Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S
august | september 2018 • vol. 24 no. 4 | wfbf.com
Spilling the
BEANS Quilling Family Grows Kidney Beans
Page 10
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contents vol. 24 no. 4
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AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
38 WIFarmBureau
D.C. FLY-IN
Young Farm Bureau leaders advocate in Washington, D.C.
POLICY SEASON
Learn about Farm Bureau's policy process.
SPILLING THE BEANS
Quillings make growing kidney beans a family affair.
ANNUAL REPORT
Highlights from the last year in Farm Bureau.
FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS
Rural Mutual Insurance and WFBF exhibited at the event.
OPINIONS
Columns from Holte, Duvall, Testin, Koles and Camp.
FARM BUREAU FLAVOR
Try your hand at Calico Bean Salad or Chocolate Cake.
ANNUAL MEETING PREVIEW
A sneak peek at the 2018 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference.
EDUCATIONAL TRAININGS
Ag in the Classroom one-day trainings a success.
RURAL MUTUAL
Get tips on how to avoid heat-related illnesses.
COVER PHOTO BY SARAH MARKETON
ONLINE LIBRARY
Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.
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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION'S
EDITOR'S NOTE
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ogetherness presents itself when it’s needed most. Recently, I was at my first county fair of the season when I just had to stop and smile. Surrounded by farm animals, tasty treats and cheerful people, I never felt more at home. A few years ago, I recall sitting around the arena while a young exhibitor who recently lost a parent was overwhelmed by bids on his hog made by community businesses. The chills and gratitude were strong that day. It’s moments like those that make me proud of our rural communities. When we take a minute to build each other up it’s a powerful thing. No matter how big or small, support is needed for our brothers and sisters as we ride the roller-coaster of farming together. This issue of Rural Route is delivered right during the time of county fairs and the beginning of county Farm Bureau annual meetings. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the people we surround ourselves
with. At the core of these agriculturalbased events are dedicated volunteers and big-hearted people. I’m reminded of our strong Farm Bureau family as I look through this year’s annual report. This report is included in this Rural Route so that our readers can see a snapshot of what our staff and volunteers have been up to. Visits to classrooms and the Capitol are just some of the highlights found on page 13. A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers who put in a large amount of time and effort. Speaking of togetherness, the biggest Farm Bureau event of the year will be here before we know it. See a preview the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference on page 34. If you’re like me and not familiar with kidney beans, you'll find the feature story on page 10 about the Quilling family very interesting. This family is an example of what I referenced earlier ... big-hearted and dedicated. It’s amazing what you can do when you come together. No problem seems too big with others at your side and even an ounce of positivity and support isn’t too small. Remember the people around you and that includes Farm Bureau. Don’t forget to lean on your Farm Bureau family when you need it. As it says on the cover of the annual report, “We are busy working for you while you’re busy working.” Thanks for reading, Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Sarah Marketon - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Jim Holte, Elk Mound, (President) Don Radtke, Merrill, (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Richard Gorder, Mineral Point Joe Bragger, Independence Kevin Krentz, Berlin Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Adam Kuczer, Pulaski Andrea Brossard, Burnett (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Brian Preder, Weyauwega (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's Rural Route (ISSN 1082-1368) (USPS 39940), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February|March, April|May, June|July, August|September, October|November and December|January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. For advertising rates and information: Wisconsin accounts contact Slack Attack at 608.222.7630 or barbara@slackattack.com. National accounts contact Casey McNeal at 800.798.2691 ext. 334 or casey@iafalls.com. For general inquiries, contact Amy Eckelberg at 608.828.5706 or aeckelberg@wfbf.com.
Farm Bureau Fly-In:
Memorable Experience for Young Members By Sarah Marketon
“This YFA trip was the experience of a lifetime. The program dramatically increased my confidence when advocating for agriculture.” - Brittney Muenster, Outagamie County Farm Bureau member
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n June, a group of Young Farmer and Agriculturist members flew to Washington, D.C. Young farmers and agriculturists are chosen for this trip based on their participation in YFA contests, events and activities. This five-day trip to our nation’s capital introduces YFA members to the important role our national government has in establishing agricultural policy and regulations. “As millennials, so many of our conversations happen behind a screen,” said Kewaunee County Farm Bureau member Ryan Schultz. “By meeting face-to-face with our elected officials, we can show that we are real people, with real stories, being impacted by legislative action.” Sharing stories is exactly what this group of members did. After issue briefings at the American Farm Bureau Federation office, the members spoke with Wisconsin’s elected officials on
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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Members of Wisconsin's 6th District met with Rep. Grothman to discuss issues affecting agriculture.
Capitol Hill. The three main asks were to keep farmers in mind while crafting immigration reform, to pass the 2018 farm bill and to do no harm to NAFTA and other trade agreements. YFA members also met with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss young farmer assistance programs, conservation efforts and crop insurance. The group of 21 also visited the New Zealand Embassy where officials from the embassy showcased top New Zealand agriculture commodities and stressed the importance of fair trade around the world. “Visiting USDA and talking to the people behind the
The group posed for a photo outside the New Zealand Embassy.
policies and programs gave us a unique opportunity to showcase what is working as well as sharing suggestions to overcome challenges and limitations,” Rock County Farm Bureau member Emily Johnson said. The trip also involved some sightseeing. The group took a night tour of the monuments that included stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial. The group also visited Arlington National Cemetery and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
Members spoke with Rep. Ron Kind about the 2018 Farm Bill, immigration and trade (top left). Amber McComish shared the importance of a consistent labor force on her farm with staff from Rep. Pocan's office (top right) and Senator Baldwin (bottom right). AFBF's Andrew Walmsley talked about the 2018 farm bill (bottom left).
“Being able to participate and advocate for our passion and lifestyle of farming was an unforgettable and gratifying experience,” said Waushara County Farm Bureau member Samantha Nowak. “Being chosen to attend the D.C. YFA Flyin was humbling and left us with a feeling to share our stories and first-hand knowledge with those in D.C. who we visited. The information we heard from other farmers, politicians and speakers was motivating and reassuring.” The YFA members who took part in the trip included: Lynn Dickman, Waushara County; Justin and Livia Doyle, Iowa County; Dan and Katie Duthie, Washington County; Stephanie and Joel Hammerly, Columbia County; Emily Johnson, Rock County; Derek Lieffring and Melanie Jandrin, Buffalo County; Amber and Joe McComish, Lafayette County; Brittney Muenster, Outagamie County; Sam and Ryan Nowak, Waushara County; Brian Preder, Waupaca County; Ryan and
Sarah Schultz, Kewaunee County; Julie Wadzinski, Barron County; Tammy Wiedenbeck, Grant County; and Andrew Winiarczyk, Sawyer County. The trip was sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK FS, Inc. Rural Mutual's Vice President of Claims and Legal Counsel Ariella Schrieber and GROWMARK's Issues Manager Kristen Faucon attended to represent the companies and connect with members. “This experience taught us how important it is to be a voice in our industry and share our thoughts whenever possible,” added Nowak. “We highly recommend this opportunity to anyone who has the chance; be a part of our voice and make sure our farming communities are heard. Thank you to Farm Bureau, GROWMARK FS and Rural Mutual for making this trip possible, we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Get involved! The Young Farmer and Agriculturist program is for Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35. It provides members with an opportunity to hone their leadership skills while networking with their peers. Many of the young farmers and agriculturists who have participated in the program have gone on to become active county, state and national Farm Bureau leaders, as well as respected leaders in their communities. Each county offers opportunities for young farmers and agriculturists to become involved. District meetings and social activities are held throughout the year to actively engage YFA members with social and networking events, personal and professional development opportunities along with advocacy training and leadership experience. For more information about the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, visit wfbf.com/ programs. AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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NEWS
Policy Season in Full Force A
s summer fades to fall, most farmers are thinking about harvest. Even though harvest is significant, so is Farm Bureau policy. Much like Wisconsin’s varying seasons, Farm Bureau has them too. Right now, it is policy season. Farm Bureau policy is what guides the WFBF governmental relations team. It’s an important part of the organization and crucial for members to be engaged in this process. Usually, the team of Farm Bureau members who make up the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s state Policy Development Committee comes up with topics for discussion. In 2015, issue backgrounders were completed on the following topics: •• Collaboration between nonpoint and point-source pollution sources •• Payments for road projects •• Farmer-led water quality efforts •• Third party audits in agriculture In 2016, issue backgrounders were completed on the following topics: •• Rural broadband •• Animal husbandry •• Wetlands •• Fence law •• Atrazine In 2017, issue backgrounders were completed on the following topics: •• Labeling and marketing of agricultural products •• 2018 farm bill •• Water
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This year the Policy Development Committee wanted to leave it completely open to grassroots issue discussions. Therefore, the ball is in your court and it's time to make your voice heard. During the county Farm Bureau annual meeting, voting members will submit a draft of policy resolutions they would like added to current Farm Bureau policy. If passed at the county meeting, these resolutions are forwarded for further consideration to the state Policy Development Committee. To find your county annual meeting information, visit wfbf.com/ events/calendar or watch for this information via a postcard. The committee combs through hundreds of submissions to see if we already have policy or if it should be considered for a vote on the WFBF Annual Meeting delegate floor. Every December at the WFBF Annual Meeting, delegates from each county vote to set new Farm Bureau policy.
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Dairy Discussion Knowing the pressure of low prices and a world-wide surplus of milk, Wisconsin Farm Bureau has been working extensively on dairy concerns. WFBF worked with members in Congress to suggest some of the changes that took place in the Dairy Margin Protection Program in February. Throughout the spring, WFBF advocated for additional reforms to risk management programs for dairy farmers that were included in both versions of the farm bill. In May, WFBF’s state-wide dairy committee met to review dairy policy. In June, WFBF held a ‘Focus on Dairy’ meeting to share information with members about the status of the industry and discuss our current policy. In July, WFBF's biggest focus was a letter to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, making it clear we are not pleased with the lack of action on dairy labeling. Read more about this FDA letter on page 26.
WFBF Board member Kevin Krentz moderated a discussion about dairy at the Focus on Dairy meeting.
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
WFBF will continue to address the concerns of our dairy members but it’s important to keep the momentum going and discuss dairy at your county annual meeting. To find your county annual meeting information, visit wfbf.com/events/calendar or watch for this information via a postcard.
On June 19, members gathered at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station to learn more about the status of the dairy industry and discuss policy.
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Spilling the K
Be a n s Quilling Family Grows Kidney Beans
By Sarah Marketon
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idney beans may not be the first commodity that comes to mind when thinking of Wisconsin agriculture, but for Dunn County Farm Bureau board member Dale Quilling and his wife, Cindy, they are. Dale and his brother, Bruce, farm 1,800 acres of corn, food-grade soybeans and dark red kidney beans in Menomonie. Kidney beans are typically planted in mid-May and it takes 14 weeks for the plants to reach full maturity. Similar to soybeans, the plants flower in mid-summer and develop pods that contain three to six beans. The green plants will turn golden as the fall harvest approaches. Prior to combining, the beans are pulled and windrowed. The combine removes the dried bean pod from the plant and separates the beans from the pod. Dale and Bruce process the beans by putting them through a fanning mill to remove the dirt and debris. The process is finished when the kidney beans travel over a gravity table to be sorted for the removal of foreign material, stones and broken or discolored beans. The final step is loading the beans into 2,200-pound tote bags that are sent to the canning company. The Quillings market their kidney beans through Chippewa Valley Bean Company in Menomonie. Nearly 70 percent of Chippewa Valley Bean Company’s kidney beans are exported to 24 countries. Similarly, the food-grade soybeans are marketed through SunOpta, a specialty food company based in Hope, Minnesota. The Quillings' soybeans are sold to the Asian market for tofu. SunOpta researches the characteristics or varieties that are desirable to their end users and, in turn, contracts with growers like the Quillings to meet those demands.
A Family Affair
The Quilling brothers grew up working alongside their father on the family farm near Menomonie. “My father taught me the value of hard work and provided guidance in setting up the next generation to farm,� said Dale.
Bruce (left) and Dale shared stories about past challenges and successes on the farm.
When their father was ready to retire, Dale and Bruce transitioned into ownership roles. In 2008, the brothers formed Quilling Farms LLC. Even after retirement, Dale’s father played an important role on the farm as each day began at the breakfast table with Dale, Bruce and their father talking about managing, marketing and operating decisions. Dale’s father passed away unexpectedly in June, and the family is still working to find a ‘new normal’ on the farm. “Losing my father was tough,” Dale shared. “He was a business partner, a family member and so much more, but I'm fortunate that he set me and Bruce up well to continue the family tradition of farming even now that he is gone.” Family has always been an important part of Dale’s life and being a farmer allows for unique family memories. Cindy also grew up on a farm and their two adult daughters, Brooke and Ashlee, are still connected to agriculture. Brooke is a nurse at a hospital in Woodbury, Minnesota. She and her husband, Chris, own Bowen Milk Hauling and deliver milk to Ellsworth Creamery. The couple has two children, Beckett and Blair. Ashlee is a kindergarten teacher in the Boyceville School District and her husband, Eric is a herd manager at Denmark Dairy in Colfax. The couple has one child, Dane. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the excitement of my grandkids when they want to ride in the tractor with grandpa,” Dale said smiling.
Consumer Connection and Farm Bureau
When the Quillings' children were in elementary school, the couple presented kidney bean information to their classrooms. The family knows the importance of talking about the product they grow. In the classroom, Dale spoke on the business side of growing kidney beans using a globe to emphasize where they are shipped to. Cindy talked about the nutritional value while giving them samples of chocolate Find the chocolate cake cake made with kidney beans. recipe and another family While Dale knows consumer connection is important that favorite on page 33. doesn’t stop his frustrations with misconceptions. One of Dale’s least favorite misconceptions about agriculture is that genetically modified organisms are unsafe.
Dale shared that on his farm the use of GMOs has allowed for higher yields. This addresses world food needs while using less chemicals and pesticides for weed and insect control. He is thankful to have GMO seeds as a ‘tool in his toolbox.’ “All people are touched by agriculture and deserve healthy food,” said Dale. “I take pride in being part of that.” Dale credits Farm Bureau with being a voice in helping consumers connect with farmers. Specifically, the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program that makes the connection for students and teaches how them food gets from the farm gate to dinner plate. “Farm Bureau is our voice to promote and educate about agriculture,” said Dale. “The leadership and services that are provided at local and state events are extremely positive.” Dale has been a Farm Bureau member for 35 years. He appreciates the legislative voice the organization provides and educational opportunities. As a Dunn County Farm Bureau board member for 20 years, Dale has had memorable experiences including attending the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It was very rewarding to have met new farm colleagues that I can now call my friends,” said Dale. “I am proud to be a farmer and proud to be a father and grandfather. I am extremely happy to have found a career that has allowed me to grow food for others while working alongside my family. I truly love what I do!” Dale pictured with his three grandchildren and brother Bruce in a kidney bean field.
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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
2018
WFBF
ANNUAL
REPORT
Working for YOU, while you're busy working. AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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A Message from Dale Beaty
T.W. Banta said, “Institutional assessment efforts should not be concerned about valuing what can be measured but, instead, about measuring that which is valued.” I kept Banta’s advice in mind when the WFBF Board of Directors tasked me with conducting a survey of our farmer members. Your executive staff worked with Kennan Wood of Wood Communications to craft an online survey to measure what you, our members, value about the benefits and services WFBF and county Farm Bureaus provide. WFBF conducted member surveys in 2006, 2010 and 2012, so we have previous results to compare with the current data we collected. The 2017 survey was conducted between August and October. About 10 percent of our voting members completed the survey, making it statistically valid.
Our members’ top four programs and activities are: •Member services and benefits •Support of youth programs •Lobbying and policy development •Ag in the Classroom On the county Farm Bureau level, 70 percent of our voting members are 'not very active' or 'not active at all.' We also found that 60 percent say their county Farm Bureau is doing a 'good' or 'very good' job of keeping them informed about the programs and activities taking place in their area. Specifically, 52 percent said their county Farm Bureau is doing a 'good' or 'very good' job of providing representation to local government on issues that impact their livelihood. Overall, 71 percent said their county Farm Bureau is doing a 'good' or 'very good' job. When it comes to member communications, 75 percent find Rural Route magazine to be 'valuable' or 'very valuable.' 65 percent find their county newsletter to be 'valuable' or 'very valuable.'
Here are the key takeaways: Our members put their highest value on being part of an organization that supports agriculture. Member services and benefits is a top priority. Our members place a high value on state and county Farm Bureau programs and activities even though many are not actively engaged at the county or state levels. Our members highly value communication, and different age groups have specific forms of communication they prefer. WFBF’s biggest opportunity is to find ways to increase active engagement in our county and state Farm Bureau. Specifically, 84 percent said they believe Wisconsin Farm Bureau is doing a 'good' or 'very good' job for its members. That’s consistent with the 79 percent in 2006, 76 percent in 2010 and 84 percent in 2012.
Facebook and Pinterest are our members’ favorite social media platforms at 62 percent and 22 percent respectively. When it comes to communicating with our members, 72 percent prefer the U.S. Postal Service and 53 percent prefer email. Thank you to those who completed a survey. The information gathered helps your leaders understand what you value and how we can provide better services and benefits going forward. Thank you for being a Farm Bureau member!
The four topics most valuable in the county newsletters are: •Notice of upcoming county events •State events and news •Information regarding member benefits •Recap of previous events
Dale M. Beaty
Chief Administrative Officer Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
Achievements
Members
•• Qualifying WFBF members have more than 20 member benefits and services that meet the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s core is its members. Programs like Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education and Leadership Institute challenge members to develop skills to better themselves, their community and their county Farm Bureau. There are three membership programs designed to empower county leaders. Young Farmer and Agriculturist: Farm Bureau’s YFA program offers leadership development experiences for members between the ages of 18 and 35. Promotion and Education: The Promotion and Education program builds awareness and understanding of agriculture and provides leadership development for the agricultural community. WFBF Leadership Institute: The WFBF Leadership Institute is a year-long experience that provides personal growth and leadership training to develop the next crop of county Farm Bureau leaders. Membership growth is a top priority for Farm Bureau. A strong and growing membership provides more than financial stability; it also ensures that Farm Bureau will continue to have a growing pool of active, enthusiastic leaders who will contribute their ideas and energy to building stronger programs while strengthening Farm Bureau’s voice at the county, state and national levels. Through the efforts of Farm Bureau volunteers and Rural Mutual Insurance agents across Wisconsin, Farm Bureau membership grew to 46,622 members in 2017, marking the 10th consecutive year of membership growth. The 2018 membership year ends on September 30, and despite the economic challenges that have faced Wisconsin agriculture in 2018, and the resulting impact on Farm Bureau’s voting membership, WFBF is poised for an 11th consecutive year of membership growth.
•• Through June 2018, 179 county Farm Bureau volunteers have together signed up 560 new Farm Bureau members. •• In 2018, WFBF launched an online membership application. Since the launch in March, more than 230 members have signed up using this tool. •• In March, American Farm Bureau hosted County Leader Week on social media. Wisconsin’s participation was extremely high with a reach on Facebook of 33,131. •• In April, WFBF hosted its first IGNITE Conference in Stevens Point. Held every other year, this conference strengthens county Farm Bureaus and county leaders by providing them with program ideas, resources and new skills to carry out the mission of their county Farm Bureau.
Achievements
Interaction and Communication
•• District 1 successfully completed a newsletter pilot. The pilot took the county newsletters from that district and merged them into a comprehensive piece called Grassroots. Communication with our members is crucial to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s success. Through efforts such as Rural Route and county Farm Bureau newsletters, WFBF keeps our members up to date on what is happening on the country-side and on Capitol Hill. Bringing members together to learn and grow from each other is equally important.
•• Since January 1, seven Lunch and Learns have been hosted with topics ranging from Ag in the Classroom, Wisconsin Farm Center, policy development and UW Discovery Farms. •• The WFBF blog continues to be a place where members can voice their thoughts. Since January 1, 23 guest blog posts have been written by 19 members or state commodity organization representatives. •• Five issues of Rural Route magazine were mailed to voting members. In June, one issue was sent to voting and associate members. •• During the last year, WFBF redesigned its website. The new design is mobile-friendly and easier for members and guests to navigate.
Outreach
Achievements •• In 2018, more than 2,564 students participated in the Ag in the Classroom essay contest. Isaiah Claussen, a fourth-grade student from Denmark was named the winner of the contest that asked students to write about technology in farming. With less than 2 percent of the population involved in production agriculture, teaching others about agriculture has never been more relevant. Through many channels and programs, Farm Bureau members share their stories and why they choose to work in the agricultural community. Some of our outreach efforts were to consumers, while others involved key stakeholders or future leaders who help advocate for agriculture and make Farm Bureau successful. Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program can be found at the forefront of many of these outreach efforts. This program provides Wisconsin teachers and students with the tools to teach and learn how meals travel from farm to fork.
•• Rural Mutual Insurance Company and WFBF once again exhibited at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days where they interacted with show attendees. •• WFBF Promotion and Education Committee members participated in more than 25 events during the month of June. Community outreach included lunch with a farmer, dairy breakfasts, bus tours and essay contest awards. •• This spring, Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UWMadison, UW-River Falls and UW-Platteville hosted an Ag Day on Campus event at their respective campuses to engage fellow classmates about agriculture. •• In January, nearly 200 students attended Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s FFA Farm Forum. •• Ag in the Classroom hosted a bus tour for teachers to farms and agribusinesses in western Wisconsin and three other one-day trainings. •• The WFBF Promotion and Education Committee had 38 people attend their first Leadership Boot Camp. •• County Ag in the Classroom programs reported that 305 volunteers spent 7,311 hours and reached more than 27,328 students with county activities. Paid county and WFBF staff reached another 20,281 students with Ag in the Classroom programming.
Achievements
Advocacy
•• In 2018, more than 400 farmers and agriculturists attended Ag Day at the Capitol.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots organization that works on behalf of farm families and individuals who support agriculture. Whether in the Capitol or the courts, WFBF works hard to promote policies on the local, state and national levels that lead to profitability for Wisconsin agriculture. To accomplish this, WFBF understands the importance and power of its members and staff working together to accomplish the organization’s legislative and regulatory goals. The organization’s policy is established by farmers through a structured policy development process. Suggestions and policy ideas come directly from members who propose and vote at county Farm Bureau annual meetings. Each December, policy ideas are presented during the WFBF Annual Meeting where delegate members vote. This process continues at the national level.
•• In June, WFBF held a Focus on Dairy meeting to discuss the dairy economy and Farm Bureau dairy policy. In July, WFBF, along with other state Farm Bureaus and dairy organizations, sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb asking for enforcement of current milk labeling laws. •• In March, 13 members of WFBF Leadership Institute traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for agriculture. In June, a group of YFA members did the same. •• WFBF advocated for more funding to the state’s farmerled watershed initiatives. As a result, the state’s watershed program received a $500,000 increase in funding. •• Through WFBF’s Dairy Committee and Farm Bill Committee, the organization advocated for strong crop insurance programs and succeeded in getting additional support for dairy farmers through dairy risk programs. •• WFBF was instrumental in crafting an industrial hemp pilot program in the state. WFBF continues to push for the removal of industrial hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act and instead have it under the purview of the USDA as a crop.
Goals •• Maintain excellence in delivering current member programs and services.
Direction
•• Continue to grow corporate sponsorship for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. Farm Bureau’s vision is to lead a growing and dynamic agriculture. The only way to continue to do that is by looking ahead. To achieve our mission of leading the farm and rural community through legislative representation, education, public relations, leadership development and providing services and benefits to members, WFBF must prepare for the future.
•• AgLEAD Summit: A new conference is being planned for March 8-9, in Appleton. This conference will strengthen county Farm Bureau leaders and consumers by providing resources and new skills to carry out the mission of their promotion and education program and build their advocacy skills. •• Continue to grow the Local Affairs Program.
LEADERSHIP • ENGAGEMENT • ADVOCACY • DEVELOPMENT
•• The WFBF Promotion and Education Committee plans to sponsor an ag promotion and education award. The funds they receive from working at the House of Moo at the Wisconsin State Fair will be used to provide financial assistance to county Farm Bureaus for a program or activity that would enhance the promotion of agriculture and education. •• In 2019, WFBF will celebrate its centennial. A kickoff event will be held at the 2018 WFBF Annual Meeting.
WFBF Board of Directors
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Farm Bureau Staff Administration
Jim Holte, WFBF President Dale Beaty, Chief Administrative Officer Sonya Huebner, Executive Assistant
Governmental Relations Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director Rob Richard, Senior Director Karen Gefvert, Director Steve Boe, Director of Local Affairs
Operations
Jeff Fuller, Treasurer and Executive Director Steve Mason, Comptroller Caroline O'Brien, Bookkeeper
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1. Jim Holte, President, District 9, Elk Mound 2. Don Radtke, Vice President, District 8, Merrill 3. Dave Daniels, District 1, Union Grove 4. Arch Morton Jr., District 2, Janesville 5. Richard Gorder, District 3, Mineral Point 6. Joe Bragger, District 4, Independence 7. Kevin Krentz, District 5, Berlin 8. Rosie Lisowe, District 6, Chilton 9. Adam Kuczer, District 7, Pulaski 10. Brian Preder, YFA Chair, Weyauwega (District 7) 11. Andrea Brossard, P romotion and Education Chair, Burnett (District 2)
Member Relations 608.828.5700 608.828.5714 608.828.5701 608.828.5708 608.828.5703 608.828.5713 715.662.2035 608.828.5715 608.828.5720 608.828.5705
Public Relations
Amy Eckelberg, Executive Director Sarah Marketon, Director of Communications Lynn Siekmann, Graphic Designer Marian Viney, Graphic Designer
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608.828.5706 608.828.5711 608.828.5707 608.828.5721
Bob Leege, Executive Director Megan Rebout, Director Wendy Kannel, Director of Training and Leadership Development Darlene Arneson, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darci Meili, Administrative Assistant
608.828.5710 608.828.5712 608.828.5719 608.828.5644 608.828.5704
District Coordinators Patti Roden, District 1 Amy Blakeney, District 2 Melissa Doyle, District 3 Cassie Olson, District 4 Becky Hibicki, District 5 Becky Salm, District 6 Wes Raddatz, District 7 Ashleigh Calaway, District 8 Katie Mattison, District 9
866.355.7341 866.355.7342 866.355.7343 866.355.7344 866.355.2029 866.355.7345 866.355.7346 866.355.7348 866.355.7349
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Are you ready for
Back-to-School?
Your Office Depot member benefit can help! For complete details, visit wfbf.com/ membership/member-benefits.
You can get more information about the services Farm Bureau Financial offers from your local Rural Insurance agent. Learn more at fbfs.com.
Farm Bureau members who are agricultural producers and patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage when patronage is paid.
Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank's FDIC-insured checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans. Visit farmbureaubank.com. Wisconsin Farm Bureau members save up to 20% off published rates at participating Choice Hotels.
Deep discounts and free shipping.
Travel safely. Save money on a your AAA membership. Code WI07 Members receive an incentive discount ($300 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.
Rural Mutual Insurance Company
To find a Rural Mutual Insurance Company agent, visit ruralmutual.com or call 877.219.9550.
Wyndham Hotel Group
Wisconsin Farm Bureau members save up to 20% off published rates at participating Wyndham Hotels. Members will save nearly 40 percent off a regular admission ticket during the 2018 regular season. To purchase tickets, visit wfbf.com/six-flags-great-america-discounttickets.
Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Office Depot® • Avis • Budget • The Country Today • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • John Deere Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! 22
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*WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
MEMBERSHIP
Choice and Wyndham Hotel Group Member Benefits Help Members Save W
hen Darby Sampson, her husband Clint and their two boys, Colby and Cordell travel they save extra money by being Farm Bureau members and using the Choice Hotels or Wyndham Hotel Group member benefits, which save them up to an additional 20 percent. “I absolutely recommend this benefit to encourage membership,” said Darby. “Depending on the room rate you can easily pay for your dues with two to three nights of reservations. It's also a great benefit to promote to associate members because the hotel benefit is something unrelated to agriculture that many people already use.” The family raises beef cattle and grows row crops in Jackson County and they use the benefit when traveling for business such as cattle sales, family vacations or Farm Bureau events. “As a member of the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee, I use the hotel benefit when I volunteer in the House of MOO at the Wisconsin State Fair or other events,” she said. “My family usually comes with me and roams the fair and then I meet up with them after my shift.” Sampson estimates that the family “easily saves more than $100 per year with that Farm Bureau member benefit alone.” Besides the cost savings, the benefit is easy to use. “I have used the hotel member benefit to reserve a room in advance when we have a scheduled event, for example a cattle sale in South Dakota, and I have used it at the last minute,” explained Darby. “When we vacation, we don't plan ahead as far as overnight stops so we can stop and do as we please. This member benefit is great as I usually pull into the parking lot of a hotel I know is on the list and make my reservation on my phone using the code provided in the Member Benefits section on the WFBF website. I've never had an issue with our reservations.” The hotels are national chain type hotels that anyone will recognize. “When travelling, it's very easy to find a hotel that qualifies in most cities,” she added. Members should use phone numbers and codes listed on the WFBF website. Do not call the hotel directly to book. For more information about Farm Bureau member benefits, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits. AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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wausau | eau claire ruderware.com visit our blogs at blueinklaw.com
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
MEMBERSHIP
Another Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in the Books W
isconsin Farm Technology Days was July 10-12 in Wood County. The final attendance for the show was 42,220. Wisconsin Farm Bureau shared a tent with Rural
While attending Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Pete Badtke and his daughters took a photo with Sally the cow.
Kaitlyn Riley, 2018 Alice in Dairyland, stopped by for her selfie with Sally the cow outside the Rural Mutual and Farm Bureau tent.
Reporter Mike Austin interviewed Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Senior Director of Governmental Relations Rob Richard about the advancements in industrial hemp. AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
Mutual Insurance Company. Visitors had the chance to play games, visit with staff and volunteers and take a selfie with Sally the cow.
Executive Vice President and CEO of Rural Mutual Insurance Company Peter Pelizza visited Wisconsin Farm Technology Days on July 11. Rural Mutual was an Elite Sustaining Sponsor at the event hosted by D&B Sternweis Farms and Weber’s Farm Store/Heiman Holsteins.
Grilling legends Mad Dog and Merrill cooked some Wisconsin potatoes on the grill outside of the Rural Mutual and Farm Bureau tent.
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom had a booth in the Future Generation Tent. Young visitors had the chance to do an activity and get a farm face tattoo. wfbf.com
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OPINION
Sticking Up for Dairy
A Message from WFBF President Jim Holte
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he work at Farm Bureau is never done as we look for ways to better serve you, our members, and be a voice for farmers. Wisconsin Farm Bureau knows that the dairy dilemma is front of mind for many right now. While some things, like market prices, are out of our control, we have been busy looking for ways to help our dairy farm families. On July 6, WFBF coordinated a letter that was signed by 36 other groups and sent to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. The letter expressed displeasure with the FDA’s lack of enforcement of the term ‘milk’ on the labels of imitation dairy products and asked for the issue to be addressed immediately. We organized this letter because you, our members, are frustrated with the status quo of zero enforcement by FDA
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and frankly, so am I. Besides the fact that the lack of enforcement has harmed the financial viability of more than 40,000 dairy farm families, plant-based beverages are not held to the same standards of identity as milk. Even more so, according to Food Allergy Research and Education, more than 15 million Americans have a food allergy, and of those, nearly 6 million are children under the age of 18. Mislabeling nut-based or other allergenbased products as ‘milk’ can have severe consequences to public health. After the letter was sent, three other state Farm Bureau presidents and I met with Commissioner Gottlieb and senior agency staff. Commissioner Gottlieb was understanding of the many issues facing America’s dairy industry and we had a productive conversation about the proper procedure moving forward to address this issue. We reminded him that the failure of the FDA to administer current regulations runs counter to the stated goal of the White House to enforce regulations and bring accountability to those who violate the rule of law. FDA is legally required to uphold the law. We also discussed the frustration with the agency being OK with the lack of enforcement. I truly believe that Commissioner Gottlieb understands the pressure of the farm economy right now. Following our meeting he publicly said that he plans to follow through on the process the
FDA has in place to work through the standards of identity. I’m encouraged by this but not counting it as a win, yet. We still have work to do. The labeling battle has not been won, but rather just started. The commenting period is open and we want to spread the word and encourage you to voice your opinion on the matter. As Farm Bureau members, we know first-hand that the voices who show up are heard. Visit www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FDA-2018-N-2381, to share your opinion on how these products should be labeled. Comments must be received, either electronically or in print, by August 27. Our organization is proud to have multiple members serving on the newlyappointed Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0. This group of 31 dairy farmers, milk processors and allied organizations have a challenge in front of them as they look for some solutions to help the $43.4 billion dairy industry in our state. We hope to see the task force discuss topics such as milk contracts, milk movement and milk research. For months WFBF has been working on dairy concerns and we are happy that there is now a formalized effort with multiple stakeholders taking place. We know there is still a lot of work to do, but a progress report is always a good thing to share. President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
since 2012, Holte is a grain and beef farmer from Elk Mound.
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Trade Winds Bearing Down on Farm Country A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall
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few weeks ago, the U.S. announced another $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports. It was a clear signal to China that our government is not backing down and that this trade war is far from over. The question at the top of farmers’ and ranchers’ minds now is whether our livelihoods will be the first casualties. This trade war didn’t begin on the farm, but China has been quick to target U.S. agriculture. American farmers value the trade relationships we have built in this market, but we don’t take lightly having the bull's-eye of retaliation aimed right at our farm gates. Commodity and livestock prices are already taking a beating during what has become the worst farm economy since the Great Depression. Our crops were already in the ground and on the vine before the first round of tariffs were announced. That leaves us with our hands tied as harvest begins. We could not have forecast this kind of blow to the market, and many are facing lost income as they struggle to hold on. Many farmers and ranchers will be forced to accept rock-bottom prices—far below the cost of production—just to repay operating loans and pay other bills. U.S. agriculture needs relief and open markets for our products—and with every turn of the combine, we are running out of time. For many Americans, this trade war is just a high stakes business deal that seems far off for now. To farmers and ranchers, however, retaliation is already hitting home. Livestock and dairy farmers are suffering lost income with milk and dairy product prices down more than 10 percent in one month and lean hog and live cattle futures down 8 to 10 percent from the beginning of this year. The news is no better for row crop farmers as soybean prices have dropped 18 percent and corn futures are down 16 percent. Fruit, nut and vegetable growers are seeing similar price impacts and decreased demand due to tariffs. Almond exports in June were reported AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
down from May, including to China (down 48 percent), Western Europe (down 18 percent) and the Middle East (down 26 percent). During the last two weeks of June, Washington apple exports to Mexico were off about 40 percent compared with this same time a year ago, according to the Washington Apple Commission. Farmers also saw costly delays in China with added customs clearing times on arrival going along with the first round of tariffs for products like oranges and cherries, and exporters fear more of the same with the newest round of tariffs. These kind of market swings can mean the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in farm income. The cost could be even steeper if banks are unable to extend loans to farmers barely able to hold on through this trade war. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that China is not our only ag export market. In countries where we have free trade agreements, U.S. ag exports take off and make significant gains. Between 2003 and 2017, U.S. ag exports to countries where we have trade agreements increased more than 146 percent – from $24.1 billion to $59.3 billion. While, the U.S. has freetrade agreements with only 10 percent of the countries around the world, those countries account for more than 40 percent of our ag exports. Now is the time to bring certainty with our NAFTA partners. Let’s get a deal finalized with Canada and Mexico and show the world that we can be counted on to follow through on our agreements. While the U.S. rains down tariffs on our leading ag markets, the rest of the world continues to move forward with trade deals that don’t include us. Unfortunately, the U.S. removed itself from one of the largest deals, the CPTPP—formerly the Trans Pacific Partnership—which promises market gains across the Pacific for our neighbors in Canada and Mexico. America’s farmers and ranchers cannot afford to get left behind. At the American Farm
Bureau Federation, we ran the numbers and supported TPP when it was first introduced. It may not have been a perfect deal—no trade deal is—but it would have brought an extra $4.4 billion a year to net farm income and added more than 40,000 jobs to the U.S. economy. We need more free and fair trade deals like this if U.S. agriculture is going to hold onto its spot as a global leader. Farmers continue to have faith that the President’s commitment to hold our trading partners accountable will go a long way in securing fair trade in the future. We know he is focused on the long game and has been an advocate for farmers and ranchers on many important fronts already. We believe he will remain true to his word to look out for farm country in this trade war. Holding onto that optimism can be tough, though, when you begin to watch your livelihood slip away. For today, agriculture needs a win if we’re going to survive to see that future. President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Duvall raises beef cattle, hay and poultry in Greshamville, Georgia.
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OPINION
Green Acres – The Return of Wisconsin Hemp A Message from Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point)
S
ix decades ago, Wisconsin led the nation in the cultivation of industrial hemp. Today, our farmers are poised to lead once again. This session, I worked with Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum), members of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and others in the state’s agricultural community to craft the Farm Freedom Act. This bill enables farmers in Wisconsin to take full advantage of the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed states to grant licenses to farmers to research the growing and marketing of industrial hemp. Our bill passed both houses of the legislature unanimously, and in late November, Governor Scott Walker Signed it into law. This opened the door for farmers
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licensed by Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to grow hemp this year. The bill didn’t start out as a sure thing though. Before we could secure support for hemp we had to make the differences between hemp and its more wellknown cousin, marijuana clear. Legally, industrial hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC – the active ingredient in marijuana that causes a psychoactive effect. Industrial hemp has hundreds of applications and can be used in several products – including batteries, brake pads, food items, building products and plastics – but it cannot be used to get high. For this reason, I think it’s important to keep conversations about hemp and marijuana separate. They are distinctly different plants with different uses, though the federal government persists in listing hemp as a schedule 1 controlled substance. That, however may be changing in the next few months thanks to bi-partisan legislation authored by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and supported by both of our Wisconsin senators. This bill, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, has been added to the 2018 farm bill that passed the Senate 86-11 in late June. Five of our state’s eight members of the House of Representatives have indicated strong support for delisting hemp and empowering farmers to add this crop to their portfolio. When Rep. Kremer and
I crafted our state’s hemp legislation, we kept in mind possible changes coming from the federal government. We wrote the bill in such a way to ensure that everything permitted by the federal government would also be legal in Wisconsin. Reform of federal laws dealing with hemp could be very meaningful for many of our state’s farmers, because there are quite a few farmers who are interested in hemp. When we began working on this bill, we hoped that two to three dozen farmers would get growing licenses this first season. We based that number on the experiences other states had after reintroduction. This spring, we were pleasantly surprised when 370 farmers and processors –10 times our initial projection – applied for licenses from DATCP. Initial interest in the program indicated that 2,200 acres could be planted this year, and we only expect that number to grow next season. The deadline to apply with DATCP for a 2019 growing license is December 31 of this year. As always, it is important for farmers to have a market for the crop before getting too deeply involved in the process, but the hemp industry has a lot of growth potential – and that starts in Wisconsin fields with Wisconsin farmers. Testin is a Wisconsin Senator representing the 24th Senate District.
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Act 67 Clarifies Conditional Use Permitting
A Message from Mike Koles of the Wisconsin Towns Association
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n 2017, Act 67 was signed into law and added statutory clarity to the conditional use permitting process. Subsequently, there has been confusion regarding the impact of Act 67 on local government zoning, specifically, the use of these permits. There are three basic types of use designations in a zoning ordinance: permitted, prohibited and conditional. Permitted uses are allowed by right under a zoning ordinance. For example, a parcel of land zoned for commercial use that complies with the zoning ordinance is entitled by right to obtain a building permit. Conversely, a prohibited use means a person may not use the property for certain purposes (e.g., opening a business in a residential zone where commercial uses are prohibited). Conditional uses are a hybrid between permitted and prohibited. A conditional use requires special permission to use property in a certain manner. As part of the process to obtain permission, the local government can apply conditions. For example, a residential zone may have a day-care center as a conditional use. That means the property owner can operate the day-care center if they get permission via a conditional use permit. For the first time, Act 67 defined conditional use in statutory law: “Conditional use means a use allowed under a conditional use permit, special exception, or other special zoning permission issued by a town, but does not include a variance.” It is important to note that in addition to statutory law made by the legislature, there is also court made law that doesn’t exist in statutes but in court decision precedent. Act 67 did make some new laws via statutes; however, much of Act 67 was simply codification of court made law into statutory law. There has been much excitement about the statutory codification of the substantial evidence standard. Act 67 AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
codified this standard, which states that any condition imposed by the local government must be related to the purpose of the ordinance and be based on substantial evidence. Some have worried that this limits public input by narrowing what is quality evidence to facts and information and not opinion. This, however, was already court made law as recently noted in the AllEnergy case. Some also believe that Act 67 requires that decisions be based only on objective data. An objective only standard would truly be burdensome because some factors to be considered are impossible to objectively define. Conditions to protect public health, safety and welfare or those related to aesthetics are good examples. This interpretation has resulted from the act language that says conditions “must be reasonable and, to the extent practicable, measurable …” Zoning is primarily an exercise of police power. The term reasonable is a broad term that the courts have interpreted in favor of the local government. Any ordinance requirement that is generally related to the police power will be considered reasonable. The qualifier, to the extent practicable, is the most important language in determining the meaning of this phrase. By adding this language, the legislature expressed its intent to have subjective requirements in conditional use permit ordinances, when purely objective requirements cannot be crafted. Measurable requirements may not always be possible, which is why the legislature used this language. Standards, such as, preserving the public health, safety and general welfare are still valid under Act 67. The ordinance can still have these broad, subjective criteria, but certainly more emphasis will be placed on having specific conditions implementing those requirements. Similarly, more emphasis will be put on whether or not a local government created specific requirements
that were as objective as possible as measured by the standard “to the extent practicable, measurable.” Act 67 clarified the law regarding conditional use permits. It codified court made law into statutory law, and it mandated that conditional use permit decisions need to be as objective as possible while still allowing for subjective decision making when a measurable criterion is not achievable. Should communities review their zoning ordinances to make sure to tighten them up if they are not consistent with Act 67 changes? Absolutely. It is not, however, a sea change that should prompt communities to abandon the use of conditional use permits. There is much utility in being able to negotiate conditions for the plethora of gray area potential uses versus having almost every decision require a zoning change, which is indeed a purely subjective process. Koles is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Towns Association, which is focused on providing education, lobbying and legal assistance to 1251 towns and 20 villages.
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OPINION
Acreage Debate Already Stirring Guest Column by AgriVisor’s Joe Camp
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raders are talking acres for 2019 already, predicting a reversal of this year’s major shift from corn to soybeans. The latter is looking less attractive to growers now that soybeans are a target of new tariffs from China. Farmers have been caught wrongfooted by their decision to plant more soybeans in 2018. Enticed by a strong historical premium relative to corn, growers planted more acres of soybeans than corn for the first time in more than three decades. That lone instance was a result of a massive one year set-aside of acreage. In trying to predict planting intentions, traders and analysts keep a close eye on the soybean and corn futures. For the November 2019 soybean and December
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corn ratio, it started off the calendar year near 2.5, but has slid steadily toward 2.25. Historically, if it slips under 2.25, there’s a tendency to favor corn over soybeans in the planting rotation. An escalation of political tensions between the U.S. and China has been the main driver of relative soybean price weakness. President Donald Trump is intent on tackling China’s alleged export dumping practices and abuses of intellectual property rights. The White House levied new taxes on incoming steel and aluminum early in the year and then followed up with 25 percent charges on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods. After China retaliated with a 25 percent tax on U.S. soybeans and other ag products, U.S. officials set out to draw up a list of another $200 billion of goods to receive a 10 percent tariff. Lost business from the world’s top soybean importer is expected to be significant. Last year, the U.S. sent more than 60 percent of all soybean exports to China. After China initiated tariffs against U.S. soybeans, the USDA cut its 2019 export projection by a whopping 250 million bushels. China will turn to Brazil to make up for soybeans and soy products not able to be sourced from the U.S. market. However, Brazil cannot satisfy all of China’s consumption needs. Growers in Brazil hauled in a soybean crop that totaled near 119.5 million tons this year. Brazilian processors will need an
estimated 46.5 mt for their own use domestically. That leaves 73 mt that Brazil can export. Chinese import needs are thought to be near 95 mt. Brazil will prepare for a future that may include continued strife between the U.S. and Chinese governments. As U.S. farmers dial back on bean plantings, Brazil will be allocating extra acres to the crop. Early expectations have Brazil bean acres rising by 2 to 3 percent next year. U.S. soybean shippers will be expected to gain much larger shares of trade business from non-China buyers. Importers like Mexico, Japan and Indonesia have been stepping up purchases in recent weeks after the Chinese tariff news pulled soybean prices in the U.S. down and boosted them in South America. There remains plenty of buyers interested in U.S. soybean exports. Meanwhile, domestic demand is running strong. Coupled with the possibility of a trade deal with China yet being negotiated, the prospects for soybean prices do not look so dire as to have farmers completely abandon soybeans in the rotation. But, the U.S. acreage mix is looking more and more likely to skew back toward corn and other summer grains next season. Camp is the risk management specialist for AgriVisor, one of WFBF’s member benefits.
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg
U
pon arriving home late one night the boss exclaimed, "Snowflake is down the road with her two fawns." I grabbed my camera and truck keys and hurried to attempt a picture while catching what was left of the day’s light. Sure enough, there she was. But only one fawn was at her side. As luck would have it, the one visible was also albino. You see, the other ‘normal’ brown fawn had already faded into the adjacent woods. In 1940, a law was enacted to protect albino and white deer in Wisconsin and to this day, it is illegal to shoot these rare animals. It is estimated that there are about 1.3 million deer in the state after the fall hunt. According to research biologists, the chances of an albino deer being born are only 1 in 20,000. If so, approximately 6,500 albino and white deer roam the landscape within state borders. The rare recessive gene that causes white deer is found in the herd in our town. Last summer, the local celebrity whitetail doe named Snowflake emerged from the woods with two white fawns in tow. Snowflake has contributed many offspring over the years. The normal life expectancy of wild deer is 4.5 years, or in captivity, or with protection up to 6 to 14 years. If that’s the case, this may or may not be the original Snowflake. And since she occupies the exact same 40-acre AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
home range, she’s quite possibly one albino offspring?" To which I replied that in the same. it is an X Y chromosome issue. The albino Last fall, our next-door neighbor doe needs to breed with a brown buck reported spotting a piebald buck. Piebald with an albino gene in his family tree. So, deer typically have mixed brown and it's rather rare but I would leave a more white coats and all-white deer may at accurate answer to a scholar of genetics. times have very small spots of brown. So, posed with the question, a scholarly Both are not protected in Wisconsin. friend replied, "As far as the genetics, it True albinos have pink noses and eyes is a recessive trait. Both the doe and buck from blood vessels appearing through the would each have to pass on the recessive skin and clear lens of the eyes. variant of the pigment gene to the Historically, white deer have been offspring for the deer to be albino. Two associated with mythology and legend. normal looking deer, each harboring only Native Americans considered the role of one copy of the albino allele (copy of the the white deer and white buffalo was to gene in question) and one normal copy remind us of our spirituality. One elder of the gene could each pass on the albino recalled, "This white one represents the allele and make an albino offspring." sacredness of all living things and they In the case of the accompanying should be left alone, never hunted or picture, the doe had two copies of the bothered. When we see them, we should albino allele, which is why she is albino. take notice of our own spirituality and This meant she was assured of passing think about where we are with it." on an albino allele to her offspring, thus Isolated pockets of these animals were raising the chances of having an albino huge tourist attractions in resort areas fawn. However, she still needed to find a like Boulder Junction. That is where the buck with at least one copy of the albino push for protection took gene to pass on hold back in the 1940s. the trait. Other pockets of white After reading my deer inhabit nearby Wood friend’s response, County and farther south No. 2 son, now and west in Buffalo County. a Doctor of I saw my first wild white Wildlife Ecology, deer in Portage County agreed and told while hunting on the me that “the most Buena Vista Marsh in interesting thing is Snowflake, a celebrity of the the 1970s. It was a buck that the doe found author’s town, is seen here with running gracefully across a buck that was a the grasslands with a brown one of her fawns. carrier for albinism doe. I remember trying hard to imagine (otherwise she would have two brown what I was seeing. My brain had difficulty fawns that were just carriers). Because adjusting to the abnormal sight. But she has one brown and one albino, that when it did, I soaked it in and its forever means the buck was also brown. There's etched in my skull. probably a decent chance there was some Now some 40 years later, white deer line breeding involved, because the odds have established themselves in our town are higher for relatives to both carry the of Eau Pleine. The folks out here like albino gene." having them around. They are good for Nature’s handiwork. As Leopold put it, the soul in a time fraught with enough "There’s a story behind every bush." other troubling events in the world out of our control. Blomberg is a freelance writer and a member of the Someone asked, "Do you know how Portage County Farm Bureau. His book, "Up the common it is for albino deer to have Creek" is available at amazon.com.
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JANESVILLE TRI COUNTY DAIRY SUPPLY, INC. 608-757-2697 www.tricountydairysupplyinc.com
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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Farm Bureau As a retired family and consumer sciences teacher, Cindy Quilling has a love for cooking wholesome and delicious food. She enjoys talking with students of all ages about the nutritional benefits of consuming kidney beans. Be sure to try the calico bean salad and delight your dinner guests with chocolate kidney bean cake for dessert. These recipes are a couple of her favorites.
Hot Calico Bean Salad Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs. hamburger, browned and drained • 1 lb. bacon, cooked • 2 cans kidney beans, drained • 2 cans butter beans, drained • 2 cans (28 oz.) Bush's baked beans • 1 onion, chopped
• 1 c. granulated sugar • 1 c. brown sugar • ½ c. ketchup • 1 tsp. dry mustard • 4 tbsp. molasses
Directions
1. Mix together hamburger, bacon, beans, dry mustard, ketchup and onion, sugar, brown sugar, kidney molasses in a large crock pot. beans, butter beans, Bush’s baked 2. Cook on low for 4 hours.
Chocolate Kidney Bean Cake Ingredients
• 16 oz. can of dark red kidney beans • 5 eggs • 1 tsp. vanilla • ½ c. powdered sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Combine kidney beans and eggs in a food processor. Process for 5 minutes until smooth and aerated. 3. Add remaining ingredients and process for another minute, until well combined.
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• ½ c. cocoa • ½ tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. cinnamon 4. Pour into a lined cake tin, or cupcake pan, and bake for 20 minutes (cupcakes) - 40 minutes (cake). 5. Dust with powdered sugar to serve.
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Rural Mutual
99th Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference 84th Rural Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting
Insurance Company
November 30 - December 3 Wisconsin Dells 2018
WFBF
Annual Meeting and YFA Conference
Our
A P e art B
of
It
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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
YFA Conference
Saturday, December 1
Friday, November 30
Discussion Meet Quarterfinals YFA Buffet Brunch and General Session Featuring Mark Lindquist
First-timers’ Orientation Session YFA Welcome Dinner District YFA Meetings Reception Featuring Vegas Casino Night
Bring your best hand and join us for a Vegas casino night. Socialize and network with other YFA members as you chose from a variety of games including black jack, craps, bingo and more. There will be music and prizes!
Mark Lindquist has appeared in ABC's LOST, CBS' Hawaii Five-O and the Universal Studios movie "Battleship." He is a world-touring entertainer who has performed for more than 3 million people in 22 countries and 44 states throughout his career. As a highly sought-after National Anthem singer, he performs for the largest crowds in America for teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Duke University Men's Basketball, the College World Series, the NCAA and in venues such as Madison Square Garden. Mark is a former Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and an Afghanistan War Veteran who is based out of Fargo, North Dakota.
Excellence in Ag Presentations Discussion Meet Semifinals YFA Workshops (50 minutes long) • Providing Feedback to Your Employees; When and how to use positive, negative and redirection feedback – Simon Jette-Nantel, Farm Management Specialist, UW Center for Dairy Profitability and Trisha Wagner, Farm Management Program Coordinator, UW-Extension • Mentorship and Loan Funding Opportunities for Beginning Farmers – Tom Brandt, Farm Loan Chief, Wisconsin FSA with a SCORE Chapter of Wisconsin mentor •Other topics include: Business Etiquette Management Strategies for Young Producers Collegiate Farm Bureau Leadership
YFA Learning Labs (20 minutes long) • Making an Impact in Your Community – Steve Boe, WFBF Director of Local Affairs • What’s New in Agriculture – Rob Richard, WFBF Senior Director of Governmental Relations • Sold, Sold, SOLD! – Justin and Livia Doyle, Co-owners of On Point Auction Service •Other topics include: Starting in a Niche Market Podcasts YF&R – What’s that about?
WFBF Annual Meeting Begins Trade Show and Silent Auction
Fun’d the Foundation Euchre Tournament Join other Farm Bureau members and enjoy an evening of cards and socializing while you support the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. Play will follow a progressive format, with players rotating from table to table and switching partners after each round. Prizes will be awarded to top-scoring individuals.
Sunday, December 2
A highlight of each year’s Annual Meeting is the silent auction for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of members, county Farm Bureaus, businesses and sponsors, a large selection of items are available. All proceeds benefit the education and leadership development programs of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.
Reception and Farm Bureau Proud Banquet Featuring C. Willi Myles A veteran performer and an extremely funny guy, C. Willi Myles has the gift of connecting people with each other through humor and storytelling that everyone can relate to. After surviving his childhood growing up with nine sisters and one brother in Alabama, Willi moved to Minnesota to attend college and play football. With his stories about growing up in the south and acclimating to the cold of Minnesota, Willi tells extremely funny stories and jokes and gives a unique spin to life’s everyday challenges by applying humor to them.
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Morning Devotional Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet Final Resolutions Processing YFA Discussion Meet Final Buffet Brunch and General Session Featuring Paul Mobley In 2005, Paul Mobley set out to capture the soul of rural America. Traveling across the country, Mobley and his camera were welcomed time and again into the homes of more than 300 farm families who graciously shared their personal histories and private thoughts, along with the fruits of their labor. Paul will share his entertaining pictorial journey of a city boy who traveled 100,000 miles and spent three years photographing hundreds of farmers and ranchers across America.
YFA Conference Ends
WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Trade Show and Silent Auction Concurrent Workshops • Ten Take-Home Ideas to Positively Manage Chronic Farm Stress – John Shutske, Professor and UWEX Agricultural Health/Safety Specialist •Dairy Revenue Protection 101 – Rural Mutual • Dairy Promotion Commotion: What’s the Buzz? – Vicki Janisch, Specialist, Farmer Communications and Programs and Beth Schaefer, Regional Manager from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin • The Story Behind Culver’s 'Thank You Farmers Project' – Presented by Culver's
Monday, December 3 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting Breakfast and General Session District Caucuses Business Meeting and Resolutions
Farm Bureau Awards Banquet and Program Reception and Live Music by Soggy Prairie
For meeting updates and to register, visit wfbf.com/events/ annual-meeting-yfa-conference Since their humble beginnings in the spring of 2002, Soggy Prairie has seen a few lineup changes, but one thing has stayed the same: quality, ear-pleasing Bluegrass music, presented with a familiarity that makes you feel like you're listening to live music in your own living room.
Ag in the Classroom Summer Trainings
Sky High Fun
Science-Focused Training - June 19 - UW-Madison Biotechnology Center
UW-Madison BioTrek Director Tom Zinnen led the group through a series of food science-related activities in the lab. Tom and his staff offer programs that can be accessed by visiting biotech.wisc.edu/outreach.
Teachers and volunteers spent the morning in a UW-Madison Biotechnology Center laboratory and the afternoon touring Babcock Hall Dairy Store, the Dairy Cattle Center, Meat Science Lab and Allen Centennial Garden.
One-Day Training - June 20 - West Madison Agricultural Research Station
Jayde Farbo (pictured) explained resources the Wisconsin Beef Council provides to teachers and volunteers. Mandy Masters presented the Wisconsin Pork Council resources and Darlene Arneson covered state and national Ag in the Classroom and American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture resources.
West Madison Agricultural Research Station superintendent Janet Hedtcke gave a tour of their gardens, greenhouses and test plots. She also led the group in a pruning exercise with flowering plants.
Soybean Science Kit Training - July 16 - Comfort Suites, Portage
Soybean Science Kit founder Fred Henderson explained one of the lessons to Brown County Dairy Promotion staff member Ashley Prue and Winnebago County Ag in the Classroom coordinator Rebecca Poppy.
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Dodge County Extension  4-H program assistant Ellen Bohn poured lip balm into containers during the workshop. Thank you to the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board for sponsoring the workshop and kit replacement resources for the participants. WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
AG IN THE CLASSROOM
Travel Reflections From Maine W
isconsin had five people attend the 2018 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Portland, Maine. Read the reactions and reflections on the trip from Darlene Arneson, Melissa Doyle, Livia Doyle and Nicole Nohl.
Darlene Arneson, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator “We were honored and thrilled to have Livia Doyle recognized for the Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award. Livia serves as a role model for many teachers, county Ag in the Classroom coordinators and others who love to share the story of agriculture. Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s District 3 Coordinator Melissa Doyle attended the conference with Livia. Nicole Nohl attended as part of the Brown County Dairy Promotions Agriculture Educational team, with support of the Jeannette Poulson Fund Volunteer Scholarship. Nicole’s husband, Kevin Ress, also attended. As Wisconsin’s Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, I attended and served my duties on the Executive Committee as one of two Central Region Representatives.” Livia Doyle, fourth grade teacher at Mineral Point Elementary School “A highlight of the conference was getting to try lobster for Livia Doyle was honored with a plaque at the the first time. I National Ag in the Classroom Conference. have never had lobster before, and prior to Maine, my seafood consumption was quite limited. Seeing a full lobster on my plate was a bit daunting, to say the least. After gathering my courage, I held my lobster in one hand and my ‘cracker’ utensil in the other. While asking for help from local Mainers, I began to crack away at my lobster. I still have much to learn about the art of lobster cracking, but the lobster meat itself was second to none. While at the conference, I also attended several different workshops where I learned more information on agriculture in the Midwest, wheat genetics and DNA, STEM based problem solving activities and food labeling misinformation. I also was recognized as one of eight USDA Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award recipients. What an AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
honor it was to walk across stage with some of the most talented agricultural educators. I was inspired by the stories educators shared on how they find ways to incorporate agriculture into their schools and classrooms. It was a wonderful conference and I recommend anyone interested in learning more about Ag in the Classroom to attend this conference in the future.” Melissa Doyle, WFBF District 3 Coordinator “From learning about Maine’s unique agriculture industry to meeting new friends from across the U.S., the National Ag in the Classroom Conference was truly an opportunity. My sister-in-law, Livia Doyle, and I took full advantage of all the conference had to offer. During our first day in Maine, we participated in the pre-conference tour titled, 'Experience Maine at its Best on Land and Sea.' The full-day tour included a stop at a wild blueberry farm, a visit to Acadia National Park and a ride on the Margaret Todd, a 151-foot, four-masted schooner, across Frenchman’s Bay. Livia and I even got to help raise the sails on the schooner! The highlight of the conference was seeing Livia honored as one of the USDA Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award recipients. We left Maine with new knowledge, lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories and many innovative ideas of how to incorporate agriculture in the classroom.” Nicole Nohl, Brown County Dairy Promotions Agriculture Educational team member “One of my biggest lessons from this trip is that it is essential we teach agriculture and share the story because people eat. Consumers need to understand the procedures behind what it takes to make their food. Secondly, the next generation needs to be the agriculturists and scientists who grow it in the future. I am committed to seeing more people attend this conference because the agricultural enthusiasm is wonderful as well as ideas to pass this passion on to the next generation.”
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Ag in the Classroom Deadlines Approaching N ow is the time to begin planning. The following applications are due on October 15.
•• The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture White-Reinhardt Scholarship opportunities to the 2019 National Ag in the Classroom Conference for full time educators or volunteers who actively participate in classroom ag literacy programs or events are now available. This scholarship program provides travel expense funds to attend the national conference. The 2019 National Ag in the Classroom Conference is in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 18-21. For more information, visit agfoundation.org or email foundation@fb.org.
•• The White-Reinhardt Mini-Grant Program funds projects that will increase agricultural literacy. New this year, county and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for educational programs for grades K-12 in order to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Grants are available on a competitive basis. The application deadline for the first cycle is October 15 and April 15, for the second. •• The Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program offers mini-grants up to $100 to pre-K-12 teachers, in a public or private school system, to fund projects that promote agricultural literacy in the classroom. Grants can be used for
innovative lessons, activities, resources, presentations, school fairs and other creative ideas. Projects should focus on integrating agriculture into a variety of curriculum areas.
•• Do you know an educator who does a great job incorporating agriculture into their classroom? If so, encourage them to fill out an application for Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Program’s Outstanding Teacher Award. Certified teachers currently integrating agricultural concepts into nonagricultural curricula in pre-K-12 grade are eligible to apply. Applications may be from an individual teacher or a teaching team. Certified agriculture education instructors are not eligible. Teachers must use agricultural information and materials within the classroom curriculum to assist students in learning the importance of agriculture. Learning activities may include, but are not limited to, understanding agriculture’s impact on personal lives, our national heritage, the environment or national security and economy. Innovative and interdisciplinary programs are encouraged. To learn more about the national grants and scholarships, visit agfoundation.org or email foundation@fb.org. For more information about the mini-grants and Wisconsin's Teacher of the Year award, please contact Ag in the Classroom coordinator Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644.
Back-to-School Meetings Scheduled Around the State I nformational meetings will be held around the state to offer an opportunity to learn more about the Ag in the Classroom program. The meetings are open to Ag in the Classroom volunteers, 4-H Extension staff and club leaders, agriculture education instructors, FFA Food for America committee chairs, FFA Alumni, commodity groups, home school parents, teachers of all grade levels and subjects, Farm Bureau members and others interested in learning more about Ag in the Classroom resources and initiatives. There is no charge and no pre-registration. There will be additional meetings scheduled later in October and November for other areas. •• Wednesday, August 22, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Beaver Dam Community Library, Welsh meeting room 311 North Spring Street, Beaver Dam (Dodge County) •• Thursday, August 23, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Hedberg Public Library 316 South Main Street, Janesville (Rock County)
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•• Monday, August 27, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. River Falls Public Library 140 Union Street, River Falls (Pierce County)
•• Monday, August 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Chippewa room 400 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire (Eau Claire County) •• Tuesday, August 28, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. T.B. Scott Free Library, Community room 106 1st Street, Merrill (Lincoln County) •• Thursday, August 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hatch Public Library 111 West State Street, Mauston ( Juneau County) Contact Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644 with questions. Learn more about Ag in the Classroom by visiting wisagclassroom.org. WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
County Kernels Local Affairs Committe – Adams County
In March, Farm Bureau members met with local law enforcement officials to discuss the problem with agricultural thefts in the county. The meeting was held with Adams County Judge Daniel Wood, Adams County Sheriff Sam Wollin and District Attorney Tania Bonnett.
Meet Your Local Farmer – Calumet County
In April, the second Meet Your Local Farmer event was held. During this event, farms with a different specialty opened their doors for families to enjoy a free, self-guided tour of the facilities. Visitors could come and go to bring the family for a visit and learn about each of the farms. In the evening, LaClare’s chef offered a family-style dinner, for a farm-to-table experience. Farms that were a part of the event included: Kesler Family Farm (Hilbert), Sunrise Valley Organics (Hilbert), Jenlar Holsteins and Brown Swiss (Chilton), Sattler Lamb Farm (Chilton), LaClare Family Creamery (Malone) and Ledgeview Farms (Malone).
4-H Farm Event – Iowa County
In May, Iowa County Farm Bureau helped at the 4-H Farm Gard event held at the Leix Family Dairy Farm. More than 50 Iowa-Grant fourthgrade students attended. Members led an activity titled ‘Snacking Around Wisconsin’ where students made a snack mix of products sourced from around the state.
Student Farm Tour – Sawyer County
In May, Hidden Acres Dairy welcomed about 120 students from Winter and Bruce School Districts to their farm for tours. The students viewed a milking, saw first-hand how cows are cared for and enjoyed one-on-one interaction with calves and heifers. Students were excited and asked questions as they observed. After the tour, students and teachers were offered string cheese, ice cream and milk as they sat in the grass and learned about machinery.
Fourth-Grade Farm Tour – Jefferson County In May, the 25th annual Fourth Grade Farm Tour was held at Kutz Dairy in Jefferson. The family-owned dairy milks 1,900 Registered Jersey cows. All fourth-grade students from Jefferson County were invited and nearly 700 youth and 150 adults participated in the tour. This free field trip is provided by Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Jefferson County AgriBusiness Club. Students visited 11 different agricultural stations taught by FFA members from six surrounding areas, Kutz family members, the farm veterinarian and other agricultural professionals. Lunch was provided to students, teachers and chaperones. Students from the 20 schools attending received an educational packet of materials, a ticket to the Jefferson Dairy Breakfast and a free scoop of custard from Culver’s. AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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Wisconsin Ag Literacy Projects Awarded T
he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s Ag in the Classroom program has awarded nearly $9,300 to schools and organizations to expand agricultural literacy. Groups, schools and organizations can apply for up to $500 as part of the Ag in the Classroom’s matching grant program to support their project, provided they have a source of matching funds. The 22 matching grant recipients are: Build a Food Forest – Deep Mulch Gardening – $500 Building a Food Forest is an active educational program for preK-12th grade and adults in Independence. Cadott Community School District – Classroom to Plate, A Cadott Greenhouse Project – $500 The Cadott agriculture department is building a greenhouse to increase student learning and agriculture awareness.
Pineview Elementary School – How Sweet It Is! – $500 How Sweet It Is will help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of how maple syrup arrives on their table.
Cows on the Concourse – 2018 Cows on the Concourse – $500 An annual event to kick-off June Dairy Month in Dane County, Cows on the Concourse is a ‘dairy good’ time.
Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA – Food Bank Project Expansion – $300 Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA is expanding its program to support area food banks.
Easter Seals Wisconsin – ESW FARM Agricultural Career Exploration Program – $500 Easter Seals Wisconsin’s Agricultural Career Exploration Program allows students to think outside the box while highlighting the hundreds of careers that play a role in the farming industry.
DCE 4K at St. John Lutheran Site – Forest Food – $250 The DC Everest 4K students from St. John Lutheran in Wausau will teach students about growing food in a butterfly garden.
Glenwood City Agriculture Department- Healthy Learning Center – $450 The Glenwood City agriculture department has developed a mobile learning center related to growing plants, providing food and making healthy choices. Grant County Ag in the Classroom Program – A Dairy Good Tote – $500 Grant County Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee has tubs available for teachers to check-out. Immanuel Lutheran School – Garden in a Box – $65 Ready, Set, Grow is a project at Immanuel Lutheran School in Manitowoc to help second-grade students learn about agriculture. Jefferson High School Agriculture Department – Honey Bee Production – $500 The Jefferson High School Agriculture Department will invest in beekeeping equipment and supplies to bring more agricultural awareness into the local schools.
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Partnership for Progressive Agriculture – On the Moo-ve – $500 The Marathon County Partnership for Progressive Agriculture is developing On the Moo-ve, a mobile dairy educational exhibit.
St. Mary School Garden – Garden Project 2018 – $500 St. Mary School Garden will buy seeds, soil and a new garden tiller for the 2018 season. Taylor County Cooperative Youth Fair – AG Venture Tent – $500 Taylor County Youth Fair will provide an AG Venture tent at this year’s fair. Youth will be able to work with 4-H members on showing techniques in a mini show ring in the tent. Taylor County Literacy Council – Barns and Books – $500 Through collaboration between organizations and school districts, fourth-grade students from across the county will be engaged in an afternoon of hands-on, personalized, small group learning during a Barns and Books event. Tri-County Elementary School – Reading through Waushara County Agriculture – $500 This program will enhance the education of nearly 300 elementary students in many curricula areas by increasing exposure to agricultural-related topics through non-fictional books.
Kiel FFA Alumni – Agricultural Career Awareness Day – $500 Agricultural Career Awareness Day allows students to become aware of various agricultural careers at 12 different stations.
Turtle Lake FFA – Ag on the Lawn – $400 During Ag on the Lawn, FFA members share displays on agricultural careers. Elementary students see first-hand perspectives to the agriculture industry.
Laconia FFA – Laconia FFA Day on the Farm – $250 Nearly 400 elementary students in second to fourth grade from the Rosendale-Brandon, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh School Districts are invited to visit a farm.
Union Grove FFA – Introduction to Agri-science – $500 Students complete a Food Science Project where they investigate the Food Nutrient Analysis, Modeling Molecules of Life and Animal Health and Food Safety.
Northland Lutheran High School – Young Sprouts – $250 This summer will be the second year of harvest for the Giving Garden, which offers free produce to residents of the village and surrounding areas.
Verona FFA – Day on the Farm – $334 The Verona FFA Chapter will be hosting an educational field trip to fourth-grade students within the Verona School District.
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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Leader Challenge Funds Support YFA D.C. Leader Fly-In Funds raised: $32,305 Cost of the 2018 YFA D.C. Fly-In: $32,533.23 Costs exceeded funds raised by only $228.23 Thank you to everyone who generously supported the 2018 YFA D.C. FlyIn through their generous contributions to the Leader Challenge Fundraiser.
Thank You to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between May 26 and July 25, 2018.
•• Pam Debele •• Monsanto •• Carl Casper in memory of Marshall Quilling •• Jim Holte in memory of Olga Pelizza •• Sarah Marketon in memory of Donna Mae Kasten •• Loraine Schneider in memory of James Schneider
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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LEADERSHIP
Buss Wins 2018 FFA Discussion Meet E
mma Buss of the Belmont FFA Chapter was named the state winner of the FFA Discussion Meet at the 89th FFA Convention in Madison. Jeff Hodgson is her advisor. The Discussion Meet tests the abilities of FFA members in cooperatively discussing PHOTO CREDIT: EMPIRE PHOTO agricultural issues, WFBF CAO Dale Beaty congratulated exchanging ideas Emma Buss from the Belmont and information and FFA Chapter for winning the 2018 finding solutions to Wisconsin Association of FFA issues or problems. Discussion Meet. Modeled after the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, contestants give a 30-second opening statement, participate in 15 minutes of discussion and finish with a one-minute closing statement.
To qualify for the state finals, Buss has competed in several other contests during the past five months. These included: the chapter, district, WFBF President Jim Holte with the finalists sectional and of the Wisconsin FFA Discussion Meet; (from state semi-finals left) Emma Buss, Belmont FFA; Logan Pluim, in Madison. Waupun FFA; President Holte; Alexis Kwak, Prairie Farm FFA; and Noah Sackmann, The other finalists were (in Medford FFA. order) Alexis Kwak, Prairie Farm; Noah Sackman, Medford; and Logan Pluim, Waupun. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors the State FFA Discussion Meet. Established in 1988, The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation continues to invest in the next generation of agriculturists by funding a variety of agricultural education and leadership programs.
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CONTENT MARKETING
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RURAL MUTUAL
Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
By Brandi Janssen, Ph.D., Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
T
he National work during the summer’s Institute for hottest days. Doing work that is Occupational Safety physically intensive on the first and Health reports hot day of the year could make outdoor workers and you more susceptible to heat individuals older stress. If you know it is going than 65 are at high to be a hot week, build up your risk for heat-related work load slowly. This process illness. Physical of acclimatization will help you exertion during hot work safely on the hottest days. weather, combined Finally, drink lots of water and with dehydration can don’t be afraid to take breaks. lead to severe health Drink before you feel thirsty, complications. about a cup of water every 15 to There are several 20 minutes. There are 2 ½ cups conditions related of water in a standard 20-ounce to heat stress. They bottle, so you should be drinking range from heat slightly more than that per hour. exhaustion, which can That may seem like a lot of cause heavy sweating, water, but heavy sweating during fatigue, dizziness, our humid summers can quickly nausea, muscle cramps lead to dehydration. On average, or slightly elevated a person sweats between 27 and body temperature, to 47 ounces (about 4 to 6 cups) heat stroke, a serious of fluid during heavy physical heat-related disorder exertion. It’s worth it to take that can cause hallucinations, chills, confusion and elevated body regular breaks to consume all that water, preferably in the shade. temperature. On some farms, such as fruit and vegetable, it makes sense In addition, some people may experience heat rash, a localized to avoid the heat of mid-day, when harvesting. Both vegetables skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid and workers are stressed when harvest occurs during the weather. Fainting from the heat is called heat syncope. This can hottest periods. occur after standing for long periods in the heat or suddenly In other cases, like making hay and managing livestock, the rising from a seated or lying position. work goes on all day long, regardless of the weather. In these Sometimes, health professionals recommend people avoid cases, take breaks, drink water and wear appropriate clothing to working outdoors during the hottest period of the day. minimize your chances of heat stress. Unfortunately, that advice doesn’t always work for farmers who have little choice but to make hay while the sun shines. First, start your day by wearing light colored, loose-fitting breathable clothing. Cotton is best because synthetic fabrics like polyester do not breathe well. Long sleeves have the added benefit of protecting your skin from sun exposure. If you’re working in full sun, a hat with a full brim will not only reduce the sun exposure to your Since 1958 ears and neck, the shade provided by the Suburban . Commercial . Agricultural . Horse Barns & Arenas brim may help you feel cooler. Toll Free 800. 558. 7800 . waltersbuildings.com Second, gradually build up to heavy
Quality Builders for Quality Buildings.
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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RURAL MUTUAL
Rural Mutual’s A+ Credit Rating a Rare Feat for Single State Insurer R
ural Mutual Insurance Company has announced that A.M. Best has upgraded its Financial Strength Rating to A+ (Superior) from an A (Excellent). Rural Mutual is one of only five single state insurers in the U.S. to receive an A+ rating. The A+ rating is an upgrade rarely awarded to single state insurers, which typically face significant challenges including frequent severe weather-related events and judicial, regulatory and economic concerns that can’t be offset by better conditions in other regions. The company’s climb over the past 13 years from a B++ rating to an A+ rating is the quickest rise by any property and casualty insurance company that was not the result of an acquisition or reinsurance arrangement with a highly rated parent company, according to Aon/Benfield. Rural Mutual CEO Peter Pelizza noted that the A.M.
Best upgrade resulted from the company’s consistently strong balance sheet and operating performance, demonstrated by 63 consecutive quarters of policy holder surplus growth. This was fueled by new and improved products and innovative initiatives. For example, the company’s Farm Dividend Program can pay up to 5 percent back on farm policy annual earned premium and is a way for the company to give back to its policyholders. Pelizza credited the company’s success to its quality employees and agents who are “committed to doing the right thing” as they serve communities throughout Wisconsin. “This achievement is ultimately due to the dedication of our entire team who demonstrate each day what it means to provide the best in value and service to our customers,” Pelizza said. Rural Mutual has been protecting Wisconsin homes, farms and businesses since 1934. And because the company does business in only one state, premiums paid here, stay here to keep Wisconsin strong.
Consider Safety When Planning Agritourism Visits A gritourism can cover a wide range of scenarios including, but not limited to, corn mazes, pick your own fruit and vegetable crops, educational tours for school children, farm-based festivals and country markets and stores. Regardless of the reasons for visitors being on the farm, it is the responsibility of the farm owner to control hazards that may risk the health and safety of children and other guests. It also is advantageous to contact and inform neighbors about plans to operate an agritourism business or if a large group will be visiting the farm. Many of the visitors may have little or no experience with agriculture or the rural environment and it is vital that adults and the children understand the hazards in this type of environments. “Inviting the public onto a farm site results in some degree of liability,” said Rural Mutual Insurance Company’s Director of Marketing Mike Lubahn. Specifically, visiting an agritourism attraction can be very exciting and educational for children. The children come to learn, have fun and are not aware of the dangers present and children are naturally curious and perceive the farm as a playground. Therefore, it is important to talk to children about safety when they are visiting. Even with direction children are unpredictable and may not follow safety instructions. The responsibility for children’s safety is up to adults. Some adults may have unrealistic expectations of
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children’s understanding of hazardous situations. Also remember that adults may not realize the risk associated with agricultural operations. Lubahn added, “Rural Mutual Insurance has a farm safety page on its website at RuralMutual.com/farmsafety. Check it out for a wide variety of child safety tips, videos, articles, safety information and additional resources.” For more information about liability insurance and to ensure your farm has adequate coverage, please consult with your Rural Mutual Insurance agent. WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018
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