely.

Do you have a tractor that isn’t equipped with rollover protection? Did you know there is a rebate program that will cover 70 percent (up to $865) for the purchase and installation? For more information, visit the National Farm Medicine Center Rollover Protection Structure Rebate Program at marshfieldresearch.org/nfmc/rops.

Recovering Stuck Vehicles Every year we see claims related to pulling out equipment mired in a field.

Some are simply for damaged vehicles when the chain or strap snaps, others are more serious.

Think about investing in a device like the Safe-T-Pull (safe-t-pull.net). This is a positive attachment device that not only eliminates the failure potential of a rope,

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

chain or sling; but eliminates the need for employees to get out of the vehicle to hook and unhook. This helps avoid slips, trips or falls that we see on a regular basis from workers getting in or out of vehicles.

If you must use something else, never use a chain. The repeated use of a chain weakens it to an unpredictable breaking point with disastrous results. Using a wide-belted sling or strap, positioned as close to the stricken vehicle as possible, using a steady pull instead of jerking the slack out and placing a heavy mat over the center portion of the sling or strap to weight it down if it does come undone are ways to avoid serious injury.

Hazardous Energy Control: Lockout/ Tagout Lockout/Tagout is a process you should know to ensure that potential energy sources have been isolated and rendered inoperative. Potential energy sources include electrical power, hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, thermal energy, gas (energy potential as well as oxygen displacement or toxicity), gravity or mechanical (springs, belts and other moving parts).

Never work on equipment until it has been completely powered down, pressures bleed off and parts have stopped moving. Take measures to secure the power sources involved to ensure the equipment can’t be accidentally or intentionally started while servicing it.

Once these measures have been taken, attempt to restart the equipment to ensure it can’t be down. On equipment using hydraulics to move parts, use blocks to secure these components so after the equipment is powered down, it does not unintentionally move parts when pressure has been bled off.

Communicate what you are doing to others onsite to ensure someone doesn’t inadvertently place a piece of equipment back into service before its ready.

When working with grain elevators, conveyors or other fixed equipment, use padlocks and tags to secure power sources.

Make sure that when equipment is in operation, appropriate guards are in place and operators are not wearing loose fitting clothing.

Hay Fires Ensure hay is within the proper moisture content range based on type of hay and baling method. Bales should be probed to test for above normal temperatures. Temperatures up to 140°F are acceptable, however, once temperatures exceed 150°F, steps should be taken to provide better air circulation.

Once temperatures exceed 175°F degrees, a fire is imminent or already present near the probe. Call 911 and have the fire department on hand before moving hay bales. A temperature in excess of 200°F indicates a fire is present at or near the probe.

Schlechta is the safety and loss control manager for Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

wfbf.com

31

Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

S

everal weeks, perhaps all of the weeks of October, contain periods of time my cousin from Sweden called 'stop the clock' moments.

If only the full spectrum of autumn’s colors and weather could last for months, not just a few short-lived weeks. A yearly calendar containing 12 months of Octobers, would truly be a dream come true.

Who among us can gaze across the landscape at this moment in time without wonder? What power, beyond the science of it all, creates the brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red? We know the green pigment in leaves is chlorophyll and thrives only in warm weather. As temperatures drop and daylight hours diminish, carotene and anthocyanin pigments persist and cause leaves to appear yellow and red, respectively.

Picture postcard beauty beyond description, lies in view and can soften even the hardest of souls. I dare to ponder, who really controls the paintbrush?

Time is of the essence for those of us who wait patiently for this time of the year.

For hunters, that means following the course of migrant game birds. For birders, it's time to keep an eye on the sky and in the bush. Throngs of juncos, fox sparrows and robins have invaded central Wisconsin. Cranes are staging. Geese

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are passing through in noisy gaggles and woodcock have slipped in quietly, without fanfare and in the dark of night, riding the wave of this week’s northerly winds.

Dogwood thickets and alder bottoms become their transitory homes, their secluded whereabouts only uncovered by investigating bird dogs and hunters.

Once again this year, good friend and hunting partner Mike, will share his piece of heaven on earth with the dogs and close acquaintances. We watch young aspen on his property turn from dull green to brilliant yellow, sometimes overnight. Together with friends Dale and Jim, we follow the dogs during the day and find woodcock and grouse. Later in the evening, we’ll sip beer on the back porch, fuss with a puppy and share a bag full of memories.

At dusk, we’ll watch woodcock fly to their evening roosts.

Some claim woodcock migrate by the stars and the moon. Their internal compass allows the wandering bird to zero into familiar wintering grounds near the gulf shores of Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana. Like robins, it is ultimately the cold weather, frost and freezing temperatures that limit their worm supplies. Together, they seek warmer climates and move south each fall in mass.

By mid-month, hard frost will have knocked on our door more than once and leaves will drop in earnest. October’s Hunter's Moon will appear. As it passes by, it becomes the largest, brightest and closest to the Earth as any other full moon of the year. With cloud cover lacking, it will illuminate the darkness.

And with winds from the north, migrating woodcock will pass through with ease.

Go ahead, set your alarm and take a peek just before midnight.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau

WFBF President Jim Holte's wife, Gayle, shared some of the couple's favorite recipes.

Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

• 12/3 c. water • 1 tsp. salt • 4 Tbsp. butter • 2/3 c. milk • 21/2 Tbsp. instant minced onion • 2 c. creamy-style cottage cheese • 22/3 c. instant mashed potato flakes • paprika

Directions

1. Heat water, milk and butter just to boiling. Add onion. Remove from heat.

2. Add potato flakes and whip with fork. Fold in cottage cheese.

3. Turn into a two-quart casserole. Dot with butter and sprinkle with paprika.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Lettuce Mandarin Salad Salad Ingredients

• 1 small head red leaf lettuce or salad greens of your choice • 1 Tbsp. parsley • 2 green onions, sliced • 1 can mandarin oranges, drained • 1/2 c. caramelized almonds Mix above ingredients together. Serves six.

Dressing Ingredients • 1/4 c. oil • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/8 tsp. pepper • 2 Tbsp. sugar • 2 Tbsp. vinegar • 2-3 dashes Tabasco

Caramelized Almonds

1. Put 2 Tbsp. sugar in a heavy skillet and add 1/2 c. slivered almonds.

2. Stir constantly over low heat until sugar melts, turns brown and collects on the almonds.

3. Remove from heat and break apart to cool. (Put cooking spray in the pan before adding sugar.)

Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

• 1 c. wild rice • 3 c. water • 1/4 c. onion, chopped • 3/4 c. celery, chopped • 2 carrots, chopped • 4 oz. can mushrooms and liquid

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup • 2 soup cans milk • 141/2 oz. can chicken broth • 1 tsp. salt • 1/8 tsp. pepper • cubed chicken (optional)

Directions

1. Add rice to boiling water and simmer for 45-50 minutes.

2. W hen rice is done, add onion, celery, carrots, mushroom soup, milk, broth, salt, pepper and chicken, if desired.

3. Simmer for 1 hour.

wfbf.com

33

State Contest Finalists Selected Achievement Award T

hree finalists will vie for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Achievement Award this December.

This year’s finalists are Josh Claussen, Brian Douglas and Travis and Krista Klinkner.

The Achievement Award recognizes YFA members who excel in farming, leadership ability and involvement in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Achievement Award applicants must have derived a majority of their income from on-farm production during

the past three years.

Last year’s Achievement Award winners were Ryan and Lindsey Prahl from Marathon County.

Each finalist will complete an application and a three-judge panel will score those applications and conduct an interview with the three finalists at the 2019 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference at Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, December 6-9.

Travis and Krista Klinkner

Josh Claussen

District 3, Vernon County

District 6, Brown County Josh is a firstgeneration dairy farmer in Denmark where he milks 78 cows. He also raises pigs and chickens for meat and eggs. His family is involved in many activities off the farm including Brown County Farm Bureau, 4-H, Awana, public school weekend food bag program and neighborhood action committee. He has four children: Josiah, Isaiah, Avaiah and Carson.

Travis and Krista with their four children Liam, Brad, Hank and Alice dairy farm organically between Viroqua and Genoa. They milk 60 cows, raise their youngstock and grow all their forages and corn. The couple stays busy with chores and their growing family that enjoys everything farming. When not working, they enjoy playing farm in house or sandbox and taking Ranger rides after chores to scout crops, wildlife and visit neighbors.

Brian Douglas

District 9, Dunn County Brian is a sixth generation dairy and cash grain farmer from Elk Mound where he farms with his parents and 10-year old son, Mason. On the farm, Brian is in charge of herd management from milking to feeding calves. He also grows 750 acres of crops. Brian graduated from UW-Madison's Farm and Industry Short Course and earned a certificate in farm business management and an associate's degree in electrical mechanics from Chippewa Valley Technical College. He is a Dunn County Farm Bureau board member, works at the county fair food stand, attends Ag Day at the Capitol and enjoys YFA events.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Excellence in Ag F

our individuals have been selected as Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Ag finalists and will compete in December for the top honor. The finalists are Stephanie Abts, Ben Huber, Natasha Paris and Tiffany Schneider.

The Excellence in Ag award recognizes members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program who excel in their leadership abilities, involvement in agriculture, Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations. Excellence in Ag award applicants are agriculturists who have not derived a majority of their income from a farm (that they own) for the past three years.

Examples of occupations of past finalists include: agricultural education instructor, fertilizer salesperson, veterinarian, farm employee and agricultural marketer.

Each finalist must make a presentation and answer questions in front of a three-judge panel during WFBF’s Annual Meeting and YFA Conference at the Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, December 6-9. This year’s winner will compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2020 Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.

Last year’s Excellence in Ag award recipients were Justin and Livia Doyle from Iowa County.

Ben Huber

Natasha Paris

Ben lives near Monroe with his wife, Stephanie and their three children: Tessa, Jace and Beau.

Ben is the agronomy department manager for Insight FS where he works with the marketing and purchasing of Insight's fertilizer, chemical and seed business, along with coaching and training their agronomy staff. Ben earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture education from UWPlatteville. He has been a Farm Bureau member since 2009 and is the Green County Farm Bureau president. In his spare time, Ben volunteers with several local organizations, enjoys crop scouting and talking about farm management and is involved with his family's grain farm in northern Illinois.

Natasha is a high school agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Ripon High School. Along with her husband, Jordan, she owns a pasture-based meat farm in Green Lake. She is the Green Lake County YFA chair.

Natasha earned a bachelor's degree from Knox College in secondary education and modern languages. Natasha enjoys weightlifting, spending time with her husband and dogs, cooking and spinning wool.

Tiffany Schneider

Stephanie Abts

District 2, Green County

District 5, Green Lake County

District 6, Calumet County

District 6, Manitowoc County Tiffany is the herdswoman on her family's 1,500 cow dairy farm in Fredonia.

Prior to going back to the farm, she worked in private practice as a large animal veterinarian. She received her bachelor's degree in dairy science from UWRiver Falls before going to UW-Madison for veterinary medicine. When Tiffany is not busy at the farm, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kurt, and their three children: Kendall, Kalvin and Harlin.

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

Stephanie grew up on her parents' registered Holstein dairy farm, Nagels Home of Holsteins, in Valders.

She is a dairy nutrition consultant for Rio Creek Feed Mill in Algoma.

She manages a 130-cow dairy farm in New Franken with her husband, Keith. In 2013, Stephanie earned a bachelor's degree in animal science with a dairy and business emphasis from UW-Platteville. Stephanie serves as the Manitowoc County YFA chair.

wfbf.com

35

LEADERSHIP

District Discussion Meet Qualifiers 25 YFA members to compete at state in December

T

he Discussion Meet contest gives YFA members a chance to demonstrate their speaking skills on agriculture-related topics.

Contestants are judged on their problem-solving skills as they discuss timely topics with their colleagues. Each of Wisconsin Farm Bureau's nine districts held a competition where the following contestants were chosen to advance to the state competition held at the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, December 6-9.

1

4

7 36

Kallie Jo Coates – Racine Ryan Elbe – Washington Whitney Rathke – Ozaukee

Andrea Rippley – Buffalo Allison Bragger – Buffalo Kyle Danzinger – Buffalo

Walter Taylor – Oconto Jake Hoewisch – Waupaca Rural Route

2

5

Julie Sweney – Dodge Lauren McCann – Green Rachel Leege – Rock

Jenny Leahy – Fond du Lac Nate Zimdars – Fond du Lac Derek Pluim – Fond du Lac

8

Jill Niemann – Marathon Will Litzer – Marathon

3

6

Ryan Studnicka - Grant Travis Klinkner - Vernon Andrew Dal Santo – Grant

Rachel Harmann – Kewaunee Erin O'Toole – Kewaunee Lauren Kostello – Manitowoc

9

Nate Kringle – Barron Isaac Christenson – Polk Kirsten Konder – Barron

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

GROWMARK Supports Young Agricultural Leaders W

inners of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's 2018 Young Farmer and Agriculturist contests and state FFA officers were special guests at GROWMARK’s Annual Meeting in Chicago in August.

"The GROWMARK System is proud to support 4-H, FFA and Farm Bureau’s YFA program, because we know these are the premier organizations for young people interested in agriculture," said Karen Jones, Youth and Young Producer Specialist at GROWMARK. "We’ve increased our investment in the next generation of farmers through our Young Producer programs in conjunction with FS cooperatives, to offer information and opportunities specifically for those joining the family farm or beginning their own operations."

GROWMARK is a sponsor of many Young Farmer and Agriculturist programs including the annual YFA Conference.

The GROWMARK system began as a merger of farm supply companies controlled by the Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin Farm Bureaus to secure a reliable, affordable supply of fuel for their tractors. Today, GROWMARK does business in more than 40 states and Ontario.

Above: Wisconsin had a strong presence at the GROWMARK Annual Meeting (from left): WFBF CAO Dale Beaty, 2018 Discussion Meet winner Kelly Wilfert, Wisconsin FFA Reporter Lydia Williams, Wisconsin FFA Parliamentarian Joe Schlies, Wisconsin FFA President Collin Weltzien, Wisconsin FFA Vice President Grace Morrissey, WFBF District 2 Director Arch Morton, Jr. and WFBF Vice President and District 5 Director Kevin Krentz.

Left: WFBF Vice President Kevin Krentz accepted the Friend of GROWMARK award from GROWMARK Chairman of the Board and President John Reifsteck.

WFBF was also recognized with a Friend of GROWMARK award in celebration of its upcoming 100th anniversary and impact on agriculture during the meeting.

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has been a pioneer in agriculture and a terrific advocate for its thousands of members,” said GROWMARK Chairman of the Board and President John Reifsteck. “As agriculture evolves with quickly-changing technology and needs, the strong relationship with Wisconsin Farm Bureau will no doubt help both of our organizations serve our members with expertise and efficiency.”

“GROWMARK’s support of our YFA program is remarkable, and their Annual Meeting was no less so. I enjoyed networking with cooperative leaders from across the region and listening to truly inspirational speakers as they encouraged us to keep innovating and moving agriculture forward.”

- Manitowoc County Farm Bureau member Kelly Wilfert OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

wfbf.com

37

LEADERSHIP

Leaders Selected for Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapters S chool is back in session and the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters are back in action for another year. WFBF has established Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls. Each chapter is a student-run organization with an elected officer team and a faculty advisor. Chapter officers plan a yearly program of work that typically includes regular meetings to conduct business of the chapter, social activities and service projects and Farm

Bureau events and activities at the county, state and national levels. Chapters are provided support from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

To learn more about each chapter's actvities, find them on Facebook.

Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-Platteville UW-River Falls Collegiate Farm Bureau

UW-Madison Chapter

(From left); Addison Arndt, treasurer, Monroe County; Summer Henschel, president, Calumet County; Brittany Teunissen, secretary, Sheboygan County; Emily Matzke, director of Ag in the Classroom, Dane County; Meikah Dado, vice president, Polk County; and Liz Grady, director of public relations, Dane County. Ted Halbach serves as the chapter advisor.

UW-Platteville Chapter

Front row (from left); Ally Biroschik, Ag Day on Campus chair, Illinois; Katie Lux, treasurer, Rock County; Sam Bauman, historian, Racine County; Kristen Felton, directorat-large, Adams County; back row (from left); Vinny Reiter, secretary, Kenosha County; Chris Fuchs, director-at-large, Wood County; Olivia Kepner, Ag in the Classroom co-chair, Illinois; Ben Bruss, secretary, Green Lake County; and Zack Wysocki, president, Portage County. Not pictured are Brittany Rennhack, Ag in the Classroom co-chair, Dodge County; and Catherine Austin, Ag Day on Campus chair, Illinois. Andy Cartmill is the chapter advisor.

UW-River Falls Chapter

(From left): Carisa Cleven, reporter, Monroe County; Sarah Albers, Ag Day chair, Sauk County; Jess Fenske, vice president, Sheboygan County; Noah Massie, president, Barron County; Emily Pintens, secretary, Barron County; Paige Stofferahn-Muck, treasurer, South Dakota; and Alyssa Mori, Ag Day chair, California. Sierra Howry serves as the chapter advisor.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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wfbf.com

39

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Ag in the Classroom Program Updates Book of the Year and Essay Contest Topic Announced

W

isconsin Ag in the Classroom kicks off the 20192020 school year announcing the Book of the Year, "Right This Very Minute," written

by Lisl Detlefson of Wisconsin.

Each year, the Ag in the Classroom program holds an essay contest in conjunction with the Book of the Year for fourth- and fifth-grade students throughout the state. This year’s essay contest topic is, 'How has Wisconsin agriculture affected your life today?'

Detlefson’s book is also the current American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s Book of the Year and has an Educator’s Guide developed for it. Accompanying lessons aligned to educational standards and various Wisconsin educational resources are available online for teachers, students and volunteers to use in promoting and preparing essays.

"We are thrilled to have our book be written by a Wisconsin author who lives agriculture each day," said Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson. "The book looks at how agriculture affects a young child during various parts of the day. It offers ideas for students to think about their day and how agriculture affects them during mealtime, impacts the clothes they wear and the jobs around them."

Essay submissions must be 100- to 300-words in length and will be judged on content, grammar, spelling and neatness. The essay contest rules, lesson plans and sample classroom activities are located at wisagclassroom.org/events-activities/essay-contest.

Essays are due April 1, 2020. The contest is sponsored

by We Energies and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Nine district winners will be selected with one being chosen as the state winner in May by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Promotion and Education Committee. Each district winner will receive a classroom presentation for his or her class. Last year, more than 2,000 students participated in the contest.

Questions about the book or how to place an online order can be directed to darneson@wfbf.com.

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New Website Unveiled

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isconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program is pleased to announce the launch of a newly-redesigned website. The updated website was launched in early September and can be viewed at wisagclassroom.com.

“Our new website is easy to navigate for teachers, volunteers and students,” said Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson. “We are very excited to offer an online store where Ag in the Classroom materials can be purchased.”

Highlights of the redesigned website include: Online store: Anyone can easily browse all the materials available from Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom or filter by categories such as books, Ag Mags and free resources.

The website allows you to easily pay by credit card.

Older book and resource order forms will be discontinued as orders can now be placed online.

Agriculture lessons and facts: Teachers can find lesson plans appropriate for their students based on grade level as well as fun facts about Wisconsin agriculture. The new website also offers colorful commodity sheets that highlight Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry.

Events calendar: Teachers and volunteers can browse upcoming events on the new calendar, which will be updated regularly to provide a broad overview of upcoming meetings, workshops and other activities.

The website was redesigned by Madison-based Midwest Digital Marketing.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Heads to the State Fair Annual Culinary Contest

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isconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program sponsors an annual culinary contest at the Wisconsin State Fair. Winners from the August 2 contest have been announced. This year’s contest theme was “Sowing Creativity – Feasting on Stuffing Goodness.”

Participants had to bring along a label from all Wisconsin products used in the dish. There were 12 entries in this year’s competition.

Beth Campbell, Belleville, won first place and $100 for her Wonderful Wisconsin Dressing. Cindy Paul of Menomonee Falls placed second and earned $75 for her Wisconsin Cornbread Stuffing. Elaine Mason of Oconomowoc won third prize and $50 for her Wisconsin Best Stuffing. Joseph Bukiewicz of Racine took fourth place and won $25 for his Wisconsin Holiday Stuffing.

State Fair Camp

W

isconsin Ag in the Classroom is proud to be a sponsor of Wisconsin State Fair Camp. This year’s camp had 75 elementary age youth participate. Along with 4-H youth leaders, adult camp staff take the campers to various areas of

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

(From left): Contest judge Carol Steilein, Beth Campbell, Cindy Paul, Elaine Mason, mentor judge Matt Rogge and contest judge Kristi Williams. Not pictured: Joseph Bukiewicz.

the Wisconsin State Fair including the Youth Expo and 4-H Exploration Stations, Fair-tastic Math at the WonderFair Wheel and Youth Expo, Art Discovery Station, Exploratory Park, Dairylane, livestock barns, pig races and the Big Slide.

wfbf.com

41

FOUNDATION

Support the Foundation at the WFBF Annual Meeting D ue to the generosity of members, county Farm Bureau programs, businesses and sponsors, a large selection of items will be offered again at this year’s silent auction. Bidding starts at 12 p.m. on Saturday and will end Sunday evening before the awards program. If you want to donate an item to the silent auction, forms can be downloaded at wfbf.com/events/ annual-meeting-yfa-conference.

For donations, we ask that all items be new. If you are bringing a gift certificate or gift card, please make a copy of it. The copy will be on the bidding table and the buyer will receive the original upon check out. If you are able to send the donation form into the WFBF office by November 23, bidding sheets can be made in advance and save you time checking in. Items can be brought to the Kalahari to save postage and chance of damage in shipment.

Need ideas for a donation?

• Local products from your county • Gift certificates for hotels, golf, stores or spas • Kid-themed baskets with games, movies, toys or puzzles • Handmade items - wooden, craft, sewn or crocheted • Sports-related items - signed balls, jerseys, memorabilia • Prints or home decor • Toy farm machinery • Jewelry • Tools and accessories needed on the farm • Safety equipment • Food gift baskets • Beer, wine or cheese baskets • Travel items • Book sets

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between July 31 and September 19, 2019

•• Dave Kruschke in memory of Barbara Wiff •• Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Don Armitage •• Nancy Vander Meer in memory of Marjorie Lippert •• Deb Raemisch in memory of Randy Geiger •• Dale and Jillian Beaty in memory of Donald Fenner •• Dale and Jillian Beaty in memory of Randy Geiger •• Dale and Jillian Beaty in memory of Beverly Haldeman

Centennial Donations between July 31 and September 30, 2019.

AGvocate $1,000-$4,999 donation

Cultivator $200-$299 donation

Harvester $300-$999 donation

Planter $100-$199 donation

Enterprise Holdings Foundation Waukesha County Farm Bureau

Bill and Mary Bruins Bob and Heidi Larson Tammy Wiedenbeck

orthwest Agency: Carl N Thomfohrda and Stacey Miller

Superior Shores Farm Bureau

Other $1-$99 donation Carol Hioki

Halfway to our goal: $50,630 of $100,000

About the

Founda tion

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®’S

Statement of Ownership

FULL-SIZE CAPABILITY. IN A VERSATILE, COMPACT PACKAGE.

If you’re looking for a tractor that’s equal parts compact and workhorse, step up to our 1700M Series. You’ll get a machine that works as hard as bigger tractors, with the versatility and ease-of-use you’ve come to expect from a compact. Getting more out of your tractor is the name of the game. www.masseyferguson.us

THORP ANTIGO SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-669-5255 715-623-4668 www.swiderskiequipment.com www.swiderskiequipment.com CHILTON D & D EQUIPMENT CO. INC. 920-849-9304 www.ddequipment.com

WALDO GIBBSVILLE IMPLEMENT, INC 920-528-1436 www.gibbsvilleimplement.com

MOSINEE WAUPACA SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-258-3266 715-693-3015 www.swiderskiequipment.com www.swiderskiequipment.com SLINGER WAUSAU STRUPP IMPLEMENT, INC. SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 262-644-5041 715-675-2391 www.struppimplementinc.com www.swiderskiequipment.com ©2019 AGCO Corporation. Massey Ferguson is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation. AGCO and Massey Ferguson are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved.

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

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Another Successful Year for the

O

Wisconsin Ag Open!

ne hundred and six golfers enjoyed the overcast weather at the 2019 Wisconsin Ag Open held at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove on September 10. The event supports the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s efforts to expand agricultural leadership and agricultural literacy and education efforts. This was the 22nd year for the event.

Leading the teams with the low score of the scramble was the Rural Managers team of Kurt Johnson, Laurie Peterson, Chuck McDaniel and Graig Beckstand. There also was a putting contest, mulligan sales, bucket raffle and par 3 challenge.

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1. The winning team (from left); Graig Beckstand, Laurie Peterson, Chuck McDaniel and Kurt Johnson.

2. Ball toss participants threw from the club house balcony.

3. The bucket raffle featured several great prizes and raised almost $1,000.

4. F ormer WFBF President Bill Bruins teed off at hole 7.

5. A Par 3 Contest was held on Hole 7 with the winner receiving $355, which was half of the funds collected for the contest.

6. Participants checked into the golf outing.

7. Jeremy Skemp won The Oaks ball toss and 5. received a $50 Kwik Trip gift card.

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Thank You 2019 Sponsors Box Lunch Sponsor • Aon Benfield

Club House Sponsors • American Agricultural Insurance Company • BMO Harris Bank • Farm Bureau Financial Services • M3 Insurance • Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC

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Hole Sponsors • Mighty Grand Dairy, LLC - Dave and Kim Daniels • Rural Mutual Insurance Company • Strohm Ballweg, LLP • Wisconsin State Cranberry Association

Bucket Raffle and Door Prize Donors

• Save the Date • 2020 Wisconsin Ag Open • Tuesday, September 15 • • The Oaks, Cottage Grove • 44

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• Homeland Dairy • John and Darlene Arneson • Rural Mutual Insurance Company • Wisconsin Beef Council • Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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RURAL MUTUAL

Rural Mutual Recognized for 11th Consecutive Year R ural Mutual Insurance Company has been selected as a ‘Ward’s Top 50® Performer’ for the 11th consecutive year.

This marks a decade’s worth of recognition for the insurer by Ward Group, the leading provider of benchmarking and best practices studies for the insurance industry.

Each year, Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of

nearly 3,000 property-casualty insurance companies in the U.S. to identify the top performers.

“The Ward’s Top 50 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Rural Mutual team who every day reaffirms our company’s unwavering commitment to provide the best protection and value to our customers we proudly serve throughout Wisconsin,” said Rural Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Dan Merk.

The top 50 companies are awarded the Ward’s 50 Seal, and their names are listed as the Ward’s 50 Top Performers for the year. Each Top 50 insurer passed safety and consistency screens and achieved superior performance during the five years analyzed.

Most Parents Text While Driving, but Believe it’s Unsafe M ore than one-half of U.S. parents believe it’s unsafe to text while driving, but most of them do it anyway, a new survey suggests.

“Many people believe that texting and driving is unsafe, but also have gotten away with reading or writing texts at some point, reinforcing a false sense of safety,” said senior study author Regan Bergmark of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Indeed, 52 percent of millennial parents, 22 to 37 years old, and 58 percent of older parents said they thought it was never safe to text and drive, researchers reported in JAMA Pediatrics.

But almost two-thirds of parents have read texts while driving, and more than one-half of them also have written texts, according to the survey of 435 parents in 45 U.S. states.

According to the study, millennial parents, a generation that includes many digital natives who grew up with smartphones, were more apt to have other dangerous habits while driving, including using email, checking email and speeding, than older parents.

“Many people are expected to be reachable by phone or email immediately, to be reachable for their children or work,” Bergmark added. “Being a responsible adult therefore often means always being reachable, yet we also know that while driving, being reachable carries the risk of a crash.”

About 16 percent of millennial parents and 10 percent of older parents in the survey said they had been in at least one crash in the previous year.

The survey found that compared with people who didn’t experience a crash, those who did were more likely to have unsafe driving habits like speeding, texting, emailing and doing other things on their phones.

Only about one out of four millennials and about one out of six older parents had used apps or phone features aimed at OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

cutting back on distracted driving.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how texting or other activities might cause crashes or if any specific interventions might help reduce this risk.

“In general, it is never safe to use a phone while driving,” said Despina Stavrinos, director of the Translational Research for Injury Prevention Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“There are a number of apps that can help to limit distracted driving, by disabling cell phone features when the vehicle is in motion,” Stavrinos, who wasn’t involved in the study, stated by email. “The simplest thing to do is to put the phone out of sight and out of reach to reduce the temptation to drive distracted.” wfbf.com

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RURAL MUTUAL

Seniors Become Victims to Identity Theft at Higher Rates S

enior adults are victimized by cybercrime and identity scams at higher rates than most other age groups. Each year, financial fraud and scams affect approximately 1 of every 18 older adults.

As the Baby Boomer generation enters its retirement years, it’s important to warn senior adults about the risk of identity theft and help them stay on guard against fraudulent scams.

Criminals are drawn to senior adults for a variety of reasons.

Limitations in mobility may keep senior adults at home more, creating a sense of loneliness and isolation from family and friends. Some may have memory or cognition difficulties that leave them more susceptible to manipulation. Identity thieves know that as a group, senior adults have greater financial wealth than other generations, therefore the payoff for stealing senior adults’ identities can be greater.

Educate the senior adults in your life about common scams that identity thieves and fraudsters are using.

1. P rize scam: Fraudsters contact the senior adult and say they have won a sweepstakes cash prize or lottery and need to make a payment to unlock the prize.

2. Technical support scam: A caller, claiming to be from a reputable technology company such as Microsoft or Apple, calls to tell the them that something is wrong with their computer. Claiming the computer has been infiltrated by hackers, the caller offers to help in exchange for a fee.

3. G randchild scam: The scammer calls a senior adult and says, “Hi Grandma, can you guess who this is?” When he or she guesses with the name of one of his or her grandchildren, the scammer uses that identity to request financial support for anything ranging from bail money to car repairs to overdue rent.

4. I nheritance scam: Like the prize scam, someone calls pretending to be an attorney and informs the senior adult that they’ve received an unexpected inheritance. Then they ask for personal information.

5. M edicare/NHS impersonation: One thing that senior adults have in common is their national health insurance plan. That gives identity thieves one key piece of information about a senior adult before doing

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any other research. By impersonating Medicare or NHS personnel, identity thieves get senior adults to give out personal information for verification purposes.

6. B ank official impersonation: This works much the same as the Medicare/NHS impersonation scam, except the information being captured is bank account numbers in addition to personal information.

7. Tax scam: Tax documents contain a trove of personal information, and nearly everyone must file them. Identity thieves approach tax scams by telephone and email. On the phone, the identity thief poses as a tax official and demands payment. Phishing emails look like official communications from the taxing authority with the goal of obtaining personal information for identity theft and possibly stealing refund checks.

8. R omance scam: Like any of us, senior adults want to pursue love interests and new friendships, and many use online dating websites and social media. Senior adults need to be aware that people do create fake online profiles in order to meet potential targets for fraud.

9. C aregiver or familiar fraud: Sadly, senior adults often become victims of the people charged with their care— family members or paid caregivers. It’s important that caregivers be trustworthy people with stable financial footing. Be wary if a caregiver tries to block the family’s access to a senior adult or hides bank statements or bills.

Talk to senior adults about these dangers and offer to review suspicious emails and mail or to help them look for unusual activity on bank statements and bills.

If a senior adult has died, maintain extra vigilance about the decedent’s credit report and identity in order to protect the surviving spouse and estate.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION