Rural Route June | July 2021

Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®'S

june | july 2021 • vol. 27 no. 3 | wfbf.com

Farm Bureau Faces

Page 17

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McComish Family Farms and Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato,

A Complementary Pair Page 12

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contents vol. 27 no. 3

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stay connected

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42 WIFarmBureau

EXTENSION

Empowering communities and families with transformative education.

MCCOMISH FAMILY FARMS

Meet the farmer behind the dairy good treats at Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato.

FARM BUREAU FACES

Meet a beef farmer, agriculture agent and a honey queen.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Read about the latest benefits available through your membership.

VOICES

Columns from Krentz, Duvall and Maldonado.

MENTAL HEALTH

Self-care is important, learn more about incorporating it into your life.

AG-VENTURE

Enjoy a summer Ag-Venture no matter where you are in Wisconsin.

MEET ROB KLUSSENDORF

Get to know Taylor County member Rob Klussendorf.

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BROADBAND

Learn what you can do to help increase broadband access in rural Wisconsin.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Read this year’s winning essay content entry from Elli Rettler.

RURAL MUTUAL

Rural Mutual Insurance agents give back to local communities.

COVER PHOTO BY LYNN SIEKMANN

ONLINE LIBRARY

Read our previous issues at wfbf.com/read.

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Rural Route WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S

EDITOR’S NOTE

D

o you plant a garden? I’ve been working on getting plants and seeds in the ground most of the month of May and I’m exhausted. In a good way though, like in an ‘I accomplished something worthwhile’ way.

This year, I’m planting a very large garden in hopes of selling produce at my family’s local farmers’ market. As I was sweating putting in the last of my seeds, I was thinking ‘jeepers, this is a lot of work.’

Then my mind wandered, and I started thinking, ‘I sure hope it rains soon because we need the rain.’ After I processed my thought, I laughed. I sounded like my farmer dad and farmer brother, who are always watching the weather because they’re worried about the rain and if the crops will get watered at the right time.

My mind wandered yet again and I thought about the phrase, ‘you reap what you sow.’ I kind of chuckled when I thought about it because there are no guarantees that I will reap anything from the garden I planted. I think a phrase more appropriate for that would be ‘nothing in life is guaranteed.’

My time alone gardening also made me reflect on the last year. It has been a

tough year for many people. As we head into warmer months and some in-person activities, I’m sure everyone is a little grateful for some human interaction and camaraderie. As we head out into the world again, I think we should keep in mind – you reap what you sow. It is easy to be disgruntled and ornery but it is much more worthwhile to spread joy and kindness.

This Rural Route issue is always a fun one for our team. We do our best to share as many stories as possible of our members.

I hope you see the variety of agriculture connections as you flip through the pages.

Showcasing our members’ stories always makes me proud. It makes me feel honored to showcase their successes.

Our featured story is going to make you want to drive to Darlington just to try some gelato and support a family with a dream. The McComish family has set their hearts on selling gelato using the milk from their farm. How cool is that? (literally and figuratively … ) We also show you some other Farm Bureau faces. Those stories start on page 17. You’ll learn more about Logan and Amber Dwyer, who sell meat directly from their farm, Kellie Zahn who manages the farm for the Stockbridge-Munsee tribal community and Jennifer Hinkel who is serving as the 2021 National Honey Queen.

You also will learn more about other members throughout this edition of Rural Route. The phrase ‘you reap what you sow’ is true for our Farm Bureau members. They are reaping great accomplishments through their involvement in Farm Bureau and by following their passion for agriculture.

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

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

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

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

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

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP

Q: A:

Q and A

What is Farm Bureau?

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is a voice for farmers. At more than 47,000 members strong, WFBF is the state’s largest general agriculture organization that represents farms of all types and sizes. WFBF consists of 61 county Farm Bureaus, each with a local board of directors. Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process ensures that the organization’s legislative policy is created from the bottom up, based on resolutions that are proposed at the local level by voting members.

Q: A:

Why pay dues to be a Farm Bureau member?

Farm Bureau is a membership organization that relies on dues as a primary source of revenue. By joining Farm Bureau, you become part of an organization that provides numerous member benefits (for more details, see page 22) while helping to support Wisconsin’s #1 industry. Members are classified at the county level as voting or associate, with voting members having the right to hold office and vote on the organization’s policy.

Q: A:

I’m not a farmer, so why should I be a member of Farm Bureau?

Agriculture is a major driver of Wisconsin’s economy. We all have a vested interest in helping maintain a safe, affordable and abundant food supply. As a member of Farm Bureau, you support programs and policies that ensure that farmers can continue to feed and clothe us, while keeping Wisconsin’s economy strong.

Q: A:

Can my spouse and I share a membership?

Yes! A Farm Bureau membership is a family membership. It applies to the member, member’s spouse and any children younger than 21. A family member 21 or older requires his or her own membership.

Q: A:

I have an insurance policy with Rural Mutual.

Why is Farm Bureau membership required?

In 1934, Wisconsin Farm Bureau members created the Rural Mutual Insurance Company to service the insurance needs of its members. Rural Mutual is an affiliate of Farm Bureau, and access to insurance products sold through Rural Mutual is a benefit of membership. Therefore, a paid Farm Bureau membership is a prerequisite to purchase auto, homeowners, country estate, farm and crop/hail policies through Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

Q: A:

When does my membership renew?

Your annual membership renewal date is the first day of whatever month you joined Farm Bureau. You will receive a renewal notice approximately 45 days prior to the due date.

Q: A:

How much are my annual membership dues?

Membership dues are established at the local level by your county Farm Bureau board of directors and vary from county to county. Annual dues range from $50 to $60, depending on which county you live in.

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How are my dues used?

When you join Farm Bureau, you not only become a member of your county Farm Bureau, but also Wisconsin Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau. Your membership dues are allocated as follows:

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

$40

- Used to support state activities, conduct programs and provide staffing for those efforts throughout the state.

Consumer and youth education, issue advocacy, leadership development and member publications are services that also are funded with state dues.

American Farm Bureau Federation

$5

- Forwarded to support Farm Bureau activities at a national level. These funds support agriculture’s voice in our nation’s capital as well as the many programs that AFBF has in place to educate consumers, share the message of agriculture and provide online resources to its members.

Accidental Death Policy - A small portion

$1

of your dues is applied as premium on an accidental death insurance policy that is a benefit of membership and covers you as a member, as well as your spouse and eligible children.

County Farm Bureau

$

- The remaining portion of your dues depending on the county is used to fund local events and activities. This may include county meetings, scholarships and other programs for youth, consumer education activities and member service programs in that county. wfbf.com

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ISSUES

Broadband – How Can You Engage?

A ccess to adequate rural broadband has been an issue Wisconsin farmers and rural residents have been talking about and advocating for since dial-up was an option.

While we’ve known the disparity between access to broadband in urban versus rural settings is significant, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue.

Students around the state participated in virtual learning and a substantial portion of Wisconsin’s workforce has been working remotely for more than a year. But farmers and rural residents know all too well the challenges that are part of trying to get broadband access.

Connecting the last mile As rural residents, many of our farmers live further off the country road than others. When plans are made to run cable down a highway to connect residents, it’s hard to get those country roads, and rural residents connected who are a little too far.

It’s too costly to connect that last mile for one or two households or farms.

For some of our farmers, this means tough decisions. Those who look to incorporate new technologies on their farms are faced with the reality that their internet connection does not support the connection speed needed to run an internet-based software program.

Farmers who use direct sales and marketing are left trying to get adequate access to broadband to interact with consumers.

When was the last time you had to drive 20 miles to sit in the parking lot of a store in order to pick up a strong enough Wi-Fi signal so you could connect to a virtual meeting, upload an informational video to your farm Facebook page or answer emails?

When this is the reality that many farmers face when it comes to access to broadband, no wonder our rural communities fail to attract large numbers of young people. We can’t offer them what they’re asking for – internet access.

Access to reliable and affordable broadband should be an option that is available for Wisconsin residents.

What’s being discussed with political leaders?

Governor Tony Evers announced that 2021 is the year of broadband and has put forth a proposal that would spend $190 million to invest in Wisconsin broadband. The specifics are $150 million for expanding broadband infrastructure

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By Karen Gefvert

in underserved areas and $40 million to help low-income individuals afford internet service.

The American Rescue Plan Act became law on March 11 and would direct $3.2 billion in federal spending to Wisconsin to be spent on COVID public health response, economic relief and recovery in addition to the resources for states to invest in infrastructure. The U.S. Treasury recently released guidance language on how these funds are to be specifically used and it directly states use for growth of broadband infrastructure.

Distribution of these funds is solely at the discretion of Gov. Evers. He recently announced $100 million to be used for broadband access.

These funds are to be used specifically for expansion of highspeed broadband internet across the state.

The state legislature passed Assembly Bill 239 that would direct the governor to spend $500 million of the American Rescue Plan Act funds toward expanding access to broadband for underserved areas using the existing structure of the Public Service Commission’s Broadband Expansion Grant program. The governor vetoed this legislation.

In addition, Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) has introduced legislation that would create updates to the Public Service Commissions’ Broadband Expansion Grant Program.

As part of the changes, there would be an increase in the standards for access to quality broadband by redefining the ‘unserved’ category.

For farmers and rural residents, the question is not, “Does the state or federal government pay for the expansion of broadband?” The question is, “When will I have access?” The time to advocate for robust investment in our broadband infrastructure is now.

How can you help?

Broadband access is at our fingertips, but we need your help.

Call and email the governor’s office as well as your members of the State Assembly and State Senate. Ask them to robustly invest in access to broadband for unserved areas. Tell them rural residents need quality, reliable and affordable broadband access.

It’s time to invest in the last mile and our rural communities.

We can’t afford not to.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farmers Are Environmental Stewards F armers are leading the way in climate-smart practices that reduce emissions, enrich the soil and protect our water and air, all while producing more food, fiber and renewable fuel than ever before. U.S. agriculture contributes just 10 percent to overall greenhouse gas emissions, far less than other major industries, and plays an active role in enhancing wildlife and absorbing carbon.

Farm Bureau is proud of agriculture’s sustainability story and believes the future of agriculture is bright as we work together to further climate-smart solutions that protect our resources, farms and communities.

Logan and Amber Dwyer are Wisconsin farmers who take pride in being environmental stewards.

“If we aren’t failing at one thing a year, we have to ask ourselves if we are pushing the boundaries, learning and making a difference,” said Logan.

The Dwyers use cover crops to keep soil in place and a conservation practice called no-till where crops are still grown but the soil isn’t disturbed.

“We will take a field out of crops, plant a cover crop and let the cattle graze it,” explained Logan. “That in turn, will let the

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cattle fertilize the field for a crop for the next year. The cover crop has anywhere from three to 16 different species of plants that the cattle can eat and it’s super diversified which also is beneficial to the soil.”

Learn more about farmers’ efforts in environmental stewardship and watch a video that debuted on Earth Day by visiting fb.org/land/sustainability-in-ag.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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McComish Family Farms and Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato,

A Complementary Pair Meet the Farmer. Know the Cows.

Love the Dairy Good Treats!

Story by Marian Viney. Photos by Lynn Siekmann

A

few years ago, Lafayette County Farm Bureau members and dairy farmers Amber and Joe McComish were looking for a value-added product to complement their dairy farm and their working agreement with Joe’s parents, Tim and Kim McComish.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Amber tried making cheese, yogurt, ice cream and eventually gelato, a frozen dessert with an Italian origin as far back as the 14th century.

“When I started making gelato, Joe exclaimed that he thought it was something I was good at, and it might be the value-added product we were looking for,” said Amber.

In a state that measures its ice cream by how much butterfat it contains, gelato is different and offers a delicious alternative.

Amber explained that gelato is made with less fat than ice cream. It has five to seven percent fat content whereas ice cream’s fat content is 10 to 12 percent or even more. Gelato is churned slower and has about 25 percent air while ice cream can be as much as 50 percent air. Gelato has a smooth silky texture, whereas ice cream has a fine crystal texture.

Another difference is gelato is served at 10 degrees and ice cream is served at 0 degrees.

Realizing the need to diversify because of the crisis in Wisconsin’s dairy industry, the couple relied on their Irish heritage and faith in their dreams and worked with staff from the Platteville Business Incubator to create and slowly develop Lucky Cow Gelato, a wholesale business that sells gelato to local restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores.

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“Just as gelato is churned slower, we took our time to build our business and used local resources,” said Amber.

Last April, during the pandemic, the couple opened Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato at 333 W. Main Street in Darlington. Just weeks ago, they purchased the building that they are currently in, which was built in 1808 and housed a bakery for 28 years.

“Knowing our customers and realizing what they wanted, coffee was an easy complement,” added Joe. “The only places to get coffee around here were fast-food restaurants or gas stations.”

Amber laughed and added, “The first day, we had lines down the street. We certainly knew what our customers wanted.”

Almost a year later, Amber and her staff offer 10 to 15 fresh gelato flavors including Classy Cow Vanilla, French Cow Pie, Strawberry Sorbet, Lemon Sorbet, Butter Pecan, Royal Apple Pie, Irish Mint, Cookie Monster, Razzle Dazzle Raspberry, Amaretto Cherry, Bourbon Jersey Caramel and Highly Calf-Enaited. Bakery items include scones, muffins, donuts and nutritious energy bites. Additionally, they offer mac and cheese specials on Fridays, quiche, bagel kits and new to the line-up, grilled cheese sandwiches. Iced and flavored coffees include cappuccino, latte, breve, whipped coffee, iced coffee and even Farmer Joe’s Cold Brew.

“Lucky Cow offers some non-coffee drinks, too,” said Joe. Earlier this year, Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato was named a top-five finalist in Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Main Street Makeover contest and New Business of the Year.

In March for Women’s History Month, Amber created Lady WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Amber and her husband Joe are raising their children Hunter, 8, Killian, 6, and Meara, 3, the seventh generation, on the Lafayette County dairy farm that has been in the McComish family since 1848, the year that Wisconsin become a state.

Howie gelato to honor Adda Howie, one of Wisconsin’s first corn and beans. No-tilling is a conservation practice that keeps female leaders in agriculture and the first women to serve on the carbon in the ground. The soil is tested regularly so they know Wisconsin Board of Agriculture. The specialty flavor includes what the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels are. peanut butter, bourbon and caramel.

“We knife in manure and it saves on fertilizer cost for the next “It’s one of my favorite flavors,” added Amber who takes every year,” added Joe. opportunity to advocate, promote and inform her customers The process of knife injection also puts manure right where it about agriculture. “I want them to connect with our cows, our needs to be preventing run-off. farm and our family.”

The feed, silage and ground corn are mixed. The feed is Because of the construction in Darlington this summer, the tested so they are sure the cows have every nutrient they need. couple is taking the business off They grow everything except some of Main Street in a customized food the protein sources that they purchase, trailer that will be parked near the for example, distillers grains, which come Cheese Country Recreation Trail, from ethanol plants. Everything else is a very popular trail that meanders farm grown. through southwest Wisconsin’s In 2014, Amber and Joe joined Farm Driftless Area.

Bureau to meet other farmers and to “This year, one of our goals is enjoy other activities off the farm. Amber to exclusively use milk from our serves as the secretary/treasurer and cows,” added Amber, who earned Promotion and Education committee a bachelor’s degree in dairy science chair for the Lafayette County Farm with a management option from Bureau. She also participated in the 2019 UW-River Falls. “Because of the WFBF Leadership Institute.

A new calf made it’s arrival to the McComish logistics and cost, we haven’t used “What a great program,” said Amber. farm family. the milk from our cows exclusively.

“I credit the leadership institute with We want to change that.” lighting a fire to continue with the Lucky Cow is closed on Sundays and Mondays to business plan for Lucky Cow.” accommodate family time and herd health checks. Amber By serving on the county Farm Bureau board, Amber serves is responsible for managing herd health and keeps an extra her community by advocating for agriculture and providing protective eye on a few of the Jerseys in the Holstein herd opportunities to connect local consumers through Promotion similar to Adda Howie’s care for her Jerseys years ago. and Education, the fair food stand or scholarship committees.

On the family farm Amber also takes care of the calves.

“Advocating for agriculture by selling dairy products at Lucky “The calves are fed three times a day and when they are three Cow is our focus, something that my husband and I want to do months old, the calves are moved to my parents’ farm where the for our family and something that’s going to make our family calves are cared for until they are a year old and then they are more sustainable on the farm,” said Amber. brought back to the home farm,” explained Amber.

When asked about future plans, Amber said that getting the Joe’s responsibilities on the farm include mechanic and trailer up and running and working on processing their cow’s herd manager. milk are the major focus.

“I’m also the overall crops guy,” said Joe. Amber added, “Once those goals are met, who knows what we The McComish Farm no-tills just about everything, including might come up with.”

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Farm Bureau Faces

W

WFBF members live and work all over the state. Some wear dress shoes every day, while others wear boots. Having so many unique voices come together to represent agriculture is truly what makes Farm Bureau strong.

In the next few pages, you will have a chance to meet some Farm Bureau members. While they might be different in what they do every day, you’ll find a similarity between them: their passion for agriculture.

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hile we tend to think about Wisconsin as America’s Dairyland, the state’s agricultural sector is quite diverse.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s website, the state ranks first in the nation for snap beans for processing, cheese, cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey for humans, milk goats and corn for silage.

As the state’s largest general agricultural organization, that diversity shines through Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s membership.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Faces:

Logan & Amber Dwyer Story by Lynn Siekmann. Photos by Cassie Sonnentag.

B

arron County Farm Bureau members Logan and Amber Dwyer’s involvement in agriculture began at an early age.

Amber was raised on a 60-cow dairy farm south of Chetek.

Logan’s grandparents also were dairy farmers but switched to raising beef cattle after they retired. His parents raised the youngstock for his grandparents and had horses.

For a high school FFA project, Logan started an egg business. He had about 300 laying hens and sold eggs locally and at markets.

Although Logan and Amber grew up near each other, they met through mutual friends while attending the Barron County Fair during high school. While in college, they reconnected. They soon began dating and this October, the couple will have been married four years and now have a one-and-half-year-old daughter, Evelynn.

In November 2016, Logan and Amber bought Havin Hills Rolling Acres from Logan’s grandparents.

Since then, the couple has made a lot of changes to the farm.

“It is amazing how far our farm has come over the past five years,” Amber said. “We have grown our herd of cattle from about 15 to about 80 head.”

They also added many different animals throughout the years. They raise chickens including broilers and laying hens, turkeys, beef cattle and one dairy cow.

They also have raised pigs and goats.

The Dwyers began direct marketing their beef, chicken and turkeys to consumers directly from the farm.

“The thing we love most about direct marketing our products is knowing our customers are getting a great product every time they stop in, along with getting to teach people about farming,” said Amber.

The Dwyers also have the added benefit of knowing they are getting a fair price on their product and knowing the animal is JUNE | JULY 2021

well taken care of. The Dwyers are grateful that an animal they have raised will help feed their customers’ families.

Amber added, “It is satisfying having consumers choose products grown and raised on our farm and receiving positive feedback such as, ‘This is the most tender steak I have ever had.’”

The Dwyers admit that working directly with customers comes with challenges. The biggest challenge is finding the ideal customer. The Dwyers use Facebook marketing, which can sometimes be problematic.

They also find some people think their prices are expensive, which provides some frustration knowing how much it costs to raise an animal and get it processed.

Despite the challenges, the Dwyers want to keep growing their direct marketing business. They want to sell more turkeys for Thanksgiving and offer turkey breasts and ground turkey year-round.

The couple is working with another farmer to ship their products. The Dwyers provide beef, turkey and chicken while the other farmer offers pork and chicken. This partnership allows customers to do a one-stop-shop for all their meat and have it shipped directly to their door.

Logan and Amber work off the farm in addition to their responsibilities on the farm. Amber feeds the chickens, turkeys and cattle. She does the direct marketing, along with the farm’s bookwork. Logan works with the cattle and the crops. He also does custom seed cleaning.

Amber and Logan joined Farm Bureau to be more active within their local and agricultural communities. Logan was a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-River Falls and when the couple moved back to Barron County, they joined Barron County Farm Bureau. wfbf.com

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Farm Bureau Face:

I

Kellie Zahn

n 2016, Kellie Zahn was looking for a new challenge when she applied to be the agricultural agent for the StockbridgeMunsee Community.

The past few years have been filled with challenges, learning and opportunities as she began the community’s farm, which is called, ‘Keek-oche’ in Mohican or ‘From the Earth’ in English.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Tribe is one of 11 tribes in Wisconsin. According to their Facebook page, there are about 1,470 Tribal members. Thirty-four percent live on the reservation, which is comprised of 24,000-acres in Shawano County.

“I grew up on an established dairy farm,” said Kellie. “You kind of take for granted how much work it is to get a farm going.”

The first years included a lot of grant writing, learning about indigenous crops, implementing surveys and gathering input from community members on what they wanted in a community farm.

In 2018, they started with a quarter of an acre dedicated to a garden. This year they hope for two acres. In total, they have six acres dedicated to the community farm that someday could grow to have other types of agriculture or animals.

“Our goal is to grow the farm into what will best serve the community and to work toward food security,” explained Kellie.

“I’m not naturally a dreamer but I have learned to force myself to be one. We are basically building the combination of my dreams and the community’s at the same time.”

Throughout the year it’s important that Kellie provides resources to the community to learn about food and farming.

She has hosted classes on seed starting, composting, plants and food preservation.

“Food preservation has been the biggest demand,” Kellie

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By Amy Eckelberg

said. “I don’t think that’s just here in the community but everywhere. People want to go back to canning, freezing and allowing themselves to have their fresh food longer like their grandparents did.”

Sometimes she also provides instructions on how to use certain types of food.

“I think it’s important that we make people comfortable with the food they are getting,” said Kellie.

Last year, the garden supported 45 subscribers through its Community Supported Agriculture program. This year, the CSA program runs for 15 weeks and has 55 subscribers.

The community also just received a grant to get three hydroponic machines. Some of the machines are placed in the Community Center to draw attention to the fresh food and unique agriculture system.

Kellie has picked up tips and tricks by attending conferences, watching educational YouTube videos and making connections with other farmers.

“I have learned a lot but there is still a lot to learn,” she said. “I like that I get to be outside and enjoy the beautiful days, but mostly I love that I get to grow food for other people.

When there is food there is always relationships that are built and that’s really powerful.”

You could say that Kellie truly does farm full-time. Kellie and her husband Ryan are taking over her parents’ dairy farm near Clintonville, so she spends her nights and weekends working on the farm. The family milks 310 cows and grows crops on about 1,000 acres. Her parents Doug and Mary Behnke hope to retire in the coming years when Ryan and Kellie will take full ownership.

Kellie also stays active in the Shawano County Farm Bureau and recently graduated from Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Leadership Institute.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau Face:

S

Jennifer Hinkel

ome jobs are sweet. As the 2021 American Honey Queen, Jennifer Hinkel visits with people of all ages about beekeeping and honey.

Growing up on a Christmas tree and pumpkin farm, she learned at a young age that pollination is important. She learned about beekeeping from a middle school teacher and works alongside her mentor to tend to five hives.

“I knew I wanted to be the spokesperson for the honey and beekeeping industry after connecting with beekeepers and hearing why they are involved with bees,” Jennifer said. “Some do it because they enjoy being outdoors and working with bees. On the other hand, some beekeepers are following in the footsteps of earlier family generations.”

In her role as the American Honey Queen, she works to create awareness about the pollination impact bees have, shares stories from beekeepers across the country and sparks excitement for bees and honey in younger generations.

Jennifer gets many questions but the most common is about different honey varieties.

“There are more than 300 different varieties of honey available in the U.S.”, she explained.

“Each variety of honey is unique because of the floral sources that the honeybees visit. As a general rule of thumb, a lighter color honey will typically have a delicate taste while a darker color honey will have a bolder flavor.”

She noted in Wisconsin we have unique varieties, such as cranberry honey because of the strong presence of the fruit found in the state.

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By Amy Eckelberg

Of all her visits, she enjoys classroom visits the most.

“I am fascinated to see faces light up when we talk about honeybees and how bees pollinate more than one-third of the food we eat,” Jennifer said. “When the students discover what food they would not have if it was not for honeybees, they are enthusiastic to learn more about the role of beekeepers.”

Jennifer also notes in her promotions that honey is much more than something you drizzle or add to your tea. It can be used for a sugar substitute in baking and cooking, a treatment for wounds and burns or as a natural moisturizer.

While travel has been limited due to COVID-19, she has attended many virtual events and one of her goals is to promote honey and bees in all 50 states. Recently, she traveled to Colorado to see a honey production plant.

When she is not wearing the tiara, Jennifer works full-time at the Wisconsin State Fair where she is the agriculture education and communication coordinator.

In this role, she creates educational content and displays for fairgoers as well as exhibitor programming and messaging. When she isn’t working or representing the more than 200,000 beekeepers in the U.S., she spends her time working with her horses and volunteering with Racine 4-H. She also volunteers in the Racine County Fair Cream Puff stand run by the Racine County Farm Bureau.

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These Farm Bureau member benefits

ARE SIZZLING!

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

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

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

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

Rural Mutual

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

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

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

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

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

Visit farmbureau.bank.

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

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

Accidental Death Policy • AgriVisor • Life Line Screening • Avis • Budget • ScriptSave • $500 Reward Protection Program Grainger • AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program • Office Depot • John Deere Visit wfbf.com to find out more about your membership benefits! *WFBF member benefits may be changed or discontinued at anytime without notice.* 22

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP

John Deere Benefit Pays for Eau Claire Member R

SUPPLIED PHOTO

ecently, Eau Claire County Farm Bureau member Allen ‘Bud’ Sonnentag purchased a John Deere 835R Gator to save some steps. He used the Farm Bureau John Deere member benefit to save even more than just steps.

Bud was born and raised in Cadott and co-owns Sonnentag Custom Farming with his wife, Cassie, and parents, David and Karen Sonnentag.

“We offer a variety of custom services from planting to harvest,” said Bud. The Sonnentags offer custom planting and harvesting services in their home area, and often travel across state lines for summer harvest, as well.

“We have harvested in South Dakota, Iowa and Missouri on separate occasions,” said Bud. “It is a rewarding business that I enjoy being a part of.”

The salesman Bud worked with was Ryan Schesel at Tractor Central in Chippewa Falls.

“We have a great working relationship and have made several purchases from Tractor Central,” added Bud. “While owning and operating a custom farming business, their staff is always a phone call away when we need a part or service and are excellent people to work with.”

Bud mentioned that at the time of purchase Ryan wasn’t aware that he was a Farm Bureau member but his wife, Cassie, who works for Farm Bureau, was aware of the John Deere member benefit.

“Ryan is a great salesman who we’ve done business with several times,” said Bud. “This was the first time using the John Deere member benefit and it saved me $500 on a brand new 835R John Deere Gator.”

“Once we worked out the details with the John Deere member benefit, everything worked out really well for Bud,” said Schesel, who has worked in sales at Tractor Central for 10 years.

“It was a pleasure to work with him once again.”

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By Marian Viney

“We don’t have immediate plans to purchase more equipment, but when we do, we will probably work with John Deere again,” added Bud. Wisconsin Farm Bureau members receive an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership (Platinum 1) unlocking extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise.

To use the John Deere member benefit you must be a member of Farm Bureau for 30 days and have a valid email address.

Bud added that he’s been a member of Farm Bureau for about four years and has used the hotel discount member benefit “quite a bit while traveling” and the family also uses the Office Depot discount on products and printing services.

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

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Grassroots in Action

Farm Bureau prides itself on being a grassroots organization. Members belong to one of the 61 county Farm Bureaus. Throughout the state, local members advocate for Farm Bureau and agriculture in a variety of ways. Here are some of the activities and projects happening locally.

National Ag Day Celebration

Grain Bin Rescue Training

Marquette County Farm Bureau celebrated National Ag Day in partnership with UWMadison Extension Marquette County, 4-H and other local businesses. Thirty goodie bags were put together and delivered to local farmers including Christmas tree and dairy farms and vegetable, grain and livestock producers, both big and small. Many of the farmers were found either going to the field or doing chores. The Marquette County Farm Bureau donated Kwik Trip gift cards for each of the goodie bags, and 4-H members delivered the bags to area farmers.

In March, Racine and Kenosha County Farm Bureaus, along with local Rural Mutual Insurance agents and other agricultural groups, donated toward the Grain Bin Rescue Training held at Ehrhart Farms, Inc. Forty-three members from nine fire departments in Racine and Kenosha counties, as well as local farmers and agricultural workers, attended the event.

Multiple scenarios were conducted.

Family Night at Fireside Jackson and Eau Claire County Farm Bureau YFAs co-hosted ‘Family Night’ on April 24 at Foster’s Fireside in Osseo. Farm Bureau members were encouraged to attend with their families to enjoy free wood-fire pizza, play games and socialize. The two-hour event drew 70 members and their families, many of whom shared that they appreciated the opportunity to get out and enjoy a meal with their families.

Local Candidate Endorsements Polk Burnett Farm Bureau recently made some local town board endorsements in the spring election held on April 6. The Polk Burnett Farm Bureau selected five towns between the two counties to offer the Polk Burnett Farm Bureau endorsement.

Candidate questionnaires were sent out to registered town board candidates within five contested town races. A committee of Polk Burnett Farm Bureau members met to review each of the questionnaires that were returned and made decisions on endorsements. The committee chose to make endorsement in the towns of Laketown and Osceola in Polk County, and Wood River and Trade Lake within Burnett County. Postcards were then sent to current members in the selected towns indicating the endorsed candidates.

Of the few candidates that Polk Burnett Farm Bureau offered the endorsement to, three of them won their race for town board and another candidate got within three votes.

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Firefighters practiced extricating a trapped victim inside of a grain bin. Fire and rescue personal used various extrication tools to remove a victim entangled in an auger. Rescue personnel practiced using saws to cut holes in the side of a grain bin to allow the release of corn to free an entrapped victim.

Farm Neighbors Care Project Farm Bureau volunteers gathered on May 3 to fill 140 goodie bags to distribute to farmers and agriculturists across Clark, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Price, Taylor and Wood counties. Thank you to Rural Mutual Insurance agent Jennifer Zinda-Mancl for sponsoring the bags, and to Lake and Woods Rural Mutual Insurance District Manager David Meihak and the county Farm Bureaus for sponsoring the items within the bags.

Leaders Visit Blackhawk Technical College Green County Farm Bureau board members enjoyed visiting with students in the Blackhawk Technical College Professional Agriculture Students Club. The PAS Club members met with the following:

• Ben Huber, Agronomy Department Manager for Insight FS

• Erin Marchant, Financial Officer for Compeer Financial

• Amy Silver, Agricultural Portfolio Manager for State Bank of Cross Plains

• Carmen Montgomery, Business and Computer Teacher for Argyle School District Students learned about career opportunities, college opportunities to get involved in and the benefits of becoming a Farm Bureau member.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

VOICES

Observations After a Year

A Message from WFBF President Kevin Krentz

A

s a farmer myself, I know nothing is more important than the ability to get a safe, abundant food supply to our customers. During the last year, we have experienced supply chain disruptions globally and have learned a lot in the process.

We saw empty grocery store shelves or certain items were limited. This is something that hasn’t happened in the U.S. for a generation, but it sparked a great conversation about food.

It’s important to note that farming did not stop. We saw packaging and delivery systems adjust to restaurants and schools closing and people working from home.

At the same time, consumers stocked up on groceries and other products causing new trends in food buying and demand.

During the last year, we have not only seen the importance of food production, but the importance of getting the food to the people who need it. While exports and feeding a hungry planet are integral parts of agriculture, so are domestic programs such as the child nutrition programs that help provide school meals

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to children across the U.S. But this food conversation goes much deeper. People want to know more about their food and COVID-19 escalated that discussion. Through the pandemic, we continued to have the safest and affordable food in the world.

Furthermore, our customers are now asking deeper questions about how food is produced and how that production impacts our planet.

I can guarantee you that farmers want to be part of the discussion. Global climate challenges were not caused by farmers, but we will certainly be part of the solution. As an example, we continue to implement volunteer programs to capture carbon to reduce or eliminate our carbon footprint. With continued on-farm efficiencies implemented, dairies have lowered their carbon footprint of a gallon of milk by more than 19 percent between 2007 and 2017.

Farmers also will continue to produce products for such items as biofuels to reduce global climate impacts.

While the success of getting better soils and cleaner water is a moving target, the research, development and implementation of more programs are costly for farmers alone, so we are looking for partners to make this happen and to continuously improve.

We need to start by creating a funding mechanism to bring investments into agriculture. Investments that help farmers do what we do best – working collaboratively to solve problems. We need an incentive-based system to meet our objectives versus regulating family farms out of business.

Farmers are worried. Even though commodity prices are on an uptick, they are overburdened by regulations and trying to predict an uncertain

future. Wisconsin has some of the most productive land in the country. We grow some of the largest crops of potatoes, cranberries and ginseng. It’s important to support farmers because losing Wisconsin farms is not only harmful for rural communities’ economies but also for the consumers who have come to expect healthy, safe, abundant, locallygrown food.

Farm Bureau stands with farmers. We support farmers in a variety of areas.

Specifically on this topic we stand for a science-based approach to regulation and are in support of farmers implementing on-farm environmental research and creating strategies and tools of implementation through programs such as the farmer-led watershed groups.

We also have volunteers around the state advocating on the local level telling farmers’ stories. Currently, Wisconsin Farm Bureau is making plans to amplify efforts in sharing how farmers work to protect our precious natural resources.

This past year has given us a chance to really dive into a conversation on food and farming. The supply chain challenges will continue as it is a learning curve as demand shifts constantly. When global disruption of supply happens, it affects everything. The amount of online purchasing is astronomically more than in the past, so we are learning some new processes along the way. Shipping ports and labor add to the challenges as well.

One thing won’t change and that’s farmers desire to produce the food, fiber and fuel that people come to expect when they enter a store or when they click the order button online.

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

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Helping Young Americans Return to Rural Roots A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall

I

n times of crisis, our priorities become clear with family topping the list. The pandemic prompted a great migration home for many young Americans last year. As many offices and college campuses went virtual last spring, it presented a prime opportunity for recent graduates and young families to return home and relocate to smaller towns and communities. While only time will tell if these moves become permanent and take root, we now have a unique opportunity to encourage the next generation to plant and grow their lives and families in rural America.

We cannot expect young Americans to stay and build their families and careers, however, if the opportunities in rural communities lag behind our suburban and urban neighbors. Bridging the digital divide is critical to opening those opportunities and access to essential resources, healthcare, education and jobs.

That’s why the American Farm

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Bureau is proud to partner with 19 other organizations, including Land O’ Lakes and Lead for America, in the new American Connection Corps. This pilot project will place 50 recent college graduates in communities across 12 states to work with local organizations and government entities to help tap into federal and state resources to increase broadband access and connect all members of the community.

American Connection Corps fellows will be paid through the program and serve for two years. In addition to their work on broadband access, they will take part in mentoring programs in their local communities, working with young people and empowering them to get involved in and help start local programs and businesses. This is a promising opportunity to bring young people home and encourage them to plant themselves in the local community. You can help spread the word too by encouraging dedicated young folks in your community to apply. The pilot program will begin in communities in Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Kansas and Oregon.

If we are going to continue to strengthen agriculture and rebuild our rural economies, we need to create more pathways for young professionals in a variety of fields to return home.

Agricultural communities also suffer from a shortage of professionals like veterinarians, whom we rely on to help in the care of our animals but often cannot afford to practice in more remote areas right out of school. Legislative solutions such as the Veterinary Medicine Loan

Repayment Program Enhancement Act play an important role in bridging this gap as well. This bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) would reduce taxes for veterinarians who agree to practice in under-served rural areas.

Farm Bureau believes that innovation and small businesses also play a critical role in our rural economies. That’s what led us to start the Ag Innovation Challenge and continue to build on its success. This was the first national business competition to focus on rural entrepreneurs, and it’s been inspiring to see how these small business owners rise to address the challenges facing farmers and rural communities. Applications are now open for the 2022 competition, and we are excited to award $165,000 in startup funds to 10 businesses thanks to our partnership with Farm Credit and our generous sponsors.

As we move forward as a nation to the other side of this pandemic—Lordwilling very soon—I hope that we carry with us the renewed focus on the importance of family and home. I might be a little biased, but I truly believe there is no better place to raise a family than farm country. Our rural communities and economy are critical to the well-being of our nation, and we can be stronger across our communities as we increase our ability to connect and build on our successes together.

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

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VOICES

Youth Build Civic Capacity and Community Sustainability A Message from UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Joe Maldonado

Y

outh leadership development is critical in building civic capacity, social capital and long-term community sustainability in local communities.

Programs that teach useful skills and build the self-confidence of young people ensure capable, effective leaders for the next generation. In addition, recent national trends including an increase in youth civic service and a new emphasis on civic education in schools indicate a growing need for leadership training to ensure young people are prepared to participate in political and civic life.

The UW-Madison Division of Extension works with local governments and community planning initiatives – such as Youth In Governance – to create opportunities for youth input. These efforts result in youth who build civic

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engagement skills and habits, which connects them to people and places.

Extension staff provide training for youth representatives and general guidance for youth representatives and their adult mentors.

Additionally, Extension staff facilitate program outreach and representative selection. Applications are reviewed for youth who were interested or curious about government, how decisions are made and learning more about the county – some applicants believe that the experience would help them explore political science as a possible college major. Some saw themselves as future politicians. Others mentioned the program as a way to bring forward the youth voice in community decisions, and others mentioned their interest in service and that this is a way for them to serve.

High school aged youth who participate in Youth In Governance spend between a semester and a year serving on county boards or on county board committees and receive mentoring from elected officials. Youth participants have opportunities to present publicly, join committees of interest, and in some cases participate in the decision-making process. They also meet regularly with their cohorts as a learning community and each has a capstone project.

Participating youth experience growth in their leadership skills and learn strategies to collaborate with others, engage in productive civil dialogue, clearly and confidently share their opinions and consider the viewpoints

of others. According to one youth participant, “(Youth In Governance) allowed me to observe and learn from our leaders and gain insight into what a good leader is, does and how they do things.”

Another youth representative shared, “By participating in the program, I was able to be a part of a group larger than myself, with people from various walks of life. The projects we worked on helped me develop skills to delegate tasks, to work with others for a greater good.

Those are some of the key skills that this program promotes.”

Besides leadership skills, youth increase their levels of civic engagement. Through experiential learning, they gain knowledge about how government operates and how to engage with government officials. As one youth stated, “I believe that Youth In Governance will aid me in my pursuit of other government-related positions. It also will make me feel more comfortable in taking on other leadership positions because I feel successful in this one.”

Youth In Governance provides a critical need to engage young people as leaders in finding solutions to issues facing their communities by empowering young people in decision making directly in their community and preparing the next generation of civic leaders.

To learn more about the Youth In Governance program, visit go.wisc.edu/youthgov.

Maldonado is the Community Youth Development Program Manager for UW-Madison Division of Extension.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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Taking Care of You Self-care. Two words that may bring a negative connotation to mind but what if you knew that self-care was more than bubble baths or indulgent shopping trips. Self-care means taking care of yourself so you can be healthy, do your job, help and care for others and achieve everything you want to in a day. When you are continuously feeling like you are burning that candle at both ends, it comes with consequences that include burnout, depression, anxiety and resentment. Engaging in self-care has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, minimize frustration and increase happiness.

Types of Self-Care Physical self-care involves activities that improve your physical health.

• Aim for a healthy diet.

• Take lunch breaks.

Note that soda and a candy bar are not lunch.

• Schedule routine health screenings such as physicals and dental exams.

• Set a consistent and sufficient sleep schedule.

• Engage in 30 minutes of physical activity five days per week.

• Drink plenty of water each day.

Mental self-care involves activities that stimulate your mind or intellect.

• Read a book.

• Attend a class to learn something new or of interest to you.

• Talk with a counselor.

• Learn a new skill.

• Practice mindfulness.

• Contact someone for help or support.

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Relational or Social

Workplace/Professional

self-care involves activities that nurture and deepen relationships with people in your life.

self-care involves having clear professional boundaries, sharing your strengths and gifts and living your purpose.

• Invest in relationships that are uplifting.

• Spend time talking to your friends and family, even over the phone or video-chat.

• Find ways to be involved in your community.

• Make a card or write a letter to someone you appreciate.

• Make time for important people in your life.

• Monitor your technology use.

Spiritual self-care involves activities that nurture your spirit and allow you to think of more than yourself.

• Meditate.

• Reflect in a journal.

• Clean your space.

• Volunteer to give back to others.

• Talk with a friend about your spirituality.

• Spend time in nature.

• Set boundaries at work (say ‘no’ when appropriate).

• Take mental health days when needed.

• Leave work at work.

• Attend professional development workshops and trainings.

• Minimize and resolve conflict with others.

• Be flexible with time and tasks as things come up.

Emotional self-care involves activities that help you connect, process and reflect on a range of emotions.

• Practice forgiveness with yourself when you make a mistake.

• Be aware of your emotions and how emotions affect your relationships.

• Practice gratitude.

• Join a support or peer group.

• Go for a walk.

• Practice self-compassion.

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Resources

American Farm Bureau Launches Farm State of Mind Resource Directory In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the American Farm Bureau Federation launched a comprehensive, easy-to-use online directory of resources for farmers and their families who are experiencing stress and mental health challenges.

The directory, which is on the Farm State of Mind website at farmstateofmind.org, features listings for crisis hotlines and support lines, counseling services, training opportunities, podcasts, videos, published articles and other resources in every U.S. state and Puerto Rico.

Listings for crisis support, counseling and behavioral health resources that are available nationwide also are included.

Everyone is encouraged to share the directory with their family, friends and community networks to ensure widespread awareness of the availability of these important resources.

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Take a Summertime Ag-Venture ag·ven·ture | noun: an exciting or remarkable agricultural experience.

(Source: wiagtourism.com.)

Promotion and Education Program

From fairs and farm tours to festivals and farmer’s markets, there are plenty of opportunities for an ag-venture in any part of the state. WFBF Promotion and Education Committee members shared a few of the events they are looking forward to this summer.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Where: Eau Claire

Wisconsin Valley Fair & Market Animal Show

Cost: Adults, $8; Youth 12 and younger, Free

When: August 3-8

When: July 20-22

Description: Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is the largest agricultural show in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the nation.

“I’m excited that Eau Claire County will be hosting this event. The 2021 show will be at Huntsinger Farms, located a short drive from Eau Claire. Many other farms in the area will be showcased. Chris Kroeze, local singer/songwriter, will perform all three days. I invite you to come see the wonderful things that agriculture has to offer.”

- Brenda Dowiasch, District 4

Where: Wausau

Cost: Adults and kids older than 10, $9; Kids 10 and under, Free

Description: Wisconsin Valley Fair is a great time for catching up with familiar faces on the board walk, animal barns or beer tent. You’ll get to see farm animals, adult and youth projects, commercial vendors, exhibition building contests and entertainment.

“My favorite part about the event is the Farm Bureau Ice Cream Barn, Little Britches show, brats, beers and polkas!” - Katie Zoromski, District 8

Wisconsin State Fair Where: Milwaukee/West Allis When: August 5-15

Cost: 12 and older, $14; Seniors 60+, $9; Military and veterans with identification, $9; Youth, ages 6-11, $9; Children, 5 and younger, Free

Vernon County Fair Where: Viroqua

When: September 15-19

Description: The Wisconsin State Fair provides entertainment and education for the whole family. The Wisconsin State Fair is a great place to learn about all aspects of agriculture as well as ‘taste’ them.

Cost: Adults, $8; Seniors (65+), $5; Children 6 to 15, $4; Children 5 and younger, Free

Description: The county fair is such a great event with entertainment for the entire community while providing a platform for individuals, young and old, to exhibit their work and talent.

“My favorite part about the event is the Little Britches Rodeo. It’s so special to witness the kiddos first showman experiences. They have so much excitement and pride when they get to bring their calves to the fairgrounds for the first time.”

- Krista Klinkner, District 3 Additional fairs take place across Wisconsin all summer long. Find the details on a fair near you at wifairs.com/events/fairs.

“My favorite part about the event is all the different foods to eat in the Wisconsin Products Pavilion building.”

- Brittney Muenster, District 7

Columbia County MOO-DAY Brunch Where: Schoepp Farms, Lodi When: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Adults, $7; Children, 4-10, $4; $3 and under, Free with paying adult Description: Join Columbia County Dairy Promotion Committee for brunch with your dairy favorites – pizza, grilled cheese, milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream.

Find out about other dairy breakfasts and events at wisconsindairy.org/ national-dairy-month/Dairy-Breakfasts.

Find additional events and activities at wiagtourism.com.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Farm Bureau

Recipes are from Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato. To learn more, visit facebook.com/ luckycowcoffeeandgelato

Lucky Cow White Chocolate Cherry Bars Ingredients

Lucky Cow Energy Balls Ingredients

• 1 c. old fashioned oats • 2/3 c. coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened) • 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. Stir all ingredients in mixing bowl until throughly combined.

2. Roll into balls

• 1/2 c. ground flax seed • 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips • 1/3 c. honey • 1 Tbsp. Chia seeds • 1 tsp. vanilla 3. Chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

*Balls can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 1 week or frozen for 3 months.

Batter• 1 c. (two sticks) butter softened • 2 c. granulated sugar • 4 large eggs • 3 c. all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1 Tbsp. vanilla • 3/4 c. white chocolate chips, divided Filling• 1 20-oz. can cherry pie filling

Glaze• 1/2 c. white chocolate chips • 11/2 Tbsp. heavy cream

Directions

Distribute the remaining 1/4 c. white chocolate chips.

4. B ake 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool on a rack and slice.

5. Make the glaze: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in microwave bowl and microwave at 50% power for about 11/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted, pausing and stirring well every 30 seconds.

Drizzle over bars using a fork. Bars can be served plain at room temperature, or warm with vanilla ice cream (my favorite).

Enjoy!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan and set aside.

2. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar together at medium speed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just incorporated (do not over beat the eggs). Beat flour and salt at low speed until just incorporated. Mix in vanilla and 1/2 c. chocolate chips until combined.

3. Spread 3 c. batter in greased baking pan.

Then, spread pie filling on top of dough.

Drop remaining dough by tablespoonfuls on top of cherry pie topping, spreading gently to cover filling as much as possible.

Lucky Cow Savory Scones Ingredients

• 21/2 c. all-purpose flour • 1 large egg, at room • 1/2 tsp. salt temperature, beaten • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper • 1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, • 1 tsp. baking powder VERY cold and cut into tiny • 1/2 tsp. baking soda pieces • 1/3 c. light brown sugar, packed • 1/2 c. plain full-fat yogurt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a large bowl add flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, baking soda and brown sugar; mix well to combine. Cut the butter into small cubes then quickly work it into mixture (using your fingers). Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, yogurt and milk, beating well to combine. Add the liquid mixture to dry and use a fork to stir JUNE | JULY 2021

• 2 Tbsp. whole Milk • 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded • 4 oz. ham, diced • 1/3 c. chives, chopped

everything together until just moistened.

3. Add cheese, ham and scallions. Gently fold into dough with a spatula.

4. P our the shaggy dough onto a clean, floured work surface and shape into an 8-inch circle. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and carefully transfer to the prepared sheet.

5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.

6. Cool for 5 minutes on the tray. Serve warm. wfbf.com

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Spotlight on YFA

Get to know the members who are leading Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program.

Ben and Haily Sand, District 9 WFBF YFA Committee members Farm Bureau members since 2018 Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?

Our Farm Bureau membership has kept us in contact with fellow farmers and hopefully will provide for a future in farming for generations to come. Not only does Farm Bureau represent local farmers within the county, but also on the state and federal levels through programming and legislative involvement. There are fewer farmers, and as they say the agricultural community is a small world, and it truly is. Since we aren’t able to walk to the neighbors and ask for help or pop in for a quick visit, we are calling, sending out text messages and setting up Zoom calls, to name a few. Times are changing and we need to change with them. That’s why being involved on the legislative side also allows us to advocate for what we think is right.

What has been your favorite Farm Bureau program/event/ etc and why?

Our favorite event has been the YFA Conference in Wisconsin Dells and also is the only event we have been able to attend due to COVID-19. The YFA Conference gave us the opportunity to not only meet the members of the state committee for the first time but we also met other young Farm Bureau members from across the state who share the same

passions as we do.

It was great to attend workshops, help keep the show rolling in the background and learn more specifics of different parts of agriculture, from agriculture tourism, policy, farming practices and crop production.

What would you tell YFA members about getting involved in the YFA program?

You need to take that leap and jump in; you will not regret it. YFA provides you with opportunities to help you build relationships, dive deeper into local and state issues, develop better speaking skills, other personal growth and be in front of what is coming in agriculture.

Best words of advice/words of wisdom?

Join! Attend a YFA event. Go to the WFBF Annual Meeting and if you see us, stop and say hi. Have questions, ask! Your membership is what you make it. If you don’t jump, you will never know.

District Discussion Meets Scheduled for this Summer!

The WFBF YFA Committee will be hosting district discussion meets this summer! The YFA Discussion Meet gives a young member an opportunity to demonstrate his or her speaking skills on agricultural-related topics.

Young Farmer and Contestants are judged on his or her problem-solving skills as they discuss timely topics with colleagues. The Agriculturist Program top 3 finishers will move on to compete in the state contest held during the WFBF YFA Conference and Annual Meeting at the Kalahari Resort in December. Contest rules and manual can be found at bit.ly/YFAcontests. For more information about the contest in your area, contact your District YFA Representative.

District Discussion Meet Dates District 1 – Aug. 3 District 2 – Aug. 2 District 3 – Aug. 6

District 4 – Aug. 3 District 5 – Aug. 25 District 6 – Aug. 4

District 7 – TBD District 8 – July 18 District 9 – July 29

The question to be discussed is, “How can Farm Bureau improve its effectiveness at recruiting YFA members and increasing participation in YFA programs.”

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program is for members between 18 and 35 years old. To learn more, visit wfbf.com/programs/young-farmer-and-agriculturist-program.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

5

MINUTES

WITH TAYLOR COUNTY’S

ROB KLUSSENDORF

By Marian Viney

Please share a little about yourself.

I was born on the Fourth of July the son of Donald and Louise Klussendorf. I was raised with the work ethic of a mule, stubborn and determined to better myself. In 1968, I married Christine Rolfe and we were blessed with daughter, Erica, and son, Ryan. Now, we are grandparents to five grandchildren.

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

What is one agricultural experience that has defined you?

I chose farming because I love working with animals and working the soil.

My first Farm Bureau Young Farmer meeting. My Dad voluntold me to go and a wise man stood in front of the room and said, “If you not like the way things are going and do nothing about it, do not complain.”

Tell us about your farm in Waukesha County and your responsibilities?

After graduating from UW-Platteville, I went home. After a devastating barn fire, we built a total confinement, slated floor, free-stall barn and double-8 parlor. We expanded from 60 cows to 185. In 1979, we changed from a partnership to a s-corporation for estate planning.

When you moved to Taylor County did you farm and what were your responsibilities?

After retiring, Chris and I wanted to be closer to our three grandsons so we moved to Taylor County. I help on Ryan and Cheri’s farm driving tractor or mixing feed.

What was it like to move from an urban Waukesha County to a rural Taylor County? How did you transition the Ag in the Classroom work that you did?

Moving to Taylor County was an adjustment, everything is a slower pace, not just the traffic. In Waukesha County, Ag in the Classroom was an award-winning program and I used my experience to advocate for agriculture at three Taylor County school districts.

You participated in the WFBF Leadership Institute. Please share four takeaways that you have used as president of Taylor County Farm Bureau or in ways that you advocate for agriculture.

You can teach an old dog new tricks. Technology doesn’t come easy for us but give us an iPad and a few assignments and we can convince our grandkids to teach us how to use them.

• How to balance different generations to get things done.

• The need to be forward thinking and stop reliving the past.

• The Institute is for everyone. I learned as much from the younger generation, as they did from me.

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

I was part of the beginning litigation around Use-Value Assessment and spent many days at the Capitol working for the better of Wisconsin farmers.

Your grandfather was a charter member of the Waukesha County Farm Bureau, your father served as president, you are president of the Taylor County Farm Bureau and your son Ryan serves as District 8 Board of Director. What is your hope for the future?

The Klussendorf name is part of Wisconsin agricultural history. I hope it will continue to be a name that is simultaneously know for dedication, advocating and leadership.

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

Our farm was showcased on the NBC Today show for the Bicentennial, Wisconsin edition. NBC film crews came to the farm and filmed what a day in the life of a farmer was like.

What Farm Bureau committees have you served?

I served on many county committees and on several WFBF committees where I felt I made a direct impact on Farm Bureau and our policies.

Anything else that you want to add?

My father and grandfather served on school board, I served on the Mukwonago School District board and our daughter serves on the Elkhart Lake School board. Service to one’s community is important. Take time for these positions and to represent agriculture’s best interests.

You can read the full-length version of this article by visiting, wfbf.com/blog.

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LEADERSHIP

Collegiate Farm Bureau Leaders Elected M embers of the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at UWMadison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls have

elected new leadership for the 2021-2022 school year.

Meet the members who will be leading each chapter.

UW-Madison – Billy Zeimet Hometown: Cottage Grove Year in School: Senior Major: Dairy science

Why are you a Collegiate Farm Bureau member? I appreciate what Farm Bureau does on a regional and national level and wanted to contribute as much as I could at the collegiate level. Attending a university in the middle of a city has helped me to understand how disconnected people have become from agriculture. I enjoy being able to get out and talk to people who have a misconception or just a question about agriculture and help them to understand it from the perspective of a farmer. Collegiate Farm Bureau has numerous programs that allow for this type of interaction and that is extremely beneficial for the community.

What is one goal you will have as the President? I am hoping to get more of my peers involved with the chapter after more than a year of Zoom meetings. It has been very challenging to keep people engaged and interested in our events.

Why should young people consider a career in agriculture?

More young people should consider a career in agriculture because it is a fulfilling lifestyle. Each day you work, you can look at what you did and feel accomplished. There is no better feeling than a job well done and at the end of the day you are helping to feed America! Whether you are selling milking supplies, delivering fertilizer or providing agronomic consulting, all jobs are important and must be done!

UW-Platteville – Mindy Smits Hometown: Sycamore, Illinois Year in School: Junior Major: Agriculture education

Why are you a Collegiate Farm Bureau member? I am a collegiate Farm Bureau member because this organization has provided so many opportunities to my fellow members and myself through conferences, industry tours and discussion meets. Collegiate Farm Bureau has created a community filled with the next generation of ‘AGvocates’ and that’s a community I am proud to be a part of.

What is one goal you will have as the President? COVID-19 has posed many obstacles to our chapter. My goal, along with the entire officer team, is to increase our chapter membership and provide as many opportunities to our members as possible.

I want to strengthen the connection our members have to the agriculture industry within our community and beyond.

Why should young people consider a career in agriculture?

The agriculture industry is so diverse filled with farmers, scientists, teachers, mechanics, salespeople and so many more individuals vital to the success of the industry. Personally, I didn’t grow up on a farm rather a neighborhood located in the heart of town, but I still found my passion for agriculture.

Agriculture offers opportunities for everyone no matter your background. Being part of this industry allows you to turn your passion in to a career!

UW-River Falls – Serenity Hetke

Hometown: Ladysmith Year in School: Senior | Major: Dairy science Why are you a Collegiate Farm Bureau member?: My family is actively involved in Farm Bureau and I have grown up seeing the opportunities Farm Bureau has to offer.

What is one goal you will have as the President? To be

able to assure my members and officer team how much I value them through in-person events, meetings and caring for every one of them.

Why should young people consider a career in agriculture?

Agriculture is about creating, caring and working hard. It’s a discipline for everyone!

About Collegiate Farm Bureau Wisconsin Farm Bureau established Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters in 2010 to introduce students to Farm Bureau, build awareness of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, promote networking opportunities and build awareness of agriculture issues. Each chapter is a student-run organization with an elected officer team and a faculty advisor. Chapter officers plan a yearly program of work which typically includes Farm Bureau events and activities at the county; state and national levels; social activities and service projects and regular meetings to conduct business of the chapter.

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Ellie Kluetzman, Columbus

Kallie Jo Coates, Union Grove

Dylon Pokorny, De Pere

Ripp View Acres, Dane

Raven DeLange, Elkhorn

Brittany Zenner, Medford

Cassie Sonnentag, Cadott

Send us YOUR Photos

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

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

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wfbf.com

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Ag in the Classroom Summer Learning Opportunities A s we ease back to in-person activities, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom will host some virtual trainings, two inperson Back-to-School Kick-offs and staff will attend several other events.

Thursday, June 17, 9 a.m. via Zoom Presenter: Liz Jesse

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Presentation

National Ag in the Classroom Conference

Wisconsin FFA Convention Expo

UW-BioTrek Science Workshop

Wednesday, June 23, 9 a.m. via Zoom Presenters: Rich Henningfeld, Julia Recko, Beth Schaefer and Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes

June 28-July 1 in Des Moines, Iowa Join in-person or virtually. na.eventscloud.com/website/22544/home

Wednesday, July 7, Alliant Energy Center, Madison Ag in the Classroom booth staffed by Darlene Arneson

Farm Technology Days Youth Tent

Journey 2050

Tuesday-Thursday, July 20-22 Huntsinger Farms, Eau Claire wifarmtechdays.org

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To learn more about the events or to register, visit wisagclassroom.org/events-activities/training-workshops or contact Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson at darneson@wfbf.com or 608.828.5644.

Tuesday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. via Zoom Presenter: Tessa Matuszak

Back to School Kick-Off

Back to School Kick-Off

Wednesday, Aug. 18, Registration: 9:30 a.m.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, Manitowoc Presenters: Abigail Martin and Darlene Arneson

Tuesday, Aug. 24, Registration: 3 p.m.

Chippewa Valley Museum, Eau Claire Presenters: Darlene Arneson and Museum Education directors/staff

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Grants Awarded to Fund Agriculture Literacy T

he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation’s Ag in the Classroom program has awarded $6,898 to schools and organizations to expand St. John Lutheran School agricultural literacy.

Groups, schools and organizations can apply for up to $500 as part of the Ag in the Classroom’s matching grant program to support a project, provided they have a source of matching funds.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients: •B onduel Agriculture Department and FFA, Bonduel: Bonduel Chicken Coop, $500 •B uilding a Food Forest, Independence: Deep Mulch Gardening and Sunflower Fort, $500

•C areer and Technical Education Agricultural Academy at Amery High School, Amery: Microgreens: Locally grown and marketed, $500 •D .C. Everest 4K at St. John Lutheran School, Wausau: The Garden Outside Our Window, $500

• Easter Seals Wisconsin, Madison: ESW FARM Agricultural Career Exploration, $500

• Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council, Fond du Lac: Day on the Farm, $500

• Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society, Fond du Lac: Fond du Lac County Fair’s Farm to Table Exhibit, $500

• House in the Wood, Delavan: Raised Garden Beds, $500 • Lake Geneva Middle School - 7 Olympus Science, Lake Geneva: Lettuce Grow Farm Stand Expansion, $166.50 • Parkview and Brodhead FFA Chapters, Orfordville and Brodhead: Food for America, $500

• Rock County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, Janesville: Farmers Grow: ‘Food Brings Everyone to the Table’ Virtual Scavenger Hunt, $500

• St. Boniface Catholic School, Waumandee: Greenhouse and Garden, $500

• St. John Lutheran School, Wausau, Green Thumbed Drums and Music, $500 • St. Mary School Garden, Muscoda: Soil Advocate Training, $500

• Walworth County Fair Barnyard Adventure, Elkhorn: ‘Butterflies, Bugs & Bees,’ $500 To read more about these projects, visit wisagclassroom.org/ news/ag-in-the-classroom-awards-grants-to-fund-ag-literacyprojects-2.

2021 Ag in the Classroom Ag Day Activity T his year for National Ag Day, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom had a design contest for PreK-12th grade students.

There were 158 submissions in the three-grade level groupsPreK-third, fourth-eighth and high school. All entries received Ag in the Classroom resources including Ag Mags and a farm fact pencil.

A random drawing was conducted choosing 10 entries in

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each grade level. Those drawn received a $10 Culver’s gift card.

Entries will be used by Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom in Farm Bureau publications, resources and on social media.

Entries also were sent to the respective county Ag in the Classroom coordinator to use in a variety of ways including promotional pieces, social media postings, stickers on bags, note cards or whatever creative ideas they have to promote agriculture.

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AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Plainfield Student Wins Ag in the Classroom Essay Contest E

lli Rettler, a fourth-grade agriculture. This contest is open to student from Plainfield, is the all fourth- and fifth-grade students state winner of the Wisconsin Ag across the state. in the Classroom Essay Contest.

A total of 1,461 students wrote Wisconsin fourth- and fifth-grade essays for the competition, which is students were asked to write a sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm 100- to 300-word essay with the Bureau Foundation, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Association, theme, ‘How have Wisconsin Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board soybean farmers fueled Wisconsin’s and We Energies. economy?’

The nine district winners received Elli is the daughter of Jessica a prize package including a plaque, and Matt Rettler. Christina (From left): Elli’s teacher Christina Schmick, Elli books about soybeans, Culver’s gift Schmick is her teacher at TriRettler, Elli’s mom Jessica Rettler and WFBF card, Agriculture Fast Match game, County Elementary School in Promotion and Education Chair Lynn Leahy.

Waushara County.

Trivia cards and ‘I Love Soybean’ Each year the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom mugs. The state winner also received an additional plaque program hosts an essay contest revolving around food and and gift.

This year’s finalists were: • District 1 – Grace Hying, fifth grade, North Cape School in Franksville • District 2 – Bentley Johnson, fourth grade, Roosevelt Elementary School in Janesville • District 3 – Grace Varo, fifth grade, Seneca Elementary School in Seneca • District 4 – Devin Herricks, fourth grade, Cashton Elementary in Cashton • District 5 – Elli Rettler, fourth grade, Tri-County Elementary in Plainfield

• District 6 – Madalyn Novak, fourth grade, Divine Savior Catholic School in Kiel • District 7 – Lauryn Peters, fifth grade, St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in Peshtigo • District 8 – Shelby Yates, fifth grade, Washington Elementary School in Merrill • District 9 – Gracie Benson, fifth grade, Ladysmith Elementary School in Ladysmith

Elli’s Winning Essay:

Sassy Soybean Fuels Wisconsin’s Economy and Beyond Hi! I’m Miss Sassy Soybean Seed. I am a single bean among approximately 100 million bushels of soybeans harvested in Wisconsin each year!

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and spend money! That’s fueling Wisconsin!

Like many of my relatives and friends, I know my potential!!

We soybeans (and our ancestors) start out with stored energy in our protective seed coat, and in a large bag. From there, some awesome farmer buys us, plants us, harvests us, and sells us. With just that much, we’ve already fueled Wisconsin’s economy.

Our jobs as seeds have only started, and whether we stay in Wisconsin or move across the ocean, we’re in high demand.

Some of us are used in making ink, crayons, oil, tofu, biodiesel fuel, animal food, milk, tires, and many other products. Can you imagine all of the jobs that are part of making, selling, and using these products? One use that surprised me is that more than 90 percent of America’s daily newspapers use soy ink.

Now, that’s a lot of reading!

Just think about the people we keep busy! There’s the soybean seed sales person, the office workers who keeps orders straight, orders more seed, and keeps track of the bills and payment, the warehouse people who unload and load the seed, the trucker who delivers the seed, the fuelman and mechanic who keeps trucks running, and the farmer. All these people earn money

Henry Ford certainly was not “full of beans” in his thinking and inventing. Almost a century ago, he knew we soybeans were special and he proved it. Researchers are still proving we have even more potential. I’m very proud of what we soybeans do.

I love helping Wisconsinites and people around the world, sassy or not!

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WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

APRIL | MAY 2021

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RURAL MUTUAL

Rural Mutual Agents Give Back to Local Communities R ural Mutual Insurance agents continue to ask themselves, “What more can we do to support our customers and communities to help keep Wisconsin strong?”

From the Rural Mutual home office in Madison and agent locations throughout Wisconsin, agents are involved with organizations to give back to local communities. With agents throughout the state, we’ve seen a generous outpouring of donations from agents in local communities.

Mike Immel Carmen Brueggen in Poynette donated to the Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department and Friesland Fire Department. Both departments are volunteer-based. Carmen appreciates the time that these volunteers dedicate to keep their communities safe.

Daryl Pulsfus and Madeline Pulsfus in Prairie du Sac donated to the DeForest FFA Alumni. The DeForest FFA Alumni supports the Greg Hayes DeForest FFA with scholarships and sustaining a successful FFA chapter. Unfortunately, last year the FFA Alumni was unable to host its largest fundraiser so the donation will be used to support the DeForest FFA. Daryl and Madeline chose this organization because they work to insure many of the farmers in the area and were impressed with how many were involved with the schools and other farmers.

Greg Hayes in Rice Lake donated Jenny Nelson to Birchwood Area Food Pantry.

The food pantry serves a 20-mile radius in the village of Birchwood. During the last 10 years, the food pantry staff have seen the food distribution more than triple. The staff offers a unique service through the backpack program, which provides food during the weekends when school breakfasts and lunches are not available for students in need.

Jenny Nelson in Oconomowoc donated to the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha. As an open admission and no-kill shelter, they accept animals regardless of age, health, temperament or breed. Their full-service humane society offers programs and services that promote responsible pet ownership,

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animal abuse prevention and neglect in the community and beyond. Jenny has a love for animals since growing up on a hobby farm.

Karen Boardman in Onalaska donated to the WAFER Food Pantry. WAFER is committed to addressing hunger-related needs in La Crosse County to strive for effective stewardship of resources in order to provide successful food assistance programs. Especially during the pandemic, Karen saw the need for food in her community Many people are still working from home and not all schools are back in session, which leaves a greater demand for meals during the daytime.

Unfortunately, the food pantry had one of the trucks vandalized and that set the pantry back financially. Karen’s donation will be used for the truck repairs and the purchase of more food.

Scott DeVincentis in Bristol donated to Women and Children’s Horizons.

The mission of Women and Children’s Horizons is to provide support, shelter, education, training and healing services to victims of sexual and domestic abuse, their families and the community.

The organization started in 1976 with a 24-hour crisis line and today it serves the Kenosha community with more than 10 programs and services.

Steve Shimko in Cameron donated to Cameron Area Food Pantry. His donation will be used to purchase non-perishable food items. Steve chose this organization as a way to contribute to the growing food insecurity needs.

Stella Westfall in Three Lakes donated to two organizations, Three Lakes Fish and Wildlife Improvement Association and Three Lakes Community Foundation. Three Lakes Fish and Wildlife Improvement Association organizes and develops programs of wildlife management to improve wildlife habitats, educate youth and maintain public facilities used by hunters, WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Stella chose this association because through volunteers and donations they have been instrumental in the education of youth to enjoy and respect our natural resources. The organization also continues to improve and maintain local boat landings and fishing piers to allow those with disabilities to enjoy the lakes. The Three Lakes Community Foundation was created to build a sustainable financial resource within the greater Three Lakes area to advance the common good and promote philanthropy to support local organizations and projects. The Foundation continues to extend grants to many local organizations as well as provides scholarships to high school seniors.

Mike Immel in Fond du Lac donated to three organizations, Envision Greater Fond du Lac Ag Ambassador Program, Holyland Food Pantry, Inc. and the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation. The Ag Ambassador program strives to educate, communicate and promote agricultural knowledge to the community while providing a positive identity for aspects of agribusiness. The donation will specifically be used for Ag in the Classroom programs in the Fond du Lac area. Mike has been on the board of directors and a member of Envision Greater Fond du Lac since 2006. The Holyland Food Pantry provides emergency and supplemental food, referrals and resources to

those in need, in a non-judgmental environment in the Fond du Lac area. The donation will be used towards a new building for the pantry. PDPW is an organization that promotes agriculture, youth leadership training and education for dairy farmers.

This donation to the foundation will go towards funding for education.

Bob Benike in Fond du Lac donated to the Campbellsport Community Food Pantry. It is the food pantry for the village of Campbellsport and is run by members of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Bob is a resident of Campbellsport and wanted to help the community where he lives.

Sue Hewines in West Salem donated to the MelroseMindoro High School Distributive Education Clubs of America Chapter. Melrose-Mindoro High School is a small, rural school district in a farming community. The school’s DECA chapter is starting again after being shut down due to a lack of funding. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in business and helps students decide on college courses to prepare them for the future.

Your community is our community. As a Wisconsin-only company, Rural Mutual strives to make Wisconsin a better place to live.

To find a local agent near you, visit RuralMutual.com/agent.

COVID-19 Scams Target Unemployment Benefits U nemployment scams have become more lucrative and plentiful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Identity Theft Resource Center, which is a non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, received more unemployment identity theft complaints in the first two weeks of May 2020 than it did in all of 2019.

Imposter Scams The imposter scam, using stolen personal information to apply for unemployment payments, became easier to accomplish once manual verification processes were suspended during social distancing restrictions. This type of identity fraud is hard to detect if you’re currently employed, and it’s often not caught until you’re denied benefits upon filing legitimately, or you receive a letter in the mail.

If you do receive an unexpected letter from your state unemployment insurance office detailing unemployment claims using your personal information (Social Security number, birth date, name or address), report the suspected fraud immediately.

Job Listing Scams Employment scams also have increased. During the first months of the COVID-19 crisis, more than 13,000 job listing scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau ®.

If it’s too good to be true, the employment opportunity is probably a job scam targeting your personal information — JUNE | JULY 2021

specifically, your Social Security number or your banking details. Red flags of an employment scam include: • Requiring an upfront fee for a background check or work equipment.

• Requesting your bank account number for direct deposits before you even interview.

Tips To Protect Yourself 1. Report the scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, file a non-emergency police report so you have documentation of the suspected identity theft, notify your current and former employers for the past 18 months and consider placing credit freezes with the three major consumer credit bureaus.

2. Do not click on links or attachments. Beware of emails with job offers that you didn’t request or are from an unknown source.

3. Apply for jobs with caution. Be cautious of opportunities where communications feel urgent, or you’re rushed to send proof of documentation and tax forms before being interviewed or signing a contract. Legitimate organizations will conduct phone or video conference interviews if in-person interviews are not an option. Most will require more than one interview so you can meet with multiple people. wfbf.com

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Secure Your Spot for the Wisconsin Ag Open The start of summer means golf and we want you to participate in the 2021 Wisconsin Ag Open.

The Wisconsin Ag Open will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove. Once again, we will be monitoring Dane County rules, restrictions and guidelines to offer a safe event for everyone. To register, visit bit.ly/agopen2021.

Thank you to those who have secured their sponsorships for this year’s event.

As of May 1, they include Box Lunch Sponsor: Aon; Club House Sponsors: AmericanAg, BMO Harris Bank, Chippewa County Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company; and Hole Sponsors: Northwest Insurance Agency LLC; Carl Thomfohrda; Strohm Ballweg, LLP; and Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.

Consider joining the sponsor line-up or perhaps donate items for our basket raffles and door prizes.

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

Thank You

to the Following WFB Foundation Donors: (Donations were made between March 27, and May 24, 2021)

• Cargill • Brandy Cleveland in memory of Emma Lou Stoddard • David Kruschke in memory of Ruth Clark • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of Carol Lepak • Marathon County Farm Bureau in memory of Phillip Walters • Dan and Jean Poulson in memory of David Bartholomew

• David Kruschke in memory of David Bartholomew • Jane Craig in memory of David Bartholomew • Carl Casper in memory of David Bartholomew • John and Darlene Arneson in memory of Marie Lane • John and Darlene Arneson in memory of Richard Harvey

Founda tion About the

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

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Consider a Career Path in Insurance T

here are many career path opportunities in the insurance industry. As the #1 farm and agribusiness insurer in Wisconsin, many insurance positions benefit from individuals with an agricultural background. There are several career opportunities in the insurance industry that span an incredible range of skills and talents. Some include: • Sales agent: As independent business owners, insurance agents analyze risks and offer appropriate solutions and insurance coverages for policyholders.

• Claims adjuster: Claims adjusters work in the field and investigate, evaluate and settle losses.

• Customer service: Customer service representatives provide timely policy changes and payments to customer accounts.

• Marketing: Marketing advertises products and services through branding, sponsorships, safety awareness and insurance education.

• Information systems: Information systems provide reliable,

secure and usable information technology solutions to make business functions run smooth.

• Underwriter: Underwriters evaluate risks and provide coverage guidance for farms and agri-businesses.

• Loss control: Loss control representatives analyze farm and agricultural operations and make safety recommendations.

• Actuary/Product/Research: Actuary, Product and Research employees design products that ease financial hardships and ensure financial stability through pricing and reserving programs.

These roles provide work that adds up to something meaningful along with the opportunity to challenge yourself and learn new skills. Rural Mutual Insurance employees take pride in servicing and protecting the residents of Wisconsin.

For more information about career opportunities, visit ruralmutual.com/careers.

Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness T

he National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports outdoor workers and individuals older than 65 are at high risk for heat-related illness.

Physical exertion during hot weather, combined with dehydration can lead to severe health complications.

There are several conditions related to heat stress. They range from heat exhaustion, which can cause heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps or slightly elevated body temperature, to heatstroke, a serious heat-related disorder that can cause hallucinations, chills, confusion and elevated body temperature.

In addition, some people may experience heat rash, a localized skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

Fainting from the heat is called heat syncope. This can occur after standing for long periods in the heat or suddenly rising from a seated or lying position.

Sometimes, health professionals recommend people avoid working outdoors during the hottest period of the day.

Unfortunately, that advice doesn’t always work for farmers who don’t have a choice but to make hay while the sun shines.

Take these three precautions to avoid a heat-related illness: 1. Wear the appropriate clothing.

First, start your day by wearing light-colored, loose-fitting breathable clothing. Cotton is best because synthetic fabrics like polyester do not breathe. Long sleeves have the benefit of protecting your skin from sun exposure. If you’re working in full sun, a hat with a full brim will not only reduce the sun exposure to your ears and neck, the shade provided by the brim may help you feel cooler.

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2. Build up to heavy work during the summer’s hottest days.

Doing work that is physically intensive on the first hot day of the year could make you more susceptible to heat stress. If you know it is going to be a hot week, build up your workload slowly. This process of acclimatization will help you work safely on the hottest days.

3. Drink lots of water.

Drink before you feel thirsty, about a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. There are 2 ½ cups of water in a standard 20-ounce bottle, so you should be drinking slightly more than that per hour. That may seem like a lot of water, but heavy sweating during our humid summers can quickly lead to dehydration.

On average, a person sweats between 27 and 47 ounces, or about four to six cups of fluid during heavy physical exertion.

It’s worth it to take regular breaks to consume all that water, preferably in the shade.

On some farms, such as specialty fruit and vegetable operations, it makes sense to avoid the heat of mid-day, when harvesting. Both the fruits and vegetables and the workers are stressed when harvest occurs during the hottest periods.

In other cases, like making hay and managing livestock, the work goes on all day, regardless of the weather. Make sure to take breaks, drink water and wear appropriate clothing to minimize your chances of heat stress. wfbf.com

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3 Safety Tips for Mowing Your Lawn D uring the summer, many people mow their lawns to keep the grass down. Some use a riding lawn mower, while others use a push mower.

Many people perceive mowing as a safe activity, especially for children and teens, but certain situations can put you in serious danger.

“We talk about tractor safety all the time, but a mower is another piece of equipment that can cause accidents and injuries in an instant,” said Marsha Salzwedel, project scientist with National Farm Medicine Center.

Below are three things you should do before mowing your lawn.

1. Prep the area Before you get started, you should check and clear your lawn of debris that is in the path of your mower such as sticks and rocks.

A lawnmower can pick up debris and launch it across your yard, potentially causing injuries and damage to property. While picking up debris in your lawn, you should pay special attention to obstacles and other potential hazards. Then come up with a plan to avoid these obstacles while mowing.

Picking up debris before you start mowing also reduces the need to step on and off your mower.

“If you do need to get on and off your mower, always use three points of contact,” said Salzwedel. “If you don’t use three points of contact, you can slip and fall, injuring yourself.”

2. Prep yourself Before you get on or behind a mower, make sure you know how to safely operate it. Someone should demonstrate to you how to safely operate the mower. The operator’s manual also is a good source of information and should be reviewed prior to using the equipment for the first time.

For mowing, you should wear proper clothing to protect your body. This includes: • Wearing tight-fitting clothing and avoiding clothes with strings so clothing doesn’t get caught in moving parts of equipment.

• Wearing pants and long-sleeve shirts in case of flying debris and for sun protection.

• Wearing closed-toed, non-skid shoes to protect your feet and avoid slipping.

• Tying back long hair or tucking it under a hat.

• Wearing eye and hearing protection.

• Using a sun-safe hat and sunscreen on exposed skin.

3. Prep your mower You should inspect your mower to make sure it is mechanically sound and that proper safety features are in place.

For larger riding lawn mowers and lawn tractors, ensure the

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rollover protection structure is in place and wear your seatbelt in case your lawnmower rolls over.

“On a farm, a tractor is the leading cause of death. A rollover is the most common cause of a tractor-related death,” said Salzwedel. “Mowers are used much more often than tractors, so having a rollover protection structure and using your seatbelt is important.”

To reduce the chance of getting injured, make sure you have the strength to safely maneuver, reach and operate the controls of your mower. Injuries on riding lawn mowers can result when an operator has to stretch to reach the controls or struggles to turn the mower.

Even push mowers can cause injuries when the operator is not strong enough to maneuver them, sometimes running over their own feet, slipping or colliding with other objects or people.

If you are involved in a mower accident that requires immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department. Ensure that youth understand to call an adult anytime equipment malfunctions or if there is an emergency.

To learn more about lawnmower safety, contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance agent or visit ruralmutual.com.

Connect with Rural Mutual Insurance @RuralMutual @RuralMutual @Rural.Mutual @Rural Mutual Insurance Company www.RuralMutual.com WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION