Celery Crop MAKES TREMBLING PRAIRIE FARMS Unique Page 14 Page 17 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference Preview WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 • VOL. 28 NO. 4 | WFBF.COM RuralRoute
3wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 37 17 8 34 contents vol. 28 no. 4 POLICY SEASON IS HERE Read issue backgrounders on four key topics of discussion. CAPSTONE LEADERSHIP TRIP Leadership Institute graduates visit Washington, D.C. LOCAL AFFAIRS Farm Bureaus events have an impact on relationships with local officials. CELERY FARMING Trembling Prairie Farms in Green Lake County grows unique crop. WFBF ANNUAL MEETING Preview this year’s WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference. VOICES Columns from Krentz, Duvall, Gerbitz and Setzer. HEROES OF HOPE CONTEST Meet the winner and four runners-up for this year’s Heroes of Hope. FARM BUREAU FLAVOR We have recipes for your garden harvest from apples to zucchini. PICTURE THIS Member share photos of their canine friends on the farm. AG IN THE CLASSROOM The program unveils a new logo and shares applications for multiple awards. RURAL MUTUAL Everything you need to know about choosing the right life insurance. 46383734101417302686 COVER PHOTO BY AMY ECKELBERG stay connected WIFarmBureau ONLINE LIBRARY Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read. 30
4 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Cassie Sonnentag - 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 Madison,5550WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 800.261.FARM608.836.5575 (3276) info@wfbf.comwfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Kevin Krentz, Berlin (President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove (Vice President) Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford Peter Kimball, Baldwin Brenda Dowiasch, Augusta (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Bob Nash, Saukville (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.
BUREAU FEDERATION’S RouteEDITOR’S NOTE
WISCONSIN FARM ‘T is the season for garden produce and county fairs. I don’t know about you, but I tend to plant too much zucchini and summer squash each year. I’ve been giggling lately at the realization that I pretty much carry my extras with me to every event and gathering in hopes someone will want some. I can’t be alone in this, can I? I know there is a lot I could do with it myself, but time is short with a large garden, a full-time job, a few side gigs and a baby who is trying to break the world record for fastest crawler. Not only is it the time of peak freshness from the garden but the county fair circuit is making its way around the state. What a busy and fun time for everyone involved. It’s been fun to reflect on my experience showing at the fair while seeing pictures posted by friends, family and acquaintances on social media. I am starting to realize just how many life lessons I learned thanks to that annual summer experience. It’s a nice balance of tough lessons and good lessons. Things like, if you don’t check your work, you might not be signed up to take a pig even though you purchased it, fed it and walked it for months. That lesson follows me daily. Other good moments stick out like the ones of winning top prize and mastering projects through the years. No matter your project, how long you showed or where your fair is located, there was always something to be learned. This issue of Rural Route reflects the busy season we are in. We have many Farm Bureau events happening at the county level and many planned for the coming months. County Farm Bureau annual meetings are off and running and at the state level we are gearing up for the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference. Harvest for various crops is underway including Wisconsin’s celery crop. Yes, we have one. You can read more about the Bobek’s unique crop on page 14. We also can’t forget we are in policy development season at Farm Bureau. Summaries of issue backgrounders to lead those discussions can be found on page 6. As things fly by don’t forget about your benefits as a Farm Bureau member. We have them highlighted on page 21 and you can always find them on wfbf.com. Whether you are in the midst of gardening, county fair preparation or fall event planning, make sure you take some time to soak in the beautiful landscapes, moments and memories this time of year brings. As always, thanks for reading, Amy
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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Wins National Awards for Communication Efforts A IllinoisFloridacommunications.worktheirFarmeffortscommunicationsrecognizedrecentlyFederationFarmmericanBureautopfromstateBureausforexceptionalinCalifornia,andFarmBureaus received the most awards overall, earning honors in several categories including writing, media relations and video production. This year’s contest included 154 submissions for work produced in 2021. Awards were presented to Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau won Best Member/Leader Newsletter - print or e-newsletter. Wisconsin was recognized for its new Policy Pulse e-newsletter. The purpose of Policy Pulse is to keep members up to date on the latest policy and legislative news and other happenings in the governmental relations division. Staff members who worked on the submitted editions of Policy Pulse were Innovation and Engagement Strategist Karen Gefvert and Public Relations Coordinator Marian Viney. WFBF also took home an award for Best Public RelationsWisconsinCampaign.wasrecognized for the well-rounded and multifaceted Leaders of the Land campaign. The event series, graphics, promotions, media outreach and planning were a team effort. WFBF staff who had the largest part in the project included WFBF President Kevin Krentz, Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships Rachel Gerbitz, Director of Media Relations and Outreach Cassie Sonnentag, Graphic Designer Lynn Siekmann and Executive Director of Public Relations Amy Eckelberg. A full list of winners can be found by visiting excellence-in-communications.bureau-professionals-honored-for-fb.org/newsroom/state-farm-
5wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWSWFBF
Krentz Named Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Kevin Krentz of Berlin has been named Interim Chief Administrative Officer of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. The action by the WFBF’s 11-member Board of Directors follows the resignation of Kim Pokorny from the “Whileposition.I’msadto be leaving such an outstanding staff team, I am excited for a new venture in my community involving agricultural education,” said Pokorny. “I’m proud of the work the WFBF staff team and I have accomplished, and it was an absolute honor to work with them. I hope they continue to dream and move Wisconsin Farm Bureau forward to be the best organization we can be for ourFollowingmembers.”Pokorny’s departure on Aug. 10, Krentz now oversees the management of WFBF’s 28 staff members. “I thank Kim for her time and talents she has given Wisconsin Farm Bureau the past two years,” said Krentz. “We will continue as a team to build on her success.”
Kevin Krentz was elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 2012 to represent District 5, which includes Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties. In December of 2020, Kevin was elected as President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Kevin and his family own a 600-cow dairy farm near Berlin. He also serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. “We will continue as a team to build on her-Kevinsuccess.”Krentz
Rural Route Policy Season is Here E ach year Wisconsin Farm Bureau members engage in discussions surrounding agricultural policy. As members gather to consider various items these four topics are ones for consideration.TheWFBF governmental relations team assembles issue backgrounders each year to assist county Farm Bureau members in starting conversations at local policy development meetings. Members are encouraged to review these topics before attending their policy development meeting.
In the U.S., roughly 57 million people consider rural communities their home; of the nearly six million people living in Wisconsin, 26% are living in rural Wisconsin.
DISCUSSION QUESTION : Should WFBF support or encourage collaboration to form a joint emergency medical services district? Do districts need to create a separate governance body or is a formal contractual agreement sufficient?
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS
Lastly, all aboveground storage tanks of more than 110 gallons were required to be installed by a professional installer. During the last session, legislation was introduced to fix the effect of the 2019 administrative ruling but wasn’t completed.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION : We support aboveground farm fuel storage tanks being regulated by DATCP. All aboveground farm fuel storage tanks less than 5,000 gallons shall be exempt from regulation, including inspection, plan review and professional installation requirements. We support registration requirements for all aboveground farm fuel storage tanks more than 110 gallons with DATCP and the local fire authority. ISSUES
Full issue backgrounders with discussion questions are available on these topics by visiting wfbf.com/policy/policydevelopment.
For many years, providing Emergency Medical Services to rural communities has been a consistent challenge throughout Wisconsin. Providing funds for rural EMS is challenging due to the relatively low volume of calls in relation to the costs of fulltime preparedness and fixed capital asset costs. The traditional model of reliance on volunteer personnel is changing with fewer individuals volunteering to serve their communities as emergency medical responders. In addition, the lack of maintaining infrastructure due to stagnant fees or outdated funding mechanisms has left infrastructure for rural EMS diminishing and unable to maintain some basic business functions. In many areas, this has led to consolidation of providers with expanded areas of service coverage, resulting in longer response times. Across the country, payment for EMS is provided by Medicare. This payment fluctuates, with rural communities receiving the lowest reimbursement resulting in an extreme and inequitable mix of care levels, equipment and management. Rural communities are constantly challenged with low call volumes, greater travel distances and the disparity between the cost to provide services being delivered and the reimbursement costs provided by Medicare. At times, the services provided by rural carriers do not meet the public’s expectation of adequate and timely emergency medical services. Other items for consideration on this topic include levy limits, which provide the maximum amount a town, village, city or county may implement as a property tax levy on parcels within its boundaries and training needed by EMS volunteers.
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ABOVEGROUND FARM FUEL STORAGE TANKS
As of Oct. 1, 2019, aboveground farm fuel storage tanks less than 5,000 gallons are exempted from regulation by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. This resulted from a statutory mandate in which DATCP identified that a portion of administrative rule ATCP 93 conflicted with state statute chapter 168, which regulates aboveground storage tanks. As a result, DATCP inspections of aboveground tanks less than 5,000 gallons for compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards are currently suspended.Previously, farm tanks less than 1,100 gallons were exempt from the DATCP registration requirements or plan review. Tanks of more than 1,100 gallons were still subject to a plan review and required to be registered with DATCP.
Currently, DATCP has no authority to regulate aboveground farm fuel storage tanks of less than 5,000 gallons. This includes inspection, registration, plan review and installation standards. Local regulations, fire codes and federal regulations are unaffected by these regulatory changes at DATCP. Adoption of local regulations to take on the regulatory authority previously held by DATCP could occur.
The UW Farm and Industry Short Course has been a unique and nationally renowned program. The FISC program has gone through several changes during the last decade. All of these changes including higher tuition costs and a shift to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a steep decline in enrollment during the past 10 years. UW-Madison recently announced significant changes to the FISC program. Farm Bureau and other stakeholder groups have engaged in discussions regarding the future viability, structure, prospective students and needs of Wisconsin agriculture education within the parameters of this program. Mentorship and Apprenticeship Programs Mentorship and apprenticeship programs offer topic-specific, hands-on, on-the-job training that provides participants with a specific focus area and in-depth training, often to use the knowledge and skills within an individual’s farming operation.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS
Providing diversity in options for future or existing farmers or supporting agricultural sectors allows for options for all learners to engage in continuing education to continue building a robust agricultural industry. Four-Year Colleges
Historically, the main four-year campuses within the UW system that provide agricultural-focused majors for future careers in agriculture include UW-Madison CALS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and UW-River Falls CAFES College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. These universities have seen consolidation within academic degree offerings, professional staff changes and program prioritizations, program restructuring, targeted infrastructure investments and significant enrollment changes. Technical Colleges
UW Farm and Industry Short Course
Technical colleges have seen an increase in enrollment, program and certification offerings. Opportunities for individual course enrollment, non-traditional student participation, proximity to local population centers with appropriate, flexible timing for course offerings, enhanced opportunities through virtual learning and a focus on locally demanded program offerings have all contributed to the increase in technical college opportunities.
YOUTH TRACTOR SAFETY COURSES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Is there a need for additional Youth Tractor Safety Training classes in Wisconsin? If so, where? Is the current, voluntary model for instructors meeting the needs of the agriculture community? How can Farm Bureau members support the Youth Tractor Safety Training Certification program?
DISCUSSION QUESTION : Should there be a state-wide task force charged with evaluating advanced educational offerings within Wisconsin’s agricultural sectors and making recommendations for the future?
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Traditionally, there have been four main avenues of educational options for farmers and aspirational farmers to consider: traditional four-year bachelor’s degree programs, technical college programs, UW-Madison’s Farm and Industry Short Course and mentorships/apprenticeship programs.
During the summer of 2022, the Youth Tractor and Machinery Safety Certification program is being offered in 13 locations throughout Wisconsin by a variety of different instructional institutions including high school agriculture education programs, technical college programs and agricultural- focused organizations. The COVID-19 pandemic caused most course offerings to be canceled in 2020-2021 with limited availability of virtual programs. The 10-year historical trends show a reduction in the number of course offerings and student enrollment across the state; however, with the backlog of students unable to take the course during the past two years due to COVID-19, there is an increase in student enrollment for 2022 but not in courses offered. With the shift in the UW Extension model away from county-specific agricultural agents and toward multi-county specialist positions, the youth tractor safety course must transition to a new approach. Currently, the Gearing Up for Safety program curriculum is controlled by UW Extension and provided to course instructors. Course offerings are inconsistent around the state due to the voluntary nature of the instructors and educational institution availability to offer the course. Funding and tuition rates vary between courses. 70% of students enrolled are being taught by a high school agricultural or technical college instructor. Course tuition costs range from $30 to $175 across the state with most programs trying to at least cover the program costs. Most courses are offered during summer in a week-long, allday format. There are a few courses that meet in the evenings or a three-day intensive weekend camp. In select areas of the state that are not being offered an in-person course option, very few virtual courses have been offered. The driving and hands-on learning component for agricultural machinery require at least a portion of the course to be held in person. Equipment is gathered from sources including farm sponsors, local implement dealers, FFA alumni and technical colleges by the course instructor. Farm Bureau members often are primary contacts for equipment needed for this program.
I t is a Wisconsin Farm Bureau tradition for each WFBF Leadership Institute class to take a photo on the steps of the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. What did they do to get there? Before these Farm Bureau leaders pose for their photo, they take several steps in leadership and personal development.TheWFBF Leadership Institute gives participants the skills and confidence necessary to lead the future of farming and agriculture in their county Farm Bureaus, local communities and beyond. The program consists of five, multi-day sessions that provide hands-on learning on agricultural issues, leadership development and speaking skills, interaction with Farm Bureau staff and government leaders at the state and national levels and networking with other participants. Class XIV’s capstone event was traveling with the WFBF Board of Directors to Washington, D.C., in June 2022. How can you have this experience? Just follow the same steps they did.
Participants in WFBF Leadership Institute Class XIV included Paige Blair, Brooklyn; Chad Bruss, Green Lake; Heather Erdman, Augusta; Robert Fox, Kaukauna; Logan Frei, Janesville; Rachel Harmann, Algoma; Michael Luebke, Maribel; Shawn Monien, Beaver Dam; Kat Nissen, Rock Springs; Sam Olson, Chetek; Charisse Orth, Fennimore; Nichole Rabitz, Crivitz; Andrea Rippley, Whitehall; and Tess Zettle, Juda. This year’s class was a hybrid learning experience with virtual and in-person sessions. During the training sessions, participants focused on personal development, team building, advocacy training, policy development and agriculture issues.
The WFBF Leadership Institute is a year-long leadership development program that provides personal growth and leadership training to develop the next generation of Farm Bureau leaders. These leaders participate in several in-person and virtual training sessions throughout the year. “The Institute is a great opportunity to build leadership skills, as well as a great networking opportunity to build more connections,” shared Green Lake County Farm Bureau member Chad Bruss. “It was a terrific group of people determined to become better leaders in their communities.”
STEP PrepareTWO:for Congressional Visits in Washington, D.C.
The group also met U.K. Foreign Agricultural Trade Advisor Greggor Cato who updated participants on Brexit and trade between the U.S. and U.K. The U.K. is a net importer of goods. AFBF and WFBF support an agreement that increases agricultural trade in the region. Cato shared insights into agriculture in Great Britain and shared his love for Wisconsin cheese with the group. Gathering this background information from AFBF, USTR and the U.K. Agriculture Trade Advisor gave institute participants helpful perspectives as they prepared for the next step in their leadership journey. Gerbitz
The WFBF Leadership Institute class visited the offices of the United States Trade Representative to learn about Wisconsin’s impact on global trade. Representatives at USTR offered insights into the demands in different regions of the world and the complexities of trade agreements.
8 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route By Rachel
Advocates
WFBF Leadership Class Participants
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STEP ParticipateONE: in the WFBF Leadership Institute
Following the completion of the advocacy training portion of the Leadership Institute, participants put their new skills to the test in the nation’s Capital. Before visiting with their representatives, participants visited the American Farm Bureau Federation office to hear from economists and lobbyists about trade, market outlooks and the next farm bill. These discussions helped prepare participants for the Capitol Hill visits the following day.
Take to Become Agriculture T
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STEP AdvocateTHREE:forAgriculture on Capitol Hill
On June 8, Institute participants advocated for their local communities and state while meeting with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. The issues discussed were dairy labeling legislation and the harmful impacts of mandatory compliance with the Security and Exchange Commission’s emission rules. Members thanked the federal delegation for the work to protect mink farming and delist wolves in Wisconsin. These visits opened the door to farm bill discussions as program discussions continue. Participants shared a high-level overview of their farm bill priorities, including issues within dairy to improve price transparency and better farm gate prices. These preliminary conversations will eventually lead to follow-up discussions as WFBF continues to develop farm bill priorities.“Participating in the Leadership Institute has given me the opportunity to expand my personal and professional abilities,” said Rock County Farm Bureau member Logan Frei. “It has opened doors like this opportunity to come to D.C. to speak with legislators on agriculture issues and build my confidence in continuing to be an advocate for agriculture.” Each participant had a chance to share personal stories and experiences with their representatives. Farm Bureau policy starts with the members, and these legislative visits put grassroots in action to advocate for agriculture.
9wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 Are You Ready to Take Your First Step? Are you interested in taking the steps to become an emerging Farm Bureau leader? Learn more and apply at bit.ly/ institute2023.
STEP CelebrateFOUR:Accomplishments and Bring Skills Back Home
“Being part of the WFBF Leadership Institute has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. Not only have I had the chance to meet some incredible people, but also work on my professional skills in my county and at the state level,” said Green County Farm Bureau member Tess Zettle. Members of the WFBF Leadership Institute Class XIV left D.C. prepared to strengthen their county Farm Bureaus. Each of these leaders has outstanding potential to make a positive impact on Wisconsin Farm Bureau. Every step along the way made each participant a stronger leader.
After a day of meetings with elected officials, institute participants relaxed and enjoyed a night tour of Washington, D.C. It was a special experience to see the beautiful monuments illuminated against the night sky. The trip concluded with a visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. The property transported the group back in time. Washington was a farmer, and the institute class got to experience a taste of what agriculture was like in the 1700s.
ISSUESALook at Local Affairs
• Every member of a farm family and employees should be trained in life-saving techniques, including first aid and CPR. In rural areas where medical help may be several minutes away, the first person on the scene may need to initiate life-saving aid before emergency rescue personnel arrive.
Tips for working with your local emergency services:
A cross the state, county Farm Bureaus host events that have a large impact on relationships with local officials. Recently, two events that are worth highlighting are a Focus on Ag event hosted by Rock County Farm Bureau and the Emergency Personnel Training hosted by Brown County Farm Bureau. To gather ideas for events to engage local officials and to build relationships, check out the WFBF Local Affairs Playbook. The purpose of this tool is to provide counties with ideas and resources for planning county activities and events. To read, visit wfbf.com/policy/local-affairs.
• Make sure everyone knows where to make emergency phone calls from and that emergency numbers are located on a laminated sheet next to the phone. If necessary, provide bilingual resources.
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Brown County Farm Bureau hosted a farm safety training on June 10-11. The county Farm Bureau partnered with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to provide includedinstruction.personnelemergencytrainingThecourseathreehour classroom portion and a hands-on portion. The hands-on instruction began with a farm tour, looking at scenarios and hazards within the barn as well as obstacles that would make fire and lifesaving efforts difficult. All States Ag Parts donated the use of a tractor and round baler for the day. The tractor was overturned to run a simulated rollover with a patient trapped underneath. Firefighters practiced cribbing and safely moving the implement to rescue the patient. Another scenario involved an entrapment in the intake of the round baler. Ten Brown County Fire Departments attended.
If you have an idea for a local affairs event in your county, please contact WFBF Executive Director of Governmental Relations Keith Ripp at 608.828.5712.
Every other year Rock County Farm Bureau invites local and state level officials and candidates to attend a program to discuss issues affecting the farming and rural community. Members are invited to engage and to let politicians know what is impacting at the farm level and agriculture. This year, Focus on Ag was held on July 22 at Larson Acres. Larson Acres milks 2,400 cows and farms a total of 5,500 acres in TheEvansville.eventincluded a farm tour given by Rock County Young Farmers and Agriculturist chair Brooke Trustem and various speakers. Kirk Leach served as emcee while Doug Rebout from the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Willie Hughes from the Farmers on the Rock and Keith Ripp from Wisconsin Farm Bureau spoke. The concludedeventwith a Next Generation panel consisting of Brooke Trustem, Sandy Larson, and Willie Hughes. They discussed how respectivetheir farms have successionhandledplanning and getting the next generation involved.
• Schedule a walk through to discuss potential hazards and scenarios so you can be better prepared in the event of an emergency.
• Install an emergency information box. This box should contain a detailed map of the farm, emergency contacts and phone numbers, locations, amounts and Material Safety Data Sheets of chemicals stored on the farm, and a list of major contents of each building. This box should be wellhidden and its location only known by the farm owner and local authorities (fire, emergency medical service and police departments). Make sure the location is entered in the local 911 center.
• Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes a tourniquet.
FOCUS ON AG – ROCK COUNTY
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL TRAINING – BROWN COUNTY
Fire departments have limited resources for training involving specialized training opportunities like this. Brown County Farm Bureau covered the cost of the training in partnership with a grant from UW-Extension.
11wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET? As a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member you are eligible to receive Policy Pulse. Policy Pulse is an award-winning e-newsletter designed to keep members up to date on the latest policy and legislative news and other happenings in the governmental relations division. Make sure you are taking advantage of this member benefit and staying in the know! To sign up email Erin Tomasik at etomasik@wfbf.com.
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O wners John and Connie Bobek are originally from Indiana. They moved to a farm in Marquette County in 1989 with the intention of growing mint. Through the years, mint became less of the focus and the farm expanded into potatoes.Looking for more land to farm, the Bobeks purchased a farm near Kingston. Eventually they sold the other farm and made Kingston their permanent home. Today the Bobeks grow celery, potatoes, onions and a small amount of kidney beans. They use field corn and soybeans as rotation crops. The Bobeks also own farmland in Montana where they grow seed potatoes. While Connie works off the farm at National Exchange Bank & Trust, John manages day-to-day operations with the couple's oldest son Clay. The couple has three other children: Morgan, Jeremy and Leah. Besides crops, the family shows beef cattle at local, district and state shows. John is a long time Farm Bureau member and a former Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer Chair. Why Celery? “Farms in the area actually grew celery back in the 1950s and early 1970s,” John explained. “It used to be grown around the Fox Lake, Montello and Berlin areas.”
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Located not far away in Ripon, the company specialized in relishes and brined vegetables. During harvest, the Bobeks average about two truckloads a day, which amounts to about 1,100 cases per day. Case quantity depends on customer demand but on average hold 24 to 36. “We have to keep moving every day because you have to keep the supply up,” said John. “You have to be able to sell to people for more than a couple of days. Sometimes you have to break for different reasons or because of Mother Nature, but for the most part we are putting in long weeks during harvest time.”
In 2012, John was experimenting with other types of crops he could grow when they stumbled into celery. Because of its marsh surroundings, the farm has peat soil, which makes a good place for certain vegetables to grow, including celery.
TREMBLING PRAIRIE FARMS Unique
“As far as I know, there are only two places in Wisconsin growing celery and we are one of them,” said John. The celery growing process starts in greenhouses in late February to early April. The seedlings are then transplanted. Planting begins close to May 1 with the goal of the last planting to be in the ground by July. The farm grows four different celery varieties on 50 acres. The celery is irrigated with drip tape, a low-pressure irrigation method. John noted that most California varieties seen in grocery stores won’t grow in Wisconsin’s climate so it’s important to know the right varieties for your soil and weather. Harvest begins in July and goes until October. A 12-person celery harvest crew is brought in from Florida for the duration
of the season and harvests the crop by hand. They stay in the state until harvest is complete. “It’s all done by hand with some being cut into four-inch sticks for Ripon Pickle Co. Inc.,” explained John. “They are our largest customer, and we are grateful.”
Celery has a short shelf life so it’s important for the product to move from the field to the store as quickly as possible. The By Amy Eckelberg When you think Wisconsin agriculture you might not think celery. At Trembling Prairie Farms in Green Lake County, however, it’s thought about every day.
PHOTOSUPPLIED Celery Crop MAKES
But the ups and downs and the trial and error are what John admits makes it enjoyable. “The challenge of it all makes it fun, right?”
Onions and Potatoes and Kidney Beans, Oh My Onions are another focus area at Trembling Prairie Farms. The farm grows red and yellow onions. All onions are directly sowed from seed. “We are looking for the onions to be about medium to large in size at harvest,” said John. Once harvested in August and September, the onions are stored on the farm in climate-controlled storage until aboutPotatoesMarch.are harvested starting in August, which means they are planted as early in May as possible. The majority of the potatoes aren’t harvested until October. The Bobek’s farm in Kinsey, Montana, grows seed potatoes for the farm in Wisconsin.“Thereis some good land for seed potatoes in Wisconsin, but Montana is known for it,” said John. “We’ve learned a lot since buying that farm. It hasn’t been easy but with significant investment in the infrastructure and dedicated employees we steadily have grown to 125 acres of certified seed potatoes.”
celery sold to grocery stores has a Something Special from Wisconsin™ logo. In general, celery is a popular choice at the grocery store. In the U.S. consumers eat on average six pounds of fresh celery annually. Two medium stalks of celery offer many nutritional benefits including vitamin C, potassium and 2 grams of fiber, all for 20 calories.
The farm is working with Chippewa Valley Bean out of Menomonie to process. According to John the biggest challenge he faces with vegetable crops is marketing. “The fresh market is really hard,” he said. “You have to have a balance between orders and what you can grow. Alsum Farms and Produce has helped us tremendously in this area.”
SUPPLIED PHOTO
This year, to carry on the desire of always trying new things, the farm is housing a small acreage of kidney beans. “That’s mostly Clay’s project,” smiled John.
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17wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 December 2-5, 2022 • Wisconsin Dells 103rd Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference 88th Rural Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting Insurance Company Rural Mutual WFBF AND
Saturday – YFA Workshops
Sparked by the loss of his father, Alex and his organization send ‘promise cards’ to anyone anywhere in the world at no cost.
Sunday Morning Alex Sheen Alex Sheen is the founder of Because I Said I Would, a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to bettering humanity through promises made and kept.
Alex is someone who truly honors commitment. He once walked more than 240 miles across the state of Ohio in 10 days to fulfill a promise. In just two years, Because I Said I Would has sent more than 12.3 million promise cards to more than 153 countries. The promises written on these cards have made headlines around the world. Alex is a five-time TEDx Talk speaker and his charitable work has been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, CNN, The Today Show, NPR, The Los Angeles Times and many other programs.
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Braxten is from Roosevelt, Utah, where he lives with his beautiful wife Heather and new daughter Jaida. He grew up loving the outdoors where he did a lot of camping, hunting, fishing and working on his family’s ranch. He excelled in sports and was a three-sport athlete throughout high school where he received all-state football, basketball and baseball recognition and awards. In college he joined the college rodeo team and now enjoys team roping.
Join the YFA Committee for an afternoon of learning with topics related to the Wisconsin Farm Center, Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin, Time Management, Zumba, Diversity of Wisconsin Agriculture and Labor issues.
To maximize the time available for this year’s WFBF resolutions session, some elements of the traditional Monday morning business session have been scheduled elsewhere on the agenda. District caucuses will take place on Saturday afternoon, and the WFBF and Rural Mutual business meeting featuring management reports and financials will be held on Sunday afternoon.
Attention Delegates: New Schedule This Year
Saturday Morning Braxten Nielsen Join Braxten as he shares his motto, “We were born to succeed.” He will share a message about hard work, being resilient and how to keep positive and overcome setbacks and challenges.
1. Crowd Favorite: Judged on loudest crowd applause.
Registration materials coming soon. Watch wfbf.com for more information.
3. Best Accessories: Coolest accessories to help make his or her ensemble poppin’.
2. Best Retro: Judge on the best interpretation of retro clothes typically found at a thrift store.
4. Best Group: Best group of two or more people to go with a thrift shop outfit theme.
Saturday Evening Tim Gabrielson: The Magic of Comedy Tim Gabrielson is not your average entertainer. A magician since the tender age of 12, Tim has developed a quick wit that’s only rivaled by his impeccable sense of humor. Tim takes his audience through a comedic journey that’s peppered with life lessons spanning the past 28 years. A fresh take on entertainment with a purpose, Tim leverages the humor of a stand-up comedian with a hand as sleight as Houdini himself; but it’s the power of positivity that he infuses into each and every performance that leaves a lasting impression with his audience.
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Friday night of the YFA Conference will be Thrift Night. The YFA Committee wants to see your best thrift purchases so head out to your local thrift store and get shopping. Prizes will be awarded for:
Friday Evening Midwest Dueling Pianos
Members will enjoy the hilarious comedy and wildly entertaining music of Midwest Dueling Pianos. Be prepared to be the star of the show and get your song requests ready.
It Pays to be a Farm Bureau Member W isconsin Farm Bureau is a membership organization comprised of non-farmer and farmer members. Its members support and advocate for agriculture. If you’re a farmer, landowner, involved in agribusiness or if you like to eat then you’re involved with agriculture. When members support an organization that works for Wisconsin’s farmers it strengthens our communities. By becoming a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member you not only support the farmers who produce your family’s food and fiber while gaining access to the organization’s many member benefits and“WFBFdiscounts.members qualify for benefits that provide discount options for farmers, families and businesses,” said WFBF Director of Member Relations Mandy Ganser. These benefits are available to all members and enhance the value of membership.”Belowarethe different types of benefits: Code- or Account-Based To get your Farm Bureau membership savings, go online or call the partner company to begin shopping or making a reservation. At checkout, members must reference a specific WFBF discount code or account number to redeem the discount. The discount code is available from the WFBF website or member benefits flyer. Examples of member benefit partners that use a code- or account-based system include: Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Avis car rental, Budget car rental, ODP Business Solutions, AgriPlan, Scriptsave and Grainger.
Some WFBF member benefits provide exclusive access or special offers to Farm Bureau members only. Benefits that fall into this category include Rural Mutual Insurance, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, FS GROWMARK Patronage, the Member Protector Policy and the $500 Reward Protection Program. In addition to WFBF member benefits that offer discount savings, there also are many non-monetary benefits, such as receiving newsletters and the Rural Route magazine or opportunities to participate in leadership development and programs.Formore information about each member benefit and how to get the most out of your Farm Bureau membership, visit wfbf. com/membership/member-benefits.Toreadothermembers’first-hand experiences saving money with member benefits, visit wfbf.com/member-benefitstestimonials. WFBF member benefits may change or be discontinued at any time without notice.
Member Verification Certificate Member benefits partners such as Case IH, Ford and Caterpillar use online systems to verify your WFBF membership. To unlock savings with these partners, a member visits the WFBF member benefits partner page and enters their contact information to generate a discount certificate. Then they present the certificate at the dealership to receive the Farm Bureau discount. Digital Account Verification To access WFBF member benefit savings with John Deere, members visit the John Deere website to create a user profile. Follow the sign-up instructions to attach the Farm Bureau discount to your user profile to verify your Farm Bureau membership digitally and unlock savings.
Rebate After Purchase Members can receive a rebate after purchase when buying qualifying products from an authorized Yamaha dealership. Prior to purchase, a member should verify they have an active WFBF membership and confirm with the dealership that the product meets the rebate requirements. After purchase, a member completes an online rebate form with their purchase information to request the rebate.
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MEMBERSHIP
Products or Special Offers
wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 Members receive an incentive discount (up to $500) when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers. Members qualify for a variety of discounts on new purchases. Visit wfbf.com to print your certificate and for details on models and discounts. Must be a member for at least 30 days to be eligible. 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. You can get more information about the services Farm Bureau Financial offers from your local Rural Insurance agent. Learn more at fbfs.com. Insurance Company Rural Mutual To find a Rural Mutual Insurance Company agent, visit ruralmutual.com or call 877.219.9550. Farm Bureau members who are agricultural producers and patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage when patronage is paid. Member Protector Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Choice Hotels International, Inc. • Wyndham Hotel Group • ScriptSave $500 Reward Protection Program • Avis • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Yamaha• Budget Farm Bureau $500 Exclusive Cash Reward offer for new 2021/ 2022/2023 Ford Ranger, Maverick, F-150, and Super Duty (to F-550). Must be a member for 30 days. Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com for complete details or to print your certificate. *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* For complete details, wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.visit Your Farm Bureau Member Benefit PAYS.ITCOST,DOESN’TMEMBERSHIPYOUR SAVINGS Members can save up to 75% on office, home and school supplies online at ODP Business Solutions (formerly Office Depot Business Solutions). To register, visit WFBF.SavingCenter.net Members can sign up to receive an automatic John Deere Rewards membership upgrade to Platinum 1, unlocking BIG SAVINGS on select agriculture and turf equipment. Don’t wait – Visit JohnDeere.com/ FarmBureau today to register! 21
Please share a little about yourself.
What is one Farm Bureau experience of which you are most proud?
Please share what Farm Bureau activities you are involved in. I’m involved with Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. I use its resources to help teach fourthgrade students in the Dodge County schools about dairy. This year, I was happy to receive an Ag in the Classroom grant for making ‘My Little Ag Libraries’ that will be awarded to four Dodge County classrooms in the fall. It will equip classrooms with books on agriculture for students to use. I also help during the Dodge County Farm Bureau’s Farm City Day, when the fourth-grade students in Dodge County visit a local dairy farm and learn about the farm and Wisconsin agriculture. I’m usually stationed in the milking parlor. What is one agricultural experience that has defined you?
What is something that many Farm Bureau members do not know about you? When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was having recurring ear infections and was hospitalized. Doctors discovered that the cancer had eaten my ear drum and I was deaf in one ear. I went through surgery to repair my eardrum, but now I have a hearing aid to help that ear because I’m experiencing mild hearing loss as I am getting older. I beat the disease, but not without a lot of struggles. I was fortunate enough to have my mom who was a registered nurse who could take care of me at home, so I didn’t have to stay in the hospital as much. DODGE COUNTY’S BRENDA CONLEY
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By Marian Viney
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Having kids come to me while helping with Dodge County Farm Bureau’s Farm City Day and say they remember me from me coming into their classrooms. I’m so happy to have made an impact in their lives, even if it’s a little bit.
Utopians 4-H and on the committee for Dodge County Dairy Promotion Committee. In the past, I was the first woman on the board and the first woman president of the Dodge County Dairy Testing Association. Briefly share your experience hosting the Leader of the Land tour series. Last year, my husband Chris and I were part of the Leaders of the Land State Sustainability Series. Our goal is to be as sustainable on our farm as possible. We practice no-till, cover cropping and plant green (planting into a living crop) with our crops. We also are integrating our cattle into the cropping by grazing our cover crops. We also have transitioned our herd to half Holsteins and half Normandes. Normande cattle are excellent for feed efficiency and grazing. They are a dualpurpose breed for meat and milk. We are looking out for our daughters’ futures on the farm by setting them and future generations up for sustainability success.
I did not grow up on a farm and my parents had no agricultural experience. I grew up in Neosho and only moved about 1.5 miles out of town when I got married. I farm with my husband Chris and our two daughters Mckayla (14) and Paige (12). I earned an associate degree in landscape horticulture with an emphasis on landscape design and maintenance. I worked as a landscape designer for four years until my first daughter was born and then quit to stay home and work on the farm full-time. Four years ago, I took the part-time position of the Dodge County Dairy Ambassador for the Dodge County Dairy Promotion Committee. I enjoy being the ambassador, especially talking to the fourth-grade students in Dodge County. When you were growing up what did you want to be?
The agricultural experience that has defined me is my being in FFA for four years in high school. In FFA, I developed skills in public speaking, filled out applications and worked with others in agriculture. I was on the parliamentary procedure team and learned valuable lessons on how to conduct meetings. My team was lucky enough to advance to the state competition. Without these FFA experiences, I don’t think I would be as involved in the dairy community as I am now. I’m in the Hartford FFA Alumni, a co-general leader of the Neosho
I wanted to go into something with plants. I loved growing and planting; that passion came from my grandmother and parents. We always had a huge garden growing up and would sell our veggies from our coaster wagon in town. When I was looking at colleges, I was thinking something with landscape plants. Then I found Milwaukee Area Technical College in Mequon’s landscape horticulture degree program and fell in love with it because it was almost all hands-on studies.
Washington County Hosts Farm Tours Thull Farms, LLC, was one of two host farms for fourthgrade students to learn more about agriculture in soillearnedCounty.WashingtonStudentsaboutconservationand why soil is important for growing crops along with protecting our clean water supply. They also experienced the technology available in the dairy industry by viewing the Lely milking robots. Fourth-grade students were amazed by the robots that milk cows.
Green Lake County Farm Bureau hosted its second annual Drive-Thru Pork Roast Dinner fundraiser on April 9 at the American Legion Hall in Princeton. More than 300 meals were served.
Winnebago County Promotes Dairy The Winnebago County Farm Bureau Dairy Promotion Committee participated in the June 3, pregame festivities for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Udder Tugger weekend in celebration of June Dairy Month. This exciting event raised awareness of the dairy industry and promoted agricultural education to different demographics. The pregame activities included: dairy trivia, butter making, milk can ball toss, calf petting, temporary tattoos, meeting a large animal vet and cow feed samples. County and state fair royalty joined in to promote the Winnebago County Fair.
Taylor County Hosts Steak and Egg Breakfast for a Good Cause Taylor County Farm Bureau hosted a Steak and Egg Breakfast in May to raise funds for its youth scholarship program and to promote Wisconsin beef. Farm Bureau prides itself on being a grassroots organization. Members belong to one of the 61 county Farm Bureaus. Throughout the state, local members advocate for Farm Bureau and agriculture in a variety of ways. Here are some of the activities and projects happening locally.
Green Lake County Hosts Drive-Thru Pork Dinner
Eau Claire County Presents ‘Farming - It’s in our Jeans’ Parade Float Eau Claire County Farm participatedBureauin the Augusta Bean and Bacon Days parade on July 3. Throughout the parade, members handed out 1,000 beef sticks and 200 copies of the District 4 Farm Bureau Local Producer Shopping Guide along with 300 copies of a member benefits flyer. ‘Farming - It’s in our Jeans’ was the theme for the float with many pairs on the line to show the depth of the Eau Claire Farm Bureau members’ commitment to agriculture. Eau Claire County Farm Bureau thanks Erdman’s Diamond Valley Farms for raising the beef for the beef sticks.
YFA Members Cheer-On the Brewers YFA members from andtoingrouponBrewersthecountiesandIowa,Grant,LafayetteVernonattendedMilwaukeegameJune26.ThetraveledacoachbusMilwaukeeenjoyed
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socializing and tailgating before the game. The Brewers played the Toronto Blue Jays, winning 10-3. It was a great day for baseball, with beautiful weather and fun all around.
Grassroots in Action
Dunn County Sponsors ‘Curd Buster 25’
Wood County Ag on the Move Trailer Visits Dairy Breakfast Wood County Farm Bureau partnered with Pleasant Corners 4-H and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin to showcase the Ag on the Move trailer with Greta the Incredible Milking Cow at the local June Dairy Breakfast. 4-H members handed out Go-Gurt®, dairy recipes, cheese promotional items and discussed dairy with kids of all ages as many tried their hand at milking.
On May 7, Winnebago County Farm Bureau held its annual Drive-By Steak Fry at Brighton Acres in Oshkosh. For sale were steak and hamburger plates. New this year was a meat cut identification contest, a raffle and prizes. Attendees also could see a beef cow and calf at the event.
Lincoln County Dairy Breakfast Draws
Secretary Romanski On June 12, Lincoln County Farm Bureau hosted its June Dairy Breakfast in Merrill. aRomanskiSecretaryConsumerAgriculture,DepartmentWisconsinofTradeandProtectionRandyattendedasspecialguest.
District 2 YFA Goes to the Rodeo In April, District 2 held a YFA Night at the Rodeo. It was a HorsetheconjunctionCenterAllianttherodeoAssociationRodeoProfessionalCowboysheldatColiseumatEnergyinwithMidwestFair.
Members saw typical events like bull riding and barrel racing as well as some great performances by the rodeo clown, clinicians and even a performer doing somersaults over a charging bull.
On June 24, Dunn County Farm Bureau DairyDunnpartneredmemberswithCountyPromotion to sponsor the Farm Night ‘Curd Buster 25’ race at the Red Cedar Speedway in Menomonie. Farm Bureau and Dairy Promotion handed out string cheese to fans as they entered the grandstands, had a sign-up to win one of six insulated coolers filled with cheese and gave milk and string cheese to the six feature winners that night. The night was a great way to highlight June Dairy Month and support agriculture in the local community.
onatCountyLangladeHelpsBreakfasttheFarm Langlade County Farm presidentBureauJake Bula helped LangladegameAmericannavigatevisitorsthe‘MyFarm’videokioskattheCountyBreakfast on the Farm on June 18. The Langlade County Farm Bureau display also attracted a lot of attention because attendees could make and taste test butter.
Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) attended a Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau board meeting held at Ruedinger Farms to discuss current federal legislative issues.
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Winnebago County Organizes Steak Fry
Krentz was elected president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2020. He is a dairy farmer from Berlin.
26 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route It’s That Time of Year A Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz
A s summer starts winding down you may be thinking about getting those family vacations in or preparing for harvest, but at Farm Bureau, we are thinking about policy. Wisconsin Farm Bureau is the voice of agriculture in our state. That voice comes from you – our members. Every year, members across Wisconsin discuss issues, ordinances and laws impacting their farms. If members want to make a change to these items, a voice of many is much more powerful than a single individual. That is what makes Farm Bureau a unique organization. Not only is the ability to carry the thoughts of thousands of members across the U.S. powerful, we represent more than one commodity and all farm sizes. When agriculture can come together, it’s extremely powerful to the ears of governmental officials. Our policy is developed through a grassroots process. Members start by discussing policy at district policy meetings as early as July. Then members present policy changes and additions to our policy book at county Farm Bureau annualPolicymeetings.resolutions that garner enough support make it to the WFBF Policy Development Committee. Policy resolutions from around the state are gathered and thoroughly discussed for two days in November by the committee. Policy approved by the WFBF Policy Development Committee then goes to the delegate floor at the WFBF Annual Meeting in December. Through debate and discussion, commonality and agreement are found to create a common voice for our policy. In January, federal policy is considered during the AFBF Annual Convention and goes through a similar process at a national level. This process is not always easy but is extremely important in who and what Farm Bureau is. This methodical process is part of the reason Farm Bureau is respected in Madison and Washington, D.C. When a resolution is made through the delegate discussion, you can be assured it’s gone through a thorough democratic process. You may think, ‘My thoughts won’t be heard.’ You may be hesitant to present a resolution at your county annual meeting. However, I encourage you to do so. All it takes is one voice to start a conversation that drives change. Last year, we had a new member present a forestry policy resolution during a county annual meeting that ultimately was eventually considered during the AFBF Annual Meeting and became AFBF Policy. That proves that no matter your level of experience with Farm Bureau, being involved in the policy process is important. There is something for everyone within Farm Bureau and many members have a passion for policy. If you have that passion, you can be part of the policy development process. If you have a resolution idea that you feel is important, please attend your county annual meeting; your voice has the opportunity to make a difference for agriculture.Helpbethe voice of agriculture. It starts with you.
VOICESVOICES
President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Duvall raises beef cattle, hay and poultry in Greshamville, Georgia.
O n each trip I take around the country, I’m not only impressed with the work farmers and ranchers are doing, but I’m also blown away by the beautiful landscapes and wildlife we encounter. Being surrounded by nature is part of why I love farming. And I know that’s the case for most farmers and ranchers across the country. While we work the land to produce food, fiber and fuel, we also recognize the important role our land plays in sustaining wildlife. For generations, farmers and ranchers have worked to do more with less. We’ve voluntarily placed 140 million acres of land in conservation programs, which helps provide wildlife habitat. Farmers want to be partners in conserving our natural resources and the wildlife that we share those resources with. We especially want to be partners in conserving threatened and endangered species. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, our representatives recognized that each species plays a role in maintaining a healthy and thriving environment. And while our society and the technology we use have changed a lot in the 50 years since the Endangered Species Act was passed, Congress hasn’t passed significant updates to reflect the realities on the ground. Instead, government agencies like the EPA and Fish and Wildlife Service have created confusing rules that give unelected bureaucrats the power to dictate what Americans do on their private property, and individual judges make sweeping decisions that have nationalEndangeredimpacts.Species Act protections have brought some animals back from the brink of extinction, such as the bald eagle. But today, there are more than 1,600 listed species in the United States, with thousands of pages of complicated rules around these listings. That makes it very confusing for farmers, ranchers, and other landowners to determine what they can do on their land. The previous administration attempted to bring some clarity for landowners and other stakeholders by writing new rules to clarify what habitat really is and what protections apply to which types of listed species. But now the current administration wants to return to the old system of case-by-case decisions made by bureaucrats in Washington, and a single judge just repealed several of the clarifying rules. We simply cannot have this tug-of-war with regulations where farmers and ranchers are left guessing what’sEndangerednext.
AUGUST|SEPTEMBER 2022
A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall
Conserving Threatened and Endangered Species
Species Act regulations affect daily practices like crop protection as well. EPA officials often put in place limitations on how pesticides can be used based on broad-sweeping species maps and without realistic assumptions of how a product is used. Despite what EPA officials might think, farmers use only the amount of pesticides we need to get the job done, which is often significantly less than the maximum amount allowed. We also need these products to utilize environmentally beneficial practices like no-till farming that prevent soil erosion and runoff. We are as careful and efficient as possible, for the safety of our families, communities and wildlife. Making decisions based on the best science available brings both clarity and certainty to landowners and other stakeholders. Just as each species plays a role in a healthy environment, we all play a role in ensuring a healthy and safe future for our planet and the people we share it with. We also know that when we work together as partners, through voluntary agreements, and with ample opportunity for farmers to provide their perspective to inform each agency’s decisions, we can achieve so much more. That’s why we need the government to treat us as partners and focus on science and common sense. The survival of our nation’s wildlife and our farms and ranches depends on it.
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WFBF is the first state Farm Bureau with a communications role focused specifically on sustainability. Farm Bureau is committed to investing resources in this space to share and celebrate successes. We continue to learn and grow together. Collaboration is key to these innovative and creative initiatives to preserve our land, water and resources. As perceptions and definitions of sustainability continue to change and evolve, I will continue to share your legacy and find creative ways to tell your story. I’m here to be your trusted resource for sustainability information – both on and off the farm. Someone who came before you believed in your dreams and your goals. Your mentors, advisors and peers helped to sustain your future in agriculture. Now it is your turn to be the mentor and advisor fostering a successful future. Someone believes in you and relies on you to continue to produce the safest, most sustainable food in the world. I’m thrilled to offer you resources and work together to share your story.
A year ago, I shared what I knew sustainability to be. I reminisced about my father rotationally grazing his dairy cattle and using a nutrient management plan more than two decades ago. I shared that someone believed in me, so I could pursue a career in Littleagriculture.didIknow my dad’s conservation efforts of the past would impact my career or that my mentors were sustaining my future in agriculture. A year later, we are exploring new areas for preserving and protecting the future of agriculture. Environmental successes are important and impactful parts of sustainability, but the concept goes far beyond the farm field. From managing food waste and promoting pollinators in urban areas to 4-H leaders and youth mentors advising the next generation of agriculturists, everyone must make a responsible impact for the future. Member Programs I’ve learned a lot about environmental conservation thanks to wonderful Farm Bureau members who welcomed me to their farms. Last fall, members were fortunate to visit nine member farms –one in each district – during our Leaders of the Land tour series. During this series, we experienced sustainability in different facets of agriculture – from dairy farms to cranberry marshes. We learned that consumers connect with shared values and farmers share their why. Why do you plant cover crops? Because you care about soil health and want to protect it. Leading with examples and owning the definition helps to connect with a non-farm audience. Sharing our sustainability story goes beyond environmental consciousness. Sustainability comes with many different perceptions and definitions. In Farm Bureau’s new 35 Under 35 recognition program, we are challenging others to think of sustainability in new ways. How is an agriculture educator fostering the next generation of agriculturists? How is a salesperson or loan officer helping a farmer meet their goals? Every career and any involvement in agriculture helps to sustain and improve it for the future. We have many Farm Bureau leaders who are preserving agriculture every day in various roles and we are excited to celebrate their successes.
Gerbitz is WFBF’s Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships. In this role, Gerbitz oversees the organization’s sustainability communication efforts.
VOICES
Idea and Story Sharing Farm Bureau has been fortunate to partner with other Wisconsin agriculture organizations to collaborate and share ideas in the sustainability space. Just as farmer-to-farmer conversations and communications help to drive innovation and creativity, idea sharing among organizations helps to fuel new initiatives and reach a broader audience. Farm Bureau has found success creatively using social media to share sustainability messaging. From collaborative campaigns with partner organizations to Instagram reels, we are trying new things and reaching new audiences with these efforts. Education and Outreach Farm Bureau is reaching a younger school-aged audience with sustainability concepts and ideas through soil health demonstrations. We created a minirainfall simulator to showcase the benefits of cover crops versus bare soil during rainfall. I’m excited to work with WFBF’s Ag in the Classroom coordinator to develop creative ways to showcase sustainability in the classroom. You may have heard some of our radio advertisements that subtly describe sustainability without saying sustainability. We recruited members to record public service announcements to share how they care for the environment or preserve their legacy. In these ads, Farm Bureau members owned their definition of sustainability and shared their values with listeners.
Your Legacy Involves Sustainability: One Year Later
A Message from WFBF’s Rachel Gerbitz
Crop Reports and Money Flow Drive Markets
Setzer is the commodity risk analyst for AgriVisor, one of WFBF’s member benefits.
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A Guest Column by AgriVisor’s Karl Setzer
T here are two main driving factors behind current market activity: managed money flow and crop development.Whilesome regions of the United States have suffered from adverse weather this planting and growing season, most regions report favorable conditions. This has caused risk premium to leak out of futures, even though the U.S. stocksto-use ratios on corn and soybeans remain historically tight. This is a result of traders removing their fund from commodities that were a primary source of support that took the markets to alltime highs. One of the biggest influences on current price discovery is managed money flow, same as it has been for the past several months. The difference now is that money is flowing out of the commodity market and applying pressure. The removal of these traders is mainly the result of ongoing inflation and economic worries, and how they have changed the landscape of all markets. This comes even with supportive fundamental factors and even in the soy complex where U.S. balance sheets are forecasted to be very tight. Another reason behind the recent selling in commodities is the shift in the technical outlook. Nearly all technical indicators have turned negative in the past week, showing that is the path of least resistance at the present time. Not only has this encouraged fresh selling, but it has also diminished any buying interest as well. Some of this technical weakness also is seasonal, primarily in corn. Technical traders who have also looked for years with similar trends are basing current activity off those moves. Traders are starting to look forward though and are still concerned over longrange commodity supplies. Currently, the world has adequate reserves, even in the United States, but where these stocks are located is impacting the market. Ukraine is still struggling to make exports and will for months to come. Russia has ample wheat to export, but sanctions are preventing buyers from showing interest. This has buyers stepping outside their normal buying circles but failed to bring the U.S. additional business as our offers are some of the highest priced in the worldOnemarket.commodity we have had high demand for is soybeans. Combined U.S. soybean sales currently total 804 million bushels (mbu), a record for this time of year. The previous forward contracting record on U.S. soybeans was 644 mbu, and last year the U.S. had 332 mbu of sales on the books. Nearly all sales were made when concerns were building over the potential size of the South American crop. These fears have now subsided, and when combined with easing global demand, the complex has been pressured. Sales cancellations are also lessening the trade response to the high numbers. Market volatility has become normal in today’s market and is unlikely to change any time soon. In fact, this is only expected to increase as the year progresses and South America starts its planting season, adding to the global weather market interest.
Gretchen Kamps, Lafayette County
I always hope that I can be the kind of friend that gets the call on the very best day, and on the worst day, and that on both kinds of days I’ll be able to help!”
When told he was selected as a Hero of Hope, Jerry stated, “Thank you for recognizing the work we have been able to do: to keep our farmers safe as well as our firefighters that may need to respond to farms”
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As stated in his nomination, “Jerry is the person who calms your fears, dries your tears and makes your worst days a little better. For those of us who work in rural communities, he is a Hero of Hope answering the call to serve others in ways we can never thank him enough.”
The 2022 Heroes of Hope campaign was sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company, The Power of One Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, the Doyle and Kim Pokorny Family, Culver’s, the Ryan and Cheri Klussendorf family, the Ashleigh and Josh Calaway Family, Lynn Siekmann and Kwik Trip.
Also being recognized as finalists this year are Gretchen Kamps, Sara Byl, Brenda Statz and Randy Roecker. As this year’s Hero of Hope, Minor received $500 cash, a Yeti Cooler, $50 to Kwik Trip and a Culver’s meal package valued at $50. The four remaining finalists each received $125 cash, $25 to Kwik Trip, $25 to Blain’s Farm & Fleet and a Culver’s meal package valued at $25.
Jerry Minor, Wood County
Jerry Minor has been named Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Hero of Hope in the organization’s second annual Heroes of Hope campaign.
Jerry is the Pittsville Fire Department chief. Minor has played a significant role in creating a partnership with the National Farm Medicine Center in his area. He is committed to equipping rural Wisconsin firefighters with proper training and equipment to properly respond to rural emergencies. Minor has also partnered with area farmers to host hands-on training demonstrations and is a strong advocate for youth fire safety education.
Gretchen is the person in your community you can turn to when you need help. She always lends an ear when you need to talk. If you need help with farm work, whether it’s milking cows, loading animals or fixing a trailer, you can count on her. If you need a meal during a hard time, a ride to the doctor or a calf for an education event, Gretchen does that too. She makes the world a brighter place for everyone lucky enough to cross their path.
Heroes of Hope NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Heroes of Hope, a subset of the #FarmNeighborsCare campaign, is focused on shedding light on rural heroes who have helped others through a tough time. Heroes of Hope aims to identify people who have helped bring hope to farmers or businesses, either in large or small ways. Members of the agriculture community were encouraged to nominate individuals who have made an impact on the way they conduct business, both ordinarily and extraordinarily.
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Heroes of Hope Named
Gretchen said this about her nomination, “Helping others was instilled in me from a young age by my parents. When there was someone who needed help in the neighborhood, my mom would make food and my dad would load everyone into the truck to go and help, because the work at our place ‘will be here when we get back.’
I’ve tried to carry that mentality into my adult life by making time to help others when they need it, and letting others help me when I need it, so we can all get things done.
Farmer Angel Network
The Farmer Angel Network (F.A.N.), builds strong rural communities that support agriculture by providing education, resources, and fellowship with a focus on mental health. Learn more at facebook.com/FarmerAngelNetwork.
Randy has been an inspiration not only for farmers in his area but across the U.S. and internationally. He has shared his story with mental illness at local meetings as well as at national events like the MILK conference and had been featured in international publications. He has been a major part of the Farmer Angel Network group.
Randy Roecker, Sauk County
Whenwfbf.com/general-agriculture/suicide-when-lifes-burdens-are-too-much-to-bear.visittoldofhernomination,Brendasaid, “I am very humbled and feel honored to be nominated. Always find your ‘joy’ in life and live.”
When Randy was told about his nomination and that he was a finalist, he said, “I am overwhelmed with appreciation to being nominated. It’s so important to be there for each other. Just take the time to listen.”
Sara Byl, Polk County When thinking of Sara one word comes to mind: devoted. She is devoted to her faith, family, farm and community. She farms with her family and fights for their way of life both on and off the farm. Sara does this not just for her family farm but for her community of farmers. Her tight-knit family supports her on her mission to advocate for farmers. She regularly attends town board meetings to keep up with what is going on. Sara is diligent about her note taking and shares that information with community members. She maintains open doors of communication between farmers, community members and ag professionals in the area to make sure everyone is up to speed on what is happening locally. She has provided hope, perspective and a whole lot of energy in the fight to preserve farming for the next generation throughout her community. When she is not out working the fields or meeting with area farmers, you can find her at spending time with her son, at church or with her family. She serves as a role model for many – especially those who have struggled to find their voice. Sara works with them, coaches them and encourages them to stand up and speak out. She has provided hope to many when facing adversity and continues to be the cheerleader for many as they face challenges navigating not only farming but activists who don’t understand their way of life. When telling Sara about his nomination, he stated, “I am humbled and honored to be a runner-up for the Heroes of Hope Campaign. I’m proud to be a part of the great pro-agriculture advocacy movement in our area. We have some of the best farmers and ag supporters around who have worked hard to share our positive stories. I am really proud to be a farmer and mom. Thank you, I am really grateful for this nomination and award!”
Brenda Statz, Sauk County Brenda was a founding member of the Farmer Angel Network. This group formed after the death of her husband when Brenda received a request to speak at a local event about mental health and the impact of suicide on her family. Farmer Angel Networks helps farmers by providing resources on suicide prevention, and by striving to end the stigma associated with mental health by making it OK to talk about. To read more about Brenda’s story,
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2021, District 8 held a month-long outdoor activity with a catchy little name, Soil Your Undies. This activity encouraged members to sign up for a soil experiment for the chance to win a prize. After registering to participate, members received a kit with instructions, cotton briefs, wire flag marker and Farm Bureau sign. Then members went to a general field, garden or back 40 location, recorded the date on the flag, documented themselves with ‘Clean New Undies’ in a photo and, per instructions, buried the undies in the soil. After one month, the buried undies were dug up and again photographed with the dated flag. When participants had completed the month of ‘Soiling Their Undies,’ we tabulated the scores. UW Extension agents helped judge and grade the before and after photos. The outcome of this experiment was to show how the soil microbial activity breaks down the cotton fabric. We learned soil type, e.g., sandy, clay, etc. was a big factor and water source, till or no-till made a difference. This soil experiment activity was fantastic. Outside, selfguided, easy to perform, simple to conduct and monitor and has visual results. Plus, a fun name to brag about if you were the winner.Along with the soil kit, information on pollinators and flower seeds was included. Lovingly using the phrase, “Now that you’ve soiled your undies, might as well wet your ‘plants’.” After digging the underwear hole, participants could plant theThisseeds.activity is in its second year, but we’ve added another campaign to focus on our pollinator friends: No Mow May. No Mow May was spearheaded as an activity for those who live in the city limits where hole digging may not be permitted. No Mow May simply means refraining from cutting your lawn during the month of May. Dandelions are some of the first blooms of the spring, and depending on the weather and temperatures, those little yellow flowers are the only food source for honey bees. No Mow May also has activities and experiments for participants. A game of “What’s Growing” Back Yard Bingo can be played – is it Creeping Jenny, Orange paint brushes, clover, wildThestrawberries?outdoorsis a wonderful place to explore and learn about big and small, in a field close to the woods or right outside your back door, just not in the oats. I encourage you to take advantage of the educational opportunities that the outdoors has to offer and try a No Mow May, Soil Your Undies or other fun activities in your county or district.
Katie Zoromski is the District 8 representative on the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee. Katie developed a love for agriculture after spending time on her uncle’s dairy farm while growing up in central Wisconsin. Today, Katie is involved with her family’s hobby farm which has grown into an agritourism venture while supplying a variety of agricultural products.
With Katie Zoromski
32 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route
The Promotion and Education Committee is a dynamic group of Farm Bureau leaders who develop, implement and promote programs that build agricultural awareness and provide leadership development to the agricultural community.
Outside Promotion and Education Program
Take Promotion and Education
A re you an indoor or outdoor kind of person? Outside is the place for me. As kids, my sister, cousins and I enjoyed playing and exploring outside. Digging up worms after a summer storm, building forts in the woods and sneaking into our granary to climb up the oat pile, even though Gramps told us not to. Fast forward to my present-day self, I still prefer to be outside. Summertime is my favorite of Wisconsin’s seasons. Spring and Summer are the time for new growth, animals and birds are returning from winter refuge and native plants are starting to bloom. Summer is a great time to be outside and explore andInlearn.Spring
Brady: It has provided me with a lot of unique opportunities, and I have met a lot of cool people.
Kat: Being a Farm Bureau member is one of the best investments I have ever made in myself and in agriculture. It has provided me with opportunities to grow and develop my leadership and advocacy skills. I have met so many different people who have become part of my Farm Bureau family. My membership also helps make the organization a respected voice for agriculture.
Kat: One of my favorite programs in Farm Bureau is the WFBF Leadership Institute. You develop lifelong friendships with a group of people who you know will be there for you and push you to be the best you can be. The program pushes you out of your comfort zone and you become a better advocate for agriculture because of it. What would you tell YFA members about getting involved in the YFA program?
Brady: Being involved in YFA helps you meet many cool people and have many neat experiences. Kat: I believe Wisconsin has one of the best YFA programs in the country. We have so many different opportunities for involvement, and you can get so much out of it. You definitely won’t regret being involved.
Get to know the members who are leading Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program.
The WFBF YFA Committee met in Crandon, June 8-,9 for their summer planning meeting. While there, they toured Sowinski Potato Farm and a cranberry marsh and put together the final details for this year’s YFA Conference. YFA YFA members across the state have been taking advantage of gathering at local county fairs and festivals for some fun and networking. Here, members gathered at the Sauk County fair before heading to the Dylan Scott concert. YFA members from across Wisconsin havebeen gathering to participate in theirdistrict discussion meet. Contestantsare given a topic and then 25 minutes todiscuss and develop solutions to the topic.The top three participants move on tothe state contest held in conjunction withthe WFBF YFA Conference and AnnualMeeting in Wisconsin Dells in December.
Best words of advice or words of wisdom?
Brady and Kat Peper, District 2 WFBF YFA Committee Representative Farm Bureau Members since: Brady-2013 and Kat-2015
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YFA
Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?
Spotlight on
What has been your favorite Farm Bureau program/event/ etc. and why?
Kat: Life can get hectic but try to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves because you never know when you will have that opportunity again.
Brady: WFBF Annual Meeting. I enjoy networking with other farmers from across the state.
Brady: You get out of it what you put into it.
Apple Pie DirectionsIngredients
Filling: • apples, sliced • cinnamon, nutmeg and flour for dusting • butter
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
** Pie shells may be frozen for later use or may be kept in refrigerator three days before baking.
Garden recipes from Apples to Zucchini generously shared by Lisa Leege.
Pickled Dill Green Beans Ingredients • 4 lb. green snap beans • 1 pod or 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper per pint • 1/2 tsp. whole mustard seed per pint • 1/2 tsp. dill seed per pint • 1 clove garlic per pint • 5 c. vinegar • 5 c. water • 1/2 c. salt • carrots, sliced, for color in each jar Directions 1. Wash beans thoroughly; drain and cut into lengths to fill pint jars. Pack beans into clean, hot jars; add pepper, mustard seed, dill seed and garlic. Combine vinegar, water and salt; heat to boiling. Pour boiling liquid over beans, filling to 1/2-inch of top of jars. Put caps on jars and screw band tight.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
• 1 c. flour • 1/2 c. unsweetened natural cocoa powder, sifted • 3/4 tsp. baking soda • 1/4 tsp. baking powder • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon • 3/4 c. mini semi sweet chocolate chips • 2 large eggs • 1/2 c. vegetable oil • 1/2 c. granulated white sugar • 1/2 c. light brown sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 11/2 c. raw zucchini, shredded Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray. 2. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a bowl, stir until well combined. Add chocolate chips and mix 3. Whisk together eggs, oil, sugars and vanilla until well combined. Add zucchini and mix. Slowly add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture until just combined. Spoon evenly into muffin tins. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before placing on a cooling rack to continue cooling. Serve and enjoy.
Be aware of food safety when canning. Lisa suggests this website for help with canning procedures: nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_home.html
Crust: • 4 c. flour • 1/2 c. butter • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 1 egg • 11/2 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. vinegar • 1 c. lard • 1/2 c. cold water
Farm
1. Mix flour, sugar, salt and butter together until crumbly. Beat egg, add vinegar and water. Stir into flour mixture.
2. Place in water bath canner with water to cover jars. Process in boiling water for 5 minutes after water begins to boil. Remove jars and place on rack to cool before storing. Yields 7 pints. Bureau
Ingredients
2. Roll out for five pie shells or more. Fill with sliced apples dusted with flour, cinnamon and nutmeg and dotted with butter, then top with second crust. 3. Brush the top crust with well-beaten egg and then dust with sugar.
Fresh Salsa Ingredients
Apple Butter Ingredients
• 11/2 qt. tomatos, chopped and strained • green bell pepper and hot peppers, chopped (to taste)
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022
3. Stir in sugar, return to a rolling boil. Boil and stir, 1 minute. 4. Remove from heat. Fill 7 hot 1/2 pint jars. 5. Place in canner. Bring to boil. Process 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Pour mixture over apples. Cover and cook about 10 hours, stirring occasionally. Leave lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape (helps butter thicken).
Directions 1. Combine apples, water, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook and stir over low heat until apples are tender.
• 6 c. apples, diced and peeled • 1/2 c. water • 1/2 tsp. butter • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg • 1 pkg. (13/4 oz.) pectin • 3 c. sugar • 2 c. brown sugar
2. Stir in pectin. Bring to rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
• apples, enough to fill crock put • 1-2 c. sugar (to taste) • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves • 1/4 tsp. salt
3. As apples cook, switch from stirring with a spoon to a whisk. 4. Cook on high for an hour. Stir and turn temperature to low, cook for 8 hours. Whisk and allow to cook until butter has desired consistency. 5. Fill jars leaving 1/4 in. space. Wipe rims clean, remove air bubbles and place lids. 6. Follow water bath canning procedures.
• 1 large white onion, diced • handful cilantro leaves, torn • 1-2 tsp. coarse salt • 1 Tbsp. vinegar (any kind) with juice from 1 lime • 1-2 pkts. truvia depending on tomato ripeness • 1-2 Tbsp. garlic, minced or several cloves
Green Pepper Jelly Ingredients
Directions 1. Peel, core and slice apples. Place in crock pot, filling to the brim (apples settle as they cook).
Directions Combine all ingredients. Caramel Apple Jam Ingredients
• 1 c. jalapeno peppers, chopped • 11/2 c. green peppers • 1 lg onion, ground • 11/2 c. white vinegar • 61/2 c. sugar • 1 pkg. Sure Jell
Directions 1. Combine ingredients and boil 1 minute. 2. Add one package of Certo pectin. 3. Return to a full rolling boil. 4. Fill jars while hot.
FFA Convention Ciran Wins FFA Discussion Meet S ymone Ciran of the Richland Center FFA Chapter was named the state winner of the FFA Discussion Meet contest, which was held at the 93rd State Convention of the Wisconsin Association of FFA in Madison. Ciran’s advisor is Molly Edwards. The Discussion Meet Contest tests the abilities of FFA members in cooperatively discussing agricultural issues, exchanging ideas and information and finding solutions to issues or problems. Modeled after the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet Contest, contestants give a 30-second opening statement, participate in 15-minutes of discussion and finish with a one-minute closing statement.Toqualify for the state finals, students must compete in several other contests including district contest, sectional contest and finally the state semi-finals in Madison. The other finalists were: Second place: Mary Schrieber, East Troy Third place: Kelly Herness, Whitehall Fourth place: Kate Davis, Oregon The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors the State FFA Discussion Meet Contest.
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LEADERSHIPWisconsin
Ag in the Classroom at Convention Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Beth Schaefer engaged with FFA members during the tradeshow.
AmericaNamedWeyauwega-FremontTopFoodforProgram
W isconsin Ag in the Classroom is proud to sponsor the Food For America Award to recognize those FFA chapters who planned, executed and evaluated their agriculture literacy activities. The Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Chapter was named the State Winner with their Food for America Program. The Weyauwega-Fremont advisors are Sandra Dykes and Connie Peterson. Chapters compete in this award area, where FFA members educate elementary students about parts of Wisconsin agriculture.Thechapter’s Food for America program started with one activity with third grade students, and now the program has evolved to reach all students K-12, the communities of Weyauwega and Fremont and surrounding areas, through 13 different program models. In the 2021-2022 school year, Wega-Fremont Food for America activities reached all 1,000 students in the school district and 5,000 people in the Weyauwega-Fremont community, Waupaca County and surrounding area. FFA members learned how important it is to continue to enhance their Food for America program with new information, models and activities for students. They learned the importance of continuing to grow with the needs of the food industry and how technology enhances the growth, maintenance, and harvesting of plants and animals.
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom supported the Top 10 Food For America Chapter Awards. To learn more about this program, visit wisconsinaged.org.
37wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 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 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. Farm Dogs Abby Walker, Lancaster Katy Katzman, Whitewater Katie Mattison, Eau Galle Amber Bristow, Warrens Kallie Jo Coates, Franksville Rikki Johnson Van Dyke, New Richmond Libby Knoebel, Helenville Brenda Dowiasch, Augusta Becky Wellnitz, Brodhead
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Launches New Logo
The 1980s marked the inception of Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program with the mission of increasing agriculture literacy in K-12 classrooms. Today, our mission is still similar, but like agriculture, we are continually growing and changing to meet the needs of educators and volunteers. This means our brand needs to evolve to encompass these changes in agriculture and education. We are excited to launch a new Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom logo that will support our growth and outreach to new and existing programs while helping to build continuity between the national and state Ag in the Classroom programs.
As we look ahead to reach new volunteers, educators and students, we are excited to have a logo that offers flexibility in representing a diverse agriculture industry. Look for the new logo on the website, social media and educational resources. The rollout may not be immediate on all resources, but we will be working to update and add throughout 2022-2023.
Grants and Awards from Ag in the Classroom
P erhaps you remember the 1980s like it was yesterday. Big hair, parachute pants and cordless phones were all the rage. Do you remember how agriculture was depicted in the 1980s? Close your eyes and take a minute to visualize the incredible changes we have experienced in agriculture during the past 40Theyears.size and scope of what agriculture is and what agriculture looks like have drastically changed. What once was thought of as a science for only farmers, has expanded in breadth of diversity, opportunity and technology that encompasses more than 300 career options in rural and urban areas.
Turn an Idea into Action with a Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Grant
38 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route AG IN THE CLASSROOM
Love the logo? Contact your county Ag in the Classroom coordinator to get the new logo and learn how your county can get a customized Ag in the Classroom logo. Want to get involved? Visit wisagclassroom.org for the complete listing of Ag in the Classroom county coordinators and learn how you can help grow agriculture literacy in your community.
Great ideas need support, enthusiasm and sometimes a little cash. Bring your agriculture literacy ideas to life by applying for an Ag in ALL Classrooms Grant. Grant application areas include Ag in Unexpected Classrooms; Food for America; and Summer School. Learn how you can earn dollars to turn your ideas into action by visiting wisagclassroom.org.
Teacher of the Year
Do you know of an educator who goes above and beyond to bring agriculture to life in his or her classroom? Nominate them to be the 2022 Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the NominationsYear. are now available at wisagclassroom.org and are open until Sept. 12. All qualifying nominees will be invited to complete the full application and take part in application preparation virtual trainings. The Teacher of the Year will be announced in early December. Nominate an ag-cellent educator today.
NEW Leaders in Ag Literacy Award Calling all Ag in the Classroom volunteers! Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is excited to announce a new opportunity to honor outstanding volunteers who go above to bring agriculture experiences and education to students in their communities. Nominees should be volunteers, engaged in his or her county’s Ag in the Classroom program. Nominations will be accepted now through Oct. 1 For more details and to nominate a Leader in Ag Literacy, visit wisagclasroom.org.
This new logo is modeled after the National Ag in the Classroom and features a look and feel that reflects our desire to reach K-12 audiences to share the scope of agriculture and the many careers involved in getting food, fiber and fuel from farm to So,consumer.whythe apple? The apple was chosen for the National Ag in the Classroom because they are grown in all 50 states, and they are the #1 fruit consumed by Americans. The apple also is an iconic symbol of food for thought and education.
How ‘Bout Them Apples?
(from left) Beth Schaefer, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom; Jessica Brogley, UW-Platteville and Grant County Farm Bureau; Emily Szutkowski, Athens School District; Catherine Agnew, West Allis School District; and Jenn Scott, Farming for the Future Foundation.
Author Peggy Thomas signed a book won by Emily Szutkowski.
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The White-Reinhardt Scholarship is available to full-time educators 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 then recipients use the information gained to expand their outreach to students regarding food, fiber and fuel.
Empire State of Agriculture National Ag in the Classroom Conference Held in New York W isconsin was well represented by educators and volunteers at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference hosted in Saratoga Springs, New York, from June 28-July 1.
Jessica Brogley, School of Education, UW-Platteville and Grant County Ag in the Classroom Chair, and Catherine Agnew, Nathan Hale High School Educator, were honored as 2022 White-Reinhardt Scholarship Award Winners, sponsored by American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
Emily Szutkowski, Maple Grove Charter School, Athens School District, earned a 2022 CHS Foundation Teacher Scholarship for her work incorporating agriculture into her fifth-grade classroom. The four-day conference featured keynote speakers, including Peggy Thomas, author of “Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car,” 2021 Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the Year, educational experiences at New York farms and agribusinesses and dozens of hands-on workshops led by educators and volunteers.Readyto network, experience diverse agriculture and crank up your classroom ag literacy? Make plans now to attend the 2023 National Ag in the Classroom Conference – “Beyond the Beaches” in Orlando, Florida, June 27-30, 2023. Thousands of dollars are available in scholarships for volunteers and educators to participate in this conference. Follow Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom on Facebook or subscribe to our monthly newsletter to learn how you could be, “Beyond the Beaches” at the 2023 National Ag in the Classroom Conference.
Betterbee opened their apiary and shared the ins-and-outs of the beekeeping and beekeeping supply company. Networking opportunities, including bingo, were built into aspects of the conference to allow for idea sharing and mutual learning opportunities.
• Sept. 28: Timely Topics – Create a calendar of topics to plan your Ag in the Classroom outreach. Register at wisagclassrooms.org or bit.ly/3BAOlBm.
Crock Pot Applesauce (Makes about 12 cups)
S chool will soon be in session, are you ready to connect with classrooms in your community? Join Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom at noon on Wednesdays in September to dive into topics that will provide tools, tips and timely topics to grow your Ag in the Classroom outreach. Can’t make the Lunch and Learns? All sessions will be recorded and made available at wisagclassroom.org.
A pples in Wisconsin are almost ripe for picking. This diverse fruit can be eaten whole, or processed into apple sauce, baked goods and ingredients for a variety of foods. Wisconsin orchards annually grow 49 million pounds of apples on commercial orchards in 57 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, comprising of about 4,000 acres. Try this hands-on apple activity to explore the science of processing apples into applesauce. Visit wisagclassroom.org for more apple activities, lessons and accurate books to help grow agriculture literacy. Route AG IN THE
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*Recipe provided by National Ag in the Classroom ‘A is for Apple’ lesson. • 8 tart apples 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon • 2 c. water • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Ingredients:
•
• Sept. 21: Passing It On – Ideas on how to incorporate sustainability messages into lessons and activities.
Passport to Agriculture Literacy Well Traveled at Farm Tech Days W isconsin Ag in the Classroom and Alice in Dairyland partnered with thirteen exhibitors at Farm Technology Days to encourage families to explore hands-on activities and learn a little more about Wisconsin agriculture. More than 100 families completed the quest, and six lucky participants took home a SWAG bag of Wisconsin agricultural products. A special thanks to Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin Maple Producers, Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, Northcentral Technical College and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for providing the prize packs.
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Directions: 1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Mix the apples with cinnamon and sugar in a large slow cooker. Pour water and lemon juice over the apples. Cook on high for 3–4 hours until the apples are soft. Use a potato masher to mash the apples into applesauce.
• Sept. 14: Finding Free Money – Explore grant opportunities to fund agricultural literacy lessons.
• Sept. 7: What’s the Password? Tips and tactics to help connect with schools, teachers and students.
Back-to-School Virtual Lunch and Learns
CLASSROOM
40 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural
Classroom Connection: Pick your Pecks
41wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 CMYCYMYCMYMCK AFBF23 Ad 8.5x5.5 for print.pdf 1 3/14/22 3:24 PM Check out the Ag in the Classroom training available the Friday before. Check out the Leadership Boot Camp training available the Saturday after.
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• Peter and Leanne Kimball
Thank You About the Foundation
• Ryan and Cheri Klussendorf in memory of Ray Maciejewski
• Vernon County Farm Bureau in memory of Philip Solverson
Scott Andrews in memory of Darrel Alen
44 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route GatherFOUNDATIONYour Donations Now For the Silent Auction T he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Silent Auction will be back to help to raise funds for agricultural education and leadership programs. The funds raised are used to support the Ag in the Classroom, Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education, Collegiate Farm Bureau and WFBF Leadership Institute programs. What is popular to donate? Gift baskets, theme baskets, sports related, gift certificates, Wisconsin products, kid’s items or baskets, homemade items, sampling of items from your county, hotel or event certificates, experiences and the list can go on. If you are attending the WFBF Annual Meeting, you can simply bring your item along to the meeting. We request that you complete the online donation form at bit.ly/ fbsilentauction22 by Nov. 21. to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between March 30 and Aug. 1, 2022.)
• Manske and Eckelberg Families in memory of Allison Funk
• Dan and Julie Merk in memory of Clara Feit
• Dave Kruschke in memory of LaVerne Ausman
• Racine County Farm Bureau in memory of Jeff Schmeckel
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1988 to provide support for agricultural education and leadership programs. Through donations the foundation invests time and resources to support the next generation of agriculturists.
and other contributions,
Rural Mutual has protected Wisconsin farmers, families and business owners since 1934. The company does business in only one state, so premiums paid here, stay here to keep Wisconsin strong.
Vital services that we use every day are in the ground: natural gas, electricity and internet. If you hit a line, you may damage those vital services in your community or inflict injury upon yourself.Gaslines can be in farm fields and hitting a pipeline can lead to a tragic explosion. Each underground line, pipe or wire is installed at a different level based on different regulations. This does not guarantee those utilities have been installed at the right location. Also, note that erosion could have added or taken away from the depth over time.
Information to Provide Diggers Hotline
• Dig site location by address, city, side of street and intersection.
Consequences of Hitting a Line 1. Safety: This is the largest consequence because injuring yourself or another person is something money can’t solve. An injury can result in a tragic event.
RURAL MUTUAL 45wfbf.comAUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022
Rural Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Dan Merk credits the company’s success to its dedicated employees and agents who keep an unwavering focus on providing exceptional protection for Wisconsin.
After contacting Diggers Hotline, allow three business days for affected utilities to come and mark the lines – the average is seven utilities per project. If you are unable to maintain the flags/paint, you can call Diggers Hotline again to re-mark the area. If you can’t avoid digging near the marks, within 18 inches, consider moving your project. No mechanized equipment can be used within 18 inches of the marks, only hand digging is Hittingallowed.a line after it’s marked is rare, but it does happen. A utility may mismark a line. If you encounter a line, call the utility that owns the line and if necessary, call emergency services.
2. Financial: Repair costs can add up fast. Utility companies can charge for materials and labor, and emergency medical services also can charge.
A M Best has announced that Madison-based Rural Mutual Insurance Company has earned a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) for the fifth year in a row. Rural Mutual is one of seven single-state insurers in the U.S. and the only single-state insurer in Wisconsin to receive an A+ rating. AM Best is a global rating agency with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Its rating is based on its opinion of a company’s ability to pay claims, debts and other financial obligations in a timely manner.
Remember: Anytime you’re disrupting the soil, the first step is to contact Diggers Hotline. What’s the risk?
• Dig site information by start date, work type, equipment and marking instructions.
3. Legal: State law requires you to call 811 before disrupting the soil.
Rules for Safe Digging – Call 811 A s you work on outdoor projects, make sure you are thinking ahead before putting your shovel in the ground.Ifyou’re putting up a fence, installing a mailbox or tilling a garden, first call 811. Chad Krueger with Diggers Hotline shares steps you must take before using that post hole digger.
Rural Mutual Insurance Receives A+ (Superior) Credit Rating for Fifth Consecutive Year
Contacting Diggers Hotline by calling 811 or by visiting DiggersHotline.com is a free service. To file a request, please provide: • Your contact information.
Only a small percentage of U.S. property and casualty insurance companies overall are awarded an A+ (Superior) rating from the agency, and achieving the highest rating is especially rare for single-state insurers. Rural Mutual’s strong balance sheet and operating performance have allowed it to grow policyholder surplus for 79 consecutive quarters. A few of the enhancements include new initiatives to support customers by updating underwriting guidelines, offering a new e-pay claims settlement option and improved customer self-service payment methods.
“As a single state writer, it is a rare feat to be rated A+,” said Merk. “The collaborative efforts and support of our employees make this success possible. Having financial stability is reassuring for our policyholders to feel confident putting their trust in us that we’ll be there when they need us most.”
Whole Life Insurance – Whole life insurance also is referred to as traditional or permanent life insurance. This coverage lasts throughout the insured’s lifetime, given that premiums are paid. With whole life insurance, the premium cost remains the same throughout the policy holder’s life and there are options for the number of years you pay the premium until the policy is paid.
Whole life insurance also allows you to accumulate the cash value from your policy as you pay your premiums. This allows you the option to borrow against your policy if needed.
If you are debt-free, no longer working and your children are financially independent, you may want to reduce your life insurance coverage.
To avoid the risk of being underinsured, take the time to calculate how much life insurance you need. This means reviewing both your financial and family situation. Take into consideration the following factors:
1. Funeral costs: Funeral costs can be expensive. According to the National Funeral Directors Association the average cost of a funeral and burial is $7,360.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
46 WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONRural Route RURAL UnderstandingMUTUAL
B efore you select your life insurance policy, let’s break down what life insurance is. Life insurance is the process of selecting an insurer and paying a set premium for an amount that will be given to your selected beneficiaries in the event of your death. The type of life insurance needed differs by person. Choosing the right policy requires evaluating what income your loved ones wouldn’t have to depend on.
@RuralMutual@RuralMutual@Rural.Mutual@RuralMutual Insurance Company www.RuralMutual.com
Life Insurance Needs for Your Life Stage Life insurance is important to have at all stages of life, but it may pay off in the long run to get it sooner rather than later. In Your 20s – Life insurance for young adults is generally inexpensive. Your health at the time of selecting your life insurance policy can have an impact on your premium. By being young and healthy, your premium is often lower than if you wait until later in life. The driving motive for life insurance at this stage of life is often to cover debt you may have such as student loans, mortgages or car loans. This also would protect any of the co-signers who may have helped you secure the loan initially.
Life Insurance: What Do You Need?
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2. Outstanding debt: Do you have student loans, mortgages or car loans in your name? If you had a co-signer, he or she would be on the hook if you died. Having life insurance to cover this debt would protect him or her as well.
Different Types of Life Insurance When it comes to life insurance, consider the differences between term and whole life insurance. Term Life Insurance – This option offers affordable coverage for a specific period, often 10, 15, 20 or 30 years, and allows you to reassess your life insurance needs over time. You pay only as long as your coverage lasts, and you can choose to maintain the policy as it is, convert some or all to a permanent policy or decide to reduce your coverage if less is needed.
In Your 30s and 40s – Your career and income have likely increased throughout your 30s and 40s and you may have decided to have children. You may want to reassess your coverage based on your income and what income your family may miss if you were gone. This is a good time to consider Indexed Universal Life insurance, which allows you to save for retirement and have coverage to protect your loved ones in the case of your death. After 50 – As your life changes, so does your life insurance needs. As you approach retirement, you may want to consider a daily living rider. With this you can receive a portion of your policy’s death benefit if you become chronically ill or are unable to perform two of six essential tasks of daily living — eating, toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing or continence.
3. Income replacement: Calculating how much life insurance you need can be difficult. Breaking things down by monthly income can help. Ask yourself, how much money will my family miss each month? Calculating your life insurance needs doesn’t have to be complicated. To get an estimate of how much life insurance you may need, contact a Rural Mutual Insurance agent.
