Rural Route

Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

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august | september 2012 • vol. 18 no. 4 | www.wfbf.com

Wisconsin Top Fruit Crop...

From Vine to Wine...

Cranberries Farm Bill 101 D.C. Fiddles While the Midwest Burns Meet Members: Grenawalt, Staidl, Van Wychen

WFBF’s 2012

Annual Report Page 17

2012 Annual Report

“WHY DO I USE FS?” “My dad started off with a farm and a tandem axle grain truck that he used to haul a little bit for hire. And over the years… well, one thing kind of led to another.

Today, my son Corey runs the trucking business – and my son Ty, he runs the farming business.

Why do we use FS? Service and dependability. We’ve been working with FS on the farm for over 40 years, for everything from seed to fuel to fertilizer.

And as for the trucking business, since we deliver just-in-time freight, we have to be able to depend on our suppliers. So it’s nice to know that with FS, we can count on the fact that our fuel barrel is always full.

That service and dependability is why we stick with FS”

THE LOCAL ANSWER TO YOUR WORLD OF NEEDS.

™

Ty, Ron and Corey Neumann

Farm and trucking operators

©2011 GROWMARK, Inc. A11539E

contents

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features

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departments

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FARM BILL 101

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An update on latest reforms to U.S. ag policy.

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Opinion member benefits

LARSON ACRES

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ag in the classroom

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AGVOCATES FB members recently were in D.C. to push for a new farm bill.

ALISSA GRENAWALT

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4-H agent enjoys working with others, raising Red Angus cattle.

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WAYNE STAIDL

Wisconsin Supreme Court rules in favor of livestock farms.

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District 7 director farms in Marinette County.

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NODJI VAN WYCHEN Cranberry grower honored for tourism work.

ESSAY CONTEST Fifth grader from Independence wins statewide contest.

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FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT Artist-farmer gives back to Farm Bureau projects.

cover Photo by: Ting-Li Wang/The Wisconsin State Legislature

Annual Meeting

November 30 - Dec ember

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2012

C nnec Kalahari Resort and

Conference Center, Wisconsin

93 Wisconsin Farm Bureau 78th Rural Mutual Insuranc Federation Annual Meeting e Company Annual Young Farmer and Meeting August | september Agriculturist Confere 2012 nce rd

Dells

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Make Plans to Attend WFBF Annual Meeting August | september 2012

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Editor’s Note

{from Casey Langan}

Editor Casey Langan

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his might be the first (and only) time I hope that this magazine is outdated by the time you receive it.

Normally, the design, print and postal process means that I write my editor’s note a couple weeks before you receive your magazine in the mail. As I write this, I cannot help but wish a few burning issues would soon be resolved.

I wish the U.S. farm bill is signed into law by the time the Rural Route shows up in your mailbox. As of right now, it is anyone’s guess as to how and when this important legislation will be passed. As WFBF President, Bill Bruins, notes in his column “D.C. Fiddles While the Midwest Burns,” I am not going to bet the proverbial farm that Congress will get around to it by mid-August.

Elsewhere in this issue, we look back and forward. We look back over the past year’s successes with the 2012 Annual Report. We look ahead to WFBF’s Annual Meeting, and Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference set for November 30 through December 3 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin

Dells. We hope you will make plans to be there to ‘connect’ with other engaged and enthusiastic Farm Bureau members.

‘Connect’ is the theme of our Annual Meeting. As Farm Bureau members, you are encouraged to ‘connect’ with farmers, agriculturists, lawmakers, consumers and media. While ‘connect’ certainly captures the essence of the event, I am pulling for a theme of “the farmers in the Dells” someday.

As we head into county Farm Bureau annual meeting season, we check in with Farm Bureau leaders from opposite parts of the state in this issue: Wayne Staidl from the northeast and Alissa Grenawalt from the south.

This issue also features a story about Farm Bureau member and tireless cranberry promoter, Nodji Van Wychen. By sheer coincidence, the colorful cover photo that I acquired from a freelance photographer was taken in one of Van Wychen’s cranberry marshes. Given how dang dry the summer of 2012 has been in southern Wisconsin, I could not bring myself to put a photo of cracked soil and a wilting plant on the cover.

What better than cranberries: Wisconsin’s wet and refreshing official state fruit?

Speaking of the drought, that is the other thing I hope changes in the next couple weeks. What I wouldn’t give for several rainy days to wash this dreaded drought away. This might even be the only time I wish for your mail to be soggy when you retrieve it from the mailbox.

Thanks for reading, Casey Langan Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

608.828.5711

Assistant Editor Sheri Sutton 608.828.5706

Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. PO Box 5550 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) www.wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com

WFBF Board of Directors Bill Bruins, Waupun, (President) Richard Gorder, Mineral Point, (Vice President) Dave Daniels, Union Grove Jerry Bradley, Sun Prairie Joe Bragger, Independence Rosie Lisowe, Chilton Wayne Staidl, Peshtigo Don Radtke, Merrill Jim Holte, Elk Mound

Women’s Committee Chair Kathleen Papcke, Elkhorn

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee Chair Josh Calaway, Vesper Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 39940) (USPS 1082-1368), 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.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route is produced for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation by Kennedy Communications, LTD., 9 Odana Court, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53711, 608.288.9000. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent.

For advertising rates and information, please contact Annie Mares at 608.443.0956 or amares@kennedyc.com.

The fact a product is advertised in the Rural Route should not be taken as an endorsement.

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Institute Trip to Washington, D.C.

Graduates of the 2011 Institute leadership course and WFBF Board Directors took to Capitol Hill in June to lobby Wisconsin’s congressional delegation for passage of the 2012 farm bill.

In addition to visiting the South Korean Embassy, Institute grads participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Photos by Dale Beaty and Casey Langan

August | september 2012

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Farm Bill 101

By Karen Gefvert

The U.S. farm bill is a complex piece of legislation that can leave you scratching your head about acronyms, political jargon and its sheer amount of information. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have.

Where is the 2012 farm bill in the approval process?

The Senate passed its version of the farm bill in June. As of press time, the House Agriculture Committee had completed its version, but the full House of Representatives had not yet taken a vote on the legislation.

How much money does the farm bill spend?

The Senate version spends about $90 billion each year over 10 years, which saves approximately $23 billion from the 2008 farm bill spending levels. The House version is expected to cut another $10 billion more than the Senate version.

How much of the money in the farm bill goes to farmers?

About 10 percent is spent on crop insurance, about six percent on conservation, with less on commodity programs. Nearly three-fourths of the farm bill is spent on food and nutrition by way of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

What risk management tools are included in the 2012 farm bill?

With a focus on providing an adequate risk management program, counter-cyclical direct payments will be eliminated in the new farm bill. Funds previously designated to direct payments will be directed to subsidize insurance premiums for crop

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insurance as well as risk management programs. Such programs as the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) are both in the Senate farm bill. The House version includes SCO, but not ARC. Instead, it includes target prices for certain commodities.

What changes have been made to dairy policy?

The Senate dairy policy includes two main components, margin insurance and a market stabilization program. The program is voluntary. When farmers choose to participate, they must enroll in both

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components. The federal milk marketing orders are not included in this policy.

The Senate version has tightened triggers within the market stabilization program to create less interference in the marketplace.

A similar version to this dairy policy framework is being considered in the House.

What changes will be made to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)?

The Senate cut 10 percent of the farm bill’s conservation title, with most of the savings coming from a reduction in the amount of acres eligible for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), from 32 to 25 million acres. Currently, there are about 30 million acres of

farmland enrolled in CRP, with contracts expiring on six million of those acres in the next year. Going forward, enrollment criteria will become more stringent, with a priority on the most highly-erodible, environmentally-sensitive acres.

What programs are included in the farm bill to help new farmers?

The Transition Incentives Program is for beginning farmers and retiring ones who have land enrolled in the last two years of a CRP contract. The retiring farmer is able to transfer the land to a beginning farmer to begin growing crops, while still receiving the CRP payment.

farm bill glossary Direct Payments Annual payments to farmers based on historical production and a statutory price. This program began with the 1996 farm bill. Payments are made without regard to the current year’s price or production (i.e. the payments are “decoupled” from the current year’s revenue).

Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) A risk management program that would cover shallow losses. The program would trigger after a designated region within a state is classified as a damage area. The trigger is set low at 11 percent, so it would take effect more frequently when loss occurs, but payments would be low.

Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) This program fills the gap in coverage created between the ARC program and crop insurance. The program could cover damage losses between 21 and 40 percent with a 20 percent deductable when used in conjunction with ARC.

Margin Insurance A two tiered buy-in structure for margin protection, including a lower premium rate for all farmers for the first four million pounds of milk produced.

Market Stabilization A supply management program that triggers only in extreme situations when milk prices are low and milk volume far exceeds market demand.

August | september 2012

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Meet Farm Bureau Member:

Alissa Grenawalt

By Sheri Sutton

Her “REDNGUS” license plate displays her love of registered Red Angus cattle. Even her initials spell the word ‘ag.’ Alissa Grenawalt is a farm girl through and through.

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all it a ‘herd mentality’ of sorts, this farm girl is happiest when collaborating with others.

Whether it is with her family on their century farm in southern Rock County or at her job with UW-Extension of Green County, Alissa values the synergy of togetherness.

“Working together with people is a great way to learn,” said Alissa, an active leader with the Green County Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. “I have been very fortunate, both personally and professionally, to work with and learn from many amazing people who share my passion and love for agriculture.”

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Farming with Family and Friends As a 4-H and FFA member, Alissa worked with her four siblings to prepare their beef cattle and other livestock projects for the show season. It took time, but her hard work culminated with raising the Champion Angus Steer at the 1994 Wisconsin State Fair and the Grand Champion Steer at 1995’s Rock County Fair. It was during that time, her parents, Dave and Marilyn, decided to phase out of raising feeder cattle to concentrate on the crop side of the family business; however, Alissa did not want to see the cattle go.

“I remember asking my dad if I could

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Alissa earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in agriculture industries at UW-Platteville. She won the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program’s Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2008.

purchase my own beef cows at that time, but I was getting ready to head off to college” she recalls. “His response was, ‘Go to school, get a job and then get your own cows.’ So that’s what I did.”

After purchasing her first Red Angus heifer in 2003, Alissa and a group of friends and family started a new venture working together. Today, they run about 70 head of registered Red Angus and commercial beef cattle.

“After growing up with Black Angus cattle, people who see me now are surprised to hear I made the switch from black to red,” Alissa smiled as she talked about their color, temperament and meat quality.

Collaborating and Cultivating with Youth

“She is a dynamic collaborator in everything she does.”

– Jeff Ditzenberger, Green County Farm Bureau President

During her formative 4-H years Alissa recalls interacting with UWExtension staff and thinking “that would be a neat job.” Today, she works as the UW-Extension Green County 4-H and Youth Development Agent, where she spends most of her time with Green County 4-H’s 17 clubs, 600 members and 250 adult volunteers.

“I enjoy working with youth and the many dedicated volunteers that make the 4-H program possible. I love hearing their ideas, and seeing members’ goals and aspirations pay off,” she said.

The remainder of her time at work is spent doing community outreach, and collaborating with area schools and organizations to work on issues that affect Green County youth.

“I am privileged to work in a county that is very community oriented and has strong support for Extension programs,” Alissa said.

Her passion and teamwork mentality led her colleagues to elect her as the current president of the Wisconsin Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

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Alissa and her team are gearing up to bring the Family Farm Adventure to the 2012 Cheese Days in Monroe, September 14-16.

Ag in the Classroom Advocate When Green County agreed to host the 2007 Farm Technology Days, Alissa co-organized the Family Farm Adventure area sponsored

by Green County Farm Bureau.

Attendees and volunteers loved the fun, interactive and educational display. Thanks to a grant from Farm Technology Days’ executive committee, the Green County Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program bought a trailer so they could take the Family Farm Adventure on the road. It is a hit at area fairs and festivals.

“After the Monroe Cheese Days event in 2010,” Alissa said, “one local attendee told me her daughter was in the tent all three days; she had a blast and learned a lot. Little successes like that are what make this event worthwhile.”

Alissa and her team are gearing up to bring the Family Farm Adventure to the 2012 Cheese Days in Monroe, September 14-16.

“One of the reasons why we have a lot of success with the Family Farm Adventure is because we are able to work with a number of different

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Bring Ag in the Classroom to Your County Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program provides teachers and K-12 students with an understanding of how their food is produced. The program seeks to work within existing curricula to provide basic information on our nation’s largest industry: agriculture.

“Ag in the Classroom has many resources readily available to expand our outreach efforts to youth and consumers,” said Alissa.

“I encourage all Farm Bureau members to check out the lessons, resources and helpful information that Ag in the Classroom provides and find a way to use them locally.”

on the web For farm fun facts, essay contest information, lesson plans, handson activities and ag games, visit www.wisagclassroom.org.

ag groups in Green County,” Alissa said referring to the ag commodity groups that have donated supplies, prizes and coupons to the Ag in the Classroom committee.

“People want to know where their food comes from and they want to feel a connection with farmers,” she continued. “With the number of internet resources that are available, are consumers really getting accurate information about agriculture? We in agriculture need to work together and be out there to tell the story.”

As a graduate of the Farm Bureau’s

leadership Institute program, Alissa has given back her time as the Green County Farm Bureau Secretary/Treasurer and chair of the Ag in the Classroom committee. She values how Farm Bureau provides her with a platform to reach out and join conversations with consumers.

“Farm Bureau is the voice of agriculture. I feel it is important for me to have a voice so I can educate others on where our food and fiber comes from,” Alissa said. “My Farm Bureau experiences have played a large role in my leadership development as well. I am a believer that one never stops learning and to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there, especially in agriculture.”

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Livestock Ag Wins With Supreme Court’s Larson Acres Ruling

By Casey Langan

The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently ended a six-year legal tussle between a Rock County town and a dairy farm family seeking to build a heifer barn.

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n July 11, the Wisconsin Supreme Court made it clear that expansion of livestock facilities in Wisconsin cannot be impeded by requirements and conditions not authorized by the livestock siting law itself. The ruling came as a result of a court case between the Town of Magnolia and Larson Acres of Evansville.

“A huge win for Wisconsin livestock farmers,” was how Paul Zimmerman, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Executive Director of Governmental Relations, described the high court’s 5-2 ruling.

“This landmark law was created to provide clear and consistent frameworks for both the farmers who grow their livestock farms and the local governments that wish to regulate these farms in a scientifically-sound manner,” Zimmerman said.

So far, 23 counties and 41 towns have adopted the state’s livestock standards.

“This law works as intended because most potential roadblocks are now clear at the start of an expansion project.

The proof of this is the relative lack of public controversies over

farm expansions since the law took effect in 2006,” he added.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, 70 permits for expansion were granted between May of 2006 and May of 2011.

“The court stated in its ruling that the state legislature had taken steps to balance the important interests of protecting precious natural resources with encouraging a robust and efficient agricultural economy,” Zimmerman noted. “Rock County’s Town of Magnolia stepped over those limitations set by the Legislature.”

“This ruling ultimately benefits any farm family that wishes to grow their livestock farm in America’s Dairyland,” he added.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau, along with the Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin Pork Producers Association and Wisconsin Cheese Makes Association, proudly participated in this legal case in defense of the livestock siting law and for expansion of farms as an amicus party (friend of the court).

“Rock County’s Town of Magnolia stepped over those limitations set by the Legislature.”

-Paul Zimmerman

August | september 2012

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Wayne

MEET BOARD MEMBER

Staidl Tell us about your farm: My grandparents, Joseph and Laura Staidl, bought the original home farm in 1919. It consisted of two 40-acre parcels. Today, my son, Ryan, and I own 12 40-acre parcels and rent an additional 820 acres where we grow corn, soybeans, hay and wheat. We sold our 115-cow dairy herd in 2003 and now raise a herd of 60 beef cattle.

What do you wish people knew about Farm Bureau?

They are there to help both the small farmer and the large farms.

Why are you a Farm Bureau member?

It is an organization that does for agriculture what agriculture needs done.

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Marinette County farmer Wayne Staidl represents several counties in northeastern Wisconsin as the District 7 director on the WFBF and Rural Mutual Insurance Company boards.

Secretary-Treasurer of the Marinette County Farm Bureau and coordinated fruit sale fundraisers. I later served on the state dairy committee. Most recently, I serve on the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association and as the co-chair of Farm Bureau’s special state transportation task force looking at ag transportation issues on our roadways.

How did you get involved in Farm Bureau?

Aside from transportation, what other issues have you enjoyed working on?

My father was a member, but I credit Harvey Kamps and Orval Aulenbacher with first getting me involved back in 1978. We participated in Farm Bureau’s Achievement Award as younger members. I went on to serve as the

On the county level, we took a very active role when the 1995 farm bill was being written. I liked getting involved in Farm Bureau’s efforts to remove the school tax from the property tax and to implement use value assessment of

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farmland. Locally, when there was a fire at a milk plant in Lena, we worked with then-Governor Tommy Thompson to provide some state assistance.

What’s your favorite Farm Bureau activity?

By visiting the counties in my district and hearing their viewpoints and concerns, I have met quite a few friends.

You serve on your local town board?

Yes, I am currently in my third term as chairman of the Town of Grover in Marinette County. I will face re-election in April. I enjoy working with our townspeople.

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Did serving on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors prepare you to be a town chairman?

Yes, and likewise, my town board experience has made me a better Farm Bureau board member too. I’ve learned to see the other side of the story.

What do you enjoy most about serving others?

I enjoy helping them solve their problems and concerns and seeing them satisfied with the results.

Who are your role models?

Dan Paulson and Gary Steiner: They were always there to answer questions and give a word of encouragement.

Tell us about your family: My wife, Mary, and I have three children (Bill, Katina and Ryan) and

six grandchildren. Mary works for Mel Gross’ Rural Mutual Insurance Company office in the nearby community of Pound. She grew up on a St. Croix County dairy farm, but admits that with four brothers, she did not do a lot of barn chores in her youth.

However, that changed after marriage as she started helping me in the barn.

How did you meet?

A mutual friend introduced us at UW-River Falls. I graduated from there with a farm management degree in 1972. That same year we got married and began farming with my parents, Adolph and Pat.

Agriculturally, what is your part of the state known for?

There was once a lot of pickles, cabbage and smaller dairy farms, but now the farms have primarily switched to corn, soybeans and larger dairies.

August | september 2012

You’re from Peshtigo. Tell us about the Peshtigo Fire: The fire started near Green Bay and actually spread along each side of the bay. It got really hot when it reached a stretch of land from Oconto through Peshtigo. Nobody knows how many people were killed in the fire, as no Native Americans or Chinese laborers were accounted for. Although my family did not own our farm at the time, the farmland was burnt over by fire. Three people who were on this farm survived by taking cover in the farm’s well. A neighbor in a nearby cabin perished.

My great-great grandmother, a Native American from the Moe Lake Tribe of Chippewa, was an adult at the time of the fire. She crawled into a green wheat field; the fire jumped over the field and she survived.

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Nodji Van Wychen, left, accepts the 2012 Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association Member of the Year award from outgoing WATA President Kelly Murray.

Wetherby Cranberry Company Wins New Ag Tourism Award Recognized for their efforts in educating the public about cranberry production, the Wetherby Cranberry Company of Warrens is the winner of the 2012 Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association’s Member of the Year. The award was presented at the 2012 Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference recently held in Wisconsin Dells.

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his is a new award that we began to recognize one of our members for having a successful business, creating a new event or hosting a successful on-going event,” said Kelly Murray, Tomah Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing coordinator and outgoing Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association president.

Owned by Jim and Nodji Van Wychen family, Wetherby Cranberry Company hosts two free annual events – Cranberry Harvest Day and Cranberry Blossom Day – that draw more than 1,500 visitors. The Van Wychens also give tours to 50 school and motor coach groups each fall during cranberry harvest season.

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“I’m not even sure how long we’ve been doing our public harvest day,” said Nodji Van Wychen. “But it grows every year, and now our children, our children’s spouses and even some of our eight grandchildren are involved with that event.”

Held on the first Saturday of every October, Cranberry Harvest Day offers visitors a chance to watch as cranberries are harvested.

Van Wychen and her three daughters, Tonya Gnewikow, Kyra Neumann and Shana Steele, lead tours and answer questions, while her husband, Jim, their son, Henry and their three sons-in-lawMike Gnewikow, Randy Neumann and Ryan Steele, demonstrate both new and old cranberry harvesting techniques.

Every year, Van Wychen tries to have something new at Cranberry Harvest Day to keep visitors coming back.

This past year, Van Wychen’s cousin, Chuck Huffman, demonstrated the use of an old-time cranberry rake for harvesting cranberries.

Three years ago, Van Wychen decided to have several pairs of hip boots available for those visitors who wanted to stand in a bed of harvested cranberries to have their photo taken.

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“Every year, we get Christmas cards from people who used a photo taken at our public harvest day for their card,” she said.

After visitors have been on a guided tour of the marsh, they can tour the Van Wychens’ cranberry warehouse to see both newer computerized sorting and packing equipment, and an old-time cranberry mill that dates back to the 1920s.

Inside the warehouse is where you will also find the Van Wychens’ grandchildren selling fresh cranberries, along with locally produced maple syrup, apples and other produce.

In 2006, the Van Wychens partnered with the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens to hold Cranberry Blossom Day. Held the last Saturday of June, the event draws visitors to come see the cranberry vines in bloom. The cranberry blossom – which early European settlers thought resembled the head of a crane – resulted in the fruit being called “crane berries.” Over time, the “e” was dropped and the name became “cranberry.”

The Van Wychen family

Held on the first Saturday of every October, Cranberry Harvest Day offers visitors a chance to watch as cranberries are harvested. is involved with the annual Warrens Cranberry Festival. Along with selling fresh fruit, they also set up an educational exhibit featuring a display of cranberry vines, an antique cranberry mill and a fresh fruit raking machine.

In addition, the Van Wychens donate the use of their former cranberry warehouse in downtown Warrens to Cranfest organizers to house the biggest berry contest,

quilt show and other contests. Built in 1905, the stone building serves as the staging area for the festival’s cranberry marsh tours and to showcase the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association’s mini marsh display.

Nodji serves on the board of directors of several tourism-related organizations, including the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, Warrens Cranberry Festival, and the Monroe County Economic Development, Commerce and Tourism Committee.

She also chairs the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association’s Public Relations Committee and serves on the WSCGA Education Committee. Jim is a director for the Monroe County Farm Bureau.

For more information about the events and tours offered by the Wetherby Cranberry Company, visit their website at www. freshcranberries.com or call 608.378.4813.

Story by Lorry Erickson. Article reprinted with permission of Fresh magazine.

Nodji’s Cranberry Delight Cake Ingredients •• 3 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries •• 1 cup sugar •• 1- 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained •• 1- 12 oz. container of Cool Whip •• 1 yellow cake mix •• Choose 2 layer style pans

Directions Bake cake as directed on package. While waiting for cake to bake, chop cranberries (if frozen, continue; if not, chill 1 hour); mix in sugar thoroughly. Add pineapple, then fold ¾ of Cool Whip. When thoroughly mixed, place in refrigerator until needed. When cake is completely cooled, remove cake from layered pan.

Spread generously with cranberry filling between two layers, spread layer on top with remaining Cool Whip.

Decorate on top with whole or sliced cranberries (½ cup).

The remainder of filling may be frozen or refrigerated for later use.

Serve over vanilla ice cream or with a meal instead of cranberry sauce.

Photo by: Ting-Li Wang/The Wisconsin State Legislature August | september 2012

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Names in the

News

Rochelle Ripp, Lodi, was selected as Wisconsin’s Alice in Dairyland in May.

Farm Bureau members making headlines around the state.

jim holte

loren hanson

Jim Holte and Loren Hanson, both of Elk Mound, were featured speakers at the National School Board Convention in Boston last spring. liz henry

corey kuchta

Liz Henry, Dane, and Corey Kuchta, Coleman, were appointed to the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council. These representatives will serve to achieve the Council’s mission of attracting, developing and retaining the premium workforce required to grow Wisconsin’s agricultural industry, food and natural resources systems. For more on the WAEWD Council, visit wiaglink.org.

Sandi Cihlar, Mosinee, was given the Outstanding Alumni Award at Leadership Wisconsin in April for her work in improving and sustaining the health and safety of rural communities.

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Josh Calaway, state Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee Chair, was one of three men who pulled a three-year-old boy from a fiery car after it crashed in rural Wood County in June.

In tears, the boy’s mother told a local television station, “That’s the sign of a true hero. It definitely is. Most people would just drive by, or try and give up.”

“When we were in there, the flames were a foot from our head. The front seats were on fire when we got him out of there,” said Josh, who received a lifesaver award from the Pittsville EMS. When thanked for such a heroic act, Josh humbly said, “I was simply at the right place at the right time and did what anyone else would have done in that situation.”

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Annual 2012 Report

A Message from

Roger Cliff

It has been eight years since I moved from being your organization’s chief lobbyist to its chief executive. During that time the organization has undergone an enormous amount of change. I believe these changes have been for the good and it appears you agree.

We recently did an internal poll of our voting members that validates what we’ve done to position Farm Bureau to better serve our members. Our approval rating in the poll was 84 percent! Our pollster said that percentage is off the charts for an association, and any politician would die for an approval rating like that.

National recognition has also validated the job we are doing. This year we received our first ever President’s Award for our leadership development programs and Navigator Award for our membership growth at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. We also extended our streak of being among the top state Farm Bureaus in the Awards of Excellence, which gauges the quality of our core programs.

We just completed the phase-in of one of our biggest structural changes in decades. We now offer the County Farm Bureau Services Program statewide. This program provides administrative, accounting and newsletter production services to county Farm Bureaus on a voluntary basis for a modest fee. It was designed to make it easier to be a volunteer leader at the county level while increasing the vitality of county Farm Bureaus. We currently have 44 county Farm Bureaus enrolled in the program (a 78 percent participation rate). The program has exceeded our expectations and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Wisconsin had more county Farm Bureaus receive an AFBF Award of Excellence than 44 other states this year.

The good job we are doing for our members was also validated when I recently served on a peer review team for another state’s Farm Bureau. An in-

tense review of the operations in a state with nearly twice the staff and budget proved that we can more than match up with them.

It’s not my style to brag, but I’m really bragging on you. It takes a lot of people to make an organization like ours work so well.

“It takes a lot of people to make an organization like ours work so well. You can all take pride in what we have accomplished.”

First and foremost, we need loyal dues paying members like you. Then we need a Board of Directors like ours to set a clear mission for the organization.

Last but not least we need a great cadre of volunteer leaders and dedicated staff like we have to carry that mission out.

You can all take pride in what we have accomplished in the last eight years. With your continued support, I am confident your Farm Bureau will continue to be the leading voice and face of agriculture in Wisconsin.

Roger Cliff Chief Administrative Officer Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

YFA - Women’s - Institute

Providing Leadership

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program

Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) program offers leadership development experiences for members between the ages of 18 and 35. A total of 344 YFA members attended last December’s YFA Conference portion of the WFBF Annual Meeting at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. To help build the next generation of rural leaders, the Rural Mutual Insurance Company sponsored 100 firsttime attendees to the informational, educational and fun event.

The program also recognizes young members for their agricultural knowledge, farming accomplishments and leadership skills through three leadership contests. Last year, 15 members completed the Achievement Award application, 27 competed in the state Discussion Meet contest and 12 completed the Excellence in Agriculture application. Wisconsin’s winners of those three contests represented their peers at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jillian Beaty of Rock County made the final four in the national Excellence in Agriculture contest, while Taylor County dairy farmers, Ryan and Cheri Klussendorf competed in the national Achievement Award contest. BJ Chrisler, a UW-Madison student from Sauk County, was a semi-finalist in the national Discussion Meet contest.

Josh Calaway, truck driver for Frost Trucking and a farmer from Wood County, leads the nine-member state YFA Committee.

Women’s Program

Members of this program promote agriculture through a number of channels. Over the past year they advanced ag literacy among Wisconsin youth by assisting with the annual Ag in the Classroom essay contest and purchasing Ag in the Classroom children’s books for schools, libraries and childcare facilities. Women’s committees in 29 counties worked to engage consumers by promot-

ing Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week and helping with 28 beef promotion events across the state.

In addition to holding district meetings where local members develop their leadership skills, network and socialize, more than 350 women attended the 2012 Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The Summit is a joint venture of WFBF, Badgerland Financial and UW-Extension. Next year’s Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit will be March 15-16 at the Marriott West in Madison.

Kathleen Papcke, a Walworth County farmer, leads the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s nine-member state Women’s Committee.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Institute

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Institute is a year-long leadership experience which provides premier personal growth and leadership training to develop our next crop of county Farm Bureau leaders.

The 15 members of Institute Class VI have completed sessions on personal leadership development, media training and how the Wisconsin Farm Bureau functions. Their remaining sessions include studying local and state government in Madison and examining national and international ag issues at the offices of the Illinois Farm Bureau. They will graduate at the WFBF Annual Meeting in December before taking a capstone trip to Washington, D.C. in June to impact agricultural policy with their newfound leadership skills. That’s exactly what members of the Institute Class V did when they traveled with the WFBF Board of Directors to Washington, D.C. this past June. Prior to their visits with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation they met with officials at the American Farm Bureau, leaders from the US Dairy Export Council and the South Korean Embassy.

Their capstone trip also included participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and touring Mount Vernon.

This year a total of 85 Farm Bureau members from across the state will have graduated from the program, and more importantly, grown from their Institute experience.

Public Relations

A Voice for Farmers.

As the voice of agriculture, the Farm Bureau continues to be who the media calls when they need information about farm and food news. Over the past year the Farm Bureau received well over 300 media requests from print, radio, television and web-based reporters from local, state, national and international media outlets. Many of these press contacts were generated by more than 200 press releases and weekly radio reports that are produced by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau annually. In addition, the Farm Bureau’s public relations division delivers its messages to members and the consuming public through a number of other channels.

Rural Route

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Rural Route is published six times annually for voting Farm Bureau members. The publication focuses on Farm Bureau’s legislative work, events, educational efforts, sponsorships and exclusive member benefits. Rural Route can also be flipped through on our website - www.

WFBF.com.

Website

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s website (www.WFBF. com) serves as an interactive resource for members, agricultural leaders and media. Information about farm markets, weather, legislative issues, Farm Bureau programs and applications for various events are just a click away. Radio reports are available for listening and on-farm videos and interviews are available for watching. Issues of our state and county publications are also available digitally.

Social Media

Wisconsin Farm Bureau is part of the fastest growing social networking site on the planet: Facebook.

To connect with other Farm Bureau members and receive up to the minute updates on events and news, just click ‘like’ on the ‘Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’ page. In addition, members of the Farm Bureau’s Institute, Women’s and YFA programs all have Facebook pages. Farm Bureau also gets its message out through the use of Twitter @WIFarmBureau. You can find photos from our events on our flickr page (go to www.WFBF.com and click on the “fr” tab above the search bar) and watch our videos on YouTube.

Marketbasket

Farm Bureau’s retail food price survey remains a popular item with media outlets statewide. The information about the average price of a set of predetermined food items is collected by Farm Bureau members across the state. The Marketbasket’s findings show trends in prices paid by consumers and their correlation to trade, weather and the supply and demand issues that factor into food prices.

County Newsletters

Forty-four of our 61 county Farm Bureaus now have their newsletters published by the state Farm Bureau office. This is a feature of the County Farm Bureau Services Program. The quarterly newsletters promote local events, provide information on what county Farm Bureaus are doing on the grassroots level, as well as highlight individual members.

Ag Newswire

This “subscription only” email is sent to Farm Bureau members and to Wisconsin media. It provides an easy to read snapshot of farm, food and rural news on the state and national levels. It also highlights Farm Bureau activities and the organization’s involvement with key legislative issues. The Ag Newswire is sent to nearly 2,400 Farm Bureau members and more than 300 reporters for print, radio, television and web-based news outlets. Are you receiving it yet? If not, send your name and email to clangan@wfbf.com.

Governmental Relations

A Vision for Agriculture.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has been working tirelessly on behalf of Wisconsin’s farm families, providing key representation on a variety of state and federal issues. The organization’s true strength is the grassroots network of informed and politically active members who contact their legislators on important issues, attend Ag Day at the Capitol in Madison, and travel on Farm Bureau sponsored trips to our nation’s capital.

In Madison

In Washington, D.C.

Wolves

Farm Bill

A growing wolf population has resulted in an increase of livestock depredation from wolf attacks. This year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted wolves in Wisconsin from the endangered species list. Farm Bureau supported legislation to begin a wolf hunting season this fall. Farmers experiencing depredation can now obtain a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to harvest wolves.

Air Emissions

The DNR exempts Wisconsin livestock farms from air emission regulations because scientific data to establish such regulations does not exist. This exemption was set to expire in July. Farm Bureau supported a new law to continue the exemption until the federal government develops parameters for establishing such regulations.

Transportation

Several transportation-related laws that benefited agriculture were passed this year. A permitting system was established to allow trucks hauling containers for international trade to exceed weight limits. Increased height and width requirements for trucks hauling loads of hay or straw were allowed. The annual fall harvest weight exemption (15 percent more weight when moving crops from the field to storage) was extended from November 30 to December 31. A similar exemption for manure hauling was passed as well.

Wetlands

Farm Bureau supported legislation to reform Wisconsin’s wetland permitting laws. The DNR now has more flexibility to work with farmers who wish to impact a wetland by allowing mitigation to offset any wetland losses. This will allow farmers to build a shed or put in a driveway where it makes the most sense.

Elections

The 15 recall elections held in 2011 and 2012 are unprecedented in history. The Volunteers for Agriculture (WFBF’s political action arm) endorsed incumbents who supported agriculture. The VFA sent postcards to voting members encouraging them to vote for ag-friendly incumbents. Newspaper and radio ads were run in selected recall races.

The 2012 farm bill is still being debated. WFBF has actively supported eliminating direct payments and utilizing the savings for risk management programs and crop insurance.

WFBF has been a leader in dairy reform discussions by supporting the elimination of the price support and the milk income loss programs and replacing them with a voluntary revenue assurance program.

This would give farmers the option of managing their own risk. WFBF actively encourages lawmakers to pass the farm bill in 2012.

Farm Youth Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) had proposed regulations to limit children under the age of 16 from doing most activities on farms (working in a hay mow, milking cows or operating skid steers). WFBF led an effort to get farmers to submit comments to the DOL stating that parents are the best ones to determine their child’s capabilities on the farm. After receiving thousands of comments from across the country, DOL dropped its proposed regulations.

Ag in the Classroom

Planting Seeds

The Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) program provides Wisconsin teachers and their students with the tools to teach and learn how their next meal travels from the farm to the fork. The goal of the program is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society, so that they may become citizens who support wise agricultural policies.

Local Efforts

There are 74 local AITC coordinators in 61 Wisconsin counties with organized AITC programs. The local Agriculture in the Classroom efforts are carried out by the county’s AITC Committee. Among the 50 counties that submitted 2011 activity reports, the average committee consisted of five members and utilized additional volunteers for farm tours, classroom presentations or other events. The expenditures for those county AITC programs reporting in 2011 were $122,954. Approximately 14,480 volunteer hours were contributed to conduct a variety of local AITC activities.

Teachers Recognized

Each year the Wisconsin Farm Bureau recognizes a teacher for their efforts in educating students on the importance of agriculture. Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas, with the exclusion of certified agriculture education instructors, are eligible to apply for the award.

Brenda Bunn, a Kindergarten teacher in Fennimore, was the recipient of the Ag in the Classroom’s Outstanding Teacher Award.

Project Funding

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 15 matching grants totaling $5,610 to Wisconsin schools and organizations to use for agricultural literacy lessons and activities.

Essay Contest

Daniella Warner of Independence was the winner of the Agriculture in the Classroom’s essay contest.

Wisconsin fourth and fifth graders were asked to write a 100 to 300 word essay with the theme, “Why crops and plants are important to Wisconsin agriculture.” A total of 1,831 Wisconsin students

wrote essays for the competition sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Frontier FS and We Energies.

Other AITC Activities •

•

•

• •

Seed Soil Sun was selected as the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 2012 Book of the Year. The book is authored by dairy farmer and WFBF member Cris Peterson.

Offered county AITC information meetings, training sessions and workshops, reaching more than 400 people. This included a two-day training for Soybean Science Kits, Wisconsin AITC and commodity group resources.

59 Soybean Science Kits were utilized by 8,369 students. Funding for five additional kits by the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board increased the total sponsored kits to 69 in the state.

Launched a newly designed Ag in the Classroom website.

Increased involvement at the Wisconsin State Fair by participating in three State Fair Camps, co-sponsored 30,000 State Fair Activity Booklets and sponsored the Wisconsin Pizza Challenge.

Farm Bureau Foundation

Supporting Ag Education

Supporting agricultural education programs and developing agricultural leaders is the guiding principle of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. The Foundation accomplishes this by providing vital financial support to the Ag in the Classroom program, Farm Bureau Institute, and the Wisconsin 4-H and FFA organizations.

Major fundraising accomplishments of the Foundation include: • The 2011 Wisconsin Ag Open raised more than $8,000.

• The silent auction at the 2011 WFBF Annual Meeting raised more than $14,000. The fun name badge ribbon sales conducted by WFBF’s YFA Committee raised $710 for the Foundation.

• The Learn and Lead campaigns, memorial and “in honor of” gifts, and individual, county Farm Bureau and corporate donations continue to support the Foundation.

• GROWMARK, Inc. provided $3,216 to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation for support through FS Brand Seed Corn, FS HiSoy® soybean seed, and FS WL alfalfa seed sold in Wisconsin.

Frontier FS, Conserv FS, Servco FS, and GROWMARK, Inc. cooperatives were presented $1,529 of the total amount to use for local Agriculture in the Classroom and ag literacy programs.

The Foundation’s support over the last year included: • Sponsoring the 4-H Key Awards for youth for the 38th year.

• Supporting “This Business Called Agriculture” booklets produced by the Wisconsin Agribusiness Council.

• Supporting the Wisconsin Ag Education Workforce Development Council’s career resource - www.whyag.com.

• Providing support to the Wisconsin Environmental Education Foundation for educational resources and projects.

• Providing financial support for the Wisconsin FFA’s Discussion Meet awards and Food for America program.

• Co-sponsoring the Farm Bureau’s annual FFA Farm Forum which provides leadership training for FFA members.

• Contributing to the University of Wisconsin’s Rural Youth Scholarship.

• Providing scholarships to Farm Bureau members enrolled in Leadership Wisconsin.

• Offering continued support for the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center’s educational displays and tours.

Farm Bureau Staff Administration

Member Relations

Bill Bruins, WFBF President 608.828.5700

Bob Leege, Executive Director 608.828.5710

Roger Cliff, Chief Administrative Officer 608.828.5703

Deb Raemisch, Director 608.828.5712

Becky Schollian, Executive Assistant 608.828.5701

Public Relations

Dale Beaty

608.828.5714

Darlene Arneson

608.828.5719

Training and Leadership Development

Casey Langan, Executive Director 608.828.5711

Foundation Director, AITC Coordinator

Sheri Sutton, Communications Director 608.828.5706

Christy Strobel, District 1 Coordinator 866.355.7341

Amy Manske, Communications Coord. 608.828.5706

Becky Hurley, District 2 Coordinator 866.355.7342

Lynn Siekmann, Admin. Assistant 608.828.5707

Gretchen Kamps, District 3 Coordinator 866.355.7343

Governmental Relations Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director 608.828.5708 608.828.5713 Karen Gefvert, Director

Operations Jeff Fuller, Executive Director 608.828.5715 Steve Mason, General Accountant 608.828.5720 Jill Bennwitz, Administrative Assistant 608.828.5705

Steve Boe, District 4 Coordinator 866.355.7344 Becky Hibicki, District 5 Coordinator 866.355.2029 Kimberly Rusch, District 6 Coordinator 866.355.7345 Wes Raddatz, District 7 Coordinator 866.355.7346 Lindsey Prahl, District 8 Coordinator 866.355.7348 Wendy Kannel, District 9 Coordinator 866.355.7349 Darci Meili, Administrative Assistant 608.828.5704

Membership Membership growth is a top priority for Farm Bureau. A growing membership provides more than financial stability; it also ensures that Farm Bureau will continue to have a growing pool of active, enthusiastic leaders who will contribute their ideas and energy to building stronger programs while strengthening Farm Bureau’s voice at the county, state and national levels.

Through the efforts of Farm Bureau volunteers and Rural Mutual Insurance agents across Wisconsin, Farm Bureau membership grew to 44,123 members in 2011, representing the largest membership gain since 1992 and marking a fourth successive year of membership growth.

The combined efforts of 233 Farm Bureau volunteer membership workers resulted in more than 800 new members joining the organization. Rural Mutual Insurance agents signed an additional 590 new voting members and 2,127 new associate members.

Forty-nine county Farm Bureaus achieved membership growth in 2011, and Wisconsin Farm Bureau was one of 38 states that posted a membership gain.

The 2012 membership year ends on September 28, and thanks to another year of outstanding cooperation between Farm Bureau and its affiliate companies, WFBF is poised for a fifth consecutive year of membership growth.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Board of Directors: (first row, left to right) District 2 - Jerry Bradley, District 6 Director - Rosie Lisowe, District 5 - President Bill Bruins, Women’s Committee Chair - Kathleen Papcke, District 1 Director - Dave Daniels, (back row, left to right) District 3 Director - Vice President Richard Gorder, District 4 Director - Joe Bragger, District 9 Director - James Holte, District 7 Director - Wayne Staidl, Young Farmer and Agriculturist Chair - Josh Calaway and District 8 Director - Donald Radtke.

2012 Board of Directors Jim Holte

Josh Calaway

District 9, Elk Mound

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Chair Vesper

Don Radtke District 8, Merrill Bayfield

Wayne Staidl

Douglas

District 7, Peshtigo Iron

Rosie Lisowe

Ashland

District 6, Chilton Sawyer Price Polk

Rusk

Lincoln

Barron

Marinette

Langlade

Taylor Chippewa

St. Croix Dunn

Buffalo

Oconto

Marathon Eau Claire

Pierce

Clark Portage

Trempealeau

Wood

La Crosse

Juneau

Bill Bruins President District 5, Waupun

Vernon Crawford

Richland

Marquette Green Lake Columbia

Sauk

Grant Lafayette

Fond du Lac

Dodge

Jefferson

Iowa

Richard Gorder

Calumet Manitowoc

Winnebago

Monroe

Vice President District 3, Mineral Point

Jerry Bradley District 2, Sun Prairie

Rock

Sheboygan

Washington Ozaukee Waukesha

Dane

Green

Kewaunee

Outagamie

Waushara

Adams

Joe Bragger

Brown Waupaca

Jackson

District 4, Independence

Door

Shawano

Walworth

Dave Daniels District 1 Union Grove

Milwaukee Racine Kenosha

Kathleen Papcke Women’s Committee Chair Elkhorn

news

New Faces at Farm Bureau Gretchen Kamps

Amy Manske

On July 9, Gretchen Kamps began serving as the new Farm Bureau district coordinator in southwestern Wisconsin.

Gretchen is responsible for working with county Farm Bureaus to develop and implement programs to serve Farm Bureau members and to coordinate membership recruitment and retention efforts. She serves Farm Bureau’s District 3, which includes the counties of Vernon, Crawford, Richland, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette.

Gretchen began her duties on July 9.

“I am excited to join the Wisconsin Farm Bureau team and I look forward to learning more about each of the counties and helping them achieve the goals they set,” Kamps said.

“Gretchen’s farm background, together with her work at UW-Platteville and her years of experience in ag education will serve her well as she works with the county Farm Bureaus in southwest Wisconsin and assists with the newly formed Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter on the UW-Platteville campus,” said Bob Leege, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Executive Director of Member Relations.

Gretchen grew up on a farm near Clinton in Rock County. She is a UWPlatteville graduate with a bachelor of science degree in agricultural education and a master of education degree in educational leadership from National Louis University in Illinois. She served as an agriculture instructor at Lake Geneva Badger High School and as an adjunct instructor at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Most recently, she worked as a research coordinator at the UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm. Gretchen and her husband, Josh, operate a beef farm with his family near Belmont.

Amy Manske has been hired by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation as its Communications Coordinator.

Manske will be responsible for writing, editing and designing content for county and state Farm Bureau publications, promotional materials, website and social media.

“I’ve heard it said before that you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but I think I have achieved just that. Not only do I get to work to promote agriculture in this position, but I get to work with the great members of Wisconsin Farm Bureau. I am excited for this opportunity,” Manske said.

Manske was raised on her family’s dairy

farm near New London in Waupaca County.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication.

As an active member of the Sandy Knoll 4-H club, Manske grew up showing hogs and dairy animals at the Waupaca County Fair. She also was a member of the New London FFA and the State FFA Honors Chorus. She was the Waupaca County Fairest of the Fair in 2010 and Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs firstrunner up in 2011. Manske was a finalist for Alice in Dairyland this past May. Manske previously worked as a social media marketing intern at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant in Green Bay. She also was active on the Fourth Estate newspaper staff at UWGreen Bay, working as a news writer, business manager and public relations manager.

Manske began her duties with the Farm Bureau on July 16.

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opinion

D.C. Fiddles While the Midwest Burns A Message from WFBF President Bill Bruins

Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. This phrase has come to epitomize occupying oneself with unimportant matters and neglect priorities during a crisis. It is an old story with a painfully-real message for the present day.

I

nstead of passing a U.S. farm bill, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are consumed by election year politicking and posturing. Meanwhile, the worst drought in decades is gripping the throat of the nation’s breadbasket.

Quite literally, D.C. is fiddling while the Midwest burns.

The Great Equalizer It was not so long ago that some pundits were questioning if Congress should even bother writing another U.S. farm bill. They pointed out that prices for most farm commodities were strong.

Another spring had arrived early in the Midwest and a record-sized corn crop was being planted. Agriculture was a bright spot in an otherwise dreary economy. The federal government was (and remains) awash in red ink. Why not just do away with the farm bill entirely?

There were several problems

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Rural Route

with this line of thinking.

First off, 84 percent of farm bill funding goes to feed more than 40 million Americans through food assistance programs. It is because of the farm bill that Americans enjoy a healthy and stable food supply, and spend just 10 percent of their disposable incomes on food. That is the lowest percentage in the world.

It seems every bill with any chance of passing must have the word “jobs” in it.

Well, more than 16 million Americans work in agriculture, and the last time I checked, exports and renewable energy are worthy priorities too. Protection of our water and sensitive lands also come from the environmental conservation programs found in the farm bill. With farm income at record levels, it seems some thought there was no need for any sort of safety net. It was as if strong exports and technological advances had taken all the risk out of farming.

Then along came this summer’s drought and potential crop yield losses of epic proportions.

Sometimes Mother Nature feels the need to grab us by the ear and remind us who is really in charge. She is doing just that, and agriculture’s ear is beginning to bruise. Farmers who entered this growing season with the highest of expectations are now questioning if they will have adequate feed supplies to last them through the winter. That is

just one of many responsibilities that individual farmers accept on their farms.

Beyond the farm gate, farmers need assurances from their lenders that several generations of net worth will not be wiped out by one disastrous growing season. We could also use some kind of assurance from the same politicians who say they want to help their constituents and the economy.

Right now, farmers need to know what disaster assistance programs will be in place, which crop insurance programs will be offered and how dairy policy reform will impact our dairies. We need action from Congress and not their hot air; Lord knows we have had enough of Mother Nature’s hot air to deal with this summer.

This drought has proven to be a great equalizer. Any talk of no longer needing a farm bill should have shriveled with this summer’s sizzling temperatures.

Final Thought Last winter, it was American Farm Bureau’s ag policy expert, Mary Kay Thatcher, who reminded Farm Bureau members that one of our challenges would be reminding Congress that farm bills are written for the bad years, not the good ones. Well Congress, the Midwest’s fortunes have quickly reversed from good to bad. How long will you fiddle while our family farms, food supply and agricultural economy burn?

wisconsin farm bureau federation

opinion

Stop the Flood of Regulation

A Guest Column from AFBF President Bob Stallman

B

urdensome and unnecessary regulations are always a point of contention for farmers and ranchers, especially when we are being flooded with what seems to be neverending, nonsensical rules. In keeping with the ebb and flow of bureaucracy, the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers are planning an upheaval of the Clean Water Act (CWA) that would add more . . . you guessed it . . . rules and regulations to farms and ranches.

That is why the American Farm Bureau Federation is leading the way to stop EPA and the Corps from literally regulating every drop of water on private landowners’ property. Through a nationwide grassroots campaign, we are engaging Farm Bureau members to “Stop the Flood of Regulation.”

A $30,000 Ditch For some time, the EPA and Corps have been trying to remove the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act through what is called a “Guidance Document.” This would change the very meaning of the CWA to allow for such frivolous action, such as regulating a roadside ditch that holds water for only a few hours after a 4-inch rain.

The Guidance Document should be used to explain processes and policies of existing laws and regulations—not to expand or change the scope of current

law. Importantly, a Guidance Document does not go through the rigors of the regulatory process that serve to protect the rights of the regulated community.

The EPA and the Corps’ action to improperly use the Guidance Document to remove “navigable” bypasses congressional intent and ignores Supreme Court precedent. For the past 10 years, Congress has voted specifically and repeatedly to keep the term “navigable” in the CWA. We believe this Guidance Document is not only bad policy, but is being implemented through a regulatory sleight of hand.

Farmers, ranchers and private landowners need to preserve the authority the CWA has granted states and localities for nearly 40 years, and stop the deluge of regulations and permitting requirements that will likely result if the Guidance Document is finalized. The two agencies are piling on regulatory burdens with little regard for the costs for landowners. These costs, which could be upwards of $30,000 with increased permit requirements and reduced nutrient applications, are very real and have direct impacts on the farm.

Engagement v. Regulation It is important that every Farm Bureau member become engaged in pushing Congress and the administration to block the Guidance Document before the end of this session.

There are many ways to get involved.

For those who are social media savvy, follow @StoptheFlood on Twitter, post pictures of your soon-to-be regulated ditches and puddles using the #stoptheflood hashtag, or “Like” the Stop the Flood of Regulation Facebook page to post your pictures and comments and get updates on the campaign.

It is time to show Congress how the Guidance Document could cost farmers, ranchers and private property owners tens of thousands of dollars. It is time to Stop the Flood of Regulation.

President of the American Farm Bureau Federation since 2000, Bob Stallman is a cattle and rice farmer from Columbus, Texas.

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Member Benefits Savings for your Family or Business The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation offers benefits and services to its members, covering a range of options that respond to the needs of farmers, families and businesses in Wisconsin.

AAA Farm Bureau members save 20% on AAA membership and the enrollment fee to join AAA is waived. Farm Bureau members who already belong to AAA can receive the discount on their next renewal. In both instances, call 877.731.3315 and be prepared to give them the group code “WI07.”

Accidental Death Policy Members receive $1,500 in accidental death insurance for themselves and their spouse, and $500 for minors. The policy increases in value for consecutive years of membership up to $3,500.

AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program Farm Bureau has teamed up with TASC (Total Administrative Services Corporation) to bring you the AgriPlanNOW! program which is based on Section 105 of the IRS code and can allow farmers and other self-employed individuals to deduct 100 percent of their family’s medical expenses through their farm or business. AgriPlan clients save an average of $3,000 in taxes annually.

Deductible expenses include health, dental and vision insurance premiums, qualified long term care insurance premiums, as well as any non-insured medical expenses such as dental, vision, prescriptions, over the counter medications and more. In addition, TASC will now pay your Farm Bureau membership dues when you sign up for AgriPlanNOW! To learn more about AgriPlan and/or sign up, go to www. tasconline.com or call 888.595.2261.

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Rural Route

AVIS Car Rental Discount Program You can save 5%-25% on Avis’ daily and weekly rates. To receive these discounted rates, all you need to do is use your Avis Worldwide Discount number: A298849. To rent a car and enjoy benefits visit Avis.com or call Avis at 1.800.331.1212.

Choice Hotels Members save an average of 20% at participating Choice Brand Hotels. Call 800.258.2847 to make the required advance reservation. Request Wisconsin Farm Bureau member rate using ID# 00209870. (This number changed recently.)

Farm Bureau Bank Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s FDIC insured checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards and vehicle and home loans. To get started, call 800.492.FARM (3276), or look online at www.farmbureaubank.com.

Farm Bureau Financial Services A dynamic multi-state insurance and investment organization serving individuals and families in not only rural areas, but also suburban and metropolitan. You can get more information about the financial services from your local Rural Insurance agent.

Learn more about Farm Bureau Financial Services at www.fbfs.com.

FS-GROWMARK Patronage Farm Bureau members who are patrons of their local FS cooperative are eligible to receive patronage dividends when patronage is paid.

Grainger

Stroke Detection Plus

Grainger Industrial Supply is the nation’s leading maintenance, repair and operational supplies distributor.

Receive a 10% discount on all Grainger catalog items. For a free catalog call 608.221.3861. When ordering use the Farm Bureau account #855922019.

Stroke Detection Plus offers preventative medical screenings at a discounted price to Farm Bureau members. These ultrasound screenings help detect blockages that can lead to stroke, aortic aneurysms and other artery diseases.

Are you at risk? For more information, simply call 1.877.732.8258.

GM Private Offer Eligible members may now receive a $500 discount on qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicles they purchase or lease. Please see the “Benefits & Membership” tab at wfbf.com.

Rural Mutual Insurance Offering a full line of insurance and financial products for your personal, farm and business needs exclusively for Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. Our rural Wisconsin heritage assures that you’ll find in us the strong values you expect and deserve. Visit us on the web at www.ruralins.com to find your nearest Rural Mutual agent.

ScriptSave Prescription Drug Savings Card ScriptSave is a prescription drug savings card available to all Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. The card is available to you at NO COST as an added feature of your membership. Your entire household can use the card for instant savings that average over 32% with potential savings up to 50% on brand name and generic medications (based on national program savings data). Call 1.800.700.3957 and reference Group #703A.

The Country Today Newspaper Here’s a way to save money, get informed on ag issues, AND help support a popular Farm Bureau program. Members now receive $7.50 off yearly subscriptions (and $15 off two-year subscriptions) and The Country Today then donates $5 to the Ag in the Classroom program. Please call 888.833.9268 during normal business hours and let The Country Today customer service representative know you are a Farm Bureau member to qualify for the reduced rates.

Wyndham Hotel Group Members save 20% off the best available rate at more than 5,000 participating locations throughout North America. Mention Farm Bureau ID# 8000004288 when making your reservations. Call 877.670.7088 for information. *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.

on the web View additional WFBF Member Benefits and more details on our website at www.wfbf.com/benefits-membership.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Annual Meeting

November 30 - December 3

2012

C nnec Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells 93rd Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting 78th Rural Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference

August | september 2012

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Agenda

93rd WFBF & 78th RMIC Annual Meetings

Friday, November 30

Sunday, December 2

Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Conference Begins

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

YFA Committee Meeting – Acacia County YFA Chair Meeting – Crown Palm Registration Opens – Registration Booth 3 First-timer’s Orientation Session – Crown Palm YFA Welcome Dinner – Ballrooms A, B, C, F, G, H District YFA Meetings Reception & Entertainment: Scott Thompson Band – Ballrooms A, B, C, F, G, H

Saturday, December 1 6:00 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Morning Workout – Suites I, VIII Registration Opens – Registration Booth 3 YFA Committee Reorganization Meeting – Empress YFA Breakfast & Program – Ballrooms A, B, C, F, G, H General Session – Ballrooms D, E Featured Speaker: Linda Johnson Mock Policy Development Session YFA Luncheon – Ballrooms A, B, C, F, G, H Discussion Meet Judges Luncheon and Orientation - Cypress

WI Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) Annual Meeting Begins 12:00 p.m. Producer Club Luncheon – Suites I, VIII

1:30 p.m.

Discussion Meet Quarterfinals I

– Acacia, Bamboo, Crown Palm, Ironwood, Banyan 1:30 p.m.

Excellence in Ag Practice Session – Portia 1:30 p.m. Achievement Award Interviews

– Desert Rose/Mahogany 2:00 p.m.

Trade Show Opens – Suites II, III, IV, V, VI, VII 2:30 p.m. Discussion Meet Quarterfinals II – Acacia, Bamboo,

Crown Palm, Ironwood, Banyan 3:00 p.m.

Excellence in Ag Presentations – Portia 4:00 p.m.

Discussion Meet Semifinals – Banyan, Ironwood 4:00 p.m.

Farm Bureau Reception – Suites II, III, IV, V, VI, VII 5:00 p.m.

Trade Show Closes 5:30 p.m.

Farm Bureau Extravaganza!

Featured Entertainment: Bryan White

– Ballrooms A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H 8:30 p.m.

Trade Show & Silent Auction Open (until 10:00 p.m.)

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Morning Devotional – Tamarind/Guava Registration Opens – Registration Booth 3 Resolutions Processing – Empress Discussion Meet Finals – Suite I & VIII Buffet Brunch & General Session – Ballrooms A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H Featured Speaker: Bill Zucker U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance

YFA Conference Ends 12:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Trade Show & Silent Auction Opens WFBF Women’s Committee Meeting and Reorganization – Ebony Policy Development Committee Meeting – Empress Reception – Suites II, III, IV, V, VI, VII Silent Auction & Trade Show Ends Farm Bureau Awards Banquet & Program – Ballrooms A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H Reception/Foundation Event – Mangrove, Aralia, Marula, Aloeswood, Tamboti

Monday, December 3 7:00 a.m.

Registration Opens – Registration Booth 3 7:00 a.m. Breakfast & General Session – Ballrooms A, B, C, F, G, H 8:00 a.m.

District Manager Meeting – Empress 9:00 a.m.

District Caucuses:

District 1: Wisteria

District 2: Portia

District 3: Tamarind

District 4: Guava

District 5: Mangrove

District 6: Aralia

District 7: Marula

District 8: Aloeswood

District 9: Tamboti 10:30 a.m. Resolutions & Business Meeting - Ballrooms A, B, C, F, G, H

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Entertainment YFA Entertainment Friday, November 30, 8:30 p.m.

and Speakers Farm Bureau Extravaganza!

Saturday, December 1, 5:30 p.m.

Bryan White

Scott Thompson Band

The group describes themselves as “young country” and features a rock solid rhythm section with brothers Brad and Ryan Babcock on drums and bass, Jakob Grimm on honky-tonkin’ keys, Mackenzie Lerchen on saw-’n-sassy fiddle and led by Scott Thompson on hot lead guitar. Top it all off with honest and sincere vocals and three-part harmony and the group is an easy sell to today’s country music fans. The guys (and girl) like to equate their multi-faceted sound to a modern blend of Garth Brooks, George Strait, Brad Paisley with a twist of Merle Haggard.

YFA Keynote Presentation Saturday, December 1, 10:00 a.m.

Mock Policy Development Session

Linda Johnson Director Policy Implementation American Farm Bureau Federation Participate in a mock YFA policy development meeting and learn how our grassroots organization works.

First participants will sit in districts and discuss issues, determine solutions needed and language each district will bring before the entire group. Then everyone will reconvene as a group for the mock YFA policy session. Each district will propose their language for the group to discuss, possibly tweak language and adopt as the YFA delegate body. It will conclude with a game plan outlined on how to work YFA ideas through the actual policy development process.

Tweeting at Annual Meeting

Bryan White charted 17 singles on Billboard’s country charts, including six number one singles in the 1990s. You won’t want to miss “So Much for Pretending,” “Someone Else’s Star” and “Sittin’ on Go.” During White’s ride to the top of the charts, he garnered several awards, including a Grammy, the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Horizon Award, and the Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) Top Male Vocalist. Along with two albums certified platinum (1 million sold) and another two certified gold (500,000 sold), his duet with Shania Twain, “From This Moment On” was a global smash. The hits and accolades led him to high-profile TV appearances with Letterman and Leno. People magazine even named him one of their “50 Most Beautiful People” in the world.

WFBF Keynote Presentation Sunday, December 2, 10:00 a.m.

Communicating with Consumers: Join the Conversation about the Food You Produce

Bill Zucker, Midwest Director, Ketchum Consumers have a lot of questions about their food - the food you produce. As farmers, we’ve raised pretty much everything except our voices. During this seminar, which focuses on strengthening conversations with consumers, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance will present insight into how today’s consumers feel about their food and the questions they have about food production. With this program, you walk away with ideas on how to best engage in the conversation today. The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance is a coalition of more than 75 national, regional and state agricultural groups and their partners committed to continuously improving how food is grown and raised to provide healthy choices for people everywhere. USFRA marks the first time a wide range of agricultural groups are collaborating to lead the dialogue on how food is grown and raised in America.

WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference

2012 Sponsors:

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Please use #WFBFAM12 and follow @WIFarmBureau.

Registration Information Don’t miss this exciting chance to network with Farm Bureau members from across Wisconsin. Registration packets for the events are available at county Farm Bureau offices or by calling WFBF at 800.261.FARM.

August | september 2012

www.wfbf.com

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Shouldn’t we expect better from the “Humane Society”?

ars donated every 200 doll of ar ll do 1 Only e United States e Society of th an m Hu e th to rs. on Pet shelte goes to hands-

The Humane Society of the United States is NOT your local animal shelter.

In fact, it gives less than one-half of one percent of its $100 million budget to hands-on pet shelters.* Meanwhile, this wealthy animal rights group socked away over $2.5 million of Americans’ donations in its own pension plans.**

Surprised? So were we.

The dog-watchers need a watchdog. Join the discussion at:

HUMANEWATCH.ORG

HUMANEWATCH.ORG Keeping a watchful eye on the Humane Society of the United States

Keeping a watchful eye on the Humane Society of the United States

* **

HSUS gave just $452,371 to hands-on pet shelters in 2008, out of a $99,664,400 budget.

HSUS made $2,532,167 in pension contributions in 2008.

ag in the classroom

Independence Student is Ag in the Classroom Essay Contest Winner

Trempealeau County Ag in the Classroom Chair Yvonne Shepherd (left) congratulated essay contest winner Daniella Warner and her fifth grade teacher, Amy Kulig.

D

aniella Warner, a fifth grade student from Independence, was the statewide winner of the Ag in the Classroom essay contest. Wisconsin fourth and fifth graders were asked to write on the topic, “Why crops and plants are important to Wisconsin agriculture.”

Daniella is the daughter of Pata and The finalists from each of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s nine districts across the state include: •• Emily Gehring, Rossman Elementary School, Hartford, Washington County (District 1) •• Isabella Howard, Clinton Middle School, Rock County (District 2) •• McKenna Bowers, Mineral Point Elementary School, Iowa County (District 3) •• Daniella Warner, St. Peter and Paul School, Independence, Trempealeau County (District 4)

Mike Warner. Amy Kulig is her fifth grade teacher at St. Peter and Paul School.

A total of 1,831 Wisconsin students wrote essays for the competition sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Frontier FS and We Energies.

•• Madie Podoll, Tri County Elementary School, Plainfield, Waushara County (District 5) •• Cole Booth, Fairview Elementary School, Plymouth, Sheboygan County (District 6) •• Andrea Spang, Oconto Falls Elementary School, Oconto County (District 7) •• Cortney Zimmerman, Spencer Elementary School, Marathon County (District 8) •• Halli Martin, Plum City Elementary School, Pierce County (District 9)

August | september 2012

winning essay Why crops and plants are important to Wisconsin agriculture…

I was born in Wisconsin and up until now I did not realize how important agriculture is to our state. I always heard about Wisconsin being a “Dairy State,” but now I know how important many other crops are to the state as well.

Let’s just jump right into it…Corn is the most important crop in Wisconsin and a big part of the corn that is planted is used to feed hogs and cows raised right here.

Other crops that are also planted here such as soybeans, potatoes and cranberries are all important for Wisconsin’s agricultural health. Wisconsin is a leading producer of potatoes, soybeans and cranberries. I am so proud that Wisconsin is number one in the United States in production of cranberries.

My favorite fruits are strawberries and apples, and I am also very proud to say that Wisconsin is also one of the leading producers as well.

Many farms in Wisconsin are producing snap beans, beets, cabbage, sweet corn, cucumbers, lima beans and green peas, and almost all these crops to go Wisconsin canneries. In addition, wheat, tobacco, oats and soybeans are field crops produced in our beautiful state.

All the things that I wrote about are very important to Wisconsin because we grow them right here, we eat them or we feed them to animals we raise. Writing this essay has taught me that Wisconsin is a leader in production of many crops as well as being a Dairy State. I am very proud of the hard working farm families that make our state a leading producer of these crops.

By Daniella Warner St. Peter and Paul School, Independence

www.wfbf.com

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&

news resources for teachers

Summer school FOR TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS educational resources to explore

Check out these educational resources that were a part of the AITC summer teacher and volunteer training in June: •• Alpaca Begins with “A” – This educational kit offered by Cottage

Wisconsin Education Network (wisconsineducationnetwork.org ) – Wisconsin Education Network is an information portal developed in partnership with the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and several state business and governmental organizations to provide education resources to Wisconsin teachers. The topics covered range from historic and economic information about Wisconsin’s indigenous people, to Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and Wisconsin government. The materials have been developed to share information with the public, while also providing additional, affordable resources to already-stretched school budgets. Visit the site to see the latest additions sponsored by the Wisconsin Corn Growers on uses of corn, nutrition topics from the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers, or the Wisconsin Beef Council’s topics on beef and environmental sustainability. Each topic provides resources to engage students with materials developed for a range of learning styles, including video, vocabulary lists and comprehensive study guides.

Wisconsin Apple Growers Association (waga.org) – The Wisconsin Apple Growers offer an education kit “A Bushel of Facts About Wisconsin Apples.” There are many links and images for teachers and volunteers to use while educating about apples, history and uses. Their website also lists nutritional information, recipes, orchard directories, and other consumer and producer information. The “ENJOYING THE HARVEST” activity book is geared for primary grade children and can be ordered from the website. Students will follow Wisconsin’s fruit and vegetable growers month by month as they plant, tend and harvest their crops. The 22 page booklet features word-searches, hidden pictures, coloring, writing and reading activities.

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Industry Alpaca Breeders Association is geared for grades K-2.

It includes a curriculum guide and lesson plans on alpaca, their environment and communication skills. Visit ciaba.org.

•• Producers, Pigs & Pork – The Wisconsin Pork Association has multiple resources including this one about pork production, marketing, nutrition, recipes and more. Check out wppa.org.

•• High Quality Ag Videos – Wisconsin Education Network works with ag commodity groups and collects high quality footage of various agricultural topics including ethanol, nutrition and environmental sustainability. Watch the videos at wisconsineducationnetwork.org.

•• Soybean Science Kits – The Soybean Science Kit and curriculum, designed by researchers at Purdue University, educates students about soybeans and their many uses in food, household products, newspaper ink and alternative fuels. To learn more, visit wisagclassroom.org.

Pam Beschta, an elementary school teacher at St. Anthony’s in Oconto Falls, pours soybean lip balm into containers during the Soybean Science Kit workshop.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

foundation

Foundation Supports Members in Leadership Wisconsin

T

he Wisconsin Farm Bureau has supported Leadership Wisconsin since it was created as the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program in 1983. The WFB Foundation offers scholarships to Farm Bureau members who make the commitment to this two-year leadership training program offered by the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

This year, two Farm Bureau members are among the 30 participants.

Angie Kringle of Shawano and Jill Wenthold of Sun Prairie both received scholarships to cover their costs in the program.

Kringle works in public relations for Genex Cooperative.

The former state FFA officer is a member of the Shawano County Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program.

Wenthold works in animal health product sales, and is a member of the Dane County Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program and several dairy groups.

Come Watch or Participate in the District YFA Discussion Meets Each fall, Young Farmer and Agriculturist members demonstrate their speaking skills by participating in the YFA Discussion Meet. This public, roundtable format exercise allows members to showcase their problem-solving skills, and express their opinions and ideas on the hottest issues driving agriculture.

Finalists from each of the nine district meets will compete at the WFBF Annual Meeting in December.

Participants and spectators welcome!

Angie Kringle

Jill Wenthold

on the web For more information on Leadership Wisconsin, visit www.LeadershipWisconsin.org or call 608.623.0817.

You Will Not Want to Miss Your County Annual Meeting When harvest begins in fields across Wisconsin, so does the harvesting of local Farm Bureau policy.

In September and October, county Annual Meetings will occur all across Wisconsin. It is at these meetings where Farm Bureau shows its grassroots nature. Members build the resolutions that will eventually become Farm Bureau Policy, conclude their final debate on resolutions and vote. These meetings may also include guest speakers, highlights of the past year, and recognition of volunteers and award winners.

Find the date, time and location of your county Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at wfbf.com/programs-event/events/.

Go to the events page at wfbf.com to find out when your district’s YFA Discussion Meet will be held.

www.wfbf.com/programs-event/events

August | september 2012

www.wfbf.com

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foundation

Shining our Spotlight on…

Betty Engel

By Alicia Humphrey

Betty started donating paintings to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation more than 15 years ago. The paintings were first auctioned off at a Women’s Seminar Conference and are now auctioned off at December’s WFBF Annual Meeting.

Y

ou may recognize Betty Engel as the artist whose paintings are auctioned off at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Or you may know the Calumet County Farm Bureau member from her involvement with the Wisconsin Women’s Committee.

Whether you know her or not, her involvement in Farm Bureau has impacted many.

Betty Engel and her husband, George, first became involved in Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer program. Before they purchased their farm from George’s father, the Engels did not have a lot of “fun” money. Farm Bureau provided the young couple with the perfect solution through low-cost activities, and the chance to meet and network with others with similar interests.

From there, the Engels took on leadership roles. George served as the president and young farmer chair of the Calumet County Farm Bureau. Betty joined the county Women’s Committee and eventually chaired the state Women’s Committee. She called the opportunity rewarding and educational.

“Farm Bureau has given me so much. I am glad I can give

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“Farm Bureau has given me so much. I am glad I can give back and help others grow.”

-Betty Engel back and help others grow.”

Betty says you need three items to be good at something: desire, technique and practice. She used these ideals as she developed her love for art. Over time, she has channeled her passion for art and learning by changing the mediums she has worked with from oil to watercolor, and acrylic to pastels and watercolor. Betty enjoys using her God-given talent to paint barns and country churches.

Her eyes are always looking for a unique barn with character to paint.

With a great love for painting and Farm Bureau, Betty committed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation through the Learn and Lead Campaign.

The initial plan was for Betty to donate

one painting each year for four years.

However, once she had portrayed each of the four seasons in paintings, she did not stop. Each December a new barn or country church painting is in the silent auction at the WFBF Annual Meeting to benefit the WFB Foundation.

Her paintings are also printed and sold as decorative note cards.

When asked why she chose to support the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, she genuinely replied, “Farm Bureau is truly a great organization. As agriculture is changing, it is becoming more important to support groups who are educating those that are further removed from the farm.”

As Farm Bureau membership continues to grow, Betty says she wants to make sure Farm Bureau is able to offer events and activities. She will continue to support the Foundation and encourages others to do the same.

betty engel cards To order some of Betty’s note cards, please vist the Foundation page at www.wfbf.com.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Wisconsin Farm Bureau at State FFA Convention Scottey Pate Wins State FFA Discussion Contest Scottey Pate, Evansville FFA, edged out the other discussion meet competitors at the Wisconsin FFA Convention in Madison. The Discussion Meet Contest is an exercise that develops cooperative problem solving in a panel-type discussion. FFA members are judged on their ability to express their ideas and opinions on agricultural issues, exchange ideas and information, and find solutions to issues or problems. Modeled after the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, individuals give a 30 second opening statement, participate in a 15-20 minute discussion and finish with a one minute closing statement. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors the Discussion Meet Contest on the district, sectional and state levels.

Manawa FFA Receives Food for America Program Award Manawa FFA received top honors for its Food for America Program.

Waupaca County Farm Bureau member, Sandra Cordes, is the FFA Advisor and Ag Education Instructor at Manawa High School. The Food for America Program focuses on FFA members educating elementary youth about the importance of agriculture and how agriculture is a part of their daily lives. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsored the Food for America Program.

Dear Mrs. Arneson, I’m writing to you to say thank you for teaching me some new stuff about farming and agriculture .

I never knew that a lot of different stuff could be made from corn!

Sincerely, William P.S. On Sunday I milked a cow by hand. After that my hands hurt like heck!

Dear Mrs. Arneson, Thank you for teaching us about the different jobs that you can have in agriculture. It was really cool. I might consi der working in agriculture when I’m older. It was really amazing, especially all that stuff being made out of corn. Thanks again!

Kacey Dear Mrs. Arneson, Thank you for coming to our class and talking about agriculture. I enjoy ed making the bag with the crystal soil, peas and corn. We put them in the window to watch them gro w.

Sincerely, Ashleigh

Honorary State FFA Degree Recipients Executive Director of Public Relations Casey Langan and District 3 Field Supervisor Paul Peterson were among the nine individuals awarded the Honorary State FFA Degree at the 83rd State FFA Convention. The Honorary Degree is the highest degree that the Wisconsin FFA can bestow on a non-member. To thank them for their dedication to agriculture and youth leadership, a special banquet was held; they also received plaques during one of the large group sessions.

Dear Mrs. Arneson,

Thank you for coming to our classroom and taking time away from your day to teach us about agriculture. We enjoyed watching our seeds grow and change. The sticks of cheese were delici ous.

Each of us learned at least one new fact, and most of us more. We all enjoyed your presentation and all know so much more.

Thanks again, Mrs. Schaffer’s Class

August | september 2012

www.wfbf.com

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rural mutual

Rural Mutual Recognized as One of Nation’s Best

M

adison-based Rural Mutual Insurance Company announces its selection as a “Ward’s 50® Top Performer.” This year’s distinction marks the fourth consecutive year the company, an affiliate of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, has earned the designation.

The recognition is bestowed by the Ward Group, which is “a leading provider of benchmarking and best practices research studies for insurance companies,” and chooses its recipients after a financial performance analysis of more than 3,200 property-casualty companies based in the United States.

“For over 78 years we have only done business in Wisconsin, so our stability is truly a credit to the people of this great state,” says Peter Pelizza, CEO of Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

“Premiums paid here, stay here so everyone benefits.”

The Ward Group considers multiple criteria for its award including trends in a company’s financial strength over the previous five years. In March 2012, Rural Mutual released its 2011 financials, which featured a strong showing in key industry indicators such as direct premium growth,

combined ratios and new policies.

Pelizza notes that “2011 was a challenging year, not only for Rural Mutual, but for the industry as well. Record weather events, a soft insurance market coupled with challenges in the financial markets all made it difficult to post favorable results. The fact is we were all on a level playing field which means our recognition for this award was not due to luck, timing or geography. This recognition further reinforces Rural Mutual’s ability to live up to our promise to policyholders: to financially be there in the time of need.”

It was also announced that AM Best affirmed Rural Mutual’s rating of A (Excellent) with a stable outlook. This rating is assigned to companies that have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations.

To learn more about Rural Mutual, please visit www.ruralins.com.

To learn more about the Ward Group, please visit www.wardinc. com. To learn more about AM Best, please visit www.ambest.com.

All Terrain Vehicle and Utility Terrain Vehicle

B

eginning July 1 new registration rules went into effect that require all UTVs to be registered according to their use. The Permanent Utility Terrain Vehicle Registration program requires all ATVs or UTVs that are kept in Wisconsin for more than 15 days to be registered.

The new law requires that a registration decal be prominently visible on both sides of the vehicle and in a position forward of the operator.

Three types of registration are available in Wisconsin: •• Public Use – Operation on any areas open to public riding, frozen surface of any waterways and on private property with permission. This new law mandates that besides the public registration decal, the vehicle must have a 4x7 rear registration plate with the same numbers as the decal.

•• Private Use, Agricultural – ATVs and UTVs can be privately registered for agricultural use if they are being used for agricultural purposes only. It does not permit operation in areas open to the public, including frozen surfaces of any waterway. You may

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duel register your ATV for public use.

•• Private Use, Non-Agricultural – Use exclusively on private property.

Rural Mutual will insure ATVs and UTVs based on their use: •• Public Use Registration – All public use registered ATVs and UTVs will be insured using the endorsements RV-20, Recreational Vehicle Liability and Medical Expense Coverage, and RV-60, Recreational Vehicle Physical Damage.

•• Private Use, Agricultural – Endorsement FO-11, Liability and Medical Expense Coverage, covers recreational vehicles for liability, ON PREMISE ONLY. All ATVs and UTVs should have the RV-20, even if the only off premise exposure is crossing the highway to get from field to field. If physical damage is desired it can be covered on the FO-8, Scheduled Farm Personal Property Form. If there is dual registration for public use then RV-20 and RV-60 are the only options for coverage.

•• Private Use, Non-Agricultural – Private Use, Non-Agricultural registered ATVs and UTVs will be insured using endorsements RV-20 and RV-60.

definitions All Terrain Vehicle (ATV): •• Engine driven •• Net weight 900 lbs or less •• Width 48 inches or less •• Seat designed to be straddled •• Travels on three or more low-pressure tires •• Minimum tire width six inches •• Rim maximum diameter 12 inches Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) •• Engine driven •• Net weight between 900 and 1,999 lbs •• Four or more low pressure tires •• Cargo or dump box •• Steering wheel, tail light, brake light, two headlights, seat belts or similar device •• Seating for at least two occupants, non-straddled seats, such as JD Gator or Kawasaki Mule •• A roll bar or similar device

wisconsin farm bureau federation

The lifeblood of America.

They’re the humble heroes who rise before dawn and battle the elements. They put clothes on our backs and food on our tables. Their genuine values and tireless work ethic are an inspiration to us all. We appreciate all that America’s farmers do and invite you to join us in saying thanks at August | september 2012 www.fbfs.com/SayThanksToAFarmer.

www.wfbf.com

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Rural Mutual Insurance Company

www.ruralins.com

We value what’s important in life. That’s why we have been protecting families, businesses and farms exclusively in Wisconsin for over 75 years. In fact, we are the number one insurer of farms in the state offering the best coverage for Wisconsin’s $60 billion agriculture industry. Premiums paid here, stay here to keep Wisconsin strong.

We recognize that agri-business requires special protection. After all, your farm operation is your home, your business, and a considerable capital investment.

To protect your livelihood, call 1-877-219-9550 or visit our website and we can show you the variety of coverage’s available to address all your insurance needs.

Premiums Paid Here, Stay Here To Keep Wisconsin Strong.