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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

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FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

AFBF POLICY

Delegates selected AFBF's key policy issues for 2020.

AFBF SCRAPBOOK

See highlights from AFBF's 101st Annual Convention.

AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Farmers and agriculturists attended Ag Day at the Capitol.

Q&A WITH WFBF PRESIDENT

Learn more about President Joe Bragger.

MEET NEW YFA CHAIR

Kelly Oudenhoven is a mom, farmer and WFBF YFA Committee chair.

OPINIONS

Columns by Bragger, VanderWal, Staudt, Eckelberg, Moore and Camp.

IGNITE CONFERENCE

Register today for the conference on March 27-28.

BE A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

Help WFBF reach its membership goal in 2020.

NATIONAL AG DAY

Plan to participate in Ag Day on March 24.

RURAL MUTUAL

Protect your tax refund.

COVER PHOTO BY AMY ECKELBERG

ONLINE LIBRARY

WIFarmBureau

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

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nother issue of Rural Route has landed in your mailbox. Hopefully, it’s a bright spot in this long winter.

My predecessor used to joke that this magazine was like milking cows; once you had an issue done the next one was getting started. His statement was true because the magazine is a constant project for the WFBF Public Relations team.

While I enjoy putting the puzzle together for each issue, I sometimes worry that it won’t be intriguing or different enough than the last issue.

Sometimes when I look through previous issues, I see that they are vastly different, and I’m intrigued by the previous stories. Each issue has a personality and sometimes we have a theme. Some have special memories because of the hidden stories behind the articles.

Much like each snowflake that fell this winter, each issue is unique.

This issue recaps the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention. This meeting was in a much warmer place: Austin, Texas.

While everything is bigger in Texas, I bet we could build a bigger snowman.

It’s been a busy season full of big happenings like trade deals being signed and one of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s most collaborative events, Ag Day at the Capitol.

In this issue, you can see some of the highlights by turning each page.

Much like each issue of Rural Route, our members are unique and different. On page 24, you will learn about Kelly Oudenhoven and her family. As the 2020 WFBF YFA chair, she shares her connection to farming and Farm Bureau and what it’s like being a woman in agriculture.

On pages 18 and 19, you will get to know a little bit more about WFBF President Joe Bragger as he shares some of his thoughts. There is nothing cold about his heartfelt answers. He was asked about his family and dedication to Farm Bureau, but also his favorite tractor type.

Enjoy the individuality of this issue and stay warm until the sun comes back out.

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

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

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

NEWS

2020 Priorities Established at AFBF Convention D elegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Convention adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2020 on key topics ranging from dairy to labor and climate change to conservation compliance.

“Delegates from across the nation came together to look ahead at issues and opportunities facing farms, ranches and rural communities,” said AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal. “The 2020 policies ensure we are able to continue producing safe and healthy food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation and the world.”

Delegates re-elected American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal for their third terms. VanderWal served as chair of the meeting on behalf of Duvall, who is grieving the loss of his wife, Bonnie.

Delegates updated labor and immigration policies, emphasizing that we must see significant changes to the H-2A program. While AFBF has had policy in place to ensure an accessible, competitive guest worker program, the updates address problems with the adverse effect wage rate and emphasize the importance of year-round program access to all of agriculture. AFBF looks forward to working with Congress on efforts that align with these policy objectives.

After a year-long process to review ways to modernize Federal Milk Marketing Orders, AFBF’s delegates voted to support creation of a flexible, farmer- and industry-led milk management system. This includes giving individual dairy farmers a voice by allowing them to vote independently and confidentially on rules governing milk prices. When combined, the new dairy policies will form a strong foundation to guide the organization during future reform efforts to better coordinate milk supply and demand in the U.S. There are significant new policies on conservation compliance.

Delegates called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to significantly improve program transparency and due process for farmers. They specifically prioritized changes in USDA’s processes for wetland delineations and the appeals process.

Delegates also adopted a new policy supporting the repeal of Swampbuster provisions. The changes highlight growing frustration with conservation compliance practices within the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Delegates voted to support allowing a higher THC level in hemp, giving AFBF staff the flexibility to engage in discussions with regulators about the appropriate legal level, and to increase the window of time farmers are allowed to conduct THC

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

testing, acknowledging the questions about how the testing process will work and the potential for backlogs.

New policies are on the books supporting science-based climate change research and the documentation of agriculture’s tremendous advances toward climate-smart practices. Delegates also made clear they want federal climate change policy to reflect regional variations, and they oppose a state-by-state patchwork of climate change policies.

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

AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were re-elected to two-year terms.

David Fisher, president of New York Farm Bureau (Northeast Region); Shawn Harding, president of North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation (Southern Region); and Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau (Midwest Region) were elected to fill one-year terms on the AFBF Board of Directors.

Thirteen other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board.

Midwest Region Carl Bednarski, Michigan Blake Hurst, Missouri Steve Nelson, Nebraska Northeast Region Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania Ryck Suydam, New Jersey

Southern Region Mark Haney, Kentucky John Hoblick, Florida Harry Ott, South Carolina Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Wayne Pryor, Virginia Rich Hillman, Arkansas Western Region Bryan Searle, Idaho Ron Gibson, Utah

National Program Committees Morgan Norris of Florida was elected as the new chair of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for a one-year term. She also will serve a one-year term on the AFBF Board of Directors.

Vickie Bryant of Kentucky, Dotty Jensen of Utah and Margaret Gladden of Indiana were elected to two-year terms on the Women’s Leadership Committee. Jennifer Cross of Maryland was re-elected to a two-year term.

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NEWS

AFBF Convention Puts Focus on Future T

he 101st American Farm Bureau Annual Convention was held January 17-22 in Austin, Texas. A trade show, workshops and some high-level guest speakers were some of the highlights of the event.

On January 19, for the third consecutive year, President Donald Trump addressed Farm Bureau members at the Austin Convention Center.

The President celebrated recent trade wins including the signing of the Phase 1 trade deal with China and congressional approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement when he took the stage.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue addressed the convention attendees twice.

Once to introduce the President and again for the closing session on January 20.

In addition, Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) received the Distinguished Service Award and gave remarks during the General Closing Session.

The final day of workshops at the AFBF Annual Convention put a focus on the role farmers will play in connecting with consumers on sustainability in agriculture and new technologies like gene editing.

Sustainability in Animal Agriculture Moving Beyond Buzzwords to Action A trio of workshop speakers unpacked sustainability as a buzzword – what it means to animal agriculture and meat producers. With interest in the sustainability of meat continuing to grow, it’s important now more than ever for farmers and others engaged in animal protein production or processing to engage with consumers through shared values, noted Sarah Little, vice president of communications at the North American Meat Institute.

“Shared values are more important to building trust than sharing facts or demonstrating technical expertise,” Little said. She also pointed out that consumers’ thinking about sustainability continues to evolve. “Consumers are shifting responsibility for sustainability away from themselves and more toward large companies and governments.”

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President Donald Trump addressed Farm Bureau members.

Sen. Pat Roberts received the Distinguished Service Award.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue toured the trade show.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Translating Sustainability to ROI Dr. Randy Brown from WinField United discussed the opportunities and potential increase in profits of moving the industry to more sustainable farming. Eighty-three percent of consumers now consider sustainability when buying food.

Dr. Brown introduced new technology from Truterra, a subsidiary of Land O’ Lakes. Truterra’s Insight Engines gives farmers access to precise data on soil health, erosion and yields.

This technology could allow farmers to provide sustainably sourced crops while increasing profitability.

Finding the Right Hemp Seed a Challenge for Farmers In a workshop titled ‘Laws, Regs & Other Considerations When Buying Hemp Seed,’ Pat Miller, director of state affairs for the American Seed Trade Association, gave an overview of what growers need to know to ensure they get the specific quality and type of seed that meets their needs.

“Before buying seed, decide what it’s for, whether it’s for seed, oil, feed or food fiber,” Miller said. “Ask sellers for references and ask your neighbor if they have a seed variety they really like.”

It’s also important to know where the seed was grown, Miller said. “If you’re buying seed produced in Kentucky and trying to grow it in Arizona, it may not work.”

Miller said genetics are still imperfect, but new hybrids are coming. “There’s talk about breeding out THC, which would basically solve all our problems, and certified CBD varieties will be available in the next few years. I really think that in three years a lot of the issues we are having with hemp will go away,” he said.

Building Trust in Gene Editing is Next Step for Agriculture Gene editing can deliver significant advances for agriculture, but the challenge will be to build consumer trust in the technology. The best way to connect with consumers who have no connection to agriculture is to identify how progress from gene editing aligns with their values, according to Roxi Beck

of the Center for Food Integrity. Beck says highlighting the benefits for the environment, nutrition and animal well-being resonate the most with consumers.

“The best opportunity we have to ensure that consumers hear us is to enter the conversation in a way that helps them understand we are on their side, we care about the same things they are thinking about, and ultimately this is a technology that can deliver on all the promises we are looking for, both as agriculturalists, but also as consumers,” said Beck.

Next Wave in Ag Technology Soon to be in the Field Farm technology innovation will focus on automation, coupled with the power of artificial intelligence, according to Ohio State University Dr. Scott Shearer and Chad Colby, owner of Colby AgTech.

With nearly 30 types of autonomous tractors nearing some form of commercial production and the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology that’s being miniaturized and made cost-effective and accessible, farmers are going to be considering how and when purchasing these tools will be practical for them.

But it’s not about lab-perfect technology installed in equipment in the field, Shearer cautioned, “You’ve got to keep it in the field, and you’ve got to keep it moving.”

As for when to make a move toward new technology, Shearer said the best time is just as people are figuring out how to make money from it. If a farmer waits until it’s widely adopted, they’ll be forced to buy it just to remain competitive.

Colby emphasized that automation and other agriculture innovations are very close to being realized.

“This isn’t concept. This is coming,” according to Colby, who said ever-improving unmanned aircraft systems and datacollecting planes also will be tools farmers are soon using.

To listen to these sessions or the keynote speakers visit, fb.org/newsroom/afbf-annual-convention-focuses-onconnecting-with-consumers-innovation.

2020 Policy Book Available Online W

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

The 2020 policy book is available at wfbf.com.

The document reflects the most recent policy directives established by voting delegates at the 100th WFBF Annual Meeting in December.

"Our Farm Bureau members on the local level establish the organization's policy," said Joe Bragger, WFBF President. "These grassroots-generated policies address agricultural topics like transportation, land and water stewardship, regulatory overreach and private property rights."

"We want this information to be easily accessible to our members and the decisionmakers who have a role in agriculture's future," Bragger added.

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

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

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Dodge County Farm Bureau member Andrea Brossard serves on the American Fa rm Bureau Promot ion and Education Committee. Sh e assisted with hosting a sessio n at the AFBF Convention.

Wal (left) ent Scott Vander AFBF Vice Presid Bureau rm Fa ty un lumet Co pictured with Ca Ca n. lumet and Simon Rega members Gloria cal ur au's 'Meet Yo Lo County Farm Bure nner in wi a as d ize s recogn Farmer' event wa e contest. ities of Excellenc the County Activ

AFBF Vice Pres ident Scott Vand erWal, pictured with hi s wife Michelle , stood in for AFBF Pres ident Zippy Du vall at the AFBF Conv ention.

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U.S. Secretary of y Perdue, Agriculture, Sonn reau Bu rm talked with Fa ges to an ch t ou ab members og pr ram, the school lunch n tio Market Facilita and ts en ym Program pa g in ist ex d an w how ne ll wi ts trade agreemen . re tu ul impact agric

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

t residen WFBF P er joined gg Joe Bra m tate Far s s r e h t o nt e id pres Bureau eir h t g yin in displa during gs state fla ention's . v n the co ny ceremo opening

Travis and Krist a Klinkner, Vernon County Farm Bureau membe rs, represented Wisconsin in th e Achievement Award contest.

This contest recogn izes young Farm Bu reau members who earn a majority of th eir income from on farm productio n.

arm ounty F Green C mber Rachel e m Bureau ted epresen oung r e g e e L Y h t in in e Wiscons Ranchers & Farmers t. This ion Mee s s u c is D ges a r u enco contest au members re Farm Bu timely and ss u c is d o t ics t ag top n releva nable io t c a ate and cre s. solution

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

President Trump attended the AFBF Convention for the third consecutive year.

He addressed concerns over trade, tariffs and low commodity prices.

n turn when AFBF ention took a solem nv Co al nu An BF AF The lost her battle with vall's wife, Bonnie, President Zippy Du wear in support of re given bracelets to cancer. Attendees we family. the couple and their

Green County Farm Bureau mem ber Ben Huber represented Wisconsin in the Excellence in Agriculture competi tion.

This contest is for Farm Bureau members who do not earn a majorit y of their income from on-farm producti on.

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NEWS

Linardakis Named Finalist in Ag Innovation Challenge I n November, American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, announced 10 semi-finalist teams in the 2020 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.

“These hard-working entrepreneurs have demonstrated their commitment to take on some of the biggest challenges in agriculture. Their innovations will help American farmers continue to grow healthy, affordable products for consumers,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s a pleasure to recognize and award these outstanding businesses to help them deliver solutions that will drive U.S. agriculture forward.”

The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase ideas and business innovations in agriculture.

This is the sixth year of the challenge, which was the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs launching food and agriculture businesses.

Semi-finalist teams had the opportunity to participate in pitch training provided by Cornell University. They also traveled to the AFBF Annual Convention in January to compete for Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

hydroelectric irrigation technologies that provide cost-effective solutions for small to mid-size farms. HydroSide Systems LLC received a total of $30,000 to grow their business. Idaho Farm Bureau member Dana Mohr led the HydroSide Systems team for the Challenge.

Innovative Agriculture Technologies LLC won the People’s Choice Award, which was decided by public vote, and received a total of $25,000 for the business. North Carolina Farm Bureau member Matthew Parker led the Innovative Agriculture Technologies team, which aims to streamline the pine straw harvesting process.

Rantizo, led by Iowa Farm Bureau member Michael Ott, and Hivelend, led by Maryland Farm Bureau member Dawn Musil are the other two finalists who competed in the final round of the challenge.

Farm Bureau would not be able to recognize and support these rural businesses without generous funding provided by sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Country Financial, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Farm Bureau Bank.

To learn more about the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, visit fb.org/challenge.

The 10 semi-finalist teams awarded $10,000 each were: • Ag Butler, Lebanon, Missouri. Team lead: Kevin Johansen • Green State Biochar, Barton, Vermont. Team lead: Donna Pion • Hivelend, Baltimore, Maryland. Team lead: Dawn Musil • HydroSide Systems LLC, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Team lead: Dana Mohr • Innovative Agricultural Technologies, LLC, Carthage, North Carolina. Team lead: Matthew Parker • Rantizo, Iowa City, Iowa. Team lead: Michael Ott • Re-Nuble, New York, New York. Team lead: Tinia Pina • SwineSentinel, Ames, Iowa. Team lead: B.J. Brugman • The Bene Baby Company, Inc, Nekoosa, Wisconsin.

Team lead: Nikos Linardakis • Tractor Zoom, Waukee, Iowa. Team lead: Kyle McMahon During the 2020 AFBF Annual Convention, HydroSide Systems LLC was named the winner of the 2020 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The company produces

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Sally Turpin Named to AFBF’s YF&R Committee S

ally Turpin has been appointed by the American Farm Bureau Federation to its Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for the 2020-2022 term beginning in March.

The national committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or a couple may hold each committee position.

Turpin is a member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee.

“I have had many great experiences through Farm Bureau that have allowed me to learn more about the legislative process, advocate for agriculture and meet new friends while traveling,” said Turpin. “I’m excited to build on my Farm Bureau involvement.”

Turpin grew up on her family’s dairy farm, where they now raise beef cattle. After graduating from UW-Madison, where she double majored in agronomy and animal science, Turpin worked as an agronomist for several years and then as a dairy consultant for the past six years. Now, she is an energy services representative for WPPI Energy. In her spare time, Turpin enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking and running with Team Beef.

Committee members are responsible for YF&R Program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s Annual Convention each January. They also provide support in planning and implementing AFBF’s bi-annual FUSION Conference for Farm Bureau volunteer leaders involved in YF&R, Women’s Leadership and Promotion and Education.

“Sally’s experience as a member of the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee makes her the perfect candidate for this position,” said WFBF Senior Director of Member Relations Wendy Kannel. “She will bring new and creative ideas along with a passion for the agriculture industry.”

Other appointees to the YF&R Committee are: Jocelyn Anderson, California; Ben Cagle, Georgia; Eric and April Castle, Kansas; Jon Iverson, Oregon; Dean and Sara Hutto, South Carolina; and Kenny and Jamila McFarland, Utah.

National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. They study farm and food policy issues, participate in leadership training exercises and hone other professional skills during their tenure as committee members.

Derek and Charisse Orth of Grant County Farm Bureau were the last Wisconsin YFA members to serve on the national committee from 2017 to 2019.

AFBF's Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes men and women between the ages of 18 and 35. The objective of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program is to provide leadership in building a more effective Farm Bureau to preserve our individual freedoms and expand our opportunities in agriculture.

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FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

wfbf.com

11

NEWS

Farm Bureau’s Federal Issues Update The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

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isconsin legislators and commodity groups were a leading voice for passage of the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation advocated for passage of the agreement.

WFBF Vice President and dairy farmer Dave Daniels was a member of a trade panel that spoke in support of passage of the USMCA by the House. In October, when U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Wisconsin for a USMCA rally, Daniels was part of another panel that advocated for passage of the USMCA for farmers.

In late December, the House overwhelmingly passed the

USMCA with a bipartisan vote of 385 to 41. The Senate referred the USMCA to seven committees for markup with six committees completing the task in early January. The Senate Finance Committee supported the bill earlier on a 25-3 vote.

Recently, the Senate approved the USMCA Agreement on an 89-10 vote. President Trump gave final approval in January.

Mexico approved the agreement, but the Canadian Parliament must ratify the USMCA before the agreement will take effect.

Ratification of the USMCA is expected to provide U.S. dairy farmers greater access to Canadian markets.

Farm Labor Modernization Act

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ouse lawmakers unveiled a bipartisan bill tackling the farm labor shortage, but it faces a rough road. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), would provide a path to legalization for agricultural laborers and possible permanent residence who have worked in the farm and agriculture industry for at least two years and plan to continue in that sector, and would expand the H-2A foreign guest-worker program.

Nationwide, it also would establish a mandatory E-Verify system for farm employers; would simplify the H-2A application process; establish wages for farm workers; and dramatically increases the legal rights of workers and their ability to pursue lawsuits against employers.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act aims to address the needs of dairy farmers and other producers who need year-round workers by offering 40,000 extra green cards for agricultural labor, half of which would be exclusively available for dairy and creating a capped program to grant three-year visas for workers in certain sectors like dairy.

The bill has garnered the wide-spread support of more than 300 agriculture groups and labor organizations, and if approved, will bring stability to agricultural workers and rural communities.

White House support will be critical to securing passage of the bill. Currently, the bill sits in the Senate after the House passage.

“At a time when the farm worker shortage has reached a crisis in parts of the country, it is deeply disappointing that the House blocked any possibility of improving the legislation designed to address the problem, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Several amendments addressed our principal concerns, but were blocked from consideration. As a result, we do not support the final bill passed by the House today. We will turn our attention to the Senate where we hope legislation is crafted that provides long-term solutions to the farm labor crisis.

Farmers need meaningful reform that addresses the concerns of both workers and growers.”

- AFBF President Zippy Duvall

USDA Hemp Rules

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FBF submitted comments on the proposed USDA Hemp Rules.

In October, USDA released the text of its interim final rule for regulations establishing a domestic hemp production program. Since this is an interim final rule, it will be in effect immediately upon being published in the Federal Register.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed, farmers and regulators have operated in a state of uncertainty as they waited for the USDA to release additional guidance. As is always the case, the rule doesn’t make everyone happy and there are lingering questions.

WFBF highlighted several issues in the comments including limiting testing to Drug Enforcement Administration certified

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laboratories, limited harvest period, creating additional exceptions for negligent violations, criminal sanctions and additional flexibility for reconstituting a 'hot' crop or hemp that has delta-9 THC levels exceeding the 0.3 percent threshold set by state and federal law.

WFBF will continue to work with Wisconsin’s federal delegation to create flexibilities for growers and protections against criminal sanctions for unintentional violations. Having these rules in place makes it possible for other agencies and industries, such as financial institutions and crop insurance providers, to start establishing guidelines and procedures for dealing with hemp.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

WFBF President Attends U.S.- China Agreement Signing O

n January 15, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Joe Bragger attended the signing of a Phase 1 trade agreement between the U.S. and China at the White House.

Phase 1 of the U.S.-China Agreement requires structural reforms and other changes to China’s economic and trade regime in the areas of intellectual property, technology transfer, agriculture, financial service and currency and foreign exchange.

The agreement includes a commitment

by China that it will make substantial additional purchases of U.S. goods and services in the coming years. The agreement also establishes a strong dispute resolution system that ensures prompt and effective implementation and enforcement.

“It was a chance of a lifetime to join other Farm Bureau presidents and agriculture leaders for this historic event,” WFBF President Joe Bragger (left) outside the White House with other Farm Bureau said WFBF President Joe Bragger. “I was representatives who attended the signing of the U.S.-China Agreement. proud to see agriculture in the spotlight and slowly working its way back into this critical market.”

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the U.S. exported $19.5 billion of agricultural products to China in 2017. These exports were reduced to $9.1 billion in 2018 as a result of retaliatory tariffs.

“Signing this agreement has been a long-awaited moment for many farmers,” said Bragger. “The agriculture community was hit with a double whammy as we battled low commodity prices that were exacerbated by trade issues with China.”

Bragger added, “Wisconsin Farm Bureau hopes this agreement signals progress in ultimately reaching a fair deal with one of our largest trading partners. While it won’t save us from all the hardships facing agriculture, it is a step in the right direction.”

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NEWS

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.

The 13 committees will meet in Washington, D.C., at the end of February.

AFBF’s Issue Advisory Bragger Daniels 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.

Joe Bragger of Independence 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, Army Corps of Engineers water-related efforts and flood control. Bragger is a dairy and poultry farmer and serves as WFBF’s President.

Dave Daniels of Union Grove was selected to serve a two-year term on the farm policy committee. This committee

Radtke

Nigh

discusses risk management, crop insurance, price and income support programs and conservation programs. Daniels is a dairy farmer and WFBF’s Vice President.

Don Radtke of Merrill was appointed to a two-year term on the agricultural labor committee. Radtke and his fellow committee members will explore topics like guest worker programs, OSHA regulations, employment taxes and health care. Radtke is a Marathon County Farm Bureau leader and former WFBF board member.

Robert Nigh of Viroqua will serve a two-year 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 serves as the District 3 Director on WFBF’s Board.

WFBF President Attends 2020 State of the State Address O n January 22, Governor Tony Evers delivered his 2020 State of the State Address and WFBF President Joe Bragger attended.

“I had the honor of attending Gov. Evers’ 2020 State of the State Address on behalf of Wisconsin Farm Bureau,” said Bragger. “Across the state our members are listening intently to our elected officials and we were pleased with the attention drawn to agriculture.”

Gov. Evers highlighted agriculture’s diversity and its importance to the state’s economy. He stated that in 2018, Wisconsin cheesemakers produced more cheese than any other state, producing more than 26 percent of the nation’s cheese and that Wisconsin dairy farmers account for more than 14 percent of the nation’s milk production and dairy production and

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processing boasts $43.4 billion in economic activity and nearly 79,000 jobs.

Gov. Evers also mentioned that Wisconsin is one of the leading growers and processors of vegetables and that cranberry growers produce 62 percent of the nation’s cranberry crop. In 2018, the state exported more than $3 billion in agricultural products to more than 140 countries.

“Gov. Evers highlighting our agriculture's diversity was important,” said Bragger. “The pride that our farmers have in what they do is admirable, and the support promised to our state’s hard-working farmers was encouraging. Boosting our dairy exports and providing additional resources can only help our stressed farmers.”

In response to challenges facing Wisconsin agriculture, the Governor announced a three-pronged plan starting with a special session of the legislature to take up legislation to invest in farmers, agricultural industries and rural communities.

Bragger added that, “As Farm Bureau members we appreciate Gov. Evers and our lawmakers for understanding the significant importance of agriculture to our state’s economy and together we can build a better future for our rural communities.”

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees D o you know a Wisconsin farmer or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2020 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.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The application deadline date is August 1. Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org. If mailed, applications must be postmarked by August 1, 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.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Wisconsin is made possible thanks to the generous support of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, Sand County Foundation, Compeer Financial, We Energies Foundation, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Whole Foods Market and McDonald’s.

The Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the WFBF’s Annual Meeting in December.

The first Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2006. Lake Family Farms of Boyceville The Lake Family received the award in 2019.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

“This award highlights real working farms for the conservation efforts they do on a daily basis. I encourage farmers to apply and be recognized for doing the right things on their land for the future of their families, farms and communities.”

- Joe Bragger, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

“Dairy farmers have a long history of nurturing and protecting the natural resources within their care. The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the dairy farm families we represent are proud to again sponsor the Leopold Conservation Award.”

- Patrick Geoghegan, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

“Locally led conservation would not be nearly as effective without the hard work and collaboration with farmers across Wisconsin.

Environmental stewardship is an indivisible part of sustainable agriculture and Leopold Conservation Award nominees are models for successfully applying those practices.”

- Matt Krueger, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are at the forefront of a movement by America’s farmers and ranchers to simultaneously achieve economic and environmental success.”

- Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation

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Farmers Speak Up in Madison

After a full day of briefings, farmers and agriculturists walked to the Capitol for legislative meetings.

Shawn Pfaff shared information about food labeling bills introduced

by Sen. Marklein.

Gov. Evers made his debut appearance at Ag Day at the Capitol.

O

n February 4, more than 330 farmers and agriculturists gathered at the Monona Terrace in Madison for Ag Day at the Capitol.

Ag Day at the Capitol is an annual event for Wisconsin farmers and agriculturists to learn more about state issues affecting agriculture and meet with their state legislators.

Attendees started the day by listening to issue briefings on wildlife damage claims, food labeling and a host of other bills including farmer commercial driver’s license exemptions and farmland preservation tax credit.

At 1 p.m. Governor Tony Evers served as the event’s keynote speaker. The Governor shared his focus on water quality in the state and why he declared 2019 the year of clean drinking water.

“Obviously it’s going to take more than one year to deal with (clean water),” said Gov. Evers. “I have the utmost faith in the farm community. They are the original stewards of the land, after Native Americans, and there is no reason we can’t work together to make clean water a priority.”

Gov. Evers also emphasized his three-pronged approach to help rural Wisconsin.

Evers said, “I just want to work together and have some good conversations and do what’s right for rural Wisconsin.”

He asked farmers and agriculturists to stay engaged and be part of the solution.

“We appreciate Gov. Evers taking the time to attend Ag Day at the Capitol this year,” said WFBF President Joe Bragger. “Our farmers and agriculturists want to know that their rural communities are a priority.”

Following the Governor’s speech, the afternoon session was a legislative panel on water quality. The panel was moderated by Dennis Frame, co-founder WFBF President Joe Bragger welcomed farmers.

Sen. Marklein, Sen. Testin, Rep. Kurtz, Rep. Tranel, Rep. Novak and Rep. Shankland participated in a water panel moderated by Dennis Frame, cofounder of Discovery Farms. The panel discussed legislation and solutions to help with water quality.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Members from District 8 met with Rep. Edming and Sen. Petrowski to discuss agriculture issues.

Wood County Farm Bureau member Ben Tilberg talked with Rep. VanderMeer.

of Discovery Farms, and was comprised of Sen. Howard Marklein, Sen. Patrick Testin and Rep. Todd Novak, Rep. Travis Tranel, Rep. Tony Kurtz and Rep. Katrina Shankland.

The panel discussed: • Agriculture’s role in developing solutions for cleaner water throughout Wisconsin.

• Ways in which water quality can be positively impacted without new regulations.

• How the legislature will support Wisconsin farmers and local communities to identify solutions for cleaner water.

“It was appropriate to focus on water during our afternoon program,” said Bragger. “With this topic at the forefront of many discussions throughout the state, farmers and agriculturists need to hear about the latest updates on legislation and how they can be part of the conversation.”

The legislators featured on the panel were from the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality and who represent the areas engaged in water legislation.

At the same time as the water panel, Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and other Assembly leadership held a press conference to emphasize their plans to help Wisconsin farmers. Through a combination of existing

legislation and new proposals there is an opportunity to put together a comprehensive package to help farmers during these stressful economic times.

“The news that the assembly leadership is putting a large focus on agriculture is welcomed news,” Bragger said.

“Wisconsin agriculture is open to all ideas on how we can keep this state’s rural economy afloat. How exciting is this to have the attention on the agriculture community? Thank you to Speaker Vos and the Wisconsin Assembly leaders for their work.”

The afternoon’s program wrapped up with attendees hearing about water-specific bills and then walked to the Capitol to meet with their legislators from their respective areas.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK Inc. were major sponsors of the event. Co-sponsors of the event, with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, included the Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association and the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.

More than 330 farmers and agriculturists attended Ag Day at the Capitol.

Members from District 6 traveled to Madison to participate in Ag Day at the Capitol.

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Members from northeast Wisconsin met with Rep. Tauchen.

2020

Members from Districts 1 and 6 discussed accurate food labeling.

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17

Q+ A

with Newly-Elected WFBF President Joe Bragger

Who asked you to join Farm Bureau and when?

I was asked to join Farm Bureau by Buffalo County’s Don Dittrich. It happened outside of St. Boniface Catholic church after Saturday evening mass.

I like this question because when I hear someone ask this, it seems the person knows exactly who asked them to join Farm Bureau and where. To me, this signifies a life changing moment.

I was asked to be a Buffalo County Farm Bureau board director at the same time. This was my first exposure to Farm Bureau in an active way. I was in my early 30s when I joined but I’ve always wished I would have been asked to join sooner.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

Noel, my partner in crime for 28 years, and I have four children. Rosli is a registered nurse, John is a diesel mechanic and owns Mad Swiss Trucking, Tessa is student teaching as she goes for her degree in math education and Allison is studying ag business management while interning at

Compeer Financial.

Our children have always been encouraged to explore their options and the possibilities available to them in life. While our daughters and John have their own careers, they help whenever possible on our family’s dairy farm. We are proud of their successes and appreciate that they assist where they can.

Noel grew up on a dairy farm just a few miles ‘over the hill.’

Noel is a teacher at St. Boniface Catholic School. In addition to teaching full-time and helping on the dairy when she can, she owns and operates a pullet (chicken breeding stock) barn. She raises about 62,000 hens and roosters per year.

My brother Dan and sister-in-law Mary operate two broiler barns, where they raise almost 1 million birds a year. Dan is the overall operations manager on our farm. Their children Gavin, Morgan and Anna are young adults who also assist when needed.

Dan’s brother-in-law Peter Theisen, Al 'the Good' Shepard and our team of diverse employees make sure the daily tasks on the farm get done.

My other brother Eric is a truck driver and my mother, Hildegard, still lives in the main farmhouse along with some of her grandchildren. At 84 years young, she still rakes hay in summer, picks up parts and shouts commands from the command center (her front porch).

As with many farm families, it’s hard to draw a line of who is family and who is not. The support system I have at the farm allows me to take opportunities like serving as WFBF President and for that I’m sincerely grateful.

What is your favorite season or time of year?

Spring signifies new life and the promise of another start.

Have you ever walked outside on a spring day and saw tiny bubbles coming from the grass and smelled an earthy smell like that of a freshly plowed field? This is the smell of frost leaving the ground and the moisture going through the soil profile displacing trapped oxygen. It’s the smell that signifies the end of mud and the time to get going. It’s my favorite because the sun is out, the air has turned warm and soon the crops will be popping up and the pastures will turn green.

Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?

The very first thought that comes to mind when I see the tag line ‘A voice for farmers a vision for agriculture,’ is that Farm Bureau is not only a voice for farmers but helps farmers be their own voice. It is easy for us to become busy and, especially during tough times, hunker down even more and just grind away. Farm Bureau represents us when it comes to issues, but where we are second to none is in our Promotion and Education, leadership development and Young Farmer and Agriculturist programs.

What is your favorite food or meal?

Depends on my mood or my latest diet fad. I principally like a low-carb diet (sorry, grain farmers, but the steak I consume ate your grain first, so we should be okay). I don’t like to eat anything that doesn’t have cheese on it. I also strongly believe that there is no such thing as too much butter. What’s not to love about bacon and more bacon?

At the end of the day, it is not what you are eating but who you are eating it with.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?

If you see me in person, you’ll notice a unique leather Appenzeller swiss belt that is adorned with bright metal cows.

I wear this proudly as a symbol of my Swiss heritage and the blessings of immigrating to the U.S. My parents immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1960s before knowing each other. They later met and were married. My father, Josef, came with only $5 to his name. He came to work as a farmhand in the Waumandee area.

My mother was a housekeeper in Winona, Minnesota, for the owners of Watkins Company. Growing up I could speak fluent Swiss German and English became our second language. I went through speech therapy to help overcome my strong dialect.

My father often said he learned to read from the cartoons in the newspaper. It was kind of neat that we read the same books together (The Hardy Boys). My parents did not become naturalized citizens until I was about 12 years old.

I connect with those who come to this country to make a better place for themselves. I know how it feels to be different.

I wear my belt as a symbol to my heritage and a tribute to those

who came and continue to come to this country to make a better life for themselves.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Fiercely independent. Now, I understand that I just used two words. You’ll learn that I seldom subscribe to the ideal that less is better when it comes to words.

More than 20 years ago when our farm received the Wisconsin Land and Water State Conservation Award our land conservationist described me as ‘fiercely independent.’ I am proud of that moniker because I am here to lead and serve.

Sometimes to do that you have to remain independent.

Red or green tractors?

Truth be told we probably have a tractor of each variety. For the sake of nostalgia, I grew up with Allis Chalmers, Oliver and Farmall. When I was a kid my favorite tractor was a Farmall 450. Today, my brother Dan primarily drives the Case IH 7150 Magnum and I run the John Deere 8300. So, the debate goes on.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My father always advised, “I don’t care what you do in life, just be the best you can be.” Before I was able to figure out what I was going to do in life, my father died in a farming accident. He told me from a young age to be the one to take care of things if he ever was absent. So, there I was a farmer. My mother, brothers and I had to kick it in gear and 31 years later we are still here keeping my parents’ dream alive.

This story can be told many times over among many farm families. A tragedy and the perseverance to continue. My fatherin-law, John Hillig, also was a farmer. At his passing he looked over us all; his children, their spouses and several grandchildren and said "always stay together." That’s what it’s all about and a good piece of advice.

What advice do you have for our young Farm Bureau members trying to survive in today’s ag economy?

Do not go it alone. There are resources available from your county Extension office, technical college programs, peer groups and fellow farmers. Through these opportunities there are learning opportunities and camaraderie. Continued learning and adaptability will be vital to survival into the future. Just working hard will not cut it in today’s agricultural economy.

Most importantly join Farm Bureau and experience the programs we have to offer. Being involved in Farm Bureau will bring you in contact with people from all walks of life. You will find the inspiration and energy to conquer any challenge.

Get a Sweetheart Deal

with your Farm Bureau 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.

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

"Grainger is one of the best member benefits that Farm Bureau members have available. The access to this service is amazing, the Farm Bureau discount pays more than the cost of membership every year."

- Joe Bragger, Buffalo County Farm Bureau member

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

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

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

Farm Bureau members receive $500 bonus cash off the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford vehicle and $750 bonus cash off the purchase or lease of an eligible new Lincoln vehicle. Must be a member for 30 days. Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com/Login/Login for complete details or to print your certificate.

“I was interested in purchasing from Ford before learning about the Farm Bureau discount, but that gave me more incentive to purchase a new vehicle instead of used.

Kaitlyn Riley, Crawford County Farm Bureau Member

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

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

"With the Farm Bureau member discount, we purchased two skid loaders and saved an additional $1,000, which made the deal even sweeter.”

- John Piechowski, Waushara County Farm Bureau member

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

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

Visit farmbureaubank.com.

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 • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Office Depot • John Deere Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* 20

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP

Farm Bureau Member Saves During Her Stays I t’s easy for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members to save 20 percent at almost 5,000 Choice Hotels worldwide or 20 percent off the Best Available Rate at more than 8,000 participating Wyndham Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

For business trips and vacations, Marathon County Farm Bureau member Katie Zoromski enjoys the 20 percent savings.

“The savings that I have accrued, and program points earned have been in the hundreds,” said Katie.

Katie explained that it is so easy to use and recommends that members save the call-in number in their contact list along with their Farm Bureau number.

“Calling for the savings code is quick, and members can call toll-free from the parking lot of the hotel,” said Katie.

She added that the beauty of the program is that it is made for people on the go.

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“During a long drive, if I’m unsure of where or when I will stop and stay the night, I don’t have to worry with the Farm Bureau hotel rewards program,” said Katie. “I just call the toll-free number and the hotel reservation staff member is prompt, helpful and in no-time, I’m checked-in with my savings applied.”

Katie wants to share her positive experiences with others because she believes the benefit is underutilized.

“In addition to the savings, other perks include early check-in and complementary water, snacks or tokens for earning points,” added Katie.

To take advantage of the Farm Bureau Choice Hotel International benefit, visit choiceprivileges.com or call 888.770.6800. Remember to provide the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation ID number (00209870) along with your Choice Privileges member number to receive your discount while earning Choice Privileges points.

To make reservations at one of the Wyndham Hotels, visit wyndhamhotels.com or call 877.670.7088 and be sure to mention the Farm Bureau corporate ID number (8000004288).

For more information about Farm Bureau member benefits, visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.

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21

ggie nswers

We asked WFBF YFA Committee members: Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?

Kelly Oudenhoven

Keith Oudenhoven

Brad and Kristine Boon

Haily Sand

Andrew DalSanto

Sally Turpin

I value my Farm Bureau membership because it allows me to network with other young agriculturists from around the state.

Farm Bureau also allows me to voice my concerns and needs on the local, state and national levels.

Farm Bureau offers many opportunities for networking, training and advocacy.

Farm Bureau has afforded us many great opportunities to network and meet other people in agriculture. It is great to have an organization like Farm Bureau in our corner protecting and promoting the future of agriculture. We feel our voice is heard.

Building friendships with others in our industry who have similar views (i.e., ag-vocates) not just in Wisconsin but all across the U.S.

My membership makes me feel valued as a farmer and agriculturist.

I have enjoyed opportunities with networking and travel, as well as learning more about the legislative process.

Outagamie County

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Outagamie County

Clark County

Dunn County

Grant County

Juneau County

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Sharing the Story of Wisconsin Agriculture Each and Every Day MidwestFarmReport.com Sales: Ted.W@mwwg.com (608) 441.3644

ALLENTON FARMERS' IMPLEMENT LLC 800-729-0199 www.farmersinc.com COLUMBUS FARMERS' IMPLEMENT LLC 800-996-0416 www.farmersinc.com

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

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23

Farm Life Grows a

Family Dream and a

By Amy Eckelberg

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Planting the Seed As a high school junior, Kelly Oudenhoven was told that the career she wanted to pursue wasn’t an option because being a farmer was only for men.

Now, as the herd manager for Larrand Dairy she boldly smiles sharing that story of her meeting with a high school counselor.

H

er journey to becoming the herd manager on her in-laws’ farm wasn’t a direct one. Prior to her role on the farm, she worked in the emergency department at the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center.

During her time at the center, she worked her way from third shift to first, and then eventually onto the management team. It was also when she met her husband Keith and started helping with the heifers on his family’s farm during nights and weekends.

“After getting married and many discussions and prayers, Keith and I decided we wanted to become the fourth generation to farm,” said Kelly. “So, I left my management role to be on the farm full-time.”

On the farm, her duties include managing the cows and the employees and their schedules. She also manages daily operations and keeping the farm clean and organized.

“Being in a leadership position and having a role on the decision-making team means so much to me,” said Kelly. “Women can be overlooked and I’m forever grateful to be in the position that I’m in.”

Being a mom of four keeps her busy with tasks as well.

“Not only do I manage the animals and employees, but I also am a mom,” Kelly explained.

Keith and Kelly have been together for nearly 10 years. Their four children: Josephine, Jackson, Allison and Clayton enjoy coming to the farm with her every day.

Keith is a mechanical engineer for Pierce manufacturing in Appleton where he designs fire trucks. He currently works fulltime off the farm, but the couple hopes to someday become the sole owners together.

Planning for the Future

“We are always looking to the future and ways that we can continue to farm,” said Kelly. “Keith and I have started the transition process with his parents. We are very proud of that and hope to one day pass the farm on to our children.”

While making a successful transition of farm ownership is already a challenge, the industry faces numerous challenges.

“Labor is a concern on a lot of farms, and ours is no different,” said Kelly. “Knowing that we will need to make upgrades in the near future, we are making plans for a robotic milking system.”

The challenge of consumer misconceptions also is one that Kelly sees daily.

“I grew up on a farm where we raised replacement heifers for a local dairy farm,” explained Kelly. “I always wanted to tell others about it. I still love to tell my story of farming and what it means to me and my family.”

For that reason, Kelly hopes to someday incorporate an agri-tourism business on the farm.

“I want to be the farm where a family could choose to spend a Saturday morning at learning about where their food comes from and being able to see it firsthand, rather than looking online to get mixed reviews,” Kelly shared.

“For now, we keep looking for ways that we can be advocates for agriculture and we continue to tell our story to our consumers.”

Knowing farming isn’t for the faint of heart, the Oudenhovens are looking at

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

the challenges that they are facing. Kelly credits the support she’s had from Keith, her parents, father-in-law Larry and women leaders in agriculture who have influenced her farming story. where she is now and where she’ll be in the future.

“More than anything, my future includes farming successfully with Keith by my side,” stated Kelly. “I want to be able to give my children the childhood that I cherished growing up.”

Blossoming in Farm Bureau Farm Bureau gives the Oudenhovens an outlet to share their story. It also provides them with opportunities to learn and network.

“My friend Michelle Backhaus introduced me to Farm Bureau in 2013,” explained Kelly. “Outagamie County was looking for a Young Farmer and Agriculturist chair and she thought I would be a good fit.”

“I was craving leadership development after being involved with FFA throughout my high school years,” said Kelly. “Farm Bureau has many opportunities for leadership within the organization.”

One of the most memorable experiences she had while a member of Farm Bureau is the 2016 YFA Washington, D.C., Fly-In. Kelly also finds value in being part of a grassroots organization.

“Being able to bring forth resolutions at the county level and see them come to life in a policy discussion is very important to me,” she said. “I tell others to join Farm Bureau to help farmers fight the good

fight. We are in this together and with the help of Farm Bureau lobbying for us and with us, we can benefit in the end.”

As chair of the YFA program at the state level she sits on the state board representing Farm Bureau members between 18 and 35 years old. Serving as WFBF YFA Chair since December, her time on the WFBF Board hasn’t been long but she is learning fast.

“I am incredibly humbled and extremely proud to be able to represent the YFA members on the WFBF Board of Directors,” Kelly shared. “For me, to be the voice of YFA members from around the state and to make sure our needs are heard is an honor.”

Joining the WFBF Board during its 101st year provides a unique opportunity for the YFA leader.

“There’s no doubt that this year is one of change,” said Kelly. “As an organization we are looking forward after celebrating our centennial. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”

She realizes that her roles on their farm and in Farm Bureau are special.

“I know that not everyone has this opportunity,” said Kelly. “At the end of the day, I am a mom, a farmer and an agricultural leader doing the best I can and I’m proud of that. I always try and remember on the hard days, that if the women who came before me could do it, so can I.” For extra motivation, she can reflect on how far she has come from that high school career meeting and where she has yet to go.

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25

OPINION

When You Get There, Remember Where You Came From A Message from WFBF President Joe Bragger

I

’ve been asked many times since December about my decision to run for Wisconsin Farm Bureau President.

First and foremost, it’s a humbling experience to be in this role serving our more that 47,000 members across the state. Like a true farmer, I can’t wait to get to work. Just like farming, there are constant seasons at Farm Bureau, and we are already well underway in 2020.

I’ve had the chance to introduce myself to many people in the past weeks, but I wanted to talk to you about what I aim to achieve most as your new president.

Taking challenges head on.

It is my strong desire to transcend division while taking the issues head on. This seems to be somewhat of a contrasting statement, so let me explain.

Like you, I see the division in our political world and anxiously want to bring people together on nonpartisan items like agriculture. The issues from a political standpoint can be very divisive

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at times. Having a strong debate, doing the research and hard work, allowing for some compromise and ultimately just doing what is right for farmers and our rural communities will never go out of style and we will work as an organization to encourage those healthy discussions to limit the disagreement among farmers.

I know the disconnect between farmers and consumers is holding us back. As the largest general farm organization, we must be engaged in ways to decrease the divide. Giving our members the power through leadership development programs puts us on the right track.

Someone once explained to me that in the West there are cattle and buffalo on the same hills. When a storm rolls in, the cattle become restless and start to stir while the buffalo turn to face the storm. With their heads down resolute, they head straight into the storm while the cattle run. The cattle are in the storm much longer as they are constantly trying to run from it. However, the buffalo only experience a short time in the storm as they charge through it onto greener grass.

I wish for us as Farm Bureau members to be the buffalo and take on the storms.

Work together to determine our future and continuously improve.

I strongly believe our largest strength as an organization is our grassroots policy development process. WFBF’s policy is established by farmers through a structured policy development process.

Suggestions and policy ideas come directly from members who propose and vote on them at county Farm Bureau annual meetings. Policy ideas work their way up to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting each December

where delegate members vote on the proposals. This process continues at the national level.

While WFBF’s Board oversees how that policy is directed and the overall direction of Farm Bureau, no single person or segment controls the organization. From the bottom to the top, our vision is directed by everyone.

Certainly, I have some ideas to help increase our ability to not only support our members but to further their ability to help themselves, but I was given a word limit for this column. Good, bad or indifferent, everyone has something to offer and it’s my goal to grow our talents and use them to push us into the next century.

As a farmer, I’m never satisfied. Sure, you can have a good year, but you can always do better, right?

We just celebrated 100 years. How will we achieve great things in the next 100 years? By constantly improving and trying to do better than last time.

The key to our success will be doing what we do best: uniting farmers and agriculturists and working together.

The title of this column came from a sign that now sits in my office in Madison. To me it signifies the pride I have of serving as your president. I hope to protect you, defend you and stand beside you in every way possible. I’m here, but I won’t forget where I came from.

Hold me to it.

Bragger was elected president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 2019. Bragger is a dairy and poultry farmer from Independence.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

A Promising Harvest for Ag Trade

A Message from AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal

A

merica’s farmers and ranchers are eager to turn over a new leaf on the trade front. From the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the groundbreaking Phase One trade deal with China to the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, the Administration is answering the call to expand trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture. And there’s no question that we are eager to get back to business in the global marketplace.

Of course, farmers and ranchers will need to see results before they celebrate.

But those results will happen only if we negotiate and sign trade deals to pave the way for increased trade.

The trade war has taken its toll on our farm and ranch land and rural communities, and restoration of our markets cannot come soon enough.

While we all pray for Mother Nature to be kinder this year, farmers and ranchers across the country are ready not only to return to full steam in production, but also begin to explore opportunities for meeting the demand of expanding markets.

With the USMCA ratified by the U.S. and Mexico, we have only to wait for the Canadian parliament to approve the deal as well before it can go into full effect.

It’s no secret that the idea of reopening NAFTA gave us some heartburn in the ag community, but we have come out on the other side with a stronger, modern agreement that has created a framework for other ag trade deals. Those improvements didn’t happen by accident, either: this deal is testament to our strong grassroots efforts working across the ag community and with Congress and the

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

Administration. And while it may not be perfect, we came out with a deal that not only protected agriculture’s gains from NAFTA but also will increase our ag exports to Canada and Mexico by $2 billion.

The Phase One deal with China promises even greater returns, more than double what China’s ag purchases were before the trade war. This is a tall order—and far better than we could have hoped for when this trade war began nearly two years ago. When President Trump came to our annual convention in Austin, he expressed his confidence in America’s farmers and ranchers to meet the increased demand of an anticipated $80 billion in ag purchases from China over the next two years. I think we can all agree that we are more than up to that challenge. A question we’ve been asked is whether these amazing increases in agricultural exports to China are realistic. Will they actually happen? We are heartened by the Administration’s assurance their work isn’t done: the deal will be monitored to ensure that China lives up to its commitments.

Although we have passed some significant mile markers, the race to expand U.S. agriculture’s global market share is far from over. We are urging the Administration to build on this momentum and complete a full trade agreement with China to secure fair and free trade there once and for all. We also will be keeping a close watch on progress with EU trade talks to bring balance to ag trade and remove the continent’s nonscientific barriers to our ag products, and we anticipate the upcoming talks with the UK can expand an already strong market

for our farm exports.

The remaining hurdles are real, and it will take time to rebuild our markets once these new deals go into effect. But the accomplishments we are celebrating this month are proof that these challenges can be overcome. Time and again, America’s farmers and ranchers have risen to the challenge of competing in new markets.

Our ag exports have traditionally enjoyed a surplus, not by chance, but because of the sterling reputation of Americangrown food, fuel and fiber. Thanks to these new trade deals, we can continue to lead the way in growing the highest quality, and most sustainable, ag products in the world.

VanderWal is a third-generation corn and soybean farmer and cattle feeder from Volga, South Dakota.

He is president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau and vice president of the American Farm Bureau.

wfbf.com

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OPINION

We All Do It

A Message from WFBF's Amy Eckelberg

I

t was Theodore Roosevelt who said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

I’ve always had this quote bookmarked, but as a new mom I seem to relate to it even more. Some days, you just have to get thrifty. You need to use the things that are handy at the time to accomplish tasks, whether it’s your life as a whole or a broken fence or piece of machinery.

Last fall, I had an epiphany while on maternity leave. As I was holding our daughter, I wanted some information so I did what most people do. I Googled it.

I felt guilty. As I sat there with Google up on my phone and a sleeping baby in my arms, I realized that I have been telling others not to Google things,

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just like I was doing.

I’m sure my doctor, a highly trained professional with years of schooling and experience, would have been severely disappointed with my decision. While my baby had a very small bottle blister, I was convinced by my ‘Google expert’ that it was much worse.

Now, to relate it back to my aggie friends. I’ve pleaded my case numerous times. “Don’t Google; talk to a farmer.” I bet you have, too.

I have explained to many audiences, including moms, why you shouldn’t Google information on farming and food, but rather talk to a farmer. How convenient is that? How realistic is that?

According to Internet Live Stats, which I found through Google, the search engine now processes more than 40,000 search queries every second on average, which translates to more than 3.5 billion searches per day and 1.2 trillion searches per year worldwide.

What is the chance that someone is going to not Google food information because I told them not to? Not very likely.

We are a society that likes things quickly. So whatever information we want consumers to digest, they better be able to get it fast and easy.

As a society, we Google things.

EVERY. THING. Remember the old phrase, if you can’t beat them, join them? I think it’s time

that we join them.

My plea to you is this – what are we serving our peers who want information about food and farming. Are you doing your part to show up in a Google search?

Have you Googled topics that are of interest to you and your farm? What comes up?

Try looking at ‘Google Trends’ to dig into different search terms trending over time in our area. What terms on food and farming are popular in your area?

We do have some farmers who do a great job of getting on the World Wide Web, but nowhere near enough.

Are you doing your part?

Are you posting stories and photos from your life in agriculture on social media? Are you actively blogging? Have you ever Googled your farm’s name to see what comes up?

It’s important to join the conversation online. That could make you overwhelmed though.

My best advice? Just “do what you can, with what you have.”

Know that you don’t have to do it all.

But do something online because every bit helps, and you don’t know who might be reading it and learning from you the expert.

Eckelberg is WFBF's Executive Director of Public Relations.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Public Attitudes about Farmers and Farming: A Golden Opportunity A Message from AFBF's Terri Moore

F

armers enjoy one of the highest levels of public trust of any group or potential source of information, ranging from scientists to government experts, and certainly more than leaders in the retail sector. While the levels and rankings vary among surveys, the level of trust in farmers comes shining through in all of them. This reality was reinforced by our own recent survey at American Farm Bureau, which found that 88 percent of Americans trust farmers.

Undoubtedly the envy of politicians.

Kidding aside, this presents an incredible opportunity.

The nuance often missed is that public trust of farmers doesn’t always convey to farming. Our recent research shows only one person in five has a high level of trust in modern agriculture and about half the population trusts modern ag somewhat, which means they are skeptical. While it’s true that the term 'modern agriculture' means different things to different people, we can look across multiple consumer research projects and see similar results: a big gap between the level of trust in farmers versus farming.

Why the trust gap and what can we do about it? There are multiple reasons.

The public is uncertain what to think of the advancements in agriculture, including the use of technology in crop protection and plant/animal breeding.

The growing size of farms doesn’t fit the nostalgic image of a lone red barn. Public uncertainty is reinforced by consumer advocates who question whether advancements are in the best interest of a safe and sustainable food supply, and by activists whose mission is to undermine

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

agriculture.

So, what do we do about it? We need some of the most trusted folks on the planet, farmers and ranchers, to step up engagement with the public about all the ways modern agriculture actually aligns very closely with their values. If we explain how we’re achieving remarkable advances in sustainability and animal care, we will build trust in farming. The great news is that we know the skeptical public is interested. Our survey shows three out of four Americans want to know more about how their food is produced.

Their hunger to learn more presents an enormous opportunity.

Inviting the public to see and hear about the benefits of modern agriculture can literally take hundreds of forms. Farm tours, op-eds, classroom visits, social media posts, grocery store conversations, city council meetings and on and on. The key is to engage without first judging. It’s difficult. As people who have cared for the land and livestock 24/7 with a level of dedication unmatched in many other professions, it is frustrating to hear people express mistrust of agriculture. That said, if we start by criticizing their views, we close the door to building trust. Case in point: How many times have you been won over by someone with a different view who starts by criticizing your views? Exactly.

If we fail to distinguish irrational activists (whose existence evolves around criticizing agriculture) from rational skeptics (who are genuinely trying to decipher what is right), we risk alienating the 49 percent of Americans who trust agriculture only somewhat. Combined

with the 12 percent who say they aren’t sure, more than 60 percent of Americans fall within the proverbial moveable middle. They are the open-minded, waiting to be engaged by someone they trust.

Bottom line: farmers are highly trusted to tell the story of agriculture and explain how production practices align with societal values. The opportunity is clear.

The public is interested. An array of Farm Bureau resources are available to help with effective engagement. If you are among the farmers stepping up, I commend you. You are helping to ensure we don’t further cede to activists the opportunity to tell agriculture’s story. We need more farmers to share how we are working to deliver safe, high-quality food, fiber and fuel around the world. Don’t know where to start? Call us.

Moore is vice president of communications at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

wfbf.com

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OPINION

Diversification Key for Profitable Grain Marketing A Guest Column by AgriVisor's Joe Camp

D

iversification has long been a buzzword of financial markets, used often to express the benefits that result from allocating capital toward a large and varied pool of investments. It also is a term used often by good agricultural risk managers wishing to encourage producers to employ the practice within their grain marketing plans.

With diversification comes a basic rule: having more options is better.

Diversification mitigates risks that are otherwise present when financial returns depend on a limited scope of investment

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options, which fits with the saying, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

Diversification on the farm can entail everything from the types of crops grown to the contracts used to make crop sales.

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education organization recognizes diversification of crop plantings as a means by which environmental benefits and economic profits can be enhanced due to the spreading out of weather and rotational stress risks.

Hemp is the latest example of a new crop that is being added to rotations in an effort by farmers to diversify their production and marketing options. The inclusion of a crop like hemp comes with added risks of its own; however, it still may produce a net financial benefit when considering the reduction of risks related to operating a one- or two-crop rotation plan.

Focusing on diversification of crop sales, a related saying that I use often is, “look for base hits over homeruns.”

Studies have shown that the best farm marketers on average make more than eight to 10 sales throughout the marketing year. Looking for those singles and doubles instead of swinging for the fence at the risk of striking out, smaller sales allow you to tolerate a greater

margin of error on decisions made at an unfavorable time or price.

We encourage producers to not only make smaller sales but to also make sales using many different contracting options.

Getting to know your available marketing alternatives is a key first step in the effort to practice diversification.

Spot or forward cash sales are the primary methods by which grain is marketed during a typical crop year, but they might not always be the right course of action. Cash or forward sales work well if the expectation is for both futures to fall and basis weaken.

Become informed on the various types of contracting offered by your local buyer, so that alternative action can be taken when higher futures or better basis is in your outlook and storing is not the preferred option.

Diversification, when used as a strategy to expand options available to farmers, is one of the most crucial foundations of a successful marketing plan. Examine your current production and marketing practices to determine if further diversification may benefit your farm.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

What to Watch for in 2020

A Message from AFBF's Cole Staudt

T

he start of a new decade holds a lot of promise for American farmers and ranchers. Much-anticipated progress in hemp regulation, sustainability, technology and a presidential election will be key items to watch for this year.

While 2019 was challenging overall for agriculture, the last few weeks of the year featured promising developments likely to carry over into the new year.

Over the past few years, significant disruptions in key export markets have hit farmers and ranchers hard. Recently completed trade agreements with some of our largest agriculture export markets— Canada, Mexico, Japan and China— should help provide some certainty.

Market Facilitation Program payments have been a lifeline for many farmers who have been impacted by ongoing trade disputes and we should expect a third round of payments in 2020.

There are still significant hurdles to growing, transporting and processing hemp as farmers navigate complex, and sometimes unclear, state and federal regulations. For the 2020 growing season, farmers have the certainty of the Interim Final Rule from the Agriculture Department, which provides the clarity needed to grow, harvest and test their hemp crop. Last year, USDA extended Whole Farm Revenue Protection coverage to hemp growers for the 2020 crop and announced a pilot insurance program that will provide coverage for some farmers.

Hemp growers are looking for significant progress in gaining easier access to financing and transportation for

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

their crops. New rules for those issues and THC content testing are needed to help this industry grow nationwide.

As the discussion around how best to care for our environment rages on in Washington and among 2020 presidential candidates, farmers and ranchers are taking more steps to improve soil health, reduce runoff and conserve energy.

Farms and ranches are passed down from generation to generation and as caretakers of the land, farmers want to employ cost-effective solutions to ensure soil remains productive. In 2017, acres using conventional tillage were down 24 percent, while acres using conservation tillage and no-till were up 28 percent and 8 percent, respectively, a trend we can expect to continue in 2020.

Increased use of buffer strips, cover crops and nutrient management plans are becoming more common as precision agriculture technology is developed and deployed. This technology will allow farmers and ranchers to precisely identify where to apply fertilizers and necessary pesticides and to develop strategies to protect against soil erosion and runoff.

The implementation of precision agriculture technology will continue in 2020 as broadband access is brought to more communities. The 2018 farm bill created the Federal Communications Commission’s Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture, which recently held its first meeting. The task force will work with USDA this year to develop policy recommendations to ensure reliable broadband on 95 percent of

agricultural land by 2025.

This year is a presidential election year, which everyone in rural America will follow closely. Many of the swing states have significant rural populations that rely on agriculture and we have already seen most Democratic presidential candidates vying to be their party’s nominee roll out plans to invest in rural communities. Expect to see President Trump and the eventual Democratic nominee court voters in rural communities with plans on broadband, farm subsidies, small businesses and health care.

While all these issues are important to farmers and ranchers, likely the most important factor for agriculture this year is one we can’t predict: the weather.

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

wfbf.com

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Up the Creek A column by Ken M. Blomberg

O

ur flock of mourning doves numbers 40-something this winter. They come and go from our feeders throughout the day. They roost in our pines across the road at night. They share sunflower and mixed seeds with the likes of juncos, jays, chickadees and cardinals.

Artificial feeding of birds in the winter has a storied history. Naturalist James Fisher named sixth-century monk Saint Serf of Fife as the first person feeding a wild bird – a pigeon he ultimately tamed. The United Kingdom declared feeding birds a national pastime in 1910. In 1932, famed conservationist Aldo Leopold wrote a regular column in the publication, Wisconsin Agriculturist and Farmer. In December of that year, he discussed feeding songbirds.

“Would you like to sit at your south window and watch cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tree sparrows, blue jays and woodpeckers eat breakfast? It is easily arranged.”

He set forth three easy steps for attracting birds to your feeding station. First, tack a piece of suet to a nearby tree. Second, erect a feeding tray. Finally, place nearby evergreens, vines or thick bushes. “A good feeding station is the best of classrooms for learning ornithology ... you will enjoy

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it quite as much as the birds.”

Feeding game birds in winter is another story. In 1949, Wallace Byron Grange, the first superintendent of game for the Wisconsin Conservation Commission and original owner of the Sandhill Wildlife Management Area, called winter feeding of game birds no substitute for naturally produced foods.

“In a way, it is the difference between a breadline and a satisfactory job,” he quipped. “Nevertheless,” he continued, “winter feeding does have its place and may be a meritorious endeavor … and during climatic emergencies may be the one means of bringing upland game birds through the winter.”

Aldo Leopold, in his classic 1933 book, “Game Management,” described four winter game bird feeding methods. They included food patches, self-feeding stations, feeding stations and emergency feeding, which all requiring different levels of effort on the part of the birds and landowners.

Today’s conventional wildlife management wisdom frowns on supplemental feeding of game birds and other wild animals. Wisconsin’s DNR notes that wildlife adapt physiologically and behaviorally to survive the rigors of winters, being less active and feeding less and relying on body fat reserves. If done wrong, winter feeding can do more harm than good. Therefore, they say, “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.”

In fact, in many counties across the state, deer feeding and baiting is prohibited. Interestingly, feeding game and song birds also is prohibited, but only if deer can access feed set out.

Back in 2003, Wisconsin Act 240 extended DNR’s authority to regulate the feeding of wildlife for non-hunting purposes, required that the DNR ban baiting and feeding deer in counties at highest risk for disease transmission like chronic wasting disease and established standards for the baiting and feeding of deer outside these banned areas.

Years ago, before the ban, we maintained a Pheasant Forever feeding station in the prairie field east of our house. From our kitchen window, we delighted in viewing a steady stream of wildlife including turkey, deer, quail and pheasants using the corn and grain we’d put in the feeder. Since the feeding ban, we only maintain our backyard bird feeder. Last year, a few deer ventured from across the road a couple of nights in late winter and left tracks under our feeders. This year, there are no tracks in the snow. So, I think we’re OK. But are my mourning doves putting me at risk of violating the ban when they pick up spilled sunflowers on the ground under our bird feeders?

No, say officials, “If material is placed solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds and small mammals, and is placed in bird feeding devices and structures at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer, and the structures and devices are within 50 yards of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy. When deer, bear or elk are found to be utilizing bird feeding devices or structures, the devices or structures shall be enclosed or elevated higher to prevent access by deer.”

Mourning doves are game birds. So are quail, pheasant and turkey. They are prone to visiting our feeders and picking up what spills on the ground.

As long as the deer stay away, am I in compliance? And is it possible to construct a game bird feeder farther than 50 yards from our dwelling that is enclosed and inaccessible to deer?

I guess it’s time to contact the area warden, or my cousin Kathy.

She’s a lawyer.

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 Old Fashioned Beef Stew Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil • 1/2 c. flour • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. pepper • 6 large potatoes

Directions

1. Heat oil in skillet.

2. In plastic bag, mix flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add a few pieces of meat at a time, shake until well coated.

3. Add onions and meat to oil. Brown

• 1-2 lb. stew meat, chuck roast (cubed) or round steak (cubed) • 1/2 c. onions, chopped • 1 can peas • 3 10.5 oz. cans beef broth

until no longer pink.

4. A dd all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low for several hours.

5. J ust before serving, add a flour/ water mixture to thicken stew.

6. Serve with warm bread or buns.

Cranberry Coffee Bread Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter or margarine • 1 c. sugar • 2 eggs • 1 tsp. almond extract • 2 c. flour • 1 tsp. baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven 350°. Butter bundt pan and dust with flour.

2. In large bowl, cream butter or margarine and sugar. Beat in eggs and extract.

3. In second bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

4. A dd flour mixture to egg mixture

Submitted by Rebecca Poppy

Submitted by Dale Behrend

• 1 tsp. baking soda • 1/2 tsp. salt • 3/4 c. plain yogurt or sour cream • 1/2 c. walnuts, chopped (optional) • 1 c. whole berry cranberry sauce

5. S tir in yogurt or sour cream.

Add nuts.

6. S pread half of batter in pan. Spoon half cranberry sauce on top.

7. C over with remaining batter and rest of cranberry sauce.

8. B ake on middle oven rack for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Triple Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Submitted by Katrina Gleason

Ingredients

• 1 brownie mix, prepared in 9x13 pan • 1 c. milk • 1 3.4 oz. package vanilla pudding • 1 c. creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. W hisk milk and pudding. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar; mix well.

2. Cover and refrigerate until brownies are completely cooled.

3. Spread mix over brownies.

4. M icrowave whipped topping and FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

• 1/2 c. powdered sugar • 11/2 c. cool whip (do not thaw) • 3 squares or 3 Tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chocolate on high 1 minute. Stir every 30 seconds. (Once it is heated through, continue to stir until it comes together.)

5. Pour over pudding layer.

6. R efrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Refrigerate leftovers. wfbf.com

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Register Today

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s

March 27-28, 2020 Marriott Madison West, Madison

Registration Details

What

A statewide information, training and fun-filled member engagement meeting for county Farm Bureau leaders conducted

by WFBF staff with assistance from AFBF staff and various outside speakers/presenters.

Purpose

Strengthen county leaders and Farm Bureaus by providing them with program ideas, resources and new skills to carry out the mission of their county Farm Bureau.

Register

Register and pay online at http://bit.ly/fbignite20 or visit wfbf. com/programsevents/event-registration for more information.

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

Book a Hotel Room

by March 4, 2020 Because a hotel room is not included with the registration fee, please make your reservations at: Madison Marriott West 1313 John Q Hammons Drive Middleton, WI 53562 For reservations, call 608.831.2000 or book online at http://bit.ly/ignite20hotel.

Hotel Room Rate: $139 + tax Request the “WI Farm Bureau Federation” room block by March 4, 2020 to receive this rate.

Breakout Session Tracks Governance and Organization

1. Bridging Generations

Jordan Henry, AFBF

2. How to Say Anything to Anyone Wendy Kannel, WFBF

3. C ommittees with Commitment

Amy Blakeney and Wes Raddatz, WFBF

4. Evaluating Programs of Work 101 Jordan Henry, AFBF

Communicating for Agriculture and Farm Bureau 1. Media Interview Boot Camp

Johnna Miller, American Farm Bureau

2. What can PR do for you?

3. P itching Stories and Working with the Media Kaitlyn Riley, Mid-West Family Broadcasting

Amy Eckelberg and Sarah Hetke, WFBF

Building Farm Bureau

1. Connecting with Ag in the Classroom Darlene Arneson, WFBF

2. IGNITE a Spark in Your County YFA Program WFBF YFA Committee

3. P lant a Seed and Watch your P&E Program Grow

WFBF Promotion and Education Committee

4. Don’t Be Afraid of the “M” Word

Melissa Doyle and Becky Hibicki, WFBF

Issues, Legislation & Farm Bureau Policy 1. Wisconsin Political Landscape 2020

3. P olicy Development 101

2. Creating a Working Relationship with Local Leaders ... Easy as 1,2,3

4. Trends in Agriculture

Joe Murray, Wisconsin REALTORS Association

Steve Boe, WFBF

WFBF Governmental Relations Team Judy Rupnow, MorganMyers

get conference updates

Presented by: Rural Route 34

Rural Mutual

WIFarmBureau

Insurance Company WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Why Should you Attend?

“By attending the Farm Bureau IGNITE Conference, I was able to not only grow my network of Farm Bureau friends, but also build on resources and knowledge to bring back to my local community and my farm. The diverse choices of breakout sessions was refreshing there was something for everyone, covering all aspects of agriculture. The keynote speakers were great at getting their message across to the audience, while being entertaining (down right funny!) and engaging. The biggest thing I took away from the IGNITE Conference was the tools and training about how to better communicate the importance of modern-day agriculture and, ultimately, be an advocate for agriculture in my daily life.”

“The IGNITE Conference was very informational and I enjoyed meeting and networking with all the professionals who participated. It helped better me as a Farm Bureau member, my agribusiness and my family farm.”

– Scott Timm, Green County

– Tara Prochnow, Dunn County

“I really enjoyed the IGNITE Conference.

It gave me a chance to network and gain a better understanding of what Farm Bureau has to offer its members and communities.

This conference offered opportunities to get new ideas to not only use with our county Farm Bureau but also ways to help in our community.”

– Alana Voss, Juneau County

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

“The IGNITE Conference was a great opportunity to dive into topics in agriculture that are really important to me and my job. I gained insight from experts in social media and agritourism.

The keynote speakers were energetic and I truly felt uplifted after attending this conference. It was a positive way to recharge my mind and connect with old and new friends!”

– Beth Schaefer, Marathon County

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W

isconsin Farm Bureau has kicked-off a new membership campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to engage as many volunteers as possible in the 2019-2020 membership year by asking them to pledge contact at least one person they know and sign them up as a new Farm Bureau member by March 31.

The campaign officially kicked off in October.

Savannah Brown Jackson County

County, I joined the board of directors.

Who signed you up as a member? I actually signed myself up as a member. I was active at the collegiate level and took a year off after college to figure out what county I would be living in. As soon as I moved back to Jackson

What convinced you to join? I had a lot of fun being a part of the UW-River Falls Collegiate Farm Bureau and I wanted to be a part of my county’s Farm Bureau after college. I love meeting new people and being a voice for farmers.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? The biggest benefit that I have gained from my membership is life-long friends. I would have never met some of my best friends if it wasn’t for Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Katie Roth

Grant County

Who signed you up as a member?

Rick Althaus

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? He asked if I wanted to get involved with the YFA program and come to a discussion meet.

What convinced you to say yes? He was persistent and I told him no twice. They say the third time is a charm; this rang true for me as I finally caved and said yes. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life as I have been a member for 12 years.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? Hands down, the connections and friends I made. I eagerly look forward to the WFBF Annual Meeting every year to see everyone again. I have been a member of several organizations and no one treats you as well and offers value more than Farm Bureau.

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Pete Badtke

Green Lake County

Who signed you up as a member? My Rural Mutual Insurance agent What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you? It was many years ago. I had to be a Farm Bureau member in order to get insurance.

What convinced you to say yes? I said yes because my dad had been a Farm Bureau member for years and figured it was a good organization to belong to.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? The biggest benefit, probably knowing you have a voice and Ag Day at the Capitol is really a nice and easy way to talk to our legislators.

Jill Uhe

Rock County

Who signed you up as a member? Doug Rebout

What did they say about Farm Bureau when they asked you?

Although I don’t remember everything he said, I remember Doug telling me about the variety of opportunities within the YFA program and that I could be involved as little or as much as I would like.

What convinced you to say yes?

I was asked to join so many times I just wanted to not be asked again.

Hindsight, I should have said yes the first time. I have benefited from the opportunities that Farm Bureau has given me.

What has been the biggest benefit that you have realized from your membership? The biggest benefit that I have received from my membership has been the growth of my network and expanding my leadership skills. I’ve been able to meet and foster friendships with people around the state who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Being able to connect and discuss issues that affect our farms and livelihoods and ultimately have a larger impact on policy.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US FOR THE

Wisconsin Ag Open

23RD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER

09 15

2020 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 15, at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and golfers, last year’s event raised more than $9,600 for the Foundation. The Wisconsin Ag Open begins at 10:30 a.m. with an awards program, appetizers and prizes afterward.

Registration is $150 and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, box lunch, appetizers and entry into a door prize drawing. The field is limited to 144 golfers.

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

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

wfbf.com

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Derek Orth, Fennimore

Becky Wellnitz, Brodhead

Bev Brey, Greenwood

Krista Hesprich, Mukwonago

Stan Kaczmarek, Green Bay

Gretchen Kamps, Belmont

Carla Byrne, Neillsville

Send us YOUR Photos

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

Please email your best photos (high resolution jpgs, 4x6 inches at 300 dpi) to Lsiekmann@wfbf.com. Due to the high volume of photos we receive, we are unable to publish every photo. Photos sent in may be used in other WFBF publications.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Scott Sturkol, Monroe

Nikki Cramer, Juda

Alissa Grenawalt, Beloit

@farmrunfarm; Kieler Farms, Inc., Platteville

Rebecca Hilby, Hazel Green

Krista Dolan, Dodgeville

Kaitlyn Huber, Merrillan

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

Raven DeLange, Elkhorn

Cassie Olson, Cadott wfbf.com

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County Kernels Adams County - Ag "Out" of the Classroom

Adams County participated in its annual Ag “Out” of the Classroom by making Christmas wreaths with local 4-H clubs and girl scout groups at an area Christmas tree farm.

Winnebago County - Cookies and Milk

Winnebago County sponsored a 'cookies and milk' event in Oshkosh during the annual Christmas Celebration of Lights event.

Rusk County - Member Testimonials

In January, Rusk County Farm Bureau members (from left): Terry DuSell and Paul Hetke went to Madison to testify in support of Senate Bill 628, Wildlife Damage Abatement Program.

Shawano County - 4-H Super Saturday

In January, the Shawano County Farm Bureau women's committee sponsored 4-H Super Saturday. At the event students made ice cream and fruit pizza.

District 4 - Cows 'n Plow Sixteen Farm Bureau members participated in the District 4 YFA Cows ‘n Plows Bus Tour on January 24. Members first toured the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, where they learned about the early beginnings of the John Deere Company and witnessed a blacksmith demonstration. They then traveled to Monticello to Voegeli Farms, Inc, where they toured the family’s dairy farm, learned about the high-genetic herd of Brown Swiss cows, and tasted Yodelay yogurt, which is made of their milk.

Finally, members participated in a tour and tasting at New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus. The trip was sponsored by the YFA committees in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, Monroe and Trempealeau County Farm Bureaus, Rural Mutual Insurance agent Emily Kaltenberg and Kwik Trip of Black River Falls.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

LEADERSHIP

Plan Now to Participate in National Ag Day N ational Ag Day will be celebrated on March 24 and is a time for farmers and consumers alike to celebrate agriculture, farmers and the food on our dinner tables.

This year’s theme is, "Food brings everyone to the table."

Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom have many ways for people of all ages to join the celebration.

If you are posting on social media about National Ag Day or your role in bringing food to the dinner table, be sure to use #WIAgProud.

Cooking Demonstration

Wisconsin Farm Bureau will be partnering with other commodity groups in Wisconsin to share a live cooking demonstration on National Ag Day. This cooking demo will serve as a time to talk about Wisconsin-grown foods, nutrition information and of course learn some new, tasty recipes.

Follow Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation on Facebook or mark ‘interested’ or ‘going’ on the National Ag Day Facebook event for more information.

Ag in the Classroom Reading Event

Celebrate Ag Day by joining farmers, teachers, FFA and 4-H members, college students and other agricultural enthusiasts by reading books about agriculture. Participants are encouraged to identify a group they want to read to. Group ideas include elementary classrooms, home school families, nursing home residents, daycare groups or anywhere people are interested in learning about agriculture.

The recommended book is the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s Book of the Year, "Right This Very Minute" by Wisconsin author Lisl Detlefsen. The book is available for purchase at

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

wiagclassroom.com in the online store. There are activities, background information and talking points available.

Readers are welcome to choose other accurate books about agriculture too. After the visit, participants are asked to complete a report form, available on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website, so the outreach of the activities can be tabulated. Please use #WiReadsAg2020 on social media to talk about National Ag Day and your reading activity.

Youth Contest

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is hosting a youth contest where students are asked to draw and color a picture that shows people who Art drawn by 2018 contest winner June Rihn in the ages 10-12 category. are involved in growing, producing, processing, selling, preparing or have another connection to how food gets to the table. They may focus on one person or several and may add a caption to describe their picture. Entries are due March 31.

The contest is open to children ages 12 and younger with three divisions: ages 6 and younger, ages 7-9 and ages 10-12.

The entry page and contest rules are located on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website at wisagclassroom.org under the Events and National Ag Day tab. All the contest rules and forms are in the 2020 Ag Day activities and contest booklet.

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

RACES INTO 2020 T

he Ag in the Classroom program is ‘zoom’ing into the new decade literally and figuratively.

Zoom is a webinar platform that Ag in the Classroom is now using to host virtual trainings for volunteers and teachers. The program’s YouTube channel is home to the recorded trainings. If you can’t attend meetings and trainings

in real-time, this is a great way to keep up to date on what’s happening and new resources. Watch for other playlists of videos that relate to education and agriculture.

Ag in the Classroom has many other events and activities happening throughout the year. Find more information on wisagclassroom.org.

Essay Contest

Workshop at IGNITE

This year’s fourth- and fifth-grade essay contest topic is “How has Wisconsin agriculture affected your life today?” Students can write about how agriculture affects us daily with food, shelter, jobs, businesses and other aspects. Essays need to be postmarked by April 1 and should be returned to county essay coordinators. Lessons, rules and other resources are on the website.

‘Connecting with Ag in the Classroom’ will be offered during the IGNITE Conference, March 28 and 29. This workshop will explore the basics of the Ag in the Classroom program and how you can recruit volunteers, reach teachers and students, use resources for special events outside of a traditional classroom and share information on how your county is organized. Websites, resources and how to host or promote teacher and volunteer training sessions also will be covered.

Matching Grants Matching grants of up to $500 to groups sponsoring programs or projects that promote agricultural literacy. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $500 to applicants that secure or provide equal matching funds for the proposed project.

Applications are due March 1.

Wisconsin Farm Facts The 2020 Wisconsin Farm Facts brochure will be available this spring. This year it has an emphasis on soils, turf and the green industry.

Culver’s is sponsoring the printing of the brochures and the updated book marks. We appreciate their support of the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program.

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture White-Reinhardt Grants County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 educational grants for grades K-12 in order to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Grants are available on a competitive basis. Two grant cycles are offered each year. The next submission deadline is April 15.

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American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Food and Farm Facts The new edition of this brochure came out in fall 2019 and all the supplementary resources are available. This book features facts about food in America, how it’s grown and who produces it using color photographs, charts and infographics. Online resources are available. Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom carries the books, trivia cards, pocket guides, pencils and fourththrough sixth-grade activity guides in the online store.

National Ag in the Classroom Conference This year the conference is June 23-26 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Teachers, volunteers and staff will enjoy visiting Utah agricultural businesses; onsite workshops that demonstrate how to use agricultural resources to contextualize standards in reading, writing, math, science, social studies and nutrition; and dynamic keynote speakers who support Agriculture in the Classroom’s mission of promoting the importance of agriculture.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Matching Grants Available Through Ag in the Classroom T

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

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

Applicants must have a matching donor for their project equal

ST. MARY SCHOOL - 2019 AWARDED $500 FOR GARDEN PROJECT

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

Interested groups or schools can get an application on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom website at wisagclassroom.org, by clicking on the ‘Grants & Awards’ section. You may also contact Darlene Arneson, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644.

KIEL FFA ALUMNI - 2019 AWARDED $500 FOR AG CAREER AWARENESS DAY

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between December 3, 2019, and January 29, 2020

• Christina Jones in memory of Lucille Casey • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Barbara Brock • Donna Stewart in memory of Lucille Casey • RJJG LLC in memory of Lucille Casey • Green Lake County Farm Bureau in memory of Duke Lohrey

About the

Founda tion

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

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

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RURAL MUTUAL

Don't Let Identity Thieves Enjoy Your Tax Refund A re you anticipating a tax refund this year?

Maybe you have plans for a new TV or a vacation. But imagine if someone beats you to your refund by filing a fraudulent tax return, putting your plans on hold. Instead, you will have an identity theft mess to clean up.

Tax scams and identity fraud by the numbers The good news: In the U.S., tax return fraud declined 70 percent between 2015 and 2018, as the Internal Revenue Service developed new systems for spotting identity theft in tax returns.

The bad news: Tax-related identity theft and fraud increased 10 percent last year for U.S. businesses and remained a key source of frustration for individual taxpayers, too. In 2019, the IRS identified 3,741 fraudulent tax returns with identity theft and prevented the issuance of $16.7 million in fraudulent tax refunds.

How tax return fraud happens Tax-related identity theft can leave taxpayers bewildered and frustrated, but the mechanics of it are fairly simple. First, identity thieves obtain sensitive information about you including your name, address or personal tax identification number. They can either buy the information from criminal sources or trick you into giving it to them through phishing or phone scams.

Then they use it to file a tax return using a false address or post office box and wait for the refund check to roll in.

Warning signs of tax return fraud There are several warning signs that indicate you may be a victim of tax return fraud: • The IRS or other taxing authority rejects your attempt to file your tax return.

• The taxing authority requests verification of your identity, indicating something may be amiss.

• Income is reported by two or more employers, most likely because someone else has used your tax identification number to gain employment. Your return could be flagged for failing to pay sufficient taxes on wages or to report wages.

File early to protect yourself Preempt identity thieves trying to cash in on your good name by filing your tax return as early as possible. When they try to file after you, it will be their fraudulent return that is rejected instead of yours. This is the single best way to reduce your chance of becoming a victim of tax identity fraud.

Resolve tax-related identity theft If you discover you have become a victim, follow these steps: 1. Contact your taxing authority and fill out identity theft paperwork.

2. File your correct return using the instructions they provide you.

3. Contact the credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your account.

4. Respond promptly to all correspondence from your taxing authority.

5. Keep excellent records of all of your correspondence and filings.

6. Add a credit monitoring and identity protection service to identify any further identity theft or fraud in other areas of your life.

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

A Look Back at 2019 Accomplishments L

ast year was another success for Rural Mutual Insurance. Rural Mutual celebrated 85 years of providing insurance services in Wisconsin. Staff took a moment to reflect on how far the company has come, the association partnerships that have developed and the continuous financial strength.

Rural Mutual started the second decade of being selected as a Ward’s Top 50® Performer.

For the 11th consecutive year, Rural Mutual has been recognized by The Ward Group, the leading provider of operational and compensation benchmarking and best practices studies for the insurance industry.

Upon Peter Pelizza’s retirement, Dan Merk moved into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer.

Rural Mutual made a monumental commitment to Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s centennial campaign as they aimed to raise $100,000 for agricultural education and leadership programs. Rural Mutual committed to matching all donations ($1-10,000) up to the $100,000.

For the third year in a row, Rural Mutual paid a 5 percent farm dividend, rewarding Wisconsin farmers.

Rural Mutual was a first-time sponsor of the Wisconsin State Fair, the state’s largest agricultural showcase and family entertainment park, and it’s supporting events including the Cream Puff 5K and Harvest Fair.

Rural Mutual once again took a concentrated effort in promoting safety around the farm, businesses and home. Staff highlighted safety presentations in high school agriculture classes, community safety days and at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. Protecting the people of Wisconsin and what’s important to them continues to be an important focus.

For the 54th year, the company has sponsored the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award and launched the sportsmanship matters campaign.

Thank you to Rural Mutual’s partners and policyholders who continue to put trust in the company’s knowledge and experience.

FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020

YOU’RE LIVING YOUR DREAM. NOW YOU CAN DRIVE IT, TOO. You’ve always dreamed of owning your own farm, and being closer to the land. Now you’ve got it.

And to work that land, you need just the right tractor: a GC1700, 1700E or 1700M Series compact tractor from Massey Ferguson®. Not too big. Not too small. With the versatility and ease-of-use to do the jobs that need to get done — from mowing, loading and backhoe work to snow blowing and hauling. Visit your Massey Ferguson dealer to learn more.

masseyferguson.us

CHECK OUT THE MASSEY FERGUSON GC1700, 1700E AND 1700M SERIES Dealer Imprint Area

CHECK OUT THE MASSEY FERGUSON GC1700, 1700E AND 1700M SERIES

ANTIGO SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-623-4668 www.swiderskiequipment.com

SLINGER STRUPP IMPLEMENT, INC. 262-644-5041 www.struppimplementinc.com

CHILTON D & D EQUIPMENT CO. INC. 920-849-9304 www.ddequipment.com

THORP SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-669-5255 www.swiderskiequipment.com

MOSINEE SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-693-3015 www.swiderskiequipment.com

WAUPACA SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-258-3266 www.swiderskiequipment.com

© 2018 AGCO Corporation. Massey Ferguson is a brand of AGCO Corporation. AGCO® and Massey Ferguson® are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved. MF18TK007CRv02

WAUSAU SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT, INC. 715-675-2391 www.swiderskiequipment.com © 2018 AGCO Corporation. Massey Ferguson is a brand of AGCO Corporation. AGCO® and Massey Ferguson® are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved. MF18TK007CRv02

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RURAL MUTUAL

Dryer Maintenance at Home and on the Farm W

hen was the last time you inspected and cleaned your clothes dryer? Like many appliances, as long as it is working many people give little thought to preventive maintenance. Dryers are unique among home appliances in that they generate high amounts of heat along with highly combustible lint.

Each year there are approximately 2,900 fires in the U.S. that originate with a clothing dryer causing in excess of $35 million in property loss and averaging five deaths and 100 injuries. Like any other fire, these incidents are easily preventable with some basic preventative maintenance. Often there are simple warning signs that are overlooked or dismissed simply as, “Well, that dryer is x years old … it’s not going to work as well as when it was brand new.”

A couple of months ago my own dryer started experiencing issues. After placing a load in the machine to dry, I noticed that it occasionally wasn’t running as long as it normally should. On other occasions, the clothes weren’t fully dried despite running a full cycle. After a week or so, my dryer started beeping and displaying an error code. Like everyone, I’m guilty of procrastinating from time to time and kept resetting the dryer until the load was dry. After a week of this, I began pulling the machine apart anticipating that the problem was probably the result of lint buildup somewhere in the exhaust pipe.

After unplugging and pulling the machine away from the wall, I removed the front panel to access the underside of the lint trap. I was astonished to find that the heating element located just a scant two to three inches from the trap was blackened and deformed. The heating element had failed and began arcing between the coils and the metal housing. Had I not routinely cleaned my lint traps and exhaust pipe, this surely would have resulted in a fire.

As a fire investigator, I’ve dealt with numerous dryer fires over the years. One of my first questions to a homeowner is, “When was the last time you cleaned your lint trap and vent pipe?”

Often, they have routinely pulled the filter but never gave a thought to running a brush through the vent pipe. On multiple occasions, I’ve found the screen on the exterior vent completely packed with lint to the point there was no air flow.

Sometimes dryer fires are a result of an electrical malfunction with no warning. On a farm visit with one of our insurance agents, we were reviewing the mechanicals room in the milking parlor.

Our loss control staff uses thermographic cameras to inspect electrical and mechanical components throughout each property looking for potential problems. On this visit, we found that the dryer in the parlor was in the process

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of experiencing a failure. Heat readings in excess of 400 F were found by the control panel, opposite of the heating exhaust. A fire was imminent and would have caused a significant impact to the farm had we not been in the right place, at the right time with the right equipment.

Unfortunately, this story isn’t an anomaly.

As farms continue to increase in complexity, many are finding that investing less than $400 to purchase a thermal imaging camera with your Farm Bureau member discount through Grainger is money well spent. Beyond fire safety, these tools are immensely helpful with general mechanical and electrical preventive maintenance.

In many instances preventing a dryer fire is as simple as; 1. Clean dryer vent pipe at least every three months. If significant lint buildup is found, consider more frequent cleanings as well as contacting a qualified appliance repair professional to inspect your dryer.

2. Never use coiled-wire foil or plastic venting. Dryer vents should be rigid, non-ribbed metal ducts.

3. Routinely inspect exterior vent for blockages from lint, animal or insect activity.

4. Maintain a clear area around the dryer, and don’t allow clothing or other combustibles to pile up. If a fire does occur, this will help slow the spread of flames.

5. Don’t dry items with foam, plastic or rubber components, e.g., a floor rug with a rubber backing should be hung to dry.

An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure.

Taking a few extra minutes to conduct some basic preventative maintenance will help to reduce the likelihood of a fire.

This article was written by Chris Schlechta, Rural Mutual Insurance Company's Safety and Loss Control Manager.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION