Rural Route August | September 2021

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

august | september 2021 • vol. 27 no. 4 | wfbf.com

Back to School:

AG TEACHER EMBRACES TECHNOLOGY AND RELATIONSHIPS Page 14

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LEADERS OF THE LAND

WFBF launches state sustainability tours.

MEAT PROCESSING TOUR

WFBF Board tours UW Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building.

THOMPSON VISIT

Congressman Thompson (R-PA) visits Wisconsin farms and businesses.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Oconto Falls teacher embraces technology in the classroom.

WFBF ANNUAL MEETING

WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference focuses on the future.

GRASSROOTS IN ACTION

County Farm Bureaus are involved in their communities.

VOICES

Columns from Krentz, Duvall and Gerbitz.

HEROES OF HOPE

Winners named in this inaugural campaign.

FFA CONVENTION

Farm Bureau involved in the Wisconsin FFA Convention.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Members attend National Convention in Iowa.

RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE

Agents give back to their communities.

COVER PHOTO BY AMY ECKELBERG

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

wfbf.com

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S

EDITOR’S NOTE

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s we head toward the end of summer, I feel as though that can’t be true.

Didn’t it just arrive? It feels good to have county fairs, the state FFA Convention, farmers’ markets and all the local summer events back. The camaraderie, joy and connections these events provide are important.

If you are a seasoned reader of Rural Route, you might recall an editor’s note from last year where I shared a story about a Farm Bureau member who planted a sunflower patch in memory of our daughter, Chloe. This year I planted my own patch in her memory and the flowers are starting to bloom.

It amazes me how something so simple like a sunflower blooming can bring joy.

During a busy season on the farm, they have given my family something to stop and focus on, even if only for a moment.

It’s hard to remember to take breaks or even deep breathes in the heat of the summer when everything seems to need to be done at the same time. Sunflowers are tall and attention-grabbing, which makes you stop and reflect.

Looking into sunflowers a bit more I found through a simple search on the internet that these towering flowers have many meanings across the world.

Depending on the culture, sunflowers stand for positivity, strength, admiration or loyalty. To me, they serve as a reminder to stand tall and stop to enjoy the small things.

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It’s felt good to be back together again for events, family gatherings and meetings, but I hope that we haven’t forgotten the biggest lesson we all learned last year. Don’t take time for granted and be sure you are spending it wisely.

In this issue, we share the sad news of former WFBF president Dan Poulson’s death. Dan was an influential leader in our organization and our Farm Bureau family is in mourning. His influential life serves as a reminder to spend your time doing the things that are important and what you’re passionate about.

The feature story expands on time well spent as we feature Oconto County Farm Bureau member Walter Taylor. Teaching and FFA are his passion and he spends his time giving to the future of the agricultural community.

You’ll also read about the WFBF Board tour of the new, state-of-the-art UW-Madison Meat Lab and what our state board members learned about the meat processing industry here in Wisconsin. Taking time to listen and understand the issues are the first steps in finding answers.

We also unveil a new WFBF initiative called Leaders of the Land: State Sustainability Series. These tours, focused on environmental stewardship, will bring members together from all sectors of agriculture to talk about sustainability.

The WFBF Promotion and Education Committee also is starting a new initiative with their page called Table Talk. They plan to share resources about advocating for agriculture on this page in each issue. This is a great reminder that no one should be sharing your story but you.

As the world goes back to full speed, make sure you are stopping to enjoy the small things.

You can see how some members are enjoying the small things this summer on the Picture This page.

Whether it’s stopping by a sunflower patch or reading this edition of Rural Route, do something for yourself. Take a moment for yourself and spend your time wisely.

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 Cassie Sonnentag - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Kevin Krentz, Berlin (President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove (Vice President) Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford Peter Kimball, Baldwin Lynn Leahy, Plover (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Emily Johnson, Orfordville (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.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

ISSUES

Statewide Sustainability Series Launched W

isconsin Farm Bureau Federation is excited to invite farmers and agriculturists to attend STATE SUSTAINABILITY SERIES “Leaders of the Land: State Sustainability Series.” This series of nine tours will take place across the state in each of the Farm Bureau districts, highlighting diverse commodities and sustainability practices.

“Farm Bureau is a unique organization because we bring together many different farm types, sizes and commodities,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “This new series is meant to bring farmers and agriculturalists together to talk about what sustainability means on different farms and businesses. Everyone has a sustainability story to share, and we have more in common across the state when it comes to stewardship practices than you might think.”

The purpose of the State Sustainability Series is to offer farmers and agriculturists different perspectives regarding environmental stewardship across Wisconsin. These events will bring farmers of all types together to explore how diverse sectors of agriculture achieve similar goals regarding water quality, soil health, waste management, carbon conversations and air quality.

Each event will feature a unique learning opportunity, applicable across farms and allow networking across sectors of agriculture and areas of the state.

Heartland Farms

High Gem Holsteins & Normandes

Lake Family Farms AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

Cowsmo Inc.

“We encourage members to attend as many tours as possible,” added Krentz. “The more tours you attend, the more value you receive from the program. We are very excited to bring our members together around this topic to learn and grow from each other.”

The following is the list of events in the series: 1. Heartland Farms, Inc., Hancock – Aug. 20, 12:30 p.m.

2. Gwenyn Hill Organic Farm and Gardens, Waukesha – Aug. 30, 12:30 p.m.

3. From the Earth Farm and Education Garden, Bowler – Aug. 31, 12:30 p.m.

4. High Gem Holsteins & Normandes, Neosho – Sept. 2, 12:30 p.m.

5. Wiese Brothers Farm, Greenleaf – Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.

6. Cowsmo, Inc., Cochrane – Sept. 10, 9:30 a.m.

7. Lake Family Farms, Boyceville – Sept. 13, 12:30 p.m.

8. Roth Feeder Pigs, Wauzeka – Sept. 21, 12:30 p.m.

9. Gaynor Cranberry Company, Wisconsin Rapids – Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m.

The cost is $20 per tour for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. The cost for non-members is $80 for one tour which includes a one-year Wisconsin Farm Bureau membership.

All additional tours for non-members are $20 each. To register, visit bit.ly/WFBFtours.

From the Earth Farm and Education Garden

Gaynor Cranberry Company

Roth Feeder Pigs

Wiese Brothers Farm

Gwenyn Hill Organic Farm and Gardens wfbf.com

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Meat Processing at UW-Madison

A L ve Story

By Cassie Sonnentag

WFBF Board Tours UW Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building

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ome to the most state-of-the-art meat science department in the country, the UW Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery building was designed and built with the purpose of having open doors for stakeholder use and needs.

On June 30, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s board of directors toured the facility alongside Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection representatives: Secretary-designee Randy Romanski; Paul Humphrey, director, Bureau of Meat and Poultry Businesses in DATCP’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety; and Jeff Swenson, livestock and meat specialist in DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development.

Jeff Sindelar, professor and extension meat specialist in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, led the design and construction of the facility. He said the project’s vision has always been focused on the future.

“Our goal is to be the hub for science, discovery and creativity in post-harvest animal agriculture,” Sindelar said. “We want to be the place where people can learn about where their food (i.e., meat) comes from and why it’s a safe, wholesome and important part of their diet.”

The vision for the new building was crafted when a Meat Science Advisory Board was established by MSABD and the UW College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in June 2009.

The board recognized Wisconsin’s strong, innovative meat industry with more than 500 meat processors in 68 counties and put its focus on creating a building that would continue to vitalize the industry for decades to come.

“We recognized that meat processing is a significant part of animal agriculture here in Wisconsin and wanted to build a facility that reflected that,” Sindelar said.

The board advocated for and helped raise funds for the project, soliciting 270 individual donors who contributed more than $20 million to the $57.1 million project. The building project was later approved by the UW Board of Regents in August 2012. The design process started in Fall 2016, while

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Jeff Sindelar, professor and extension meat specialist in the Department of Animal Science, led the design and construction of the MSABD facility.

construction began in January 2017 and staff began to move in during the summer of 2020.

The two-story building features the open concept Bray Research Laboratory with cutting-edge technology for students to use. Director of MSABD Steven Ricke and Assistant Professor Vanessa Leone are proud of the laboratory and the opportunities it provides their students.

“As a state, this program is something we should be really proud of,” Ricke said. “There is a uniqueness here that is hard to put your finger on.”

The laboratory offers both the functionality needed to perform research and a collaborative workspace for students to work in real-time. There is a connected cold laboratory space that is unique to UW-Madison, a microbiology laboratory that allows students to perform microbiome analyses and sequencing, and a separate equipment room that houses distracting equipment.

“All of our loud equipment is stored and utilized in the equipment room,” Leone said. “We are always thinking towards the future here UW-Madison and we want to ensure that there is no barrier to education.”

Ricke added, “The beauty in this space is that we have the flexibility to adjust it if needed. We already view ourselves as a cutting-edge program and we are determined to stay there.”

In addition to the research laboratory, the facility also offers several special rooms such as the light display room where display coolers allow scientists to input various lighting scenarios replicating those found in retail meat displays to study a variety of conditions impacting shelf life. The discovery laboratory allows students to learn hands-on and cook various cuts of meat as a part of their research.

The new building also is home to a 21,400-square-foot USDA-inspected meat and poultry processing facility with features not found at any other facility of its type in the country.

“We utilize the highest level of personal protective equipment of any University meat processing facility in the United States and, arguably, the world,” Sindelar said.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Each area of the processing facility includes color-coded floors that signify different processes to provide separation of various activities for supporting industry leading food safety practices. Animal harvest area floors are yellow; areas where raw meat processing is conducted have red floors; cooked and readyto-eat area floors are blue.

To manage the facility for food safety purposes and train students with the most current industry practices, different PPE is worn in areas having different floor colors to prevent crosscontamination.

The processing facility at MSABD is home to equipment that is unique to UW-Madison. For example, MSABD is the only facility in the country with a carbon dioxide stunner used for rendering hogs unconscious during the harvest process.

“This technology puts us at the cutting edge of humane animal handling,” Sindelar said.

Every square inch of the processing facility was designed with the highest level of cleanliness and sanitation in mind, with everything within the rooms designed to be washable, from the lights on the ceiling to the drains in the floors.

“You either build sanitation into your design or you manage it,” Sindelar said. “We inspected and reviewed every decision throughout this building to make sure we got it absolutely right.”

Meat from animals harvested or raw materials purchased from local purveyors is processed in the facility and is available for purchase in Bucky’s Varsity Meats, the university’s campus meat retail store located in MSABD’s main lobby.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the store has been operating with a limited staff and offering curbside pickup; however, the store is slowly transitioning to walk-in business and will ultimately employ up to 10 part-time students, overseen by a staff manager.

Separate from the processing facility, the building also houses an entirely separate Biosafety Level 2 processing and laboratory facility to research food safety. While housed in the same building, the two facilities are completely separated to ensure biosecurity and separation. The Biosafety Level 2 facility includes a smaller version of the USDA inspected meat processing plant with capability to harvest small numbers of BSL-2 infected animals.

The meat processing areas offer the capability of inoculating meat with various pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, among others to research and validate various food safety related aspects meat processing.

Sindelar’s passion for the MSABD facility is undeniable.

Wisconsin DATCP Secretary-designee Randy Romanski joined the state board on the tour of the MSABD facility and provided general comments on meat processing in the state of Wisconsin.

“This project is a beautiful, romantic love story of a partnership among Wisconsin’s meat industry, the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Facilities Development and our partners,” Sindelar said. “I hope the building gives back to those who invested money, time and talent to those involved with or served by the animal agriculture industry for decades and decades to come.”

DATCP Secretary-designee Randy Romanski, said the building is a reflection of the meat processing industry in Wisconsin.

“We know its value and importance to Wisconsin.

The challenges of the meat industry were highlighted by COVID-19, but those challenges were present prior to that,” Romanski said. “We need to invest in infrastructure, training and inspectors. These investment plans cost money but are an investment for the entire industry.”

DATCP’s Jeff Swenson agreed with the Secretary-designee.

“Consumers found their way to smaller butcher shops and grew trust there throughout the pandemic,” Swenson said.

“Demand has not been the issue; capacity and staffing demands are the issue.”

Sindelar said UW-Madison is committed to doing its part to develop the talent needed to keep moving Wisconsin’s meat processing industry forward.

“Meat processing is a huge economic driver for the state of Wisconsin,” Sindelar said. “If we are going to maintain our viability and continue to grow, we need to focus on more than a shiny building by creating and nurturing the leaders we are developing within it.”

The MSABD research laboratory has a connected cold laboratory space that is unique to UWMadison. Additionally, the laboratory features a microbiology laboratory and an equipment room to house loud and distracting equipment.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau organized this tour with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at the UW Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery building as a part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to understand and improve the meat processing industry in Wisconsin.

WFBF policy supports technical resources and funding assistance in the form of grants and low-interest loans to assist in the development of local meat processors, as well as supports the addition of more state meat inspectors. wfbf.com

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NEWS

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Staff Updates Sonnentag Hired as Director of Media Relations and Outreach W isconsin Farm Bureau’s staff team has seen some changes during the past several months.

Gerbitz Named Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships

Rachel Gerbitz will oversee WFBF’s sustainability communication efforts as the Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships. She will create educational resources and write a variety of pieces for Farm Bureau publications focused on environmental topics. Gerbitz will work with stakeholders and media to forward agriculture’s sustainability story and assist with events regarding environmental stewardship.

Rachel grew up in Rock County where she was involved in 4-H and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association. Now, she lives in Kaukana and manages a small herd of registered Jersey cattle in her spare time.

Rachel attended UW-Madison where she earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and life sciences communications.

Additionally, she earned an agricultural marketing and communications certificate from Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Rachel began her role on June 15. Before joining the Farm Bureau staff, she worked for Pioneer as a promoter in northeast Wisconsin.

Viney Named Public Relations Coordinator

Marian Viney has been named WFBF’s Public Relations Coordinator. She previously served as WFBF’s Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer.

In this role, Marian will write, edit and design content for WFBF’s district newsletters and postcards and assist with writing and editing for the Rural Route magazine. She will oversee the content and distribution of three digital communication pieces including Ag Newswire, Policy Pulse and County Leader Connection and maintain the organization’s website. With a passion for writing and editing, Marian will assist with media releases and other promotional pieces.

Marian and her husband, Doug, have three sons and live in Belleville, where she serves as clerk on the local school board and on other boards and as a member of numerous community organizations.

Prior to working for WFBF, Viney worked at the American Society of Agronomy, served as managing editor for Agri-View and as a marketing specialist with the Wisconsin Historical Society.

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Cassie Sonnentag has been named WFBF’s Director of Media Relations and Outreach. Sonnentag has served as WFBF’s District 4 Coordinator since June 2017.

In her new role, Cassie will oversee WFBF’s media relations efforts. She will write press releases and coordinate media events and interviews. She will oversee WFBF’s social media strategy and channels along with WFBF’s advertising. She will provide editorial content for Rural Route and other publications and work to develop and maintain partnerships with external partners and manage special projects as assigned.

Cassie and her husband, Allen (Bud), live near Cadott, where they are involved in the family’s business, Sonnentag Custom Farming, which provides custom harvesting services in the area.

Cassie earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communications and leadership from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Before joining the Farm Bureau staff, she worked for the newspaper publication, Dairy Star, as the Midwest regional reporter.

Whalen Hired as District 4 Coordinator

Kevin Whalen has been hired as WFBF’s District 4 Coordinator in west-central Wisconsin. Whalen will be responsible for working with county Farm Bureaus to develop and implement programs to serve Farm Bureau members and to coordinate membership recruitment and retention efforts.

He will serve the counties of Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe and Trempealeau. Whalen began his duties on July 12.

Kevin grew up on a diversified dairy, beef and swine farm in Lafayette County and attended Darlington High School where he was active in FFA. He served as the Wisconsin FFA Vice President and then attended UW-Platteville where he earned a degree in agricultural education.

Upon graduation, Kevin served as an agriculture instructor at Black River Falls High School for two years. He was then hired as the Agriscience Instructor at Arcadia High School where he taught for 32 years. During his time as an instructor, Kevin served two terms on the Trempealeau County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and participated in the Discussion Meet, representing Wisconsin at the American Farm Bureau Federation competition in January 1998.

Kevin and his wife Marilyn reside in rural Arcadia where they own a small farm and have two children.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Family

Mourns Loss of Former President O

n July 23, Howard Danforth ‘Dan’ Poulson, 85, of Palmyra, died. Poulson was president and administrator of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation from August 1991 until his retirement in December of 2003. He served on the WFBF Board of Directors from 1969 until 2003.

Dan served on the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors from 1999 until 2003 as a representative of the Midwest region. He also served on the Farm Bureau BanCorp Board of Directors, Farm Bureau Life Board of Directors and FBL Financial Group of which he was Vice-President.

Dan was appointed to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Board in October 1995, where he served until 2007 He also has served on the Board of Visitors for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison, the boards for Competitive Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Council of Economic Education and the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. Dan was awarded the National FFA American Farmer Honorary Degree

Above: At the 2019 WFBF Annual Meeting, Dan participated in a past WFBF presidents panel. (From left) Don Haldeman, Bill Bruins, moderator Max Armstrong, Dan Poulson and Jim Holte.

in November 1995, the FFA’s highest award.

WFBF President Kevin Krentz released this statement on July 26.

“Dan was a strong leader who left a lasting legacy on Farm Bureau and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Personally, Dan was a mentor of mine within Farm Bureau and someone I had great respect for. I know I’m not alone in that sentiment because many people looked up to Dan. Dan served more than 30 years on the WFBF Board and spent 11 years as president before retiring in 2003.

Dan was a tremendous advocate for agriculture. As a farmer and graduate of UW-Madison’s Farm & Industry Short Course, Dan knew f irsthand the state and federal issues impacting the farmers and made it his goal to make things better for them.

He loved farming but loved his family even more. When we talk about the Farm Bureau family, that feeling of camaraderie and loyalty was embedded even more with Dan’s leadership. He was a leader in every aspect of his life and we will forever be grateful that he dedicated so much of it to Farm Bureau.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau sends its deepest condolences to the Poulson family. Dan was an exceptional person and a powerful leader who will never be forgotten.”

An obituary can be found at gibsonfuneral.com/obituary/ HowardDan-Poulson.

Above: Dan (sitting left) with members of the 2007 WFBF Board of Directors.

Left: Dan (far right) at the 1994 Four Seasons FS Groundbreaking.

Right: Dan spoke at a pep rally in 1993 at the State Capitol.

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Dairy Business Association Host Congressman Thompson

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n July 13, Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson (RPA) visited Wisconsin. Congressman Thompson is the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Dairy Business Association were honored to host him on a variety of agricultural tours to share the state’s deep farm heritage and impact on the nation’s food supply.

The day started with a policy discussion at the WFBF office in Madison. Topics included processing capabilities and commodity prices, trade, retaliatory tariffs, rural broadband, labor and regulations for hemp.

Afterward, the congressman headed to Uphoff Ham & Bacon Farm in Madison to talk about the state’s watershed groups and farmer-led initiatives. The Uphoff farm is part of the Yahara Pride Farms watershed. Bob Uphoff shared how farmers in the watershed group proactively implemented practices such as no-till, low disturbance manure incorporation and striptilling to reduce phosphorus and improve water quality. He stressed that farmers are innovators, but they need partners in the community to help them implement the practices on their land that benefit everyone.

To showcase Wisconsin’s diverse dairy industry the next stop was LaClare Family Creamery, a dairy goat farm and creamery in Malone. Herd management, nutrition and animal care

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

were the main topics discussed in the barn with the farm’s 700 milking goats. Food safety, the art of cheesemaking, consumer wants and retail opportunities were the focus of discussion in the retail store and processing floor.

The congressman then headed to Salchert Meats in St. Cloud to talk about meat processing and the importance of this sector to the rest of the state. Differences between county oversight and state versus federal inspection were a large portion of the discussion. Topics such as opportunities and hurdles for facility updates, enhancing technologies and labor shortages were shared throughout the tour of the meat market.

Soaring Eagle Dairy was the last farm stop. Manure management efforts, conservation practices and animal care were highlighted there. Congressman Thompson observed milking, the state-of-the-art ventilation system in the barn and an overview of dairy nutrition.

A discussion on dairy concerns rounded out the stop.

Topics during the roundtable conversation included milk pricing and the need for transparency, updates to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders, dairy export opportunities, labor shortages, access to whole milk in schools and milk labeling enforcement by FDA. The day ended at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc.

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Back to School:

Ag Teacher Embraces TECHNOLOGY and RELATIONSHIPS Y

By Amy Eckelberg

Walter uses an interactive CleverTouch device to enhance his lessons and class engagement. The device is like a big-screen TV but acts like a touch-screen laptop or tablet. The Oconto Falls school district has adopted these in every classroom.

Since he embraces technology in his classroom, COVID-19 didn’t have much impact on his teaching methods.

“The biggest change was adding Zoom and not having everyone in the same place,” he said. “It took us a little while to figure out the attendance element, but otherwise the information was already available online and the virtual pieces were already established.”

Homework, assignments, videos and resources are listed on each lesson page of the website making it accessible to students at any time. It also helps Walter and his fellow teachers stay connected. He uses the strategy of ‘hyper docs’ using Google Slides embedded into his website. For this method he coined the name ‘Learning Log.’ Like many teachers, Walter uses a CleverTouch. The device, which looks like a large flat-screen TV, allows for an interactive learning environment and, if needed, students can participate out of the classroom.

“This is my favorite tool because it allows us to do so much,” said Walter. “It has 10 different touchpoints and allows multiple people to use it at once. Everything I teach stems from my website and is shown on this screen.”

Not only does Walter fully embrace technology, he also embraces local relationships such as those with FFA Alumni and the Oconto County Farm Bureau.

“It’s a small community when it comes to ag,” he said. “It’s really the same crew for most [agricultural] events but it’s nice because we know each other and the resources we have out there.”

By leveraging relationships locally, Walter can connect students to a variety of avenues for projects, jobs and Supervised Agricultural Experience projects.

Those SAEs are his favorite lesson to teach right now.

“It doesn’t seem that exciting – to talk about options for students to pursue for projects or potential careers but it is,” he said. “It’s a fine balance of what we need and what they are interested in. To see their gears moving on what they may want to do in the future and to see where they end up is cool. It’s fun to play a role Walter spends a lot of time managing his website and lesson materials like that.” but he says it’s worth it so that his students and FFA members can access information at anytime. In addition, Danielle Mihalski, Walter’s student Walter took a different direction than he anticipated teacher, helped create many items for the ‘Learning Log.’ when it came to choosing a career, which might explain ou could say that Oconto Falls High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Walter Taylor has high expectations of himself and his ability to teach.

“I strive to be one of the best in the country,” Walter said in regard to his teaching program in the educational arena. He has connected with many in-state and out-of-state teachers on his teaching philosophy and dreams big when it comes to potential learning tools.

His drive and love of agriculture started at a young age because his grandma was the general leader of the local 4-H club near Howards Grove in Sheboygan County.

“I didn’t really have a choice but to be involved,” he laughed.

“My grandparents were a big influence on my upbringing in agriculture.”

Now, the ag teacher is in his 10th year of teaching. He spent five years teaching at Plymouth before advancing to Oconto Falls High School.

His website, ocontofallsagzone.org, serves as the information hub for everything he does.

“I’ve always had a website,” explained Walter. “Education is not a secret, so I like to have my information where everyone can access it.”

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

his passion for helping students select paths for SAEs. “I had always loved landscaping and plants, so I figured I would get into that,” Walter explained. “But after a talk with his mentor and agriculture teacher Art VanderWaal, I realized I liked everything about agriculture. I remember him saying to me, ‘You like everything about agriculture, so why don’t you become an ag teacher and teach it so you get to do a little bit of everything?’”

It didn’t take much to convince him that was a good plan; the last part was figuring out where to go to school. He started attending UW-River Falls in fall of 2006.

That decision played a big part in his next life chapter.

“At first it was a bit overwhelming because I was five hours from home,” he explained. “After a while, I decided I was spending too much in gas money and started staying on campus and the rest is history.”

Walter joined Alpha Gamma Rho, a professional agricultural fraternity on campus, and built long-lasting relationships – ones that he still has today.

“I use my AGR connections all the time,” he said. “I learned so much from everyone and still do. I love that I can use them as resources. For example, Kyle Much is someone I met through AGR and now he works as a crop consultant. This year, he was willing to assist with our test plots at school. Previously Al Shannon, another connection, had coordinated the plots when I was at Plymouth.”

His connections from school also stem through Farm Bureau.

“I love the WFBF Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference because I get to reunite with people like Al, who is a Dunn County member and Kyle, who is a Waupaca County member, and others who I haven’t seen in a while,” he said. “It’s always worthwhile taking off of work and going to connect and network.”

Another event he never misses is the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Bus Tour.

“I usually try and recruit others to attend with me, especially some staff who don’t have a connection to agriculture. It’s always eye-opening to them.”

As YFA chair for Oconto County, he uses connections to recruit and connect people to his school’s ag program and Farm Bureau.

“I already knew about Farm Bureau when I got here but I was heavily recruited by Ken Harter to be active,” Walter explained. “I bring my computer to every board meeting and try to bring technology to Farm Bureau, too. I especially enjoy the promotion and bridging the gap with farmers and the school.”

Ken Harter and Philip Konitzer support the local agricultural program and FFA chapter in as many ways as they can through the FFA Alumni and Oconto County Farm Bureau.

Walter has always enjoyed landscaping and appreciates a place such as this garden, where his students can plant a variety of plants, trees and flowers to learn from.

One idea Walter hopes to implement soon is to take FFA members on tours to Farm Bureau farms on the way to WFBF’s FFA Farm Forum. His hope is that this initiative would continue to build bridges between FFA and Farm Bureau.

Whether through technology in the classroom or relationships within the community, it is no secret that Walter is well-connected. While the expectations he has for himself as an educator remain high, Walter is proud of the agricultural program at Oconto Falls High School and the students who have gone on to become community leaders.

“It’s important as educators that we remember that we need to work with all students, not just the ones who look like they are going to be successful. We can’t afford to underestimate their potential as we build agriculture’s future.” Walter said, “A student graduating from Oconto Falls High School that has taken advantage of the opportunities that this program offers will be a valuable citizen for our society.”

The Oconto Falls FFA Chapter was named the state winning FFA Nursery Landscape Career Development Event Team this year.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

102nd Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference 87th Rural Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting December 3-6, 2021 • Wisconsin Dells

Annual Meeting andYFA Conference WFBF

YFA Conference Friday, December 3 First-timers’ Orientation Session YFA Welcome Dinner 90s Country Music Theme Do you ever wonder if you “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”? Join us as we’ve “Gone Country” for 90s Country Night. We promise you will have “Too Much Fun” as we network with fellow YFA members and recognize the accomplishments from the past year. Put on your “John Deere Green” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” your way to the Kalahari.

District YFA Meetings Bowling, Music and Games

Saturday, December 4 Discussion Meet Quarterfinals YFA Breakfast and General Session Featuring Jeff Havens Uncrapify Your Future!

Uncrapify Your Future! will make the process of coming up with new ideas easier and more rewarding than you ever thought possible. Because it turns out that every innovation in every industry – from automobiles to streaming music, coffee cup holders to wartime treaties – follow the same straightforward pattern. Jeff Havens promises to be educational and enjoyable.

Excellence in Ag Presentations Discussion Meet Semifinals YFA Workshops - Round 1 • Focus on Your Future in Farm Bureau – Panel discussion led by District 4 YFA Representative Savannah Henke • Everything You Need to Know About Wisconsin Cranberries • COMET™ (Changing our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) – UW-Extension • From Farm to Consumer: Direct Marketing Your Product – Panel discussion led by District 7 YFA Representative Kelly Oudenhoven

YFA Workshops - Round 2 • Getting the Dirt on Wisconsin Potatoes – Alsum Farms • COMET™ (Changing our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) – UW-Extension • Here’s Your Sign: Sustainability – Rachel Gerbitz, WFBF • Sold, Sold, Sold! – Justin and Livia Doyle, OnPoint Auction Service

WFBF Annual Meeting Begins Trade Show and Silent Auction 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.

District Policy Meetings Farm Bureau Reception Farm Bureau Proud Banquet Featured Entertainment: Dr. Jim Wand Dr. Jim Wand grew up on a farm in Illinois, his family always proud members of Farm Bureau. He has presented at the National FFA Convention for more than 20 years and has produced more than $250K in revenue for FFA. He also is one of the top rated hypnotic entertainers in the world today. He has done more than 12,000 performances in every state, many multiple times, 14 foreign countries and on numerous cruise ships and casinos. His hypnotic performances are always fast moving, tastefully done and enjoyed by everyone. For this performance “You can be the show or see the show.”

Trade Show and Silent Auction Foundation Fundraising Event - BINGO and Name that Tune

B I N GO

Sunday, December 5 Morning Devotional Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet Final Resolutions Processing YFA Discussion Meet Final Buffet Brunch and General Session Keynote: Alex Sheen Alex Sheen is the founder of “because I said I would,” a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to bettering humanity through promises made and kept. Sparked by the loss of his father, Alex and his organization send ‘promise cards’ to anyone anywhere in the world at no cost. He is someone who truly honors commitment.

Alex has impacted millions of people with the “because I said I would” message through the viral nature of social media. Alex is a five time Tedx Talk speaker and his charitable work has been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, CNN, The Today Show, NPR, The Los Angeles Times and many other programs.

YFA Conference Ends

Trade Show and Silent Auction Farm Bureau Centennial Exhibit Annual Meeting Workshops - Round 1 • Strategic Marketing and Promotion – Behind the Scenes with Wisconsin Cheese – Tina Peterson and Beth Schaefer, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin • Renewable Energy Development – Matt Johnson, Wisconsin Land and Liberty Coalition • ARRRRR You Ready For MemberSHIP? – Becky Hibicki and Wes Raddatz, WFBF • Farm Safety – Chris Schlechta, RMIC

Monday, December 6 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting Breakfast and General Session District Caucuses Business Meeting and Resolutions

Annual Meeting Workshops - Round 2 • Precision Agriculture Technology - Today and Tomorrow – Darren Riskedal, Insight FS • WI Farm Center - Helping Farmers Reduce Farm Stress & Improve Wellness – Dan Bauer, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection • Should I Buy It? Running the Numbers on Farm Investments – Paul Dietmann, Compeer Financial • Advancing Conservation in Agriculture – Casey Langan, Sand County Foundation

Reception Silent Auction and Trade Show End Farm Bureau Awards Banquet and Program Reception

For meeting updates and to register, visit wfbf.com/events/ annual-meeting-yfa-conference

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n mber be e m h t i ney w Save mo

efits as

y as hone For complete details, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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

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

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

Rural Mutual

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

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

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

Farm Bureau members receive $500 bonus cash on the purchase or lease of a new Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty® Must be a member for 30 days. Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com/Login/Login for complete details or to print your certificate.

Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s FDIC-insured checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans.

Visit farmbureau.bank.

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

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

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

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Grassroots in Action

Farm Bureau prides itself on being a grassroots organization. Members belong to one of the 61 county Farm Bureaus. Throughout the state, local members advocate for Farm Bureau and agriculture in a variety of ways. Here are some of the activities and projects happening locally.

44th Annual Dairy Breakfast Successful On June 19, Walworth County Farm Bureau sponsored its 44th dairy breakfast at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn.

The event featured 150 volunteers serving 3,155 breakfasts, consisting of scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes, cheese, milk, orange juice, coffee and ice cream.

The event also featured the 9th annual coffee cake contest, as well as crafters selling their art, live music, two trains to give children rides around the park and the popular milk chugging contest.

This year’s host farm for tours was the Schmaling Farm in Delavan.

Members Host Farmers Appreciation Day Iowa County Farm Bureau members hosted the 35th annual Farmers Appreciation Day.

Virtual Farm-City Day COVID-19 forced Farm Bureau to explore different avenues to reach board members, members and even students. Every year, Dodge County Farm Bureau hosts an annual ‘Farm City Day’ at a host farm, until 2020 that is.

The Dodge County Board of Directors decided to cancel the annual event in 2020, and in 2021 were faced with the decision of what to do regarding the event.

The board of directors decided to explore options to make a video that teachers could show to students in the classroom. This started the process of exploring video options. Upon doing some research, board members found the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin 2020 virtual farm tour.

The 73rd Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes, along with DFW put together a virtual farm tour of Scientific Holsteins. This farm tour also has a scavenger hunt. Rather than recreating the wheel and putting together another video of a farm tour, the board of directors made the decision to contact the schools that normally attend our annual event and gauge the interest in the virtual format and use the DFW Virtual Farm Tour.

Saturday night featured the Sip and Savor: A Taste of Southwest Wisconsin event and fireworks show.

Sunday kicked off with a parade through downtown Dodgeville, followed by entertainment, food, kids’ activities, milk and cheese sampling, live music and much more.

Brunch on the Farm

The event is Iowa County’s way of saying thank you to farmers and agribusinesses for the positive impact they have on rural communities. The committee also uses funds to award college scholarships, support youth programs at the Iowa County Fair and contribute to local 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and other community groups.

After enjoying a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, cinnamon rolls, milk, orange juice and of course, many varieties of cheese. Visitors could participate in a 5K run/walk, on-site church service, kids’ educational activities, a scavenger hunt for prizes, petting zoo and farm tour.

Farm Bureau members could be seen coordinating event festivities, handing out string cheese in the parade, grilling and serving steak sandwiches, helping in the kids’ activity area and emceeing the awards program.

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Board members were extremely happy that this virtual tour reached 388 students in 12 Dodge County fourth- grade classrooms and look forward to bringing back the in-person event in spring 2022.

Despite a rainy day and muddy parking lot, 3,000 people attended the Shawano County Farm Bureau Brunch on the Farm on June 27.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Drive-Thru Grilled Cheese Event For the second year in a row, the Winnebago County Farm Bureau organized a Grilled Cheese Drive-Thru event to celebrate June Dairy Month. The event was held on June 12 at the Jim, Kelly, Garrett and Kara Schuster Family Farm.

Almost 700 attendees got to meet Alice in Dairyland and had a chance to see cows up-close as they drove through the freestall barn and around the farmstead. At the end of the tour, attendees received a meal consisting of a grilled cheese sandwich, potato chips, chocolate milk and Leon’s Frozen Custard.

Farm Bureau Joins ‘Don’t Have a Cow’ Event On June 12, Plymouth Rock Campground held their second annual ‘Don’t Have a Cow’ weekend.

Campers visited several dairythemed stands and Sheboygan County Farm Bureau hosted ‘milk fireworks’ for the kids. They also held a brat fry and donated the proceeds to the Sheboygan County Farm Bureau. Organizers can’t wait for next year’s event.

Farm Neighbors Care Project Held in May District 4 Young Farmer and Agriculturist and Promotion and Education Committee members spent the month of May delivering care packages to farmers across the district.

The care packages were a part of the district-wide Farm Neighbors Care initiative and were sponsored by county Farm Bureaus and Rural Mutual Insurance agents within the district.

Farmers who received the care packages were nominated by members of the public to receive a bag filled with treats to enjoy while in the field for spring planting.

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Soil Your Undies and Wet Your Plants Program Draws Attention County Farm Bureaus in District 8 sponsored a ‘Soil Your Undies’ contest, a fun way to take part in a do-ityourself test for microbial activity in soil.

Packets were mailed the first week of June. Participants were asked to submit a selfie with their flag on the day they buried the underwear from their packet and again one month after initial planting.

A prize will be awarded to each county’s most deteriorated pair of underwear. There will be a panel of UW-Extension agents reviewing the photo submissions and naming one winner per county.

Beef Promotion and Fundraiser Hamburgers, brats, beef promotion and fundraising came together for a day at the Oconto Falls Piggly Wiggly.

On June 4, the Oconto County Farm Bureau provided delicious and nutritious food on-site and provided promotional materials for making beef dishes at home as well.

Dairy Drive-Thru Event When news broke that the 2021 Dunn County June Dairy Breakfast was postponed to 2022, Dunn County Farm Bureau members stepped up in a big way to continue celebrating June Dairy Month. On June 26, Dunn County Farm Bureau and friends of Dunn County Dairy hosted the Dunn County Dairy Drive-Thru.

The event was from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members could visit one of two locations to pick up their kit: Baier Creek Farms, Inc., in Eau Galle or Countryside Co-op/Landmark in Menomonie.

Thanks to many generous donations, 1,500 grilled-cheese kits were distributed. Each kit contained everything needed to make a grilled cheese sandwiches: a loaf of bread, a pound of butter, two wedges of cheese, a cheese slicer, plus pudding, string cheese, Culver’s coupons, potato chips, milk and more.

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VOICES

The Work is Never Done On or Off the Farm A Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz

F

arming is an ever-adapting environment. We closely monitor our prices, costs, taxes and regulatory issues.

While we consider these things weekly, so much of what impacts us on our farms comes from outside the farm gate.

Farm Bureau has been around for more than 100 years, advocating for fair prices, controlled costs such as a reliable workforce and for taxes and regulation that does not only not put family farms out of business, but allows them to thrive. But just like everyone else, we can do better – both Farm Bureau and us, the farmers.

Consumers want to know more about their food – more than its environmental impact. People want to know if it is holistically good for families and does it improve the environment?

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Recently, Chief Executive Officer of Center for Food Integrity Charlie Arnot, stated in an article, “Consumer perspective has morphed into, ‘What’s in the environment that could harm me or my family? If it is better for me and my family, it must be better for the planet.’”

The term ‘sustainable’ is used in many instances, especially when it comes to consumer perspectives. Sustainability means a lot of things to many people.

Some view it as a gateway word to more regulation and requirements. Some view it as an opportunity and a way to differentiate themselves from others.

Sustainability is not a point in time, rather it is a continuous improvement and whether you realize it or not, we are continuously thinking about this as farmers.

There is no doubt that farmers have been sustainable for generations in a variety of ways. Food production takes natural resources, but sustainable food production lessens the need for those precious resources. Farming practices have continually lowered our impact on resources by improving soil health and water. Farmers are good at implementing strategies that work. Research done by the University of Wisconsin, UWDiscovery Farms and volunteer watershed groups helps show the science behind many of the strategies.

But we can always do more. We can do something to lower our impact on the environment. Farmers are only a small part of the total impact, but farmers will

be a part of creating a better tomorrow for our children. Our story does not start today. We’ve been creating our story of stewardship for generations and have to keep sharing it and get even better at embracing and implementing it.

Now, telling our story as farmers is as important as ever. We must engage consumers and explain that we have shared values in regard to our animals and the environment. We cannot allow activist groups or the retail sector to regulate farmers out of business for their own agendas.

I am proud to say Farm Bureau has not only helped many farmers tell their stories and engage others, but we have also started the engagement on this topic in different ways.

On page 8 of this Rural Route, you read about our new director of sustainability outreach and partnerships.

I’m excited that we can leverage staff resources to help carry out the sustainability message in a proactive way for our hard-working farmers. As you saw earlier in the magazine we are unveiling our state sustainability tours in this issue.

I hope you can join us.

WFBF is making a strong effort to be more strategic and proactive in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. I believe this is the start of something powerful and I’m glad our members can lead the way.

Krentz was elected president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2020. He is a dairy farmer from Berlin.

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Time to Harvest Ag Labor Reform That Works for All A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

“N

ow Hiring” signs keep cropping up all over farm country— especially in the last several months as the job market shifts with more businesses reopening. Wherever you go, there are jobs to fill. I see these signs in my home state of Georgia and on farms I visit across the country. Every corner of farm country is impacted by our ongoing labor crisis, and it continues to be the leading concern I hear from farmers across the country. The crops, the soil and terrain might look different, but the story is the same: “We cannot find enough workers, and we don’t know how we’ll keep the farm going if we don’t have access to the help we need.”

It’s hard not to be frustrated by this long-standing challenge, especially when I hear directly from the men and women struggling to fill jobs on their farms.

However, these workforce shortages are nothing new for farmers and ranchers.

Demand for H-2A visas has steadily increased over the last 10 years, as farmers struggle to find employees in the U.S. to fill open positions on their farms. In fact, applications for H-2A positions on farms have tripled in the last decade, but this doesn’t mean our guestworker program is working fine. The reality is farmers who currently use the program do so because

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they have no other options, and those engaged in year-round agriculture such as dairy or livestock production aren’t able to access the program due to outdated laws.

Our guestworker program has been broken for decades, with farmers caught in the political crossfire of this complex issue. But unlike so many challenges in agriculture that are beyond our control like weather and markets, this is a problem that can be solved. Like anything worth doing well, it might not be easy, but we can find a path forward. That is why the American Farm Bureau is working closely with the Senate to bring forward a bipartisan solution that finally resolves our agricultural labor crisis.

No one questioned agriculture being an essential industry last spring and summer as store shelves emptied. But keeping our farms and ranches running is critical in all seasons to protect our nation’s food supply. It makes no sense to recognize agriculture is essential but then fail to recognize agriculture’s workforce is essential. Food only makes it to your dinner table when we have the help we need to raise and harvest it.

Farmers need a guest worker program that allows them to hire workers for both seasonal and year-round farm work, while keeping their businesses economically viable. We need an agricultural guestworker program that provides enough flexibility and access for all of agriculture.

Farmers pay competitive wages for an honest day’s work, but the reality is most domestic workers are not interested in farm jobs. Farm work is hard and often transitory. I regularly hear, “Well, if farmers would just pay more, they would get the workers they need.” In fact, farm wages have increased disproportionately to farmers’ share of the food dollar.

For example, the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, the rate used to set wages for the H-2A program, has increased 20 percent nationally over the last five years.

Meanwhile, revenues for fruits and nuts

only increased 1 percent and revenues for vegetables and melons declined by 5 percent in that same time. With margins so slim, farmers are finding it more and more difficult to remain viable.

Farmers are also deeply concerned about the future of our current employees.

On family farms like mine, employees become like family. We must ensure the stability of our current workforce. Our broken immigration system has led to an increased rate of undocumented workers in agriculture and other industries. No one can turn back time, but we can give these hard workers the opportunity to make things right and gain legal status while continuing their important work in agriculture. It would be senseless and crippling to our food system to embrace an enforcement only approach to immigration without fixing the guestworker program and providing a path forward for undocumented workers and their families.

We cannot afford as an industry or as a nation to put off finally achieving meaningful immigration reform. If farmers can’t fill the jobs on their farms, those “Now Hiring” signs will slowly change to “For Sale” signs as production moves out of the U.S. We have seen great achievements for our farms and our nation when our leaders come across the aisle and work in a bipartisan fashion. But it is also critical that any legislation from the Senate doesn’t create more problems for farmers down the road. It’s time for lawmakers to come to the table and find a real solution that finally gets this right for the security of our food supply, the jobs depending on our industry, and the sustainability of our farms and ranches.

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

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VOICES

Your Legacy Involves Sustainability A Message from WFBF’s Rachel Gerbitz

O

ct. 26 will mark 20 years since my family left the farm. While it may have been nearly 20 years since I milked my first cow, I am even more invested in agriculture now than I was back then.

After we left the farm, it would have been easy for us to embrace the ‘city kid life’ and never look back. Odds were not exactly in our favor to be successful in agriculture, but our mom and dad stacked the deck.

My dad used his vacation days during the last week of July every year so he could be at the county fair. My mom took on five-kids-worth of fair projects every summer for 20 plus years while working full-time and keeping us fed. We did not go on a lot of family trips or play many summer sports. Instead, we spent our summer nights driving across the county to halter break heifers, and then came home to finish woodworking projects. We were taught to work hard and always give our best effort.

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Someone who came before me believed in my dream and sacrificed something so I could achieve it.

I am who I am today because of the generations of support that came before me. That sentiment carried me through the days when it would have been easier to give up on agriculture-related dreams.

Someone believed in me, so I pursued leadership and communication roles in agriculture organizations during college.

Someone believed in me, so I started my own herd of Jerseys.

Someone believed in me, and I owe it to them to give my very best effort in achieving my goals and dreams.

Someone out there believes in you, too.

In fact, someone relies on you to continue to produce the safest, most sustainable food in the world.

The fundamental idea surrounding sustainability and conservation is to leave the land, water and soil better for the next generation. Farmers are working hard towards progress today to meet the needs of tomorrow. Recently I was hired

by Wisconsin Farm Bureau to share those powerful stories.

Our advances in sustainable farming practices are what they are today because someone who came before us recognized the necessity of preserving and protecting our land and water and got to work.

At Wisconsin Farm Bureau, we recognize the need to promote those efforts and encourage forward thinking and proactive communication.

When we were farming in the 90s, my dad rotationally grazed 40 cows, used crop rotation on 150 acres, no-tilled wheat and alfalfa and followed a nutrient management plan. Sustainable practices

were already happening, even two decades ago.

Today, farmers are efficiently using these same resources in more ways than you can imagine, ranging in size, scale and commodity. One common goal reigns from generation to generation across Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry, and that is to work together to further climate-smart solutions that protect our resources, farms and communities.

Our ability to produce food is as efficient as it has ever been. U.S. agriculture would have needed nearly 100 million more acres 30 years ago to match today’s production levels. We are doing more than ever before with less land and inputs. It is an exciting time to highlight stewardship efforts and facilitate conversations between farmers to collaborate on concepts and ideas.

We are living out the dreams of previous generations. Those who came before us made it possible for us to continue to succeed and grow.

It is up to us to continue preserving and protecting the legacy entrusted to us. It is our turn to raise the bar, try new things and share our successes so we can continue to innovate and excel towards progress.

Now is the time to share how you are working towards your sustainability goals on your farm. I am thrilled to offer you a platform to tell your story.

Gerbitz was hired as WFBF’s Director of Sustainability Communications and Partnerships in June. In this newly-created role, Gerbitz oversees the organization’s sustainability communication efforts.

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Heroes of Hope Named

Heroes of Hope NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Justin Schroepfer has been named Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Hero of Hope in the organization’s inaugural Heroes of Hope campaign.

Heroes of Hope, a subset of the #FarmNeighborsCare campaign, is focused on shedding light on rural heroes who have helped others through a tough time. Heroes of Hope aims to identify people who have helped bring hope to farmers or businesses, either in large or small ways.

Members of the agriculture community were encouraged to nominate individuals who have made an impact on the way they conduct business, both ordinarily and extraordinarily.

Also being recognized as finalists this year are Melvin (MJ) Zenner, Duane “Dewey” Kunz, Kellie Zahn and Al Shannon.

As this year’s Hero of Hope, Schroepfer received $500 cash, a Yeti Cooler, $50 to Kwik Trip, $50 to Blain’s Farm & Fleet and a variety of Farm Bureau gear. The four remaining finalists each received $150 cash, $25 to Kwik Trip and $25 to Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

The 2021 Heroes of Hope campaign was sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, M.P.B. Builders, Inc., the Doyle and Kim Pokorny Family, Waupun Area FFA and Kwik Trip.

Justin Schroepfer, Langlade County In the past year, Justin and his family stepped up in big ways to help their rural neighbors. When a good friend of the family endured medical issues, Justin and his family not only continued to maintain his farm and his wife, Sara’s, salon business, but also stepped in to ensure their friend’s landscaping business could continue serving customers. As their friend recovered, they would schedule and deliver loads of landscaping materials to minimize the stress of continuing to run their business.

Additionally, when Justin was notified of another community member who was in the hospital, he also stepped up to assist with the family’s trucking business by offering to drive semi.

As stated in his nomination, “This time of year, Justin is usually found planting a farm field that isn’t even his and eventually makes his way to planting his own fields. Our community is lucky to have this very generous family as a part of it.”

When told he was selected as a Hero of Hope, Justin stated, “I’m beyond humbled to have been nominated in, let alone the winner of the Heroes of Hope campaign. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything extraordinary to deserve such recognition or acknowledgment. I just do what anyone else would do. It is truly humbling to be recognized for simply doing what needs to be done.”

Al Shannon, Dunn County At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic during the spring of 2020, people were adjusting to a new normal. Al and his wife, Bristol, saw a need to help dairy farmers in their community by purchasing dairy products for their local school district. With the help of friends, they were able to donate 1,044 pounds of butter and 1,600 sticks of string cheese to the Menomonie School District. In addition, the school was able to provide breakfast and lunch, seven days a week for students in need. The donations were able to cover 15,000 meals in just one week.

When Al was told about his nomination and that he was a finalist, he said, “Wow! I am honored and amazed that I was nominated. It is truly humbling as we don’t see ourselves that way. Bristol and I just did what needed to be done. We felt that it was important to give back to the industry that has given us so much.”

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Melvin (MJ) Zenner, Taylor County When his friends lost their barn to a fire in the spring of 2020, MJ stepped up to help. His nominators stated, “MJ gave us back normalcy as fast as he could, made decisions and improvements without asking to make our life easier, and was our ‘brain’ though the whole ordeal. Most importantly, he gave us daily hope we would survive this catastrophic event. Just when you think that’s more than the ‘Average Joe’ would do for a person, he along with his wife Brittany would rescue our kids away from the mess several times a month to get them some rest and relaxation at their family’s cabin. We will truly never be able to repay him for his general acts of kindness and love he has shown our family.”

When telling MJ about his nomination, he stated, “When fellow farms and friends went through tough times, there was no hesitation on my end to step up and help out.”

MJ added, “I never do these things for recognition; I do them because I care. However, I genuinely appreciate being recognized as a finalist in the Heroes of Hope campaign and hope that by helping others during a time of need, I’ve encouraged others to do the same.”

Kellie Zahn, Shawano County In 2018 after the devastating April blizzard, Kellie jumped into action to help support her local farm neighbors as reports of collapsed barns began to rise. She organized a group of local volunteers to make meals for more than 50 families. Her initiative led to a group in a neighboring county to begin a similar effort. As word of her work began to spread, unsolicited donations started to come in that both covered the costs of food and was donated to first responder groups who were helping farmers on the frontlines.

Kellie’s nominator continued to share, “Kellie’s dedication to community was evident again during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns started in 2020. She, together with her local Farm Bureau, made calls to local food pantries to ensure they had enough dairy products to share with the growing number of patrons while supporting the dairy industry which was facing low prices at that time. Kellie is always looking out for local farmers and farm families in need.”

When told of her nomination, Kellie said, “This is very humbling; looking at my community, I see so many amazing people doing so many great things. I am truly humbled to have even been nominated in the Heroes of Hope campaign. It is a great honor and privilege to shed light and spread hope amongst the agricultural community.”

Duane “Dewey” Kunz, Eau Claire County Knowing that a neighboring farmer was having health issues, Dewey stepped in to help his neighbor run his custom planting business so he could focus on his health. Dewey learned how the tractor and planter worked and got to work making his way around the neighborhood and completing custom planting jobs. Dewey made personal sacrifices to help others in need and that is why he was nominated as a Hero of Hope.

When told about his nomination, Dewey stated, “I’m just happy to be able to help others. It is what keeps me going. That in itself is enough of a reward, but I am very appreciative of not only being nominated but to be a finalist in the Heroes of Hope campaign. I am absolutely amazed and shocked. I am extremely grateful and humbled. “ AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

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With Brittney Muenster

A New Initiative for WFBF’s Promotion and Education Committee

T

he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee is excited to use the Rural Route to help members enhance their relationships with consumers and provide tools to navigate local markets.

Within each issue the committee will identify a common agriculture question, supply tips on relaying a positive message and include ways Farm Bureau members can lay the groundwork going forward as being a trusted resource for agriculture and farming information.

To start, I’m sharing my experience. One of my life passions has been bringing awareness to farming and encouraging other farmers to tell their stories. Telling our stories can be as simple or as complex as we want it to be, or in most cases, it's what our busy lifestyles allow time for.

Many times, these ‘sharing’ opportunities seem to end up in a social setting. Whether it's involuntary like at an event or voluntary like on social media. Basically, anywhere we have human contact is a platform for storytelling. Our occupations are unique because our customer-base is literally everyone, even other farmers.

One of my most recent encounters was at a social event.

During introductions, I was asked to discuss the dairy industry’s housing choices for cattle as well as some of our common practices. This conversation became direct quickly, to the point of being challenging.

I explained my point of view the best I could; however, having come off a rough few days at the farm, my energy level had been depleted and I could feel my emotions getting the best of me.

Therefore, I politely exited the conversation.

I later reflected on the conversation feeling disheartened at first that I didn't use this storytelling opportunity to its fullest.

Ultimately, I came to the conclusion I was being hard on myself but there was still a lesson to be learned.

The takeaway was recognizing when to decline having these types of conversations and remembering I have a choice.

Below is a list of the other things I’ve learned during my storytelling journey.

1. A s mentioned above, we can always decline a conversation.

Take into consideration the environment, who we are talking to and the context of the conversation. Sometimes it’s actually the better option. A response could be, “That's a great question and I would love to discuss it in more depth at a time when I

could provide my full attention.”

2. S trong emotions play a role. Feel them, know they're there but bringing them into a conversation usually doesn't result in a positive outcome. We want to give our stories the respect they deserve by delivering them thoughtfully with a clear head.

3. I t’s okay to respectfully disagree. In a conversation, common ground can't always be found. When this situation occurs, our energy is best spent in other ways than trying to convince someone “they're wrong and we're right.”

4. Treat others how you would like to be treated. If someone is genuinely asking about our industry, we want to share our information with them respectfully. We are professionals and what we consider basic knowledge may not be true for everyone.

5. Comparing isn’t a benefit. Avoid comparing one product to another. The more productive route is to focus solely on your product and what you know best, especially if you're unfamiliar with the other product.

6. Don't be the source of misinformation. Fear mongering tactics or capitalizing on circulating misinformation doesn’t help in the long run. Taking time to completely understand your market and consumer's understanding of farming will bring you more solid relationships and successes.

7. It's okay to not know the answers. Sometimes we are presented with questions we don't know the answers to. An acceptable response is to say, “That's a good question. I'm unsure of the answer.” Then use this as an opportunity to diverge into discussing your own farm and farming practices.

8. Be mindful when posting to social media. Be sure the message of what you're posting is clear, examine every post through the lens of someone with less farming experience and avoid interactions with negative posts. Don’t forget liking, sharing or commenting makes the post more visible to others.

9. Give yourself a mental break. The amount of misinformation about farming on the internet and the feeling of needing to explain ourselves can be exhausting. Sometimes disconnecting is the best thing we can do for ourselves to recharge.

It’s important to remember the majority of consumers have a genuine curiosity to learn more about where their food comes from and who is producing it. These are the interactions worth putting time and energy into. If we don't work to tell our story for ourselves, in the end, someone else will try to do it for us.

Brittney Muenster is the District 7 representative and Vice Chair on the WFBF

Promotion and Education Committee. She is a graduate of UW-Madison’s Farm & Industry Short Course and a fifth-generation farmer on her family’s 200-acre farm in Seymour.

The Promotion and Education Committee is a dynamic group of Farm Bureau leaders who develop, implement and promote programs that build agricultural awareness and provide leadership development to the agricultural community.

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Promotion and Education Program

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau

Recipes shared by 2021 American Honey Queen Jennifer Hinkel.

September is National Honey Month. To learn more about honey, visit wisagclassroom.org/wisconsin-ag-facts.

Honey Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter or shortening • 1/2 c. honey • 1 egg • 1/2 tsp. vanilla • 13/4 c. flour

Directions

1. Cream shortening or butter with honey until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.

2. Stir together dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.

• 1/2 tsp. baking soda • 1/4 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/2 c. chopped nuts • 1 c. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips 3. Add nuts and chocolate chips.

4. D rop by teaspoons on a greased cookie sheet.

5. B ake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes.

Porridge & Cranberries from Norway Ingredients

• 3/4 c. medium grain white rice • 11/2 c. water • 21/2 c. 1% milk • 1 Tbsp. butter

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, add rice and water and bring to a boil. Lower heat to gentle simmer; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until all water is absorbed.

2. Add 1/3 of the milk: stir, cover and leave until the consistency thickens. Add a little more milk every time the consistency thickens (approximately every 5 to 10 minutes), repeating until all the milk

• 1 Tbsp. honey • 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar • 1 Tbsp. kosher salt • 2 tsp. vanilla extract is used and the porridge is thick and rice is tender. The entire process should take about 45- 55 minutes.

3. Add butter, honey, sugar, salt and vanilla extract; stir well. Turn off heat and serve porridge in bowls topped with a small pat of butter (optional), cinnamon and dried cranberries. *Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Honey Cake from Germany Ingredients

• 1 c. honey • 1/2 c. brown sugar • 7 Tbsp. butter softened • 4 c. flour • 1 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Heat honey, sugar and butter with a little water in a small saucepan until sugar and butter have melted and combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

3. Mix flour with baking powder, all AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

• 1 tsp. ginger powder • 1 tsp. cardamon • 1 tsp. nutmeg • 1 c. chopped almonds • 2 eggs • 1 pinch salt spices, almonds and salt.

4. W hisk the eggs and combine with flour mixture and honey mixture.

Stir into a smooth dough.

5. Pour into loaf pan and smooth out.

Bake for 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. wfbf.com

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Spotlight on YFA

Get to know the members who are leading Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program.

Sally Turpin, Ex-officio member of the WFBF YFA Committee and American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee member.

Farm Bureau member since 2010 Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?

I appreciate the networking opportunities as well as being able to stay up to date with agricultural issues and advocating for those issues with legislators.

What has been your favorite Farm Bureau program/event/ etc. and why?

I really enjoyed the WFBF Leadership Institute. I not only learned a lot about the legislative process and further developed my leadership skills but got to know an awesome group of people from across the state. It really opened my eyes to the opportunities available in the organization.

What would you tell YFA members about getting involved in the YFA program?

Be willing to take that next step. When I joined Farm Bureau, I never guessed I would end up serving on a national committee.

It started by simply attending events, then eventually stepping up as a county YFA chair and it grew from there.

Tell us about your experience on the YF&R Committee. How long have you been a committee member? What are your responsibilities?

I have been a committee member since 2020. Obviously last year looked a little different than normal, but the YF&R Committee helps facilitate the program for members at a national level, including planning and implementing the YF&R/FUSION Conferences, running leadership contests at AFBF Annual Convention, connecting with state chairs, as well as hosting our new monthly YF&R Connect meetings, open to all young farmer members. Currently, I’m serving as the Leadership Conference Subcommittee Chair and helping plan our YF&R Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in February.

Best words of advice/words of wisdom?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Take advantage of the opportunities that come along in life; you never know where those opportunities might lead.

About the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Program: The American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes men and women between the ages of 18 and 35. The objective of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program is to surface, grow and develop young Farm Bureau members and provide them opportunities and experiences to strengthen their leadership and ensure effective Farm Bureaus.

The program is focused on personal growth in the following areas: • Public speaking • Issue advocacy • Business development • Networking

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• Service leadership • Media training • Telling the story of agriculture

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

5

MINUTES

WITH GREEN COUNTY’S

DUSTIN WILLIAMS

By Marian Viney

Please share a little about yourself, family, education, career, etc.

I grew up on a small dairy farm in rural Hillsboro, where my family milked registered Jerseys and raised Quarter Horses.

I attended UW-River Falls and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science pre-veterinary science and continued in the agricultural education master’s program. I started my teaching career at Black Hawk High School in South Wayne as a high school agriculture educator and FFA advisor. In 2008, I took on a new challenge and started an agribusiness program at the Monroe campus of Blackhawk Technical College. Now, I’m the agribusiness and farm management instructor. My wife Aimee and I have five children and reside on a 25-acre farmette near South Wayne. In addition to serving on the Green County Farm Bureau board, I am a member of the Monroe Optimists and the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators.

I enjoy spending time with our family, hunting, fishing and anything outdoors.

When you were growing up what did you want to be?

When I was in middle school, I really enjoyed art and computers. My goal was to move as far away from the farm as possible and work as a commercial graphic artist. When I was a freshman in high school, I wasn’t planning on taking any ag courses. My dad suggested that I try it so I signed up for my first ag class and the rest is history.

Tell us about your responsibilities as an agribusiness and farm management instructor at Blackhawk Technical College.

I’m the lead instructor for a growing agriculture program at the Monroe Campus of Blackhawk Technical College. I teach about 10 courses each year on many agricultural topics. Recently, we built a new agricultural training center.

How long have you served on the board of directors for Green County Farm Bureau?

It’s been at least 13 or 14 years.

What is the best part of this role?

It’s been really interesting seeing the changes in the board throughout the years.

What is the most challenging part of this role?

Accepting the fact that at 40 years old I’m one of the oldest people on the board. It’s a great group and I’m proud of the board’s accomplishments.

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

SUBMITTED PHOTO.

You won the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Excellence in Agriculture award. Please share your top takeaway from that experience.

I learned how valuable this organization is and how it really is a big agricultural family. I wish I would have become more involved at an earlier age. This experience made me realize how lucky I was to have the past that I did. Growing up on a dairy farm, FFA, Alpha Gamma Rho and other ag and community groups were really important in helping me become who I am today. I also realized how passionate I have always been about helping others and teaching people about agriculture. Many of us grow up thinking of ourselves as being ‘just a farm kid’ and we under value ourselves. In all reality being ‘just a farm kid’ is a really important, rare and valuable quality that is becoming scarcer and more sought after than ever before.

What is one agricultural experience that has defined you?

I’ve had the pleasure of building an agriculture program at Blackhawk Technical College during the past 14 years. I remember the first day, I was handed a soil probe and asked to build a new program and teach 13 classes with no equipment, facilities or community relationships. Fast forward to today, we have an excellent facility, industry professionals as instructors, community relationships with advisory members, a foundation fund dedicated to the program, and a really healthy helping of ag technology at our disposal. I hope that I have impacted lives and helped them form a foundation for life, a family and a career in their industry. Being an agricultural educator is what defines me.

What is one Farm Bureau experience that you are most proud of?

Competing in the Excellence in Ag contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in San Diego, California.

What is something that many Farm Bureau members do not know about you?

I’ve played trumpet in two different polka bands and when I was in college, I used to DJ and drove school bus.

You can read the full-length version of this article by visiting, wfbf.com/blog.

wfbf.com

35

LEADERSHIP

Wisconsin FFA Convention Packed with Opportunities T

he 2021 Wisconsin FFA Convention was held the week of July 5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Agriculture in the Classroom were represented in many ways at the event.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Makes Connections

Mia Hillebrand of the River Valley FFA Chapter was named the state winner of the FFA Discussion Meet at the 92nd FFA Convention in Madison. Shari Graffunder is her advisor.

The Discussion Meet tests the abilities of FFA members in cooperatively discussing agricultural issues, exchanging ideas and information, and finding solutions to issues or problems.

Modeled after the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet contest, individuals give a 30-second opening statement, participate in 15-20 minutes of discussion and finish with a one-minute closing statement.

To qualify for the state finals, Hillebrand has competed in several other contests during the past five months. These included district, sectional and state semi-finals in Madison.

The other finalists were (in order), Kendra Goplin, Whitehall; Mary Schreiber, East Troy; and Emily Sternitzky, Marshfield.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom participated in the Wisconsin FFA Convention in Madison in several ways this year. A workshop was presented on Tuesday afternoon entitled, “What’s New in Ag in the Classroom?”

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson shared information with FFA members about new resources they can use in the Food for America programs.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom exhibited at the convention’s expo. This was the first opportunity to meet with agriculture educators since the pandemic, so the display featured new resources such as the Soils, Farming Practices and Wheat Ag Mags, 2021 Farm Facts brochure and promotion of summer trainings and back-to-school events.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom also coordinates the Food for America Contest judging. This year, 14 FFA chapters submitted applications. Denmark FFA Chapter was named the top chapter with Weyauwega-Fremont, Big Foot, Manawa, Badger, Granton and Lomira FFA Chapters ranking gold. The contest was judged by application review only with hopes of going back to top ten chapter interviews in 2022.

PHOTO BY SHARI GRAFFUNDER

Hillebrand Wins FFA Discussion Meet

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to sponsor the Wisconsin FFA Discussion Meet Leadership Development Event.

(From left) Katrina Hoesly, Wisconsin FFA Parliamentarian; Joe Schlies, Wisconsin FFA President; Mary Schrieber, third place finalist; Emily Sternitzky, fourth place finalist; Mia Hillebrand, state winner; Kendra Goplin, state runner-up; Brooks Lueck, Wisconsin FFA Vice President and Cortney Zimmerman, Wisconsin FFA Vice President.

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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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Gloria Regan, New Holstein

Brittany Zenner, Medford

Neil Christianson, Shiocton

Kellie Zahn, Marion

Jenifer Zimmerman, Deerfield

Paiser Family Dairy, Shawano

Ashleigh Calaway, Vesper

Send us YOUR Photos

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members live and work with beautiful landscapes and livestock. On this page we highlight those sights and special moments.

Please email your best photos (high resolution jpgs at 300 dpi) to Lsiekmann@wfbf.com. Due to the high volume of photos we receive, we are unable to publish every photo. Photos sent in may be used in other WFBF publications.

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

wfbf.com

37

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

National ‘Fields of Dreams’ Conference Plants Seeds From attendees’ perspectives: T

he 2021 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference 'Fields of Dreams' was a hybrid conference.

Some attendees traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, for the event, which took place the last week of June. Registrations neared 400 and included teachers, (From left) Cindy and Dave Barber, Darlene Arneson, state contacts, Ashley VandenBush, Jennifer Bartkowski, Jeff and agriculture literacy Erena Christensen. partners and others.

A virtual option was offered with a selection of sessions to livestream during the three-day conference.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom had 19 teachers and volunteers participate CHS Foundation scholarship recipients. in the National Ag in the Classroom Conference with five attending in-person and 14 joining virtually for the main sessions and workshops.

Those attending in-person included Random Lake teacher Cindy Barber, Kimberly teacher Erena Christensen, Brown County Dairy Promotion staff and Green Bay teacher Ashley VandenBush, Brown County Dairy Promotion staff Jennifer Bartkowski and Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson.

Thank you to Outagamie County Farm Bureau who helped with Erena’s hotel expenses, CHS Foundation who provided scholarships to Erena and Cindy (2020 recipient) and to the participants for taking time to attend.

Keynote speaker Dr. Anton Treuer, a professor who specializes in Native American studies, talked about infusing equity tools into classroom instruction and was sponsored by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF).

Another keynote speaker was True Food TV host Nicole Jolly who talked about using storytelling to describe how different food items are grown and the farmers who produce them.

Next year the National Ag in the Classroom Conference will be held on June 28-July 1, in Saratoga Springs, New York. For more information, visit agclassroom.org/conference.

For those who are thinking about attending, don’t forget to apply for an American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture White Reinhardt Educator Scholarship by Oct. 15. These scholarships are for volunteers and teachers who want to attend. For an application, visit agfoundation.org/ projects/ag-scholarships.

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“I love attending the National Ag in the Classroom Conference. Each state is unique and gets to share the agriculture/businesses in their state through the traveling workshops and conference tours. If you come to the conference alone, you are bound to make new friends quickly. This was my fifth conference, and I still meet up with my friends from other states and make new friends.”

– Ashley VandenBush

“Even though this year’s National Ag in the Classroom Conference may have been smaller and more intimate than years past, there was great focus of the speakers to present valuable content that was significant and that could be applicable in a significant way to everyday programs and classroom lessons. The conference always has a purpose beyond entertainment. Like minded individuals never leave the same as they came.”

– Jennifer Bartkowski

“WOW! So much to learn, try and share. As

a science teacher, the Iowa State Research Laboratory that I went to as part of my traveling workshop stands out in my mind. Of course, ag is important, but as a science teacher, there was so much innovation at the lab. Ag and science are working together to create food and so much more for our communities.”

– Cindy Barber

“What a fantastic conference. We had the chance to meet new friends and share ideas and strategies to integrate agriculture into our curriculum.

These friends were from California, Oklahoma, Iowa and the southeast corner of Wisconsin.

We brainstormed ideas on having pen pals with our students to further enhance the excitement of learning about each other’s states and how agriculture is an important part of our lives.”

– Erena Christensen

“This conference has been a great way to learn new ideas on new ways to educate about agriculture. Even though I didn’t attend in person, I still felt part of the conference viewing the sessions online. The sessions have been great in giving me perspective when planning out my goals for the upcoming school year.”

– Alissa Grenawalt

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Finalizes MORE for Agriculture Project W

isconsin Ag in the Classroom awarded 30 teachers a classroom set of “Hungry Planet” books through a MORE for Agriculture grant in partnership with Illinois and Minnesota Ag in the Classroom programs.

The MORE for Agriculture grant was available to teachers in grades 7-12 and provided classroom sets of “The Hungry Planet” by Peter Menzel to participating classes in each state.

The book details the food consumption of families around the world. Companion educational lessons and resources accompany

the books.

Grant recipients were required to attend an online training and submit a final report for their project. A closed Facebook group was formed for recipients to communicate with each other, share ideas and post comments.

This grant is made possible by the generous support of the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial.

Some of the recipients shared this about the grants: “Students in the food science class research a chosen family to learn more about food around the world. Information on the country, culture and food choices are included in the case study presented to the class. Discussion of each family after the presentation provided time to reflect, to gain perspective and to provide introspect from the students. After this year of introduction into the food science, I plan to incorporate the information and implement an extension activity. Thank you for this opportunity to utilize these resources.”

– Jessica Schaefer, Lancaster High School “The kids at my school have loved working with “The Hungry Planet” book. Thank you for this PowerPoint and lesson plan. Just having the students look at the photographs really sparked some interesting discussions about food around the world. We were able to use the book earlier in the year when we had a project called, ‘A Happy, Healthy Me’ and again this spring, as we begin to plant our school garden. Thanks again for this great opportunity to get these books. They will be a great resource that we can use many times in the future.” – Holly Olsen, Chain Exploration Center in Waupaca

“We did a Hungry Planet Gallery Walk. Since we were completely virtual at the beginning of the year, we used Google Jamboard to do the introductory lesson. Students wrote their observations on post-it notes. They were then asked to photograph their meals for four days and reflect on what someone from another country would notice about their consumption habits and patterns.”

– Jamie Kobs, Sun Prairie High School

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

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39

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Summer School Fun: Ag in the Classroom Hosts Trainings AFBFA, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Alice in Dairyland Presentation – June 24 D ue to the pandemic and uncertainty of what restrictions will be, staff with Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom planned three virtual, Zoom trainings for the summer.

The first two took place in June, with the third taking place in August. The third training will focus on the Journey 2050 and Farmers 2050 program offered by National Ag in the Classroom.

UW Biotechnology Workshop – June 17 Attendees enjoyed a fun, hands-on virtual workshop with UW Biotechnology Center staff. Tom Zinnen and Liz Jesse led the group through several activities based on their Kitchen Science Savvy activities.

Kitchen Science Savvy involves coaching youth to develop their science experimentation skills in response to puzzle questions, leading off with, “Which makes better bubbles, skim milk or whole milk?” and 'Milk Fireworks' effect with food dyes.

A virtual tour of the UW Biotechnology Center was part of this workshop. Molly Zeller, a research specialist at the DNA Sequencing Facility, gave a tour of the laboratory. Dr. Dustin Rubinstein, facility director of the Genome Editing and Animal Models Laboratory, shared research projects and equipment they use in genome research. The group also shared information about field trips and workshops, Science Expedition and other services they provide.

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture staff presented information on their resources during this training. American Farm Bureau Foundation Education Director Rick Henningfeld brought his strong background in science and agriculture and more than 20 years of learning design, facilitation, training and speaking experience. Rick shared resources available through the Purple Plow STEM Challenge and My American Farm platforms.

Education Outreach Director Julia Recko has been with American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture for more than 12 years. She works closely with their publishing program Feeding Minds Press. Julia covered what makes a good accurate agricultural book and what is new with Feeding Minds Press.

Beth Schaefer works to connect local dairy promotion volunteers with resources and funding that is available through the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the dairy check-off for Wisconsin. She shared the latest dairy education resources and programs from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin that help students connect delicious dairy products from the family farm to the dinner table. New program updates included a new virtual farm tour and the extremely popular new program, Adopt-a-Calf.

Julia Nunes, Wisconsin’s Alice in Dairyland, shared the virtual farm tour from her family’s farm as well as the opportunities to invite Alice to schools and classrooms.

Book and Essay Contest Announcement Coming Soon T

he 2021-2022 Book of the Year and fourth- and fifthgrade essay contest topic announcement will be made the at Back-to-School Kick-Offs in August.

A group including a student, a home school parent, elementary teachers and county Ag in the Classroom volunteers, met earlier this summer to review prospective books for the 2021-2022 Book of the Year.

They looked at content, photos and illustrations, possible lesson plans and activities and how the topic might lend itself to the essay contest. The book was selected and during the summer, the essay contest topic will be determined, lesson plans and

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activities compiled and developed and final plans will be implemented for the school year.

Watch for the announcements on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s Facebook page and website.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

APRIL

|

MAY

2021

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41

FOUNDATION

Support the Foundation at the WFBF Annual Meeting F arm Bureau members can get items ready to donate now for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Silent Auction.

Due to the generosity of members, county Farm Bureau programs, businesses and sponsors, a large selection of items will be offered again this year. The auction runs Saturday and Sunday during the WFBF Annual Meeting.

If you want to donate an item to the Silent Auction, forms can be downloaded at wfbf.com/aboutwfbf/foundation/ silentauction.

Please, no live animals or frozen items. We ask that items be new unless a vintage or antique. If you are bringing a gift certificate or gift card, please make a copy of it. The copy will be on the bidding table and the buyer will receive the original upon check out.

Please send the donation form to the WFBF Office by Nov. 23. That way bidding sheets can be made in advance and save you time checking in. Items can be brought to the event to save postage and chance of damage in shipment.

Do you want ideas for items to donate?

• Themed baskets • Local products from your county • Gift certificates for hotels, golf, stores and spas • Kids’ themed baskets: games, movies, toys, puzzles • Handmade items: wooden, craft, sewn, crocheted • Prints • Toy farm machinery

•S ports related items: signed balls, jerseys, memorabilia • Jewelry • Tools and accessories needed on the farm • Safety equipment • Food gift baskets • Beer, wine or cheese baskets • Travel items • Book sets • Use your imagination

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between May 24 and July 26, 2021)

• Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau in honor of Sam and Beatrice Gudex • Jefferson County Farm Bureau in memory of Vicki Raatz • Waukesha County Farm Bureau in memory of David Bartholomew • Waukesha County Farm Bureau in memory of James McCarthy • Dave and Kim Daniels in memory of David Bartholomew • Dave and Kim Daniels in memory of James McCarthy • Trayton Greenfield in honor of Sam and Beatrice Gudex

• Matthew and Becky Hibicki in memory of Richard Harvey • Steve and Dawn Jones in memory of Vicki Raatz • Randall Mitchell in memory of Katie Christopherson • Thomas and Joan Oberhaus in memory of David Bartholomew • Thomas and Joan Oberhaus in memory of James McCarthy • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Marie Lane • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Ruth Clark

About the

Founda tion

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

RURAL MUTUAL

Insurance Goes to College A

s the summer is winding down and you may be preparing to send your college student off to campus, we want to remind you of a few important insurance tips to review.

Where Will They Live?

On campus: Any student enrolled in school full-time, who is a resident of your household before moving out to attend school is covered under your homeowner’s insurance if they are under the age of 24. The policy extends coverage for your child’s bike, computer, clothing and other essential college equipment.

Renting an apartment: Certain property of a student in college, such as bikes and computers, may still be provided under your homeowner’s insurance policy; however, a renter’s policy is recommended to consider to cover both liability and property coverage for your student. Talk to your agent about the best way to protect your child while renting at school.

Your child: A life insurance policy can help cover debts so co-signers or joint account holders won’t be responsible should the worst happen. Buying life insurance when you’re young and healthy can also help ensure that you benefit from a lower premium.

Before your student goes to college, talk to your Rural Mutual agent about your insurance options.

Will Your Child Take a Car to School?

Yes: Let your agent know where he or she will be attending so you can maintain full coverage. Remember to encourage your child to study hard and get good grades to qualify for the good student discount. Ask your agent about qualifications for the discount, which could save on premiums.

No: If your child is away at college without a vehicle and is more than 100 miles away from home, a resident student classification may apply to your policy, which will save on premiums.

Who Is Paying for School?

You: If you don’t already, consider life insurance. Leave peace of mind for your child to continue their education if something happens to you. Talk to your agent what the right coverage amount and type is for you.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

I Have Life Insurance – Now What?

W

hy did you purchase life insurance? If you're like most people who buy life insurance, you're looking to provide a source of income for someone (e.g., a spouse, parent or child) after you die. Buying the policy was the first step. Now, you will need to do a little more work to ensure that the money you leave behind lasts.

proceeds might be invested and what they should be used for (e.g., home mortgage, children's education, your final expenses).

You also should talk about any financial plans you've already made (or plan to make) and tell them what life insurance policies you have and where the important paperwork is located.

That way, your beneficiaries will be prepared.

You Can Never Leave Too Much – Or Can You? First, make sure what you will leave behind is enough. Review your insurance needs annually, or after a major life event such as a birth, death, marriage, divorce or job loss. If you think that you may need more life insurance or that you have too much, talk to your insurance agent, who can advise you on the right amount of insurance for your family's future.

Also, if you've chosen a cash-value life insurance policy that allows you to make investment decisions, you may want some advice from an accountant, an investment advisor or a financial professional. These experts can show you how to allocate your cash value account so that it fits in with your overall financial plan.

Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts If you're concerned about your beneficiaries' spending habits, or that they might need help managing their inheritance, a trust may be the appropriate tool for you. A trust is a legal agreement in which you appoint a person or institution, called the trustee, to manage certain property (e.g., real estate, stock portfolios, life insurance proceeds) for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries.

Your attorney can help you set one up. If the right type of trust is used, this can be an excellent way to plan for your beneficiary's financial future.

Two basic types of trusts are used in conjunction with life insurance: revocable trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs). Revocable trusts come in many varieties and can be used for many purposes. Revocable trusts allow you to retain control over the trust and its assets, and even to terminate the trust if you so choose. You would generally name yourself as the trustee of a revocable trust while you're alive and appoint someone else as a successor trustee to carry out your wishes after you die. The trustee is legally obligated to pay out the proceeds of the insurance policy, and any other assets in the trust, as specified in the trust agreement. The benefit to you is knowing that your wishes will be carried out. Your beneficiaries won't be able to get around the trust agreement. The downside for you is that your estate will have to include assets in a revocable trust when calculating estate taxes.

With an ILIT, however, you will enjoy certain tax benefits-the insurance proceeds and other assets in the trust aren't considered part of your taxable estate. You don't want your estate to pay unnecessary taxes, because this decreases the amount your heirs will ultimately receive; however, you must give up all rights and control over the trust--you can't act as the trustee or make any decisions about how assets are invested.

If it appears that you have influence over the trustee, or that the trustee is carrying out your wishes, the ILIT will be added back into your estate tax calculation. If you have a sizable estate, you may be able to minimize the potential tax burden with an ILIT.

Can We Talk?

If you've bought life insurance to ensure a bright future for your children, sit them down and talk about it. It's always a good idea to talk to your children about the value of money, but serious talks about life insurance proceeds and the family estate should wait until they're older. Eighteen is probably a good age, or slightly younger if you think they are mature enough to handle it. Although you don't want to dwell on the fact that mom and dad won't always be around, you do want to make them understand the following: • How much money they will receive at your death, or at least that there will be sufficient funds for them to carry on, go to college and so on.

• Who will be in charge of it?

• When it will be accessible and for what purposes?

• What restrictions will be set in place.

• Why planning is necessary.

Do you have specific desires as to how you want the money to be spent (e.g., college education)? Explain your reasons. You may find that your children want to respect your wishes instead of trying to find ways around them. If you have young children, you will need to appoint a guardian in your will to care for them and manage their assets (including insurance proceeds), in case something should happen to you and/or your spouse.

Young children won't understand the financial lingo, and you don't want to frighten them with talk of death. So, talk to the person you have chosen as guardian about your plans and wishes.

Did you name your spouse, a parent or someone else as a beneficiary? Talk to them now--don't wait until a crisis arises.

Among other things, you will want to discuss how the insurance AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021

Professional Help Having conversations about what to do when you die is not easy, but planning ahead helps ensure that both you and your beneficiaries are prepared. If you’re unsure about how to move forward with the financial conversation and preparations, or if you want to learn more about investing or trusts, talk with a Rural Mutual Insurance agent. wfbf.com

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Rural Mutual Agents Give Back to Local Communities R ural Mutual Insurance Company continues to ask, “What more can we do to support our customers and communities to help keep Wisconsin Strong?” From our home office in Madison and agent locations throughout Wisconsin, agents are involved with organizations to give back to communities. With agents throughout the state, communities have witnessed a generous outpouring of donations from Rural Mutual agents.

Aaron Reznichek (Waukesha), donated to Friends of Mukwonago Athletics. This organization works with local businesses, athletic programs, community members, alumni and others to help raise funds to support the athletes and athletic facilities for Mukwonago High School. Aaron donated to this organization because he believes sports is a development tool and plays a big role in teaching values in young athletes including teamwork, leadership, work ethic and trust.

Amy Jo Fischer (La Crosse), donated to the La Crosse Area Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit founded on the conviction that every family should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. The organization partners with homeowners and the community to build affordable housing. With the rising cost of construction materials due to the pandemic, Amy saw the need for help in this organization.

Brad Damon (Portage), donated to several organizations in his community including: the Portage Police Department, Portage Future Business Leaders of America, Portage FFA Chapter and Waupun FFA Chapter.

The Portage Police Department strives to make the Portage area a great place to live, visit and raise a family. Brad is thankful for the service of law enforcement to keep the community safe.

The Portage FBLA helps students explore college and career opportunities in business through academic competitions, leadership development and educational programs.

For several years, Brad has worked with the local Portage and Waupun FFA chapters and believes that agriculture education for youth is important while teaching students developmental leadership skills for career success.

Casey Boye (Oconto), donated to three FFA chapters in her community, Green Bay East, Green Bay Southwest and Preble.

These donations will be used for new jackets and to attend state meetings. Casey believes in the importance of providing youth the opportunity to learn about agriculture.

Christopher Hanna (Lake Geneva), donated to D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program). D.A.R.E. envisions a world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance use and other dangerous behaviors.

Christopher believes in this program to teach students good decision-making skills and help them lead safe and healthy lives.

Dale Behnke (Hilbert), donated to the Hilbert Volunteer Fire Department. Due to the pandemic, the Hilbert Fire Department had to cancel their fundraising events for 2020 and

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therefore new equipment and updates were put on hold.

This donation will provide the department with updated software programs for emergency response and other safety equipment.

Eva Curtis (Rice Lake), donated to Benjamin’s House. Benjamin's House provides shelter, food and support services for the homeless and people in need. They work with resources in their Eva Curtis communities to help residents find employment, housing and remove other barriers that led to homelessness.

Kevin Schommer (Wrightstown), donated to the Wrightstown FFA Alumni. They are fundraising for a new building and this donation will make a significant impact.

Kevin is the vice president of Wrightstown FFA Alumni and believes in developing students’ potential and personal growth for career success through agricultural education.

Matt Ubersox (Cuba City), donated to the Belmont Ambulance Service and Hazel Green Area Rescue Squad.

The Belmont Ambulance Service is volunteer-based and also provides CPR and first-aid education to the school and community.

The Hazel Green Area Rescue Squad is a non-profit emergency response organization. The rescue squad has approximately 25 dedicated volunteers who help to provide 24/7 coverage for the service district.

Both organizations will use the donations for training and equipment.

Ryan Gilbert (Madison), donated to Little John’s Kitchens.

Little John’s Kitchens’ goal is to take food waste and provide quality meals for all people, through a pay-as-you-can model.

This donation will go towards a new delivery van to help deliver food to the Dane County community.

Your community is our community. As a Wisconsin-only company, Rural Mutual strives to make Wisconsin a better place to live. To find a local agent near you, visit RuralMutual.com/agent.

Connect with Rural Mutual Insurance @RuralMutual @RuralMutual @Rural.Mutual @Rural Mutual Insurance Company www.RuralMutual.com WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION