Rural Route February 2021

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

february | march 2021 • vol. 27 no. 1 | wfbf.com

New YFA Chair Hopes to Plant the Seed and Harvest More Leaders Page 21

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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2021 AFBF POLICY

American Farm Bureau delegates set 2021 farm policy.

YFA MEMBERS SHINE

Julie Sweney and Natasha Paris excel in national YF&R contests.

5 MINUTES WITH KEVIN

Learn more about WFBF President Kevin Krentz.

WFBF POLICY BOOK

The 2021 WFBF Policy Book is available online.

MEET EMILY JOHNSON

New YFA Chair hopes to plant the seed and harvest more leaders.

OPINIONS

Columns from Krentz, Duvall, Moore, White, Thompson-Weeman and Setzer.

FARM BUREAU FLAVOR

Comforting recipes to try this winter season.

#WFBFPICTURETHIS

Members capture winter's beauty around Wisconsin.

MENTAL HEALTH

Check out these podcasts focused on mental health awareness.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Zoom into 2021 with Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom.

RURAL MUTUAL

Read about the highlights of 2020.

COVER PHOTO BY LYNN SIEKMANN

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

wfbf.com

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EDITOR'S NOTE

I

don’t know about you, but I am feeling a little sluggish with the New Year's resolutions this year.

With the constant change we lived through last year, it’s hard to think about tweaking things once again. While it is sometimes not comfortable, making adjustments is a good thing.

Most farmers I know are always looking to change something on the farm.

“How can we make this better?”

“Can we do more with less?”

“What would it look like if we changed this?”

A revolving door of evaluations and suggestions help to keep the business viable. I think it’s fair to say that this mindset is a pretty normal thing on farms.

Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think the same thought goes towards the people on the farm.

I can relate. While I like to think I constantly evaluate things and challenge the normal, it is easy to stay where it’s comfortable. A routine feels safe and easy. Right now, I can’t think of anything that sounds better than comfortable and normal.

The reality though is that if we aren’t changing and growing, we go nowhere. We must seek improvements to make ourselves

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better. It’s not much different than a crop.

It has to grow, or it dies.

When I flip through this issue of Rural Route, I think it has a theme of change or a fresh start.

This was the first year that American Farm Bureau Federation held a virtual convention.

What an accomplishment it was to have farmers and ranchers from around the country gather in a digital space to discuss policy and engage in conversations on food and farming. You can see the highlights of the convention in the news section at the front of the magazine. This also was the first time our Young Farmer and Agriculturist members competed completely online.

Things were different but the outcomes were still achieved with pride.

The feature story highlights new YFA Chair Emily Johnson. She talks about the role Farm Bureau has had growing her leadership skills and how she wants to see that happen for more young people. You can find that story on page 21.

You will find some mental health resources on page 40. Self-improvement includes taking a hard look at the reality you are in.

If other people depend on you, you need to help yourself before you can help others. I am grateful for Farm Bureau sharing resources on this topic and encouraging conversation.

I hope you also find these helpful.

Change can be uncomfortable, but it also can be rewarding. It sounds scary, but when you get through it and look back, it probably wasn’t all that bad.

One change that I will be happy to see is winter finally fading to spring. That fresh start is one that I will always welcome. Until then, keep plowing that snow and allow yourself to embrace change.

Thanks for reading, Amy Eckelberg Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Amy Eckelberg - 608.828.5706 Designer Lynn Siekmann - 608.828.5707 Contributors Sarah 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 Kevin Krentz, Berlin (President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove (Vice President) Arch Morton Jr., Janesville Robert Nigh, Viroqua Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Brian Preder, Weyauwega Ryan Klussendorf, Medford Peter Kimball, Baldwin Lynn Leahy, Plover (Promotion and Education Committee Chair) Emily Johnson, Orfordville (YFA Committee Chair) Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's Rural Route (ISSN 1082-1368) (USPS 39940), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February|March, April|May, June|July, August|September, October|November and December|January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

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

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

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

NEWS

Farm Bureau Establishes 2021 Policies O n Jan. 14, delegates to the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention gathered virtually to set the 2021 farm policy. Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s three delegates joined more than 350 other delegates to debate some of the most hotly contested issues within agriculture to determine which direction policy will go for the next year. This year, Kevin Krentz, Dave Daniels and Ryan Klussendorf served as Wisconsin’s delegates.

“Our Farm Bureau delegates showed that no challenge, not even a pandemic, will keep them from working to improve the lives of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Their work not only sets policy for 2021, it also will serve as a guide for AFBF as we prepare to work with a new president and a new Congress to ensure we continue to lead the world in producing healthy and safe food, fiber and fuel.”

Some of the most debated issues followed closely with the issues that were most affected by the COVID-19 virus and market disruptions. Livestock and workforce issues dominated the conversation as members voted to request an additional livestock market study focused on regional mandatory minimum cash trade to achieve robust price discovery. This would be the third study on the issue.

Livestock issues have been prevalent for years but COVID-19 emphasized the need for greater transparency as the virus disrupted supply chains across the country. A renewed focus on smaller, more locally sourced meat has resulted in butcher shops being inundated with excess animals further backing up the production line. Delegates sought to address the issue as multiple states brought similar amendments looking for a grant program to expand those small shops.

Recognizing the importance of broadening access to agriculture, delegates voted to encourage increased racial diversity in farming. This new policy calls for increased funding for USDA programs that make inheriting farms easier and increases funding to promote diverse farmland ownership.

Delegates updated labor policy, emphasizing the importance of reforming the H-2A program by expanding the program to provide visa workers for both seasonal and year-round employment. An expanded program would address workforce shortages and extend the program to operations that do not currently qualify to employ guest workers, like dairy farms.

Even when dairy isn’t the headline issue, it’s never far from peoples' minds. Arizona brought multiple amendments

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looking to address their unique market. Arizona has about 80 dairy farms that belong to the same co-op, which is a far cry from Wisconsin’s more diverse dairy industry. Never-the-less, Arizona was a vocal proponent of allowing farmers pooling in each Federal Milk Marketing Order to determine which pricing method is appropriate between skim-fat and multiple component pricing. Delegates had a strong discussion on component pricing and the importance to the dairy industry. States across the country spoke to how regional differences in prices need to be taken into account. Wisconsin’s delegates agreed that the issue needs greater discussion, which the WFBF Dairy Committee may need to address.

Ultimately, delegates updated dairy policy to call for re-examining the 2018 Farm Bill’s modification to the milk price formula, improving equity in USDA’s Federal Milk Marketing Order revenue sharing pools and reaffirmed their support for allowing dairy farmers the opportunity to cast an individual and confidential ballot during milk order referendums.

There are new policies on crop insurance. Delegates called on the Risk Management Agency to improve hurricane protection coverage, including but not limited to, protecting against both hurricane-force winds and excessive precipitation. Delegates also supported modifying specialty crop insurance to minimize food waste.

Six of Wisconsin’s federal policies were added to the 2021 AFBF Draft Policy for consideration by the delegate body. They ranged from increasing butterfat in butter to including alfalfa in a producer’s base acres and developing a grant program to help small butcher shops. All of Wisconsin’s changes were accepted by the delegate body.

The 2021 Farm Bureau policy is now set. Last year was anything but normal and farmers across the country faced extraordinary circumstances. While we can’t hope to address every issue, the ones that received focus dominated a year like no other. Consumer confidence in the American farmer is near all-time highs, a renewed focus on locally sourced food and a rebounding world market is leading to optimism that 2021 could be an extraordinary year and Wisconsin will continue to be at the forefront of the American farm revival.

Beyond policy changes, delegates also elected members to serve on the AFBF board of directors and national program committees. wfbf.com

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NEWS

Wisconsin Well Represented at National Level Krentz Elected to AFBF Board Kevin Krentz was elected to serve a oneyear term on American Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors. Krentz was elected president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Company in December. Krentz is a dairy farmer from Berlin in Waushara County.

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

Krentz started his farming career in 1994 when he purchased his father’s 60 cows. He grew the farm to 600 cows and 1,300 acres of crops. Kevin and his wife, Holly, have a daughter and three sons.

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Fourteen state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the AFBF board of directors and five were elected to the board for the first time, including Krentz.

Midwest Region Richard Felts, Kansas Rich Guebert Jr., Illinois Craig Hill, Iowa Kevin Krentz,* Wisconsin Randy Kron, Indiana Mark McHargue,* Nebraska Kevin Paap, Minnesota

Southern Region Jeff Aiken, Tennessee Russell Boening, Texas Shawn Harding, North Carolina Jim Harper, Louisiana Tom McCall,* Georgia Mike McCormick, Mississippi Rodd Moesel, Oklahoma

Northeast Region David Fisher, New York Joseph Tisbert,* Vermont

Western Region Todd Fornstrom, Wyoming Jamie Johansson,* California Stefanie Smallhouse, Arizona

*Denotes state Farm Bureau president elected to the board for the first time.

Brossard Elected Vice Chair of AFBF Committee

Other National Committee Elections

Andrea Brossard was elected vice chair of American Farm Bureau’s Promotion & Education Committee.

In January, Brossard was re-appointed by AFBF to its Promotion and Education Committee for a two-year term.

Brossard is a thirdgeneration dairy farmer at Brossard Dairy Farm, LLC, her family’s farm, in Beaver Dam. She serves on the Dodge County Farm Bureau board of directors and is a graduate of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Leadership Institute. Brossard is a graduate of the AFBF Women’s Communications Bootcamp.

Stacey Lauwers of Michigan was elected chair of AFBF’s Promotion & Education Committee.

Jon Iverson of Oregon was elected as the new chair of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for a oneyear term beginning in March. He also will serve a one-year term on the AFBF Board of Directors. Jocelyn Anderson of California was elected vice chair and April Castle of Kansas was elected secretary. They will each serve one-year terms.

Re-elected to two-year terms on the AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee were Isabella Chism of Indiana, Marieta Hauser of Kansas and Lorenda Overman of North Carolina.

Chism was elected chair and will serve on the AFBF Board of Directors; Overman was elected vice chair. Lou Nave of Tennessee, Lisa Wherry of Pennsylvania and Shawn Wood were elected to two-year terms.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

YFA Members Shine in National Light Sweney of Dodge County made it to the Sweet 16 J ulie Round of American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers &

Ranchers Discussion Meet.

"While virtual, the overall experience was wonderful and I'm grateful for this unique opportunity. It certainly would have been great to have competed in person, but doing so virtually challenged competitors in a unique way that provided a more courteous type of discussion to take place. I also would suggest that the experience was less intimidating since the only people I was aware of were the other competitors and the room moderator. I have thoroughly enjoyed this as a virtual experience." - Julie Sweney 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. The competition was held virtually this year.

Sweney grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Dodge County.

She is a 2011 graduate of the WFBF Leadership Institute and serves on the Dodge County Farm Bureau board of directors as membership chair. She is the director of marketing and communications at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, serving dairy farmers throughout the Midwest.

Marquee Ricks of Idaho won the Discussion Meet. The runner-up in the Discussion Meet contest was Clarissa Cauthorn of Missouri. Garrett Love of Kansas won third place.

The fourth-place finalist was Tyler Pittman of Florida.

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Natasha Paris represented Wisconsin in AFBF's Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award where she made the Top 10.

"Competing at the national level, even virtually, was a surreal experience. To be showcased alongside so many others who have done so much for agriculture, and then to be named to the Top 10, was such an honor. While traveling is fun, I loved being able to watch it all from home and to get to meet my competitors during our downtime and rehearsals." - Natasha Paris The Excellence in Agriculture Award is presented to a Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 who is actively engaged in agriculture but derives the majority of his or her income from an off-farm agricultural career.

Paris is an agri-science teacher and FFA advisor at Ripon High School. She and her husband, Jordan, own ParKelm Farm, a pasture-based livestock farm. Paris has been a Farm Bureau member since 2015 and serves as the YFA chair and vice president of Green Lake County Farm Bureau.

Jackie Mundt of Kansas won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. The runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture contest were Casey and Kelli Snider of Utah. wfbf.com

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Member Makes Final Four in Ag Innovation Challenge H arvust was announced the winner of the seventh annual American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, becoming the 2021 Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year.

AFBF, in partnership with Farm Credit, announced the winner at AFBF’s Virtual Annual Convention.

Walla Walla, Washington-based Harvust’s software platform helps farmers successfully hire, train and communicate with employees. The company received a total of $50,000 in prize money to help grow the business. The Harvust team is led by Riley Clubb, a Washington Farm Bureau member.

Agro Empresas Black Belt of Coamo, Puerto Rico, won the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by public vote, and received a total of $20,000. Luis Raimundo Bures Martinez, a Puerto Rico Farm Bureau member, is team lead for the company, which standardizes methods and processes for hydroponic crop production.

Arbré Technologies, Inc., of Wisconsin, led by Matthieu Vollmer, a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member; and TerraClear Inc. of Idaho, led by Trevor Thompson, an Idaho Farm Bureau member, were the other two finalist teams that competed in the final round of the competition.

The final four teams were selected on Jan. 8, from 10 semifinalist business owners who presented to a panel of six industry

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judges. Each of the 10 semi-finalists was awarded $7,500 and the final four teams were awarded a total of $15,000 each.

“Innovation is at the heart of what we do as farmers and ranchers, and these Challenge finalists have created a wide array of solutions to help us continue to grow plentiful, healthy food, fuel and fiber,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I look forward to seeing these companies continue to grow as their products and services are utilized on farms and ranches across the country.”

The Challenge provides opportunities for Farm Bureau members to showcase business innovations being developed for agriculture.

The Entrepreneur of the Year was selected by a four-person judging panel: Jamie Johansson, president, California Farm Bureau Federation; Nick Wijnberg, vice president – food and agribusiness, Farm Credit; Tom Schryver, executive director of the Center for Regional Economic Advancement, Cornell University; and Taya Spelhaug, TechSpark manager – North Dakota, Microsoft.

Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, FMC Corporation and John Deere.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Members to Serve on AFBF Issue Advisory Committees F our Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation members have been named to American Farm Bureau’s Issue Advisory Committees. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 13 committees will meet virtually in February.

AFBF’s Issue Advisory Committees provide an avenue for Farm Bureau’s grassroots leaders to contribute their issue expertise to the organization’s policy deliberations.

Outcomes of the committees’ deliberations include advice and counsel to the AFBF Board of Directors on policy-related actions AFBF might be advised to take, recommendations for state Farm Bureau policy development and policy recommendations to the AFBF Resolutions Committee.

Peter Kimball of Baldwin was selected to serve a two-year term on the water committee. This committee covers Clean Water Act issues, national and regional water storage programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water-related efforts and flood control. Kimball is a dairy farmer and a WFBF Board member.

Dave Daniels of Union Grove continues to serve his two-year term on the farm policy committee. This committee discusses risk management, crop insurance, price and income support programs and conservation programs. Daniels is a dairy farmer and WFBF’s Vice President.

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Don Radtke of Merrill continues to serve on the agricultural labor committee.

Radtke and his fellow committee members will explore topics Kimball Radtke like guest worker programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, employment taxes and health care. Radtke is a Marathon County Nigh Farm Bureau leader and Daniels former WFBF Board member.

Robert Nigh of Viroqua also continues to serve his twoyear term on the animal care committee. This committee will examine current animal care and animal health standards, antibiotic use and livestock processing. Nigh is a dairy farmer and is a WFBF Board member.

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NEWS

Farm Bureau Supports Communities During COVID-19 A

s the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic brought money to donate to healthcare workers affected by COVID-19. economic hardship to rural communities and food banks From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March struggled to keep up with increased demand, state and county 2020 when consumers began to see empty grocery store Farm Bureaus donated millions of dollars and pounds of food shelves, the AFBF’s #StillFarming social media campaign to help those in need of assistance. built public confidence in farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to Through its network of state and county Farm Bureaus across produce food and reassured consumers of the strength of the the country, Farm Bureau responded to the call, giving $5.4 U.S. food supply. Building on this initiative, AFBF launched million and 1.4 million pounds of food to local food banks, food a #StillFarming line of merchandise, with half of the proceeds pantries and pandemic relief programs. benefiting Feeding America and half “Farm Bureau has always stepped benefiting the American Farm Bureau Farm Bureau gave $5.4 million up to help our communities, especially and 1.4 million pounds of food Foundation for Agriculture, to give back in times of disaster and crisis, and to the communities that trusted farmers to local food banks, food pantries this was no exception,” said American to feed their families throughout this and pandemic relief programs.

Farm Bureau Federation President difficult time.

Zippy Duvall. “Throughout the pandemic, Farm Bureau has All of this work was accomplished as Farm Bureaus across been there, supporting farmers and ranchers, giving back to the country also focused intently on ensuring farmers and communities, providing assurance that our food supply is strong ranchers had the support and resources they needed to continue and ensuring America’s pantries are stocked. I’m so proud of the operating and to ensure the integrity of the food supply chain. countless acts of kindness and compassion by our Farm Bureau At the national level, this included rapid action to ensure family who gave their time and resources to make life a little farm employees were deemed essential; modifications to better for their neighbors.” immigration rules to follow safety protocols while ensuring Farm Bureau donations came in all shapes and sizes, ranging access to farm employees; many consultations with members from an individual farm donating a dozen pounds of cheese to of Congress, the administration and federal agencies to deliver county Farm Bureaus donating hundreds of dollars or pounds two Coronavirus Food Assistance Programs and other aid of food to state Farm Bureaus contributing six-figure monetary totaling $36 billion to offset pandemic-related losses; inclusion donations. of agriculture in the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck State and county Farm Bureaus reached out to serve their Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan local communities in many ways beyond monetary and food program; and advocating for action to assist meat processing donations. Staff and volunteers gave thousands of hours, plants in safely operating to avoid a further crisis for livestock coordinating logistics for food distribution programs, delivering producers and to protect the meat supply for U.S. consumers. groceries, donating and distributing thousands of gallons AFBF’s commitment to ensuring farmers and ranchers thrive of hand sanitizer, distributing millions of masks and other in the face of pandemic-related challenges and natural disasters protective equipment and donating and delivering meals to is part of fulfilling our mission to build a sustainable future of seniors and healthcare workers. Farm Bureaus also organized safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation community fundraisers for relief efforts, including raising and the world.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Give Back W

isconsin was counted in the Farm Bureau gives back program for its work on the Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund.

In partnership with Rural Mutual Insurance Company, Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to support the Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund to benefit the state’s farmers and help feed residents in need. The Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund provides support to our state’s farmers and encourage consumption of milk and other agriculture products to ensure farmers continue to have a place to sell their products, and provide Wisconsinites access to nutritious, highquality foods.

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As part of this fundraising effort, Wisconsin Farm Bureau is collecting monetary donations for Harvest of Hope while Rural Mutual Insurance Company is raising funds for Feeding Wisconsin. Collectively the fund will reach all corners of our state from the most urban areas to the rural farming communities.

You can learn more about this initiative by visiting wfbf.com/ wisconsin-food-and-farm-support-fund.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Partners with Feeding America on #StillFarming Campaign T

he American Farm Bureau Federation launched a new effort to address food insecurity while celebrating the strength of the U.S. food supply and commitment of America’s farmers and ranchers to keep it strong. The #StillFarming campaign, which began on social media, is now expanding to a merchandise line that will benefit food banks and agricultural education.

The COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns in March 2020 caused disruptions to the food supply chain, resulting in empty grocery shelves in parts of the country. When alarmed Americans resorted to panic purchasing, AFBF created the #StillFarming social media campaign to build public confidence in farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to produce food and reassure consumers of the strength of the U.S. food supply. #StillFarming has reached nearly 100 million people across the digital landscape, building confidence in the U.S. food supply and trust in farmers and ranchers by sharing the challenges they are overcoming to feed America and the world.

Building on its popularity and recognizing the dramatic increase in hunger in America brought on by the pandemic, AFBF created #StillFarming to Feed America T-shirts and committed to donating all profits. Half will be donated to Feeding America, the country’s largest hunger-relief organization, and half of the profits will go to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

“Despite all the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, there’s never been a question that America’s farmers and ranchers would continue supplying healthy, affordable food and it was important for us to assure the public of that,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

“The success of #StillFarming is a credit to Farm Bureau members across the country who took it and ran with it. It has been inspiring to see their FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

stories from across the country and I’m pleased to build on the campaign to help address hunger through our partnership with Feeding America.”

AFBF first partnered with Feeding America in April, coauthoring a letter to USDA calling for a federal program to help deliver farm-fresh products to food banks facing unprecedented demand. At the time, many farmers had no destination for their products due to restaurant and food service closures. The letter and subsequent meetings with USDA contributed to the formation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

The new partnership between AFBF and Feeding America also builds on a long history of partnerships between county and state Farm Bureaus and Feeding America’s local and regional food banks. Since the pandemic began, state and county Farm Bureaus across the country have donated $5.4 million and 1.4 million pounds of food to local food banks, food pantries and pandemic relief programs. According to Feeding America, 1 in 9 Americans is affected by hunger in the pandemic. This includes 2.2 million rural households.

“COVID-19 presented a perfect storm of increased demand, declines in food donations and overall disruptions to the charitable food system. Food banks across the country are working hard to support their neighbors in need,” said Katie Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Feeding America. “We are grateful to AFBF for their commitment to fighting hunger and for providing everyone with the opportunity to give back.”

The pandemic also increased consumer curiosity about how food is produced. Giving the public a window into agriculture and how food is grown is part of the mission of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Recognizing that #StillFarming helped tell agriculture’s story, it’s fitting that profits from #StillFarming to Feed America T-shirts will further that cause.

“The Foundation is honored to be a partner with AFBF on this program,” AFB Foundation Executive Director Daniel Meloy said. “Funds received through the #StillFarming T-shirts will help us continue to reach kids all across America and help educate them on where their food comes from.”

The T-shirts are being sold through AFBF’s online shop at FB.org/StillFarming and will be available through June. wfbf.com

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NEWS

New Report Recommends Improvements to NASS A new report released by the American Farm Bureau Federation provides an in-depth examination into the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Agricultural Statistics Service’s survey collection and data reporting issues. It also provides recommendations to improve accuracy and farmer confidence in the survey results.

The USDA-NASS Working Group, comprised of 10 farmer members, spent more than four months evaluating the process and methodologies USDA-NASS uses to put farmer survey data into monthly reports.

“While NASS may have a gold standard reputation for agriculture statistics globally, U.S. farmers’ confidence in their reports has unfortunately declined,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Large changes, especially the last two years due to adverse weather events, in estimates of planted area, crop yields and inventory levels have caused wild swings in markets and left farmers questioning the agency’s ability to respond quickly to rapidly changing conditions on the ground. We hope the work done by this group will provide a framework for USDA to make timelier adjustments to these key reports and restore trust in the data we’ve relied upon for so long. NASS has been responsive to feedback in the past and we are committed to working with the agency to achieve these new goals.”

Key recommendations of the report include:

so that it can accelerate the development of innovative and more timely survey instruments and analysis for the benefit of the agricultural community.

Increase collaboration with Farm Bureau to accomplish shared goals Farm Bureau is committed to being a partner for NASS in a variety of ways, including working to encourage farmers’ accurate and timely participation in NASS’ data collection efforts, encouraging lawmakers to provide NASS the funding it needs to upgrade its technology and hire and retain top-notch staff, participating in NASS advisory groups and continuing to consistently attend NASS data user meetings.

Strengthen NASS for U.S. agriculture The implementation of the above recommendations will go a long way toward improving the great work already being done

by NASS and strengthen the agency’s position as a reliable collector and distiller of agricultural data, which will benefit farmers, ranchers and the industry as a whole.

Increase transparency with the agricultural community NASS should help farmers understand how the agency arrives at the numbers reported and provide clarity on the relationship between aggregate, state, county and field-level reported numbers.

If the numbers are not the most current due to a market event that occurred after the data collection period, NASS should note that. NASS should also make a special note when major revisions are made to previously reported estimates.

Accelerate new and innovative technology adoption At a time when faster computers, speedier algorithms and access to better data and proprietary models give agricultural industry stakeholders, traders and the investment community a competitive advantage in commodity market analysis, NASS should have the best resources, information, data, software, hardware, talent and networks

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees K now a Wisconsin farmer or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2021 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.

Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 20 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association.

The application deadline date is Aug. 5, 2021. Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org. If mailed, applications must be postmarked by Aug. 5, and mailed to: Leopold Conservation Award c/o Sand County Foundation 131 W. Wilson Street, Suite 610 Madison, WI 53703 Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.

“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin McAleese. “These hard-working families are essential “A commitment to conservation is truly worth to our environment, food system and rural economy.”

The Leopold Conservation Award Program in recognizing and celebrating. I encourage farmers Wisconsin is made possible thanks to the generous to apply or nominate someone who deserves support of American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers this special recognition for their continued of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Compeer Financial, conservation efforts.” Culver’s, McDonald’s, USDA Natural Resources - Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Kevin Krentz Conservation Service, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their Conservation Association and Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on Growers Association. private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand The Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting between people and the land they own and manage. in December.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or The first Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award recipient landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be was selected in 2006. John and Melissa Eron of Stevens Point found at sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. received the award in 2020.

John and Melissa Eron, 2020 Leopold Conservation Award winners.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

5 MINUTES

WITH PRESIDENT

KEVIN KRENTZ

Why did you want to farm and why do you still?

I began farming to carry on my father’s legacy. I also wanted to raise my children in the same environment that I was raised in, one of hard work and strong ethics. I continue to farm for those same reasons and more.

I enjoy farming because every day is different. Every morning I develop a plan for my day, but as we all know, things don’t always go according to that plan. There is no typical day as a farmer, and I enjoy the challenges and experiences that it brings.

Owning a family farm, I'm able to go through those challenges

Besides farming, how do you spend your time?

I love to travel with my family. The beauty within this country and the diversity of our landscapes and cultures is amazing.

Before my oldest son left for college, our family took a road trip to explore some of those landscapes and cultures. Every day was an adventure with something new to discover. We visited the Gateway Arch in Missouri, the Oklahoma Cowboy and Western Museum, Texas Cadillac Ranch, Winslow, Arizona, the

and experiences with my wife and children. Farming also gives me the opportunity to be a good steward of the land as it is only mine to work for a short time before it is passed down to the next generation. I enjoy caring for my animals, even if it means putting their needs before my own at times. While it’s a fastpaced and unpredictable lifestyle, I’m learning to slow down, experience the good as it comes and be grateful for this life I’ve been blessed with.

Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, the Las Vegas Strip, Utah’s Mormon Church, Mount Rushmore and the Corn Palace. We traveled for seven days, covered more than 4,000 miles and created a lifetime of memories.

I also enjoy traveling around Wisconsin. Our state’s wineries, restaurants, breweries, outdoor recreation areas and annual events are part of what makes me proud to be from Wisconsin.

What is one thing that has happened in your life that has defined who you are today?

The volunteerism that my mother made me do as a young boy has certainly defined who I am today. At the time I hated it, but now I cannot imagine not serving others. Serving my

community is a major part of who I am and what I hoped to be remembered for someday.

What is the most important thing Farm Bureau has done for you or your farm?

Several policy changes, such as use value assessment, have been very important to my farm, but the most important thing Farm Bureau has done for me is much more personal. The opportunities for growth and leadership that Farm Bureau has given me are unparalleled.

Since day one, the professionalism of Farm Bureau has motivated me to push myself and grow within the organization.

Competing in the Young Farmer and Agriculturist events has been a major part of my personal growth. I was fortunate

enough to win the YFA Achievement Award in 2005. I was also part of the first WFBF Leadership Institute class.

Additionally, I have been asked to testify many times through the years and have taken something away from each of those experiences. I have learned that accepting new opportunities allows for personal growth. In my current position, I hope to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. I want to continue to give back to the organization that has done so much for me.

What is your favorite Farm Bureau memory or story?

My first experience in Washington, D.C., is my favorite memory. Our goal was (and still is) to do what is right for agriculture, regardless of political preferences. The respect that our group received from lawmakers, government agencies and embassy officials inspired me to become even more involved.

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The opportunity to learn more about our great country and to experience the history within our nation’s capital was deeply moving. Washington, D.C., will always be a special place to me and I experience the nostalgia of that first trip every time I go back there. wfbf.com

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NEWS

A Review: Evers Delivers State of the State Address O

n Jan. 12, Governor Tony Evers delivered the first virtual State of the State address. This annual address is usually broadcasted to the public by one of the local television stations with the governor speaking to a full crowd of legislators in the Assembly chamber.

This year, however, the governor gave his remarks from the conference room in his office directly into a camera with no live audience.

A significant portion of his message was devoted to the fallout created by COVID-19. Gov. Evers recounted how difficult the year has been for some, especially those whose loved ones may have died from complications of the virus. He encouraged those who have persevered and persisted to keep their businesses open, keep their communities safe, keep putting food on their tables and keep helping one another.

He recalled that the state was able to invest nearly $2 billion in additional assistance to frontline health care efforts, businesses and farms. In the agriculture world that translated to direct financial assistance to more than 15,000 farms in Wisconsin. He gave a nod of appreciation to those farmers, growers and producers who kept working to maintain a food chain that could provide for our communities.

The changes brought about by the virus also segued into the digital divide that exists across our state. The pandemic highlighted the lack of access to high-speed internet for many citizens in Wisconsin. Gov. Evers quoted statistics from the Federal Communications Commission stating that more than 430,000 rural Wisconsinites lack access to high-speed internet.

Wisconsin ranks 36th in the country for accessibility in rural areas. That is why he announced that 2021 will be the Year of Broadband Access. As a budget priority, he intends to invest nearly $200 million into broadband over the next biennium. He views high-speed internet access as a necessity, not a luxury. He suggested that every Wisconsinite across the state should have access to reliable high-speed internet.

Other priorities presented by Gov. Evers included his recognition of a broken unemployment system. The pandemic created an influx of unemployment claims that could not have been anticipated, creating an insurmountable backlog of payments. Since March there have been more unemployment claims than the past four years combined. He called a special legislative session to take up a plan to modernize Wisconsin’s unemployment system to guard against this type of dysfunction from happening again.

In addition, Gov. Evers intends to take on the redistricting of legislative maps that occurs every decade following the census.

The districts are redrawn to reflect changes in movement of population in an attempt to keep constituent counts balanced among districts. The governor’s intent is to form a map commission that will seek feedback from people around the state in deciding where to draw legislative district lines rather than the current method defined in the state constitution giving that authority to the legislature.

You can find the transcript of this speech at evers.wi.gov/ Pages/Home.aspx.

2021 Farm Bureau Policy

Adopted by delega tes at the 101st Wisco nsin Farm Bureau Feder ation Annual Meeti ng.

2021 Policy Book Available Online W

ant to know where Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation stands on an issue?

The 2021 policy book is available at wfbf.com.

The document reflects the most recent policy directives established by voting delegates at the 101st WFBF Annual Meeting in December.

"Farm Bureau’s policy is established by members through a structured policy development process,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “It makes me proud that suggestions and policy ideas come directly from members at the county level.

Through this grassroots process Farm Bureau can work to represent its members’ needs. I encourage you to review our policy book and get involved in the process of policy development.”

To view the policy book online, visit wfbf.com/policy/policy-development.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

WFBF Disappointed with Decision to Delay Wolf Season W

isconsin Farm Bureau was disappointed that the Natural Resources Board voted on Jan. 22, to delay implementation of a 2021 wolf hunting season until Nov. 2021.

WFBF testified in support of a state wolf hunting season during the Natural Resources Board’s special meeting to discuss implementing a wolf hunting season yet this winter. Board members heard from staff within the department and took public comment.

“WFBF requests that the members of the Natural Resources Board instruct the DNR to move forward with wolf hunting this winter,” said WFBF Director of Governmental Relations Tyler Wenzlaff. “WFBF has requested resumption of a wolf hunting season immediately upon federal delisting with the DNR, state legislature and Natural Resources Board.”

Wenzlaff explained that the 2011 Wisconsin Act 169 and subsequent 2019 Wisconsin Act 285 provided the necessary steps to implement a wolf hunting season.

Farm Bureau Board Director Ryan Klussendorf, who is a fourth-generation dairy farmer in Medford, also testified.

Klussendorf has experienced wolf depredation and livestock harassment on his rotational grazing dairy farm.

He acknowledged that the Wisconsin DNR has had ample time to start planning a hunt to manage the population of wolves.

“I am not an expert on wolves, but I am an expert on how one pack of wolves can torment you, threaten your livelihood and haunt you until you want to give up,” said Klussendorf.

Wolf harassment on Klussendorf ’s farm started in 2011 and continues today.

“I have moved my animals within 100 feet of my farm buildings at night to protect them and what it did was bring the wolves closer to my children and home,” Klussendorf explained and added that the changes in wolf behavior they have witnessed as they become more comfortable and emboldened

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interacting in closer proximity to humans, includes incidents of wolves stalking children waiting for the school bus.

“The reality is that the natural world is brutal and less than picturesque,” Klussendorf said.

“Help us, those who live in the natural world, set up a hunt now, using the plan that is in place to manage the wolf population now.”

WFBF President Kevin Krentz also submitted testimony requesting that farmers be included on the forthcoming 2021 DNR Wolf Management Advisory Committee and asked that the DNR immediately advise farmers about current wolf management protocols and procedures.

“We believe that including farmers on the committee is critically important in order to ensure that management issues related to livestock are discussed and addressed,” said Krentz.

While this decision is a setback for farmers who want to see the wolf population immediately managed by the state, WFBF will continue to engage in discussions surrounding the implementation of a state wolf hunting season later this year.

Krentz

Wenzlaff

Klussendorf

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Overview of Governmental Relations Efforts Development of State Biennial Budget Priorities WFBF’s governmental relations team has taken into consideration the policy modifications and directions from the resolution session during the 2020 WFBF Annual Meeting as well as relevant issues that are pending for consideration in the new legislative session. Using these resources, the governmental relations team has developed priorities that will be shared with legislators for the 2021-2022 biennial budget.

Some of the priorities reflect new legislative action while others seek to maintain current funding or positions for the upcoming biennial budget. A number of these proposals were introduced in the last session but failed to become law.

The governmental relations team has begun contacting and working to re-establish relationships with re-elected and newly elected legislators. Outreach with members of the Joint Committee on Finance has been ongoing to discuss budget priorities. Rep. Gary Tauchen and Sen. Joan Ballweg will be chairing their respective Ag Committees as well.

Proposed Changes to NR 151 Nitrate Levels in Targeted Regions of the State WFBF has partnered with other agricultural groups to engage with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection regarding proposed changes for the regulation that attempts to control nitrate levels in specific regions of the state (NR 151). Over the past months, a technical advisory committee has met with DNR representatives and discussed the goals that DNR has for making modifications to this rule.

One of the next steps required in the process is a thorough financial analysis of the proposed changes – in other words, what is the practical cost of the proposed changes. DNR will determine the economic impact of these rule changes. DNR has also asked UW-Madison’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Applied Economics Department to provide a realistic sense of the financial impact of the proposed changes to compare with the DNR findings. UW CALS will be forming focus groups to provide

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additional input into the data they collect. This process has begun and is expected to be completed before the end of February.

UW CALS has put out a call for farmers to join them in evaluating what these changes might mean to people in the industry. WFBF has asked members who own farmland to engage in these focus groups and provide input into this financial exercise to provide DNR with the most accurate information.

To date, DNR has not published their proposed changes to the rule. DNR intends to publish the changes at the same time they release their economic impact study.

COVID-19 Legislation On Jan. 4, Speaker Robin Vos introduced Assembly Bill 1. This is a lengthy, multi-faceted proposal that addresses 40 diverse venues where the pandemic has resulted in negative impacts on Wisconsin citizens. General categories include corrections, education, employment, childcare, insurance, public utilities, public health, local governments and taxation.

Along with many other agricultural organizations, WFBF sent a letter of support to the governor and legislature regarding a specific section of this bill that addresses an employer’s civil liability for the death or injury to any individual or damages resulting from COVID-19 that are claimed to be caused through the performance or provision of the employing entity’s functions or service.

AFBF and WFBF Request COVID-19 Vaccination Priority for Agriculture and Food Workers American Farm Bureau Federation joined a coalition of farm and agribusiness organizations to send letters to the National Governors Association, the Trump Administration and the Biden Transition Team encouraging that food and agricultural workers be included among high priority populations.

On Dec. 4, WFBF joined a coalition of 20 other agricultural and supporting organizations to make a similar request to Gov. Tony Evers.

On Jan. 12 the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee Vaccine Distribution Subcommittee announced its recommendations defining what segments of the workforce should be included in the next priority round to receive COVID-19

vaccinations. This would be considered priority Group 1B. (Group 1A included frontline health care workers, long-term care staff and residents and police and firefighters.)

The announcement of Group 1B included prioritizing teachers, first responders, childcare workers, prisoners, individuals over the age of 70 and mink husbandry workers. Other than the mink farm employees, no acknowledgment was made to provide vaccines for any other segment of agriculture workers or food processing employees.

Agriculture organizations including WFBF submitted comments to Wisconsin's Department of Health Services. The comment requested consideration of our industry to be included in Group 1B, especially since Wisconsin is now anticipating the receipt of additional doses of vaccine.

Gov. Evers signed Phase 1B to include food production, agriculture and grocers. This includes large animal veterinarians and others providing service to farms such as breeding technicians and service personnel.

The Courts Wisconsin Farm Bureau is involved in two cases that have significant impact on farmers. The cases, Clean Wisconsin, Inc. v. DNR and Kinnard Farms, Inc. v. DNR, involve high-capacity wells and CAFO permitting, respectively.

In 2011, more than 30 Wisconsin business groups, including WFBF, lobbied for 2011 Wis. Act 21, a law that critically limited the authority of state agencies by requiring all agencies to have explicit statutory authority in order to implement or enforce any regulatory standard.

A decade after its enactment, we are still fighting to enforce 2011 Act 21. But two recent Supreme Court decisions support our position.

WFBF has participated as an intervenor in the Clean Wisconsin case and as an amicus party in the Kinnard Farms case. If the Supreme Court agrees with our positions in these cases and finds that legislative delegations to agencies must indeed be explicit, then Act 21 may become one of the most important constraints ever imposed on agency authority in Wisconsin.

Federal 2020 COVID-19 Relief Package The relief package totals $900 billion. Thirteen billion dollars will go to programs that directly benefit agriculture with $284 billion added to the Paycheck Protection Program. There is $7 billion allocated for broadband, including $300 million for rural broadband and $250 million for telehealth.

U.S. to Challenge Canada’s Dairy Quotas under USMCA The Trump administration took the first steps to begin the process of challenging Canada’s implementation of new tariffs rate quotas. The two countries will now begin consultations under dispute rules laid out in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which could lead to the formation of an official dispute panel.

Canada is operating the tariff-rate quotas to give 85 percent of them to Canadian processors so they can buy products that don’t compete with Canadian products, according to U.S dairy industry officials. The result is that the U.S. is not able to export more of the high-priority products, like mozzarella directly to restaurants, for instance.

Dean Food Bankruptcy Letter Almost 500 dairy farmers who once sold milk to Dean Foods received letters threatening legal action unless they refund money legitimately earned prior to the bankruptcy filing.

AFBF is aware of the situation and has responded to lawyers representing Dean Foods with a letter of its own. If you have received this letter, please reach out to WFBF.

Mississippi River Locks Construction In late 2020, the FY21 Energy & Water Appropriations bill was signed. The bill calls for a new lock construction start – determined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is an opportunity to get the Navigation-Ecosystem Sustainability Program started.

WFBF President Kevin Krentz authored a letter supporting the funding and construction for locks on the Mississippi River directed to Assistant Secretary of the Army R.D. James.

This letter was also sent to the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation.

Brazil Adds Tariff to Ethanol Brazil has added a 20 percent tariff on imports of U.S. ethanol. The tariff comes after the expiration of a tariff-rate quota on Dec.14. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Brazil were not able to reach an agreement to extend the tariff-free treatment for imports of U.S. ethanol.

Brazil was importing 198 million gallons of U.S. ethanol duty-free. The initial TRQ expired on Aug. 31 and was extended until Dec. 14.

The ethanol industry has lost billions this year. Revenue that is not from pent up demand but lost and cannot be made up. This resulted in 700 million fewer bushels of corn being used for ethanol. wfbf.com

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Plant the Seed Harvest More Leaders

By Amy Eckelberg

E

mily Johnson thinks her hobby of gardening and canning continues to be a strong piece of the farm’s history. is unusual for someone her age. The 27-year-old enjoys it Emily grew up as the calf feeder on the farm but slowly not only because it’s something she does with family but also learned more about Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural community because it’s something she can see from start to finish or in her with her other jobs. words, “seed to harvest.”

“I didn’t grow up in FFA or 4-H. My ag experience is solely The hobby not only preserves food but also is a way she can from working on our farm, the nearby strawberry farm and the preserve her family’s way of life that she admires. local Sentry grocery store,” Emily shared. “I kind of smile now “I like canning because I get to do it with my mom and thinking about the conversations I could have been having with grandma,” said Emily. “I get to hear lots of old stories and just the shoppers at the store about their food purchases.” spend time with them. It’s special.”

Emily works as a crop insurance The farm Emily grew up on is specialist at State Bank of Cross located west of Janesville. Her parents, Plains, formally known as Union Bank Dan and Carolyn live in the house and Trust. where her grandfather was born. On “I went to school for finance at the farm’s 180 acres, they grow corn, UW-Whitewater,” Emily explained. “I soybeans and alfalfa. During her was told many times by my parents’ ag childhood, they raised Holstein steers lender, Craig O’Leary, that I needed but have since stopped raising animals to work in agriculture. He would say, in high capacity. ‘we need more farm kids like you in She has two brothers, Ethan and these jobs.’”

Caleb, who still help on the farm as In 2014, when a summer agricultural needed. Ethan and his wife, Alissa, internship was offered, Emily applied Emily shared this photo of her family. (from left): are expecting their first child and raise Ethan, Caleb, Carolyn, Dan, Emily, Alissa. and was hired. She worked with beef cattle. agricultural lenders and learned more “To me, farm means family,” Emily explained. “It’s just how about crop insurance and the insurance industry in general.

I grew up. Everyone chips in and it’s truly a family affair. My “I develop individualized risk management plans for farmers,” parents wanted to farm and have a close family. I aspire to be Emily shared. “I help them understand how to use insurance as like them someday because they work hard and have a strong a tool, especially for when times are volatile. For example, you faith and marriage. They truly have a beautiful life.” buy homeowners insurance for the risk of your house burning You can see the pride Emily has in her farming roots when down but you don’t believe it will. To me, crop insurance is asked about her sole piece of farming equipment. She is the even more important because you are working with Mother fourth-generation owner of the family’s Farmall 300. The Nature and the commodity markets. There is so much to tractor was bought new in 1957 by her great-grandpa and protect against.”

SUPPLIED PHOTO

PHOTO BY LYNN SIEKMANN

and

New YFA Chair Hopes to

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wfbf.com

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PHOTO BY SARAH HETKE

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Emily admits that getting to know her customers, and being a farm kid, allows her to understand how much is at stake.

“You are definitely there during their good times and bad.”

Being young in her career, Emily has an interesting perspective on her industry.

“My coworkers have seen highs and lows, but I’ve only seen the lows,” she explained.

She is optimistic that this year might be different than last year. Last fall she noticed that her clients’ spending started changing slightly and there is a focus on renting more land again.

“I am hopeful,” she said. “Farmers have been pushed to their limit of optimism the past few years.”

Farm Bureau has been an outlet for Emily and others to share frustrations and encouragement. She is thankful for the organization’s networking opportunities.

“I was told about Farm Bureau by Jessica Sarbacker,” said Emily. “She told me as a finance major trying to start in an ag-related career it would help me connect to people. She told me Rock County had a strong Young Farmer and Agriculturist program and that I should check it out.”

She quickly signed up and showed up at a YFA event thanks to Erin Grawe and Megan Daluge.

She laughed as she recalled the first encounter, explaining she walked straight to them and said, “Hi I’m Emily, and I just joined Farm Bureau.”

She added, “My Farm Bureau involvement escalated quickly. In June, I didn’t know anything about Farm Bureau, except they had a food stand at the fair. By September, I was on the county board as the YFA chair.

In December, I attended the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference because of Rural Mutual’s conference sponsorship.”

While at the YFA Conference, Emily vividly

Emily shared this photo of her mom and grandma Rosemary Pakes canning grape juice. Emily enjoys spending time with them gardening and canning.

remembers feeling inspired by retiring YFA chair Andrea Brossard’s speech.

“Right then I knew I wanted to be like her and inspire people as she inspired me at that moment. I instantly started asking about the state YFA Committee and hoped that serving as chair would be in the cards someday.”

Emily enjoys that Farm Bureau helps you easily connect with many different types of people. But, even more so she appreciates the leadership development opportunities.

She graduated from Class X of the WFBF Leadership Institute with a better understanding of how to communicate with people outside of agriculture and insurance.

“It was important to learn how to talk about agriculture on a level that anyone can understand,” she stated. “When you grow up on a farm, you don’t know that the general public doesn’t understand what you are talking about.”

Her favorite experience thus far has been the capstone event of the WFBF Leadership Institute, the Washington, D.C. Fly-In. “It was a surreal experience to talk about crop insurance with Senator Ron Johnson,” she said. “I knew what I was talking about and had grown a level of confidence in sharing what I knew to be true.”

Newly elected as the Wisconsin YFA chair, Emily knows there is a lot at stake.

“We need to take what we learned last year - a year of struggle - to come back stronger and move forward.”

She hopes to bring people together in 2021 in some way and sees opportunities ahead for young members to band together and help each other out.

“If we have learned anything,” she said, “it’s that we need people. We can’t go it alone. We need to be together and work together.”

She believes that young leaders are a crucial part of Farm Bureau, and she sees YFA as the seed in getting people where they want to go. Like gardening, the cultivating of young leaders is a process she can watch and appreciate.

Emily added, "The YFA program is a community that grows leaders and friendship. Without the unified voice that Farm Bureau gives us, what do we have?”

Emily stood in front of the Capitol during her trip to Washington, D.C. in 2018.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

What is YFA?

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program is for members between 18 and 35 years old. The YFA program offers opportunities for leadership and skills development, along with the chance to meet and network with peers.

Why YFA?

It provides members with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while networking with their peers. Many of the young members who have participated in the program have gone on to become active county, state and national Farm Bureau leaders, as well as respected leaders in their communities.

What is

Leadership Institute?

The WFBF Leadership Institute is a year-long, premier leadership training course with the mission to develop strong and effective county Farm Bureau leaders.

Why

• Develop and refine your follower and leader skills.

• Learn from experts, exchange ideas and gain confidence.

• Improve your communication and speaking skills.

• Learn how to craft an effective agriculture message and work with media.

• Develop friendships and find creative solutions to challenges through teamwork.

• Explore domestic and international agricultural issues.

• Join in the political process at the local, state and national levels.

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PHOTO BY LYNN SIEKMANN

Participate?

wfbf.com

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

wfbf.com

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YOU DON'T NEED LUCK TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE BENEFITS For complete details, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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

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

Rural Mutual

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

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

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

Members are eligible for a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade (Platinum 1 status) – which unlocks the best loyalty rewards including valuable equipment discounts. Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau today to register!

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

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

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

Visit farmbureau.bank.

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

Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Avis • Budget • Ford • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program Choice Hotels • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Office Depot • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* 26

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP

Dunn County Member Saves with Yamaha I

n December, Dunn County Farm Bureau member Steve Baier purchased a new Yamaha from Plum City Service in Pierce County. He chose a Wolverine RMAX 2 1000 Side-by-Side to travel around his dairy farm.

Steve knew about the $250 Yamaha rebate offered through his Farm Bureau membership. After returning home from the dealership, applying for his rebate

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

check was easy. He visited wfbf.com/membership/memberbenefits and clicked on the rebate form link, entered his Farm Bureau member number, vehicle identification number from his new purchase, email address, state and indicated whether it was for business or personal use. Steve hit submit and his rebate check arrived in his mailbox.

"The $250 rebate check I received after I purchased my Yamaha Side-by-Side was a great perk of being a Farm Bureau member," Steve said. "The rebate was easy to redeem."

The Yamaha rebate is valid on the purchase of a new *Yamaha 4WD ATV, Side-by-Side or Snowmobile. Restrictions apply; for additional details contact your local Yamaha Motorsports dealer. Please allow six to eight weeks for your rebate check to arrive.

*Program excludes all youth models. **You must be a paid Wisconsin Farm Bureau member at the time of purchase to receive the $250 factory direct rebate. ***You will need your Farm Bureau membership number to complete the form.

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OPINION

Doing Better Together

A Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz

O

ne thing that drew me to Farm Bureau was the respect the organization had. I believe that’s because Farm Bureau was founded by farmers working together and trying to make things better. As a farmer and now your president, that is something I take pride in - making things better. I have served in a leadership role in this organization since 2008 when I was elected Waushara County president. In 2012, I was elected to the state board representing District 5, the seven counties including Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake, Waushara, Winnebago and Fond du Lac. In 2020, I was elected to this position.

As we look back at 2020, the year of the ‘new normal,’ COVID-19 affected our lives in many ways. COVID-19 made all of us rethink communication,

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learning and gatherings. Many schools and organizations met virtually and the need for online technology skyrocketed.

It highlighted the need for faster broadband, something many of us in rural Wisconsin struggle with. Farm Bureau continues to push for high-speed rural broadband. An infrastructure necessity not only in a pandemic but in running our farms daily. Our pressure on this issue will hopefully make it better.

Store shelves also went empty last year as restaurants closed due to COVID-19 and consumers purchased more meat from grocery stores. Consumers flocked to local meat processors. This created unprecedented demand. Meat harvesting appointments are now booked out more than one year in advance. Farm Bureau is looking to make this flow better for farmers and their customers. This includes pushing for more inspectors, supporting grants to help processing plants open or expand and labor reform to help meet the labor needs. There is much uncertainty moving forward for processing plants. Will consumers continue to purchase in the same trends as we move past COVID-19? Local facilities create competition in the market giving options to farmers in selling beef and we need to make this option the best we can for our farmers.

COVID-19 and tariffs have weighed heavily on global trade. Recent weather issues around the world have caused commodity shortages and have pushed prices higher. Farm Bureau will continue

to push to lower the trade barriers for long-term relationships and stable prices to make things better for the agriculture community.

After 4 years of tight margins, dairy farmers had an unprecedented year in 2020. After markets closed, some farms had to dispose of milk because processors could not process their milk.

As the pandemic continued, government purchases of cheese along with consumer demand for cheese drove up Class III milk prices. Class III moved much higher than Class IV, causing negative Producer Price Differentials on milk checks.

Farms are receiving mailbox prices less than the Class III price. Farm Bureau continues to push for a better situation for dairy farmers and general dairy prosperity through price transparency and implementing a fix to the negative PPDs in the next farm bill.

Farm Bureau has a long history of meeting the needs of Wisconsin farmers.

From creating an insurance company, to creating use value assessment, to fighting for the right to farm, history shows farmers are resilient and Farm Bureau has been there all along the way. With your help and input, we will continue to meet your needs. We will continue to be engaged with government, supply chain and consumers, advocating for you to make things better.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Resolved for Stronger Rural Communities in 2021 A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

W

ith each new year comes the time-honored tradition of setting resolutions. At the American Farm Bureau, we have a similar tradition as our grassroots leaders meet to set our policy resolutions and priorities for the coming year. At the conclusion of our virtual 2021 AFBF Annual Convention, Farm Bureau delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico voted on the policies that guide our work in Washington. For more than 100 years, we have been the national Voice of Agriculture and the trusted source of farm-related policy insights for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Every American has a shared interest in protecting U.S. agriculture and that became even clearer when this pandemic began. Each member of Congress needs to understand how policies and regulations impact our farms and ranches, the millions of jobs we create, and the safe, sustainable food, fiber and energy we grow. Together, we can strengthen our rural communities and protect our farm businesses in 2021 and beyond.

Our farm and ranch communities are the backbone of our great nation. But if these communities are going to thrive in the days and years ahead, we need access to the same resources and essential services that our suburban and urban neighbors enjoy. We need to rebuild our rural infrastructure to incentivize more business growth, ensure our communities have consistent access to healthcare, and finally bridge the digital divide.

When essential services like medical appointments and educational classes went virtual this spring, 25 percent of rural Americans were still without access to reliable broadband. We have made positive steps to map and pinpoint where rural service is still lacking, and private efforts, including from state and county

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Farm Bureaus, to offer free public WiFi provided a lifeline to many this last year.

But we still need a permanent solution to bring broadband service to every home and business: Our rural communities and businesses cannot survive offline.

The COVID-19 pandemic also spotlighted essential employees across our food system. While many Americans adjusted to working from home, men and women across the food chain from the farm to the grocery store played a vital role in keeping our nation fed throughout this crisis. Across the country, farms and ranches adapted to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, providing employees with protective equipment, training and resources. With personal protective equipment shortages and costs rising, Farm Bureau worked with Congress and the administration to ensure farms had access to the equipment and housing necessary to continue to promote safety for all employees. We have also called for farm employees to be given priority as frontline workers for the COVID-19 vaccine in the coming months.

American agriculture relies on skilled farm employees, many of whom migrate to the U.S. for seasonal work. At the start of the pandemic, farm workforce shortages were worsened by travel restrictions. We are long overdue for a guest-worker visa solution that is clear, works for all types of agriculture and protects our current farm employees.

As farmers and ranchers look to 2021, we are eager to move forward and build new markets. We are seeing the glimmers of hope beyond this pandemic and are ready to do our part to return our communities and economy to full strength. Opening access to new international markets will be key to getting the farm economy humming

again. American-grown products have led the way wherever our farmers and ranchers have a level playing field. We need to keep working toward trade agreements that break down barriers and rely on science-based guidelines.

When farmers talk about looking to the future, our vision goes beyond the next harvest. Sustainability is always a priority on the farm because we are committed to our role as caretakers, and we take great pride in the progress we’ve made, especially in the last several decades. For many of us, we’re farming the same land generations before us have, and we want to pass that legacy on to our children and grandchildren. We are eager to continue to move forward with reducing our environmental impact, but we cannot do that work alone. Access to innovation, funding for agricultural research, voluntary and market-based incentives and partnerships with food and agricultural companies will all play a role in protecting the land, air and water we all enjoy.

When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, 2021, it didn’t erase all the troubles of our past year, but it did give us renewed hope as we move forward, stronger together. At the American Farm Bureau, we are resolved to build on our heritage of working together across the industry, with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and each administration. We believe that we are stronger when we help our neighbors and come together to care for our communities, and it’s in that strength that we go into the new year.

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

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OPINION

Ready, Set, Go!

A Message from AFBF Executive Vice President Dale Moore

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new year, new administration and new Congress add up to a new mandate for those of us fortunate enough to represent farmers and ranchers in Washington, D.C. With more than 60 new members of Congress and a slate of cabinet nominees, we’re 'Zooming' like never before. A pretty clear picture is already emerging of what’s ahead.

One key action that must be taken quickly by the new administration to show concern for agriculture will be to follow through on implementation of the COVID-19 assistance package finished in the final hours of the 116th Congress.

There will also be significant attention focused on ensuring farmer/rancher/ worker safety in the agricultural and food supply chain.

I also anticipate there will be several familiar faces among the political appointments made for agriculture and rural programs to show that President Biden appreciates and recognizes rural America. I would also note that his early announcement of who he intends to nominate for the U.S. Trade Representative position shows that trade will be a day one focal point, and rightly so. International trade’s impact on

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virtually all agricultural commodities is well documented.

We’ve seen firsthand the disruption caused when unfair retaliatory tariffs are placed on our commodities and products.

We need fair trade, quick resolution of trade disputes and protection against non-tariff trade barriers.

President Biden has talked a lot about infrastructure, and that’s a good thing for agriculture and rural America.

The needs are clear and topping the list is broadband. The pandemic made painfully clear the consequences of the digital divide creating 'haves' and 'have nots.' The gap is devastating to rural communities not only because of the critical role of technology on farms today, but also in health care and education with telemedicine and virtual learning becoming necessities. It will also be important to address long-standing (and long-neglected) bridges, locks, dams and harbors that are critical to transporting vital supplies to farms and moving commodities to market.

There is no doubt that climate policies will be on the table in 2021, with the Biden administration, members of Congress and major food companies making sustainability commitments. We laid some solid groundwork to ensure farmers and ranchers are treated fairly by helping to form both Farmers for a Sustainable Future and the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, both of which advocate for voluntary, marketbased programs that treat farmers as partners. Both also increase awareness of all the great work farmers and ranchers have already done and continue to do day-in and day-out. Did you know that if we had tried in 1990 to produce the same amount of food we did in 2020, we would have needed 100 million more acres? That’s how much more productive farmers have become. They’ve also committed more than 140 million acres

to conservation - more than the landmass of California and New York combined.

I could go on, but the point is farmers and ranchers have long been committed to sustainability and making impressive progress. They stand ready to be good partners going forward, too, as long as they are treated with respect and not crushed by the weight of the demands placed upon them.

One area still begging for progress is labor and meeting the demand for a legal, stable and readily available agricultural workforce. The need for reform is immediate, yet the solutions remain locked up in the legislative process.

The solutions must be long-term and affordable because if farms go out-ofbusiness, the jobs they provide go out the window.

The regulatory front is always a big concern for agriculture and we’ll be watching closely. Regulatory overreach can have devastating consequences for farmers and we’re already working to ensure newly elected and newly appointed leaders understand that.

On a final note, I think agriculture breathed a collective sigh of relief when Tom Vilsack was nominated to make a return appearance as Agriculture Secretary. He knows agriculture and the issues important to farmers, ranchers and rural communities from his previous eight years in the role. He also knows the USDA agencies, authorities and many of the career civil servants who make things happen, so he’ll hit the ground running once confirmed.

With commodity prices on the upswing and hopes a vaccine will put the COVID-19 pandemic on a downswing, my fingers are crossed that agriculture’s long tradition of optimism about the future is rewarded in 2021.

Dale Moore is the executive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Dairy Innovation Hub Drives Innovation, Collaboration A Guest Column by Dairy Innovation Hub's Heather White

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he Dairy Innovation Hub is now well into its second year and is already having impacts across the three participating campuses. Of the $7.8 million in annual funding, 52 percent goes to UW-Madison and 24 percent each to UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls to build research capacity, recruit top talent, support innovative research and engage in outreach and instruction.

The Hub encompasses all aspects of dairy, from the farm to the consumer, as represented by the four priority areas: enhancing human health and nutrition, ensuring animal health and welfare, stewarding land and water resources and growing farm businesses and communities.

In addition to supporting established dairy researchers, the Hub has generated interest from faculty and staff at each campus who are new to dairy, which represents new collaborators, fresh perspectives and new innovation. With continued interest and enthusiasm toward dairy, our ability to do innovative research continues to grow.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau, along with several other key champions, helped make the Hub a reality. The concept endorsement in December of 2018 was followed by an introduction of the legislation by Senator Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Tranel (R-Cuba City) in May 2019. The following months included approval of a spending plan set to guide the Hub’s efforts and funding became available to campuses in late 2019. Groundwork was also laid during these months that aligned the spending plans with mechanisms to solicit and review proposals which meant the first funding decisions were made a few short months later. Despite campus closures due to COVID-19, we have met all of our benchmarks and goals for the first fiscal year, as reported in the first annual report.

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A few notable highlights from the 2019-2020 annual report include: •M ore than 50 funded proposals across three universities and four priority areas •N early $500,000 in documented spending for first six months toward dairy-related talent, capacity-building equipment and research • $ 5.1 million allocated for new dairy faculty, staff, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers for the 20192021 biennial state budget cycle •C ollaborative and synergistic initiatives across three campuses •E ngaged advisory council and three active steering committees This winter and spring, we will focus on recruiting and hiring at least eight Hub-funded faculty members, across all three campuses and in each priority area.

These are new positions and represent exciting areas of research and teaching that complement current expertise. In a time when many campuses are unable to hire faculty due to budget cuts or hiring freezes, the Hub is enabling the three campuses to recruit the best and brightest in dairy to build research and teaching programs.

An aspect of the Hub that we can’t over-emphasize is the collaboration between each campus. We have encouraged and fostered collaboration not only across the leadership teams, but across faculty and facilities and we already have examples of researchers working together across campuses on projects that would be prohibitive without collaboration.

The deans at each campus have worked together to support this collaborative approach. WFBF Vice President Dave Daniels, along with other external stakeholders, sits on the Hub advisory council and works tirelessly to ensure we are true to the original vision and focus in each priority area. Dave and others have

also donated their time to help review funding proposals to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the dairy community.

As we reflect on the Hub’s first year, and execute our second-year plans, it is encouraging to see the progress that can be achieved when enthusiastic participants come together. Gathering input from external stakeholders, working across the three campuses and building new collaborative relationships have all contributed to making the vision for the Hub a reality.

It’s important for farmers, processors, allied industries and consumers to engage with the Hub and we strive to maintain open and transparent communication about our efforts, funded by the State of Wisconsin. To learn more about the Hub and to join our mailing list, visit dairyinnovationhub.wisc.edu.

White is an associate professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. Her research focuses on the health and nutrition of dairy cows during the transition period. In 2019, White was named faculty director of the Dairy Innovation Hub.

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OPINION

Activism in the Time of COVID-19 (and Beyond)

A Guest Column by Animal Ag Alliance's Hannah Thompson-Weeman

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think everyone would agree with me when I say that 2020 didn’t exactly play out the way anyone would have expected. I’ve been extremely proud to be part of the animal agriculture community and the broader food chain which has continued to adapt despite the challenges of an ever-evolving situation. Now more than ever farmers are being acknowledged for their essential work and most Americans are deeply appreciative – in fact, according to a recent Gallup Poll, farming and agriculture is the most positively-rated industry in 2020 with a 69 percent positive rating (an 11-percent increase compared with last year). Unfortunately, there is a very small (but vocal) portion of the population who does not agree with that assessment: animal rights activists.

Animal rights activist groups have been busier than ever this year as they’ve attempted to take advantage of the pandemic to spread negative messaging about animal agriculture. One trend we’ve seen is activist organizations repeatedly attempt to tie the current COVID-19 pandemic to animal agriculture and saying that meat consumption and animal agriculture will lead to future pandemics.

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Despite the fact that these claims have no scientific backing, activists are playing into fears about pandemics to call for animal agriculture to be 'canceled' and demand moratoriums on plants and large-scale farms.

Activists have also turned to online methods of gathering and spreading their messages (as have many of us given restrictions on travel and events). All of the major animal rights conferences were held virtually this year, but the content remained focused on ending animal agriculture. Pandemics were a major topic, with speakers saying things like, “if you look at a factory farm where there are hundreds of thousands of chickens surrounding Miranda [one specific chicken]. One gets sick, they'll all get sick, and then the disease starts mutating because there are so many opportunities. That's why scientists call factory farms a ‘laboratory of disease.’”

Speakers also dwelled on climate change and the environmental impact of animal agriculture, making statements such as “factory farms poison our environment.”

Ultimately, speakers at these conferences believe that “a movement like ours is the beginning of the end of animal agriculture” and that activists need to step up their efforts to do everything from holding vigils and protests at farms and plants to trying to engage with legislators and major food brands.

While some parts of activism have gone virtual (including aggressive social media campaigns targeting the pages of farms and agricultural organizations), other groups have continued to hold in-person protests despite gatherings being discouraged. This year there have been several protests by animal rights activist organizations at the private homes of agricultural companies and organization executives, something that has not happened very frequently in the past. Activists have also continued to gather for protests outside of restaurants,

grocery stores, plants and government buildings. One group held a 48-hour vigil outside of a meat processing plant in California with about 100 activists. The event culminated with several activists gaining access to the plant and chaining themselves to equipment and others chaining themselves together to stop trucks from entering the plant.

As the examples above demonstrate, 2020 has been a crazy year for animal rights activism along with everything else.

Unfortunately, we do not believe these aggressive tactics are going to slow down anytime soon as animal rights groups believe the pandemic is the 'tipping point' they need to achieve their goals. As we brace ourselves for what 2021 may bring, we all need to make sure we are taking steps to protect our farms, families and livelihoods from the threat of activism.

The first step is being beyond reproach and making sure animal welfare and environmental stewardship are always top-of-mind at your farm. You can still be targeted even if you are doing the right thing, so you also need to adopt basic farm security principles such as cautious hiring, 'no trespassing' signage, a policy for verifying visitors and vetting requests for information and a crisis plan for how you would handle a protest or other activist incident.

I’m crossing my fingers for a quieter 2021, but regardless of what comes in the new year the Animal Agriculture Alliance will have your back with the latest in activist trends and farm security recommendations. Visit our website (animalagalliance.org) or contact us (info@animalagalliance.org) for more information or support.

Thompson-Weeman leads the development and implementation of communications strategy for the Alliance as the vice president, strategic engagement.

She lives in Maryland with her husband.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Planting Interest Grows

A Guest Column by AgriVisor's Karl Setzer

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s we approach the spring planting season, we are watching the market shift to planting intentions, in the United States and globally.

Last year farmers in the U.S. planted 91 million acres of corn, 83 million acres of soybean and 44 million acres of wheat.

While these numbers are in line with recent years, the number of acres may not be enough to satisfy projected usage this coming marketing year, especially with soybeans.

This year, soybean inventory in the U.S. is forecast to drop to a historically low volume, and without a build in production, will likely remain critically low next year as well. It is thought that we will need to see six to seven million more soybean acres next year, which may

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

be difficult to source.

The easiest way to source acres is with higher futures, but at current values, it is unlikely we will see much shifting, especially between corn and soybeans.

The new crop price ratio between corn and soybeans is 2.6:1, which does not indicate a push by either side. This means it will take 2.6 bushels of corn to equal the values of 1 bushel of new crop soybeans and is not conducive to an alteration of plantings. Given the high volume of fall-applied fertilizer, it may be even more difficult to sway acres to soybeans from corn.

Globally, the most watched of these regions is in South America, particularly Brazil. Brazil has several million acres it can bring into production with little effort. These are not rainforests as many believe, but rather arid plains and pastures in the western part of the country.

The reason these acres have not been farmed is logistics. The region is difficult to inputs delivered and to get the crops out. Brazil announced it will be building rail lines to this region and record returns are making this more likely.

Not only is Brazil looking at expanding acreage in futures years, but the country wants to expand the current production as well. Brazil is well known for planting two corn crops a year; the first crop that is used for domestic needs and the Safrinha crop is where most exports come from.

In recent years, Brazil has started to produce a third corn crop in the northern

regions of the country, making it a perpetual corn-producing country. While this crop has been small, elevated values and better infrastructure will allow the planting of this crop to expand as well.

China is promoting these elevated Brazilian plantings, along with those in other countries. China is known for being the world’s largest commodity importer and most of its needs come from two sources, the U.S. and Brazil.

China wants to expand its buying from other sources in the global market to help reduce its risk. Not only does a larger supply lower costs, but it also reduces the chance of major losses from weather issues.

RISK DISCLAIMER: The risk of loss in trading commodity futures and options is substantial. Before trading, you should carefully consider your financial position to determine if futures trading is appropriate.

When trading futures and/or options, it is possible to lose more than the full value of your account.

All funds committed should be risk capital. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The information contained in this report is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to accuracy or completeness by AgriVisor, LLC. This report is provided for informational purposes only and is not furnished for the purpose of, nor intended to be relied upon for specific trading in commodities herein named.

This is not independent research and is provided as a service. As such, this is considered a solicitation.

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

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Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

I

paged through my old writing journal and found the following passages from Feb. 14, 1978.

“I haven’t seen the eagles since Jan. 31.

That’s two weeks and not a glimpse of either of them. I hope they have just moved up or down the river and no harm has come to them.”

That was 43 years ago, when bald eagle nests numbered around 115 in Wisconsin, all located north of Highway 29. Now, that number is estimated at nearly 1,700. These majestic birds are active in 71 of our state’s 72 counties. With the prohibition of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1978, bald eagles have certainly made a remarkable comeback indeed. Hardly a day goes by these days that I don’t spot an eagle here along the creek.

“Once again, a male cardinal began singing in February. On sunny days, especially in the morning, he begins his call. He has two calls, one being a simpler version of the first. Described in Peterson’s Field Guide as whoit, whoit, whoit , etc. and what-cheer, cheer, cheer, etc. The call of the cardinal means we’re over the hump of winter and spring is on the way!”

Our backyard cardinals number five pair this winter. They stand out against the deep greens of the cedars and white

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backdrop of winter’s snowy landscape. This column was written in mid-January, so we anxiously await midFebruary’s chorus of our colorful male songsters.

“Saw the pileated woodpecker in the park today. His junglelike call led me to his favorite perch, a high-tension pole on the Plover River. Wasn’t sure he wintered in this area, but apparently he spends part of the time here anyways.”

Today, we need not travel to the park in town to spot these largest of all Wisconsin woodpeckers. A pair has made our woods their home and visit the suet feeders on a daily basis. The pair do, however, enjoy time on a power pole that acts as a brace for larger poles carrying power to paper mills downriver. The wood-boring bird’s pecking and pounding carves holes in poles and nearby dead trees. I must call the power company again to ask for an inspection of the pole’s integrity.

“Also saw a flock of evening grosbeaks feeding on sumac drupes along a roadway. They are very tame and close observation of this species is possible. Many more females than males seems to be the rule.”

As of press time, no grosbeaks of the evening, rosebreasted or pine variety at our feeders this winter. That, despite a Cornell Lab of Ornithology press release noting the largest movement of evening grosbeaks in the Northeast in more than a decade. We’re holding out hope, however, for some red, white and black rose-breasted grosbeaks to show up, as they have every year in the past.

Also, in my writing journal I found a stapled newspaper clipping from one of my favorite outdoor writers at that time, Jay Reed. He wrote, “Hang On, Spring Will Come, The McCaslin Croons. There is this place deep in the woods near here where I go, once in a while, to stoke the fires that tend to burn thin in midwinter. It’s a place where angels dance when the wind whips the snow into misty swirls. It’s a place where deer walk when the drifts are not too deep. It’s a place where a trout stream called McCaslin sings a never-ending song of love and devotion and peace and hope. You look over toward the stream where the shelf ice curls thickly away from the undercut bank. Will spring ever come? That night I drank some beer, ate a steak and slept the sleep of someone certain that trout fishing can’t really be more than just a cast away.”

I noted in my journal that the McCaslin stream was about six miles northeast of Mountain, Wisconsin. A trout stream I knew well. Close to where I fished, shot my first buck deer, grouse hunted and trapped.

And now as I dream of upcoming spring 2021, spring 1978 brings back precious memories of the past.

Blomberg is a freelance writer and a member of the Portage County Farm Bureau. His books, "Up the Creek" and "Wisconsin Bird Hunting Tales and Letters from Art" are available at amazon.com.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Wisconsinite Beer Cheese Soup Ingredients

• 2 cans beer • 3 c. chicken broth • 4 c. whole milk or half and half • 6 c. cheddar cheese • 1/2 Tbsp. mustard powder

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pan. Cook onions and garlic until tender and fragrant. Add all of the seasonings along with broth and beer.

2. Heat butter over medium heat and add flour in a large pot or Dutch oven; whisk for 3-4 minutes until flour browns.

Gradually add milk until it thickens.

Remove from heat and add cheese.

• equal parts butter and flour (about 1/3 to 1/2 c. each) • onion, to taste, chopped • garlic, to taste, minced • Worcestershire sauce, to taste 3. Mix the beer mixture into the cheese mixture. Add several dashes Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. A djust and add seasonings to your liking.

Serve warm. *Optional: Add a favorite meat (i.e., sausage, bologna, beef, etc.) or top with popcorn.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

• 1 pkg. Near East Long Grain & Wild Rice with flavor packet • 1 tsp. oil • 1/4 c. onions, diced

Directions

• 1/2 c. carrots, diced • 1 tsp. dry marjoram • 4 c. chicken broth • 3 c. water • 3/4 c. heavy cream

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large pan or Dutch oven. Add onion and carrots until softened. Add marjoram, flour and rice seasoning packet. Stir to combine.

2. Add rice, chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil and cover. Lower to a simmer and let cook for 15 minutes.

• 6-8 lb. venison loin or roast • 8-12 slices bacon • 4 oz. cream cheese • 2-3 Tbsp. Jalapeño peppers • 1 c. cheese of choice, shredded

Directions

1. Cut venison loin in half like a pocket so the open sides are closed (if it’s a roast, use a rolling pin to flatten it).

2. Season venison to taste with salt, pepper, etc.

3. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeños, Hidden Valley ranch seasoning and put into loin.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

Recipe submitted by Cassie Sonnentag, Chippewa County • 2 Tbsp. flour • 1/4 c. milk • 1 c. cooked chicken, shredded • 1/4 tsp. black pepper • salt, to taste

3. Heat heavy cream and milk in a small sauce pan over low heat. Stir into soup along with the shredded chicken.

4. C ook for 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Season with salt and pepper. *Optional: For a thicker soup, add a mixture of equal parts water and corn starch as needed to reach desired consistency.

Wrapped & Stuffed Venison Ingredients

Recipe submitted by Leonard Olson, Jackson County

Recipe submitted by Fancy Vele, Shawano County

• 1 tsp. Hidden Valley® ranch seasoning • 2-3 dashes soy sauce • 2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce • 2 Tbsp. ketchup • 1/2 c. brown sugar 4. M ix brown sugar, Worcestershire, soy sauce and ketchup. Rub half the sauce on each side of lion.

5. Wrap lion with bacon, secure with a toothpick, pour remaining sauce on top.

6. B ake at 400 degrees or grill 35-45 minutes. If bacon isn’t crispy, broil for 4 minutes. wfbf.com

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Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland

Ben Tilberg, Arpin

Hanauer’s Tree Farms , Shawano

Shelly Morris, Janesville

Micka Klauck, York Center

Bridget Vandertie, Woodville

Send us YOUR Photos

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Liz Grady, Oregon

Holly Krentz, Berlin

Kyle Wathke, Fall Creek

Rachel Pankratz, Auburndale

Jim Wenzel, Sullivan

Sara FEBRUARY Lardo, Brussels | MARCH

2021

Shauna Buehring Offer, Auburndale

Erica Mathisen, Baldwin wfbf.com

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2021 FFA Farm Forum UNSTOPPABLE The 2021 FFA Farm Forum will be held in a virtual format to meet the needs of students and schools.

Sessions will be presented via prerecorded videos and supplemental lesson plans. The 2021 Farm Forum is open to all Wisconsin teachers and students at no cost.

Speakers and Breakouts

Welcome: State FFA Officers Keynote: Paul Wesselmann, The Ripples Guy Career-Based Breakouts: • Plant Systems • Animal Systems • Agribusiness • Environmental Systems • Food Products and Processing • Power, Structure and Technical Systems Farm Bureau Breakouts: • Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program • Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz Videos and supplemental materials will be available by Feb. 15 at wfbf.com/events/ffa-farm-forum

Presented by:

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

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Focus on You and Your Farm in 2021 Podcasts focusing on mental health that you’ll not only find helpful but will leave you asking for more.

Rural Realities

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Farm Center hosts the Rural Realities podcast. This resource provides information and resources related to stress and challenges facing

Riggs Off The Radio

Morning radio host Riggs hosts a podcast dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide.

He hosts #MENtal Health Monday, which focuses on men sharing their stories of battling mental health and how

Ag State of Mind

Jason Medows, a farmer from Missouri, hosts a podcast for farmers and farm families specifically aimed at combating the mental health crisis in agriculture. Every

farmers and farm families. You’ll hear conversations about farm financials, how farm kids experience stress and navigating marriage on the farm, among others.

they overcame those challenges. If you scroll back in the archives, you’ll find a series featuring Wisconsin farmers, many that are WFBF members, from February of 2020.

other week he discusses topics that are hard to talk about in a way that is approachable and tailored for those in agriculture.

To learn more about rural resilience or mental health, visit wfbf.com/rural-resilience.

Wisconsin Farm Center

24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline 888.901.2558 Free 24/7 support for farmers struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression or anxiety

Counseling Voucher Program This program provides farmers and/or their family members with vouchers by request that allow them to obtain free, confidential, in-person counseling services with participating mental health providers in their area.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Poll Shows COVID-19 Taking Toll on Farmers’ Mental Health A strong majority of farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a new American Farm Bureau poll.

The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers explores how the pandemic has affected their mental health personally and in their communities, as well as how attitudes and experiences around mental health have changed in rural and farm communities since AFBF conducted its first rural mental health survey in 2019.

“My takeaway from this survey is that the need for support is real and we must not allow lack of access or a ‘too tough to need help’ mentality to stand in the way,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are stepping up our efforts through our Farm State of Mind campaign, encouraging conversations about stress and mental health and providing free training and resources for farm and ranch families and rural communities. The pandemic added a mountain of stress to an already difficult year for farmers and they need to know that sometimes it’s OK not to be OK, that people care, and that there’s help and hope.”

The results of the new poll clearly demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic is having broad-ranging impacts among rural adults and farmers/farmworkers. Key findings include: • Two in three farmers/farmworkers (66 percent) say the pandemic has impacted their mental health.

• Rural adults were split on COVID-19’s impact. Half of rural adults (53 percent) say the pandemic has impacted their mental health at least some, while 44 percent say it has not impacted their mental health much or at all.

• Younger rural adults were more likely than older rural adults to say the pandemic has impacted their mental health a lot.

• Farmers and farmworkers were 10 percent more likely

than rural adults as a whole to have experienced feeling nervous, anxious or on edge during the pandemic (65 percent vs. 55 percent).

• The percentage of farmers/farmworkers who say social isolation impacts farmers’ mental health increased 22 percent since April 2019, a significant finding given the long hours many farmers work alone.

• Half of rural adults (52 percent) aged 18-34 say they have thought more about their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than other age groups.

• Three in five rural adults (61 percent) say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health in rural communities. Farmers/farmworkers were more likely than rural adults to say COVID-19 has impacted mental health in rural communities a lot (37 percent vs.

22 percent).

• The survey of 2,000 rural adults was conducted by Morning Consult in December. It also identified the main obstacles to seeking help or treatment for a mental health condition, the most trusted sources for information about mental health, impressions of the importance of mental health in rural communities and the importance of reducing stigma surrounding mental health. A presentation with additional detail on the full survey results is available here.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or has concerns about their mental health, visit the Farm State of Mind website at farmstateofmind.org where you can find crisis hotlines, treatment locators, tips for helping someone in emotional pain, ways to start a conversation and resources for managing stress, anxiety or depression.

#FarmStateOfMind FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

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’in into Ag in the Classroom 2021 Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is focusing on ways to educate students virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are many resources from the state and national Ag in the Classroom programs along with many other partners in agriculture literacy.

For more information, contact Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com, 608.828.5644 or visit wisagclassroom.org.

Ag Day Activity

Monthly Theme Packets

Wisconsin Chili Lunch

PreK-12th-grade students

Links to lessons, videos and activities

Anyone can participate

Entries due March 31 wisagclassroom.org/ events-activities/ national-ag-day-2

wisagclassroom.org/ monthly-themes

cias.wisc.edu/ chililunch

Ag in the Classroom Matching Grants

Entries due April 1 wisagclassroom.org/ events-activities/ essay-contest

wisagclassroom.org/grants-awards/grants/ matching-grants

Career resources and videos

agclassroom.org/student/career

At Home Learning from AFBFA Weekly lessons about agriculture for all ages agfoundation.org/ at-home-learning

Purple Plow Challenge Curriculum Matrix

More than 400 lessons, activities, videos and companion resources agclassroom.org/matrix

National Ag in the Classroom Conference June 28- July 1; Des Moines, Iowa

agclassroom.org/conference

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4-5th-grade students

Due March 1 from groups, schools and organizations

Career Seeker

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Essay Contest

STEM learning challenge for middle and high school students

purpleplow.org/challenges/h2grow-challenge

Training Videos Focus on a different resource, activity or training each week

bit.ly/ AITCTrainingTuesday

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

WFBF Centennial Celebration Ends ®

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Wi s

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation officially kicked-off a centennial celebration at the 2018 Annual Meeting and YFA Conference. The multi-year celebration wrapped up in 2020, also marking the end of the Centennial Fundraising Campaign with funds going to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

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

As a 501(c)3, your donations are tax deductible and 100 percent of funds received support agricultural education and leadership programs.

WFBF members donated more than $84,000 to the centennial campaign.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company matched these donations with a donation of Insurance Company $100,000. Thank you to Rural Mutual Insurance Company for their generosity.

Thank you to all campaign contributors and for helping WFBF successfully celebrate 100 years. n Farm B nsi u co

Rural Mutual

Centennial Donations Dec. 2 to Dec. 31, 2020

$50-$199 DONATION $200-$499 DONATION

Kewaunee County Farm Bureau Laurie Groskopf in memory of Grant Hilliker Nicole Nohl in memory of Irene Kissinger Doyle and Kim Pokorny

Beth Schaefer in memory of Vicky Harter Dan and Anne Adams

$500+ DONATION

Schoenike Family in memory of Jim Schoenike Robert and Betty Nigh Peter Ogden David Kruschke Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between Dec. 2, 2020 and Jan. 25, 2021)

• Perry Goetsch • Patti Novak-Echeniqu • Holly Smith • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Flora Helling • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of William Cushman • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Roy Pruenger • St. Croix County Farm Bureau in memory of Stanley Thompson • Jerry and Ping Braatz in memory of Bob Bartholomew

Founda tion About the

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

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

wfbf.com

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WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US FOR THE

Wisconsin Ag Open 24TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER

09 14

2021

The Wisconsin Ag Open raises funds to support agricultural education and leadership programs through the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. This year’s event is Tuesday, September 14, at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove.

Registration opens soon. For the latest details, visit wfbf.com/events/wisconsin-ag-open.

For more information, contact Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

RURAL MUTUAL

A Look at Accomplishments in 2020 A lthough a year unlike any other, 2020 continued to be another successful year for Rural Mutual Insurance from a business standpoint.

In addition, it gave us opportunities to give back to our policyholders and communities in ways that we haven’t done before.

As we look ahead to what 2021 will bring, we reflect on our accomplishments during the past year.

For the 12th consecutive year, Rural Mutual Insurance was named a Ward’s Top 50® Performer. The Ward Group is a leading provider of operational and compensation benchmarking and best practices studies for the insurance industry.

Jason Feist joined the executive team as vice president of customer acquisition and service.

For the fourth year, Rural Mutual Insurance paid a five percent farm dividend, rewarding Wisconsin farmers. The Farm Dividend program is one of the many ways it serves its farmers and reinforces its relationship with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Because of the safer-at-home order, Rural Mutual Insurance received fewer personal auto insurance claims. The company introduced the Personal Auto Relief Program, which refunded active policyholders 15 percent on two months of personal auto premium.

Rural Mutual Insurance and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation established the Wisconsin Food and Farm Support Fund to raise money for established non-profits to help Wisconsin residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 2020, the fund raised $60,000.

During the pandemic, Rural Mutual Insurance agents supported Wisconsin families by providing donations of food and supplies to pantries and other support programs.

For the third year, AM Best announced that Rural Mutual Insurance earned a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior).

Rural Mutual Insurance is one of five single state insurers in the U.S. and the only single state insurer in Wisconsin to receive an A+ rating.

For the 55th year, Rural Mutual Insurance continued their support of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association with their involvement in promoting good sportsmanship during youth athletic events.

Thank you to our partners and policyholders who continue to put their trust in us. We look forward to another successful year in 2021.

Rural Mutual Declares a Special 2020 Dividend F

or the first time in its history, on Dec. 31, 2020, the Rural Mutual Insurance Board of Directors authorized a Special 2020 Dividend to be paid to Rural Mutual Insurance policyholders that had an active, in force policy effective Dec. 31, 2020.

The dividend is either two percent of eligible policy term premium or $50, whichever is more, and will be paid in 2021.

Rural Mutual Insurance is taking this action to help keep Wisconsin strong amidst one of the most difficult years.

Based on the company’s positive operating results, it’s estimated that more than $5 million will be paid to policyholders in early February.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021

“As the pandemic has caused financial uncertainty for everyone, we asked the question, ‘How can we do more to help?’” said Rural Mutual Insurance's Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Merk. “This dividend is in recognition of these challenges and a way to support our policyholders.”

The Special 2020 Dividend is one of the many ways Rural Mutual has supported their customers during the last year, from the Farm Dividend to the Auto Relief Program.

The goal of this continued customer support is helping Wisconsin farms, families and businesses. Rural Mutual is proud to only do business in Wisconsin and looks forward to helping our great state get through this pandemic together.

Rural Mutual Insurance values its customers’ business and looks forward to serving their insurance needs for many years.

For more information about Rural Mutual Insurance’s Special 2020 Dividend, please contact a Rural Mutual agent. wfbf.com

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RURAL MUTUAL

Protect Your Online Privacy 1. How often do you share your information online and what do you share? It is important to value and protect all types of data about you—including your address/location, phone number, purchase history, family, travel habits and financial information. a. Social media. Carefully consider what your text and photo might reveal about you, who will see it and how that information can be used now and in the future. b. Online accounts. When you shop online, keep your primary email address and phone number private. Use a burner email for most online activities to protect important accounts.

2. How do you lock access to your accounts? You should use a unique password for every online account. Consider using a password manager tool to generate and remember these passwords. When available, use two-step or two-factor

authentication to add another protection.

3. How many secure internet browsing practices do you follow? Though many people do remember to clear their browser history and cookies from time to time, how often do you? Do you use ad-blocking extensions? These are important tools you can use to prevent third parties from following you on the internet and learning more about you.

4. How many mobile apps have you downloaded? Every app or browser extension you download represents a potential security risk and threat to your privacy. Too many mobile apps default to tracking your location and collecting your data, even in apps designed for children. Be sure to audit each app’s privacy permissions to ensure that you are only sharing what you need to.

5. Can you spot a phish? Fraudsters use email or text messages to impersonate a company you know and trick you into giving them valuable personal information. Nearly 38 percent of people who are not cyber aware fail phishing tests.

Learn what you can about common phishing tactics.

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

‘Tis the Season for Slips and Falls E very year thousands of people end up in emergency departments from injuries sustained when slipping on ice.

Injuries range from torn ligaments to broken bones, concussions to fatalities. Many are lucky enough to walk away only bruising an elbow, knee or their pride.

Living in Wisconsin, spring can be some of the most treacherous walking conditions as air temperatures increase faster than the ground temperatures. This combined with more sunlight can cause surface snow and ice to melt and re-freeze overnight. Here are some common-sense tips to avoid a dangerous fall.

• Wear boots with textured soles constructed with rubber.

Boots with stiff rubber soles can increase your chances of slipping.

• When practical, wear traction aids such as cleats. Try different styles for your work conditions to find what works best. Some variations include cleats along the entire bottom of the sole, some have cleats at the heel. Be careful when using cleats climbing in and out of vehicles or entering a building.

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• When walking, keep your stride short attempting to place your foot flat on each step. Shuffling your feet can cause build-up of ice and snow in the treads of your footwear reducing your traction. Avoid long strides as the heel contacts the walking surface first and is likely to slide out from underneath you.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets to help maintain your balance.

• If you do fall, try to remember NOT to put your arms out to brace your fall. This is the number one cause of broken and dislocated bones in falls on ice. Pull your arms in, try to squat down quickly to decrease your fall distance and try to turn to land on your side to reduce the risk of striking the front or back of your head.

• Keep a bucket of salt or sand near outside doors to throw on walking areas when ice forms.

• Keep floor mats inside building entrances clean and dry to avoid slipping when walking into a building.

• Use mats at entryways into areas with concrete flooring to reduce the risk of slips.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION