CEDC Helps Farm Tech Days In Countless Ways
Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has always supported Farm Technology Days (FTD) because of its reflection of contemporary advancements in agriculture. Since its debut as Farm Progress Days in 1954, this iconic celebration of Wisconsin’s agricultural sector has consistently showcased cutting-edge developments.
Chippewa County has hosted this event in 1968, 2004, and now again in 2024. This year’s FTD, scheduled for August 13-15 in Cadott, promises to be extraordinary. The event will be hosted at the expansive 360-acre CEDC Investor - Chippewa Valley Music Festival’s grounds, with Close Farms providing additional fields for demonstrations and crop exhibits.
Both venues are affiliated with CEDC Investor - Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC). Historical records suggest this is the first time the event has been held on CVEC lines. As a rural electric provider established by local farming families, the cooperative has a long history of supporting Farm Technology Days.
"At Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, our daily mission is to drive rural progress. Our cooperative, founded by farmers in the 1930s, finds it fitting to host Farm Technology Days in our service territory this year and support CEDC’s efforts," said Russ Falkenberg, president/CEO of CVEC. "We’ve developed infrastructure to support large events in our rural area, and we are proud to help bring thousands to the Chippewa Valley."
Despite CVEC's modest statements, their involvement has been significant. As a major sponsor, the co-op has spent the last year and a half preparing the grounds for an event expected to attract around 40,000 visitors. "In the past, Farm Technology Days used generators for power. About 18 months ago, they approached us to explore connecting to the grid," said Nic Alberson, CVEC’s operations manager and CEDC board member serving on the local FTD committee.
Alberson noted that an additional primary extension will enhance one of the event’s key features: an alley of 19 food trucks offering a diverse array of foods, replacing the traditional volunteer-operated food tents. This new food service approach, introduced by CEDC last year, is being expanded for this year. The improvements to the grounds' electrical system will benefit the site long after FTD concludes. "The best part is that some of the infrastructure will remain in place, positioning the facility for even more future growth," Alberson noted.
FTD always highlights the latest technology, and each year's event offers something new. This year's focus will be on smaller, more affordable technology aimed at those with smaller agricultural operations who may also have off-farm jobs
Key features of this year's show will include demonstrations on using drones, which are becoming valuable tools in agriculture by providing real-time data about crops and soils. There will even be a drone obstacle course for adults and youth to try their hand at operating a drone.
This is a significant departure from the 1968 Farm Progress Days held at the now (Lake Wissota Business Park), the first held in Chippewa County, which featured an all-electric home with a sign proudly proclaiming "Now! Electric heat for every room in your home." Visitors lined up to tour this major attraction.
While the focus is on farming, FTD offers fun for all ages and interests. "Anyone from any walk of life can come and have a good time, enjoying the scenery and entertainment," said Rob Mooney, CEDC Board Member and chair of the FTD planning committee. "There’s a lot going on."
Lisa Bruhn, former CEDC chair and current local FTD volunteer noted that over 500 commercial vendor spots had sold out by early July. CEDC Board Member Cathy Leibke, who serves as the hospitality chair noted that the committee has worked aggressively to give these vendors a proper “Chippewa Welcome” and providing the perfect connecting opportunity for business by organizing the hospitality events and VIP tent. Ken Pearson, CVTC Chippewa Campus Manager and CEDC Board Member has worked to ensure that the media and educational component of the Farm Technology Days is the best in the last 70 years. Ken explained “CVTC will have a major presence along with other higher education institutions in providing demonstrations and showcasing technology advancements in ag.”
CEDC Investor Ntera, a joint venture with Citizens Connected, brings high-speed rural broadband to underserved areas of the Chippewa Valley. Ryan Hartzell, CEDC Board Member and Ntera Director of Technical Services expressed the importance of the company’s work in bringing high speed internet - an important tool to enhance agricultural industries - to rural Wisconsin.
No matter your interests, Farm Technology Days promises an impressive performance. This entire event would not be possible without major financial support from many CEDC Investors, the hundreds of hours of dedicated time from CEDC board members, and the hard work of CEDC staff & volunteers.
Chippewa BDO Zone Aimed at Helping Farmers Grow
BIOECONOMY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY ZONE INITIATIVE
CEDC and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the establishment of a Chippewa BDO Zone and the issuance of an investment-grade ‘A’ Rating for Corn Stover in the Zone. This initiative certifies Chippewa's readiness for bio-based manufacturing. The Chippewa County BDO Zone is the first in Wisconsin to receive an ‘A’ rating. This internationally recognized, standards-based technical risk assessment evaluates biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure risk for developing new biofuel, renewable chemical, biogas, and bioproduct plants. All of this will help Chippewa County farmers in potentially using more of their corn stover surplus.
The next part of the BDO Zone is to educate its advantages to local farmers. Recently, led by CEDC Board Member Karen Smith of Security Bank, a BEAR VISIT was organized and held at Red Cedar Agronomy to discuss the BDO Zone and its benefits. Red Cedar Agronomy, owned by Agronomist Jake Zwiefelhofer, is an independent agronomy service.
Agronomists like Jake are important because they are instrumental in advancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience. The more they know about the BDO Zone, the more they can get the word out to their customers. Their expertise and research helps to address global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and the sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture.
CEDC Engages in FTD Media Day
On Monday, July 8th, CEDC Organized a Wisconsin Farm Technology Days (FTD) exclusive event for Media. Working with Daredevil Consulting, this event offered a preview of the exciting events and innovations planned for this year’s FTD celebration. Held at the Chippewa Valley Music Festival grounds in Cadott, the Media Day provided journalists and other media contacts a firsthand look at what attendees can expect from the upcoming event scheduled for August 13-15.
Media Day kicked off with a welcome address from our very own, Charlie Walker, who highlighted FTD's 70-year history of showcasing agricultural advancements which Chippewa County has been a part of twice before – In 1968 and 2004. Media representatives had the opportunity to tour the Close Farm and inspect the Tent City grounds located at the Chippewa Valley Music Festival grounds. Several media reps opted to utilize the drone demonstration to get a birds-eye view of how the 70th FTD show will be laid out.
One of the highlights of the day was a preview of the cutting-edge technology that will be on display. From drone demonstrations providing real-time data on crop health to the latest in agricultural machinery, Media Day emphasized FTD’s commitment to innovation. The new drone obstacle course, set to be a major attraction, was also unveiled, allowing media representatives to witness its potential for both educational and entertainment purposes.
Another highlight was the expanded food truck alley, featuring over 15 unique food vendors. This variety of culinary offerings replaces the traditional food tents, adding a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere to the event and highlighting entrepreneurship.
The FTD media committee also highlighted the array of family-friendly activities planned for FTD. From a petting zoo and kiddie tractor pulls to an adventure passbook for children, along with face painting, there will be plenty to keep younger attendees entertained. The media was informed that children 12 and under get in FREE because they are the future talent of the agricultural industry. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days continues to be a beacon of innovation, education, and community spirit, and this year’s event promises to be one of the best yet.
For more information about Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, including ticket purchases and a detailed schedule of events, visit wifarmtechdays.org or call the CEDC Office at (715) 723-7150. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic celebration from August 13-15 in Cadott! Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the biggest agricultural event of the year.
FOOD TRUCK ALLEY
Chippewa County is hosting this year's Wisconsin Farm Technololgy Days and along with that comes an all new "Food Truck Alley" featuring 19 of the hottest local food trucks.
1/4 chicken dinner, chicken sandwich, philly cheesesteaks, home made mac-n-cheese, roasted potatoes, pulled pork, and beverages. Get Terr Done Catering
3 Chief's Frybread
Frybread, Indian tacos, fryburgers, frybread donuts, soda, and water.
Adam & Eve's Cookie Wagon
Fresh chocolate chip cookies, milk, and edible cookie dough.
Hopper's Mini Donuts
Bag of mini donuts, bucket of mini donuts, lemonade, and water.
Big Papa BBQ
Southern barbeque, pulled pork sandwiches, loaded potato, loaded mac-n-cheese, soda, and water.
BeezNeez Cheesecake & Sweets
Cheesecakes, desserts, and cinnamon rolls.
Curds of Wisconsin
Cheese curds, regular and flavored.
Bubble's BBQ
Grandpa Choo Choo's Kettle
Korn
Kettle Corn Castle
Tasty Trolley
Pulled pork, chicken cordon bleu, cuban, lobster roll, potato salad, coleslaw, and curds.
Kettle corn with flavors, soda, and water.
Kettle corn, pork rinds, shaved ice, iced coffee, tea, coffee, frozen lemonade, and water.
Nachos, walking tacos, pork sandwiches, mac-n-cheese, lemonade, and drinks.
Travelin' Nuts
Blended roasted nuts and lemonade.
Big Girl Street Foods
Hot dogs, walking tacos, curds, fries, nachos, and beverages.
Olson's Ice Cream
Ice cream, shakes, malts, sundaes, rootbeer floats, and banana splits.
Any Street Grill
Burgers, hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, cheese curds, fries, and grilled cheese.
Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos
Curd tacos, 4 varieties.
Ponytail Pizza
Pizza, soda, and water.
Big Daddy's Grub
Tex-Mex BBQ infusion, and made-to-order breakfast.
3 Blind Mice
Licorice
WI FARM TECH DAYS EVENTS
Join us at WI Farm Tech Days from August 13th - 15th for an incredible lineup of entertainment on the Rural Event Center Stage. From ceremonies to live music, there's something for everyone! Get your tickets: www.wifarmtechdays.org
August 13
-9:30am - 10am: Opening Ceremony
Presentation of Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
America the Beautiful National Anthem
Introduction of Host Farm Families, Country Fest
Governor Evers (invited)
Secretary of Agriculture Randy Romanski
Rep. Summerfield and Sen. James (invited)
-10am - 11am: Siverling Centennial Farm, Vanessa and Jared Siverling
Preserving locally grown produce
-11am - Noon: Mad Dog and Merrill, Midwest Grill’n
-Noon: Alice in Dairyland
-1pm - 4pm: North of Dixie
August 14
-10am - 11am: Siverling Centennial Farm, Vanessa and Jared Siverling
Preserving locally grown produce
-11am - Noon: Mad Dog and Merrill, Midwest Grill’n
-Noon: Alice in Dairyland
-1pm - 4pm: Danville Folk
August 15
-10am - 11am: Siverling Centennial Farm, Vanessa and Jared Siverling
Preserving locally grown produce
-11am - Noon: Mad Dog and Merrill, Midwest Grill’n
-Noon: Alice in Dairyland
-1pm - 4pm: Emm K
Come and enjoy a mix of educational sessions, cooking demonstrations, and fantastic live music!
