Rural Route August September 2020

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

august | september • vol. 26 no. 4 | wfbf.com

Wilfert Family

USES TECHNOLOGIES TO GROW QUALITY PRODUCE page 18

2020 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

contents vol. 26 no. 4

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MEMBERS HOST EVENTS

Farm Bureau members host Women for Trump tour and Pence event.

POLICY BACKGROUNDERS

Learn more about the top issues in policy development.

ANNUAL MEETING

Preview this year's WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference.

WILFERT FAMILY

Manitowoc County members use technology to grow quality produce.

EXTENSION

Extension uses innovative approaches to meet community needs.

ROAD SAFETY

As fall harvest approaches, safety is of the utmost importance for farmers.

OPINIONS

Columns from Bragger, Duvall, Daniels and Setzer.

FARM BUREAU FLAVOR

Wilfert Farms shares some of their favorite recipes.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Apply now for various Ag in the Classroom programs.

RURAL MUTUAL

Life insurance is a valuable tool to protect you and your family.

COVER PHOTO BY MARIAN VINEY

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION'S

EDITOR'S NOTE

T

he afternoon before the June|July issue of Rural Route went to the printer I received life-changing news. The kind of news that takes your breath away and instantly stops your life and resets it in a hard and painful way.

On June 2, our daughter, Chloe, died in her sleep at daycare. Healthy and spirited, her death was extremely unexpected.

Right or wrong, I share this with you because I feel I should. When she was born, my husband and I made a conscious effort to share her with our family and friends and that included you as a member of Wisconsin Farm Bureau and a reader of Rural Route. I have always written about what I love because that drives my motivation and passion, and I love her. It was inevitable that I would write about her even if I tried not to and I had already shared her with you in past editor’s notes.

I also fear that it would be hypocritical of me not to share when I tirelessly advocate for farmers to share their stories – even when it is extremely difficult.

I will forever carry an immense amount of grief, but I was especially sad when

I realized she died two days shy of having her 9-month photo taken. I had planned for this monthly update photo for our Facebook friends to be dairy month themed and it was going to include her favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Moo. Instead, I cling to the photos below of her with her Mr. Moo, enjoying her first tractor ride with her uncle and spending quality time with a calf. She really did love the cows.

Chloe had a way of cheering up everyone around her. That is why Jon and I tried to share her with many during this rough year. Virtual visits, video clips and photos were delivered to family and friends in an attempt to garner a smile. We started calling this #ChloeCheer. Now, following her death we are continuing an effort of sharing unexpected joy with someone who needs it.

I challenge you to spread joy during this year that keeps dishing out challenges in one way or another.

Be kind to one another and be thankful for every day you get on earth no matter how challenging it may be. If you have children in your life, hug them extra tight for me. Cherish every second with them and don’t push off time with them to do other things.

That day our lives were flipped upside down in a tragic way. I want to thank the public relations team at Wisconsin Farm Bureau for wrapping up the final edits for the June|July issue and getting it to the printer on time. I took a leave of absence and in full disclosure, they have put together this issue for you.

The days and weeks following Chloe’s death have been extremely hard and I am forever thankful for my colleagues and the compassion they have showed our families. I have a great appreciation for the support from the Farm Bureau family.

Thank you, 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 Joe Bragger, Independence (President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove (Vice President) Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Kevin Krentz, Berlin Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford Peter Kimball, Baldwin Darby Sampson, Melrose (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Kelly Oudenhoven, De Pere (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

WFBF Member Hosts EPA Administrator on Dairy Farm

On June 15, the Elbe family welcomed EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler (center) to their dairy farm near West Bend.

"It was truly an honor to host the EPA Administrator on our farm so we could showcase our conservation practices and highlight the involvement of each of our family members," said Washington County Farm Bureau member Ryan Elbe who along with his siblings, is the second-generation at Golden E Dairy. "We appreciate the Administrator coming straight to the source to learn about agriculture and how regulations and policies impact our day-to-day lives."

By working on a neighboring dairy during high school, firstgeneration farmer Chris Elbe grew his herd from 25 to 2,400 milk cows on the farm today.

Administrator Wheeler began his day by visiting Milwaukee where he announced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Trash Free Waters grant after a tour of the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences.

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hris and Tracey Elbe, owners of Golden E Dairy in West Bend, hosted a farm tour for EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on June 15.

"Conservation and caring for the environment is something that Wisconsin farmers care passionately about," said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Joe Bragger. "It was an incredible experience to host Administrator Wheeler on a Wisconsin dairy farm to show how we care for the land, livestock and our other natural resources."

The Elbe family showcased how water used to cool milk is recycled for the cows to drink as a conservation practice.

They also walked the Administrator through the process of milk traveling from their farm to the grocery store shelf in less than 48 hours.

(from left): EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Region 5 EPA Administrator Kurt Theide, DBA President Tom Crave and WFBF President Joe Bragger raised a glass of milk to toast dairy farmers after the tour.

Pokorny Named WFBF's Chief Administrative Officer K

im Pokorny has been selected as Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's Chief Administrative Officer.

Pokorny will oversee all the day-to-day operations and staff for WFBF. "I'm thrilled to bring my expertise and passion for agriculture to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation," said Pokorny. "I look forward to working with the staff, board and members to develop opportunities and solutions to advance agriculture in Wisconsin.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to return back to my roots in agriculture."

Pokorny most recently served as the executive director for AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association where she led operations for the organization. Additionally, she led the Food ArmorÂŽ Foundation. Prior to her involvement with WVMA, Pokorny served as a program manager for the Professional Dairy Producers.

"I'm excited to welcome Kim to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau family," said WFBF Vice President and Interim CAO Dave Daniels. "She has a great knowledge of agriculture and comes with extensive experience with other non-profit associations. She is an active member of the Dodge County 4-H and Waupun FFA Alumni. Kim also was a member of the Wisconsin Ag Coalition."

Kim grew up on a registered Brown Swiss farm in Monroe.

Today, she and her husband, Doyle, reside on a small farm in Waupun with their three children: Dylon, Katrina and Cameron.

Pokorny succeeds Dave Daniels, who served as the WFBF's interim CAO. She began her duties as CAO on Aug. 17. wfbf.com

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NEWS

CARES Act Helps Wisconsin Farmers O n March 27, members of the U.S. Congress passed the largest economic aid package in U.S. history, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which provided more than $2 trillion in economic relief to those affected by COVID-19. This included an additional $250 billion to make unemployment insurance available to more categories of workers and to extend the duration of benefits to 39 weeks from 26 weeks, $301 billion in direct payments to households and $349 billion in loans to small businesses.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program on May 19. CFAP will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers and ranchers who have suffered a five percent or greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

Most crops grown and livestock raised in the U.S. are eligible for CFAP payments. For individual commodity payment amounts and eligibility, visit farmers.gov. The deadline to sign up is Aug. 28.

Farmers and ranchers will receive direct support, drawn from two possible funding sources.

The CARES Act included $9.5 billion directed to the USDA to be spent at the discretion of Secretary Perdue and will be the first source of funding to compensate farmers for losses due to price declines that occurred between mid-January and mid-April 2020 and provides support for specialty crops for product that had been shipped from the farm between the same time period but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channels.

The second funding source uses the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to compensate producers for $6.5 billion in losses due to on-going market disruptions.

Approved applicants will be eligible for 80 percent of approved payments with the remaining 20 percent paid on a prorated basis depending on the amount of total CFAP appropriations remaining.

To date, the USDA has issued $895,310,302 in CFAP payments. Total CFAP payments to farmers is more than $1 billion. About 15,222 dairy farmers have received payments, approaching 50 percent of the total number of dairy farmers in the country. The average

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payment is slightly less than $59,000 per farm.

Wisconsin continues to lead the country in dairy CFAP payments, with nearly $202 million disbursed to more than 3,800 farmers.

The U.S. Congress has passed four relief packages totaling more than $2.4 trillion. That historical amount alone is larger than the economies of all but six other nations. Going forward, the U.S. House has already passed another COVID relief package, Phase 4, which totals more than $3 trillion.

Most believe this to be a starting point for negotiations with the U.S. Senate, but it shows the willingness that the U.S. Congress has to open the treasury. In conversations with Senate agricultural leaders, there is hesitation to put additional funding forward until the effects of current appropriations have had time to take effect. Recently, Senate Republicans have released their HEALS Act proposal, and negotiations continue to be ongoing.

At this time there is no strong indication as to a timeline for a compromise proposal between the Senate and House.

American Farm Bureau Federation and WFBF staff will continue to monitor these programs and advocate on behalf of our members as these negotiations continue.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Farm Support Program F ollowing weeks of discussion earlier this spring, organizations representing nearly every facet of agriculture in our state submitted a formal request to Gov. Tony Evers seeking to be included in the financial assistance sent to Wisconsin through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Wisconsin received approximately $2 billion through the CARES Act. The request from agriculture to the administration was to use $50 million of this federal aid in direct payments to producers.

The crushing economic destruction to the commodity markets resulting from the coronavirus pandemic devastated the labor force, threatened food supply chains and created panic buying from retailers and consumers.

While $50 million was not nearly enough to cover the total loss to food producers in Wisconsin, it was helpful in temporarily sustaining some farmers who lost their markets and faced additional costs while trying to reorganize their businesses.

Farm Bureau participated in the cooperative effort with other agriculture organizations in providing guidance to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The priorities for these organizations were that the program be simple and that the payout be as immediate as possible. While DATCP is the agency most closely connected to agriculture, it does not have the capabilities to make general payments to a large constituency. So, the Department of Revenue cooperated by accepting and processing the applications as directed by DATCP. The application period ran from June 15 to 29. Payments were processed and dispensed on July 15. Farmers reporting gross income for 2019 between $35,000 and $5 million were eligible for the program. Approximately 12,000 farmers received a $3,500 payment through the program. The entire $50 million was not dispensed in response to this first round of applicants.

As a result, DATCP is planning to open a second application period from Aug. 10 to 24. Farmers who had a gross income, before accounting for expenses, between $10,000 and $5 million in 2019 are eligible to apply. Farmers who applied the first time may apply for the second round if they did not receive a payment in the first round. Farmers who applied the first time and were denied will need to apply a second time to be considered.

The application portal link is available on the DATCP and DOR websites.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau along with our colleague organizations in Wisconsin’s agriculture industries are appreciative of Gov. Evers’ recognition

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of the incredible impact our agriculture businesses have on the state’s economy. Wisconsin Farm Bureau also is grateful for the support received from many legislators who appealed to the administration to hear us and act on our behalf. Keeping the food supply chain flowing consistently and smoothly is key to keeping processing facilities open and grocery store shelves stocked for consumers. All of this contributes almost 12 percent to Wisconsin’s employment.

In this same action, Gov. Evers also announced he will contribute an additional $15 million of the CARES Act dollars to food banks, pantries and other food businesses that have faced hurdles in adjusting to the pandemic. These dollars are intended to help eligible entities purchase, process and store Wisconsin agricultural products for distribution to local families and consumers who are experiencing food insecurity.

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NEWS

WFBF Members Host Women for Trump Tour O n July 10, Outagamie County Farm Bureau members Keith and Kelly Oudenhoven hosted the Women for Trump Tour on their family's farm, Larrand Dairy, in De Pere.

"It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to have these women tour our farm and listen to the challenges we face and the policy solutions we would like to see implemented," said Kelly. "We are so proud of the work we do and it feels good to know the campaign staff recognize the important role we, as farmers, play in the economy."

The women on the tour were Mercedes Schlapp, Trump campaign senior adviser for strategic communications; Katrina Pierson, Trump campaign senior adviser; Pam Bondi, the national co-chair for Women for Trump; and Penny Nance, a member of the Women for Trump advisory board.

The stop at Larrand Dairy started with a round table discussion between the Oudenhoven family and Women for Trump representatives. The Oudenhovens talked about challenges accessing and attracting labor, supply chain complications that surfaced early in the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of trade. Kelly serves as the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee chair and was also able to touch on the challenges and opportunities young people in agriculture face.

Larrand Dairy is home to 375 milking cows and is owned by

Keith's parents Larry and Joan Oudenhoven. Keith and Kelly are the fourth generation on the farm and hope to one day pass the farm onto their children as the fifth generation.

The Women for Trump bus tour was a three-day event in Wisconsin beginning July 9 with a round table discussion in Port Washington followed by the Oudenhoven farm tour and wrapped up July 11 at the Wisconsin Republican Convention.

WFBF Members Participate in USMCA Round Table O n July 17, Vice President Mike Pence conducted a United States-MexicoCanada Agreement round-table discussion at Morning Star Dairy in Onalaska. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation members Todd Servais and state Representative Tony Kurtz joined five other farmers in talking with the Vice President.

"It was very encouraging to talk to Vice President Pence about continuing our fifth-generation dairy farm by improving trade and infrastructure to better move our products," said La Crosse County Farm Bureau member Todd Servais.

Serving on the panel were Todd Servais, John and Barbara Schaller, Karla Dummer, Patrick McHugh, state Representative Tony Kurtz and Cameron Schaller.

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The panel addressed the need for fair trade for American farmers to compete in the global economy, the impact of tariffs on commodity markets and improving markets amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the USMCA round-table event, Vice President Pence spoke at Ripon college.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

WFBF Adds Yamaha Discount to Member Benefit Lineup W

isconsin Farm Bureau is excited to announce a new partnership with Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, to offer members a special discount.

WFBF members can receive $250 off the purchase of a new Yamaha 4WD ATV, side-by-side or snowmobile.

"It is exciting to add another money-saving member benefit to our already robust lineup," said WFBF President Joe Bragger.

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"We are thrilled to announce this new partnership."

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

*Program excludes all youth models. **You must be a paid Wisconsin Farm Bureau member at the time of purchase to receive the $250 factory direct rebate. ***You will need your Farm Bureau membership number to complete the form.

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NEWS

Farm Center Offers 24/7 Hotline in New Pilot Program A s of July 1, Wisconsin farmers facing increased stress and other challenges can access additional free and confidential counseling resources by contacting the Farm Center at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

As part of a new pilot program, the Farm Center can now connect callers to a 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline. The hotline can be reached at 888.901.2558. Licensed mental health professionals contracted by the department will provide immediate, in-the-moment care.

In addition to the 24/7 hotline, long-term options are available: Callers can schedule ongoing tele-health counseling sessions from a contracted licensed counselorbased in Wisconsin, with referrals made through the 24/7 hotline or through the Wisconsin Farm Center (800.942.2474).

Persons who prefer an in-person session can request to meet with a local provider through the Farm Center's longstanding Counseling Voucher Program.

"The 24/7 Farmer Counseling Hotline is available around the clock as a welcoming ear for farmers who need to talk through a challenging time in their life," said Farm Center Director Jayne Krull. "We hope that this initial pilot program will help us better understand whether a 24/7 hotline and tele-counseling are viable tools for our farmers with mental health needs."

This pilot program is made possible by funding that was provided in Gov. Tony Evers' 2019-2021 biennial budget and approved by the state legislature. The 24/7 hotline and tele-counseling services are two of several initiatives developed by the Farm Center in response to increased challenges faced by the agricultural industry.

In June, the Farm Center launched 'Rural Realities,' a podcast offering advice to farmers and farm service providers about managing stress and

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anxiety. To listen to the podcast, visit FarmCenter. wi.gov. Throughout the summer and into fall, the Farm Center will be hosting QPR trainings (Question-Persuade-Refer) for people who work closely with farmers, so they can learn how to identify the warning signs of a suicide crisis and direct the person to appropriate resources.

Since the mid-1980s, the Farm Center, part of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, has provided a variety of farmer services including financial and business consultation, farm succession planning, conflict mediation and consultation related to production opportunities and challenges. For more information, contact FarmCenter@wisconsin.gov.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Food and Farm Support Fund Grows with New Partner R ural Mutual Insurance and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation announced that the Wisconsin Beef Council will join them as a partner in raising money and awareness for the Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund.

Through this partnership, a donation of more than 10,000 pounds of ground beef will be coordinated through American Foods Group and will be distributed to Feeding Wisconsin food banks across the state.

Together, with generous donations from employees, the public, corporate sponsors and Rural Mutual Insurance agents, the fund has raised nearly $50,000 to help support Feeding Wisconsin and Harvest of Hope.

"Feeding Wisconsin and our network of food banks is grateful for the support of this growing partnership and the generous community giving that we've seen," said Feeding Wisconsin Executive Director Stephanie Jung Dorfman.

"At a time when we are seeing an increased demand for our services and our food banks are purchasing more food than ever before, these funds are enabling us to source great Wisconsin products to distribute to our friends and neighbors in need."

"We are proud to support the Wisconsin Beef Council and their efforts to support the state's farmers and Feeding Wisconsin," said American Foods Group Fresh Meat Vice President Mark Winter. "This donation will help neighbors in need during these challenging times, and to support Wisconsin's cattle farmers who are working hard every day to ensure that their high quality, nutritious beef is readily available."

Rural Mutual Insurance is focusing on collecting funds for Feeding Wisconsin. Feeding Wisconsin is the statewide association of the Feeding America food banks that provide Rural Mutual Insurance Company has been protecting Wisconsin for 85 years. As an AM Best A+ Superior company, Rural Mutual provides a full line of insurance products exclusively to families, businesses and farms in Wisconsin. The company is headquartered in Madison with more than 150 local agents across the state. For more information, visit RuralMutual.com.

food to more than 1,000 local food programs in all 72 counties of the state.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau is focusing on collecting funds for Harvest of Hope, a farm family crisis relief fund that is supported by the Madison Christian Community. Wisconsin farm families that are experiencing financial stress can fill out a short application requesting up to $1,500.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund and how you can donate by visiting ruralmutual.com/ about/donations or wfbf.com/wisconsin-food-and-farmsupport-fund.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Wisconsin Beef Council is a producer-directed not-for-profit organization funded by the $1 per head assessment on all cattle sold in the state of Wisconsin per the Federal Beef Promotion and Research Act & Order. The purpose of the Council is to fund beef promotion, research and consumer education activities supporting Wisconsin's beef industry. For more information, visit beeftips.com.

American Foods Group is one of the largest beef processing companies in the United States and employs more than 1,500 people locally. The AFG protein capabilities include beef in fresh, frozen, value-added and fully prepared formats; additionally, animal components for medical research. Based out of Green Bay, with locations throughout the Midwest, AFG is proud to be a trusted partner to their employees, customers, suppliers and communities. For more information, visit americanfoodsgroup.com.

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Sparking Action to Ignite Change Farm Bureau Policy Season Underway

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ach year, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and American Farm Bureau Federation engage members in the policy development process to guide the organization for the upcoming year. This grassroots process allows county Farm Bureau members to voice their ideas, concerns and experiences. Each year, AFBF and WFBF create issue backgrounders for areas where policy additions or changes may be needed. On the following pages, you can review these issues backgrounders and consider what you will share during your district or county policy development meeting. These documents are for informational purposes only and do not suggest a policy stance.

WFBF Issue Backgrounders

Water Studies

The Driftless Area Water Study was created based on the water study being conducted in Grant, Lafayette and Iowa counties called the Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology study. The counties that make up the DAWS are Vernon, Crawford and Richland.

indicator of potential contamination, at a higher rate than other counties in Wisconsin. In Grant and Lafayette counties there is not a well test baseline. The goal of the SWIGG study is to determine the quality of the water in a sample of wells. If contamination exists, the study will provide counties and the state with detailed information about how to protect public health and help to ensure that every resident has safe drinking water.

The first phase of the study includes a broad, multi-phased sampling of wells in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties for nitrates and bacteria to assess whether well water contamination exists and how widespread it is.

Next, researchers will look at the geology around sampled wells and how wells are constructed to determine what might be influencing how contaminants enter well water. For wells that are contaminated, researchers will take additional samples to determine the source of that contamination.

To view this issue backgrounder in full, visit wfbf.com/policy/ policy-development.

Discussion Questions

Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology Study

Southwest Wisconsin has fractured bedrock that can allow contaminants from the surface to easily get into groundwater and contaminate drinking water. These contaminants can cause illnesses in people and animals that consume contaminated water.

Wells sampled in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties tested positive for coliform bacteria (Figure 1), an

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Figure 1. Generalized bedrock geology in southwest Wisconsin.

Should there be statewide well testing or should these efforts remain regional?

Is there a well sampling standard that should be followed or multi-phase testing criteria established for future well testing studies?

Should well testing be a state regulation? If so, how often? If not, how should well testing data be gathered?

When well testing samples are analyzed, is there a single entity where the well data is compiled and housed?

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Coronavirus

Wisconsin's experience with COVID-19 started on Feb. 5. A Dane County resident was the first to test positive for COVID-19.

On March 27, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act which provided more than $2 trillion in economic relief to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The bill directed more than $48 billion to agricultural programs including $14 billion to the Commodity Credit Corporation for reimbursement of the net realized losses that were not previously reimbursed. The CARES Act also established the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Wisconsin received $1.9 billion of this funding to be distributed

by Gov. Tony Evers.

On May 20, Gov. Evers announced the state would direct $50 million in federal COVID-19 aid to Wisconsin farmers struggling with the economic fallout of the pandemic through the Wisconsin Farm Support Program.

To date, the U.S. Congress has passed four relief packages totaling more than $2.4 trillion. At the time of writing this, there is a Phase 4 COVID-19 relief package being negotiated by Congress.

To view this issue backgrounder in full, visit wfbf.com/policy/policy-development.

Gov. Evers Executive Order #40 directed the Department of Natural Resources to create the PFAS Coordinating Council also known as the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council or WisPAC and, in partnership with state agencies, developed a PFAS Action Plan.

Two advisory groups were established to provide a forum for public engagement in the plan development process including: A citizen/public policy advisory group and a local government advisory group. Both groups met in March of 2020. The plan was to have recommendations collected at these advisory group meetings compiled and forwarded as proposals for WisPAC to consider for inclusion in the PFAS Action Plan.

The DNR held stakeholder meetings on this rule revision on Feb. 6, and another on March 23. The information from these meetings is available at the bottom of the NR 140 web page. It is unclear when these meetings will resume.

WFBF does not specifically address PFAS in the 2020 Policy Book; however, there are existing policies that indirectly reflect WFBF's position on environmental issues as well as pollution abatement.

To view this issue backgrounder in full, visit wfbf.com/policy/ policy-development.

Discussion Questions

Does WFBF's policy adequately address issues that have been raised during the COVID-19 pandemic?

COVID-19 and the resulting shut down of businesses, restaurants and schools exposed the vulnerabilities of the supply chain. What can we learn and how do we build a better, more flexible supply chain?

There are business owners who are announcing they are not reopening, closing markets for farmers. Who should connect farmers and processors so there is minimal disruption for businesses, restaurants and schools?

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of substances that contain several categories and classes of durable chemicals and materials with properties that include oil, water, temperature, chemical and fire resistance, as well as electrical insulating properties. Each PFAS compound has unique physical and chemical properties.

Different classes of PFAS are used in manufacturing of products including carpet protectant and non-stick cookware but also are used in products such as surgical gowns and drapes, electronic devices such as cell phones and semi-conductors, commercial aircraft and low-emission vehicles.

A ban of PFAS will eliminate products that enable activities of modern society. It is the role of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review PFAS compounds and the best available science to determine how PFAS compounds should be regulated.

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Discussion Questions

How does the presence of PFASs in the environment affect production agriculture? Water? Soil? Air? Currently, EPA establishes tolerable levels of PFAS based on available scientific research and data. Should these tolerable levels be determined at the federal level or should they be developed at the state level?

Should WFBF support using proven, scientific practices when creating laws that govern the containment of PFAS? Should WFBF support government agencies using proven, scientific data when developing policies concerning the application of urban sludge?

Should WFBF support indemnifying farmers or farm owners for the cost of any damages or cleanup resulting from the presence of PFAS that are the result of others?

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AFBF Issue Backgrounders Minimum Negotiated Cattle Trade

American Farm Bureau Federation supports robust markets that have the best chance of delivering the highest value to producers for cattle. Increased government mandates and regulations risk injecting regulations on farmers where they do not exist and depressing future prices.

AFBF is working to ensure there is no market manipulation and livestock farmers receive fair compensation.

effort, indicates that there are limited benefits to a mandatory minimum level of negotiated transactions. According to the study, a mandatory minimum level of negotiated transactions could create considerable costs producers and consumers due to lost efficiency and product quality.

A recent white paper by Colorado State University's Dr. Koontz indicates a mandatory policy of 50 percent minimum negotiated cash transactions would result in a $2.5 billion loss to the industry in the first year, and an overall loss of $16 billion over 10 years.

We can and should promote a more robust price discovery system, but not at the expense of a producer's ability to utilize value-based, consumer-driven marketing arrangements. AFBF's producer members realize that producers know the best course of action for their individual operations and that there is no easy, uniform solution.

To view this issue backgrounder in full, visit fb.org/marketintel/examining-cattle-transactions-in-the-u.s.

Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL)

Current Policy Efforts and the Cattle Markets

Some legislators and others have made proposals that would increase federal government mandates and regulations into cattle markets in hopes of preventing price manipulation. It is uncertain to what degree manipulation would be prevented.

However, mandates hold no guarantee of higher returns for producers. It also is certain that they would interject additional federal government regulation into markets. AFBF delegates oppose a mandatory minimum for negotiated (spot market) cattle slaughter. Mandates on negotiated cash trade limit the use of alternative marketing agreements (AMAs). While more negotiated trade would further bolster price discovery, a minimum negotiated trade threshold means the federal government must monitor and maintain the minimum, inviting further government regulation upon the industry. Furthermore, this additional regulation likely won't solve the problems it is purported to solve and would likely result in negative consequences for the industry.

Price discovery is not the same as price determination and does not necessarily mean it will result in higher prices.

COVID-19 and its impact on our country's economy is an unprecedented external shock to the overall food system and supply chain. No amount of negotiated trade would provide relief from these supply chain challenges.

Research by academic faculty at various land grant institutions on the costs and benefits of AMAs and impacts of mandatory minimum negotiated trading volumes show that limiting AMAs usage by the beef industry will decrease efficiency and potentially beef product quality, and increase processing and marketing costs.

The USDA GIPSA RTI Livestock and Meat Marketing Study (LMMS), a six-volume, peer-reviewed report, which represents the work of 30 researchers and nearly three years of

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AFBF has supported country of origin labeling for a variety of agricultural products. AFBF supported the U.S. Trade Representative's efforts to defend U.S. law in the World Trade Organization case brought by Canada and Mexico. As a result of the negative decision, U.S. Congress acted to remove beef and pork from the MCOOL program and preserved it for other agricultural products.

Background

MCOOL provisions were enacted in the 2002 Farm Bill, but the final implementation rule took effect on March 16, 2009.

The rule required most grocers to inform consumers about the country of origin of fresh produce, fish, shellfish, various nuts, ginseng and ground and muscle cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and goat.

Despite prior consultations, the U.S., Canada and Mexico were unable to resolve their differences, resulting in Canada and Mexico requesting the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel in October 2009.

In Nov. 2011, the WTO DS panel concluded that features of U.S. MCOOL discriminated against foreign livestock and inconsistent with the U.S.'s WTO obligations. The U.S., Canada and Mexico appealed the panel's finding. Ultimately, the U.S. was left with a compliance deadline of May 23, 2013. USDA issued a revised MCOOL rule requiring that labels show where each production step (born, raised, slaughtered) occurred and prohibited the commingling of muscle-cut meat from different origins.

Canada, Mexico and a WTO compliance panel still found MCOOL to be discriminatory against foreign cattle and hogs.

A U.S. appeal of the report proved unsuccessful, leading to arbitration proceedings. In Dec. 2015, the arbitration panel granted a retaliation level for Canada at US$781 million and for Mexico at US$228 million. On Dec. 18, 2015, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 repealed MCOOL for ground and muscle cuts of beef and pork. After the repeal, USDA halted WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MCOOL enforcement for beef and pork. Finally, on March 2, 2016, USDA amended the MCOOL regulations to reflect the repeal of the MCOOL law for ground and muscle cuts of beef and pork.

The Meat of the Problem

The MCOOL law prohibited USDA from using a mandatory animal identification system, but the original 2002 version stated that the Agriculture secretary "may require that any person that prepares, stores, handles or distributes a covered commodity for retail sale maintain a verifiable recordkeeping audit trail that will permit the secretary to verify compliance."

Verification immediately became one of the most contentious issues, in part because of the potential complications and costs of tracking animals and their products from birth through retail sale.

The meat labeling requirements in MCOOL proved to be among the most controversial of rulemakings because of the steps that U.S. feeding operations and packing plants had to adopt to segregate, hold and slaughter foreign-origin livestock.

The WTO panel found that the MCOOL's legitimacy

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was undermined because a large amount of beef and pork was exempt, putting imported livestock at a competitive disadvantage to domestic livestock for no reason.

The panel noted between 57.7 percent and 66.7 percent of beef and 83.5 percent and 84.1 percent of pork did not provide origin information to consumers.

MCOOL had several exemptions that resulted in a significant share of beef and pork that did not convey origin information. Chiefly, MCOOL exempted items from labeling requirements if they were an ingredient in a processed food; covered only retailers that annually purchase at least $230,000 of perishable agricultural commodities; and exempted dining establishments and similar facilities that prepare and sell foods to the public from these labeling requirements.

Economic Impact of MCOOL

A requirement of the 2014 Farm Bill was to quantify the market impacts of MCOOL. The report, released in 2015, found no evidence of meat demand increases for MCOOL covered products, but found considerable evidence of increased compliance costs that ultimately cost the meat industry and consumers billions.

To view this issue backgrounder in full, visit fb.org/marketintel/cattle-and-hog-marketdisruptions-renew-interest-inmcool.

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g n i t e e M l a u n n A F B F W 0 202 e l u d e h c S & s Change

Changes to Annual Meeting and YFA Conference

The 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting will be held for members to attend in person or via virtual live stream on Dec. 5 and 6.

The meeting agenda has been shortened to a two-day format during which only essential business will be conducted.

"Due to anticipated restrictions and guidance from event stakeholders, we have decided to plan only the essential functions of our Annual Meeting and make those sessions accessible to those who do not want to attend in person," said WFBF President Joe Bragger. "This was not an easy choice, but we realize it is what is best for our members and staff as we don't know what the future will hold. This approach allows us to make adjustments as needed during the planning process."

The Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference, which is

normally held in conjunction with the WFBF Annual Meeting, will be held virtually.

"Our committee was faced with making a very tough choice, but we are optimistic that using video conferencing technology will still allow us to learn and network," said WFBF YFA Committee Chair Kelly Oudenhoven.

The YFA Discussion Meet, which is normally held during the YFA Conference, also will be conducted virtually this year. The contest is open to any Wisconsin Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35. The deadline to register is Oct. 23.

WFBF staff are monitoring event restrictions due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest Annual Meeting and YFA Conference information can be found at wfbf.com.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

WFBF 101ST ANNUAL MEETING

Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells

SAT

5

DEC

SUN

6

DEC 16

TBD Registration Open – Registration Africa West 11:30 a.m. Lunch and Opening Session – Africa East/West Ballroom 12:30 p.m. District Caucuses:

District 1: Africa 10 District 6: Africa 60

District 2: Africa 20 District 7: Africa 70

District 3: Africa 30 District 8: Africa 80

District 4: Africa 40 District 9: Mangrove

District 5: Africa 50 2:00-4:00 p.m. WFBF/RMIC Business Meeting – Africa East/West Ballroom 6:00 p.m.

Farm Bureau Awards Banquet and Program – Africa East/West Ballroom 7:00 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

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Registration Open – Registration Africa West Breakfast – Suites 2-6 Resolutions – Africa East/West Ballroom WFBF Board Reorganization Meeting – Ebony WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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DISCUSSION MEET

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DISCUSSION MEET

Announcement of Top 8 Discussion Meet contestants via Facebook live.

Farm Bureau Trivia Night

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EXCELLENCE IN AG

YFA CONTESTS

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

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NOV

Deadline to register to compete in the Discussion Meet (open to all YFA members). Register at http://bit.ly/2020yfadiscussion

Round 1 of the Discussion Meet held via Teams.

Round 2 of the Discussion Meet held via Teams.

DISCUSSION MEET

Announcement of Final 4 Discussion Meet contestants via Facebook Live.

FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT

Contestant Recognition YFA Committee Recognition Kelly Oudenhoven Retiring Address

Workshops

Join workshops in real time or view the recorded version in the YFA Conference Facebook event.

Information about each workshop will be posted prior to the event.

Trivia Night

Excellence in Ag presentations.

Final 4 Discussion Meet Award Announcements (Excellence in Ag, Discussion Meet and Participation Prizes)

DISCUSSION MEET

WATCH FOR UPDATES

Top 8 Discussion Meet held via Teams.

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Updates for the conference will be provided in the Facebook event at http://bit.ly/2020YFAconf

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Wilfert Family

USES TECHNOLOGIES TO GROW QUALITY PRODUCE

By Marian Viney

Using Technology

As owners of a 143-year-old family farm, Dave and Terri Wilfert embrace technology and advocate for agriculture while providing quality produce for their customers.

Wilfert Farms LLC in Two Rivers is the largest fresh market farm in east central Wisconsin. The farm includes cash crops, processing carrots and fresh produce. New to the table, the farm also sells farm raised, locally processed beef with a family connection. The Wilferts share ownership of this legacy with their daughter Kelly, their son Ryan and his wife Kelsey, who are the fifth generation.

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"America does agriculture better than any place in the world," said Ryan, who attended UWMadison’s Farm & Industry Short Course.

"I've grown up in agriculture and have seen first-hand how vital it is to our local community."

Science, precision agriculture and technology play major Using a touch screen in the tractor, Ryan can make roles on today's farms. needed adjustments for applications in the field.

"Implementing technologies keeps our farm producing the highest quality planting to spraying to tillage," added vegetables, crops and produce and Ryan. "It reduces overlap and prevents improves our production each year," misses. In vegetable farming, consistent said Ryan. "Seeing the results is the fun application is very important." part of farming. It's important to see a He explained that precision is essential quality product in demand by the public when planting 24 to 36 rows of a crop per as people learn more about how food week to allow for staggered harvest, it is is grown." important not to overlap or have misses.

For example, by using the precision of "You simply return to the field and pull GPS, the Wilferts use the same track for in next to where you planted and can be planting and spraying crops, saving time, confident that everything will line up money and resources and reducing their as if you planted the field at the same carbon footprint. time," explained Ryan. "This is the same "By using real time kinematic or RTK, for spraying. Accurate GPS plays a huge which is the most accurate application role in making sure that I am applying available, it allows for sub-inch precision product exactly where I need it at the and accuracy for every application from correct time."

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Ryan explained that they also use the RTK signal for drain tile installation.

"Sitting in the cab of the tractor we can create elevation maps and topography with the GPS," added Ryan. "Then we can install drain tile on the correct grade and consistently at the correct depth across the field. It also allows us to determine if we can place the tile in the ground and have the water flow the direction that we want it to, before we even put the tile plow in the ground."

Growing the Best Produce

The Wilferts own 300 acres and rent an additional 400 acres from a family member. They plant field corn, soybeans and wheat to make straw for the strawberries. They also schedule and manage multiple plantings of produce including sweet corn, strawberries, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, onions and other vegetables. It doesn’t stop there though, the family also grows carrots and snap beans for processing.

Growing a total of 30 different crops, staggered plantings extends the availability of produce to customer throughout summer and fall.

"To ensure the quality of our produce, it is hand-picked, hand-washed and hand-sorted, and can be on your table hours after leaving the field," added Dave, who earned his degrees in marketing and economics from UW-Oshkosh. "We want it to be all about taste and quality, and our family and employees are proud about making that happen. Our motto is "We may not be the biggest, but we're always trying to be the best."

Field Crops

The Wilferts use field crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans as rotational crops for the vegetables.

"Crop rotation helps return nutrients to the soil naturally," said Ryan.

Each year weather is a challenge for the Wilferts.

"This year we are considerably drier as compared with last year," added Ryan.

"But we've also had to contend with cool temperatures, for example, in mid-June we had to irrigate the strawberries to keep the blossoms from freezing. This works because heat is released as water freezes."

Dave added that because of the farm's vertical integration and their ability to control the processes, reduce costs and AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

improve efficiencies, their farm remains profitable.

Beef, An Added Product

This spring Dave's sister and her family lost access to their processing plant due to the coronavirus outbreak. The family contacted a local processor Terri checks on the progress of the carrots. Wilfert Farms but needed a place to grows and supplies one percent of the processed carrot sell the beef. tonnage in the U.S. or about five percent of the processed carrot tonnage in Wisconsin.

"We purchased a freezer for the farm market and filed for It's a Different Year licensing and permits to sell retail beef," Terri explained that following the Food said Kelly, who recently graduated Safety Modernization Act of 2011, the from UW-Madison Law School and is farm's sanitization routines were adjusted working for Investors Community Bank to meet national standards; however, due in Manitowoc. "From there, it took off to the coronavirus pandemic, they've like wildfire. Consumers contacted us made some additional adjustments. about purchasing and it was gone within "The challenge is finding the sanitizer days and continues to sell out as quickly and disinfectants," said Terri. as the freezer is filled."

She also said that they ask customers, Dave predicts that Wilfert Farms will "To take what they touch." come around full circle by integrating The Wilferts do not have full-time the sale of beef along with the field crops employees, but upwards of 20 seasonal, and produce. part-time workers. During the growing "We've seen the benefits of this in season, crews are in the field seven agriculture and that customers want to days a week. know where their food is coming from," Ryan's wife, Kelsey, is a nurse at added Dave. "Customers want to trust Aurora BayCare Medical Center in their farmer and Wilfert Farms wants to Green Bay. On her days off, she helps on be their farmer." the farm and said she wouldn't trade it Growing Processing Vegetables for anything.

"To work alongside Ryan and his Wilfert Farms also grows vegetables for family and to witness their passion processors. and the effort they put into growing "Since 1984, we have worked with quality vegetables and produce for their major processors of vegetables," adds customers is amazing," said Kelsey.

Dave. "At the turn of the century, we "Many of the customers have been were growing and supplying one percent coming to the farm store for years and of the processed carrot tonnage in the U.S. or about five percent of the processed come for the quality."

Terri, Kelly or other employees go carrot tonnage in Wisconsin." to the Manitowoc Farmers' Market on This year marks the 37th year of the Saturdays where they sell about 25 to business relationship between Wilfert 30 percent of the Manitowoc Farmers' Farms and Lakeside Foods, the second Market's total sales. With the challenges largest canner in the U.S. "Lakeside Foods purchases 100 percent of coronavirus and the lack of workers, they have only recently been able to of our carrot crop," says Dave. "This year, attend the market this year. we will ship between 2,500 to 3,000 tons of carrots from 100 acres." wfbf.com

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Farm Bureau has helped Kelly build a professional and social network of farmers across the state and nation.

Farm Bureau Membership

The Wilferts have been Manitowoc County Farm Bureau members for several years and recognize the value in their membership. While attending UW-Madison, Kelly served as a county board member and Collegiate Farm Bureau officer. She won the 2016 WFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet and advanced to the Final Four round of the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet. In 2018, she won the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Discussion Meet and again advanced to the to the Final Four round of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet, finishing third overall.

She also completed an internship with AFBF in Washington, D.C.

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"Farm Bureau helped me to build a professional and social network of farmers across the state and nation," said Kelly. "It's more than who I get to meet though – it's the learning and member benefits that keep me coming back.

Discussion Meet developed skills that I use every day in advocating in corporate boardrooms. It's been a pleasure to see the policy impact of Farm Bureau's advocacy and know that being a Farm Bureau member lends weight to my voice on Capitol Hill."

Community Involvement

Wilfert Farms LLC was recognized as Small Business of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.

The family contributes more than 10,000 pounds of food to local pantries.

Dave is involved and serves as director for the Manitowoc Chamber of Commerce, FFA Alumni, Mishicot Ag Advisory Board and the Mishicot High School Advanced Career Placement Board.

Terri serves on the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Council, Board of Wisconsin Fresh Marketing Vegetable Growers Association, the Farmers' Market committee and previously on the county FSA committee.

"For the advantages our kids had, we believe it's important to give back to the youth in our community," Terri added.

Ryan is a member of the Manitowoc County UW Ag Alumni Board and State and National FFA Alumni.

Wilfert Farms expanded their involvement with the Farm-to-School Initiative by providing fresh produce to three schools in the area. They also donate sweet corn for many local fundraisers and supply organizations with pumpkins in the fall.

"We also support the Mishicot FFA Chapter," says Dave. "Our family has benefited from the chapter, and by supporting them we help develop more young leaders."

As far as the future of Wilfert Farms, son Ryan shares the same passion for agriculture and is learning the vegetable business from his parents.

"We found methods that work for us, but the rapid change and progress in agriculture are two of the industry characteristics that make production agriculture so interesting," says Ryan.

"We must continually be open to new ideas. I look forward to finding ways to work with and to benefit the community. As we move forward, we are always looking for new ways to increase our efficiency, sustainability and of course, quality."

The farm market is open daily from May through October. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Produce information is available at sites.google.com/site/ wilfertfarms/home or call 920.683.3264.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Money Saving Benefits

Are Always in Season 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.

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

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

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

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

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.

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

Members are eligible for a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade (Platinum 2 status) – which unlocks the best loyalty rewards including valuable equipment discounts. Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau today to register!

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 farmbureau.bank.

Through an exclusive program offered by Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, Farm Bureau members receive a factory direct rebate of $250* on the purchase of a new *Yamaha 4WD ATV, Side-by-Side or Snowmobile. Fill out the rebate form at bit.ly/3inykme. You need your Farm Bureau member number to complete the form. *You must be a paid Wisconsin Farm Bureau member at time of purchase to receive the $250 rebate.

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

Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Avis • Budget • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program Choice Hotels • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Office Depot • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts • Grainger Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* 24

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP

ong-time Waukesha County Farm Bureau President Tom Oberhaus and his wife Joan own a diversified 75-cow, 225-acre family farm near Waukesha. They have a LLC partnership with their son Charlie and a neighbor Dan Gerrits.

In addition to milking Registered Brown Swiss and Guernsey cattle, the family direct markets pumpkins and Christmas trees.

One of the benefits of joining Farm Bureau is that members who are agricultural producers and patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage when patronage is paid. Insight FS values the relationship with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation going back to the days when Farm Bureau first helped form these cooperatives.

"We have always purchased a majority of our inputs from Insight FS," said Oberhaus.

Back when he started farming, Oberhaus was encouraged to join Farm Bureau by his father-in-law Jim Wendt and former Waukesha County Farm Bureau president Bob Bartholomew.

Soon after joining, he became the Young Farmer chair and now serves as county president.

"We've benefited by a receiving patronage dividend whenever it has been distributed," added Oberhaus.

Oberhaus and his family work with Parker Ludeking who works in the Mapleton FS office for the farm's cropping inputs and consulting needs.

"We work closely with Tom and the team at Cozy Nook yearround to produce the highest quality feed stocks with alfalfa and corn silage," said Parker Ludeking, crop specialist at Insight FS. "In the winter, our teams work together to ensure the correct hybrid is selected for the field and for Tom's dairy farm. We look at fields throughout the growing season and evaluate ways to maximize efficiencies from start to finish. Walking fields and grabbing samples ensures that we get the best crop for Tom's operation and spend each opportunity learning more about what works to increase return on investment year after year."

Megan Carey who works in the Ixonia FS office assists the Oberhaus with the cattle's feed needs.

"I've worked with Tom for five years as his feed service provider. We've worked closely to ensure his animals are fed and well taken care of throughout the year and performing at their best. Tom is not afraid to use new products or change methods on his farm to increase efficiencies and we have a great partnership on the farm," said Megan Carey, Insight FS dairy feed specialist.

In profitable years, Insight FS pays a patronage dividend to agricultural patrons based on their purchases during the previous fiscal year, which runs from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31.

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Member Saves with Insight FS L

(from left): Tom, Joan and Charlie Oberhaus.

Whether the cooperative pays a dividend in any given year is determined by the Insight Board of Directors.

The dividend is paid based on purchases patrons have made in particular departments – whichever ones had a profitable year, for example seed, fertilizer, petroleum, livestock feed, etc.

The level of the dividend is also determined each year by the board, again based on profitability in each product line.

"The greater your purchases, the greater your potential patronage dividend," said Bob Leege, WFBF executive director of member relations. "For some patrons, the dividend may be less than $100, while for others it may be a few thousand dollars. But the dividend is only paid to those with a current Farm Bureau membership, so it is well worth it to spend $55 for a membership if you may get that amount back several times over."

"FS is a full-service cooperative that nicely meets many of our needs," added Oberhaus.

Insight FS General Manager Dave Mottet said that Tom is an astute businessman and valued member on the Insight FS Board.

"Tom has been on our Board of Directors since 1995. He's seen us through more than one name change and has always been a very open and forthcoming member of the board," said Mottet. "We look to Tom to provide us with a fair assessment of how we perform in the marketplace and address the areas of need and expectations of our patrons."

By being a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member, you qualify for benefits and services that provide a range of options that respond to the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin.

For more information, visit wfbf.com/membership/memberbenefits.

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isconsin Farm Bureau is wrapping up its current membership campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to engage as many volunteers as possible in the 2019-2020 membership year by asking them to pledge to contact at least one person they know and sign them up as a new Farm Bureau member. The campaign officially kicked off in October.

Mike Strupp

Washington County Who signed you up as a member? Rural Mutual Insurance agent Dan Borcharding, 27 years ago.

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? Farm Bureau is a proactive organization and the largest farm organization in Wisconsin that is active on county, state and national levels.

What convinced you to say yes? Knowledge of the insurance agents.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? Vehicle rebate, car rental and hotel discounts.

Angela Schultz

Shawano County Who signed you up as a member?

Rural Mutual Insurance.

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? That the Farm Bureau was a great way to be involved in the county and state and that we should join the YFA. What convinced you to say yes? We joined the YFA a few years later because Steve and Stacy Van Der Lindin told us how fun it was. We went to a few farm tours and get-togethers and were hooked.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? The great people you meet, the new things we have learned and the great opportunities we have gotten to do and be a part of.

Ken Harter

Arch Morton, JR

Oconto County

Rock County

Who signed you up as a member?

My Rural Mutual Insurance agent, who is a friend.

Who signed you up as a member? Bill LaBrasse, Rural Mutual Insurance agent.

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? Didn't take much. My parents were members in Langlade County.

What convinced you to say yes? I wanted to buy insurance.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? I wasn't active until the past few years after my retirement from UW-Extension. I have been interested in working on policy and with the county Farm Bureau.

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is an organization that does a lot for farmers.

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? That it

What convinced you to say yes? Farm Bureau sounded like something that I wanted to be a part of.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? The many people who I have become friends with by getting involved with Farm Bureau, and the things that we have accomplished together.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Still Time to Contribute to Centennial Campaign

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au re

Wi s

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

To date, the campaign has raised $62,620.

Rural Mutual Insurance is matching donations from $1 to $10,000 up to $100,000.

Please consider contributing. Your taxdeductible contribution will help keep the future of Farm Bureau programming strong.

You can donate online at wfbf.com/centennial.

Contributions will be taken until the 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting. n Farm B nsi u co

The WFBF Leadership Institute is one of the programs funded by this program.

Mobilizing the State in Support of YOU!

Thanks to Rural Mutual Insurance, Blain's Farm and Fleet, Hi Point Steakhouse and Compeer Financial MidwestFarmReport.com Sales: Leia@mwwg.com (608) 770-1269

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Buckling Down on Rural Road Safety

By Cassie Sonnentag

As the weather cools, days shorten and fall harvest begins, safety on the road and farm are of the utmost importance for Wisconsin farmers.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, between 2011 and 2018 there were more than 1.300 crashes between motorists and farm equipment. Those crashes resulted in more than 670 injuries and nearly 30 deaths.

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heryl Skjolaas is the Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist at UW-Extension. As the outreach specialist in ag health and safety, she reminds farmers that although harvest is a busy season, it is an important time to buckle down when it comes to safety.

"Farmers and motorists have a tendency to fall into the same bad habits," Skjolaas said. "As a farmer operating large pieces of equipment, you have a requirement to yield, stop and follow the legal laws for operating on the road."

While attentiveness is always necessary when operating implements of husbandry, there are several scenarios farmers should pay close attention to as they take to the roads this fall.

Passing It has been illegal to pass farm equipment in a no passing zone, regardless of the equipment's speed, since 2014. Motorists are to wait until they have entered a legal passing zone to pass equipment once it has been deemed safe to do so.

It is important for farmers to be equally mindful of no passing zones. Farmers should never wave a driver to pass them; this can create extra confusion for the motorists and potential hazards for the farmer operating the equipment. Farmers should only pull over in a no passing zone to allow vehicles to pass if the road shoulder width and condition allow the machinery to completely move out of the lane of traffic.

Farmers operating wide equipment have a legal obligation to yield the opposite lane to any oncoming motorists to not disrupt normal traffic flow.

"It is not the motorist's responsibility to get over for you," Skjolaas said. "Always be on the lookout for what is coming and remember to share the road."

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Left-Hand Turns When making a left-hand turn, clear communication from the farmer to the motorist and attentiveness by both parties are key to proper safety. Farm equipment commonly has two flashing amber or yellow lights located on the cab or tire fenders when in operation on the road. In the event a farmer is operating a tractor or equipment that is not equipped with signals, hand signals should be used to indicate the direction in which the operator is turning.

Proper lighting and signaling becomes especially valuable during low-visibility situations.

"When we get into those low-visibility conditions of fall – foggy mornings, early dusks, late dawns – your lighting and markings are especially needed on all sides," Skjolaas said.

Passing at a Controlled Intersection Farm equipment is much heavier than a normal passenger vehicle and, therefore, requires a greater breaking distance.

According to the National Ag Safety Database, if a motorist is driving 55 mph and approaches a tractor driving 15 mph, it only takes five seconds to close a gap the length of a football field.

Even if a motorist is able to legally pass a large piece of farm equipment within a very short distance of a controlled intersection, the action itself has a dramatic impact on the reaction time and breaking distance for the farm equipment operator. The same is true for divided highways.

"It is important to recognize the slowness of ag equipment versus the speed of a motor vehicle. If you are crossing a divided highway, let the vehicles pass until you are certain it is safe to proceed and cross," Skjolaas said.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Be Prepared Safety on the road begins at home. Avoiding preventable accidents begins by ensuring tractors and other pieces of equipment are following the lighting and marking regulations, which have been in effect since November 2015. This includes proper lighting and extremity markings using retroreflective materials in addition to standard slow-moving vehicle signage.

The SMV emblem is required on farm equipment that usually travels at a speed less than 25 mph. It is important not to overlook extremity markings, so motorists have a better judgement of an equipment's width in low-light situation.

"Even if the equipment you are operating isn't considered wide, you can still upgrade your lighting and marking," Skjolaas said.

It is imperative to be cognizant of an equipment's lights, tape and SMV emblem visibility, even if a farmer knows they are properly placed. If an SMV emblem is faded, it should be replaced with a more reflective model. Reflective marking tape, lights and SMV emblems must also be kept clean and free from debris.

Skjolaas also recommends good general maintenance on equipment. Ensuring tires are in good shape and hitches are properly secured can make the difference between a safe trip and an unfortunate circumstance.

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

"The same rush that leads to mishaps in the field also can happen on the roadway," Skjolaas said. "You need to make sure you are mentally prepared for the trip, even if it is a short distance."

Operator awareness is also a key to a successful trip down the road. Ensure that all equipment operators on the farm are wellinstructed, understand the rules of the road and how to respond if a crash occurs. Skjolaas suggests taking the time to plan routes and identify areas that may pose a high risk while operating.

"It is important to plan your route and know what your roadside obstacles are. Even if you are only going from farm 'A' to farm 'B,' take the time to check that route for any obstacles or limitations," Skjolaas said.

Finally, Skjolaas reminds farmers to review all the permits required in their area.

"Some of this equipment is overweight or oversized," Skjolaas said. "It is important to know what roads you will be traveling on and what permits are required for overweight and oversized vehicles."

Attentiveness is a constant requirement on the road but being prepared and practicing caution during peak times are vital to a successful harvest. At the end of a long, hard workday, everyone wants to return home safely. Farmers and motorists have an equal responsibility to ensure roadways remain safe.

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OPINION

Committed to Serving You As We Move Forward Together A Message from WFBF President Joe Bragger

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hile this year started out with a lot of enthusiasm for agriculture markets, we started hearing about a virus in China that, at the time, didn't seem like it would impact our daily lives.

Today, we know COVID-19 has truly changed the world and how we live.

With our Farm Bureau office being located in Dane County, we were obligated to close the office to visitors and limit staff entry. But we never turned off our commitment to serving our members. I'd like to share some highlights from each our divisions that show how we stepped up our services to support our members.

Operations Division – went into immediate action to ensure that all of our staff where fully equipped to complete their work responsibilities from home.

Decisions that would normally take months to implement were fast tracked over the matter of weeks to give staff access to Microsoft Teams, a virtual meeting and collaboration platform.

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As of July, all county Farm Bureau invoices are paid through Concur Invoice.

We expect this to save time, which will help us better serve you, our members.

Member Relations Division – started a postcard campaign based off of the Farm Neighbors Care mental health efforts. These postcards were sent to members with reassuring and supportive messages. WFBF's mental health efforts started more than a year ago, but have become increasingly important this year as we deal with the stress associated with an uncertain future.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention our district coordinators. This group has battled right alongside our county Farm Bureau members in rescheduling and canceling events, brainstorming new ideas and implementing creative solutions to unique challenges never faced before.

Public Relations Division – developed a COVID-19 resources and updates webpage to share information with our members. They also had the foresight to know that hearing directly from our members would be essential and created an online form for comment submissions.

These impact stories were ultimately used to advocate for what became the Wisconsin Farm Support Fund.

One thing I am particularly excited about is our ability to create a regular message sent to our county leaders aka the Leader Letter. Early on, this message focused on COVID-19 information and resources but has begun morphing into more general updates.

Governmental Relations Division – headed up the drive for the Wisconsin Farm Support Program. Without the commitment and drive of so many groups pulling together, because of the strong

relationships built over years, this would not have come to fruition.

This team also was dedicated to keeping members in contact with elected officials by organizing conference calls with our federal legislators.

These calls allowed more members to participate compared with traveling to Washington, D.C. I must also mention some of the other cross functional teams and our executive assistant who answered member calls and sorted office mail daily to ensure that nothing was left undone. While I haven't shared names, let me say that each and every one of the staff members has contributed and I can tell you that we are truly blessed to have so many working TOGETHER on our behalf.

The efforts of our counties have been nothing less than inspirational, adjusting to the challenges and even though having all of the struggles that agriculture faced, many provided food, monetary or other donations to local food pantries. I am humbled and proud of the Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund created by Rural Mutual Insurance Company and WFBF. The fund has collected nearly $50,000 to support Feeding Wisconsin and Harvest of Hope. We continue to engage with other stakeholders on how we can grow the impact of this program.

I am extremely proud to be a Farm Bureau member and hope that we will all go … FORWARD TOGETHER. Bragger was elected president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2019. Bragger is a dairy and poultry farmer from Independence.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

We Farm, We Vote!

A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

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n a normal year, we would have seen much more activity by presidential and congressional campaigns by this point.

There's less than three months left until Election Day, Nov. 3, and things are beginning to get back to normal postCOVID-19, so we're about to see a big increase in political ads, events (even if they're virtual this year), yard signs and other great American traditions that come with our national elections.

One of those traditions is the American Farm Bureau Federation's request that presidential candidates respond to questions about key issues of importance to farmers and ranchers.

For the past 40 years, all major party candidates for president have responded to our questionnaire, so that Farm Bureau members can go to the polls informed about where the candidates stand on agricultural issues.

This year's questionnaire touches on topics including tax policy, farm programs, international trade, energy policy, federal regulations (including reforming the Endangered Species Act, implementing the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule and ensuring speedy review of new biotechnology traits) and helping to provide a supply of agricultural workers over the long-term.

We're also asking the candidates to share their positions on sustainability, and how they would ensure climate

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regulations don't hinder agricultural productivity and competitiveness. Rural life issues are included, with a question about how the candidates would work to increase access to broadband, improve other infrastructure, strengthen economies and address health care challenges in rural America.

New in this year's questionnaire is a question about food system resiliency, a topic that has taken on greater importance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers have faced economic hardships due to demand shifts and supply chain disruptions. Whoever wins this year's election will be positioned to play a role in ensuring the future resiliency of our food supply.

These questions are relevant to congressional elections also, and I know that several state Farm Bureau organizations will be reaching out to congressional candidates to learn their positions on these or other agricultural issues.

Farm Bureau members are informed and engaged in the political process. We farm. We vote!

I'm proud of the role that Farm Bureau plays in turning the candidates' attention to agricultural issues and equipping our members with the information needed to vote for who they believe will be the best champion for farmers and ranchers, as well as anyone who cares about

having a strong agriculture industry and food security.

We look forward to sharing the results of our questionnaire. In the meantime, I ask all Farm Bureau members to take every opportunity to learn about all the candidates running for Congress or state offices. Ask them the tough questions that will help you to know if they will work for you—or, at a minimum, make them stop and focus on agriculture and realize that we farmers are watching!

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

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OPINION

Policy Development: A Time to Share Your Voice A message from WFBF's Dave Daniels

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hen this Rural Route is delivered to you, we will be in the midst of policy development season. Many districts and counties have their policy development meetings scheduled with some that have already taken place. As a grassroots membership organization, the policy initiatives that direct the work of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and American Farm Bureau Federation come from county Farm Bureau members like you. This process is the backbone of our organization and gives members a voice by either bringing forward resolutions or in partaking in the voting process.

The first step is for a county Farm Bureau member to bring forward a resolution that includes suggested changes or new policy to be added. The county must then vote on that resolution.

All resolutions that are passed on the county level are then sent to the state Policy Development Committee.

The state committee is made up of 14 members. There is one representative from each of the nine Farm Bureau districts as well as one member each from the Dairy, Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education and the Volunteers for Agriculture committees. As WFBF Vice President, I

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round out the committee and serve as the chairperson.

The state Policy Development committee will meet in early November to review resolutions submitted from the county Farm Bureaus. During this process they will work to identify which section those items are most relevant within the WFBF policy book. This book will go out in draft form to those serving as voting delegates at the upcoming WFBF Annual Meeting for review.

During the business session at our annual meeting, these voting delegates will then choose to leave the changes in place or discuss updates that they feel are better suited. After each policy item is debated, a vote is taken to determine whether a majority of delegates support the proposal.

When the delegate session adjourns, the WFBF policy book is finalized for that year. This policy book is what will guide the WFBF Board of Directors and staff as they advocate for our members on the local and state levels.

The process continues with WFBF submitting federal policy items to AFBF to be debated at their annual convention.

In a similar fashion, the delegates will debate and approve policy that will guide AFBF leadership and staff.

As part of AFBF, you may think that WFBF aligns with all national policy positions passed at the AFBF Annual Convention. For the most part, this is the case but there are times that due to differing situations across the country that a state Farm Bureau has a different policy position than AFBF. This doesn't

happen very often, but there is a process in place where state Farm Bureaus can 'dissent' from AFBF policy if deemed necessary. This allows us to remain a grassroots organization the gives directives from the local level up to the federal level, not the other way around.

Written out like this, the process seems simple and for the most part it is, but it takes many hours behind the scenes in debating and compiling information to determine what our organization stands for.

I am personally passionate about the policy development process because it is what makes our organization strong. We represent more than 47,000 members across the state who all have different wants and needs.

We aren't a commodity group, so our broad reach across all of agriculture would make it difficult for staff or state board members to determine where to stand on policy items. Our grassroots policy development process is a fair way for diverse voices and experiences to be shared, debated and considered.

As we head into the heart of policy development season, I urge you to be present at your county or district policy development meetings and let your voice be heard. We are a membership organization led by our county members.

Your voice is vital to the success of our organization not just in the short-term, but for many years to come.

Now is the time to share your voice.

Daniels serves as Wisconsin Farm Bureau Vice President and for the past 20 years has represented the eight southeastern counties as District 1 Director.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Weather Adds to Market Volatility A Guest Column by AgriVisor's Karl Setzer

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early all the interest in the commodity market at present is on crop growth and development. For the most part, these have been quite favorable for much of the Corn Belt this year. High temperatures have been noted, but so far, these have been quick to break-down and usher in cooler conditions with adequate precipitation.

While this has not been the case for the entire U.S., it has been for much of it.

A result of these conditions has been elevated crop ratings. At present, these are higher than average and much better than a year ago. While these are poor indicators of pinpointing a defined yield, they can be used to indicate a trend.

According to data from the firm T-Storm Weather, in nine of the past 34 years, we have seen corn rated equal to or higher than it currently is. In five of those years, the final corn yield was higher than the present estimate. In four of the past 34 years, the soybean rating has been equal to or better than it currently is. In three of those, the final yield was higher than the USDA projection.

Even in what would be considered a normal or even favorable growing season, we have abnormalities developing. One

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that is starting to be talked more about is the replanting that was needed this year.

This was mostly on corn from the early jump on planting and unseasonably cool temperatures during the spring months.

While this does not necessarily mean a loss of bushels, history does show a trend for lower yields the later a corn crop is planted.

While much of the interest is on production right now, we cannot overlook demand. When it comes to demand all interest falls on China as that is the world's largest commodity importer.

However, China's imports have fallen short of the totals projected in the Phase 1 agreement as the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted all commodity demand. Since then the U.S. and China have been at odds on the political front, which is further pressuring trade between the two.

China is still making import purchases from the U.S. but is only taking what it needs to make it to the start of the next South American harvest.

Domestic demand is starting to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, mainly ethanol manufacturing. Although still below the demand that was seen before the outbreak, usage on corn has increased

considerably. We are also seeing elevated soybean crush as the U.S. feeds a record large number of animals. Finally, we are seeing record exports of beef and pork, which is further upping future feed demand outlooks.

Bottom line is that we have an extreme volume of volatility in today's market, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Setzer is the commodity risk analyst for AgriVisor, one of WFBF's member benefits.

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Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

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ears ago, I traveled downstream to the land of Leopold and a national workshop which was held at the newly constructed Aldo Leopold Legacy Center near Baraboo. Built on the site where this great man passed away in 1948 while fighting a grass fire on a neighbor's farm, it stands nestled in the woods near the land, the Wisconsin River and the famous 'Shack' that inspired his masterpiece, "A Sand County Almanac."

The Center houses the staff of the Aldo Leopold Foundation (ALF), which oversees priceless archives that pay testament to the man and his legacy. It is the primary depository of his writings, unpublished manuscripts, journals, correspondence, sketches, photographs and tools he used on the land. The facility also maintains a photographic archive of more than 1,000 images from the 1930s and 1940s of the Leopold family and friends.

It was a weekend of creative writing, teaching outdoors, natural history, reading the landscape, sustainability and quotes - lots of quotes. A master wordsmith, Leopold's words endure – jumping off the paper and into the reader's head.

According to the keynote speaker, Dr. Richard Jurin from the University of Northern Colorado, "His genius was in his writing."

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The following passage was written in the forward of "A Sand County Almanac" the year he died and a year before it was published.

"Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them.

Now we face the question whether a still higher 'standard of living' is worth its cost in things natural, wild, and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important than television, and the chance to find a pasque-flower is a right as inalienable as free speech."

His words and his books continue to inspire folks across the country and throughout the world.

According to ALF, more than two million copies have been printed and translated into nine languages.

The Legacy Center now creates a place for individuals to feel and see first-hand the works of this man with such grand insight. His words, which rang true in 1948, still ring true today.

"There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace."

Dr. Jurin and other speakers at the workshop went to great lengths to bring the relevance of Leopold's words from the 1940s into today's terms. What held true back then, holds true now - perhaps more so.

"Civilization has so cluttered this elemental man-earth relation with gadgets and middlemen that awareness of it (the land) is growing dim … all ethics so far evolved rest upon a single premise: that the individual is a member of a community of interdependent parts.

His instincts prompt him to compete for his place in the community, but his ethics prompt him also to co-operate."

This environmental disconnect, or a nature deficit disorder – any

way one puts it – has resulted in the general public's detachment from the land. It is perhaps, more than anything else, the single, leading problem we face as society struggles with a boatload of environmental and social issues There are examples galore, but one that hit close to home came the day number one son wrote home from school out east, "Bobolinks are way less common here (Rhode Island) than they are in our neighborhood, in fact there are only a few places in the state with breeding populations. I was pretty excited to find a breeding pair right behind my apartment on the university-owned farm that I like to jog through. Well tonight, I was pretty bummed by what I found on my evening run (he attached a photo of an adult bobolink perched on a row of freshly mowed hay).

I had not personally seen any fledglings, so I have to assume that they lost the nest that by now probably contained relatively large young. I hope I'm wrong."

No one group of people is closer to the land than farmers. With soil under their fingernails and an eye for the health of their land, even they, like the rest of us, show signs of disconnect with nature. When was the last time you saw bobolinks on your property? Farmers, lawyers, teachers, bankers and especially today's youth could all do well by reading and appreciating the words of this great man – Aldo Leopold.

Then perhaps, something as simple and precious as a single nest of fledglings saved by a later mowing could be banked for future generations.

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

Recipes provided by Wilfert Farms.

Sweet Sour Cabbage Ingredients

• 1 medium head cabbage, shredded • ½ c. cold water • ½ c. vinegar

Directions

Mix all ingredients together and cook about 15 to 20 minutes until

• 2 Tbsp. butter • 1 tsp. salt • 3 Tbsp. sugar cabbage is tender.

Recipe supplied by Mrs. Robert Wilfert, Dave's mom.

Amish Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped • 1 head broccoli, chopped • 1 c. mayonnaise • 1 c. sour cream

Directions

1. Combine chopped broccoli and cauliflower in large bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar and salt to make a dressing.

3. Add the dressing to the broccoli and cauliflower mix, stirring to

• ½ c. sugar • ½ tsp. salt • ½ lb. bacon • 1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded evenly coat the veggies.

4. S tir in the bacon and cheese, reserving a small amount to sprinkle on top of salad before serving.

5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Rhubarb-Jell-O Torte Ingredients - Crust • 2 c. flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. salt • 4 Tbsp. Crisco • 2 eggs, beaten

Ingredients - Toppings • 2 c. sugar • 1 c. flour

Directions

1. For crust, mix first four ingredients together like pie crust.

2. Add eggs and milk. Mix. 3. Pack in 9 by 13 inch pan. Add cut up rhubarb on top of crust.

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• 2 Tbsp. milk • 5-6 c. rhubarb • 6 oz. Jell-O (strawberry or raspberry)

• ½ c. butter, softened

Sprinkle with dry Jello-O. 4. M ix topping ingredients together and sprinkle on top of rhubarb.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. wfbf.com

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LEADERSHIP

Addressing a Local Need

By Cassie Sonnentag

District 8 Leaders Host Livestock Handling Field Day, Create Agricultural Emergency Incident Guide

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isconsin Farm Bureau Federation's local affairs program was created as a resource to help with local policy events, questions and concerns. Since its inception in 2017, the program has aided county Farm Bureaus in making connections with local elected officials and authorities to address agricultural needs in their local communities.

During its 2018 county Farm Bureau annual meeting, Taylor County Farm Bureau welcomed candidates for the local sheriff 's election. The meeting opened the eyes of the membership to the opportunities available to connect.

"The candidates expressed an interest in working with the agriculture community," WFBF District 8 Coordinator Ashleigh Calaway said. "The members recognized the disconnect they had with the local sheriff 's department and wanted to bridge that gap."

Members across District 8 also saw the opportunity to connect with local law enforcement. A committee was formed to develop the "Agricultural Emergency Incident Guide," a resource guide for law enforcement, emergency responders and county emergency coordinators.

Marathon County Farm Bureau member, Don Radtke, served as the chair of the committee.

"The membership did their homework," Radtke said. "They talked to local sheriffs' departments and the state patrol to see if this was a resource they would have an interest in and would be a beneficial tool."

The 150-page, comprehensive guide was a year-long project compiled by Marathon and Taylor County Extensions along with Clark, Marathon, Taylor and Wood County Farm Bureaus.

The guide includes a wealth of on-farm safety information on topics including fence law, Implements of Husbandry law, onfarm risks, biosecurity, animal movement and euthanasia. It also includes basic animal identification information, local county resources and information on the Wisconsin Farm Center.

After completing an initial draft of the Agricultural Emergency Incident Guide, a mixture of firefighters, sheriff deputies and emergency coordinators gathered to participate in a Livestock Handling Field Day on Sept. 25, 2019. The event offered local emergency personnel the opportunity to participate in a hands-on livestock emergency handling demonstration at the Marshfield Area Research Station in Stratford.

"It offered a great hands-on training opportunity in

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a controlled environment," Radtke said.

The training allowed attendees to gain hands-on experience moving cattle, catching loose cattle and learning how to capture and build temporary fencing or housing for horses and livestock. Those in attendance were also given information on the requirements for IOH on the road.

Presenters for the day included: Cheryl Skjolaas, UW-Extension Health and Safety Specialist; Heather Schlessler, UW-Extension Marathon County Dairy Agent; Dr. Sandy Stuttgen, UW-Extension Taylor County Agriculture Agent; Marian Bendixan, owner of Cowculations Consulting; and Danny Meyer, a farmer and industry leader.

Following the training, the committee surveyed the participants to make improvements and updates to the Agricultural Emergency Incident Guide.

"The committee reworked what they had and improved it to make it better," Radtke said. "The final PDF is available online, so local law enforcement can download the guide onto squad car computers so it can quickly be pulled up when they are on a scene."

Radtke said completing the project was a collaborative effort.

"This isn't my accomplishment or even the committee's," Radtke said. "It was a concerted effort between Farm Bureau, county UW-Extensions and county sheriff 's departments to educate people who normally do not handle livestock."

To Radtke, that is the heart of Farm Bureau's mission and why he is proud of the project's success.

"That's what Farm Bureau is all about: coming up with an idea, action or activity that Farm Bureau can do to help educate people on a subject they want to learn more about in order to become a better citizen, law enforcement, EMT or local service," Radtke said.

The guide and training program were funded through grants obtained by the 2018 Wood County Farm Technology Days Show and the UW-Extension Safety Grant programs.

To access and download the Agricultural Emergency Incident Guide, please visit bit.ly/AgEmergencyGuide. Groups interested in hosting a Livestock Handling Field Day are encouraged to email District 8 Coordinator Ashleigh Calaway, at acalaway@wfbf.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Boot Camp to Focus on Legislative Advocacy A s a member of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee, I am recruiting you for our fourth annual Leadership Boot Camp on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Heartland Farms in Hancock. Boot Camp was designed by the Promotion and Education Committee to serve as a fast-paced, challenging, one-day training session based on topics the WFBF Leadership Institute covers.

Boot Camp allows individuals to get leadership development training but only commit a few hours of their day. The committee recognizes that not all individuals have the time to be involved in the WFBF Leadership Institute class. Plus, with more than 10 completed classes of the WFBF Leadership Institute, this event can serve as a refresher for those graduates on certain topics.

This year’s event will focus on engaging in legislative advocacy and will be led by WFBF’s government relations team. A large portion of the training will focus on how to engage with your legislators at the local level and in your local government. It is critical for us as farmers and agriculturists to have a deep understanding and receive adequate training in the legislative process and policy development. We must be able to advocate for ourselves to our local, state and national political representatives as farmers only make up less than 2 percent of the U.S. population. Many of our elected officials have no background or knowledge of farming or agriculture and do

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By Lynn Leahy

not understand its importance to our local, state and national economies.

This training will help attendees identify their state and federal legislators. You will be provided resources on specific state and national committees as well as legislation at the state and national levels. The training will include tips for interacting with your elected officials and information about the additional staff that works for and with your elected officials.

As farmers and agriculturists, we must have the tools and training to provide our elected officials with pertinent information about agriculture when they are writing new bills and policies. We must be sharing our stories with our legislators and helping them understand how important agriculture is to Wisconsin and the U.S. We need to be prepared to speak for our industry and attending this Leadership Boot Camp can prepare you to do just that.

Please plan to attend our Leadership Boot Camp on Saturday, Nov. 14. The training will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up by 3 p.m. A short tour (optional) of Heartland Farms will be offered at 9 a.m. Additional event information will be available soon including the registration form and Facebook event page. If you have questions about the Leadership Boot Camp please reach out to your district representative on the WFBF Promotion and Education committee.

We hope to see you there!

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Katie Liban, Whitefish Bay

Miranda Leis, Cashton

Patti Christianson, Lily

Ryan Klussendorf, Medford

Melissa Eron, Stevens Point

Paiser Family Dairy, Shawano

Gloria Regan, New Holstein

Krista Dolan, Dodgeville

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

County Kernels Green Lake County - Food Pantry Donation

Green Lake County Farm Bureau board director Steve Kutz volunteered at the Green Lake Food Pantry. The county Farm Bureau donated $500 to the pantry that was matched by Webster’s Marketplace in Ripon. The donation was used to purchase dairy products.

Racine County - Cream Puff Sales

On Saturdays in July, Racine County Farm Bureau hosted cream puff fundraisers. The first one on July 11 was a huge success; 240 cream puffs, 120 Eclairs, 30 flavored milk chugs and a variety of other bakery and coffee items from host Cafe B's in Burlington were sold. Duplicate events were held on July 18 and July 25.

Sauk County - Book Reading

In March, Sauk County Ag in the Classroom chair Nancy Liegel read to Mrs. Markley's second-grade class at Tower Rock School in the Sauk Prairie School District. Nancy read “Hooray for Dairy Farming,” by Bobbie Kalman. The book featured a banana milkshake recipe that the students made.

Superior Shores - Cheese Donation

In July, Superior Shores Farm Bureau delivered a $500 check to Benoit Cheese. The donation will be used to purchase cheese and other dairy products for the BRICK Food Pantry. Superior Shores Farm Bureau president, Gregg Johnson, dropped off a donation with Jill of Benoit Cheese.

Dane County - Safety Training On March 14, Dane County Farm Bureau had its annual safety class for first responders at Cross Plains Fire Department. Cross Plains, Dane, Maple Bluff, Mount Horeb, Waunakee and Sun Prairie Fire Departments participated.

There were 19 first responders who participated with a total of 25 people at the class. Thank you to the following sponsors: Darlene Cathman, Kalscheur Implement, Miller and Sons Supermarket and Rural Mutual Insurance agents Jared Nelson, Randy Adler and Brad Damon.

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

White-Reinhardt Updates Walworth County Receives AFBFA White-Reinhardt Grant

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alworth County Farm Bureau, in conjunction with the Walworth County Fair, has been awarded a $500 2020 White-Reinhardt Grant for their Barnyard Adventure Educational Area. The WhiteReinhardt Program funds projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County and state Farm Bureau programs are eligible.

The "Buzzing through the Barnyard" agriculture education tour will highlight learning stations showcasing numerous areas of farming. Learning stations will include dairy, crops and grains, beekeeping, beef, butterflies, poultry, garden produce, swine, goats, sheep, horses, orchards and more. The Walworth County Fair is held over Labor Day weekend and averages more

than 130,000 fair guests of all ages. The grant will help purchase reusable station signs, a video monitor, reusable butterfly observation enclosures and lifelike turkeys and rabbits.

George Mroch has coordinated the Barnyard Adventure Agriculture Education area for many years.

The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a special project of the Foundation in cooperation with the AFB Women's Leadership Committee. It was established to honor two former chairs of that committee, Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, who were leaders in the national effort to improve agricultural literacy.

American Farm Bureau Scholarships for National Ag in the Classroom Conference Available

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he American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is offering White-Reinhardt Scholarship opportunities to the 2021 National Ag in the Classroom Conference for full-time educator or volunteers who actively participate in classroom ag literacy programs or events. This scholarship program provides travel expense funds to attend the national conference and use the information gained to expand outreach to students regarding food, fiber and fuel. The conference draws more than 400 teachers, volunteers and people involved in agricultural literacy and offers workshops, tours, speakers and hands-on learning opportunities.

The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a special project of the Foundation in cooperation with the AFB Women's Leadership Committee. It was established to honor two former chairs of that committee, Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, who were leaders in the national effort to improve agricultural literacy.

Online applications must be submitted by Oct. 15. More information and the registration link can be found at agfoundation.org/projects/ag-scholarships.

For more information about the National Ag in the Classroom Conference or these grants, contact Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5644 or darneson@wfbf.com.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Applicants Sought for Ag in the Classroom Programs Applicants Sought for Outstanding Teacher Award

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The state winner(s) will receive o you know an educator who a plaque and $500 to be used for does a great job incorporating agriculture into their classroom? educational resources or towards If so, encourage them to fill out an attending the 2021 National Ag application for the Ag in the Classroom in the Classroom Conference program's Outstanding Teacher Award. in Des Moines, Iowa. The Certified teachers integrating winner(s) will also represent Wisconsin as the state's nominee agricultural concepts into nonfor the Excellence in Teaching agricultural curricula in the pre-K about Agriculture Award through high school levels are eligible Program presented by the U.S. to apply. Applications may be from an Department of Agriculture's Ag individual teacher or a teaching team.

Previous state winners and certified 2019 Outstanding Teacher Award winner Cindy Barber in the Classroom program.

For the application, visit agricultural education instructors are (left) with Sheboygan County Ag in the Classroom wisagclassroom.org. Applicants not eligible. coordinator Marcia Fenner. should download the form, Teachers must use agricultural complete the information and return four copies to Wisconsin information or materials within the classroom curriculum Farm Bureau, PO Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705. The to assist students in learning the importance of agriculture. application must be postmarked by Oct. 15.

Learning activities may include, but are not limited to, For more information about Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom, understanding agriculture's impact on personal lives, our visit wisagclassroom.org, email darneson@wfbf.com or call national heritage, the environment or the economy. Innovative 608.828.5644. and interdisciplinary programs are encouraged.

Teacher Mini-Grants Available for Ag Literacy Projects

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students' knowledge and quality of the submission. isconsin Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom program is A selection committee will review all funding requests that are offering mini-grants of up to $100 to fund projects that promote agricultural literacy. Grants can be used for innovative postmarked by Oct. 15. Applications can be downloaded from wisagclassroom.org under the grants section of the teachers tab. lessons, activities, resources, presentations, school fairs and Five signed copies of the application must be submitted other creative ideas.

The proposed project must be targeted to grades pre-K For more information about the teacher mini-grants, through 12 and should enhance student knowledge of the call 608.828.5644 or email darneson@wfbf.com. Wisconsin importance of agriculture. Preference will be given to projects Ag in the Classroom also has matching grants that are due that use funds toward an ongoing, sustainable education March 1. effort, events designed to reach large groups of students or those that involve innovative approaches to promoting agricultural literacy. If There’s fun for everyone at the county fair. Showcase your county 4-H programs, enter some you were awarded a Teacher Minifun contests, watch great entertainment and enjoy a tradition! Just take a look at the list below.

Grant in fall 2019 and weren't able to complete the project due to COVID-19, you cannot submit the same project. You can submit another activity or project instead.

Applications are evaluated on the quality and uniqueness of the project, integration of agriculture into a variety of curriculum areas, alignment with educational standards, assessment methods used to evaluate

Come See The Best of the Fair

ROSHOLT PORTAGE COUNTY FAIR Sept. 4 - 7 www.rosholtfair.com

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

wfbf.com

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Ag in the Classroom has Back-to-School Covered I t was a very challenging end to the school year and what the 2020-2021 school year will look like is uncertain. Thank you to the teachers, parents, students, county volunteers and others who helped educate youth in a variety of ways last spring. This summer brought cancellations to summer schools, camps, fairs and other opportunities where youth and the non-farm public learn about agriculture.

Ag in the Classroom is prepared for a variety of teaching styles and situations. As we prepare for this fall, consider using these resources in the classroom, volunteer efforts or homeschool learning. These resources can be found on the following websites: agclassroom.org, wisagclassroom.org, agfoundation.org, journey2050.com and purpleplow.org.

Virtual • E-learning and AgBytes – National Ag in the Classroom's resources and blog for teachers and parents to use remotely.

• Journey 2050 and Farmers 2050 – Sustainability lessons on how agriculture will feed our planet in the year 2050. New lessons, videos and curriculum designed for virtual learning.

• Training Tuesdays – A series of training videos to help teachers, volunteers, 4-H and FFA members learn about Ag in the Classroom resources.

• W here are we going today? – A series of videos about agriculture in Wisconsin and around the U.S. • YouTube videos – Green industry, career and commodity group videos about agriculture.

• National Ag in the Classroom curriculum matrix – More than 400 lessons, activities and resources that have been vetted

by National Ag in the Classroom and aligned to standards.

• Virtual farm tours – Many commodity groups and National Ag in the Classroom offer tours of farms and agri-businesses.

• Purple Plow STEM Challenge – A middle and high school challenge from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture that focuses on a topic. Watch for the fall challenge announcement.

• My American Farm – A series of games, lessons and activities for PreK-fifth-grade students.

Classroom • Soybean Science Kits Soybean Science Kits – 21 lessons that tie agriculture and science together with some fun, hands-on activities. There are kits located around the state available to.

• Lesson plans – Visit wisagclassroom.org for new lessons (STEAM Classroom Presentations Cranberry, Christmas Tree, Growing Wisconsin and more) and existing lessons for PreK-high school.

• Hands-on activities – Two booklets online with fun activities to do

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at school, 4-H and FFA Book of the Year meetings and at home.

• Classroom presentations – Check with your county Ag in the Classroom coordinator about setting up a classroom • Book of the Year and essay contest – The 2020 Book of the Year and fourth- and fifth-grade essay contest topic will be announced Aug. 22.

• Educational books – "This Business Called Agriculture," "An Agricultural Career for You," World of Corn activity books and Growing Wisconsin magazine. All books besides World of Corn have educator guides.

• F ield trips and farm tours – Many county Ag in the Classroom programs will help with field trips, farm tours or bringing the farm to the classroom.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Ag in the Classroom Partnership Awards MORE Grants W

isconsin Ag in the Classroom is excited to announce that 29 Wisconsin teachers will be receiving MORE for Agriculture grants for "The Hungry Planet" project.

Wisconsin has been working in partnership with Illinois and Minnesota Ag in the Classroom.

After participating in a virtual training on July 22, each

recipient will receive 30 copies of "The Hungry Planet" by Peter Menzel to use in their classes this school year. The book details the food consumption of families around the world. Companion educational lessons and resources will accompany the books.

The training also will involve presentations by Compeer Financial, Journey 2050, American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and Ag in the Classroom staff sharing lessons, resources and other ways to utilize the books. This grant is made possible by the generous support of the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial.

Wisconsin teachers include: • Jacob Abrahamson; Marion High School, Marion • Marlee Bonham; Jack Young Middle School, Baraboo • Kevin Champeau; Freedom High School, Freedom • Tari Costello; Waupun Area Junior/Senior High, Waupun • Katelyn Dei; Slinger High School, Slinger • Stephanie DeVries; Cambria-Friesland School District, Cambria • Tyler Foote; Vincent High School of Agricultural Sciences, Milwaukee • Theresa Glodoski, Tri-County Area School District, Plainfield • Melissa Goers; Shawano Community High School, Shawano • Melinda Goplin; Whitehall School District, Whitehall • Shawna Jenke; Campbellsport Middle/High School, Campbellsport • Kelly Hubert; Turtle Lake Schools, Turtle Lake • Emily Klingbeil; Cambridge High School, Cambridge • Jamie Kobs; Sun Prairie High School, Sun Prairie

• Beth Kolodzinski; Royall High School, Elroy • Kirsten Konder; Luck Public Schools, Luck • Dyan Lasar; Greenfield High School, Greenfield • Amanda Levzow-Seichter; Pardeeville High School, Pardeeville • Sandra Dee Naas; Ashland High School, Ashland • Nathaniel Nolden; Wisconsin Dells High School, Wisconsin Dells • Holly Olsen; Chain Exploration Center, Waupaca • Kristina Puntney; Baraboo High School, Baraboo • W hitney Rathke; Random Lake High School, Random Lake • James Rupp; Randolph High School, Randolph • Jessica Schaefer; Lancaster High School, Lancaster • Timothy Sprain; Lincoln Middle School, La Crosse • Cindi Syverson; South Middle School, Eau Claire • Brittany Vanderbilt; DeForest High School, DeForest • Jeff Zobeck; Gresham Community School, Gresham

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors:

• Bridget Shea • Network for Good • Jefferson County Farm Bureau in memory of Chloe Eckelberg • Rich and Darci Meili in memory of Chloe Eckelberg • Dunn County Farm Bureau in memory of Elton Christopherson • Brown County Farm Bureau in memory of Chloe Eckelberg • St. Croix County Farm Bureau in memory of Teracita Pearson • Dave Kruschke in memory of Teracita Pearson

About the

Founda tion AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

(Donations were made between May 26 and July 21, 2020

• Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Eunice Soda • Marathon County Farm Bureau in memory of Lyle Weden • Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau in memory of Chloe Eckelberg • Jane Craig in memory of Bob Bartholomew • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Bob Bartholomew • Steve and Dawn Jones in memory of Bob Bartholomew • Carl Casper in memory of Bob Bartholomew

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.

wfbf.com

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RURAL MUTUAL

Tick Season is Lasting Longer - Protect Yourself and Family D on't assume tick season will end any time soon.

Ticks can thrive deep into fall, depending how warm the weather is. The same climate patterns that are keeping temperatures warmer longer are also allowing more species of ticks to expand their geographic range, according to a Marshfield Clinic Research Institute tick-borne disease expert.

"The range of ticks is changing as our environment changes," said Jennifer Meece, Ph.D., senior research scientist and director of the Integrated Research and Development Laboratory at the Research Institute. "Different ticks are surviving winter in places they couldn't before."

Wisconsin already had one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The incidence has increased over the past three decades as Lyme disease has spread across the state.

In 2018, Wisconsin had 3,100 estimated cases of Lyme disease, although many cases are undiagnosed and the true number could be 10 times higher.

The deer tick, common in Wisconsin, carries the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Lyme symptoms mimic influenza – headaches, chills, nausea, fever, aching joints and fatigue. Not all tick bites will make you sick, but if you have these symptoms

and have been exposed to ticks in the past month, tell your doctor.

About 70 percent to 80 percent of people with Lyme have the expanding red rash, often bull'seye shaped or with a dark-colored center at the bite site, which appears three to 30 days after the bite.

Untreated, Lyme disease can lead to arthritis, facial paralysis, memory fog, heart and other serious problems.

Prevention is the key to preventing tick-borne illness, Meece said.

"It is important not to be afraid of the outdoors," Meece said.

"Be outdoors, but use common sense to protect yourself, your family and your pets."

When entering a suspected tick environment, use appropriate insecticides and wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants.

After being outside, carefully check yourself, your children and pets for ticks. To learn more, and to see which counties have the highest rates of Lyme disease, go to marshfieldresearch. org/nfmc/lyme-disease. To request printed copies of these information cards, email nfmcsh@marshfieldresearch.org or call 800.662.6900 and press "0."

By Scott Heiberger, Communications Manager, National Farm Medicine Center/ Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Seat, Every Time W

hat is one of the easiest things to do to ensure your safety on the roadways? Motorists and passengers can reduce their chances of injury or death with one little click by buckling up every trip, every seat, every time.

Seat belt use in Wisconsin reached an all-time high of more than 90 percent in 2019. Last year's annual seat belt observational survey found that 90.2 percent of passenger vehicle occupants were buckled up, compared to 89.3 percent the previous year. Although this is trending in the right direction, Wisconsin still lags behind the current national average of 90.7 percent and the rates of our neighboring states.

Even though nine out of 10 Wisconsinites fasten their seat belt, a little more than one-third of all passenger-type vehicle fatalities were unbelted.

In 2019, 379 people were killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes involving passenger type vehicles and light trucks.

Of those 134 people, 35.4 percent, were not wearing their AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

seat belts. These individuals had the opportunity to possibly change the outcome of their fate by simply buckling up. Most car crashes occur within 25 miles of home, reinforcing the importance of buckling up every trip, every time.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is helping to address traffic fatalities by using a combined strategy of engineering, education, enforcement and emergency response to help prevent traffic fatalities.

In 2019, there were 41,654 convictions in Wisconsin for failure to fasten a safety belt.

"Whether you're a vehicle driver or passenger, wearing a safety belt remains the single most important thing you can do to avoid being injured or killed in a crash," said Director of Wisconsin DOT Bureau of Transportation Safety David Pabst.

WisDOT will continue to spread the word about buckling up, day and night, every trip, every seat, every time as we strive for zero traffic fatalities in Wisconsin. wfbf.com

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RURAL MUTUAL

6 Ways Life Insurance Can Protect You and Your Family P urchasing life insurance is a smart financial decision, but it is an emotional one. It is a tough topic to think about, but you know it is important to take steps now to ensure your family's financial future is protected should the unexpected happen. The most common types are permanent and term life insurance.

Permanent policies typically have two components: cash value accumulation and death benefit. A permanent policy is designed to be kept for a lifetime. With permanent life insurance, you may pay slightly higher premiums compared to a term policy, but you are earning cash value with your premium dollars and you have coverage for life.

A term life insurance policy provides a predetermined sum (also called a death benefit) if you, as the insured, die during a specified period. Because term insurance is designed to be kept for a shorter amount of time it is one of the most affordable life insurance options. However, unlike permanent policies, there is no cash value, but you may have the option to convert your term policy to a permanent policy in the future.

So, how can coverage help protect you and your family? Life insurance can help: Provide financial well-being If your family relies on your income to pay for necessities like monthly bills and day-to-day expenses, life insurance can help replace the loss of your income. The death benefit also can be used to pay off debts like a mortgage, car loans and credit cards – removing some financial stress. If you have kids, it gives your loved ones more flexibility to stay home or spend more time with them.

Pay for a child's college Your policy's death benefit can be used for many things including paying for a child's college education. Additionally, with a policy that accumulates a cash value such as permanent life insurance, you can generally access the cash value through a policy loan or withdrawal while you are still living.

Keep the business in the family If you own a business like a farm, planning includes developing and updating your succession plan to help ensure your legacy passes successfully to the next generation. Certain taxes may apply when passing a family business to the next generation. Life insurance can help cover those costs, easing the tax burden on the future business or farm owner and other family members.

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Leave a charitable legacy Do you have a favorite charity? Life insurance can be a great tool for increasing charitable giving in your community. You can make a larger gift than might otherwise be possible by designating your go-to charity as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy.

Supplement retirement income If you purchase permanent life insurance, you will generally have access to your policy's cash value through a policy loan or withdrawal for emergencies, retirement income and more.

Some types of life insurance, such as permanent life insurance, build cash value over time that can be used as a form of supplemental income in retirement. You have the flexibility to access your accumulated cash without the restrictions that other investments may carry.

Support your needs There is a common misconception that life insurance is only useful after a person has died. But some policies have optional benefits that can help pay for chronic or terminal illness care expenses.

A daily living rider can be an advantage when dealing with a scenario such as a chronic illness. If you become unable to perform necessary daily activities such as dressing or bathing, with the rider you can have accelerated access to your policy's death benefit with the remainder going to your beneficiary when you pass away. While this rider can help protect you financially in your later years, it is not a substitute for long-term care or disability income insurance. Generally, the rider would need to be purchased at policy issue.

Life insurance is an important element of your overall financial well-being. Expenses for your family can add up quickly from paying for a funeral, staying on top of the mortgage payment and keeping up with the daily cost of living.

With life insurance, you gain peace of mind knowing your family will be protected.

With so many options available, choosing the right insurance policy can be confusing. As you examine your options, be sure to consult with a trusted Rural Mutual agent or visit ruralmutual. com/find-an-agent.

Neither the company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Please consult your professional advisors in these areas. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. Rural Mutual Insurance Company/Madison, WI. WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

On average, people estimate that life insurance costs three times more than it actually does2.

See how affordable it can be to protect those most important in your world with life insurance. Contact your agent today.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

www.RuralMutual.com

Individual eligibility for all product promotions is subject to underwriting and approval. Estimated premium payment is for 20-year Choice Term Guaranteed Premium Plan; Standard; 35-year-old male or female; non-smoker.

Amount is for demonstrative purposes only. Contact your agent for a quote on your actual monthly premium payment. 22019 Insurance Barometer Study, Life Happens and LIMRA. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/ West Des Moines, IA. Â LI173-WI (6-20)

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