Rural Router Dec 2021 | Jan 2022

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022 • VOL. 27 NO. 6 | WFBF.COM

Bovines, Books and Brews Page 16

contents vol. 27 no. 6

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POLICY DISCUSSION

Delegates discuss policy at the WFBF Annual Meeting.

HICKEN HONORED

Jeff Hicken awarded the Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture Award.

CONTEST WINNERS

Wadzinski, Buss and Zahn earn top spots in YFA contests.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

See candid shots from WFBF’s Annual Meeting.

BOVINES, BOOKS AND BREWS

Polk Burnett Farm Bureau member shares unique story.

MEMBERSHIP RECAP

Volunteers sign more than 500 new members in 2021.

VOICES

Columns from Krentz, Pokorny, Duvall and Setzer.

LEADERS OF THE LAND

Meet hosts High-Gem Holsteins, From the Earth and Lake Family Farm.

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WFBF BOARD ELECTIONS

Krentz re-elected president, Nash and Dowiasch new to the board.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Apply for matching grants and plan for National Ag Day.

FOUNDATION

Fundraisers help fund educational programs.

COVER PHOTO BY CASSIE SONNENTAG

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S

EDITOR’S NOTE

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re you looking forward to the new year? Or scared to see what 2022 might bring after 2020 and 2021?

The start of a year is the time where many people pledge to start over, try something new or better themselves in some way.

Although I normally fail at my new year’s resolutions, I like the idea of bettering myself and refocusing at the beginning of the year to try and set myself up for success for the rest of the year. It naturally feels like a fresh start and it’s nice to take advantage of that.

This year I think we could all benefit from setting a goal for the approaching year to work on ourselves. It’s easy in today’s world to place blame and focus on others, but what if we took a note from Michael Jackson and looked in the mirror. If we challenged and changed ourselves first wouldn’t the world be better by default?

This edition of Rural Route showcases some of the best of our leaders. In early December, numerous awards were earned at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference.

These elite members have pushed themselves and their leadership in various ways. The distinguished service awards are always a favorite of mine. It’s amazing to think about how many people the award winners have influenced. This year’s award winners are truly outstanding representatives of Farm Bureau and the agricultural community.

Our feature article on page 16 shares the story of Cris Peterson. As a farmer and an author, she has made an impact on young minds and those who desire to get their message past the farm gate. I think we can all learn something from her dedication and desire to do more in communicating about farming.

In this issue we have the details for the next Ag Day at the Capitol. Attending this annual event would be an easy goal to set and achieve if you are looking for a baby step in building your leadership skills. Taking time to meet and discuss agriculture with elected officials is important and something that has a lasting impact. If you’ve never attended, consider stepping outside of your comfort zone and sign up. Find the details on page 18.

Whether it’s speaking up for your farm or working on your mental health. Find something to set your mind to and accomplish in 2022. Be realistic with your goals and check in with yourself on how to make them happen.

Lastly, find a team of supporters to encourage you. I would like to thank my colleagues for putting together most of this issue for you. I have been on maternity leave since October and appreciate their hard work in making sure this issue arrived safely in your mailbox.

Wishing you and your family a healthy and joyful holiday season.

Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Cassie Sonnentag - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Kevin Krentz, Berlin (President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove (Vice President) Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford Peter Kimball, Baldwin Brenda Dowiasch, Augusta (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Bob Nash, Saukville (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 1082-1368) (USPS 39940), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February|March, April|May, June|July, August|September, October|November and December|January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

For advertising rates and information: Wisconsin accounts contact Slack Attack at 608.222.7630 or barbara@slackattack.com.

National accounts contact Casey McNeal at 800.798.2691 ext. 334 or casey@iafalls.com.

For general inquiries, contact Amy Eckelberg at 608.828.5706 or aeckelberg@wfbf.com.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

ANNUAL MEETING

Krentz Re-elected WFBF President

Daniels Re-elected Vice President Nash, Dowiasch New Faces on WFBF Board

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evin Krentz was re-elected president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Krentz is a dairy farmer from Berlin in Waushara County.

Krentz was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 2012 to represent District 5, which includes: Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties.

Kevin is president of Krentz Family Dairy, Inc. He started his farming career in 1994 when he purchased his father’s 60 cows.

He grew the farm to 600 cows and 1,300 acres of crops.

Kevin and his wife, Holly, have a daughter and three sons.

Kevin also was re-elected to a three-year term on the board representing District 5.

Daniels DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

Dave Daniels from Union Grove in Kenosha County was re-elected to serve as vice president and to serve a three-year term on the board representing District 1 ( Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties).

Robert Nigh of Viroqua in Vernon County was re-elected to a three-year term on the board representing District 3 (Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland and Vernon counties).

Nine of the 11 members of the WFBF board of directors are farmers elected in each of Farm Bureau’s nine districts. These nine individuals also make up the board of directors for the Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Rounding out the WFBF’s board are the chairs of WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist and Promotion and Education Committees, both of which serve a one-year term on the board.

Brenda Dowiasch of Augusta in Eau Claire County was elected to a one-year term as the chair of the Promotion and Education Committee and will serve as the representative on the board. She succeeds Lynn Leahy from Plover in Waushara County.

Bob Nash of Saukville in Ozaukee County was elected to a one-year term as chair of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee and will serve as the representative on the board.

He succeeds Emily Johnson of Orfordville in Rock County as YFA Chair.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board Directors who were not up for re-election included: Arch Morton Jr. of Janesville in Rock County, Joe Bragger of Independence in Buffalo County, Rosie Lisowe of Chilton in Calumet County, Brian Preder of Weyauwega in Waupaca County, Ryan Klussendorf of Medford in Taylor County and Peter Kimball of Baldwin in Pierce County.

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Wisconsin Farm Bureau

Delegates Set Policy for 2022

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n Dec. 6, more than 200 delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Meeting established new policy directives for the organization.

Farm Bureau delegates adopted the policies that will be included in the organization’s policy book in 2022. Suggestions and policy ideas come directly from members who propose and vote on them at county Farm Bureau annual meetings. WFBF’s policy is established by members through a structured policy development process. Resolutions were submitted by delegates as part of a grassroots policy development process.

On the floor, delegates discussed carbon credits. They voted to support a voluntary carbon credit market that is instituted by U.S.-based companies and reflects the supply and demand of carbon credits.

In the area of natural resources and the environment, members support certified private sector professionals to be allowed to assist the DNR by utilizing their expertise to provide requirements that meet DNR permit requirements. They support all CAFO permits having a final determination within 12 months after original submittal or automatically approved by the department.

In addition, they support state funding for planting of cover crops.

On the floor, delegates discussed alternative energy.

They passed a resolution proposing local government have input over the control siting/placement of alternative energy projects. The delegates added policy supporting all alternative energy businesses to fund bonding that would require the businesses to pay for cleanup and restoration of the land.

Members support the ability to manage nuisance elk within the wildlife damage and claim program without requiring public hunting access to private lands.

Additionally, delegates discussed and voted to support the continued education of producers on the Dairy Revitalization Plan as based on the research by the UWMadison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Delegates from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 61 county Farm Bureaus: • support all state indemnity payments be paid directly to producers, not to processors and not through processors.

• support having someone from county FSA committee sit on the land conservation committee with voting rights.

• support programs that emphasize innovations in product development, manufacturing and marketing strategies for all agricultural products.

• support the Public Service Commission holding companies accountable that receive public project funding for rural broadband.

• oppose the use of cumulative impact studies regarding high capacity well approvals.

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On the federal level, delegates: • support all indemnity payments be paid directly to producers, not to processors and not through processors.

• oppose an increase in the inheritance tax and the loss of stepped-up basis.

• support developing and implementing a more responsive price discovery tool to replace the Federal Milk Marketing Order to better reflect the value of milk.

• support the same tax benefits for transitioning the farm to non-related family succession as to related family.

The federal resolutions will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation for consideration.

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ANNUAL MEETING

Hicken Receives Distinguished Service Award

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n Dec. 5, Jeff Hicken received the ‘Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture’ award posthumously for his Tom and Agnes Holt accepted the Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s award in Jeff Hicken's honor and on behalf of Sheri Hicken. agricultural industry during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in in helping to organize and host Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Wisconsin Dells.

“Jeff was knowledgeable and generous in his work on behalf of first statewide Ag Literacy Conference at Sauk Prairie High Wisconsin’s agricultural educators,” School in 2003. said WFBF President Kevin Krentz.

In 2006, Jeff started his “Thank you, Jeff for your leadership service at the state level to agricultural education and the as the Agriculture, Food FFA. You are missed and your and Natural Resources legacy will impact the agricultural Education Consultant and State FFA Advisor with community for years to come.” the Wisconsin Department A former member of the Lomira of Public Instruction, a FFA and former Wisconsin FFA position he held until State Sentinel, Jeff was a UW-River his passing.

Falls graduate who started his career “Jeff had a heart for at Sauk Prairie High School as the service and participated agricultural education instructor.

- Joe Bragger in numerous coalitions, During this time, Jeff was committees and recognized time and again for his boards including the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days many accomplishments as a teacher, including being named Board of Directors, National FFA Foundation Board of Wisconsin High School Teacher of the Year and receiving Trustees, National Association of State Supervisors of the Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award and Wisconsin Agriculture Education Board of Directors, AgrAbility of Association of Agricultural Educators’ Outstanding Young Member Award.

Wisconsin Advisory Council and School for Agricultural and Jeff worked closely with Wisconsin Farm Bureau and the Environmental Studies Foundation Board,” said nominator Joe Bragger. “Jeff is extremely deserving of this award.”

Agriculture in the Classroom program and was instrumental

“Jeff had a heart for service and participated in numerous coalitions, committees and boards.”

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Grants Earn Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Highest Honor W

aupaca County Farm Bureau members Jim and Mary Grant have received the highest award Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation bestows upon its members.

Jim and Mary were presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s ‘Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau’ award during the organization’s Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 5.

“It is because of their dedication to the Farm Bureau organization and agriculture that I am extremely pleased to recognize Jim’s and Mary’s distinguished service to The Grants received the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau award at the WFBF Annual Meeting.

Farm Bureau,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz.

Jim and Mary Grant have been actively involved in Farm this award – they deserve so much more.”

Bureau and their community for the past 50 years. When Jim Steingraber also said that Jim and Mary had a slow start in was younger, he served 10 years as town clerk, as trustee at their Farm Bureau. Initially they joined the Portage County Farm church and as dairy leader for the local 4-H club. He served as Bureau but weren’t active because of the distance to travel to the president of the board at FS Cooperative in Amherst. Jim also meetings. A neighbor asked the couple to become a member of served as a delegate for the Consolidated Badger Cooperative, the Waupaca County Farm Bureau family. Jim eagerly agreed Morning Glory Farms and Foremost Farms. and was elected to the board of directors. He served 13 years “Jim and Mary will say that they don’t deserve this award as president and then as secretary and treasurer for many years. because they got more out of Farm Bureau than they ever He was the greeter at county annual meetings and served as a put in,” said former Waupaca County Farm Bureau President delegate representing Waupaca County at the WFBF Annual Wayne Steingraber. “They don’t realize how many lives they Meeting for many years. have touched during the years of service to their church, family, “Jim and Mary are most deserving of this recognition,” said community, agriculture and Farm Bureau. They don’t deserve Steingraber.

“They don’t realize how many lives they have touched during the years of service to their church, family, community, agriculture and Farm Bureau. They don’t deserve this award – they deserve so much more.”

- Wayne Steingraber

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ANNUAL MEETING

Priskes Receive Leopold Conservation Award® and Dorothy Priske of Fall River have been selected as J ohn the recipients of the 2021 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation

Award®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In Wisconsin the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

John and Dorothy Priske were revealed as this year’s award recipient at the Nov. 18 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. They received $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected during the WFBF Annual Meeting on Dec. 5.

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to partner with the Sand County Foundation to recognize farmers for their conservation efforts,” said WFBF Kevin Krentz. “We extend our congratulations to the Priske family on their outstanding dedication to conservation.”

Among the many outstanding Wisconsin landowners nominated for the award were finalists: Mike Berg of Lafayette County, and Charlie Hammer and Nancy Kavazanjian of Dodge County.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Compeer Financial, Culver’s, McDonald’s, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

About John and Dorothy Priske John and Dorothy Priske liken their fields and pastures to sons and daughters.

They’ve worked to improve their farm’s environmental and economic resilience with conservation practices and direct marketing.

Both were born on Wisconsin farms, but worked off-farm jobs out West before saving enough for a down payment on 280

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acres in Columbia County in 1986. After growing asparagus with John’s brother, their first years of raising livestock and row crops were met with struggle due to low commodity prices.

A visit to a grass-fed farm in New Zealand convinced them to change course.

The Priskes began transitioning their crop fields to pastures.

They began raising Scottish Highlands that could eat an oak savanna’s rough forage. They devised a rotational grazing system that would benefit the cattle and the landscape.

By the early 2000s direct marketing their beef became the backbone of the farm, supplying high-end Madison restaurants and selling beef at the Dane County Farmers Market. They regularly showed customers a notebook detailing their conservation practices.

“They’re not just buying our beef.

They’re buying our farming practices,” Dorothy said.

The Priskes hosted field days and seminars on profitably managing land and direct marketing beef. They built relationships with their customers and conservationists as well. In 2004 they were selected to attend Terra Madre, a gathering of 5,000 farmers from 130 countries committed to sustainable farming methods. The Priskes helped train district conservationists on working with farmers, and leased land for Madison College’s Institute of Sustainable Agriculture.

In 2017, in collaboration with University of Wisconsin researchers, the Priskes planted 12 acres of Kernza, a perennial grain with an extensive root system. Two years later they hosted an international Kernza conference. Their grain was sold to Patagonia Provisions that made the world’s first beer from Kernza, aptly named Long Root Ale. Over the years the Priskes restored 30 acres of tall grass prairie and 30 acres of prairie wetland. Such efforts earned them the “Leopold Restoration Award of Excellence in Ecological Restoration Practices” from the Friends of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum.

Now retired, the Priskes remain active in promoting responsible land management and agricultural sustainability.

They’ve sold their cattle and rent their pastures to other graziers.

They maintain land enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program with prescribed burnings.

To protect their legacy, the Priskes placed an agricultural conservation easement with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on the farm that restricts development in perpetuity.

The Priskes tell visitors that viewing their farm is like “seeing a piece of their souls.”

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Outstanding Collegiate and YFA Members Recognized Julie Wadzinski Tops YFA Discussion Meet

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ulie Wadzinski was selected as the winner of the 2021 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist Discussion Meet contest during the organization’s 102nd

Annual Meeting on Dec. 5.

The Discussion Meet contest is a panel discussion in which Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are judged on their ability to express their ideas and opinions and reach a solution on current issues affecting agriculture.

Wadzinski grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Marathon County. She is the Farm Operations instructor at Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake.

Wadzinski is an active member of the Barron County Farm Bureau having participated in the Young Farmers and Agriculturists Discussion Meet, served on the WFBF Policy Development Committee, as the past District 9 YFA Representative and is a past WFBF YFA Chair.

Wadzinski will represent Wisconsin at the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet at the AFBF Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia in January. In addition, GROWMARK, Inc. will provide the winner with $1,500, Blain’s Farm and Fleet will provide the winner with a chainsaw, and all contestants will receive a jacket courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc. The other Discussion Meet finalists were Rachel Harmann, Door County; Erin O’Toole, Kewaunee County; and Natasha Paris, Green Lake County.

Emma Buss Wins Collegiate Discussion Meet E mma Buss was selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 102nd Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 5.

Buss is a senior at UW-Platteville where she is majoring in agricultural business and dairy science. She grew up in Platteville on her family’s registered Holstein farm.

In addition to Collegiate Farm Bureau, Buss is an active member of the Pioneer Dairy Club where she serves on the sale committee and CERES Women’s Agricultural Fraternity.

Off campus, she works on her family’s farm assisting with day-to-day chores and field work. Buss plans to continue to work on the farm after graduation and find ways to still be involved in agriculture advocacy along with continuing to network with farmers.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet is a panel discussion in which collegiate members are judged on their ability to lead a committee discussion on current issues affecting agriculture and to develop consensus on an action plan to effectively address issues.

By participating, members build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Buss receives a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., and will represent Wisconsin in the national Collegiate Discussion Meet held in conjunction

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with the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in February.

Other finalists included Josh Gerbitz and Olivia Spaight from UW-Madison; Ryan Erickson from UW-Platteville; and Serenity Hetke and Emma Statz from UW-River Falls.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Kellie Zahn Earns Excellence in Ag Award

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ellie Zahn was selected as the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Excellence in Agriculture Award at the organization’s 102nd Annual Meeting on Dec. 5.

Zahn is the agriculture agent for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community where she manages the community gardens,

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teaches classes on gardening and food preservation and oversees the tribe’s agriculture lands. She is a Certified Crop Advisor and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from UW-River Falls.

Zahn also enjoys working on her family farm and volunteering in the community.

“This contest highlights individuals who have positively impacted Wisconsin agriculture, Farm Bureau and their communities while motivating others to do the same,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Kellie is an incredible advocate for agriculture and Farm Bureau member.”

The Excellence in Agriculture Award is presented to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 who is actively engaged in agriculture but derives the majority of his or her income from an off-farm agricultural career. The winner is selected based on his or her knowledge of agriculture, leadership in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations.

Zahn has been a Farm Bureau member since 2012 and serves as a board member and YFA Chair for the Shawano County Farm Bureau.

Zahn will compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia in January and receive $1,500 from GROWMARK, Inc. All finalists in the Excellence in Ag competition will receive a jacket courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc. Other participants included: Julie Sweney of Dodge County, Stephanie Abts of Manitowoc County; and Julie Wadzinski of Barron County.

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Bovines, Books and Brews

By Cassie Sonnentag

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lthough Cris Peterson was neither born nor raised on a farm, she certainly got to one as soon as she could. For the past 49 years, Cris has been farming with her husband, Gary, on their family’s dairy farm, Four Cubs Farm, in Grantsburg.

Throughout her years as a dairy farmer, Cris discovered a passion for writing that has led her to write 12 award-winning children’s books focused on agriculture. Her son Ben and his wife Nicki are the farm’s fifth generation and have added craft brewing to the mix, which allows the farm to reutilize distillers grains by topdressing the herd’s feed supply.

Bovines: Where it all started Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn., dairy farming is not a part of Cris’ backstory. However, as her family traveled to visit their lake house in Grantsburg in the summers of her youth, Cris found herself falling for a boy named Gary, whom she later married upon graduating from the University of Minnesota.

“I went directly from a sorority house with 33 women to a farm with 33 cows,” Cris said. “It was a hard

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adjustment, but it was also something I had always wanted.”

Immersing herself in the farm, Cris soon found herself thriving.

“Everyone is always looking for something bigger, something better; I was so thrilled to be in Gary’s family farmhouse,” Cris said. “In this small community, we had no other options. So, I bloomed where I was planted.”

The couple milked 45 cows in a tie stall barn until their son, Ben, came home to farm in 1998. The farm expanded progressively over time to 800 cows with a milking parlor until a barn fire devastated the family on Nov. 1, 2017. The fire consumed the farm’s original barn which housed the milking parlor, and for the first time since the late 1800s, cows were not milked at Four Cubs Farm.

“Our cows went all over Northwest Wisconsin,” Cris said.

“Thanks to neighbors, friends and even complete strangers, 860 cows were sent to different farms to be cared for as we recovered from the fire.”

Over the course of five months, WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

the freestall facility was retrofitted to install 16 robotic milking units. By October 2018, the farm was back to milking at full capacity. Today, Four Cubs Farm milks nearly 1,000 Holstein cows averaging 3.1 milkings per day.

Books: A divine intervention Farming isn’t a walk in the park and Cris realized that.

She recalled a day on the farm when her frustrations got the best of her.

“I was so frustrated on the farm, and I remember crying out to God, ‘You told me to do this!’” Cris said.

“Almost immediately, I felt this voice in my ear tell me, ‘Write children’s book reviews.’”

Cris began reviewing children’s books for her column, Huckleberry Bookshelf. The column grew from the local paper to the Wisconsin State Journal to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Soon, children’s books were arriving at Cris’ doorstep day after day.

“Publishers were sending me copies of books for me to review,” Cris said. “Every room in my house had shelves filled with books.”

Eventually, a national syndicate from Kansas City, Mo. reached out seeking Cris’ column, stretching it to nearly every corner of the country.

Her love of writing didn’t stop with the column. An unusual experience on the farm led to her next writing venture.

“When my daughter, Caroline, was knee-high to a grasshopper, I remember a day when we looked out to the pasture and saw a cow laying on its side,” Cris said.

The cow was delivering a breech calf and Cris stepped in to assist with the delivery. Once delivered, the calf was struggling to breathe.

“I remembered reading somewhere that you could do mouthto-mouth on a calf, so that’s what I did,” Cris said. “The calf, which we named Breathless, survived and I knew I had a story to tell.”

The experience inspired her to write her first story and Cris found a love for children’s writing.

“Extra Cheese, Please!” was Cris’ first book to be published in 1994. Since then, more than 100,000 copies of her books have sold nationwide and have received awards including numerous Book of the Year accolades for both Ohio and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federations and the Wisconsin Library Association Outstanding Children’s Book in 1996.

The writing process for Cris’ books almost always begins with the title.

“The title is number one for me; I want kids to have a sense of ‘Wow, I didn’t know that’, which starts with a well-written title,” Cris said.

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From there, Cris crafts the story around the title. From idea to publish, each book takes an average of two years to complete writing.

Cris is the author of the 2021-2022 Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the Year entitled Popcorn Country: The Story of America’s Favorite Snack. The idea for the book came to Cris after hearing a fun fact about the snack.

“I was once told that if an acre of popcorn were to pop in the field, it would look like a foot of snow was on the ground,” Cris said. “I’m trying to encapsulate a sense of wonder; I cannot grasp a story until something about it takes my breath away.”

Brews: The farm’s new adventure Ben and Nicki decided to purchase a building in Grantsburg in the fall of 2017.

Originally a creamery built in 1919, the building was initially purchased to serve as office space for Nicki’s marketing business, Spry Content.

However, the character and history of the building had them dreaming of even more.

The idea for a microbrewery was born. When the business model for Brickfield Brewing came together in 2018, the couple wanted to tie the new business to their family’s fifthgeneration farm.

“Their vision is ‘grain to glass’,” Cris shared.

The couple grows barley that is custom malted into their beers. Additionally, spent grains leftover from the brewing process are taken to the farm

where they are fed to the cows.

“The grains are used to top-dress their total mixed ration and the cows sure do love it,” Cris said. “When the barrels come into the barn, the cows will follow as it is sprinkled onto their feed.

The “grain to glass” mentality is front and center at the brewery in a featured mural in the entrance. With beer names such as “Century Farm Saison,” “Old Creamery Milk Stout” and “Sunset Harvest Hazy IPA,” the brewery continues to pay homage to its farming heritage right down to what is in the tap.

“They’ve really done something great with this,” Cris said. “It truly is a special addition to us here in Grantsburg.”

Whether she is working on the farm, writing her next story or lending time at her son’s brewery, Cris puts her passion into everything she does. Carrying on a farming passion that spans across five generations, she hopes her stories have an impact on children by giving them an appreciation for how their food is grown and raised.

“I live such a lucky life – it is never boring here on the farm,” Cris said. “I want to show this magical miracle of food.” wfbf.com

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NEWS

Ripp Joins Farm Bureau Staff, Gefvert Takes New Role K eith Ripp has been hired as the Executive Director of Governmental Relations for Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

Ripp brings with him nine years of experience as a state legislator and one year as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Ripp manages Ripp Farms LLC, a crop and dairy

heifer farm, with his family.

As WFBF’s Executive Director of Governmental Relations Ripp will oversee lobbying efforts on the state level. In addition, he will be working on local issues and with county Farm Bureau members on policy and governmental initiatives.

“We are pleased to be adding Keith’s experience to our team, especially his knowledge on local issues,” said WFBF Chief Administrative Officer Kim Pokorny. “He brings a strong voice

to our lobbying team and as a farmer will be able to serve our members well at the Capitol.”

Ripp lives near Lodi with his wife, Lori. He has three grown children and four grandchildren.

Ripp began his duties on Oct. 18. He succeeds Karen Gefvert who is now WFBF’s Innovation and Engagement Strategist.

Gefvert began her new role on Oct. 18. This new position will focus on political strategy and building engagement with farmers and their legislators.

“We serve our members to the best of our abilities,” added Pokorny. “We are constantly evaluating how we can look to the future and start being more proactive for our membership.

This new position will help us be successful in that pursuit.”

Gefvert and her husband, Brad, live near Fort Atkinson with their five children. She has worked for WFBF since 2011.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation invites you to attend

AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Monona Terrace Convention Center • Madison, WI

Early Registration Deadline: January 19 Cost: $30 per person by registration deadline. $60 after deadline and at the door.

Tentative Schedule of Events: 11:00 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Opening Program 12:15 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Legislative Briefing 3:00 p.m. Leave for Capitol Visits *Due to Dane County ordinances for COVID-19 mitigation, masks and other provisions may be required for this event and details are subject to change.

Presented by: Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

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154 Volunteers sign 504 New Members Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation wrapped up the 2021 membership year on Sept. 30 with total membership of 46,830 members.

F

arm Bureau membership is comprised of voting and associate members. Voting members are farmers, people with direct involvement in production agriculture and owners of agricultural property.

Associate members are individuals and businesses who join Farm Bureau to utilize services and benefits and to support the work of the organization.

WFBF finished the year with 22,642 voting members and 24,188 associate members.

Twenty-four of the 61 county Farm Bureaus reported a membership gain, led by Barron, Dane and La Crosse Counties. Twenty-eight county Farm Bureaus reported an increase in voting members. The largest increases came in Portage, Wood and Green Lake counties.

Farm Bureau membership volunteers from 50 counties stepped up their efforts in 2021, signing up more than 500 new members.

Anyone interested in becoming a Farm Bureau member can print and mail in an application and check or sign up online by visiting, wfbf.com/ membership/application.

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Bayfield

Superior Shores (Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Ashland)

Douglas

Iron Ashland Burnett

Sawyer

Polk Burnett Farm Bureau

Price

Polk

Rusk

Barron

Lincoln

St. Croix

Marinette

Langlade

Taylor Chippewa

Dunn

Oconto

Marathon Pierce

Door

Shawano

Clark

Eau Claire Buffalo

Portage

Wood

Waupaca

Outagamie

Brown

Jackson Manitowoc

Trempealeau

Waushara

Adams

La Crosse

Both Voting and Total Gain

Monroe Fond du Lac

Vernon

Voting Gain Only Total Gain Only

Marquette Green Lake

Juneau Sauk Crawford Richland

Washington

Columbia Dodge

No Gains

Dane

Iowa

Jefferson Waukesha

Grant Lafayette

Green

Rock

Walworth

Racine Kenosha

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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isconsin Farm Bureau officially kicked off its 2022 membership campaign in October. This year’s theme is “We Treasure Our Members,” and will focus on a series of pirate-themed incentives for county Farm Bureaus and

membership volunteers. Those signing up new members during the coming year will have an opportunity to draw prizes from the traveling Farm Bureau treasure chest at upcoming Farm Bureau events.

Top Membership Workers Recognized at Annual Meeting

Ryan Klussendorf from Taylor County earned a spot in the Farm Bureau Proud Club by signing at least five new members.

He is pictured with his wife, Cheri.

George Blomberg from Price County earned a spot in the Farm Bureau Proud Club by signing at least five new members. He is pictured with his wife, Hope.

Scott Breitrick, with his wife Kerry, represented Shawano County as a top 10 membership worker.

Robert Schwandt represented Dodge County in the Farm Bureau Proud Club. He attended with his wife, Karen.

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Member Benefits:

The Gifts that Keep on Giving Farm Bureau members who are agricultural producers and patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage when patronage is paid.

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

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

Rural Mutual

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

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

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

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

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

Visit farmbureau.bank.

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

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

Member Protector Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Avis • Budget • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program Grainger • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Office Depot • John Deere Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* For complete details, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP

Green Lake County Member Saves with Ford G reen Lake County Farm Bureau President and dairy farmer Peter Badtke took advantage of the Ford member benefit to purchase a F-250 Super Duty truck from Sondalle Ford in Berlin.

The Farm Bureau Ford Bonus Cash is exclusive for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Members receive $500 Bonus Cash on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2020/2021/2022 Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty®. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply.

Badtke and his wife, Lori, milk 90 Holsteins and grow crops on 300 acres on their farm south of Ripon. They have been Farm Bureau members since 1995.

“This was our first purchase from Sondalle Ford and our salesperson, Mark Trochinski, was fully aware of the Farm Bureau discount,” said Badtke. “He made our buying experience awesome. He met with us after hours to test drive the new truck and to look at my trade-in.”

Trochinski said he realizes that people have different work schedules and just because he works 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. doesn’t mean that works for others.

“I come in early, stay late and meet people on a day off; in Pete’s case I came back later in the evening so they could test drive a vehicle,” said Trochinski. “Pete and his family were very kind and a pleasure to deal with.”

Trochinski added that because he is in a rural area, he is fortunate to work with many farmers.

“Ford offers different rebates based on an individual’s career or membership, for example, Farm Bureau, first responders, Veterans or college students,” said

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

By Marian Viney

Trochinski who previously worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years. “I try to get to know our customers quickly to see if a rebate might apply. I pride myself in finding the best deal possible for my customers.”

Badtke said that the Farm Bureau Ford member benefit was easy to use.

“District 5 Coordinator Becky Hibicki logged into the Ford rebate website, filled in the information and emailed me the certificate,” said Badtke. “Then I emailed the certificate to our salesperson.”

Badtke added that he will probably visit the same dealer and “kick the tires” on his next vehicle.

Badtke said he has utilized numerous Farm Bureau member benefits, such as carrying Rural Mutual Insurance coverage on his family’s vehicles and farm.

“We’ve also used other Farm Bureau member benefits,” said Badtke. “For example, the discount on hotels. We’ve also shared our experience with other Farm Bureau members.”

In addition to serving as president, Badtke serves on the Green Lake County Farm Bureau Dairy Committee, participated in the WFBF Leadership Institute and serves as chairperson of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Princeton.

You must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by Jan. 3, 2023.

For more information, visit wfbf.com/membership/memberbenefits or visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details.

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VOICES

Our Farm Bureau Blessings

A Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz

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s we continue through the holiday season, it is important to reflect on our blessings. Whether it is family, friends, a bountiful harvest, a warm home or simply the air we breathe, we have many things to be thankful for.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, but as we return to normalcy there are many people and things I am thankful for.

Technology has come a long way over the last two years. It gave us the ability to meet with people from across the country efficiently without the need for travel. Although online meetings have their place and can distribute information quickly, many times they are

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not as impactful for participants as inperson meetings.

This month we held our 102nd WFBF Annual Meeting. Our membership welcomed the opportunity to be able to be in-person, attend workshops, celebrate our successes, see old friends and meet new ones. The impact an in-person annual meeting has on our organization and on us individually is greatly beneficial. Being able to talk faceto-face with likeminded people helps our psyche and lowers our stress. Networking with others not only helps each of us personally and professionally but also drives Farm Bureau forward when it comes to both our annual meeting and other WFBF events.

When we talk about the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference, it is important to recognize the countless hours the WFBF staff puts in preparing everything for a successful meeting. I am thankful for the entire Farm Bureau staff and the work they do to support us throughout the year. From this magazine to social media campaigns, highlighting members, lobbying, member outreach, training, financial services and supporting Ag in the Classroom, the staff works hard every day supporting you, our members. From the first day I became a member, I have been impressed by the professionalism of this organization and our staff is one of the biggest contributors

to that professional image.

Farm Bureau is a people organization.

Whether it is the people working for us or the thousands of volunteers across this great state, we are appreciative of every one of you. Whether you are engaging with students about what you do on the farm, sharing your story to one of our media outlets, testifying at the State Capitol on issues affecting your farm or simply spending time with a neighbor, we need each of you, your individual ideas and the unique talents you bring to the organization that set us apart from many others. The impact we have Madison and Washington, D.C., because of your efforts clearly shows what makes Farm Bureau special.

Thank you for your membership!

When our membership speaks in one voice, we are powerful. You add to that voice, truly making us the trusted voice leading Wisconsin agriculture forward.

As we celebrate another holiday season, please remember what you are thankful for. I am certainly thankful for all the great people who make up this organization.

Merry Christmas and I hope you have a blessed New Year!

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Culture, Clarity, COVID & Courage A Message from WFBF’s Kim Pokorny

and keep pushing forward, we will be better tomorrow.

This organization was built by the grassroots initiatives of its forefathers; similarly, we need to move forward as a staff with the support and guidance from our members.

S

ince I started at Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in August 2020, there have been four major themes to my work: culture, clarity, COVID-19 and courage.

Culture Culture has been a significant focus of mine since day one.

When I first joined the WFBF staff, I scheduled a meeting with each team member and simply listened. Those meetings opened my eyes to what I needed to focus on as a leader. Culture is a constant investment of time and attention and is something we strive to build upon every day as an organization.

Culture is less about what we want to achieve and more about who we are. The same is true here at WFBF: who we are is as important as the goals we have set out to achieve.

Staff and members each have a role in building culture. As members, interactions with the staff team can help or hinder the building of culture. With an extremely dedicated team that works hard every day to serve both you and Wisconsin agriculture, remember that we, too, are human. Mistakes are going to be made, but if we learn from them DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

Clarity Improving clarity improves connection and engagement by increasing trust and transparency. There was a need for clear direction for WFBF’s purpose, plan and responsibility.

American Farm Bureau Federation conducted a peer review of WFBF last fall. They reviewed our governing documents, communications, member activities and financials while talking with staff, board, members and stakeholders.

A report was delivered last November providing insights and improvement opportunities for both the staff and state board of directors.

Following the peer review, we began the strategic planning process. The strategic plan provides the roadmap for staff to focus their time, expertise and resources. AFBF facilitated the process involving a diverse cross-section of our membership. A plan was delivered to the board of directors in March, minor changes were made, and the plan was approved and adopted.

Clarity on roles and responsibilities begins with clear job descriptions for every team member. Every job description was reviewed by an outside consulting firm to ensure our staffing positions align with our organization’s mission, allowing us to hire and retain a high-quality staff to continue moving WFBF forward.

COVID-19 The pandemic blurred the division between work and family lives, shifting what employees value. Across the world, employees are challenging the systems that have traditionally governed the

workplace. This new reality requires a new approach from leaders.

From the start, there were more unknowns than knowns. What we have always known is no longer and, because of it, we have had to navigate uncharted waters as an organization.

Culture is ultimately built through relationships. Relationships are best built through in-person interactions, a luxury I didn’t have when I started. This kept me from getting out and meeting members. I may have been limited at the start, but I am excited to charge towards the vision I have for our organization moving forward.

Courage Change takes a lot of courage. I have listened, asked questions, obtained clarity and worked on building culture – these are daily processes for me as a leader.

I am starting to make visible changes at WFBF. These decisions allow us to fulfill the initiatives identified within our strategic plan, be more effective and offer opportunities for our members.

These decisions do not happen in a vacuum. The WFBF Board of Directors continues to be involved in discussions as your elected leaders. Since the day I started, there has been accountability and transparency with those decisions and will continue to be so moving forward.

As we all move into this next year, let us be courageous enough to make changes that improve our overall culture and provide clarity for our organization moving forward.

We won’t always agree on decisions, directions or state issues, but we need to respect one another. We need to respect decisions even when we disagree.

Let us move forward together as – “the trusted voice leading Wisconsin agriculture forward.”

Pokorny is WFBF’s Chief Administrative Officer.

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VOICES

EPA Muddying the Waters Again

A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

I

know my farmland like the back of my hand. I can tell you what field our cattle are grazing and under which tree a new mama is tending her calf. I can show you the exact spot my grandkids got their first lesson in feeding goats.

I can tell you the spot where I told my father I wanted to be a farmer just like him. What I cannot tell you now is whether the ditch along my field that only has water in it after a heavy rain will be considered a water of the U.S. My father farmed this land and his father before him. Our family farm has changed over the decades as we are

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always looking for ways to do better and protect our natural resources, so our farm survives for generations to come.

So to say that I was disappointed when the Environmental Protection Agency announced its plans to turn back the clock on responsible regulatory reform is an understatement. Not only are the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers repealing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, but while they work on a new rule, they are reverting to outdated regulations that have caused decades of confusion and litigation. When the economy is struggling, and the supply chain is at its breaking point, I cannot think of worse timing to create further backlogs with regulatory uncertainty and a cumbersome permitting process.

Using the old significant nexus test, the federal government can now, again, extend its regulatory reach onto more private land. This “test” allows the federal government to make case-by-case decisions to determine if a ditch or low spot is a water of the U.S. and subject to federal regulation. Farmers and ranchers could be required to get Clean Water Act permits for simple things like plowing a field, planting their crops, or building a fence for their livestock. And if you’ve ever had to deal with a federal permitting process, you know the thick stack of

paperwork is more than most farmers and ranchers can handle alone. We shouldn’t have to hire a team of lawyers and consultants to simply plow our field.

As the EPA continues to pursue a new rule to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, the agency must follow through on Administrator Regan’s promise to listen to rural America and understand how its rule will impact farms. The decision to rewrite the current rule brings uncertainty to farmers and ranchers who have been caught in the regulatory ping pong of the past three administrations.

Farmers and ranchers – and all Americans – need a steady definition of “waters of the United States” that brings clarity and certainty to clean water efforts. The EPA must recognize the burden of overreaching regulations on farmers and respect the statute by not writing the term “navigable” out of the Clean Water Act. This rule serves as a crucial test for Administrator Regan as folks across the countryside watch closely, hoping he keeps his promise.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Harvest Winds Down

A Guest Column by AgriVisor's Karl Setzer

A

s harvest wraps up we are getting a better indication of what final crop numbers may be. Yields ended up being better than expected across much of the U.S., even in areas where drought losses were reported, including the Dakotas.

Yields were quite variable this year, which is not surprising given the mixed growing conditions they experienced.

Many regions of the U.S. received timely rainfalls which led to these higher yields.

Quality was a concern to start to harvest on corn, but subsided as the season progressed, as well.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

Now that harvest has wound down across much of the U.S., the question is what will be done with newly collected bushels. Farmer were heavy sellers to start the harvest season, particularly on soybeans. The reasoning for this is that a smaller volume of that commodity can be moved to generate cash flow. Farmers also believe that corn has a better chance of price appreciation and are showing more interest in holding the crop for future sales.

This approach to marketing is causing volatility to build in basis values. Basis weakened once harvest started which is not uncommon. This weakness was short-lived, however, and basis started to improve mid-way through the harvest window. The holding of bushels was a primary reason for this action, but so was the improvement to processing margins.

Basis values will likely remain more volatile than usual this year as even with favorable returns buyers do not want to extend coverage any more than needed given ample inventories to buy from.

We are starting to see more interest in next year’s crops. Input values have rallied considerably in recent months, and many are now more than double a year ago. The most notable of these is nitrogen-based fertilizer for corn production. This may

start to impact corn acreage next year, with some economists predicting up to three million fewer acres.

The question is what this acreage loss may mean for corn balance sheets. If corn plantings are scaled back, it will likely happen on low production acres. These are mostly in the fringe areas of the Corn Belt and many are not very productive to begin with. This may not impact corn production all that much, especially if the shift is in the Dakotas where crop was lost this year anyway.

Now is also when commodity demand starts to be more of a factor in price discovery. After an initial surge, we have seen the demand for our corn drop off in recent weeks. Soybean demand all year has been less than ideal, with ongoing pressure from South America for sales.

Given the larger crops that are being predicted for Brazil and Argentina this year, this demand is unlikely to subside anytime soon. As a result, the U.S. will need to be more price competitive than ever to maintain a share of the global market.

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

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LEADERSHIP

Members Chosen for State Committees Promotion and Education Committee

K

ari Schoenike of Dodge County, Tammy Wiedenbeck of Grant County and Clara Hedrich of Calumet County have been appointed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee by the organization’s Board of Directors. Their terms began at WFBF’s Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference, Dec. 3-6, in Wisconsin Dells.

“Kari, Tammy and Clara will bring a wealth of Schoenike knowledge and new perspective to the Promotion and Education Committee. I look forward to what they will contribute to the committee through their terms,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz.

Kari Schoenike grew up on her family’s crop farm in rural Dodge County. There she developed a passion for agriculture and education that she combined into her role as a teacher while connecting students to agriculture in their daily lives. Currently, she shares her knowledge with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as an Offender Classification Specialist. Kari is an active Dodge County Farm Bureau member and has helped plan and implement a variety of educational activities for her community.

Tammy Wiedenbeck serves as a Business Development Manager for Hilbert Communications and Bug Tussel Wireless Internet. Along with her full-time role, Tammy is the seventh generation on her family’s farm and works together with her brother’s family and parents to run the beef and crop operation. She also manages a photography business on the side. In addition to her involvement with the Grant County Farm Bureau, Tammy is a lifetime member of the Grant County Cattlemen’s Association, Lancaster FFA Alumni and UW-Platteville Alumni. She chooses to be a member of these

Wiedenbeck

Hedrich

organizations in hopes of supporting youth and encouraging their continued involvement in agriculture.

Clara Hedrich grew up on a dairy farm in Northeastern Wisconsin before going on to teach high school agriculture for 39 years. Clara, along with her husband and four of their five adult children, founded LaClare Family Creamery in Pipe. specializing in goat milk cheeses. Currently, Clara coordinates the creamery’s agri-tourism events while also owning and operating KIDFARM, LLC with her husband. Clara serves as the Calumet County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom coordinator and Promotion and Education chair, as well as on the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association Board.

The Promotion and Education Committee is a group of nine leaders who represent the nine Wisconsin Farm Bureau districts. Committee members develop, implement and promote projects and programs which build awareness and understanding of agriculture and provide leadership development for the agricultural community. The committee’s chair sits on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Board of Directors as the program’s representative. The Promotion and Education Program is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee

K

at and Brady Peper of Sauk County, Jacob and Jennifer Hoewisch of Waupaca County and Alissa Sosnovske of Lincoln County have been appointed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee by the organization’s Board of Directors. Their terms began at the end of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference on Dec. 5.

“It is exciting to see these young members step up and assume leadership roles in our organization,” WFBF President Kevin Krentz said. “The YFA program is designed to build the next generation of Farm Bureau leaders and these appointees will surely rise to the occasion.”

Kat and Brady Peper raise beef cattle and grow crops and hay

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Peper

Hoewisch

on approximately 200 acres on their farm near Rock Springs.

Additionally, Brady owns and operates a welding and fabrication business. Kat works as a technical services manager for CRV USA. The Pepers serve on the Sauk County Farm Bureau board WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee continued

of directors; Brady serves as both the YFA chair and Local Affairs chair, while Kat serves as the Promotion and Education chair and is the county’s secretary.

Jacob and Jennifer Hoewisch are fifthgeneration farmers on Jacob’s family dairy farm near Fremont.

Jacob is a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College and has served as the Waupaca County YFA chair for the past Sosnovske five years. Jennifer is a

registered nurse at the local hospital. They have two daughters: Adalynn and Everlee.

Alissa Sosnovske farms with her family on their dairy farm near Gleason. Growing up, she was a member of 4-H, FFA and the Lincoln County Junior Dairy Committee. Alongside her family, Alissa raises registered Holsteins and Red and White Holsteins. She manages the farm’s youngstock.

The WFBF YFA Committee consists of nine couples or individuals (ages 18-35) from around the state. Its goal is to get more young farmers and agriculturists acquainted with and involved in Farm Bureau. They carry out a variety of statewide initiatives, such as conferences, contests and award programs.

The YFA Program is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Family Ties Bind Hamilton to Collegiate Farm Bureau E

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

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Hamilton’s family had always been involved in Farm Bureau on the county level and she knew she wanted to be involved on the county level, as well.

Once in college, she would continue her involvement by joining the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at UWRiver Falls.

As COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, the club now has more opportunity to host more traditional events on campus including a barn dance, attending the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference and a chapter Christmas party. Hamilton’s role as vice president includes helping out on all committees to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Hamilton also manages the chapter’s clothing order.

After vet school, Hamilton has an interest in large animal production medicine. Her dream job is to serve as a vet for a large-scale livestock farm or several large farms, particularly a large dairy operation. Hamilton plans to continue her involvement in Farm Bureau at the county level after graduation.

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mma Hamilton from Adams County is a sophomore currently serving as the Collegiate Farm Bureau vice president at the UW– River Falls. Hamilton is studying animal science with a meat animal option and her goal is to attend vet school upon graduation.

Hamilton has always been surrounded by agriculture. She grew up on her family's hobby farm and said she was lucky enough to have some sheep when she little and grew very fond of them.

Through her years in 4-H and FFA, Hamilton took on leadership positions while growing her sheep project. She also dipped her toes in the horse project and took on leadership positions within the Horse and Pony club project in her home county.

“It is helpful and insightful for me to be a leader now in the club a fresh set of eyes,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton's involvement in Farm Bureau started long before college. Hamilton’s experience started in Adams County. As she was involved in FFA, the events she attended were frequently sponsored by Farm Bureau. Hamilton became very familiar with Farm Bureau as she started to attend and speak at banquets, thanking Farm Bureau for all the great experiences they had helped sponsor.

By Kelsey Biel

Kelsey Biel is a sophomore studying agricultural education and animal science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She grew up in Harmony, Minn. on her family's dairy farm. Upon graduation, Biel plans to pursue a career as a high school agriculture instructor. On campus, she is involved in Gopher Dairy Club, the Beta Chapter of Clovia, and Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club. wfbf.com

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MINUTES

JULIE SWENEY

By Marian Viney

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

I grew up in Dodge County on my family’s dairy farm, which is still in operation. My father and grandfather have a passion for the Guernsey breed because of the high butterfat and protein components. I pursued a dual degree in life sciences communication and ag and applied economics at UW-Madison.

This led me to my position at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. My husband, Todd, and I and our daughter, Sadie, live in Fall River.

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

I don’t believe I ever had one single thing in mind, as I vividly remember playing doctor, farmer, chef, circus ringmaster, teacher and so much more when I was younger. I always wanted to experience as much as I could and I wanted to work in the agriculture industry. Everything seemed to fall into place from there.

Tell us about your responsibilities as a Director of Communication at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative?

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I oversee and write all communication pieces that represent the cooperative including monthly newsletters, weekly e-newsletters, the website, social media and press releases. I work with our other divisions on their communication pieces as well.

I oversee the membership database and coordinate the cooperative efforts on planning for the organization’s district and annual meeting. I manage and coordinate the new leadership development program we’ve developed, known as FarmFirst Future Dairy Leaders, focused on preparing future leaders of the cooperative and the industry.

Share your experience with the WFBF Leadership Institute.

The WFBF Leadership Institute is a wonderful experience to build skills in serving as a leader and to grow your network of inspiring, ambitious members in Farm Bureau. I loved this experience to grow and build my skills and to gain connections with others in my institute class. The experience expanded my awareness of what WFBF does and offers its members, which in turn makes me a better member and leader within my county.

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WITH DODGE COUNTY’S

How long have you served on the Dodge County Farm Bureau Board of Directors? What is the best part of these roles? The most challenging part of these roles?

I’ve served on the Dodge County Farm Bureau board since 2011 and as membership chair since 2016. What I enjoy most about these roles is working with board members with different perspectives and experiences and to plan membership events.

My time on the board has been very eye-opening to learn about the policies Farm Bureau advocates for, in addition to the learning opportunities it provides.

Describe your experience with Discussion Meet.

As a long-time participant of the Discussion Meet and winner of the 2020 state Discussion Meet contest, I appreciate this YFA contest for what it offers. Not only does the experience expand a person’s communication skills but led me to make lifelong friendships along the way.

What is one agricultural experience that has defined you?

Selecting one experience is impossible, but I would say that the Washington, D.C., Fly-In is one. In my role at FarmFirst, my work focuses on sharing updates with members about dairy policies and federal programs. Keeping members informed and, more importantly, having their voices heard is a top priority with my position.

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

While in college, I signed up as a member. I became active in the YFA program, which led myself and others to form the first Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter in Wisconsin. I served as the first UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau president and although we were a new organization, we held our first Ag Day on Campus, which has grown to an even larger event.

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

In 2013, I backpacked through Europe. For 14 days, a friend and I visited seven cities including Paris, London and Dublin. It was the adventure of a lifetime, and I would love to do it again.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Holiday Salsa Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz.) fresh or frozen cranberries • 1 c. sugar • 6 green onions, chopped • 1/2 c. fresh cilantro leaves, chopped • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped • 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened • Assorted crackers or tortilla chips

Recipes from Wood County Farm Bureau member Heidi Slinkman.

Heidi and her sister Jennifer Dempze are the fourth generation growers at the Gaynor Cranberry Company. The family has been growing cranberries in Wood County for more than 140 years.

Directions

1. Place cranberries and sugar in a food processor; cover and pulse until coarsely chopped.

Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in the onions, cilantro and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

2. To serve, place cream cheese on a serving plate. Drain salsa and spoon over cream cheese. Serve with crackers or chips. Yield: 12 servings.

Tip: Peppers (Hot): Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin.

Avoid touching your face.

Cranberry-Chipotle Ham Ingredients

• 1 cooked smoked bone-in ham (10 to 12 lb) • 1 c. whole berry cranberry sauce • 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar, packed • 2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard • 1/4 tsp. chipotle chile pepper powder

Directions

1. Move oven rack to lowest position.

Heat oven to 325°F. Line roasting pan with foil.

2. Remove skin from ham; trim fat to 1/4-inch thickness. Make shallow cuts in fat at 1-inch intervals in diamond pattern. Place ham in pan.

3. In medium bowl, stir together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chiles and chile pepper powder. Brush mixture on

• 1-2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (from 7-oz can), finely chopped • fresh cranberries, if desired • fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired • orange wedges, if desired

ham. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of meat and does not touch bone or rest in fat.

4. B ake 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, brushing with pan juices every 30 minutes, or until thermometer reads at least 140°F. Cover loosely with foil; let stand 10 to 15 minutes for easier carving. Garnish with cranberries, rosemary and oranges.

Dipped Cranberries Ingredients and Supplies • cranberries, washed and dried • wax paper • toothpicks

Directions

1. Stick toothpicks into tops of cranberries.

2. Melt almond bark.

3. Dip cranberries into either the

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• 24 oz. almond bark chocolate flavored coating • 16 oz. caramel dip almond bark or caramel dip.

4. Place on wax paper-lined sheet to dry.

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Farmers Showcase Diverse Ways They

Strive for Sustainability

By Rachel Gerbitz

Innovation and Conservation Chris and Brenda Conley own and operate HighGem Holsteins and Normandes in Neosho.

In 1927, Chris’ great grandparents started the farm.

They decided to settle in the southern portion of Dodge County because the rolling hills reminded them of Switzerland.

Building and retro-fitting equipment has offered cost-savings for the Conleys. Chris sold the conventional tillage equipment and is proud to share that all his field work is done with one 100-horsepower tractor.

“I figured that if this is what we are going to do, I don’t need this [tillage] equipment and I can’t go back because it’s not here to use,” said Chris Conley.

In 2016, Chris started experimenting with no-till. During the first year, he started with only a small percentage of his acres but the next year, he transitioned 100% of their farm to no-till.

“If you don’t have any sleepless nights, you aren’t doing enough,” shared Chris on getting started with no-till and cover crops.

Later, Chris introduced cover crops and planting green and found that planting green promotes biodiversity.

“Conservation efforts benefit yourself today and benefits future generations tomorrow,” said Chris. “Tending to the land shows how much you care about what you are doing.”

Chris is using less inputs to get the same quality. He is working to improve soil health.

Introducing conservation efforts has reignited Chris’ passion and motivation for improvement. He is always trying new ideas and experimenting with different practices. Chris finds himself closely examining his soil for good bugs and birds as a sign of healthy land.

In addition to the cost-saving sustainability of building and maintaining their own equipment and conservation efforts to improve soil health, the herd of Normande and Holstein cattle fits in with the Conleys’ sustainability goals.

Normande cattle originated in the hilly regions of France. They are well suited for grazing. They also have a high feed to milk conversion rate. The cattle are grazed from April to November. Normande cattle are a dual-purpose breed and support the Conleys’ long-term plan of transitioning the herd to beef.

“We have lots of hills here and we do a lot of pasturing and grazing. They work really well in our system,” said Brenda.

The cattle, land and equipment work together to achieve sustainability goals. The Conleys hope to pass the farm on to their daughters someday. They have laid the groundwork for healthy soil and water for generations to come.

A Commitment to Community From the Earth Farm and Education Garden is the community farm of the StockbridgeMunsee Community near Bowler. Staff grow 30 different kinds of fruits and vegetables to provide 54 community supported agriculture (CSA) members with fresh produce during 15 weeks of the year.

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The Stockbridge-Munsee tribe is one of 11 tribes in Wisconsin. There are close to 1,500 members, one-third of the members live on the 24,000-acre reservation in Shawano County.

For two years, Kellie Zahn, Stockbridge-Munsee Agriculture agent and Shawano County Farm Bureau member has worked to combine traditional and modern agriculture in the sixacre space.

The goal is to grow the farm into what will best serve the community and best support food security.

“One initiative at the heart of From the Earth is to bring back traditional plants, foods and growing practices to the tribal community,” explained Kellie. “An entire generation has lost its connection to the land and traditional food of their ancestors.”

The staff has been experimenting with heritage plants WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

A Commitment to Community continued since the garden started in 2017.

Many heritage seeds do not come with growing instructions, so there has been some trial and error involved in introducing these plants and practices to the community.

“The high tunnels at From the Earth are a melding point of modern and traditional agriculture,” said Kellie. Traditional crops are grown in the high tunnels supported by modern technology such as drip irrigation, landscape fabric and ventilation.

Kellie explained that the main heritage crops that are being reintroduced in the garden are corn, beans, tomatoes and squash.

Corn, beans and squash were traditionally grown in ‘three sisters’ gardens.

Kellie and staff have reintroduced this practice at From the Earth. The corn provides a trellis for the beans, the beans provide nitrogen for the corn and the squash helps to control the weeds in the system.

Historically, indigenous people raised crops on raised beds.

Some theories to the concepts and successes behind this system

include extending the growing season and moving plants away from the flood plain.

The raised bed system also enhances soil health and sustainability. Inputs and energy are focused on the mound, while clutter and waste are left in the ditches around the ridges.

For Kellie, it has been rewarding to reconnect the community with their food supply and to learn from the land and the plants that are grown. She welcomes community members to be involved in the growing process. People in the community have been missing the personal connection to their food.

“Being able to bring back crops that their ancestors have grown has been a special experience and often gives tribal members a spiritual connection to their food,” added Kellie.

The community garden works with the local casino to compost food scraps. These food scraps are used as fertilizer in the garden.

Community involvement and integration is the core of success at From the Earth Farm and Education Garden. It is exciting to bring the community to the farm and get them involved and interested in how their food is produced.

Providing the community with a healthy, secure food source is sustainability at its best at From the Earth.

“Sustainability means being here for future generations. We want to take care of our land and plants right now, not only to grow food for the community today, but also for tomorrow and years to come,” said Kellie.

Partnerships Promote Sustainability

Lake Family Farm is a fifth-generation farm located near Boyceville in Dunn County. The farm transitioned from dairy to cash grain in 1999. Jeff and Kelley Lake, along with their children April and Jake, grow 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They also raise a small beef herd. The Lake family has embraced innovative management and conservation practices and are continually promoting and protecting soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat, all while strengthening the farm’s bottom line.

Jeff works with Dunn County Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) to develop conservation plans.

John Sippl, District Conservationist for the NRCS, has advised the Lakes on herbicide programs and cover crops.

John encourages looking at the total dynamic of a crop program to diagnose specific areas of the fields and maximize DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

profitability. He has worked with Jeff to align his land with the four main principles of soil health. The principles include: always leaving the ground covered; continual live plant or root; plant diversity; and minimize disturbance. A bonus principle is integrating cattle into the crop rotation. Applying manure adds organic matter to the soil, which is especially useful in the sandy region where the Lakes farm.

Jeff checks the boxes of the soil health principles by planting cover crops, rotating hay, corn and soybeans, and practicing notill. Jeff will leave some fields planted in cover crops for a year to build up soil health.

Grassed waterways have been particularly important on the Lake’s farm. Jeff prioritizes keeping waterways surrounding the farm clean.

continued on page 34

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Partnerships continued “We believe if we have healthy soil, we will have healthy water,” said Jeff.

Pheasants Forever has been an active partner in Jeff Lake’s success.

“Working lands breed healthy wildlife,” says Scott Stipetich of Pheasants Forever.

Scott helped Jeff create profit maps to determine the cost effectiveness of planting corn on low yielding ground.

Rather than investing time and inputs into the lower yielding land, they have found that these areas are better suited for cover crops or buffer strips.

These buffer areas offer both cost and environmental benefits for the farm while promoting wildlife habitat.

Jeff would rather see wildlife in the buffer strips than in the corn. The Lakes have seen a decrease in animal damage to their corn crop since implementing buffer strips.

Jeff compares planting no-till to planting a garden in a front lawn without using a rototiller. There are still challenges to no-till.

When getting started with no-till, Jeff advises to have patience. “You have to stick with it for three years,” said Jeff, “You may see a yield decrease at first, but it will pay off.”

Cover crops show results more quickly than no-till. Within a year of planting cover crops, Jeff saw improved soil tilth. He is a big believer in red clover.

“It really turns the ground over quickly,” added Jeff.

Having proactively prepared their soil and land through cover crops, no-till, and buffer strips, the Lakes are not intimidated by large rain events.

Combined, the practices they have implemented ensure the longevity of the farm’s future.

“Sustainability means we can pass the farm on to the next generation – even to our grandkids,” said Jeff.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

#WFBFAM21 Eau Claire County Farm Bureau

Derrick Papcke, Walworth County

Heidi Slinkman, Wood County

Brad and Carmen Weber, Wood County

Gloria Regan, Calumet County

Nicole Schommer, Sheboygan County

Leslie Svacina, St. Croix County

Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-Madison

Send us YOUR Photos

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Ag in the Classroom Program Awards Teacher Mini-Grants W

isconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program has awarded thirteen teacher mini-grants to be used for agricultural literacy lessons and activities. The $100 grants, funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, provide opportunities for teachers to obtain funding that may not be available through their local school budgets.

The following teachers were awarded grants: Ag is for All – Keri Radtke - Mineral Point Elementary, Mineral Point This project will provide second grade students timely access to literature about agricultural topics using books. Dedicating a section of the classroom library to agriculture-related topics, the books will be readily available for students to do self-selected research and allow them the opportunity to learn about agriculture. Funds received from the grant will be used to buy a variety of agriculturerelated books.

Cooking in the Classroom – Livia Doyle - Mineral Point Elementary, Mineral Point With adult supervision, fourth graders are at a perfect age to begin using tools in the kitchen. This project will allow students to prepare, cook and dish simple foods by using basic ingredients and seasonal produce. Students will gain a greater awareness of where and how food is grown and produced by learning about the top commodities grown throughout Wisconsin. Funds received from the grant will be used to buy cutting boards, apple peelers, paring knives and other needed equipment.

Cultivating Young Minds – Samantha Mueller and Sara Hamilton - Kickapoo Elementary, Viola This project will build an Agricultural Literacy Classroom Ag on the Lawn and BeyondLibrary to introduce Jodi Meyer- Independence students to the High School, Independence wonderment of Wisconsin The Independence FFA and agriculture, agricultural education classes facilitating their plan to promote agricultural understanding literacy in the district’s of where their elementary classes. The program Past recipient: Glenwood City food comes from, will set up monthly activities creating awareness of the value of agriculture in their schools, with different classes in the elementary school to teach seasonal homes, community, county, and state, and use hands-on units. The program also plans to introduce the Adopt-a-Cow exploration that is cross-curricular and encourages investigation. program to each of the fourth-grade classes. The program will Funds received from the grant will be used to purchase five ag continue its Ag on the Lawn program which has 25 stations to literacy books with educator guides including “The Beeman,” learn about agriculture. Funds received from the grant will be “First Peas to the Table,” “Popcorn Country,” “Right this Very used for the Adopt-a-Cow program materials, supplies for Ag Minute” and “Time for Cranberries.” on the Lawn and agricultural literacy books.

Careers in Agriculture – Cindi Syverson - South Middle School, Eau Claire Students will complete Xello Career Interest Survey as a part of their required curriculum. Using career lessons from National Ag in the Classroom, students will explore the fields of agriculture and use Career Track, a board game that requires students to identify careers in agriculture and natural resources.

Funds received from the grant will be used to purchase the games, Career Ag Mags, transportation and lunch on a technical college campus.

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Dairy in the Culinary Classroom – Sheila Kroseberg Waupaca High School, Waupaca Using a two-week dairy unit in their culinary course both semesters, Waupaca High School students will get firsthand experience making frozen yogurt, ice cream and other products.

Students will determine the relationship between agriculture and lifestyle by examining the nutritional value of ingredients, becoming aware of careers and understanding how to promote a healthy lifestyle.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Discovery of Wisconsin Agriculture– Jenna Hamilton - Kickapoo Elementary, Viola The key objective of the fourth-grade standards is for student learners to discover how farmers accomplish key tasks, such as sustainability, production, and processing. Student learners at Kickapoo Elementary will practice using reading and comprehension Past recipient: Rob Klussendorf strategies while exploring agriculturally-themed text by purchasing a variety of Ag Mags.

Eggs to Chicks – Cheri Oglesby - St. Rose Catholic School, Cuba City This project will bring awareness to the importance of the farming community by learning about poultry and egg production. The funds received from the grant will be used to buy an incubator, feeders and waterers, vitamin packs, chick starter feed and heat lamps.

Elementary Ag Connection – Grace Anderson - Spring Valley Schools, Spring Valley This project will help connect high school FFA members with elementary-level students to help them learn about agriculture.

In the spring, the Spring Valley FFA officer team will talk to students about how animals are born and raised during spring on the farm. Students will learn about planting crops how the crops are used. Funds received from the grant will be used to purchase chicks and resources needed for the visits.

Growing Plants from Scratch – John Slipek - Abbotsford High School, Abbotsford This project will introduce students and faculty members at the elementary to the Abbotsford High School greenhouse located near the elementary school.

Students will plant flowers and vegetables from February-May. The funds received from the grant will be used to purchase seed and soil for the project.

Secrets of Sustainability – Kirstin Thompson - Greenfield Elementary, Baldwin Students have found more time to spend with electronic games than with parents, grandparents or other older members of the community. Oral history and rural life educational opportunities are being lost. In this project, students will research rural life skills, conduct interviews with community members and give presentations while learning about agriculture in the process. Funds received from the grant will be used to purchase books and will tie curriculum to the new Informational Text standards.

Worm Farms – Kally Koch - Riverdale School District, Muscoda This project will introduce composting and vermiculture to students in the Riverdale School District. The composting equipment and materials bought with grant funds will be used in the district’s agricultural education classes and throughout the school for the school’s garden and to raise worms. Some students may use the project for their FFA Supervised Agriculture Experience project. This system will be used to discuss food waste and recycling.

Gardening and Recycling – Sue Hellmers - Willow River Elementary, Hudson The focus on taking care of the earth through gardening and recycling will be demonstrated through the purchase of two large planters made from recycled materials that will be placed outside of the Willow River Elementary school as part of the school’s Earth Day celebration in April 2022. This will help the district’s 4K-fifth Environmental Club restart after a COVID-19 shutdown of their activities.

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Partners in Education

By Cassie Sonnentag

Farm Bureau Helps FFA Member Reach National Award-Winning Goals

H

PHOTO: THE NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION.

aving spent a large portion of her childhood at the Trempealeau County Fair, Kendra Goplin saw a need within her community. The 2021 graduate of Whitehall High School grew up with deep roots in agriculture and wanted to share her knowledge with those around her. Her desire to educate others led her to ultimately be named the National FFA Agricultural Education Proficiency Award winner on Thursday, Oct. 28.

Supported by her parents, Melinda and Shane Goplin, Kendra was presented with unique avenues to share agriculture with others. Melinda is the agriculture educator at Whitehall High School and Shane serves as the president of Trempealeau County Farm Bureau.

“I started to notice less and less people were connected to agriculture,” Kendra said. “As the daughter of an agricultural educator myself, I saw the impact she was having on her students.”

As a member of the Whitehall FFA Chapter, Kendra began a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project as a seventhgrader in 2015. She helped teach third-graders about agriculture safety, assisted in coaching a middle school quiz bowl team and created educational displays at both the county and state fairs.

She also coordinated ag literacy activities in her school district, reaching students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade.

Eventually, Kendra’s project led her to the Trempealeau County Farm Bureau when she became the Ag in the Classroom Coordinator in the fall of 2018.

“Farm Bureau fit best with the goals of my project,” Kendra said. “Because of Farm Bureau, I have been able to educate over 2,000 students throughout Trempealeau County.”

Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through SAEs, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are recognized at local, state and national levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.

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Kendra applied for an Agricultural Proficiency Award in the area of Agricultural Education and was recognized as Wisconsin FFA’s state runner-up in 2020. She again competed for the award this past June where she was recognized as the state winner and 2021 Wisconsin Star in Ag Placement. Winning at the state level qualified her for the National Agricultural Proficiency Award competition at the National FFA Convention & Expo held in Indianapolis, Oct. 27-30.

Kendra was ultimately named the 2021 Agricultural Education National FFA Proficiency Award winner, an award sponsored by CHS and Harris Products Group-A Lincoln Electric Company.

Kendra was humbled upon hearing the announcement.

“I have experienced many small victories each year [with my project], but nothing compared to that moment,” Kendra said.

“Words cannot describe all the feelings that were running through my mind.”

Kendra encourages other students to consider making Farm Bureau a part of their SAE project.

“Farm Bureau is the voice for agriculture and the FFA is the future of agriculture. This team effort is one-of-a-kind for bringing two organizations together with a common goal of advocating for agriculture,” Kendra said. “When a Farm Bureau board finds a member who is passionate about education, there is no better team.”

Next, Kendra plans to apply for her American FFA Degree as well as for the American Star in Ag Placement award with her project. Currently pursuing a degree in agricultural education at South Dakota State University, Kendra looks forward to furthering her passion for educating others that started with the combination of FFA and Farm Bureau.

“After graduation, I hope to continue to educate the public about agriculture, whether that be in the classroom or in a supporting role,” Kendra said. “Seeing [others] get excited to learn more and more about agriculture has always been the most rewarding part of my project.”

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Ag in the Classroom Program Offers Matching Grants T

he Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Program is accepting applications for matching grants, up to $500, that will be awarded to groups conducting activities that promote agricultural literacy in K-12 schools.

Projects that use funds toward an ongoing, sustainable education effort will receive preference over one-time programs.

Applicants must have a matching donor for their project

2021 recipient, Teri Eberhardy.

equal to the amount of the Ag in the Classroom grant. The application deadline is March 1.

Interested groups or schools can get an application on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website at wisagclassroom. org/grants-awards/grants/matching-grants/ or can contact the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644.

2021 recipient, Melanie Lewis.

2021 recipient, Holly Olsen.

2021 recipient, Cows on the Concourse.

2022 Ag Day Focuses on Food Waste T o celebrate National Ag Day on March 22, 2022, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is asking schools and students to think about how they can reduce food waste at home, school and in other places.

Students can draw pictures, explain, use photos, diagram or report on what they do to reduce food waste, describe a composting, school or class project they have been involved with, encourage their family to reduce food waste, or share other things that explain how they are helping to reduce food waste.

There are three grade level groups: pre-K-third grade, fourth-eigth grade and ninth-12th grades. Through a random drawing, ten entries from

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

each grade level group will receive a $10 Culver’s gift card. All entries will be sent an Ag in the Classroom resource.

The Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website has a resource packet with lesson plans, infographics and other links to information to help teachers and students learn about food waste and composting. It can be found on Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s National Ag Day webpage. There is also a playlist of helpful videos on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s YouTube channel.

The activity is open to Wisconsin students in pre-K-12thgrade during the 2021-2022 school year. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2022, or emailed by 11:59 p.m. that night. Hard copies should be sent to Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom, PO Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705. The information form should be attached separately or put on the back of the entry; information identifying the student cannot be included on the front. All work must be original, done exclusively by the student and without any copyrighted characters, clipart or computer-generated art. Only include photos that have the permission of the student’s parent or guardian approving that it can be used for social media, press releases, articles and other uses.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society. Visit agday.org to learn more about other events, contests and resources available to celebrate. wfbf.com

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FOUNDATION

Silent Auction

In conjunction with the WFBF Annual Meeting, a silent auction was hosted to raise funds for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. Thanks to generous supporters there were 208 items in the silent auction and $12,900 was raised.

The funds raised are used for the Ag in the Classroom, Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Leadership Institute programs.

Thank you to all who donated, bid or purchased items.

Twenty Wars

On Sunday afternoon, members participated in a Twenty Wars contest to see which district could earn the most points.

District 2 came out ahead and $4,880 was raised.

50/50 Raffles

The YFA Committee hosted their annual 50/50 raffles, raising a total of $1,894 between the two.

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: • Dave and Kim Daniels in memory of Michael Leonardelli • Dave and Kim Daniels in memory of Gerald Thelen • Green Lake County Farm Bureau in memory of Marian Krause • George and Sue Olthafer in memory of Dan Poulson

About the

Founda tion DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

(Donations were made between July 26 and Sept. 29 2021)

• David Kruschke in memory of Jerry Thelen • Sally Schoenike in memory of Dan Poulson • John and Darlene Arneson in memory of Carl Degner • John and Darlene Arneson in memory of Fran Cherney

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

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RURAL MUTUAL

Rural Mutual Agents Give Back to Local Communities R ural Mutual Insurance continues to ask “what more can we do” to support our customers and communities to help keep Wisconsin strong. From our home office in Madison to agent locations throughout Wisconsin, we are involved with organizations giving back to our communities. With agents throughout the state, we’ve seen a generous outpouring of donations from our agents in their local communities.

Located in Cameron, Ben Shimko donated to the Little Red Barn Dog Rescue. They provide a loving and nurturing environment for dogs while preparing them for adoption.

The donation will go towards veterinary costs and care of the dogs.

Ben is passionate about helping animals and preparing them for their forever home.

In Watertown, Brandon Mueller donated to the Town of Ixonia Parks and Recreation and the Kyle Kuehl Memorial Scholarship. His donation will be used to build a new concession stand at the Ixonia hardball diamond and other park maintenance for the community. The Kyle Kuehl Memorial Scholarship provides scholarships for Watertown High School students looking to continue their education in agriculture.

Carl Kisely in Tomah donated to the Tomah Rotary Foundation.

The foundation supports the Tomah Rotary Club charitable giving, the community of Tomah and the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

The foundation supports educational scholarships, community improvement projects, clean water projects in third world countries and worldwide polio eradication. Carl is a proud Rotary member.

Christina Jacobson in Rice Lake donated to Redeemer Lutheran School. Christina chose this organization because they make a

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Jon Ragatz

Kevin Carlson

Ryan Dillenbeck

Paige Soukup

difference in children’s and their families lives by encouraging and exemplifying the virtue of good citizenship by devoting themselves to sustain selfless voluntary service in their community. The donation will be used to purchase new computers for the students.

From Sun Prairie, Eric Hudson donated to Shelter From the Storm Ministries and Urban League of Greater Madison. Shelter From the Storm Ministries is dedicated to serving the needs of single, homeless mothers and their children by helping them identify goals and providing resources to help them work towards independence. Urban League of Greater Madison works to ensure that African Americans and other community members are educated, employed and empowered to live well, advance professionally and contribute to the common good.

Jeff White in Menomonie donated to Colfax FFA. The donation will be used to cover the fee of conferences to let students attend for free. Jeff ’s agency, Chippewa Valley Group, believes in supporting local organizations impacting the future of agriculture in the community.

Located in Lancaster, Jon Ragatz donated to the Grant County Cancer Coalition. The organization provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families in Grant County, helping friends and neighbors in the local area. Cancer has impacted many people in Jon’s life and he wanted to lend a hand to support his community.

Kevin Carlson of Holmen donated to the Children’s Museum of La Crosse and Holmen High School DECA. The Children’s Museum offers affordable opportunities for youth to connect and grow through interactive play.

DECA prepares emerging leaders with real world experience and

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

provides business education and growth. Kevin believes in both organizations supporting the academic development of children and the future success of young adults.

Leon Woller of Athens donated to the Athens, Edgar, Marathon and Stratford FFA chapters, as well as the Athens, Edgar and Hamburg fire departments. Leon believes in the importance of providing youth with the opportunity to learn about agriculture and appreciates the dedication of volunteer firefighters.

In Hilbert, Paige Soukup donated to CASA of East Central Wisconsin. This organization provides specially selected and trained volunteers as advocates for abused and neglected children who are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice

system in Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties. The donation will be used for essential needs for the children.

Randy Lange in Platteville donated to the Cuba City FFA. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Ryan Dillenbeck in Thorp donated to FFA chapters in Granton, Greenwood, Loyal and Neillsville. Ryan believes FFA is an integral part of agricultural education, helping students develop skills and prepare for their future.

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

Phishing Scams: How to Protect Yourself I magine you’re waiting in line for coffee and your phone starts going off. You suddenly get two text messages, an email and a missed call – all from your bank saying they suspect fraudulent activity on your account. They’ve put a hold on your accounts for security reasons and urge you to contact them to unlock the accounts.

You want to follow up, but something doesn’t feel quite right.

Given the explosion in social engineering attacks like phishing, vishing or smishing scams, it’s wise to be skeptical of the urgent, unexpected emails, phone calls and text messages you receive. The 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) notes that more than one-third (36%) of all data breaches involve phishing.

The pain of those breaches is real: The FBI’s Internet Crime Report found that phishing, vishing and smishing were the #1 reported cybercrime last year, costing victims more than $54 million in damages.

For the individual whose mobile device is getting overwhelmed, though, the question is often simple: “What can I do?”.

Popular Phishing Scams The truth is these kinds of attacks happen all the time.

Analysis by Cofense Intelligence found 70% of phishing incidents involve the information stealers and keyloggers that enable fraudsters to swipe your credentials.

A common phishing email scam involves a message saying there was suspicious account activity and, to unlock your account, you must provide personal information. Once you provide this information, the phisher will use it to clear out bank accounts or participate in fraudulent activity on your credit. A “smishing” scam follows the same logic, except the scammer’s mode of contact is via a text message.

If you remember one thing from the article, remember this: Legitimate companies will never ask you to provide your personal information via email. They also won’t call you and ask for it either. If you get such a message, immediately recognize it DECEMBER | JANUARY 2021-2022

for the scam it is and delete it.

Financial institutions may notify you that they had to freeze your accounts based on suspicious activity, but then they’ll instruct you to unlock them. Rather than asking for your credentials, they’ll typically ask you to log into your online account over a secure internet connection to verify the transactions.

Beware of Phishing Scams The moral of this story is if you ever get an email, text, or phone call stating that there has been suspicious activity on an account, be on alert.

• Never click on the link provided in an email and don’t call any phone numbers they’ve provided. Instead, visit the organization’s website and contact the customer service number listed there. Alternatively, you can call the number listed on the back of your bank or credit card.

• Put your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry to avoid phone calls from scammers.

• Setup your email inbox to filter out spam and phishing mail.

• Hover your mouse over every link to verify it is going where you expect it to before you click.

• Remember, imposter scams are the number one number one type of reported fraud. In addition to phishing and smishing, these attacks also take the form of vishing (or voice phishing) where someone is impersonating the IRS, police, your bank or other forms of authority.

Connect with Rural Mutual Insurance @RuralMutual @RuralMutual @Rural.Mutual @Rural Mutual Insurance Company www.RuralMutual.com wfbf.com

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Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s

2022

Breakout Session Tracks Governance and Organization 1. Bridging Generations 2. How to Say Anything to Anyone 3. C ommittees with Commitment 4. Evaluating your County Program of Work

Issues, Legislation & Farm Bureau Policy 1. Wisconsin Political Landscape 2022

March 25-26

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point

Registration Details

Register

Registration will be available early 2022.

Registration Fee: $140 early bird; $175 after March 4

Book a Hotel Room

by March 4, 2022 Because a hotel room is not included with the registration fee, please make your reservations at: Holiday Inn Stevens Point 1001 Amber Ave, Stevens Point, WI 54482 For reservations, call 715.344.0200, press 3.

Hotel Room Rate: $119.99 + tax

Request the “WI Farm Bureau Federation” room block by Feb. 20, 2022, to receive this rate.

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Rural Route

2. Creating a Working Relationship with Local Leaders 3. P olicy Development 101 4. Local Candidate Endorsements

Building Farm Bureau 1. Connecting with Ag in the Classroom 2. IGNITE a Spark in your county YFA program 3. Plant a Seed and Watch your P&E Program Grow 4. Don’t Be Afraid of the “M” Word 5. How Do We Get Members Involved in our County?

Communicating for Agriculture and Farm Bureau 1. Media Interview Boot Camp 2. What can PR do for you?

3. G etting the Best Out of Your Social Media Presence 4. Developing Your Sustainability Message

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION