Rural Route December-January 2018-2019

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

december | january 2018-2019 • vol. 24 no. 6 | wfbf.com

Aquaponics Provide Stability for Sheboygan Farmers Page 22

Inside: Highlights from the 2018 WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference

contents vol. 24 no. 6

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DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

24 WIFarmBureau

DELEGATES SET POLICY

More than 240 members discussed policy.

CLIFF EARNS AWARD

Former WFBF staff member returns to accept award.

MEYER HONORED

Sauk County member recognized for Ag in the Classroom work.

YFA AWARD WINNERS

YFA members earn top awards at conference.

PHOTOS

See snapshots from WFBF’s premier event.

AQUAPONICS

Members pursue produce and fish farming.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

WFBF reflects on 100-year history.

OPINION

Opinion pieces from Holte, Perry, Maedtke and Camp.

COMMITTEES

Members chosen for state committees.

RURAL MUTUAL

Stay safe in cold weather.

COVER PHOTO BY AMY ECKELBERG

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

wfbf.com

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION'S

EDITOR'S NOTE

'T

is the season for Christmas carols and festive holiday songs. It just so happens that I am listening to a few of my favorites as I write this.

When I was growing up, Christmas carols were always playing in the barn around this time of year. I have fond memories of singing to the cows as I passed by feeding hay. My mom likes to remind my brother and me that "Little Drummer Boy" was our favorite. It was quite a scene as we marched around and emphasized the "Pa rum pum pum pums." Regardless of how it sounded, the cows listened.

I wonder if we could switch up the lyrics to a few carols to make them Farm Bureau themed.

Maybe we could write a rendition of the "12 Days of Christmas" with some Farm Bureau flavor. We have 11 state board members, nice districts and one voice. The rest I haven’t been able to figure out yet.

How about “Farm Bureau is Coming to Town” or “All I want for Christmas is You

… to join Farm Bureau?”

I digress, but it’s something to think about during your holiday travels or chores. Please let me know what you come up with.

This issue includes a large recap of the WFBF Annual Meeting and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference. With a stage lined with poinsettias, holiday music as the backdrop and the Farm Bureau family gathered around, the event was a festive place to be.

Enjoy the photos, news and stories from the event throughout the magazine and, if you have a chance, congratulate our award winners on a job well done.

We kicked off the Centennial Celebration during the WFBF Annual Meeting so enjoy the first of many centennial stories in Rural Route. It’s great to reflect on our past and highlight our diverse membership and how it came to be.

I enjoy that the feature story for this issue highlights a unique part of Wisconsin agriculture. I toured an aquaponic farm and couldn’t wait to share my experience with you. Enjoy learning more about the industry.

Imagine on the coldest day in Wisconsin, the Calkins' greenhouse is probably one of the warmest places making it a great place to visit.

Warmth, joy, peace and togetherness are the best things about the holidays. Whether it’s Christmas carols with the cows, baking with the family or a nice meal with friends, enjoy this season and all it brings.

Wishing you, our Farm Bureau members, a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2019.

Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Sarah Hetke - 608.828.5711 Marian Viney - 608.828.5721 Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. Madison, WI 53705-0550 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com WFBF Board of Directors Jim Holte, Elk Mound, (President) Kevin Krentz, Berlin, (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Adam Kuczer, Pulaski Don Radtke, Merrill Andrea Brossard, Burnett (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Julie Wadzinski, Rice Lake (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

NEWS

Holte Re-elected WFBF President Krentz Named Vice President Nigh to Represent District 3 Wadzinski to Lead YFA

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im Holte has been re-elected to a seventh one-year term as the president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Holte raises beef cattle and grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa on 460 acres of land near Elk Mound in Dunn County.

Holte was first elected to the WFBF Board of Directors in 1995 to represent District 9. District 9 consists of Superior Shores, Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Polk Burnett, Rusk, Sawyer and St. Croix County Farm Bureaus.

Holte previously served as WFBF’s representative to the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium board. He also chaired the Wisconsin Livestock Siting Review board. Holte is a graduate of the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program.

He served as a school board member in Elk Mound, as board member for GROWMARK, Inc., a citizen board member for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and president of the Wisconsin Beef Council.

Holte and his wife, Gayle, have two children and five grandchildren.

Kevin Krentz of Berlin in Waushara County was elected to Krentz a one-year term as vice president DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

and re-elected to a three-year term on the board representing District 5 (Adams, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties).

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

Robert Nigh of Viroqua was elected to a three-year term representing District 3 (Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland and Vernon counties) on the board. He succeeds Richard Gorder from Mineral Point who served in this seat for 21 years.

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 serve one-year terms.

Andrea Brossard of Burnett in Dodge County was re-elected to a one-year term as the representative from the Promotion and Education Committee.

Julie Wadzinski of Rice Lake in Barron 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. She succeeds Brian Preder of Waupaca County as YFA Chair.

WFBF Board Directors who were not up for re-election are: Arch Morton Jr. of Janesville in Rock County, Joe Bragger of Independence in Buffalo County, Rosie Lisowe of Chilton in Calumet County, Adam Kuczer of Pulaski in Shawano County and Don Radtke of Merrill in Lincoln County.

Nigh

Wadzinski wfbf.com

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Wisconsin Farm Bureau

Delegates Set Policy for 2019

In December, more than 240 delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 99th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells established new policy directives for the organization.

Other adopted dairy policy included support for revising the federal Milk Marketing Order.

Delegates supported a differentiation between lab-grown meat and milk versus conventionally produced agriculture products.

They agreed that milk from mammals should be the only product eligible to use standardized dairy labeling terms.

Farmers wanted clarity on federally-defined terms such as organic versus non-federally defined terms such as natural and GMO-free.

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arm Bureau delegates adopted the policies that will guide the legislative agenda for the state’s largest general farm organization in 2019. Resolutions were submitted by delegates as part of a grassroots policy development process.

For more than an hour, delegates held a robust dairy policy discussion regarding supply management.

With much consideration and conversation, delegates adopted “We are willing to consider a dairy supply management system.”

Delegates were adamant that Farm Bureau should have a seat at the table to discuss all options for the dairy industry.

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Delegates from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 61 county Farm Bureaus also voted to support: • Requiring farm milk inspectors to provide consistent interpretations of regulations during inspections.

• Removing the wildlife damage payment cap.

• Better tracking and studying for relocated bear movement.

• The DNR to create subzones to better control overpopulated wildlife in small areas.

• Limiting use of the term blighted for productive farmland through eminent domain.

• Improving mental health resources for farmers.

• Transferring CAFO permitting from DNR to DATCP. • More recycling of ag plastics.

• The right of farmers to be able to obtain necessary software and equipment to maintain their machinery.

On the federal level, delegates supported: • USDA to equip bear traps with electronic monitor systems.

• Standardization when it comes to food expiration terms, such as: sell by, best by, use by.

The federal resolutions will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation for consideration at its annual convention next month.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

WFBF’s grassroots policy is established by farmers through a structured policy development process.

Suggestions and policy ideas come directly from members who propose and vote on them at county Farm Bureau annual meetings.

This year, delegates spent more than an hour discussing dairy policy, including dairy supply management.

wfbf.com

NEWS

Cliff Receives Distinguished Service Award The referendum passed but getting use value assessment of farmland implemented was a challenge.

During his career, Cliff worked with eight governors and hundreds of legislators to shape agricultural policy.

Cliff served on a committee charged with rewriting the state’s eminent domain laws. Another change was the formation of the WFBF’s political action committee, the Volunteers for Agriculture.

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oger Cliff was presented the ‘Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture’ award for his outstanding, long-term contributions to Wisconsin’s agricultural industry during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 99 th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 2.

A Wisconsin native, Cliff grew up and graduated from Lancaster High School.

With an interest in how governments functioned, he majored in political science at UW-Platteville where he met his future wife Cathy. Cliff started his career with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in 1973 as a lobbyist working alongside Bill Kasakaitas.

One of Cliff ’s first assignments was promoting a statewide referendum on a constitutional amendment to change the uniformity clause for taxing farmland.

“Roger’s commitment to the agriculture community is admirable. He is extremely deserving of this award.”

- Jim Holte

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“Roger was a critical player in many of WFBF's legislative efforts throughout his career,” said WFBF President Jim Holte.

After working for the organization less than four years, he was appointed executive director of governmental relations and a short time before his retirement, he was named chief administrative officer.

Cliff and his wife Cathy are the proud parents of three adult children and have eight grandchildren.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Meyer Earns Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Highest Honor S

auk County’s Don Meyer has received the highest award Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation bestows upon its members.

Meyer was presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s ‘Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau’ award during the organization’s 99th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 2.

“It is because of his selfless dedication to others and agriculture that I am extremely proud to recognize Don’s distinguished service to Farm Bureau,” said WFBF President Jim Holte.

Meyer has been an active member of Farm Bureau since 2000 and served in key leadership roles.

“Don is an advocate for Farm Bureau and has devoted countless hours during his years as the Sauk County Ag in the Classroom and essay contest coordinator,” said Holte.

Throughout the years, Meyer has served on the Sauk County Meyer was instrumental in starting a Sauk County Farm Farm Bureau board as vice president, secretary and treasurer. He Bureau Ag in the Classroom program by reaching out to attended many Ag Day at the Capitol events and serves on the teachers in Sauk County with their Taste of Sauk County county’s policy development committee. He also is a Wisconsin event. He built the Farm Bureau Leadership Institute Class Sauk County Farm IV graduate.

“His leadership and experience are Bureau Ag in the Don has always been actively involved Classroom program in the agriculture community. In addition assets to our organization.” from the ground to his involvement in Farm Bureau, he - Jim Holte up to 15 active Ag served as a past state FFA officer and in the Classroom on the Tristate Board. He raised and volunteers. When he started, there was one essay submitted for sold registered Holsteins, which led to his involvement in the the essay contest. After five years of building relationships with Sauk County Holstein Association and Wisconsin Holstein Sauk County teachers, there were 261 applicants.

Association. In 2017, Don and his wife Beverly were recognized During his tenure as the Ag in the Classroom coordinator, as king and queen of the Reedsburg Butter Festival.

Meyer had three educators recognized with the Outstanding Teacher Award.

In 2014, Meyer helped the county’s Ag in the Classroom program win the Wisconsin Farm Bureau County Activities of Excellence Award for Ag Promotion and Education.

In his nomination, Sauk County Farm Bureau president Mike Turner said, “Don truly embodies what Farm Bureau is about. In addition to his county and statewide service to Farm Bureau, he was recognized by AFBF as one of the top 10 educators in the country to encourage ag literacy.”

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

wfbf.com

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NEWS

Farm Bureau PAC Has Good Track Record, Hosts Fundraisers T

he Volunteers For Agriculture® Committee is a legally-constituted political action committee established by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

The committee operates under bylaws established by the WFBF Board Representative Joan Ballweg spoke to attendees of the of Directors. The District 5 VFA fundraiser about the importance of rural committee is charged Wisconsin having a voice in elections. with increasing the political involvement of the agricultural community. This includes identifying and supporting candidates for state office that are determined to be "Friends of Agriculture."

The Committee consists of 18 Former Assembly Speaker and DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel members, two from was the featured guest for the District 1 VFA fundraiser. each of the nine WFBF board districts. All Committee members must be voting Farm Bureau members. Members are appointed for one-year terms and may not serve more than four consecutive terms. The WFBF President selects the chair of the committee. Two members of the WFBF Board also serve on the committee as a liaison between the board and committee.

Funding the VFA is critical for it to function properly. On membership renewals, voting members may make a $10 contribution to the VFA. To raise additional money for the VFA, two fundraisers have been held with more being planned in the remaining seven districts.

The fundraiser in District 5, located in the center of the state, included Congressman Glenn Grothman as the featured guest. In the southeastern part of the state, in District 1, former Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel spoke to attendees.

Percentage-wise, the VFA track record remains strong for endorsing winning candidates: • I n the 2012 general election, 90 percent of VFA-endorsed candidates won.

• I n the 2014 general election, 95 percent of VFA-endorsed candidates won.

• I n the 2016 general election, 97 percent of VFA-endorsed candidates won.

• I n the 2018 general election, 93 percent of VFA-endorsed candidates won.

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"Friends of Agriculture"

At the conclusion of each legislative session, the governmental relations staff evaluates legislators based on their voting record and working relationship with WFBF. The VFA Committee approves the final ratings of incumbent legislators.

Although the WFBF Board of Directors review the evaluations, VFA Committee decisions on candidate endorsements remain final.

Other Endorsements - Targeted Races in Rural Districts

If the incumbent was not determined to be a "Friend of Agriculture" or an open seat exists, the district may be designated as a targeted race. The governmental relations staff consults with VFA Committee members from the area to determine if the race should be targeted.

After a race is targeted, a local interview committee, composed of voting members from the area, interviews the most viable candidates. All county Farm Bureau presidents whose county, or portion of their county, lies in the district are invited to participate in the interview process.

VFA Committee and WFBF Board members from the area are also invited to participate.

After meeting with the candidates and reviewing the candidate questionnaires, the local interview committee ranks the candidates based on their position on issues and electability. The Committee then decides whether or not to make an endorsement in the race.

Other Endorsements - Targeted Statewide Races

The VFA Committee selects statewide races to target for involvement. The VFA Committee may interview the candidates. Based on the candidates’ position on issues and electability, the VFA Committee decides whether to make an endorsement in the race.

The VFA Committee may waive the interview process based on the candidates’ agricultural record or if the governmental relations staff demonstrates support for a candidate by a statewide poll or survey of voting members.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Merk Selected as Predecessor to Pelizza T

he Rural Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors selected Daniel J. Merk to be the next Executive Vice President and CEO. Merk will work with current Executive Vice President and CEO Peter Pelizza in a transitional period while holding the title of Chief Operating Officer.

Merk will officially move into the Executive Vice President and CEO role upon Pelizza’s retirement on April 1, 2019.

“We are pleased to have Dan’s experience and talent to lead Rural Mutual into the future and build on the success the organization has enjoyed,” said Rural Mutual Insurance President Jim Holte.

Merk began his career at Rural in 2009 as Vice President, Actuary and Product. In 2011, he was promoted to Vice President and Treasurer where he was responsible for all

accounting, finance and actuarial functions. Merk was given the additional responsibility for the claims function in 2015 and underwriting in 2017. Prior to joining Rural, Merk worked 20 years at Sentry Insurance in increasingly responsible positions and was Senior Director and Actuary Consumer Lines when he left to join Rural.

Merk earned his bachelor's degree from UW-Stevens Point with a major in mathematics and a computer science minor. He holds several industry designations including FCAS (Fellow Casualty Actuarial Society), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and MAAA (Member American Academy of Actuaries).

Merk and his wife, Julie, reside in Waunakee. They have three children: Anthony, Jackson and Katherine.

“I am honored and grateful to the Board of Directors for this opportunity to serve as Executive Vice President and CEO of Rural Mutual,” said Merk. “I look forward to working with the entire Rural team to continue our success.”

Rural is recognized as one of the top performing property and casualty insurance companies in the nation earning a place on the Ward’s 50 Property and Casualty Top Performer list for 10 consecutive years. Rural is Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.

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DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

wfbf.com

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NEWS

Outstanding County Farm Bureau Programs Recognized W

isconsin Farm Bureau Federation annually recognizes county Farm Bureaus that conduct outstanding programs or events to promote agriculture, build membership and strengthen the organization.

During WFBF's 99th Annual Meeting, eight county Farm Bureaus were awarded 2018 County Activities of Excellence Awards.

County Farm Bureaus chosen for recognition of their outstanding areas of work include: Jackson County for hosting a public forum on the reintroduction of elk into Wisconsin, featuring presentations and a question and answer session with speakers from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and USDA Wildlife Services.

Dane County

Green County for organizing and hosting the Green County Farm Bureau Rural Safety Day for all fifth-grade students in Green County.

Brown County for conducting an Ice Cream Safari event at the NEW Zoo in Green Bay, hosted by the county Young Farmer and Agriculturist committee.

Manitowoc County for conducting a 75th anniversary event featuring a series of activities in conjunction with the county’s 75th annual meeting, including a commemorative anniversary book and agricultural tours with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.

Dane County for sponsoring a Rural Farm Safety Day for local fire departments and EMS volunteers to inform them about equipment, grain storage, cattle housing and farming activities on today’s farms.

Manitowoc County

Portage County for organizing Christmas Cheer, a family-event designed to educate the public about Wisconsin’s Christmas tree industry while giving back to the community.

Dodge County for organizing and hosting its membership picnic which brings Farm Bureau members and prospective members together to build awareness of the work that Farm Bureau is doing on their behalf.

St. Croix County for hosting a farm tour for local, state and federal elected officials to build awareness of modern farming practices and demonstrate how local, state and federal policies impact farms in St. Croix County.

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Brown County WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Geiser Receives Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award® D avid Geiser, a dairy farmer from Calumet County, has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.

Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of Aldo Leopold, is given in 14 states.

In Wisconsin, the $10,000 award is presented annually by the Sand County Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association.

David Geiser and his wife, Deb Reinhart, are owners of Gold Star Dairy in New Holstein. They were presented with a $10,000 award and a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold at WFBF’s Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 2.

Some farmers focus on yield and profit. David Geiser is also driven by conservation and education.

A quiet leader, Geiser listens to others and learns about innovative practices before putting them to work at Gold Star Dairy. His reputation as a respected farmer and conservationist stems from his devotion to improve the health of soil, water, plants and cattle.

Geiser is passionate about learning how to best manage the fragile karst topography that his family has farmed between Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago for more than a century.

Geiser came home to begin dairy farming in 1975. Installing a Natural Resources Conservation Service-approved manure storage facility in the 1980s was a huge undertaking, but the right thing to do. He established a successful rotational grazing system for his 100-cow herd in the 1990s. He witnessed how grazing allowed plants and soil to retain water rather than running off and compromising water quality. He was a founding member of the Calumet County Forage Council and received the Midwest Forage Council’s Pacesetter Award.

In 2000, straight line winds destroyed the farm’s barns. Like other dairies in the area, they had been growing their herd’s size to adapt to changes in the dairy economy. Decisions had to be made about the farm’s future.

Grazing paddocks gave way to a freestall barn for more than 400 cows, but the acres of grass that surrounded the farmstead DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

remained as a prudent way to minimize runoff and soil erosion.

Geiser grows cover crops to feed his cattle and soil. He has hosted outreach and research efforts that examine how water moves through fractured bedrock systems and the unique geological features of karst. Fields with shallow bedrock are identified and carefully managed. Conservation practices adopted include vegetated buffer strips and no-till cultivation practices. Paved ditches and leachate storage areas transport and collect runoff responsibly.

Geiser was one of the first Calumet County farmers to obtain a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan through the NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. His conservation practices have been passed on to the farmers that grow Gold Star Dairy’s feed. Gold Star Farms received the Calumet County Land Conservation Award in 2004.

Geiser has gone the extra mile to ensure a legacy at Gold Star Farms. His younger business partners and family members are mindful of the conservation enhancements found on their piece of rolling Wisconsin landscape.

Through hard work, perseverance, well-thought out decisions and luck, the farm has survived and thrived under Geiser’s leadership. Today on the 106-year-old family farm, Geiser continues to adapt, learn and implement conservation practices that will leave the land as a living legacy for generations to come.

“David has been an innovative leader in the dairy industry for many years,” said WFBF President Jim Holte. “I learned that more than 30 years ago when we met while involved in Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer program. He continues to be a progressive dairyman who strives for excellence when it comes to conservation. Through various management methods he makes sure he is leaving the land better than when he began.

As a passionate advocate for conservation and the future of agriculture, Dave is extremely deserving of this award.”

Other were finalists: Laverne Hensen of Mineral Point in Iowa County, and Jeff Lake of Boyceville in Dunn County.

For more information on the award, visit leopoldconservationaward.org. wfbf.com

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Outstanding Collegiate and Justin and Livia Doyle Earn Excellence in Ag Award

has two boys Quayde and Gentry.

Justin is vice president of Iowa County Farm Bureau and a Farm Bureau Proud Club member. Livia is the former recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award given by Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom and was recognized as one of eight national finalists for the USDA Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award.

She serves as the Iowa County Ag in the Classroom coordinator.

This past summer, the couple attended the YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In and talked to legislators about important ag issues and policies that impact agriculture.

The Doyles will compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2019 Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In addition, Rural Mutual Insurance Company provides a free financial plan and GROWMARK, Inc., invites the winner to be a guest at their annual meeting in August and provides a $250 FAST STOP gift card. ustin and Livia Doyle of Mineral Point were selected for Wisconsin The other finalists include Stephanie Nagel from Manitowoc Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist 2018 County; Ben Huber from Green County; and Kelly Oudenhoven Excellence in Agriculture Award at the organization’s 99th Annual from Outagamie County.

Meeting in Wisconsin Dells, December 2.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award is given to a Farm Bureau member between Justin and Livia Doyle are ninth-year teachers. Justin teaches the ages of 18 and 35 who is actively engaged in agriculture, but derives the agriculture and technology at Darlington High School. Livia is a majority of their income from an off-farm agricultural career. The winner is selected fourth-grade teacher in the Mineral Point School District. based on their knowledge of agriculture, leadership in Farm Bureau and other civic The Doyles raise Red and Black Angus cattle and grow crops on organizations.

150 acres. They also co-own On Point Auction Service. The couple

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Ryan and Lindsey Prahl Earn Achievement Award The Prahls are fifth generation dairy farmers in rural Wausau in Marathon County. Together the couple juggles the dairy and an emerging custom business. They have three children Lydia, Warren and Audrey.

They are involved with the St. John’s Lutheran Church and school in Easton. In their free time, Ryan and Lindsey enjoy volunteering for agricultural organizations. They are members of the Badger 4-H Club and active members of the Genex and Foremost Cooperatives.

The Prahls will compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2019 Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisana. In addition, Rural Mutual Insurance Company provides a free financial plan, FABICK Equipment, Inc., provides 40 hours use of a FABICK skid-steer loader and the winner is invited to the GROWMARK, Inc., annual meeting in August.

The other finalists were Josh and Ashley Claussen from Brown County; Dustin and Ashley Ellis from Buffalo County; and Brian Douglas from Dunn County.

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arathon County farmers, Ryan and Lindsey Prahl, were selected as the winners of WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Achievement Award at the organization’s 99th Annual Meeting on December 2.

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Farm Bureau’s Achievement Award is a contest that awards farmers between the ages of 18 and 35, who have excelled in their farming career, understand current issues affecting agriculture and have shown leadership and involvement in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

YFA Members Recognized Kelly Wilfert Tops YFA Discussion Meet

K

elly Wilfert of Manitowoc County was selected as the winner of the 2018 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Agriculturist Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 99th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 2.

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.

Wilfert grew up on her family's vegetable farm in Two Rivers. She earned a bachelor's degree from UW-Madison and now is a student at the Wisconsin Law School in Madison.

She is a director on the Manitowoc County Farm Bureau board, she served as a state FFA officer, worked on the Exhibit Development Committee for Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, interns at Investors Community Bank and served AFBF as an intern in Washington, D.C. In January, Wilfert will represent Wisconsin at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Wilfert received a chainsaw donated by Blain's Farm and Fleet. Each finalist received a jacket courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc. The other discussion meet finalists included Jenny Leahy, Fond du Lac County; Julie Sweney, Dodge County; and Kallie Jo Kastenson, Racine County.

Kati Kindschuh Wins Collegiate Discussion Meet

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ati Kindschuh was selected the winner of WFBF’s Collegiate Discussion Meet at the organization’s 99th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 2.

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.

Kindschuh is a senior at UW-River Falls where she is studying agricultural marketing communications and agricultural business. She grew up in Brownsville on her family’s 65-cowdairy farm where she found her love for Holstein and Jersey cattle while exhibiting at the Fond du Lac County and Wisconsin State Fair. After graduation she will be employed by United Cooperative as a marketing communication specialist.

By participating in the Collegiate Discussion Meet, 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.

Kindschuh received a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc., and will represent Wisconsin in the National Collegiate Discussion Meet held in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Milwaukee in March.

Second runner-up was Heidi Smith from UW-Platteville. First DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

runner-up was Casey Lobdell from UW-Platteville. Both Smith and Lobdell are students at UW-Platteville. Second and third place finalists each received a $500 scholarship courtesy of Waukesha County Farm Bureau.

Other finalists included Rachel Gerbitz and Emily Matzke from UWMadison and Jacob Timm from UW-River Falls. wfbf.com

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C. Willie Myles made members laugh during the Farm Bureau Proud Clu b banquet.

F d WFB otivate s. m t is Lindqu endee Mark Meeting att e national l th a Annu t performs t crowds is u g q r d la es mer Lin for the lso is a for and m e h t a n a orce He . Air F erica. in Am t in the U.S eteran.

V n Sergea anistan War h g f an A

Adding memories to

Photos from WFBF's Annual Meeting and YFA Conference

F the WFB time on d the r e h r e fo ire a plaqu ally cha warded ittee. She form Education a s a w r and Comm Geige omotion Rosalie and Education AFBF Pr e n th o ti n o o Prom rves e and se committe . tee Commit

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Members visited during the Centennial Reception.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Santa sa Max a t with nd Heid i Pollack d the tra uring de sho w.

a was Pelizz s to r e t e l's P ntribution ill Mutua o Rural ed for his c u. Pelizza w a iz e r n u g reco arm B nsin F Wisco 2019. in retire

Portage County YFA me mbers posed for a photo during the District 8 meeting.

at the casino ied their luck rence.

Members tr fe the YFA Con by the night during sored on sp as w Casino night rm Babe.

Fabulous Fa

her otograp nized ph from g o c e r y s ll Nationa y shared storie es of ag ble Paul Mo of capturing im ls . e s v ie a il his tr ir fam and the s r e m r fa

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

Richard Go retired fr rder om the WFBF B oa of Direc rd tors.

For serv ing years, h 21 e was recogniz ed a plaqu with e and a gif t.

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2018 Membership Numbers Show Slight Gain

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation wrapped up the 2018 membership year on September 30 with total membership of 46,893 members, a gain of 271 during the previous year. 2018 was WFBF’s 11th straight year of membership growth.

The top membership workers were recognized during the Farm Bureau Proud Banquet during the WFBF Annual Meeting.

F

arm Bureau membership is comprised Bayfield of voting and associate members.

Voting members are farmers, Superior Shores (Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Ashland) people with direct involvement in Douglas production agriculture and owners Iron Ashland of agricultural property. Associate Burnett members are individuals and Sawyer businesses who join Farm Polk Burnett Bureau to utilize services and Price Farm Bureau benefits and to support the Rusk work of the organization.

Barron Lincoln WFBF finished the year with Marinette Polk Langlade Taylor 23,478 voting members and Chippewa 23,415 associate members.

St. Croix Dunn Oconto Thirty-five of the 61 county Marathon Farm Bureaus reported a Door Shawano Clark Pierce Eau Claire membership gain, led by Lincoln, Marathon and Dane counties.

Buffalo Brown Portage Waupaca Thirty-three county Farm Bureaus Wood Outagamie Jackson reported an increase in voting Manitowoc Trempealeau members. The largest increases came in Waushara Adams Jackson, Calumet and Sawyer counties.

La Crosse Monroe “Membership growth is a high priority Both Voting and Marquette Green for any association, and especially for Fond du Lac Lake Total Gain Juneau an organization like Farm Bureau that Vernon Voting Gain Only represents farmers and agriculture in Sauk Washington Columbia general,” said WFBF’s Executive Director Total Gain Only Crawford Richland Dodge of Member Relations Bob Leege. “With the No Gains economic challenges that agriculture has Dane faced this year, the need for an organization Iowa Jefferson Waukesha that provides a voice for agriculture is greater today than ever.”

Grant Racine Anyone interested in becoming a Farm Bureau member can print Walworth Green Rock Lafayette and mail in an application and check or sign up online by visiting, Kenosha wfbf.com/membership/application.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

First-Time Top 10 Membership Workers Earn Elite Status

Tim Appell from Lafayette County: “A Wisconsin Farm Bureau membership is valuable to me because of the many member benefits, specifically the patronage checks available to Insight FS customers.”

W

Katie Ulezelski from Sheboygan County: “We have reached a time when there are a lot of people not familiar with agriculture … so I think it is critical to maintain your Farm Bureau membership and help people learn more about what we all have to offer."

ith the close of the Farm Bureau membership year on September 30, WFBF reported its 11th consecutive year of membership growth and 35 county Farm Bureaus achieved a membership gain. As with most programs and activities in Farm Bureau, a successful membership recruitment program is dependent on a dedicated group of volunteer membership workers who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and invite friends, neighbors and sometimes complete strangers to join Farm Bureau.

For more than 30 years, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has honored the select group of volunteer membership workers who sign at least five new Farm Bureau members during the membership year, which begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. Known as the Farm Bureau Proud Club, this group included 55 membership workers from 29 counties in 2018.

In addition, WFBF recognizes the 'Top Andrew Winiarczyk Ten' membership volunteers in Wisconsin during the WFBF Annual Meeting.

In addition to several experienced membership veterans, a handful of new but very effective membership workers earned a spot onstage during the WFBF Annual Meeting awards program on December 2.

First-timers to this elite group included Rob Wirth, Pierce County (15 new members); Tim Appell, Lafayette County (11 new members); Katie Ulezelski, Sheboygan County (11 new members); Becky Wellnitz, Rock County (10 new members); Savannah Brown, Jackson County (nine new members); and Andrew Winiarczyk, Sawyer County (nine new members).

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

Savannah Brown from Jackson County: “I like getting new people involved who can bring new ideas to the board of directors and the county as a whole.”

Once again, Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau membership chairman Trayton Greenfield led the way among all volunteers with 47 new members signed. Other top membership workers included Mike Strupp, Washington County (11 new members), Robert Schwandt, Dodge County and Reuben Hopp, Fond du Lac County, with 10 new members each; and Mike Duerst, Dane County, Joe Bragger, Buffalo County; and Terry Papcke, Walworth County, with nine members each.

Becky Wellnitz

Rob Wirth

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

Celebrate the Season

by using your Farm Bureau benefits!

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

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

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

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

Special member pricing and free shipping. Visit wfbf.com for more details.

Members receive an incentive discount ($300 to $500) when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers.

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

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

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

Save up to 80% on Office Depot Preferred Products along with reduced prices on ink, paper, office supplies, toner, stamps/daters, pens, pads, furniture and much more.

Wyndham Hotel Group

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

Receive a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade (Platinum 2 status) – which unlocks the best loyalty rewards including valuable equipment discounts.

Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Office Depot® • Avis • Budget • The Country Today • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • John Deere Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits!

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*WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

JANESVILLE TRI COUNTY DAIRY SUPPLY, INC. 608-757-2697 www.tricountydairysupplyinc.com

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

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Aquaponics Provides Stability for Sheboygan Farmers

By Amy Eckelberg

L

ocated on the bank of Lake Michigan, you wouldn’t believe what’s behind the door of a former milking parlor.

Sixth generation farmer, Nate Calkins, used to work with cattle but now he spends his days handling a new ‘stock’ as co-owner of Lake Orchard Farm Aquaponics.

In 2014, after consulting with Nelson and Pade, Inc., the family started moving out heifers to make way for the transition to raising fish and produce.

“Aquaponics Customers can stop by during attracted me because store hours to pick up fresh of its stability and produce such as lettuce, spinach, sustainability,” micro-greens and kale. said Calkins.

Nate and his wife, Mary, started the aquaponics business after deciding they didn’t want to try and compete in an oversupplied dairy market. Mary’s parents had been raising replacement heifers on the farm.

As you walk through the remodeled barn you see plastic tubs and an aquaponic water system. Now, tilapia swim in tanks where the heifers used to stand.

Located next to the barn is a greenhouse. Inside, you won’t find soil, just plants and water. On an early Wisconsin winter day, there wasn’t a chill to be found in the flourishing greenhouse, which was about 85 degrees and increasing.

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Compared with hydroponics, the Calkins can have a system that includes nutrients from the fish manure to feed the varieties of lettuce and other produce such as kale, arugula and micro-greens.

On average, they have 1,200 tilapia in the facility that includes a separate closed-system that acts as a nursery. The system was previously studied by UW-Madison professors and students so they could learn more about the impact of aquaponics on farmraised fish. Much like livestock, the comfort and environment of the fish impacts appetite and manure output.

“Fish eat things that are much more of a stable market than other livestock,” said Calkins. “We can rely on the bills being the same. That’s what drove us to it. We’ve had less than a three percent increase in costs since starting. That’s lower than normal inflation.”

The fish are manually-fed six times a day. While feeding keeps a demanding schedule, the price tag associated is minimal.

Feeding the fish costs about $700 per month.

“By feeding fish, not only am I saving myself on nutrients, but I get the fish to harvest and sell,” said Calkins.

The Calkins harvest about 25 pounds of fish fillets each week, which is sold mostly retail after it’s processed at a local meat market.

Farming in water has similarities to farming in soil but also has several differences.

“For example, if you have dye and put it in water, it spreads to everything, which makes everything consistent and even,” said Calkins. “When growing in soil you have certain areas you have to focus in on. That’s not the case with aquaponics. Your water is everything.”

The consistent growing conditions that water provides, gives Lake Orchard Farm’s produce intense flavor year-round.

“Our outcomes are always the same,” said Calkins. “There’s no chance for deformity because there is nothing that the produce can hit (such as stones or roots). Plus, the greenhouse filters harmful rays, so the leaves are not deformed or burned.”

Many chefs are attracted to the consistent quality in the produce and intense flavor, making them repeat customers.

“Chefs really love our micro-greens because they are so flavorful,” said Calkins. “One chef told me he can use much less WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Besides aquaponics, Nate and Mary also have an event barn and manage a bed and breakfast.

“By feeding fish, not only am I saving myself on nutrients, but I get the fish to harvest and sell,” said Calkins. of our parsley than he normally does because of the taste.”

The Calkins chose not to pursue organic certification, but instead take pride in an allnatural label.

“When we started, aquaponics couldn’t be recognized as organic,” said Calkins. “Even though that has changed, we have good products and don’t feel we need the organic label to sell our products.”

Without using any pesticides or herbicides, they produce more than 1,100 heads of lettuce each week.

The owners particularly take pride in the low amount of water used.

“It’s crazy just how little water we need to grow things,” said Calkins. “We use about a quarter of what a normal household uses yearly.”

Water is readily available with good wells and Lake Michigan in their backyard, but Calkins knows that water is a precious resource and should be monitored and cared for appropriately.

“We are lucky to have a lot of water, but that doesn’t mean that I should abuse the access.”

Calkins cares about using his resources responsibly, growing high-quality produce and humanely raising animals, which is not much different than most other farmers.

“You have to be a jack of all trades,” said Calkins “I’m not only raising produce but fish, too.

Many farmers are raising a stock, to get manure and using that to grow plants. I’m doing the same.”

Nate and Mary also own an event barn and a bed and breakfast. To learn more about Lake Orchard Farm Aquaponics, visit lakeorchardaquaponics.com.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

Lois Demmin has worked for Lake Orchard Farm since 2011.

She works in the greenhouse and jokingly calls herself the plant relocation specialist.

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23

Wi s

®

au re

n Farm B nsi u co

Cen

ten nia

l

Our Legacy 2019 Marks 100 Years for Wisconsin Farm Bureau

“T

he history and future of Farm Bureau in Wisconsin centers on the “farm community”—Farm Bureau’s commitment to the economic strength and social wellbeing of farmers, local businesses and the people who live and work in Wisconsin.

From the early interest in Farm Bureau supply pools and county Farm Bureau choruses to current attention to legislative representation and county annual meetings, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has built a tradition of responding to the needs of farmers and consumers.”

Poulson That excerpt was taken from former WFBF President Dan Poulson’s Introduction of the "Seventy-Five Years of Farm Bureau in Wisconsin" book printed in honor of WFBF’s 75th anniversary.

As WFBF hits another milestone much of the organization’s history stays the same, but additional memories and achievements have been added.

The Beginning

By early 1920, interest in Farm Bureau existed in Rock, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Ozaukee, Walworth,

Crawford, Dodge and Dane counties. Sensing the time had come for a state organization, leaders in these counties called for a state organizational meeting in Waukesha on May 27, 1920.

Before adjournment, the county leaders decided to affiliate with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Wisconsin was the 32nd state Farm Bureau to join AFBF. A slate of temporary officers was selected, and instructions were given to prepare the constitution and by-laws for adoption. George W. Hull from Whitewater was elected as the temporary chairperson and was largely responsible for much of the early organizational work. Four other officers were selected, and an executive committee of six people was also formed.

Early in 1921, the constitution and by-laws were ready for delegate approval. A meeting was held on Jan. 10, 1921, where permanent officers were selected. Hull was named the organization’s first president.

The first annual meeting was held on Feb. 2, 1921 in Madison. Fifteen counties reported having active Farm Bureau organizations at the first annual meeting: Rock, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Jefferson, La Crosse, Door, Kenosha, Winnebago, Racine, Dunn, St. Croix, Walworth, Jackson and Oneida.

WFBF Centennial Timeline AFBF FORMED with 28 states WFBF ORGANIZED (with 537 members) to be the 32nd state to join AFBF

1920

1921

WFBF HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL MEETING, ratifies constitution and by-laws WFBF membership 2,000 members in 15 counties (annual dues $2.50) FARM BUREAU LADIES AUXILIARY POST #1 ORGANIZED 24

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WFBF MEMBERSHIP 5,281 LADIES AUXILIARY CHANGED to Associated Women of Farm Bureau

1923

1925

WFBF PROMOTES STATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT consolidation and elimination of excess personnel

1926

FARM BUREAU “SUPPLY POOLS” were established to provide members with twine and animal feeds

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Membership a Foundation

Between the 15 counties, membership was about 2,000 families with dues at $2.50.

In 1921, George McKerrow of Pewaukee was selected as president. He ambitiously sought a state membership of 8,000 in the first year. Wisconsin farmers could not provide the base needed to deliver all the services members were demanding. AFBF helped establish a mail membership campaign.

The extensive mail campaign helped to generate interest, but membership didn’t reach 8,000 for a number of years.

People

People have always been a significant part of WFBF’s legacy hence the pride in being a membership organization.

Membership has grown from 500 in 1920 to more than 46,000 in 2018. Committees on the local level and state level give power to members to make the decisions that guide the organization.

WFBF’s mission proves that members come first. It states: “Lead the farm and rural community through legislative representation, education, public relations, leadership development and providing services and benefits to members.”

Since member leaders have such a critical role in the organization, opportunities to develop skills through programming has been fine-tuned.

Programming

WFBF has altered its programing focus through the years. Former programs include: The Miss Farm Bureau Program, Talent Find competition, the First Care Program, Youth Citizenship Seminar, Young People’s Program, Farm Bureau Ladies’ Auxiliary, Farm City Festival and the Farm Bureau Home & Community Department.

Additionally, there were county Farm Bureau bands and choruses, and the predecessor of the Discussion Meet – the county and state talk meets.

Programming has adapted because of the different demands of the agricultural community and Farm Bureau. Now, we have the Young Farmer and Agriculturist, Promotion and Education and WFBF Leadership Institute programs that excel at building leaders.

Policy

Farm Bureau prides itself on being a grassroots organization. Each year, county voting members set the policy that guides WFBF on local, state and national affairs.

The organization’s policy is established by farmers through a structured policy development process.

From the earliest days of WFBF, the organization realized that achieving success in the legislative arena required working with both political parties to pass favorable legislation on to Wisconsin farmers.

From the first legislative committees established in 1920 to the Policy Development Committee of current day, the issues impacting farmers will always be taken seriously.

Look for more history summaries in the upcoming issues of Rural Route. Excerpts from "Seventy-Five Years of Farm Bureau in Wisconsin" were used for this article.

WISCONSIN FARM SERVICE BOARD established to carry out the administrative responsibilities at the direction of the WFBF board

WFBF MEMBERSHIP 2,586 BADGER FARM BUREAU NEWS began circulation

1929 1930

WFBF HOME AND COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT organized

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

At the peak of the Great Depression MEMBERSHIP FELL TO 637

1931

WFBF WAS INSTRUMENTAL in the legislature’s passing of a bill that increased the state gas tax and doubled the allotment per mile to improve town roads

1933

1934

FARM BUREAU MUTUAL CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY organized

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25

ggie nswers

KEVIN KRENTZ

District 5

ANDREA BROSSARD

I enjoy watching 1,500plus people come together to move the industry forward. Whether that be through networking or building policy within Farm Bureau, we are all there to help strengthen agriculture.

Promotion and Education

The excitement, energy and passion that our members bring to YFA contests, county awards and the delegate floor.

The WFBF Annual Meeting brings out the best in all of our members. I’m honored to be a part of it.

We asked the WFBF Board of Directors: What is your favorite part of the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference and why?

JOE BRAGGER

District 4

For me the resolutions session at the WFBF Annual Meeting is the best part. Seeing members serve as delegates and advocate passionately for resolutions that are important to them.

Our members set important policy for our organization.

DAVE DANIELS

District 1

The awards banquet when we recognize county Farm Bureaus for their accomplishments during the year.

ARCH MORTON JR.

District 2

I like everything about the WFBF Annual Meeting. My favorite thing is seeing old friends and making new ones. This is definitely my most enjoyable time of the year.

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26

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Agenda Friday, March 8 LEADERSHIP • ENGAGEMENT • ADVOCACY • DEVELOPMENT

Join us for the 2019 Ag LEAD Summit March 8-9, at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in Appleton. At the Wisconsin Ag LEAD Summit, you will learn about tools, resources, new ideas and best practices when advocating for agriculture and conducting promotional events.

Keynote Speakers

9:30 a.m.

Registration Open 10:30 a.m.

Welcome and Keynote Speaker 11:45 a.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions 5:00 p.m.

Reception 6:00 p.m.

Dinner and Program 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment - Spicy Tie Band

Saturday, March 9 9:00 a.m.

Breakout Sessions 10:15 a.m. Brunch 11:00 a.m.

Closing Keynote Speaker 12:15 p.m. Adjourn

Registration Jay Hill

Donna Moenning

Register: bit.ly/2019AgLEADSummit Early bird deadline: January 25

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation invites you to attend

AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL March 20, 2019

Monona Terrace Convention Center • Madison, WI

Early Registration Deadline: March 14 Cost: $ 30 per person by registration deadline. $35 after deadline and at the door.

Tentative Schedule of Events: 11:00 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Opening Program 11:45 a.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. Legislative Briefing 3:00 p.m. L eave for Capitol Visits

Presented by: Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

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27

OPINION

What’s Ahead for Wisconsin Agriculture? It’s a Gamble.

A Message from WFBF President Jim Holte

I

’m sure you’ve seen a Magic 8-Ball at some point in your life. These toys provide endless amounts of fun for children and sometimes adults.

If you’re unfamiliar, basically you ask a question and then you shake the ball. Once you stop shaking, an answer to your question appears on a small screen. A standard Magic 8-Ball has 20 possible answers.

Looking ahead at next year, I feel as though it’s almost as good as shaking a Magic 8-Ball for answers.

If I were to ask the ball about commodity prices, it would most likely say: Outlook not so good. While some predictions have come in slightly more positive that imagined, it sounds as though our farmers won’t be seeing much relief anytime soon. As an organization we continue to help our members by stressing to our appointed officials and those on Capitol Hill that our agriculture community continues to struggle.

Unfortunately, our organization cannot

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change the market price.

Will trade discussions be wrapped up soon?

My sources say no.

I agree with the Magic 8-Ball’s answer.

Not only do we have intense on-going discussions with China, but the newlysigned USCMA (revised NAFTA) isn’t ratified yet. We are left with on-going retaliatory tariffs and a large load of uncertainty. 2019 will continue to involve trade negotiations, hopefully favorable to farmers.

If I were to ask the ball about infrastructure funding, it would most likely say: Cannot predict now. This is quite factual as we head into a new year with a new state administration.

Infrastructure funding is something Wisconsin Farm Bureau has continuously advocated for and will again be on the priority list for the next budget cycle.

Our infrastructure is the backbone to our agriculture community. If we can’t get our products off the farm, what’s the sense in growing them? Investments for our roads and bridges needs to remain a focus in 2019.

Will we be getting additional support for broadband? Ask again later would probably be the answer. We have seen some help on this issue through additional funding but if we are going to allow our farmers to compete in today’s business world, we need to provide them access to online tools.

Will the topic of water quality go away any time soon? Don’t count on it. Water quality will continue to be a topic of importance for farmers and our neighbors. It is critical that we continue to lead the way with the producer-led watershed initiative and nonpoint source funding. Giving resources to these

programs must stay a priority.

Will WFBF continue to address the concerns farmers have with crop and livestock damage from wildlife?

Without a doubt.

Wildlife issues are different around the state. Whether it’s bears, wolves or other wildlife our organization will continue to ask for a way to control populations and reimburse farmers for losses.

Will we see any movement on immigration? Reply hazy, try again. A reliable workforce has been an on-going issue for Wisconsin farmers. Congress needs to pass responsible immigration reform that addresses the current experienced workforce and creates a new flexible guest worker program that would address the needs of our dairy industry.

If we were to ask about completion of the farm bill, the Magic 8-Ball’s answer would be: Signs point to yes.

Congress failed to pass a farm bill by the Sep. 30 deadline. Early this month discussions were still underway. Urgency is needed as our farmers look at their risk management tools this winter.

Just like you, we are looking for answers as we head into 2019. Agriculture strives for continuous improvement whether it’s on the farm or within Farm Bureau.

Sometimes it feels like we are just sharing a Magic 8-Ball when predicting outcomes. Know that Farm Bureau is here to help your voice be heard and will be looking at a variety of issues this upcoming year.

President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation since 2012, Holte is a grain and beef farmer from Elk Mound.

Lessons Learned from Wisconsin Farmers A Message from AFBF's Shiloh Perry

A

griculture is a large economic driver for the state of Wisconsin, contributing $88.3 billion annually to the economy and providing 413,500 jobs, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Wisconsin is also the leading state for cheese production and home to 8,000 dairy farms – more than any other state.

During a recent trip to America’s Dairyland, I realized there’s much to learn about agriculture from Wisconsin farmers. A state with such a large agricultural influence provides a great perspective on the people involved, the values they hold and the challenges they face. Thanks to my visit to Wisconsin, I have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for American agriculture.

Here’s why.

1. Farmers are resilient. They are working to overcome the economic difficulties of current times. Dairy prices are low and net farm income is at the third-lowest level in the last decade, behind 2016 and 2009. One of the farmers I visited said his farm is operating on a tighter budget than usual, which means he must be more resourceful than ever with equipment investments. To put things in perspective, he explained that this year’s profit for his family’s diversified farm would decrease by 25 percent. Yet, despite the hardships they face, farmers

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

and ranchers will do what it takes to keep going until the hard times improve. They work until the job is done. Their passion will help them through.

2. Family is important to those involved in agriculture. Today, 99 percent of U.S. farms are operated by families.

Farmers and ranchers value working with their families and want to contribute to their family’s farming or ranching legacy.

They want to pass their farms down to future generations and leave their land better than they found it. Stewardship and farm succession planning are priorities for those involved in agriculture.

Passing a farm or ranch down to multiple generations can be complex and is one of the biggest challenges some farmers face. The resiliency and love of family that farmers demonstrate makes it clear that working in agriculture is much more than just a job.

3. Better support will help bring agriculture into the future. ​Wisconsin boasts many successful examples of support for agriculture. These include on-farm agritourism ventures, a culture of agricultural advocacy and a strong restaurant industry connection to farms.

Agriculture advocacy organizations, like Wisconsin Farm Bureau, support farmers and ranchers and help advance their legislative priorities. Culver’s Restaurants, a burger chain launched in Wisconsin, increases awareness of

farmers’ contributions to the company’s famous butter burger and frozen custard through a 'Thank You Farmers' campaign.

Culver’s also invests in the development of young people, through a partnership with National FFA. This is in addition to helping revitalize rural America by renovating barns.

These lessons learned from Wisconsin farmers about agriculture and the lifestyle it supports are invaluable as efforts continue to sustain and advance this important industry.

Perry is the media relations specialist at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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OPINION

Not Understanding Your Tax Liability Can Cost You A Guest Column from JoAnn Maedke

S

urprisingly, farm taxes became a talking point during this fall’s election. If you don’t already, you should know what the gubernatorial candidates were discussing. Here’s a recap on what you need to know about the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit and Personal Property Tax Exemption.

Wisconsin MAC Credit The MAC is a subtraction from taxes owed. MAC is a credit subtracted from the tax on farm income. It is calculated on farm income only and subtracted from the farm portion of the Wisconsin income tax. It does not reduce the Wisconsin income tax on non-farm income. The income that it is applied to must be generated on farms located in Wisconsin. Presently the tax credit is 7.5 percent. The top tax rate on income in the state is 7.65 percent. Agricultural producers pay very little, if any Wisconsin income tax on farm income. If the credit cannot be used in the current year it can be carried forward 15 years.

For example, if a farm had $500,000

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in taxable farm income, they would pay 0.15 percent tax or $750. (7.65% 7.5% = 0.15%) If they did not have the 7.5% reduction the taxes paid would be $38,250 ($500,000 * 7.65%.) However, if an individual had $200,000 in taxable farm income and additional $300,000 in non-farm taxable income the 7.5 percent reduction only applies to the farm income portion. In this case the tax on the farm income is $300 and the tax on the non-farm income is $22,950 for a total of $23,250.

By only applying the tax credit to farm income it prevents individuals from using farms as tax loop holes to reduce taxes from other income sources. This allows the credit to benefit the intended industry: agriculture.

MAC shows that the state is serious about keeping farming prevalent in Wisconsin. There are approximately 68,500 farms in Wisconsin, covering 14.3 million acres. About 12 percent of Wisconsin’s workforce is employed because of agriculture and every job supports another 1.46 additional jobs in the state.

This credit is a huge benefit to our agricultural community. It reduces the tax burden on farmers, leaving more income to invest back into the business.

This credit is very beneficial to farms of all sizes.

If you have primarily farm income and are paying Wisconsin income tax, ask your tax preparer about the MAC. If your tax preparer does not know about the MAC it is time to look for a tax professional that specializes in farm taxes.

Personal Property Tax Exemption A personal property tax is a tax paid on the value of an item. Many states apply a personal property tax to vehicles.

Individuals must pay a tax based on the

vehicle’s value every year. A personal property tax applied to manufacturing means a manufacturer must pay a tax on the value of all equipment each year.

For example, manufacturers pay personal property tax on the machinery they use in manufacturing like presses, forklifts, weld equipment and even computers.

Personal property tax used to be applied to agriculture also. My 91-yearold dad remembers the 1940s and early 1950s when there was a personal property tax on livestock, cows and pigs. However, he does not recall there ever being a personal property tax on farm machinery.

In September 2017, Governor Walker signed into law the most significant reduction in Wisconsin’s personal property tax in nearly 40 years. By my dad’s recollection, that would be closer to almost 70 years when the personal property taxes on business inventories and farmers’ livestock were repealed.

Under 2017’s Wisconsin Act 59, effective with property assessed as of January 1, 2018, machinery, tools and patterns (personal property) will be exempt from the personal property tax.

Wisconsin Act 59 does not impact the taxes paid by farmers since agriculture has enjoyed these exemptions for many years.

However, it will reduce the tax burden on processors of agriculture outputs like farm machinery, cheese plants, feed mills, shavings processors, etc.

Knowing tax law is important.

Knowing your elected officials’ positions on farm tax law is equally important. I encourage farmers to ask questions to be sure they understand these critical implications to your bottom line.

Maedke is an enrolled agent tax advisor at Maedex Tax and Farm Accounting, LLC, in Fond du Lac.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Hedge Strategies for Selling or Storing A Guest Column from AgriVisor’s Joe Camp

M

ost farmers are flush with grain again after this season’s harvest produced record national yield averages for corn and soybeans. And for yet another year, farmers are forced to make ‘sell-or-store’ decisions in an unfriendly market environment.

Cash flow needs and the risk of further price erosion often warrant a need to sell for many farmers. But, the choice to store grain is a tempting one when flat prices are depressed and the futures market offers a carry incentive.

Whether grain is sold or stored, an appropriate marketing strategy can be matched to the decision to help with managing risks related to selling too soon or storing for too long. Stored bushels can be protected with storage hedges while sold bushels can be coupled with re-ownership hedges.

Grain on storage can be hedged to lock in carry – a premium for storage costs built into deferred futures contracts and forward cash bids. Take advantage of the strong current carry structure by selling futures in a brokerage account or opening hedge-to-arrive (HTA) contracts with your grain buyer. Compare the futures carry incentive against your own costs of storage, whether on-farm or at an elevator, and factor in additional costs related to brokerage commissions or HTA fees.

Storage hedges establish a futures

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

price while leaving the position open for changes in basis, therefore they can provide benefit to the producer when basis values are expected to strengthen.

Basis generally shows seasonal weakness during harvest when grain movement is at its maximum and tends to strengthen in the spring and summer when farmer selling is slow and uncertainties about the next crop exist.

Re-ownership hedges serve to re-open the position to participation in potential upside in the futures market. The strategy most often entails selling cash corn and capturing upside opportunity through the purchase of call options.

Buying call options against a sold cash position establishes a price floor since risk on the option contract is limited to premium cost, plus commission and fees.

The transfer of cash grain ownership is already complete, so the strategy does not benefit from potential basis appreciation.

Open a storage hedge using short futures, long put options and HTA contracts. In general, the best time to use a storage hedge is when protection is needed against falling futures prices, when basis has the potential to strengthen and when the net return to storage offered by a carry market represents an acceptable profit.

Employ the re-ownership strategy by opening a minimum price contract at the elevator or through the purchase of

call option contracts against cash grain already sold. Consider such a replacement hedge when the outlook calls for stronger futures prices and steady or weaker basis.

The market may offer an attractive carry incentive, but that premium is not guaranteed to the producer until a futures price is locked in – that is where the storage hedge comes in. A sale may sometimes be necessary even if it is not made at a desirable time or price – that’s when the replacement hedge can help.

Camp is the risk management specialist for AgriVisor, one of WFBF’s member benefits.

wfbf.com

31

Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

I

stare out the kitchen window and ponder – why in the world do the doves at our feeding station remain here for the winter, while the majority of their cousins bask in the southern sun? Why, oh why, do a select few from the autumn flock stay north?

Did you ever wonder why?

The birdwatcher may speculate while simply enjoying the view. The ornithologist explains the science behind migratory pull -- caused by the seasonal change in day length, temperature and an ultimate need for food, shelter and water. The philosopher smiles and reflects on the symbolism and stark comparisons between man and beast.

Homo sapiens have adapted to northern climates by adjusting the thermostat, adding insulation and wearing thermal underwear. Those who did not, settled farther south and having less resolve for cold, dealt with the heat.

Most of their feathered counterparts simply turned to migration and stayed either one wing beat ahead, or behind the snow line.

Doves, I dare say, are a common sight on the frozen landscape this winter. Audubon Christmas bird counts documented a healthy mourning dove population in our state, with hundreds of birds counted, north and south. Their numbers rank in the top 10 each year

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at most locations. Our winter flock of doves numbers 12. While that is only half the number residing near neighbor Grace’s place along the river, it is more than I recall in recent past. We offer a never-ending supply of sunflower seeds, a heated birdbath and a grove of sheltering white pines across the road, consequently providing food, shelter and water.

Perhaps, I have answered my own question. Without a handout, those doves might not spend the harshest time of the year in our township, or neighboring cities. A drive down the nearby county trunk highway reveals flock after flock, nine times out of 10 near country homes and farmsteads, while in town, bird feeders and doves likely outnumber stop signs and gas stations.

On the day of Valentine come February, it only seems fitting that we speak of doves. English poet and philosopher Geoffrey Chaucer, who was first to associate Valentine’s Day with romantic love, coined the term ‘love bird’ and called today the date when every bird comes to choose his mate. Later, poet Alfred Lord Tennyson penned the verse, “In the spring a livelier iris changes on the burnished dove; In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

But it was Chaucer who started the tradition of Valentine’s Day – originally celebrated in early May – when he composed the poem, "The Parliament of Fowls" which literally means "the meeting of birds" – a time when all birds choose their mates. After Chaucer's death in 1400, the celebration of Valentine was pushed back to February, when the first song birds traditionally warbled in England after a long winter.

Spring seems a long way off, with snow piled high and temperatures below normal, but the sight of our flock of doves at the feeding station and the fact that they decided to spend the winter at our side, makes the wait a bit more tolerable.

Blomberg is a freelance writer and a member of the Portage County Farm Bureau. His book, "Up the Creek" is available at amazon.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Pictures from the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference that were shared on the event app sponsored by Rural Mutual.

Abby Haas, Darlington

Alison Kepner, Baraboo

Ashley Berg, Brantwood

Carley Blado, New Holstein

Maria Menart, Frederic

Kayla Kringle, Rice Lake

Sara Bertram, Fond du Lac

Stephanie Nagel, Kiel

Rachel Leege, Oregon

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, 4x6 inches 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.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

wfbf.com

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau

Warm winter recipes from Farm Bureau staff members.

Bacon Cheeseburger in Paradise Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef • 1 onion, diced • 3/4 c. carrot, shredded • 3/4 c. celery, chopped • 1 tsp. dried parsley • 3 c. chicken broth

• 4 c. potatoes, cubed • 1/4 c. all-purpose flour • 2 c. cheddar cheese, cubed • 11/2 c. milk • 4 tbsp. butter or 4 tbsp. margarine

Directions

1. Brown ground beef and onion.

2. A dd broth, celery, carrots, parsley and potatoes.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir

The Little Pig Chili Ingredients

Submitted by Sarah Hetke, director of communications.

• 2 lbs. lean ground pork • 2 medium green bell peppers, chopped • 2 small onions, chopped • 2 cans (15 oz. each) red kidney beans, undrained • 2 packages (1.25 oz. each) chili seasoning mix

• 2 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce • 2 cans (10 oz. each) diced tomatoes and green chilies • cheese and sour cream (optional) • 1 Reynolds kitchens™ slow cooker liner, regular size

Directions

1. Line a 5-6 quart slow cooker with seasoning mix, tomato sauce, diced a regular size slow cooker liner. Fit tomatoes and green chilies to beef liner snugly against bottom and mixture; stir gently with spoon. sides of bowl; pull top of liner over 3. Cover and cook 6-7 hours on low or rim. Set aside.

3-31/2 hours on high, until hot.

2. B rown pork, pepper and onion in 4. Carefully remove lid to allow steam a skillet over medium-high heat. to escape. Stir gently. Top with Drain well. Spoon beef mixture into cheese and sour cream, if desired, the lined-slow cooker. Add beans, and serve.

Flaming Bird Chili Ingredients

Submitted by Steve Mason, comptroller.

• 1 lb. of ground chicken • 1 can white navy beans, drained and rinsed • 14.5 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes, drained • 4 c. chicken broth • 1 /4 to 1/2 c. buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/4 c. and add more if needed)

• 1 package ranch dressing mix • 1 c. frozen corn kernels

Directions

1. Brown chicken, place in crock pot.

2. A dd remaining ingredients, except for cream cheese and blue cheese.

Stir to combine.

3. Add block of cream cheese on the top and cover.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

• 1/2 tsp. onion powder • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder • 1/2 tsp. celery salt • 1/2 tsp. dried cilantro • 1/4 tsp. salt • 8 oz. cream cheese • Blue cheese crumbles (optional)

4. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

5. Stir to incorporate cream cheese and add additional wing sauce.

6. Top individual bowls with blue cheese crumbles if desired.

Submitted by Wendy Kannel, director of training and leadership development.

in flour.

5. Add milk, stirring until smooth.

6. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.

7. B ring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.

8. Stir in cheese; until melted.

When Pigs Fly Chili

Ingredients

• 1-11/2 lbs pork shoulder roast, shredded • 12 oz tasso-style ham • 1 lb. Andouille sausage • 1 lb. ground beef • 1 large onion, diced • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 green bell pepper, diced • celery, carrots, zucchini, sweet peppers, hot peppers, diced • 2-3 cloves garlic,

Directions

Submitted by Marian Viney, graphic designer.

minced • 1 tbsp. chili powder • 1 tbsp. cumin • 1 tsp. oregano • 1 tbsp. ground chipotle peppers • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper • 2 tbsp. salt, more to taste • 1 c. amber or brown ale • 1 c. beef broth • 2, 28-oz. cans diced tomatoes

1. Brown meat in a tsp. oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Transfer the browned meat from the pot to a crock pot.

2. In the same pot, cook the vegetables over medium heat; cook the onions until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, and add other vegetables. Add garlic to the middle of the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir into the vegetables.

3. Add seasonings. Stir until vegetables are coated and spices are fragrant, another 30 seconds.

4. Pour the beer into the hot pan. Scrape the dark sticky crust as the liquid bubbles. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add tomatoes and beans to the chili. Simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and add more seasonings or salt to taste.

For more Farm Bureau Flavor recipes visit, wfbf.com/farm-bureau-flavor. wfbf.com

35

County Kernels Sporting Clay Shooting - Polk County

Century Farm - Outagamie County

Despite the cold, winter like weather, Polk County Farm Bureau members had a good time shooting sporting clays. Steven Owens, Chris Owens, Andy Gould, Julie Wadzinski and Katie Mattison posed for a quick photo in front of one of the shooting stands.

Outagamie County Farm Bureau president Mike Salter and Fairest of the Fair Morgan Rynish presented a Century Farm Sign to the Wichman family at the Outagamie County Fair.

Ice Cream Safari - Brown County

In July, the YFA committee sponsored an Ice Cream Safari at the NEW Zoo to celebrate National Ice Cream month. Ice cream sundaes were served. Children lined up to get sundae temporary tattoos, wrangle up cows into the barn and create an ice cream sundae craft to take home. The activity was chosen as a County Activity of Excellence award winner at the WFBF level.

Christmas on the Farm - Jackson County

Jackson County Promotion and Education Committee members (from left), Violet Goodwin, Savannah Brown, Erica Olson and Darci Daniels, posed with Santa during Jackson County Farm Bureau's inaugural Christmas on the Farm event. This free, family-friendly event was hosted at Garden Valley Farmstead in Hixton and welcomed more than 600 visitors. Jackson County Farm Bureau and Garden Valley Farmstead collected more than $5,300 in donations for a local family in need while teaching visitors about Wisconsin agriculture.

Farmer's Appreciation - Iowa County Iowa County Farm Bureau members played a large role in planning the 33rd annual Farmers Appreciation Day. Members participated in the event from set-up to tear down, helping to make the event a great success. Mark your calendar for next year, July 13-14, 2019.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

LEADERSHIP

Members Chosen for State Committees

Promotion and Education Committee

A

ndrea Brossard of Dodge County, Kathy Duescher of Brown County and Katie Zoromski of Marathon County have been appointed to the WFBF’s Promotion and Education Committee by the organization’s Board of Brossard Duescher Directors.

Andrea Brossard, a Dodge County Farm Bureau member, was appointed to a second term on the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee. She represents Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Rock and Sauk counties. Andrea is the third generation on her family’s 200cow dairy farm. Her family grows crops on 650 acres, which are used to feed the cows. Andrea is a past graduate of the WFBF Leadership Institute, winner of the Excellence in Agriculture award, Discussion Meet finalist and graduate of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Communication Boot Camp.

Kathy Duescher, a Brown County Farm Bureau member, was appointed to her first term on the WFBF Promotion and Education Committee. She will represent Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties. Kathy has an accounting degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She spent 25 years as support staff in K-12 education before retiring in April of 2017. Kathy now co-manages a

custom planting and harvest business. She is a member of the Bay Port FFA Alumni and Booster Club.

Katie Zoromski, a Marathon County Farm Bureau member, was appointed to her first term on the WFBF Promotion and Zoromski Education Committee. She will represent Clark, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Price, Taylor and Wood counties. After 15 years of working as a herdsman on large dairies in Wisconsin and Texas, Katie transitioned back into schooling to pursue a marketing degree from Northcentral Technical College. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University.

Outside of school, Katie enjoys working on her family’s farm and helping promote agriculture through Farm Bureau. Her family plans to grow their hobby farm into an agritourism venture while supplying a variety of agricultural products to the community.

Promotion and Education 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 Promotion and Education Program is funded by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee

E

mily Johnson of Rock County, Keith and Kelly Oudenhoven of Outagamie County and Brad and Kristine Boon of Clark County have been appointed to the WFBF’s Young Farmer and Oudenhovens Agriculturist Committee by Johnson the organization’s state Board of Directors.

Emily Johnson is a crop insurance agent for Union Bank and Trust Company in Evansville. She grew up on her family’s beef and cash crop farm near Janesville, where she is still active in the day-to-day operations along with her parents and two younger brothers. A graduate of UW-Whitewater, Emily is an active member of the Rock County Farm Bureau serving as executive director.

Kelly Oudenhoven is the Outagamie County Farm Bureau YFA chair. She is the herd manager on her father-in-law’s dairy while her husband Keith is employed at Pierce Manufacturing as a mechanical engineer. The couple has three children, DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

Josephine (6), Jack (4) and Allison (3). Kelly and Keith are in the process of setting up a succession plan to become the fourth generation to own the family’s farm.

Brad Boon farms full-time Boons on his family’s 300 head dairy farm Boon Farms, LLC. His wife Kristine owns a quilting and fabric business in addition to managing the farm’s finances and bookwork. The couple has been married for 12 years and have three children: Natalie (7), Fletcher (5) and Baylee (3).

Brad is a Clark County Farm Bureau board member.

The WFBF YFA Committee consists of nine couples or individuals (ages 18-35) from across 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. wfbf.com

37

Centennial Campaign Hopes to Raise $100,000

W

isconsin Farm Bureau has begun a fundraising campaign to raise at least $100,000 by the 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting. This campaign is meant to serve as a celebration and a monetary foundation for our exceptional educational programs.

Our members are served well by our leadership development programs and this campaign will enhance funding for these programs. Nearly $35,000 has already been collected because of the generosity of supporters.

Please consider contributing. Your tax-deductible contribution will help keep the future of Farm Bureau programming strong. You can donate online by visiting wfbf.com/centennial.

Contributions will be taken until the 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting.

Centennial Donations as of December 12, 2018

Farmer

$10,000 donation

Dale & Jillian Beaty

Agriculturist

GROWMARK, Inc

$5,000 donation

Brian & Kristi Fiedler

AGvocate

$1,000 donation

Harvester

$300 donation

Cultivator

$200 donation

Jim & Gayle Holte Carl Casper John & Darlene Arneson Howard Roth Don & Jilayne Radtke Wolf L&G Farms LLC

Wes Raddatz Keith Engel Matthew & Becky Hibicki John & Nancy Meyers

Rob Klussendorf Brian & Renee Schaal Bob & Lisa Leege

Trayton Greenfield

Planter

$100 donation

Becky Schollian Ruby Nagel

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

wfbf.com

39

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Teacher Mini-Grants Awarded Write Your Way Through Natural Resources W

isconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program has awarded 12 teacher mini-grants to be used for agricultural literacy lessons and activities.

The 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 $100 grants that will be used this school year:

The Great Seed Exchange

Heather Gayton- Creekside Elementary School, Sun Prairie Students will research the history behind heirloom varieties, take a virtual tour of a seed bank and explore where certain varieties are native to which continents.

Little Blessings Garden Patch

Kristi Magnuson- St. Aloysius Catholic School, Sauk City This program will allow students to be engaged in an active learning space within their school garden. Students will observe, discover, experiment, nurture and learn about agriculture.

Books and Blankets

Livia Doyle- Mineral Point Elementary School, Mineral Point The project’s goal is to raise funds to purchase materials to be used in outdoor learning spaces including a wagon, blankets and books centered around topics like insects, plants, birds, trees, gardening, compost, environmental stewardship, animals and weather.

Elementary Ag Day

Nathaniel Nolden- Wisconsin Dells High School, Wisconsin Dells All third-grade students in the school district will be invited to a half-day Elementary Ag Day. There will be a minimum of 14 stations on various topics related to agriculture in the community and state. Funds will be used to purchase related books, food storage containers and other supplies.

Global Food Security

Katelyn Dei- Slinger High School, Slinger Students will be utilizing the Hungry Planet books by Peter Menzel to determine what factors create food insecurity and which countries around the world are food insecure. Students will learn about our American agriculture system and how lives have changed dramatically in the last 100 years due to advancements in our agriculture.

Respecting Rural Life!

Kirstin Thompson- Greenfield Elementary- Baldwin In a two-part project, students will be asked to research rural life skills, conduct interviews of rural-life experts and then design a three-dimensional model related to the topic.

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Kirsten Konder- Luck Public Schools, Luck After studying many areas of natural resources along with environmental issues, students will write a children’s book concentrating on one area. They will explain the issue within the story and show multiple ways to resolve it.

Yes, Reading is Fun!

Lori Rowe- Tigerton High School, Tigerton To assist the staff members in the district to provide agricultural books for the school, Middle School Book Club and Reading Nights, the grant will be used to buy a variety of agricultural books.

Patio Gardening; Fresh Food for Families!

Amy Mather- Northern Hills School, Onalaska Students will develop gardening skills and help feed their families while working collaboratively to solve problems related to a cooperative project. They will have increased responsibility and independence related to feeding themselves and their families.

Seed Germination

John Slipek- Abbotsford High School- Abbotsford High school students will work with second grade students during this 9-week unit. Each student will be able to plant seeds and monitor growth while observing germination differences, soil temperature, moisture variation, impact of sunlight, growth rate and other factors.

Safety on the Farm

Cheri Oglesby- St. Rose Catholic School, Cuba City Working with the Cuba City FFA Chapter, elementary students will learn about the dangers on a farm and how to protect themselves. The dangers of equipment, chemicals and animals will be covered in a three-week project.

Read About and Make Ice Cream

Sarah Halverson- Black River Falls High School, Black River Falls High school Child Development Class students will create age appropriate lessons for 4K students. The content will be delivered in dairy and ice cream themed stations that are 15 minutes in length.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program also has matching grants available to groups and organizations that conduct agricultural literacy projects. Applications are due

by March 1 and can be downloaded at wisagclassroom.org or by contacting Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5644 or darneson@wfbf.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Sturgeon Bay Teacher Recognized for Ag Literacy Work A

Promotions Ambassador program since shley Vanden Bush, a third-grade 2012. She still assists Brown County teacher at St. John Bosco School Dairy with events. in Sturgeon Bay, is this year’s recipient “Ashley has been active in Farm of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in Bureau, Green Bay FFA Alumni, the Classroom program’s Outstanding Teacher Award.

Young Farmers Association and has Each year the Wisconsin Farm been a strong advocate for agriculture,” Arneson added. “Because of her Bureau Foundation recognizes a teacher high-level of dedication of including for his or her efforts in educating agriculture in her curriculum, she students on the importance of earned a White-Reinhardt Educator agriculture. Teachers of all grade levels Scholarship from the American Farm and subject areas, with the exclusion (From left): Nicole Nohl, Ashley Vanden Bush Bureau Foundation for Agriculture of certified agriculture education and Jennifer Barthowski. to attend the National Ag in the instructors, are eligible to apply.

Classroom Conference.”

“Ashley has done a fantastic job of seeking out agriculture Vanden Bush will be Wisconsin’s nominee for the National resources to use in her teaching,” said Darlene Arneson, Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award and will receive $500 Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.

“She has attended numerous volunteer and teacher trainings, has to attend the 2019 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. presented a workshop at our national conference and has used Cindy Barber, a fifth-grade teacher at Random Lake Middle Ag in the Classroom resources in a variety of settings.”

School, and Lori Bongert, a fourth-grade teacher at Rio Vanden Bush earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary Elementary School, were named runners up for their efforts in education from Carroll University. She has taught at St. John sharing agricultural literacy with their students.

Bosco since 2016. She was a substitute teacher in the greater Green Bay area and an educator with the Brown County Dairy

Ag in the Classroom Holds New Year Kick Off R

ing in the new year with Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program at an informational meeting on January 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc.

This meeting will cover upcoming events including 2019 Ag Day activities, essay contest, matching grants and summer trainings. There will also be a presentation by Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center staff on opportunities for bringing schools, groups and others to the center.

Anyone with an interest in agricultural education is encouraged to attend the meeting.

The registration fee for the meeting and tour of the facilities is $20 per person, this includes admission to the center and lunch.

Others who wish to tour the center, but not participate in the meeting can receive discount admission tickets if registered in advance. More details and registration forms are available at wisagclassroom.com.

For more information about Ag in the Classroom or the meeting, contact Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5644.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

Plan to Celebrate National Ag Day March 19 2019 theme: “Agriculture: Food for Life”

Join Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation as they celebrate National Ag Day on March 19.

Watch the wiagclassroom. org and the next issue of Rural Route for details on this year’s celebration. Be sure to start contacting schools or other groups and begin recruiting volunteers.

Opportunities to participate in: • Reading event • Student contest • Social media

wfbf.com

41

FOUNDATION

Silent Auction Supports

Foundation

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s Silent Auction has long-standing support from our members and partners and this year was no different. Thank you to each person, county, group or business who donated items, brought them to the Annual Meeting, purchased items and continued to bid throughout the event. With your help, 270 items were donated and $15,966 were raised to continue supporting our education and leadership development programs.

We’re Farm Bureau Proud to have supporters like these!

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Members Fund the Foundation

Euchre Tournament

A euchre tournament was held Saturday night during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference. Twenty-three players raised more than $460 for the WFB Foundation.

50/50 Raffle

This year, the YFA Committee held two 50/50 raffles. Jim Waldron (left pictured with Julie Wadzinski) was the winner Saturday morning and Devin Wellnitz (right pictured with Brian Preder) was the winner Sunday morning. A total of $2,469 was raised for the WFB Foundation from the raffles.

The winners were (from left): Steve Earleywine, Joey Heneghan, Ron Kannel, Eunice Yahnke and Phillip Sersch.

Thank You to the Following WFB Foundation Donors:

(Donations were made between September 24, and December 7, 2018.

•• Pearl Goetsch •• Faith Pronschinske •• Jefferson County Farm Bureau in honor of Dan Paulson's years of service •• Marian Viney in memory of Adeline Marks •• Dave Daniels in memory of Wilfred Meier •• Dan Poulson in memory of Bernard Partoll •• Dan Poulson in memory of Sue Jaeckel •• Dan Poulson in memory of Gertrude Wilson •• Dan Poulson in memory of Richard Triebold

REGISTER NOW! MARCH 15-18, 2019 More information at http://bit.ly/fbfusion19 DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

wfbf.com

43

RURAL MUTUAL

As the Weather Gets Colder, Safety Risks are Heating Up

By Chris Schlechta, Safety and Loss Control Manager, Rural Mutual

O

nce again, it’s that time of the year when Mother Nature turns off the heat outside, forcing us to turn up the heat indoors. With the winter season also comes safety risks to be aware of as we heat our homes and businesses.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 48 percent of home heating fires occur in the months of December, January and February. While that isn’t much of a surprise with it being the coldest months in Wisconsin, there also isn’t much guess work to protecting yourself, your family and your property.

There aren’t many things more relaxing than the warmth and smell of a fireplace or wood burning stove. To be able to enjoy it without worrying about the flames escaping their confinement just takes a few simple safety tips.

• Ensure your wood burning appliance has been properly installed by a qualified contractor according to the manufacturer's specifications.

• Have your chimney inspected annually by a qualified professional and cleaned if necessary, 87 percent of the 56,000 residential fires attributed to home heating in a 2011 NFPA study, were a result of chimney fires due to lack of proper cleaning and inspection. A chimney by design isn’t made for the high temperatures of direct flame impingement, and will fail quickly allowing the fire to spread into the home.

• Maintain a three feet safety zone around fireplaces and wood-burning appliances. Don’t store any combustible materials within this area. Make sure your floor is protected with a noncombustible floor covering like a hearth pad within this area to catch wayward sparks.

• Burn ONLY clean dry wood. NEVER burn garbage, plastics or other materials. The byproducts of burning anything other than clean dry wood will accumulate in the chimney, and may lead to a fire inside the chimney.

• When cleaning out a fireplace or wood-burning appliance, place ash into a metal bucket and store outside for a week before disposing of in a trash can. Left over embers can retain heat for

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several days and rekindle causing a fire.

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

In addition to the fire risks, carbon monoxide is an everpresent danger with any type of heating appliance using a combustible fuel source. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas resulting as a byproduct of incomplete combustion. According to the Centers for Disease Control carbon monoxide poisoning kills 400 plus Americans every year and sends another 20,000 plus to emergency rooms nationwide.

• Ensure that the chimney, flues and other exhaust pipes for combustion appliances are unobstructed. In addition to animals creating obstructions, special attention should be paid to heating exhaust pipes that horizontally vent through a polyvinyl chloride pipe on the side of the hose during large snowfall events. Drifting snow will quickly cover exhaust pipes and cause exhaust to backup into the house.

• Periodically inspect chimney connections to ensure they are properly sealed.

• Any appliances that use a horizontal chimney connection pipe must be properly installed to provide at least one-quarter of an inch rise for every four feet in horizontal run. This ensures a proper draft is maintained to expel exhaust out of the home.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor and outside of bedrooms.

• Have your furnace periodically inspected and maintained to identify conditions like a cracked heat exchanger that will cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home.

• When warming up a vehicle, pull the vehicle out of the garage and close the garage door. Vehicle exhaust containing high concentrations of carbon monoxide can accumulate in the open garage and seep into the home.

Taking time to implement these safety tips will help to ensure that your winter heating season is a safe one. On behalf of our Safety and Loss Control team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, joyous New Year.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Protect Your Most Cherished Gifts from Identity Theft

By CyberScout

T

he holidays are about so much more than exchanging presents … it’s a time to reflect on precious gifts in our lives. Family and friends gather around tables or in front of the fireplace laughing, remembering and cherishing time together. This holiday season, while you eat, drink and make merry, make sure you protect what matters most.

Your identity — you’ve spent a lifetime building your financial credit and professional reputation, but identity thieves can take that away in an instant.

Elderly relatives: Scammers often target the elderly, especially around the holidays. In 2017, 35 percent of frauds were reported by victims older than 60.1 Children: Kids are frequent victims of identity theft.

According to Javelin, about 1.5 percent of all U.S. children had identities stolen in 2017.2 10 Tips for Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones Don’t leave thieves any opportunity to unwrap your identity this holiday season. Take these sensible precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Shop smart in stores and online 1. Keep track of cards and wallets. Don’t lose sight of your wallet, purse or phone in the hustle and bustle of shopping. In stores, it is easy to forget your credit or debit card after checkout. After every transaction, return your card to the same place in your wallet.

2. Guard your PIN. If you pay with a debit card in the store, block the keypad with your body while you enter your PIN. 3. Watch what you say. In stores, you may be asked for personal information such as your phone number, address or birthday as you check out. Speak quietly to the clerk.

4. Too-good-to-be-true could be a trap.

Don’t fall victim to rock-bottom prices from unknown internet retailers—these could be fake stores run by fraudsters.

5. Don’t make purchases over public Wi-Fi. If you shop using your mobile phone in public, stay on your carrier’s cellular network. Free public Wi-Fi can be much less secure.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018-2019

Trust your instincts 6. Give, but verify. You will probably receive more phone, mail and email solicitations from charities near the holidays. Use caution with unfamiliar charities.

Do your research first.

7. Avoid phishing attacks.

Government, banks and credit card providers will NOT ask for personal information via an email or by calling you. If in doubt, hit delete or hang up. Go to the organization’s website or call using a phone number you looked up yourself.

Guard your privacy 8. Customize your social media privacy settings. Take advantage of your options in social media privacy settings. Are you sharing information with friends only or the public?

9. Coordinate with family. If your kids or an aunt share family photos with you tagged in exotic locales, they may show up on your social feeds.

10. Don’t leave packages or mail unattended. An overflowing mailbox or packages on the front stoop are signs your family is out of town.

To learn more about digital defense tools families can use to protect personal information, contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance agent or visit ruralmutual.com.

Federal Trade Commission CNBC, "Identity theft isn't just an adult problem. Kids are victims, too," April 24, 2018.

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wfbf.com

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Farm Safety Check: Use This Simple, Effective Tool to Address Potential Hazards By the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center

I

sn’t it satisfying to check items off a to-do list? Especially when the items are safety-related?

Farm Safety Check is a quick monthly review to identify and fix potential hazards before they cause harm to your family and employees – and your bottom line. Each month, Farm Safety Check focuses on a different topic, offering checklists and tips to help identify hazards, along with suggested resources to remedy any problems.

“Each farm is unique,” said Bruce Alexander, Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), which launched Farm Safety Check in 2017. “It takes an individual approach to address common hazards. The best way to do that is having a routine way to review the farm environment for potential hazards.”

The UMASH Farm Safety Check is a printable checklist.

New topics are added monthly. The checklist keeps farms on track throughout year without bombarding farmers with too much new information and additional work.

“Health and safety on the farm are attainable goals with some conscious effort in prevention and control measures,” Alexander said.

Wintertime checklist topics “Now would be a good time to walk through your buildings and shop with checklists in hand,” said Scott Heiberger, communications manager at the National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.

“There are checklists for fire preparedness, electrical safety and general farm building safety,” Heiberger said. “It could actually be a three-for-one walk-through, since these three topics are so interrelated.”

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Things to look for include: A re buildings free of trash, junk or tools in the walkways and

work areas?

 Is wiring free of damage and unexposed?  Are heat lamps securely placed, clean and in good repair? A re flammable liquids stored away from sources of heat in

ventilated areas?

 Are electrical wires firmly supported or in a conduit? D o all workers know how to shut off power in case of an

emergency?

Be a Farm Safety Champion The checklists also provide an excellent way of beginning the safety conversation with your family and employees, and for reinforcing safety behaviors year-round.

You also can be a farm safety champion in your community and organization. The recommended resources are free and easily shared via email and social media. Share the resources in newsletters and media articles that reach agricultural audiences.

“There’s peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a safe operation, or as safe as you can make it, and that you have made a farm safety impact in your community,” Heiberger said.

Other UMASH Farm Safety Check topics include: animal handling, ATVs, keeping children safe, grain handling, hearing protection, emergency preparedness, silage storage, roadways and more.

For more information, visit umash.umn.edu/umash-farmsafety-check, or contact 612.626.4826 or umash@umn.edu.

To find out more about farm safety checklists, please contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance agent or visit ruralmutual.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION