RR August/September 2024

MEMBERS TRAVEL TO D.C.

The trip marked the completion of the WFBF Leadership Institute.

GET INVOLVED IN VFA®

With the upcoming elections, farmers need to remember the role the VFA plays.

GROWING THEIR NETWORK

Pepers reflect on their journey through WFBF’s YFA Program.

WFBF ANNUAL MEETING

Preview the 2024 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Learn about the new Great Lakes Ag Labor Service member benefit.

VOICES

Columns from Olson, Duvall, Wenzlaff and Kesler.

MENTAL HEALTH

Learn more about valuable farmer wellness resources.

GATHER AROUND THE TABLE

Delicious recipes to spice up your summer gathering.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

See highlights from the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference.

FOUNDATION

August is National Make-A-Will month and don't forget your silent auction donations.

RURAL

Learn

EDITOR’S NOTE

It may be in the slightest of ways, but you can almost sense the seasons are about to change.

I mean that actually and figuratively.

For more than 12 years I have worked with Lynn Siekmann and more than a handful of those years were spent working with her closely on this magazine. Lynn recently left WFBF for another opportunity but was kind enough to make sure this issue got out the door before completely moving on. I think that shows just how passionate she is about delivering an informational and professional-looking Rural Route magazine to our members. As we say goodbye to Lynn, we give her a huge thank you for her 13 years of dedication and impactful work she gave to Farm Bureau.

As we welcome Raegan Statler as our new graphic designer, we know that change truly is inevitable but leads to healthy growth. I know Raegan will jump in with both feet, and take off running from the great spot Lynn left us.

I wasn’t joking that the seasons are actually going to be changing soon too. School starts sooner than one might want to believe. Harvest isn’t that far away and county Farm Bureau annual meetings

lead us straight into that big WFBF Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference in December.

Our feature story highlights Brady and Kat Peper who farm in Sauk County. Kat serves as the chair of the state YFA Committee and will be wrapping up her term in December. Learn more about their involvement and the changes they are making to their farm to sustain it into the future. Kat also talks about the importance of Farm Bureau for the engagement with others.

Farm Bureau is influential because of its network and unique opportunities. You’ll read about many different opportunities our members had these past few weeks including a trip to Washington, D.C., and a chance to host leadership from the Environmental Protection Agency.

For those of you who will take the opportunity to join us for the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in December, you’ll find a sneak peek into the lineup of speakers and workshops in this issue.

It’s the friends along the way that make the journey through Farm Bureau so meaningful. The nice thing about a network and a support group, is that it makes change not so intimidating. Whether it’s a co-worker, committee member, volunteer at the fair, a Farm Bureau member from another state or a tenured county board member, we are all part of the ever-changing Farm Bureau story.

It’s a good time of year to remind ourselves that the rest of the story is still unwritten. So here’s your hint to grab a pen and start writing the next chapter.

Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Rural

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706

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@wfbf.com

WFBF Board of Directors

Brad Olson, Frederic (President)

Joe Bragger, Independence (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove

Arch Morton Jr., Janesville

Robert Nigh, Viroqua

Kevin Krentz, Berlin

Dan Meyer, Kiel

Brian Preder, Weyauwega Kim Bremmer, Loyal

Brenda Dowiasch, Augusta (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Kat Peper, Rock Springs (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.

Login Process for Member Information and Benefits New

Member Portal

We are excited to share that we now have a member interactive database. This means that with your help, we can provide better service to you, our members.

At the top of wfbf.com, you’ll see three buttons: Login, Join, Renew. To create your account and access your member information, you will want to click the login button.

Once you’ve clicked Login, follow these easy steps to creating your official account.

1) Under the login button, click “Create account”.

2) Click yes to “Are you a Farm Bureau Member”.

3) Verify your membership by entering your membership number, zip code and last name. (If you don’t know your membership number, you can find it on your mailing label listed as your Member ID or by emailing info@wfbf.com.)

4) Select your name and click next.

5) Create a User name (use your email address).

6) Create a password and confirm it.

7) Click Register.

**Note that all data shared within the Member Portal will be only used only for internal WFBF use.

Once you are logged in you will have access to update your account information, add additional information, verify communication preferences, access your membership card and sign up for automatic renewal. Throughout the coming months staff will assist you as needed through this transition to a new system. Please be patient and if you have questions, reach out to a staff member or contact info@wfbf.com.

Member Benefits

Member benefits are now located within a private member portal and soon through a mobile app. This helps protect the integrity of our benefits so we can be sure only Farm Bureau members are accessing these exclusive offers.

To login to the system on a computer or phone browser, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

A few things to note:

• You will see a prompt to login to access member benefit details.

• First time users seeking to access the member benefits portal will need to create an account. Follow the instructions listed above to create an account. You will need your membership number to do this.

• Returning users should login with their username (email) and password to view members-only content.

If you need more assistance accessing your member benefits, call 1.800.261.FARM (3276).

Members Advocate in the Nation’s Capital

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members and staff were in Washington, D.C., in June representing Wisconsin agriculture. The trip marked the completion of the WFBF Leadership Institute, a yearlong leadership training program available to Farm Bureau members.

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau stays true to its grassroots values by investing time and resources into its membership through the Leadership Institute,” said Dane County Farm Bureau member Stephanie Hoff. “Throughout the Institute, I’ve put together a toolbox of new skills and strengths to better serve my family, workplace and community. I’m so proud to have become a more valuable team player and an improved public speaker through this program.”

On June 25, the group met with the American Farm Bureau Federation, United States Department of Agriculture and concluded their day with a visit to the French Embassy.

Farm Bureau leaders met with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. on June 26. The primary focus of the visits being the need for the passage of a farm bill.

In addition to meeting with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, Farm Bureau members also toured the Library of Congress,

the Botanical Gardens, George Washington’s Mount Vernon and enjoyed a night tour of the national monuments.

While in Washington, D.C., the WFBF Board also met with U.S. Dairy Export Council, T-Mobile and the Food Industry Association.

Accompanied by the WFBF Board of Directors, the Leadership Institute graduates who participated in the D.C. trip include Christina Benson, Darlington; Allison Doenier, Independence; Isaac Christenson, Amery; Lindsay Fowler, Malone; Stephanie Hoff, Madison; Roseanna Hoffman, Antigo; Mikayla Gau, Kewaunee; David Mickelson, DeForest; Linda Mullins, Oshkosh; Kaitlyn Kesler, Hilbert; Ed Rippley, Cochrane; Brooke Trustem, Evansville; Amanda Williams, Shawano; and Eric Wuthrich, New Glarus.

Amanda Williams pointed at the Wisconsin photo at the American Farm Bureau Federation office.

A group of Wisconsin Farm Bureau members stood behind American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall's desk.

Ed Rippley, Allison Doenier, Lindsay Fowler and Linda Mullins met with Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Brooke Trustem from Rock County talked about the importance of the farm bill and its components that impact her farm.

Wisconsin members stood with representatives at the French Embassy after visiting with them about French agriculture.

First Round of Agricultural Road Grands Awarded

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced grant recipients for the first $50 million of the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) on July 24. These projects will rebuild local roads that carry over 10.8 billion pounds of agricultural goods each year from farming and forestry operations that have a $1.6 billion annual impact on Wisconsin’s economy.

“A farmer’s biggest hurdle to getting products to market is often the road at the end of their driveway,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson. “Weight restrictions on roads force farmers to take longer routes or run half-loaded trucks, adding time and costs they can’t afford. These grants are a great start to remedying this long-standing problem.”

Wisconsin Department of Transportation received applications for more than $260 million in projects for the first round, five times the amount of available funding. The awards will go to projects throughout the state to improve the efficiency of transporting agricultural goods, saving money for farmers and consumers.

“The bumper crop of applications for the first round of grants shouldn’t surprise anyone,” said Olson. “There is a tremendous need for this funding; I encourage farmers and local governments who didn’t receive funding in this round to apply for the $100 million available in the next round this fall and to talk to their legislators about the need to continue this program.”

The program was created by a bill authored by Senators Marklein (R-Spring Green), Tomczyk (R-Mosinee)

Time to Get Involved in VFA

With the upcoming elections drawing near, farmers need to remember the critical role that Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Political Action Committee, Volunteers for Agriculture®, plays in supporting Wisconsin agriculture.

The redrawing of state legislative maps in Wisconsin presents both significant challenges and unprecedented opportunities for farmers, farm families and rural communities. The outcome of this election will determine the makeup of our state legislature for the next decade. It is crucial that we seize this moment to ensure that the strong opinions of Wisconsin farmers and rural residents are heard in Madison.

We need to tell our Wisconsin state legislators about the challenges, opportunities, obstacles and rewards of a life in farming. They need to understand what it takes to succeed in the unpredictable world of agriculture and how their actions can impact our lives. VFA is at the forefront of this advocacy effort.

By supporting farm-friendly legislators and educating new candidates about agriculture, we can advance policies that provide farmers with new opportunities, programs,

and Ballweg (R-Markesan), and Representatives Tranel (R-Cuba City) and VanderMeer (R-Tomah), that received unanimous bipartisan support in the legislature and was signed by Governor Evers. It was funded in the 2023-25 State Biennial Budget.

“Thank you to Senators Marklein, Tomczyk and Ballweg, and Representatives Tranel and VanderMeer spearheading this effort and to the members of the Wisconsin legislature and Governor Evers for your support of Wisconsin agriculture,” said Olson.

Upgrading these roads will benefit farms and agricultural industries of all sizes and types. A listing of the awards can be found at bit.ly/ARIPRoundOne.

The application period for the next round of ARIP grants totaling $100 million is open now through Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. Farmers who have weight limited roads that impact their operations are strongly encouraged to contact their municipal or county government and ask them to apply.

Farmers can use the WFBF Farmer Support Form found at wfbf.com to put together the economic information their local government will need to file for a grant. Members can also reach out to Tim Fiocchi on the government relations team at tfiocchi@wfbf.com if they need assistance working with their local government.

infrastructure and, ultimately, a better bottom line.

Our grassroots network is the power behind our strength. We may not be able to outspend big-money special interests, but with our grassroots leadership and the mobilization of our members, we can make a significant impact and we can win.

As a member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, your involvement is crucial. Your active participation in the political process and donation to VFA will be pivotal in this transformative election.

The policies and regulations passed in Madison can have a real impact on farmers’ bottom lines. By supporting VFA and encouraging your friends, family and neighbors to do the same, we can shape the outcome of the upcoming election and secure a future for agriculture in Wisconsin.

If you want further information about VFA please visit our website at wfbf. com/policy/vfa.

WFBF Hosts EPA to Celebrate Water Conservation

Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Administrator

Debra Shore visited Wisconsin on July 22 to experience water conservation efforts. Wisconsin Farm Bureau hosted the group in Western Wisconsin, visiting several Farm Bureau members’ farms.

"Water has infiltrated everything the EPA does and cares about. Americans need clean water to drink and safe air to breath,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “We are here to listen to [farmers] because we can’t accomplish anything on the ground without your partnerships.”

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to showcase our Wisconsin water quality innovation, and we are thrilled to share our members’ efforts with the EPA,” said Jason Mugnaini, Executive Director of Government Relations at Wisconsin Farm Bureau. “This was a great opportunity to unite partners to celebrate Wisconsin agriculture and its commitment to improve water quality.”

The first stop of the day was Kyle Nilsestuen’s farm in Arcadia. Nilsestuen shared that his end goal is to use less inputs with cover crops, intensive grazing and no-till to enhance soil health and positively impact his bottom line.

The group visited Bragger Family Farms in Independence. The group visited the original Discovery Farms research site and saw the innovative practices implemented on the Buffalo County farm.

The final farm stop of the day was Noll’s Dairy Farm in Alma. The Noll family is the most recent Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award recipient. Mark Noll shared his family’s legacy on the banks of the Mississippi River and showed the group their strip-cropping methods.

The day concluded with a roundtable discussion with farmers and water quality experts from UW-Extension, Discovery Farms, Wisconsin Water Quality Trading Clearinghouse, Alsum Farms, Wisconsin Corn Growers and DATCP. The roundtable culminated a day of celebrating Wisconsin water quality.

(From left): DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski with EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore, Trempealeau County Farm Bureau member Kyle Nilsestuen and EPA Regional Agriculture Advisor Sharmin Syed.

WFBF Vice President Joe Bragger shows EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore the practices in a field.

The group enjoyed a wagon ride to a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River at the Noll’s Farm. During the wagon ride, the group saw conservation in action on the bluffs of the Driftless Region.

The roundtable discussion hosted at Danzinger Vineyards brought together agricultural water quality experts. Attendees asked questions and interacted with the experts on the panel.

Statler Hired as Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Graphic Designer

Raegan Statler has been hired as Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Graphic Designer. In her role, Statler will oversee the design and printing process of the Rural Route magazine. Her duties will also include working with partners to coordinate advertising, helping to maintain the WFBF and Gather Wisconsin brands and assisting in other design projects such as brochures, letterhead, business cards and more. Statler will also assist with taking photos and maintaining a digital asset management system.

“There is something about going back to your roots that is really exciting,” said Statler. “I never expected my career with graphic design to lead me back to the farm, but sometimes it is the unexpected things that end up being the best. I love to use

design as visual storytelling and who better to share the stories of than our Wisconsin farmers.”

Statler graduated from Trinity International University in 2019 with a degree in graphic design. She has a vast background and knowledge in print design, marketing, branding, photography and retouching. Most recently, Statler served as the Graphic and Production Designer for Culver’s Corporate.

Statler is the eighth generation to live on her family farm in northern Illinois. Her father was a crop farmer and currently still beef farms as well as runs an agricultural tile and drainage business. Her mother helps run the farm and the family business. Statler was involved in 4-H leadership and would show beef cattle, horses and had several art and photography projects throughout the years.

“We are very excited to have Raegan joining the Farm Bureau staff team,” said WFBF Executive Director of Public Relations Amy Eckelberg. “Her expertise in design and background in marketing will help the Farm Bureau brands grow even more.”

Statler began her role on July 31.

COUNTY FAIRS 2024

DE PERE

BROWN COUNTY FAIR

920-336-7292

August 14 - 18, 2024 browncountyfair.com

FRIENDSHIP

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

608-339-4108

www.adamscountyfairwi.net

Facebook: Adams County Fair, Friendship, WI

PLYMOUTH

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY FAIR

920-893-5751

Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 www.shebcofair.com

SHAWANO

SHAWANO COUNTY FAIR

715-526-7069

Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, 2024 www:shawanocountyfair.net

VIROQUA

VERNON COUNTY FAIR

608-637-3165

Sept. 11 - 15, 2024 www.vernoncountyfair.com

WAUSAUKEE

MARINETTE COUNTY FAIR

715-856-5021

Aug. 22 - 25,2024 www.marinettecountyfair.com

Growing Their Network

Pepers reflect on their journey through WFBF’s YFA Program

By Lashawna Vogel

Two dairy farms, just over 2,000 miles apart.

Kat Peper grew up on a dairy farm in California’s Central Valley where she was active in FFA, showed dairy cows and served as a dairy princess for two years. Her passion for dairy cattle ran deep.

What led the 2024 WFBF YFA Committee Chair to Wisconsin? A job with dairy cattle at Accelerated Genetics. A week after moving, Kat met her now husband, Brady.

Brady Peper was raised on his family’s dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin, where they milked 45 cows until 2010. After selling the cows, Brady continued cash cropping until he completed welding school in 2012. However, he couldn't stay away from livestock for long.

responsible for the company’s genomic testing program, matings, activity monitoring system and AI technicians in California. Brady works full-time off the farm, as well, as the owner of a welding and fabrication business, Pep’s Metalworks LLC.

“I began accumulating beef cows, and here we are,” he shared.

Together Kat and Brady farm on what was Brady’s grandparents' farm, which they purchased from his grandma in 2019. They own and operate a start-to-finish cow/calf operation with cash cropping of corn and soybeans.

Additionally, Kat works full-time as the technical services manager for CRV, a dairy cattle genetics company. She is

Like many farmers, Kat and Brady have faced challenges such as succession planning and dealing with unfavorable weather conditions. They are also learning the intricacies of their farm. Brady said that since this wasn’t the farm he grew up on, there was a learning curve for them both.

“Getting our feet under ourselves was the initial challenge for us getting started,” Brady said. “That and logistics of the farm itself throughout the seasons have taken time for us to learn and understand.”

Both Kat and Brady enjoy connecting with consumers and getting them out to the farm. Kat has always been an advocate for agriculture and enjoys finding new ways to encourage people to learn where their food comes from.

“Through Sauk County Farm Bureau, we hosted Zumba on the Farm and saw great community interest in that,” Kat said.

“It is exciting to share our farm story with others who don’t otherwise have the opportunity.”

The couple recently started direct-to-consumer beef sales and obtained a license to sell at farmers markets. They plan to expand the farm and continue to diversify in the future.

The couple’s involvement in Farm Bureau has been an opportunity for the couple to meet new people and learn from other young farmers along the way.

“I was in a new state and didn’t know anyone yet. I figured I could meet likeminded ag people by joining Farm Bureau,” shared Kat.

Kat explained that “helping to grow the YFA in the state and also helping all the districts to grow the YFA program in their areas” were her main reasons.

In addition to her role as State YFA Chair, Kat is the Sauk County Farm Bureau Secretary and has participated in the AFBF Women’s Communications Boot Camp. She is also a graduate of the WFBF Leadership Institute.

“It is exciting to share our farm story with others who don’t otherwise have the opportunity.”

- Kat Peper

After joining Sauk County Farm Bureau, Kat was placed on the board as a co-chair for YFA, and then became chair. Being able to be a voice for Wisconsin farmers is important to her. Kat and Brady joined the State YFA Committee as District Representatives in 2021 after a recommendation from past District 2 Representative, Emily DeLong.

“You get to see all different kinds of agriculture across the state,” Brady shared about one of his favorite parts of the State YFA Committee.

“You become family by the end of it, with all the stuff you do together,” Kat added.

When asked why she wanted to serve as State YFA Chair,

The Pepers are finding many opportunities to stay involved as their term on the YFA Committee comes to a close.

Kat plans to serve and stay active in policy development and legislative opportunities through Wisconsin Farm Bureau. She also wants to be part of American Farm Bureau’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership program to further develop her advocacy skills.

She shared, “Advocating for agriculture is a big thing for me.”

Brady still has time left in YFA and plans to get more involved with the Discussion Meet contest.

“That’s the question: Once you’re out of YFA, what do you do? Where do you go?” Brady said. “They still want to be involved in something ... and Farm Bureau offers an opportunity to do that while staying connected with the people you have met along the way.”

Spotlight on YF&R - The Power of YES

By Ben and Haily Sand, AFBF YF&R Committee Representatives

In 2018 we joined Farm Bureau, eager to connect with likeminded farmers who shared our passion and commitment to championing the future of agriculture in our region.

We received an intriguing postcard in the mail, inviting us to a Farm Bureau event. "Join D9 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. The first 10 to RSVP get free concert tickets." Excitedly, we responded immediately.

At the concert, while mingling with other district members, Julie Wadzinski approached us and encouraged us to apply for the District 9 position on the WFBF YFA Committee. Despite some initial hesitation, uncertain if we were qualified, we decided to take the plunge and applied!

During our three-year tenure with the WFBF YFA Committee, we encountered incredible individuals, honed our leadership skills and forged lifelong friendships. Among these connections was Sally Turpin, a representative for Wisconsin on the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, who suggested we apply for the AFBF YF&R Committee. Although unsure if we were the ideal candidates, we embraced the opportunity.

in Milwaukee, worked at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, attended the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Salt Lake City and experienced the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference and JBS tour in Omaha.

Our second year is proving to be just as exciting. Our summer meeting was held in Boise, Idaho, where we toured Syngenta and met former committee members, the Durrants. We also met with Jon Iverson, a previous chair of the YF&R committee and toured his farm. Our fall meeting location is still to be determined, but we’re already looking forward to the AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio and AFBF FUSION Conference in Denver!

Today, we're in our second year serving on the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. We are honored to represent the state of Wisconsin for this two-year term, and proud to contribute to a community we cherish.

In just our first year on the committee, we've embarked on an incredible journey. We've traveled to Washington, D.C. for our initial onboarding and training, explored Case IH

At every stop, we’re meeting new people, enhancing our leadership skills and, most importantly, making sure there is a future in agriculture for the next generation.

If you’re interested in joining the AFBF YF&R Committee and experiencing a remarkable journey of growth and adventure, give us a call. We’d love to tell you more about it. And heck, why not apply? Applications will be out mid-August!

The WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee met in Wisconsin Dells, June 21-22, for their summer meeting. Committee members toured New Life Lavendar and Cherry Farm, participated in a group ax throwing activity and worked together to finalize the details for this year’s YFA Conference.

SPEAKERS

Saturday Morning

Jolene Brown

Jolene Brown is a walking-talking spokesperson and champion for the people of agriculture. She's a farmer in Eastern Iowa, contributor to Successful Farming magazine’s popular family business column, author of two great books and an inductee into the prestigious CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. Her worldwide audiences appreciate her fun-filled spirit and valuable information. She's on a mission to share leading-edge best practices, appreciation, laughter and celebration to increase productivity, profitability and peace of mind.

Sunday Morning

Damon West

Damon West is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, philanthropist and college professor. His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.

At 20 years old, Damon West was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career-ending injury. He turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life.

After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.

After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.

Workshops

Saturday

2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

• Succession Planning for Farm Families

• Harnessing Energy: Exploring Solar Solutions in Agriculture

• Behind the Scenes: Insights from a Seasoned Cranberry Grower

• Inside the World’s Most Advanced Potash Mine

• What’s Next in Farm Bureau for Me? Navigating Your Path Forward

3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m.

• Branching Out: Exploring Diversification in Dairy Farm Revenue Streams

• Farm Bill Update: What You Need to Know

• Enhancing Soil Health and Farm Productivity with Cover Crops

• Mindset Tactics for Farmer Mental Health

• What’s Next in Farm Bureau for Me? Navigating Your Path Forward

Sunday

8:30-9:20 a.m.

• Stop Fighting on the Way to the Funeral Home™

• Mindset Tactics for Farmer Mental Health

• Grants for Farmers

• Strategic Insight: Your Voice, Our Future – WFBF’s strategic plan 1:00-1:50 p.m.

• Leasing and Other Legal Options to Increase Farmland Access

• Today’s Ag Workforce – Navigating H-2A

• Building Your Online Presence 2:00-2:50 p.m.

• Amplify Your P&E Program with Gather Wisconsin

• Options for Farm Financing

• Farmers and Agriculturists Unlimited Discussion Meet

• Ideas for Meals in the Field

Friday Evening

YFA Western Round-Up

Yee-haw! On Friday night of YFA Conference, attendees are encouraged to dress in their best western gear and enjoy a ‘giddy up’ good time. From your cowboy boots, hats and chaps to your starched jeans, turquoise jewelry and wild rags, your outfit should embrace the spirit of the Wild West. The evening will feature country music, line dancing, yard games and more! Prizes will be awarded for:

• Best Dressed – Cowboy

• Best Dressed – Cowgirl

• Best Dressed – Couple/Group

• Biggest Hat

Saturday Evening

• Most Unique Outfit

Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos

With hundreds of songs in their repertoire, two talented musicians will go head-to-head in a friendly competition, delivering an unforgettable live music experience. Enjoy the music and request your favorite songs!

What's New

Farmers and Agriculturists Unlimited Discussion Meet

Join fellow Farm Bureau members for the first annual Farmers and Agriculturists Unlimited Discussion Meet. This contest is open to one member from each Farm Bureau District over the age of 35. If you would like to compete, contact your District Coordinator. Who will hold the bragging rights for 2025? You’ll have to join us to see!

Live Auction to Support the Foundation

Going, going, gone! Saturday evening’s entertainment will feature a live auction of several items throughout the night to support the Foundation’s many agricultural education and leadership development programs.

Tradeshow

Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Silent Auction

An annual meeting tradition, the silent auction is back to help raise funds for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. The funds raised support Agriculture in the Classroom, Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Leadership Institute and Farm Neighbors Care. Donations are currently being accepted, visit bit.ly/fbsilentauction2024.

Registration materials coming soon. Watch wfbf.com for more information.

MANRRS Gives Students Like Maxwell Opportunities

It was in late 2021 when American Farm Bureau and MANRRS announced they had entered into an agreement with the goal of increasing minority involvement in agriculture. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with expectations to strengthen membership value for both organizations through collaboration on projects, including written content for each organization’s publications, providing leadership training and expertise, and cross promoting programs and events.

“We are excited to join with MANRRS and share Farm Bureau’s resources and programs with potential new farmers and the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers represent less than 2% of America’s population but are responsible for feeding the entire country and beyond. We will need the brightest minds and new perspectives to continue meeting the growing demand for healthy, affordable food. We believe the partnership we’re forming today will benefit both of our organizations and all of agriculture.”

MANRRS stands for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) began as a vision shared by a group of agriculture students and faculty at Michigan State University and Pennsylvania State University. The goal was to develop a network between minority agriculture and natural resources students and professionals from academic institutions, government entities and organizations within the industry.

According to its website, the mission at MANRRS is to promote academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Here, you have a valuable voice, and your participation matters.

As a member of MANRRS, Maxwell Chibuogwu has now attended multiples Farm Bureau conferences. Maxwell is a recent Ph.D. graduate in the plant pathology program at UW-Madison.

“I’ve always been interested in how diseases impact our food and supply chain which led me into this career path," said Maxwell.

Maxwell grew up on a farm in Nigeria. On campus, he was involved with several organizations besides MANNRS such as the REACH ambassadors’ program, what’s eating my plants (WEMP), plant pathology grad student council (PPGC), mentorship opportunities in science and agriculture for individuals of color (MOSAIC).

“I was honored to serve as the president of the UW-Madison’s chapter of MANRRS,” said Maxwell in a Spring 2024 interview with CALS news.. “The organization provided a supportive community for fellow minority students and I was proud to be

a part of it. Minorities are not as represented as they could be in some spaces in the agricultural community. MANRRS tries to help with that.”

Maxwell was first exposed to Farm Bureau through MANRRS.

“I saw a flyer to become a fellow with American Farm Bureau and because of that I got to attend the AFBF FUSION Conference. I think these connections are important. We can learn from each other and be part of each other’s story,” said Maxwell.

Maxwell held a certificate for attending the FUSION Conference as a AFBF fellow.

Maxwell attended the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in 2023.

WITH TREMPEALEAU COUNTY'S

KYLE NILSESTUEN 5MINUTES

Tell us a little about yourself.

Our farm is a diversified Red Angus cow/calf farm along with row crops and small grains. I am an ag chemical inspector for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, LG seed dealer and do custom baling. I have a wife and one son with another on the way. I attended UW-River Falls and have a bachelor's degree in dairy science with a minor in agronomy. I am an avid hunter, enjoy music and working with my hands; anything from landscaping and gardening to wood working.

What do you enjoy most about your career in agriculture? Why?

It’s always changing and I get to learn every day.

What is a success in your agriculture career that you are most proud of?

Purchasing my family farm.

What are some of the challenges you face in your career in agriculture and how do you handle them?

Finances are always a challenge and it’s always unknown of what the future may bring. That is the reason I have maintained off-farm employment.

What is a Farm Bureau experience that you are most proud of and why?

I am most proud of serving on my county’s board for nine years. We have made a lot of changes and improvements and have been able to support agricultural education more each year. We need to support our future or smaller farms and family farms will disappear.

What is something that most Farm Bureau members would not know about you? Explain.

I am very supportive of change and feel that I do not make decisions just because that’s how it has always been done.

Why are you proud to be a Farm Bureau member?

What is one agriculture experience that has defined you and why?

When we sold our dairy herd. It was a hard decision but the best one for everyone involved and has made life a lot more enjoyable.

I feel that I have seen a very old and established organization make changes and adapt to the future. I am glad to be part of those changes and hope we can continue so we don’t become entrenched in how things have been done and become irrelevant.

What advice do you have for new Farm Bureau members or those looking to get more involved?

Get involved and make your voice heard. Don’t just stay at the county level, look for groups that have state and national reach.

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 rstatler@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.

Brittany Olson, Chetek

Becky Hibicki, Ripon

Maria Berger, Plum City

Melissa Eron, Stevens Point

Strack-View Farms LLC, Random Lake

Nicole Laack, Plymouth

Sandy Piechowski Cordes, Manawa

Stephanie Abts, New Franken

FORD-LINCOLN, INC. 844-207-0760 www.maritimeford.com

www.homanford.net

A Lifesaving Member Benefit

Colleen Logan, a Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau member and registered nurse, knows the importance of health care. As a longtime Farm Bureau member, Colleen has benefited from various Farm Bureau exclusive perks, including the Life Line Screening member benefit.

Life Line Screening offers state-of-the-art vascular screenings at discounted rates for Farm Bureau members. These ultrasound screenings help detect blockages that could lead to strokes, aortic aneurysms and other artery diseases. Farm Bureau members also receive a free osteoporosis risk assessment.

“The process was very easy,” said Colleen. “I was given a code to share with Life Line Screening when scheduling my appointment and the discount was automatically applied.”

Wisconsin Farm Bureau understands that caring for family,

friends and the farm can often leave little time for self-care. The Life Line Screening member benefit allows you to prioritize your health with ease, accuracy and affordability.

“This is a lifesaving benefit,” said Colleen. “It would be amazing if more people took advantage of the services offered by Life Line Screening. It is wonderful and shows that Farm Bureau cares about its members when they offer benefits such as health screenings. My primary doctor recommended I use the services as they are very reputable.”

Colleen’s experience with Life Line Screening not only highlights the value of this benefit but also underscores her appreciation for Farm Bureau’s commitment to member well-being.

“I am proud to be a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member because I feel like I am part of a close-knit community that cares,” said Colleen.

To find a screening location near you, visit lifelinescreening. com/partner/wifb. For more information on your Farm Bureau member benefits, visit wi.fbiris.com/Benefits/All.

Farm Bureau Offers New Benefit for H-2A Program

Wisconsin Farm Bureau is excited to announce an agreement with Great Lakes Ag Labor Service (GLALS) to offer an exclusive member benefit.

The company helps farmers utilize the federal H-2A Temporary Agricultural Employment of Foreign Workers program to bring in workers from other countries who have the necessary skills.

“The H-2A process can be complicated and overwhelming,” said WFBF President Brad Olson. “GLALS has experience and understanding working with seasonal agriculture workers. A sustainable workforce is imperative for a farm and Wisconsin Farm Bureau is excited to offer a benefit for our members to help fill those needs.”

The GLALS member benefit is based out of Michigan and is a trusted resource for farmers who need help navigating the

H-2A labor filing and onboarding processes.

Several state Farm Bureaus, including Michigan, Texas, Ohio and Indiana, also partner with the company.

“GLALS is an affiliate company of Michigan Farm Bureau, started at the request and direction of our grassroots membership, with the sole purpose of helping our Farm Bureau members address growing workforce shortages,” said Sarah Black, general manager of GLALS and director of Business Operations for Michigan Farm Bureau. “We exist to serve our members and hopefully provide a crucial piece of the puzzle that helps sustain family farms moving forward.”

GLALS offers WFBF members assistance with application filing, worker recruitment, worker scheduling and virtual worker orientation and onboarding.

H-2A guestworkers can work on any type and size of farm or ranch and perform a variety of seasonal jobs, such as weeding, pruning, picking, packing and grading. They can also help operate equipment for planting, harvesting or irrigating, as well as sorting, moving and caring for livestock.

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

The Future Is Bright and Holds Excellent Opportunities

A Message from WFBF's Brad Olson

I've never felt more confident about the future success of Wisconsin Farm Bureau than I am today. This comes after a phenomenal experience in Washington, D.C., with our Leadership Institute graduates.

The WFBF Board and several staff members spent the last week of June in Washington, D.C., with members who recently completed the WFBF Leadership Institute. These participants are exceptionally talented and truly gifted

communicators. They did an unbelievable job representing our organization and our state. Everyone had their own talking points and delivered them with true poise and professionalism. Having witnessed these individuals working together to deliver our message to our elected officials, I cannot overstate how impressed we are to have them be a voice for WFBF and represent our districts from across the state.

It’s not just the Leadership Institute members making a difference and carrying out the important work of Wisconsin Farm Bureau. We are heading into the county annual meeting season and policy discussion time of year. You’ll soon, if not already have received an invitation to your county annual meeting and I hope you choose to attend. It’s a time to come together with your Farm Bureau family and celebrate the accomplishments of the year and look ahead to next year.

This membership year, we have a unique opportunity to achieve a significant milestone as an organization. We have a chance to reach a membership gain in all 61 county Farm Bureaus as well as an overall gain in voting members

at the state level if we continue to band together and work side by side. Achieving this won't be easy, but with diligence and dedication, it's within our reach. This opportunity is a result of the hard work of our membership workers and Rural Mutual Insurance agents across the state, for which we are very grateful. I encourage you to rise to the challenge. We have a real chance to achieve this goal. Let’s keep pushing forward –together, we can make it happen and I encourage you to meet this challenge.

As we head into the second half of the year, know that the opportunities you have as a Farm Bureau member are just about endless. In the last two months alone, we have had members advocating in lawmakers’ offices, we have had members on TV discussing important topics and members hosting the EPA Region 5 Administrator.

Keep showing up and being involved. The momentum is moving us forward and proving that the future is bright for agriculture and this organization.

Olson was elected President of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2023. He is a crop farmer near Frederic in Polk County.

Making the Most of Congressional Recess

A Message from AFBF's Zippy Duvall

Members of Congress are home in their states and districts this month for the traditional August recess. Then after a brief time back in Washington, they will once again be back home to campaign in October. This means Congress has a narrow window left to get business done this year, but it also means farmers and ranchers will have extra opportunities to engage with lawmakers in their own backyards—or even barnyards. Congressional recess is prime time for grassroots advocacy, and I would like to encourage everyone to step up and help drive agriculture forward in this season.

Every year, the American Farm Bureau encourages grassroots members to engage with lawmakers when they’re back

home. Congressional recess gives you the opportunity not only to share your story with your representatives, senators, and their staff, but also to show them how policies are affecting you and your farm. This can be your chance to invite your members of Congress out to your farm, to help them better understand the challenges you’re facing and the critical role that agriculture plays in your community and across the nation.

Visiting even one farm or ranch can make all the difference because it puts a real face, a real family with each issue. It’s one thing to tell a member of Congress that farmers rely on the farm bill, it’s another for you to show them the fields you would have lost without risk management tools, or the soil you’ve restored through voluntary conservation programs. And talking about taxes might sound dry in a Congressional office, but that issue gets heartfelt and personal when you sit across the table from a family who fears losing the farm because of estate taxes. Help your members of Congress see that when it comes to issues that matter to agriculture, a soundbite and a handshake won’t save your farm, but sound policy can.

I urge you to make the most of every opportunity to engage off the farm too— whether that be inviting members of Congress and their staff to your county Farm Bureau meetings or showing up to a town hall that they are hosting in your area. With August also being

peak county fair season, that’s another great opportunity for our lawmakers to engage with agriculture, meet farmers, and learn about how we care for our land and animals.

Finally, one of the most fundamental ways we as Americans can make our voices heard is through the ballot box. As we near election season, our team at the American Farm Bureau is committed to helping you connect with the resources and information you need to ensure your voice is heard. Our iFarmiVote page is a great one-stop shop for the latest updates and information on voting in your area. Our newest tool makes it easier than ever to understand the voting rules and timelines for your state and district. Several state Farm Bureaus also have great voter resources, and we also connect members to state-level iFarmiVote programs through our website. You might think one voice can’t be heard when it comes to government. But, as the leading Voice of Agriculture, we have seen time and again that our strength as an organization comes from farmers and ranchers showing up to tell their stories. When your voice is joined by countless others across the Farm Bureau family, lawmakers will hear—all the way from your home to the halls of Congress.

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

What is Keeping the Farm Bill From Moving A

Message from WFBF’s Tyler Wenzlaff

The farm bill is a complex piece of legislation and its journey through congress is always filled with twists and turns. Each farm bill is different, but recent ones have faced legislative hurdles for enactment, from insufficient votes for passage to presidential vetoes. Extensions are sometimes needed to make it to the finish line. The 2002 Farm Bill was the last to be enacted before its fiscal year expiration. The 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills were each enacted during extensions of the previous bill.

The last farm bill to expire was in 2012. The 2008 Farm Bill was authorized until the end of 2012 but was extended for a short period under appropriations acts. The 2012 Farm Bill had some unique circumstances. The 112th Congress was about to end legislatively, so a one-year extension of all provisions was enacted to cover FY2013 and the 2013 crop year. Programs requiring mandatory funding did not continue in FY2013 because no additional mandatory funding was provided during the extension.

Historically, farm bills have brought together lawmakers across party lines,

uniting on regional interests. The massive bill stitches together support for agriculture producers, energy and conservation programs on farmland, as well as food and nutrition programs for families in need. However, congressional members are deeply divided over limits on nutrition and climate programs that are the funding mechanisms for the Republican bill. The farm bill has to remain budget-neutral, so lawmakers must fit their proposals into a baseline projection of how much the government would spend over the next ten years if the current farm bill was extended.

Republicans on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry released their framework for a new five-year farm bill that will set the policy and funding levels for key food, agriculture and conservation programs early in June. Sen. Boozman’s bill prioritizes an increase in reference prices for all covered commodities, increased spending for conservation programs by pulling funds from climate legislation passed in 2022, “cost-neutral” updates to the formula that calculates benefits for SNAP, increased crop insurance levels and reporting requirements for foreign purchase and ownership of farmland. The senate’s version “cost-neutral” model, which is similar to the House Republican version, is a version Democrats have already opposed.

Chairman Thompson still faces a fundamental funding problem with his “cost-neutral” model. The Congressional Budget Office says the commodity title would increase the deficit by as much as $39 billion over 10 years. To close the gap, he needs to persuade the CBO to change the way it has scored the bill. Barring that, he could get Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), to intervene and fix the issue through a

move known as "directed scorekeeping."

Getting bipartisan agreement on a farm bill before Sept. 30, when the one-year extension runs out, will be as elusive as ever. In a best-case scenario, lawmakers could feasibly work out a deal in a lame-duck session. Depending on the election outcome, experts say the bill could easily get punted to the next congress. A Republican controlled congress and White House could use the budget reconciliation process to pass much of Thompson's bill with little or no Democratic support. If Democrats win control of the House, they may want to start the farm bill process over next year. In the senate, with neither party likely to get the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster, a farm bill would need to be bipartisan to pass under regular order. That means it will need the support of the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, which will be John Boozman (R-Arkansas), if Democrats retain control of the senate, or most likely, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), if the GOP takes control.

The passage of the farm bill is critical not only for the agricultural sector but also for the millions of Americans who rely on its various programs. The bill encompasses a wide array of interests and priorities, making it a microcosm of the larger political landscape. Its fate often hinges on the ability of lawmakers to negotiate and compromise across party lines, reflecting the broader challenges and opportunities in contemporary American governance. As it stands today, passage of farm bill before Sept. 30 looks like a tall task for a congress that can point to little in terms of accomplishments.

Wenzlaff is WFBF’s Director of National Affairs.

Embracing Growth Through the Leadership Institute A

Guest Message from Kaitlyn Kesler

As a recent graduate of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute, I can confidently say it was a transformative journey that can be valuable to anyone involved in agriculture. Through my time with the Leadership Institute, I experienced firsthand the immense personal and professional growth it fosters.

Unlocking Potential

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute is designed to help participants develop strong and effective leadership skills. The program goes beyond traditional learning, pushing individuals to embrace their strengths and identify areas for improvement. Through a series of intensive workshops, we gained insights into team building, advocacy and policy development.

The first session included a selfassessment that highlighted my existing skills and emotional intelligence. After seeing the measures of my natural strengths, I’ll admit that I was discouraged and even envious of my classmates whose top characteristics included terms such as “achiever” or

“learner.” However, through the Institute, I learned how to turn my traits into talents. This initial step was crucial as it set the stage for a personalized development plan that guided my future leadership in Farm Bureau and beyond.

Creating Confidence

Although not actively farming today, I consider myself a lifelong member of the agricultural community. I was born and raised on a dairy farm and continue working within the industry. Despite my background, I often found myself questioning my qualifications and hesitant to speak out whether it was developing policy at the county level or responding to media inquiries. The Leadership Institute offered the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture and lead with confidence.

With practical, hands-on learning from Farm Bureau staff, we were all challenged to create effective messaging and participate in mock media interviews. Later, we dived into the legislative landscape and delivered practice testimony at the Wisconsin State Capitol. I cannot say enough for my classmates who offered encouragement to one another when the nerves kicked in and for the staff who were crucial in answering our many questions.

These were all the building blocks that led to Washington, D.C., this June where we turned our advocacy into action. Amazingly enough, I was less nervous about meeting with congressmen and senators in our nation’s capital than I was in our Wisconsin practice rounds.

Building Lasting Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Leadership Institute is the network of individuals you build along the way. The program brings together a diverse group

of participants from across the state, all united by their passion for agriculture and their desire to make a difference.

Through collaborative projects and group discussions, I developed close relationships with my classmates. These connections became a valuable support system that will inspire me long after the program's conclusion. The friendships and professional relationships formed during the Institute are a testament to the program's ability to foster a strong sense of community among Wisconsin's agricultural leaders.

The Foundation

It’s important to acknowledge that this program is available because of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1988 to support agricultural education and leadership programs. Your membership dues do not contribute to the Foundation (although you can find a donation option on your membership renewal). Rather, it is funded through tax-deductible donations and contributions.

This experience has been more than just marking a checkbox or adding a line to a resume. It truly was a catalyst for my personal and professional growth. It is never too late to begin your leadership journey. I encourage anyone passionate about our industry to consider participating in this impactful program and consider supporting the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation to keep programs like this available to Farm Bureau members.

Kesler is a Calumet County Farm Bureau member who recently graduated from the Leadership Institute and serves on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Board ofTrustees.

FARMER WELLNESS

RESOURCES

Farming can be an isolating career, especially if other family members work off the farm. It is important to check in on your friends, family and neighbors to gauge how they are doing and offer a listening ear. In addition, there are many free resources available to Wisconsin farmers and farm families.

FARM STATE OF MIND

Farm State of Mind, coordinated by American Farm Bureau, provides a national directory of mental health resources by state, shares research on rural and farmer mental health and delivers free on demand training. To learn more, visit farmstateofmind.org

WISCONSIN FARM CENTER

When stress is high and you need someone to turn to, the Farmer Wellness Program can assist. It is designed to provide farmers and their families access to services that can help them navigate life and farm challenges.

Resources are free to Wisconsin farmers and farm families.

TOGETHERALL

Togetherall is a safe, anonymous online peer-to-peer community that is accessible 24/7and moderated around the clock by licensed mental health professionals.

Users can simply set up a profile that assigns an anonymous username. Then, they are able to access a global network of peers who can listen and offer support.

With Brenda Dowiasch

Be Impactful with Promotional Events

Shortly after joining Farm Bureau, I became involved in my local Promotion and Education Committee in Eau Claire County. I have a huge passion for agriculture, and I enjoy sharing my story about growing up on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin. Little did I know how my Farm Bureau membership would give me the tools and resources that I needed to become more involved in my community.

Setting Goals:

As a member of the State Promotion and Education Committee we discuss our goals for the year. One of the objectives for 2024 was to connect consumers with agriculture. During a committee planning session we discussed Gather Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s online consumer resource, and the tie between food, farming and family.

I knew it was time to implement an idea that we had been tossing around within our county for a few years. With short notice I made a few phone calls and got started planning “Beef Night Out.”

I contacted my good friends that had recently taken over the local locker plant in Augusta, Off the Rail Meats. The goal was to celebrate May Beef Month with an open house at the locker plant. They thought that it was a great idea and were excited to help.

Getting Started:

Promotion and Bush’s Beans as sponsors. We asked for help, sponsorship and donations from our local counterparts and businesses. We planned the meal, projected the cost and set our goal to have 200 in attendance. The event was promoted primarily on Facebook and some printed materials around town. We scheduled an interview with our local TV Station WQOW-18 at daybreak to invite people to come out. Local beef farmers were asked to attend to talk about their farms.

Implementing An Event:

With the location and date set we got right to work. We teamed up with Augusta FFA Alumni, Eau Claire Dairy

The goal for this event was to invite folks from our community out for a delicious beef meal. It was also our plan to use this as an opportunity to connect the consumer directly with the farmers that produced the beef and showcase the local locker plant that processed the beef. Those in attendance had a great meal, the opportunity to visit with the local beef producers and a tour of Off the Rail Meats. Not only did we connect food, farming and family we exceeded our goal with 300 in attendance at “Beef Night Out.” It was a great time promoting agriculture in our community.

I encourage you to continue to grow Promotion and Education in your community. Start out small and work together to make plans for an event in your area. Make sure to keep things simple and have fun. It is up to all of us to continue to share our stories and to teach others about agriculture.

More information about Gather Wisconsin can be found at gatherwisconsin.com.

Brenda Dowiasch serves as the District 4 Representative and state chair on the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee. She has a lifelong passion for agriculture, which began from an early age growing up on her family’s dairy farm in western Wisconsin. Today, Brenda enjoys talking about crops, cattle and farming while working with her customers in central Wisconsin as an ag lender. 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.

Promotion and Education Program

Visit gatherwisconsin.com for more recipes.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

INGREDIENTS

• 3 1/2 lb. pork belly

• 1/2 c. pork seasoning (your favorite)

• 2 c. barbecue sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

Article and recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa.

• 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

• 1/4 c. honey, hot (optional)

1. Trim all silver skin and hard fat off the top of the pork belly. Trim the skin off the bottom of the pork belly.

2. Cut the pork belly into 1.5" strips, then cut again into 1.5"x1.5" cubes. Liberally season with your favorite pork seasoning.

3. Preheat smoker or grill to 225 degrees. Place pork belly cubes into the smoker and smoke for 3 hours.

4. Remove pork belly from smoker, place them into a foil pan and add in the barbecue sauce, more seasoning, butter and hot honey (if desired). Return to smoker for 1.5-2 hours.

5. Remove the foil pan from smoker and uncover. Let rest for 10 minutes, then serve.

Air Fryer Cheese Curds AROUND THE TABLE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 c. all-purpose flour

• 3 large eggs

• 2 c. panko breadcrumbs

• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Cheese. Photo courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

• 8 z. Renard's Famous Cheese Curds - Original

• Cooking spray

• Dipping Sauces: marinara sauce and ranch salad dressing

1. Heat air fryer to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper.

2. Place flour into a shallow bowl. Lightly beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder and cayenne pepper in another shallow bowl.

3. Coat cheese curds, a few at a time, in flour. Dip cheese curds into eggs; then coat with crumb mixture, shaking off any extra coating between steps. Place on prepared pan.

4. Lightly spritz curds with cooking spray just before placing into air fryer basket. Arrange curds in a single layer in the basket. Refrigerate remaining curds until frying.

5. Set timer for 5-7 minutes. Fry curds, removing basket at 3 minutes; flip curds. Cook for 2-4 minutes longer or until light brown, crispy and the curds begin to melt. Repeat step with remaining curds, starting with a light spritz of cooking spray.

6. Serve in a bowl or parchment-lined basket with dipping sauces.

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.

Walworth County Dairy Breakfast

Walworth County Farm Bureau hosted the Dairy Breakfast at the Davis Farm on June 15. More

than 2,500 people, including attendees and dedicated volunteers, enjoyed the breakfast. The event was a huge success thanks to a break in rain for the day, delicious food and fun for the family.

Columbia County YFA Tour Waygu-Holstein Program

On March 23, Columbia County Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist members toured Walk Era Farms in Lewiston to see their family dairy farm and WayguHolstein program.

The group then visited Bella Goose Coffee to try their featured “Waygoose Burger” with Walk-Era Waygu. The manager spent time talking to the group about the partnership and the business model for Bella Goose.

Polk-Burnett County Member Meeting and Farm Tour

The Polk Burnett Farm Bureau board hosted their board meeting on June 13 at Minglewood, Inc., a dairy farm, and invited all the Polk Burnett voting members to join. Attendees learned what Polk Burnett Farm Bureau is working on, enjoyed an evening filled with lively discussions, delicious dairy products and a great farm tour.

Iowa County 4-H Farm Gard Event

Iowa County Farm Bureau was part of the 4-H Farm Gard event at the Schilling Brothers Dairy in Montfort.

Fourth grade students from Iowa-Grant and Mineral Point School Districts came to the farm and learned about many different topics in farming. Farm Bureau had a booth called Snacking around Wisconsin where students learned about foods they find in the grocery store with ingredients grown in Wisconsin. Students took home a bag of snack mix featuring Wisconsin grown ingredients.

Eau Claire County Beef Night Out

Eau Claire County Farm Bureau held its first-ever Beef Night Out at the “Off the Rail” meat processing plant in Augusta on May 23. The promotion featured a delicious, fresh grilled meal of hamburgers and beef brats at a reasonable cost along with games, booths and a tour of a modern locker plant. Local beef farmers were able to see and compare carcasses hanging in pre-breakdown for evaluation. More than 300 attendees enjoyed an informative and fun-filled night.

District 5 Promotion and Education Event

District 5 Promotion and Education Committee chair Jenny Leahy organized a drone presentation and Gather Wisconsin informational workshop at her family’s farm on June 3. Twenty-five people from the district attended. Grant Buwalda from Rock River Chemical conducted a drone demonstration and informational workshop on the pros and cons of drones for chemical application on farms. Jenny Leahy handed out Gather Wisconsin starter kits to each county and counties had the opportunity to work in groups to develop an action plan on how to promote Gather Wisconsin at events in their respective counties.

Marinette County Farm Bureau and Coleman FFA Host AgVenture

On April 30, Marinette County Farm Bureau and Coleman FFA hosted their 9th Annual AgVenture. Elementary students learned about strawberries, turkey production, sheep/ wool production, cheese production and tractor safety. Students also received handson experience with the livestock in the petting zoo. Feedback from the event was positive and upbeat. Participants shared that they loved the opportunity to learn more about agriculture and to get up close and personal with many different animals!

District 8 Ag Day at the Rafters

Sheboygan County Farm Neighbors Care

Sheboygan County Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee recognized farmers and agriculturists that are outstanding in their field this spring. During planting season, members of the committee dropped off care packages to those farmers nominated online. This year a special guest, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski, rode along to deliver packages on May 30. They visited six different farms and farmers shared some of the challenges they are facing.

Chippewa County June Dairy Month Promotion

On June 15, Chippewa County Farm Bureau held an ice cream giveaway at Blain's Farm and Fleet in Chippewa Falls. Ice cream from a local dairy farm, Klemish Creamery LLC was handed out from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and members talked with shoppers about the importance of dairy to our state.

District 8 Promotion and Education Committee along with other volunteers took part in Ag Day at the Rafters where they worked to bridge the gap between consumers and farmers through agricultural education and engaging activities. This one-day event allowed members to connect with nearly 1,000 consumers and reach hundreds of kids, all while enjoying America's favorite pastime –baseball.

Dodge County YFA Hosts Paint Night

The Dodge County Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist group hosted a successful paint workshop on May 18. Sixteen people participated and had their choice of painting a porch board or a box. The projects turned out amazing and everyone had a great time.

WFBF Trip to for the AFBF Annual Convention

7 Days January 25-31, 2025 From $3883*

Trip Highlights Include:

• AFBF Annual Convention • The Alamo • Riverwalk Cruise • Fleming Cattle • Waco HGTV & Magnolia TV • Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium • Billy Bob’s Honky Tonk • Bureau of Engraving & Printing • Longhorn Cattle Stampede • Dealy Plaza Where JFK Was Assassinated • George W Bush Presidential Center • Dallas TV’s Southfork Ranch • Yellow Farmhouse Dinner •

We invite you to “STEP UP & DRIVE FORWARD” in San Antonio this January. Attend the AFBF Annual Convention and Trade Show and have more fun with your fellow Wisconsin and Minnesota farmers. While there, you will meet Texas farmers and see the sightswhich are bigger in Texas! Average weather in January: High 62° and Low 41°.

Note: What if you or a family member gets sick or in an accident? Our included travel insurance will reimburse you even on the day of departure or along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday: Travel to San Antonio

• Alamo’s IMAX show and visit The Alamo

Day 2 Sunday: American Farm Bureau Annual Convention

• AFBF Annual Convention

• Riverwalk and dinner

Day 3 Monday: American Farm Bureau Convention and Temple

• AFBF Convention (ends by noon)

• Travel to Temple

Day 4 Tuesday: Temple, Fleming, Waco, Dallas

• Fleming Cattle

• Waco (HGTV’s Fixer Upper & Magnolia Network); lunch on your own at Silos food trucks

• Travel to Dallas

Day 5 Wednesday: Dallas-Arlington-Fort Worth-Dallas

• Arlington’s AT&T Stadium (home of the Cowboys)

• Lunch on your own at Billy Bob’s Texas (world’s largest Honky Tonk)

• Bureau of Engraving & Printing (where the USD is printed)

• Genuine longhorn cattle stampede

• Return to Dallas

Day 6 Thursday: Dallas-Waxahachie-Dallas

• Dealey Plaza (where JFK was assassinated)

• George W Bush Presidential Center

• Dallas TV show’s Southfork Ranch

• Travel to Waxahachie, where the Ellis County Farm Bureau is hosting a special feature dinner.

• Return to Dallas

Day 7 Friday: Travel Home

What’s Included: Round trip motor coach transportation from Madison; round trip flights; round trip transportation from airport to hotel; AFBF Annual Convention registration; admissions and sightseeing; Riverwalk Cruise; driver tip; travel insurance; 10 meals (6 breakfasts, 4 dinners); $169 current total taxes and fees (subject to change); hotel accommodations; led by Bradley Uken

Accommodations: Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk (2 nights); La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Temple (1 night); Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown (3 nights)

What’s Not Included: Airline baggage fees; baggage handling; non-included meals; tax/fuel surcharges in effect if any

*All prices are per person, based on occupancy, double: $3883, single: $4525, triple $3767, quad: $3709. • Document required is a government-issued photo ID. • Insurance coverage included Vacation & Cruises Group Plan from Travel Guard for coverage details, see steviejaytravel.com/insurance covering cancellation charges; other terms at steviejaytravel.com/ terms which are incorporated by reference. Discount Codes if you do not want the flights (and will meet us at the San Francisco hotel) or Travel Insurance: NO-AIR $518, NOINSURANCE $261, or NO-AIR-INSURANCE $779 • Price and details are subject to change. Acct#250100s

Join us from Madison, Minneapolis, Chicago O’Hare or call for a quote from other cities. Contact tour coordinator is Bill Owen (bill@steviejaytravel.com or 217.619.0202) to charge your credit card for the $1,000 per-person deposit, or mail a check to Stevie Jay Travel LLC, 4413 Trostshire Cir, Champaign, IL 61822. Book securely online 24/7 with a credit card or e-check at StevieJayTravel.com/wfb

Agriculture Elevated

Six Wisconsin educators elevated their agricultural knowledge at the 2024 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 23-27. Wisconsin teachers, along with Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator Beth Schaefer, participated in agricultural tours and workshops, attended agricultural literacy keynotes and earned recognition for their work in agricultural literacy.

Three Wisconsin attendees earned honors for their work in bringing agricultural context and lessons into the classroom. Sheila Kroseberg of Waupaca High School received a CHS scholarship to attend the conference.

Kroseberg brings agriculture into her family and consumer sciences curriculum to help her students fully understand the supply chain from farm to fork.

Lalitha Murali was honored as an American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture White-Reinhardt scholarship recipient. Murali is the gifted and talented coordinator for the Glenwood Hills School District in Milwaukee.

Emily Kamps, Fennimore Elementary was recognized as the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Kamps is a third grader teacher at Fennimore Elementary.

A new team of Wisconsin educators was also in attendance – four teachers selected to serve on the inaugural Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Educator Ambassador Team attended the conference as part of the year-long program. These teachers

include Joshua Gonzalez of River Trail School of Agricultural Science, Milwaukee; Emily Kamps of Fennimore Elementary, Fennimore; Travis Sprague, Sun Prairie West and Prairie View Middle Schools; and Mary Cooper of St. Mary’s School, Richland Center. The Educator Ambassador Team will promote and share resources and opportunities with fellow educators, as well as provide insight and ideas for new programing and resources.

Make plans to attend the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 2426, 2025.

Back (from left): Josh Gonzalez, Sheila Kroseber. Front (from left): Mary Cooper, Travis Sprague, Emily Kamps, Lalitha Murali.

Lalitha Murali received the White-Reinhardt Scholarship from American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

Emily Kamps was recognized as Wisconsin’s AITC Program Teacher of the Year.

Sheila Kroseberg of Waupaca High School, received a 2024 NAITC Conference Scholarship sponsored by CHS Foundation.

Wisconsin’s inaugural Educator Ambassador Team began their training at the NAITC Conference. Team members include: Joshua Gonzalez, Mary Cooper, Travis Sprague, Emily Kamps.

Traveling workshops introduced Travis Sprague and Mary Cooper to the diversity of Utah agriculture.

Essay Contest Winners Announced

Each year Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program hosts an essay contest to engage students in writing, reading and research through the context of food and agriculture. Essays were judged on content, gradeappropriate writing benchmarks and creativity. This contest is open to all fourth- and fifth-grade students across the state. More than 1,400 students wrote essays for the competition, which is sponsored by WE Energies, Fork Farms and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Eleanor Jones-Sato, a fourth-grade student from Janesville, and Bree Stalsberg, a fifth-grade student from Fennimore, were selected as state winners in the Wisconsin Agriculture

in the Classroom essay contest. Wisconsin fourth and fifth graders were asked to write a 500-word essay with the theme, “Wisconsin Agriculture is Fruit-full!”

On July 11, the 2024 winners, teachers and county AITC coordinators were invited to a special award presentation with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board at Port Milwaukee. Winners read their essays and DATCP Sec. Randy Romanski awarded both Eleanor and Bree their state winner plaques and prizes.

The 2025 Essay Contest will be kicking off in September. Visit wisagclassroom.org, for details and resources for the 2025 Essay Contest.

The Sweetness of a Strawberry

By Eleanor Jones-Sato

Have you ever bitten into a sweet, ripe, juicy strawberry? I know I have. You can find strawberry farms and stores that sell strawberries all over Wisconsin, so I eat them all the time. There are over 600 different strawberries to choose from! Different places grow different strawberries, so you will always get different varieties to eat and enjoy.

This delicious fruit is planted much differently than you might think. The seeds of strawberries are very small. The seeds are actually in the inside of the ovaries (the “shell” of the seed). You would need a microscope to see the actual seed of a strawberry. Farmers get already sprouted strawberry plants shipped to them because it is so hard to plant the seed itself individually.

Strawberries are a very important part of our lives. They are very rich with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with illnesses such as high blood pressure, common colds, cancer, asthma, and osteoarthritis. A lot of people sell and work with strawberries. There are 435,700 people who work in the strawberry industry today in Wisconsin! So if there weren't any strawberries, 435,700 people wouldn’t have jobs.

Strawberries are harvested by people, not machines. They are softer than other Wisconsin fruit such as apples or cherries. They are hand-picked. Lots of strawberry farms let people come and pick strawberries themselves. But if they were harvested by machines, they would get very soft and mushy. Strawberries that get shipped to stores are picked before they are fully ripe. This helps when they are being shipped so that they don’t get too soft. In the truck that they get shipped in, there are coolers to keep the strawberries as ripe as possible.

I love strawberries. The sweetness, the deliciousness, the amazing taste of a strawberry is more than my words can say. If you want to know what I’m trying to say, than go bite into a ripe strawberry!

Pumpkins in Wisconsin

By Bree Stalsberg

Wisconsin grows and produces many fruits throughout the year, and one of my favorites is pumpkins. Have you ever visited a pumpkin patch and seen the bright green color turn to orange in the fall? Pumpkin patches are also big business for Wisconsin and Agrotourism. Whether you use them for decorating, eating, or carving, fall pumpkin patches can add income to local farms. Agrotourism is great for Wisconsin as it helps people get outside and connect to local farms and see where their food comes from. An acre of pumpkins can yield 15,000-30,000 pounds of pumpkins a year and Wisconsin grows about 3,500 acres annually.

Pumpkins have been around in Wisconsin for thousands of years. Pumpkins offer lots of nutritional value and vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B6, and C. Pumpkins also offer copper, fiber, folate and manganese. They support and protect the heart. Early European explorers first brought pumpkins seeds back with them where they were used as a source of food for animals. Pumpkins quickly became a staple in the diets of settlers that arrived in America. People first started to cook the flesh of the pumpkin by roasting, baking, boiling, and drying it. Pumpkins are 92% water.

Pumpkins can be used as decorations for many homes. We put pumpkins on our steps outside and all around the driveway. Pumpkins are also used to make food such as pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup. Roasted pumpkin seeds are also a healthy snack. One of the most popular pumpkin traditions is carving jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.

Pumpkins are a big part of my life. Every year we plant pumpkins on our two acre patch. Picking out pumpkin seeds for sizes, colors, and textures is a lot of fun. Pumpkins require lots of sunshine and space to grow. We plant the pumpkins in May when the soil temperature is about 70 degrees and harvest them in the fall. It takes about 100 days from the time seeds are planted until they turn orange and are ready for picking. As a family, we go out and pick the pumpkins onto a wagon, then wash the mud off. Finally, we load them onto the wagon and take them into town where they can be sold on self-serve wagons. After all the picking is done and the season is about over, any extra pumpkins are used to have a pumpkin and Halloween party with all our friends and family. Growing pumpkins can be a challenge some years. With the lack of rain last year, we had to set up an irrigation system for our pumpkin patch. Pumpkins need about an inch of rain a week to grow.

I enjoy the process of seeing pumpkins grow from start to finish and know it takes a lot of work for a healthy and successful crop each year. Be sure to visit a pumpkin patch this fall for the perfect pumpkin!

Call for Silent Auction Donations

Last year, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Silent Auction at Annual Meeting raised more than $14,000 for our important programs. Join us by contributing to this year’s auction with a gift basket, theme basket, sports item, gift certificate, a Wisconsin-made product, the list goes on!

Donors are asked to complete the online donation form here: bit.ly/fbsilentauction2024.

August is National Make-A-Will Month

Wills are an important planning tool for individuals and families of all backgrounds, regardless of wealth and property. Besides helping to allocate assets, wills can be used to nominate guardians for minor children, name caretakers for pets, write funeral wishes and more. A will can also save loved ones the time, money and stress of lengthy and expensive probate court proceedings.

In addition, one of the easiest ways to support charities like

the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation is by leaving a portion of an estate as a bequest in a will. These legacy gifts can have tax advantages for families, can be adjusted as circumstances change and can make a meaningful and lasting difference for future generations.

For more information about bequests or planned giving opportunities, contact John Hromyak, Foundation Director at jhromyak@wfbf.com or 608.828.5729.

Thank you for supporting

GIVING DAY 2024

On August 14, we celebrated Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation programs and supporters like you. A full report on your impact and all sponsors involved will be included in the next issue of Rural Route. Even if you missed Giving Day, you’re not too late – donations are still being accepted so follow the QR code to participate or learn more!

• Eugene and Willie Witter Trust

• Loren and Ruth Wolfe

• John and Darlene Arneson in memory of Lois Armitage

• Laurie Groskopf in memory of Aly Sosnovske

• Bob and Lisa Leege in memory of Ralph Steiner

About the

• Matthew and Becky Hibicki in memory of Dave Wilke to the Following Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between March 25 and July 23, 2024)

• John Siedschlag in memory of Joseph Thome

• Tiffany Koeshall in memory of James Vruwink

• Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau in memory of Dave Wilke

• Austin and Wendy Volkert in memory of Dave Wilke

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.

5 Drone Etiquette Tips

1. Understand the rules

Drones are growing in popularity for agricultural use and recreation. Regulations can be everchanging to keep up with advancing technology, including rules around flying drones. Madison Area Drone Service co-founder Preston Rice has tips for being a polite pilot.

Just like you need to know the basic rules and regulations of the road, you need to know the rules and regulations of the air too. Many states and municipalities have rules and policies that govern the use of drones. These guidelines teach you to be a knowledgeable and safe pilot.

2. Understand your drone operations

Before flying outside, take your time to practice using the controls indoors to get familiar with your drone.

Today’s drones have been improved with technology such as geofencing to help you stay out of trouble. Geofencing uses

GPS to create virtual boundaries around physical locations. These boundaries can restrict or prevent drones from entering specific areas, such as restricted airspace or no-fly zones.

3. Maintain visibility

According to the FAA, drones must always maintain visual line of sight, meaning the pilot must be able to see the drone with their own eyes. Keeping the drone in sight makes sure your drone and surroundings are safe.

4. Watch out below

Be conscious of what you are flying over not to cause a disruption whether it’s livestock, your staff or other farm activities.

When flying a drone away from your farm, avoid flying over groups of people, stadiums and sporting events, or emergency response efforts, such as fires. It’s best to keep your distance and get approval before flying in public if necessary.

5. Look at the weather forecast

Avoid flying your drone during strong winds, heavy rain, snow or thunderstorms. These conditions can make flying difficult and dangerous, leading to turbulence or a crash that could damage your expensive equipment.

Tips to Keep Flies Away from Livestock

Summertime in Wisconsin brings excessive heat, humidity and moisture. This can make it difficult to keep cattle comfortable, explains Dr. Scott Pertzborn, an owner at Lodi Veterinary Care.

If we think flies are annoying flying around our head, the implications are even worse for cows. Flies thrive with adequate rainfall and, in large numbers, can wreak havoc on cattle productivity in the barn and pasture.

What happens when flies bug livestock

Any nuisance, even a small fly, can have a negative impact on milk and meat production.

Cows that are working hard to produce 100 pounds of milk a day are going to see dips in production if they are constantly swatting at flies with their ears and tails instead of eating. Too many flies can cause a cow to stand more, putting more stress on their feet.

What’s more, stress reduces an animal’s immune response. This puts cows at greater risk for pink eye if countless flies are buzzing around their eyes.

Where flies live on the farm

Most often, flies can be found wherever these ideal conditions occur:

Moisture – Around water troughs, drainage, holding ponds, mud, puddles, etc.

Decaying organic matter – Where there is damp or spoiled feed, anywhere manure accumulates and bedding in calf hutches or bedded packs for heifers.

Pastures and grassy areas along fence lines and buildings are also hot spots for flies.

How to keep flies away from animals

• Review barn cleaning schedules and adjust to more frequent cleanings if flies are a problem.

• Keep cattle housing dry and free of spilled feed, damp straw, etc.

• Maintain the vegetation around the farm – mow down grasses and clean up brush to restrict a fly’s breeding ground.

• Use ear tags with insecticide.

• Utilize pour-on products and make sure you treat the legs, too. Those stable flies bite hard!

• Follow the directions on the insecticides you use to make sure your timing is right and you’re targeting the right species.

Rural Mutual has been protecting farms across Wisconsin for 90 years. Reach out to your local Rural Mutual insurance agent to get started.

Say “I do” to Wedding Barn Insurance

Imagine a charming centuryold farmstead in the shadows of Rib Mountain, a renovated dairy barn tucked into the Driftless Region or an apple orchard in the Door Peninsula. Wisconsin farms have everything engaged couples are looking for in a non-traditional Midwest wedding venue – rustic charm, natural light and a picturesque backdrop to remember their special day.

Not surprisingly, the wedding barn industry is booming in Wisconsin.

From a farm owner’s perspective, event barns are a way to diversify income by providing a meaningful experience from one family to another.

However, providing this unforgettable experience for newlyweds is not without risk. It requires unique insurance needs.

Be prepared for the unexpected

As an event host, you probably don’t envision a power outage or accident. However, the reality is unexpected problems can occur at any time. What if a power outage spoils the food? What if the heater goes out during a winter wedding? What if someone gets hurt leaving the wedding?

There are a lot of ‘what-if’s’ that could happen. That’s why it’s important to have the right insurance coverage to go into the big day with peace of mind.

Event insurance for a wedding barn

Farm insurance does not cover weddings or events. If the farm is an operating farm, you’ll still need farm insurance but if you use part of the property as an event venue, you’ll need business insurance too.

• Business insurance: If you’re booking events multiple times a month or weekly throughout the year, it’s recommended you provide the coverage yourself through a business policy or an agritainment endorsement on your farm policy.

• Event insurance: If events are not frequent, you only host an event a few times a year, an event day policy can be useful. The wedding party should also consider event insurance to protect their personal belongings.

• Liquor liability coverage: If you’re providing alcohol, liquor liability coverage is highly recommended. If you’re running a business, and your guests provide their own liquor liability insurance, ask for a copy of their event policy so you can review the coverage and make sure the policy has adequate protection.

• Worker's compensation coverage: If you have multiple employees, such as a bartender, event coordinator or

maintenance, make sure you have workers’ compensation insurance in case someone gets injured on the job. An added benefit of having your worker's compensation coverage through Rural Mutual is access to a 24/7 nurse hotline that helps reduce the number of emergency room or urgent care claims filed, while still providing expert medical advice.

Review the property with your agent

Each wedding venue is unique. It’s important to meet with your agent about your specific property. Invite your Rural Mutual Insurance agent to your farm to walk around the venue with you. They’ll take pictures for underwriting, take inventory of your personal property and get details on how alcohol is being served if it’s provided by the venue or brought in by a third party. Insurers also need to know the value of the building and any renovations that have been made to make sure it’s insured to the correct value.

Your agent will also review safety concerns around your property. Some farms may open the barn doors to a wedding party without making any remodeling updates to transition it to an event space, which can lead to safety concerns for guests who are unfamiliar with the venue. A clean, up-to-date facility that has taken safety precautions seriously is important when running an event venue.

Follow up with annual insurance reviews to inform your agent of any changes to the property to ensure your coverage remains up to date.

Ensure their wedding rings are insured

Wedding rings are a valuable piece of jewelry – sentimentally and financially. During your first meeting with the couple, ask them if they plan to ensure the rings. If they say “no,” kindly remind them it’s important to have the rings insured in case they are lost, stolen or damaged in an unforeseen accident.

This small display of courtesy could go a long way toward you landing the event booking.

Make sure your event venue is properly insured to protect you and your guests. Reach out to a Rural Mutual agent to get started.