Rural Route

Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

february | march 2013 • vol. 19 no. 1 | www.wfbf.com

Join Us March 6 for

Ag Day at the Capitol

WFBF WIns BIG in Nashville Page 5

Ag Lab Updates Seek State Approval Meet Members: Hanson, Holterman Social Media Rock Stars Encourage Farmers

Fa

“WHY DO I USE FS?” “What really sets FS apart

is what they know about farming, and our farm in particular. They really know our land and our operation, and we can trust that the recommendations they make are going to work for us.”

THE LOCAL ANSWER TO YOUR WORLD OF NEEDS.

™

Stan & Willis Kelsey

Corn and soybean growers

©2011 GROWMARK, Inc. A12296E

contents

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vol. 19 no. 1

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features

articles

departments

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Pinnacle award

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news

WFBF takes top prize at AFBF Annual Meeting.

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member benefits Opinion

Farm Bill

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Leadership

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ag in the classroom

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foundation

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Rural Mutual

Holterman Watertown woman a true ag advocate.

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Hanson

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New YFA Chair packs a punch.

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Rock Stars Farm Bureau members share social media skills.

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AFBF delegates seek flexible, risk management-based farm bill.

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Law continues to save farmland and keep property taxes lower on farms.

Matching Grants Three recipients of Ag in the Classroom funds.

Use Value

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Ag Labs Two big projects on campus need Building Commission approval.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Members at AFBF Annual Meeting february | march 2013

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Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

Editor’s Note

J

ust as I started my career at Farm Bureau in 2010, Rural Route was switching from a newspaper format to a glossy magazine. It was an exciting time to be helping with the big decisions.

What articles would be included? How could we highlight our members? What would our cover be?

Many readers said they were pleased with the change, but we didn’t stop there.

As soon as we printed the first magazine, we were right back to the drawing board at the editorial meeting deciding how to improve the next issue… and we have been doing this ever since.

Fourteen magazines later, we are making another change to your Rural Route. Instead of relying on ‘custom work’ to design the pages, you might say we’ve now brought its entire production back home to the Farm (Bureau). I’m now a working mom, who when not burping, feeding or changing the diaper of my newborn son, is editing and designing this publication from my home.

{from Sheri Sutton} Since my husband and I welcomed our firstborn son in August, our little miracle has brought big changes to our lives. I’m thankful to be able to watch our joyful little boy grow every day while remaining part of the Farm Bureau family.

When it comes to change, we could all take a lesson from babies. I cannot believe how quickly mine has learned new things. He has mastered holding his head by himself, has learned how to grab on to things with his little hands and is now almost sitting up. He is constantly improving himself.

Research shows that consumers are very impressed with how farmers are constantly improving how they grow crops and livestock from year to year.

As Farm Bureau members, we need to remember to stress agriculture’s constant improvement when talking with consumers. It’s my hope that each issue of Rural Route will help give you the tools to better advocate for agriculture.

In the months to come, my son will crawl, and then walk, and then run. None of us should lose sight that agriculture continues to evolve at a similar pace.

Constant improvement: It’s how you aim to farm; It’s how we strive to create this magazine.

Cheers from my home to yours.

Sheri Sutton Rural Route Assistant Editor/Designer Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Editor Casey Langan 608.828.5711

Assistant Editor/Designer Sheri Sutton 262.949.2418

Contributor Amy Manske 608.828.5706

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) www.wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com

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

Women’s Committee Chair Jane Mueller, Fall Creek

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee Chair Teresa Hanson, Shell Lake Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route (ISSN 39940) (USPS 1082-1368), the official publication of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, is published six times per year in February/March, April/May, June/July, August/ September, October/November and December/ January. Subscription of $5 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Periodical postage is paid at Madison, Wisconsin.

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 Hurst & Associates at 800.397.8908 or hurstp19@comcast.net.

For general inquiries, contact Casey Langan at 608.828.5711 or clangan@wfbf.com.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

news

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Receives First Ever Pinnacle Award Top award for program and membership achievement Left: WFBF folks were all smiles after the Pinnacle Award presentation: (L to R) Bob Leege, Patricia Roden, Teresa Hanson, Steve Boe, Jim Holte, Dale Beaty, Lindsey Prahl, Wendy Kannel, Gretchen Kamps and Becky Hurley.

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isconsin Farm Bureau keeps growing stronger, and this past year was among the best. The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized WFBF at the 94th Annual Meeting with its first ever Pinnacle Award - the highest award a state can earn for its excellence in membership achievement and its implementation of outstanding programs.

To earn this, Wisconsin Farm Bureau won a President’s Award (given to the most outstanding entry in each membership group for each program area) in four of the five program categories: Leadership Development, Member Services, Policy Development and Implementation, and Public Relations and Communications.

A big congratulations to the entire Farm Bureau family – members, membership workers, staff, Farm Bureau leaders and Rural Mutual Insurance agents and staff.

Right: WFBF President Jim Holte accepted the Pinnacle Award from AFBF President Bob Stallman during the AFBF Annual Meeting in Nashville.

february | march 2013

www.wfbf.com

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news

AFBF Delegates Call for Flexible, Risk Management-based Farm Bill

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oting delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th annual meeting expressed support for a bipartisan, reform-minded farm bill, crafted around a broad, flexible, cropinsurance-based program, including riskmanagement protection for peanuts, rice, forage and specialty crops.

WFBF Vice President Richard Gorder addressed the group of delegates in Nashville.

“After ending a long year of policy uncertainty culminating with an extension of the old bill, we will push hard, in cooperation with our congressional and administration allies, for a five-year farm bill that provides our farmers certainty and extends muchneeded risk management tools across more acres and more crops,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas.

Delegates said AFBF would not only support a farm bill with a strong safety net and risk management programs

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to protect farmers from catastrophes, but they also would work for programs that provide emergency assistance for livestock and tree producers not covered by federal crop insurance programs.

Delegates reaffirmed policy supporting changes to the dairy safety net, consistent with the margin insurance programs included in versions of the farm bill approved by the House and Senate Ag Committees.

On another dairy issue, delegates approved a new policy that states only pasteurized milk and milk products should be sold for human consumption.

Delegates approved the measure in light of the potential risks to public health and food safety posed by consumption of raw milk.

On national fiscal policy, delegates reaffirmed the importance of a sound budget process with a priority on spending restraints rather than tax increases.

Delegates also voted to support streamlining or replacement of the H-2A seasonal and temporary agricultural worker program in addition to allowing experienced, undocumented agricultural workers to adjust to legal status.

“Only comprehensive immigration reform through legislation can solve the agricultural worker problem,” Stallman said.

Recognizing the important role played by agricultural biotechnology and rapid developments in the industry, delegates expressed continued support of a privatesector, industry accord to govern how biotech traits are managed when patents expire. They also reiterated support for the continued implementation of

an industry solution that promotes investment and marketability of new technologies.

On regulatory policy, delegates said that “all federal agencies shall be held to the strictest interpretation of law when setting regulations” and “no federal agency shall be allowed to legislate through their regulatory power.” They also said that “no regulatory action should be taken against landowners based on satellite or aerial imagery.”

Delegates expressed concern about the advantage that Internet retail sellers have over local merchants when it comes to charging sales tax. They noted that in addition to lost revenues that affect rural communities’ budgets, the resources those communities have for economic development activities also are reduced.

Delegates voted to support greater flexibility within the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

Specifically, they voted to oppose mandatory limits on calories and serving sizes for lean meats, protein-rich foods and dairy products, believing that local school districts are best able to determine how to meet the nutritional needs of their students.

At the AFBF Annual Meeting, 362 voting delegates, representing every crop and livestock sector in the 50 states and Puerto Rico, deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ and ranchers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the annual meeting will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization in its legislative and regulatory efforts throughout 2013.

WFBF Members at AFBF Annual Meeting

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Kelly Sime and Brianna Ditzenberger represented Dane County Farm Bureau while receiving an award from AFBF President Bob Stallman. Dane County’s innovative ‘Social Media Mondays’ project was recognized for pairing younger members with older ones who wanted tips on using Facebook and other social media sites.

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As our state winner, Katie Riechling (pictured) of Lafayette County represented Wisconsin at AFBF’s Discussion Meet competition for members, ages 18-35. Jenny Dierickx competed in Excellence in Ag and Jeffrey McNeely competed in the Achievement Award.

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George and Connie Mroch represented Walworth County Farm Bureau while receiving an award from AFBF President Bob Stallman. Walworth was one of 15 counties nationally who were honored for successful county programs such as the Walworth County Fair Barnyard Adventure.

Farm Bureau ladies (from left) Rosie Lisowe of Chilton (District 6 Board Director), Jane Mueller of Fall Creek and Kathleen Papcke of Elkhorn were all smiles in Nashville.

Mueller is the current state Women’s Committe chair, while Lisowe and Papcke have both previously held that leadership position.

www.wfbf.com

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news

Stallman Spurs Members for Action in 2013

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water regulations. The judge in that case earlier ruled that both arm Bureau AFBF and the West Virginia Farm Bureau could join that case on members faced the challenge of drought behalf of other farmers and ranchers who could be affected by EPA actions. in 2012, but scored Stallman said that American agriculture is also standing major policy victories, together on the issue of agricultural labor. He said farmers need including permanent a workforce that is “legal, stable and reliable.” estate and capital gains “For too long, we have dealt with the shortcomings of a tax changes. With a new broken farm labor system,” Stallman said. “The results have five-year farm bill and been labor shortages, lost crops and bureaucratic nightmares. needed reform in key Our nation’s leaders can’t continue to avoid this issue. We need areas such as fiscal, environmental and labor solutions.”

Stallman said Farm Bureau, working in conjunction with policy hanging in the the Agriculture Workforce Coalition, will this year offer “a balance, agricultural reasonable, practical and common-sense farm labor option that unity will be essential works for growers and workers alike.” in 2013, according to Farm Bureau members, in particular, are known for coming American Farm Bureau together to make progress on common issues, according to Federation President Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas.

Bob Stallman.

“It’s impressive to see farmers and ranchers from pastures, “Lest anyone wonder orchards and fields across every region of our country come why we need a farm bill, together and determine what is in the best interest of agriculture we should remember the drought of 2012,” Stallman told more overall,” Stallman said. Expounding on the theme of the meeting, than 6,000 Farm Bureau members who gathered in Nashville for Stallman added, “We truly are ‘Many Voices, One Vision.’”

AFBF’s 94th Annual Meeting. “More than half of the country was Stallman praised farmers and ranchers for their innovation in a severe drought last summer. Crops withered, hay supplies and productivity, sufficient to “meet the diverse and growing disappeared, feed costs soared and wildfires blazed. Thankfully, food demands” of today’s consumers. “Consumer tastes are all our crop insurance program worked as intended and we lived to over the map, and they continue to change,” he said. fight another day.”

One thing that will never change is that consumers need Beyond the farm bill, Stallman said it is also time for America’s farmers and ranchers to elected leaders to put political continue to work hard to differences aside for the good of produce food, Stallman said. the nation.

“For too long, we have dealt with “Each farmer already feeds Stallman said that recently the shortcomings of a broken farm an average of 155 people enacted permanent reform of and estimates are that food estate and capital gains taxes labor system. The results have production must double to meet was a long-sought victory—“one global demand,” Stallman said. that Farm Bureau members been labor shortages, lost crops He encouraged Farm Bureau worked hard to achieve.” Unity and bureaucratic nightmares. Our members to tell their personal within Farm Bureau, despite stories about how they are using agriculture’s amazing diversity, nation’s leaders can’t continue to fewer resources to grow crops is what made the difference in avoid this issue. We need solutions.” and produce meat, milk and the long fight for these important eggs. reforms, he said.

- Bob Stallman, AFBF President “Consumers really listen Stallman outlined legal cases when we talk about our that AFBF has been involved desire to continually improve in, including an ongoing suit sustainability, quality and safety on our farms,” he said. “We challenging over-reaching Environmental Protection Agency must open our doors—and maybe more importantly, open our water regulations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. minds—to consumers and their perspectives about food and He also highlighted the case of West Virginia poultry farmer agriculture.”

Lois Alt, who brought suit against the EPA regarding unlawful

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Conversation with EASE Talk is not cheap. Conversation is a powerful tool.

It can change opinions. It can enlighten. Productive conversation can be done with E-A-S-E! ENGAGE

>> Start the conversation >> Look for a connection, such as:

*Selecting/buying food

*Flying to the same town

*Reading a book

*Visiting a farmers market

ACKNOWLEDGE

>> Acknowledge peoples’ questions and concerns >> “I can understand why you’re concerned about that. At our farm...” >> Avoid defensive positions >> Consumers are not necessarily criticizing farmers >> They may not know what happens in the food supply

SHARE

EARN TRUST

>> Talk about meaningful details about how you grow food >> You are always improving, and consumers are inspired by what you do. Share examples of continuous improvement.

>> Make it clear that you want to earn their trust >> If you don’t trust someone, you don’t trust their facts >> Trust is cultivated...

Engage, Acknowledge, Share to Earn trust.

Old arguments fall flat.

YOU SAY:

THEY HEAR:

>> Safe >> Affordable >> Abundant

>> We don’t know if pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones are safe in the long-term >> How? At what expense to quality? >> We have an abundance of food, and it’s part of America’s health problems

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Don’t

Do

>> Communicate as if everything all farmers and ranchers do is 100% perfect

>> Acknowledge that there is always room for improvement

>> Talk about producing MORE

>> Talk about using less: less land, water and resources

>> Focus on improvements your audience isn’t asking about (safety, affordability, abundance, feeding the world

>> Tailor your examples to address their real concerns

What is a Gateway Message? The research shows there are persistent questions being asked by consumers. By having a conversation about these questions rather than a debate about whose beliefs or facts are right, we can better understand consumers and consumers can better understand us, the growers of their food.

Top Ways to Communicate Gateway Messages 1. Acknowledging concerns with open-minds. Concerns are real.

They are not right or wrong. You don’t have to agree, but you do need to acknowledge concerns exist. Some examples: “I understand your concern …” “I can see why you feel that way …”

“A lot of people have that same question …”

4. Turn off your defense. This is not personal. It’s about the food we eat, not the people who grow it. Always approach every conversation — even the ones that feel like an attack — as an opportunity to share your story.

2. Talk about what concerns consumers … not what you want to talk about. We need to know more about what they’re asking, so we can know how to answer them.

5. Don’t claim to be 100 percent right. Who is? Farmers and ranchers don’t always get it right, but we do get better.

Share your story about how you have ‘gotten better’ on your operation.

3. Don’t refute with facts alone. Addressing a concern with a refuting set of facts just dismisses the concern and does nothing to open a conversation. Everyone has their own set of facts. If you don’t trust food production, you don’t trust its facts. The goal of conversation is to achieve understanding about each other.

6. Talk about using less instead of producing more. Less is the flip-side of more and in many of these cases, consumers are more receptive to hearing it this way. We use less resources and still produce healthy food for all is a gateway message to your farm or ranch story that addresses many concerns.

Join the conversation today. Start a conversation about farming and ranching. Go online to fooddialogues.com, facebook.com/ USFarmersandRancher, or add #FoodD to your tweets. Or start a conversation where you are: at the grocery store, at the airport, at a sporting event or on your personal blog or facebook page. To contact us regarding additional feedback about this, email info@ fooddialogues.com. The information on this page is an edited version of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance’s publication “Conversation with EASE.”

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Meet Farm Bureau Member:

Daphne Holterman This Jefferson County Farm Bureau member excels at communicating with consumers. We asked Daphne how she does it.

Tell us about your farm: Lloyd and I have been farming for 31 years near Watertown.

We operate Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC and have two younger partners, Tim Strobel and Jordan Matthews. We milk 800 cows and crop 1,400 acres of silage corn, alfalfa and some grasses. We have a staff of 20 people. Our two daughters, Lauren and Taylor, attend UW-Madison and are members of collegiate Farm Bureau on campus. We have one dog, numerous cats and five chickens.

What is a ‘normal’ day for you?

I head to the farm about 6 a.m. We four partners usually meet informally early each day to map out the activities for the day and week ahead. I do quality control around the entire farmstead and enter calf data in the computer. I check in at the calf barn and help where needed. Then I head to

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my office to do paperwork, or I may be off to a meeting. I am currently updating our Standard Operating Procedures for safety.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

When did you decide you needed to advocate for agriculture?

I have a degree in agricultural journalism and the desire to communicate is innate in me. My first ‘job’ was as Green County Dairy Queen. Then it was Wisconsin Angus Angel.

Both prompted me to speak up on behalf of the agriculture industry. I loved it! So now, we virtually never say no to a farm tour, be it a group of farmers from overseas, or a girl scout troop.

This article from the WVMA talks about how large animal owners and farmers like us adapt to Wisconsin winters.

We use calf blankets on many of our calves along with increasing the amount of feed we give to our dairy cattle.

Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC is owned by (L to R) Jordan Matthews, Tim Strobel and Lloyd and Daphne Holterman.

- from Rosy-Lane Holsteins’ Facebook page

How much time do you spend on social media?

I may spend 10 minutes a day on Facebook and a little more when I post photos or videos on our farm’s page. Occasionally, I write a short blog (a mini editorial) which may take several hours. I also monitor what is being said by others online and then post some comments that balance online conversations. We must be a part of the dialogue!

What have you learned that surprises you about today’s consumer?

There are many serious “foodies” out there; and then there are some consumers who only want the best food value.

I believe it is really a mixed bag of what consumers want and there is room for everyone selling something to be in the marketplace.

What is one easy thing that farmers and agriculturists could start doing to help agriculture’s cause?

Speak up when you see or hear incorrect or misleading information. Position it like this: “ I DO know this is how we do it on OUR farm…” You do not have to defend anyone else, and you do not have to discredit the source.

I think we all have a lot more in common than we realize.

Speaking up may be a letter to the editor, a chat on the bleachers at a school event or a radio show call-in.

february | march 2013

Daphne was a finalist for the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance’s ‘Faces of Farming’ campaign. Read her recent blog at http://thankfarmersblog.vitaplus. com/2013/01/a-great-calling/.

www.wfbf.com

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Meet Board Member:

Teresa Hanson

By Casey Langan

The new chair of the state Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee packs a punch both figuratively and literally.

T

eresa Hanson channels her energy for agriculture into building the membership of young Farm Bureau members.

Her strong athletic drive and thirst for adrenaline has also propelled her into the boxing ring.

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“I’ve been told I could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in a white dress,� she said with a laugh while describing her drive and career path.

As a dairy nutritionist for Spooner-based Crystal Creek, she sells animal health supplements to dealers across much of the nation and provides nutritional assistance to livestock owners. As an agricultural education major at UW-River Falls she considered teaching agriculture to high school students, but pursued her interest in human and animal nutrition instead.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

District 9 there.”

She now focuses on building stronger individual county YFA programs and hosting events all over the far-reaching district. As YFA chair she hopes to bridge the gap between YFA and more seasoned Farm Bureau members. She credits Dunn County Farm Bureau member Carl Casper with having a strong Teresa tried her hand old school plowing at Mount Vernon during last influence on her. year’s YFA trip to Washington, D.C. She uses her energy and sense of humor to encourage people to join Farm Bureau and get Young Farmer Having grown and Agriculturists more involved. up on a Dunn County dairy farm the same as me. It wasn’t brutal, as I with her parents, Loren and Diane, she protected myself, but it wasn’t fair,” she has always been actively involved in recalled. “She’s a professional now.” something. FFA, 4-H, music and sports all “There’s only so many women in the competed for her time before graduating 125-pound range who are looking to do from Elk Mound High School in 2003. this sort of thing in northern Wisconsin,” In college she was in the Associaton of she added with a laugh.

Women in Agriculture, soccer, Excelling She couldn’t retire with a 0-1 record, so in Agriculture Ag Ed Society and was a she tried again and won. founding member of the Sigma Alpha sorority.

After college she settled in the Washburn County community of Shell Lake.

“I had been on competitive teams since t-ball as a 5-year-old,” she said. “After college, I was missing that. I had never had to pay to work out before.”

“I had to prove it to myself,” she said.

In addition to summer volleyball “I at least wanted a 1-1 record. I love the and softball leagues, two years adrenilin, I just sort of wish it was in a after joining a gym she fell safer manner.” into a work-out rut. She tried a Busy with trade shows, meetings and kickboxing class that was geared her role with Farm Bureau, she’s hung up to women in their 40s and 50s. her boxing gloves.

“It wasn’t pushing me, so my Despite her diminutive appearance, trainer suggested a boxing class in Hanson says her family has seen the 2011 as a way to train,” she said. rough-and-tumble side to her for a long “It turned out I was pretty good time. She has three siblings but shared a at it.” strong love-hate releationship with her Eventually she wanted to try younger brother. As kids the two would a sanctioned, boxing match. Her play tackle football. first attempt was something of a “Mom says I’ve always been disaster. aggressive,” she added.

Hanson has a 1-1 record in sanctioned women’s “She was much taller than me boxing, but for now she’s hung up her gloves. and there’s no way she weighed

“I get to educate those that really want to be taught,” she said of her farmer clients. “I feel like I’m helping the dairy industry, and have a more direct relationship than I would otherwise.”

“I’m thankful that Crystal Creek agreed to let me serve as the YFA chair after being chosen as the chair-elect by my fellow YFA Committee members in 2011,” Hanson said. “They see the potential for personal and professional growth.”

Her road to leading the state YFA Committee and serving one year on the WFBF Board of Directors was not a common one.

One of her college roommates was Wendy Kannel, who works today as WFBF’s District 9 Coordinator in northwest Wisconsin. It was just a few years ago when Kannel approached her about serving as YFA chair for District 9. District 9 lacked active members who met the YFA Committee’s 18-35-year-old age requirement. Yet Hanson willingly lept into the ring and quickly realized the opportunities and potential. She focused immediately on membership by reconnecting with old 4-H and FFA friends and hosting networking events.

“Farmers are out there, you just have to make them aware of what Farm Bureau has to offer,” she said. “This year 50 people from northwest Wisconsin attended the YFA Conference. Just three years ago there was hardly anyone from

february | march 2013

“Farmers are out there, you just have to make them aware of what Farm Bureau has to offer.”

- Teresa Hanson

www.wfbf.com

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The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation invites you to attend

Ag DMarch Ay At the CApitol 6, 2013 Monona Terrace Convention Center • Madison, WI

Schedule of Events:

Presented by:

11:00 a.m. Registration 11:45 a.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. Legislative Briefing 3:00 p.m. Capitol Visits

Thank you to our sponsors:

Registration Deadline: February 28

Rural Mutual

Cost: $20 per person by registration deadline. $25 after deadline and at the door.

Insurance Company

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation co-sponsors Ag Day at the Capitol with a variety of corn, soybean, cranberry, potato, vegetable, dairy, beef, horse and general farm organizations.

Detach and return to WFBF to register.

Ag DAy At the CApitol RegistRAtion FoRm Contact Name:

Names & County of Attendees:

Address: City:

County:

Zip Code:

Telephone:

Amount Enclosed: (# of people)

x ($20) =

Mail to: Wisconsin Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705 Questions? Call 1.800.261.FARM

Event #991022

news

Reports Paint Final Picture for 2012 Crops

C

orn and soybean markets continue to be filled with uncertainty due to the lasting effects of the lingering drought, but there is now a high level of certainty about the size of the crops that persevered against the long, dry summer of 2012, according to analysts at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Those are just a few of the observations made by Todd Davis, AFBF senior economist following the Agriculture Department’s release of four major reports on Friday—World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, Crop Production, Grain Stocks and Winter Wheat Seedings.

“This is like Super Bowl Sunday for the grain and oil seed markets,” Davis said.

“This is the last word on 2012 production. It sets the table on the supply-side for the rest of the marketing year, and it gives farmers some insight as they finalize spring cropping plans.”

According to Davis, corn and soybean markets are at tight levels, characterized by higher prices that are both curbing demand and providing competing incentives for farmers to sort through for those two crops this year.

“The lingering drought is of concern to the markets, as average or above average yields are needed in 2013 to allow the market to rebuild stocks to levels that will remove some of the uncertainty in the market,” Davis said.

The 2012-2013 corn ending stocks are projected at 602 million bushels, which equates to about 20 days of corn available on Sept. 1, 2013. Those tighter stocks are supporting a projected U.S. marketing-year average price of $7.40 per bushel. The pre-report estimates had expected ending stocks at 675 million bushels, which makes the January report of 602 million bushels bullish for the corn market, according to Davis.

The 2012 U.S. corn yield is projected at 123.4 bushels per acre which is 23.8 bushels less than the 2011 crop, but the yield projection is up 1.1 bushels from the November 2012 projections. Davis said the increase in projected yield is tempered by a reduction in harvested acres. The January projections reduced harvested acres by 300,000, to 87.4 million harvested acres.

Overall, the 2012 corn crop is projected at 10.78 billion bushels, which is 1.578 billion bushels less than the 2011 crop.

Total corn use is projected at 11.267 billion bushels, down 1.26 billion bushels from the 2011-2012 marketing year. Feed demand is down 98 million bushels from 2011-2012 and is projected at 4.45 billion; exports are 950 million and are the lowest since 1971-1972. Ethanol demand is projected at 4.5 february | march 2013

billion and is 511 million less than 2011-2012 reflecting the ethanol markets adjustment to higher corn prices.

“Ten percent of the planted corn acres were not harvested for grain, which is a relatively low level of abandonment given the extreme damage caused by the drought,” Davis said. “But, the overall smaller crop is reducing demand across the board.”

On the soybean side, ending stocks are projected at 135 million bushels, for a stocks-to-use ratio of 4.4 percent, which is only a 16-day supply that would be available on Sept. 1, 2013.

Those tight stock levels are supporting projected U.S. prices of $14.25 per bushel.

The 2012 soybean crop is projected at 3.015 billion bushels, 80 million bushels less than the 2011 crop. The 2012 U.S. soybean yield is projected at 39.6 bushels per acre which is 0.3 bushels less than the 2011 crop.

Davis said total soybean use is projected at 3.07 billion bushels, down 85 million bushels from the 2011-2012 marketing year. Higher prices, however, are not curbing soybean demand, according to Davis. Soybeans crush levels are at 1.605 billion bushels, an increase from the December projections. Soybean exports are at 1.345 billion bushels, just 17 million bushels less than the 2011-2012 marketing year.

“The series of reports released on Friday provides the last supply information for the 2012 crop,” Davis said. “Now, the market will place greater focus on the Southern Hemisphere’s corn, soybean and wheat crops.”

He said the January report increased projected Brazilian soybean production to 82.5 million metric tons, but reduced Argentine soybean production to 54 million metric tons.

If realized, this would be a 28 percent increase in soybean production from last year for those two nations, according to Davis.

www.wfbf.com

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news

Drought, Feed Costs Influence Livestock Markets in 2013

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rought and high feed costs could continue to restrict livestock markets in 2013 if conditions do not improve, according to Dr. David Anderson, professor and economist in Livestock and Food Products Marketing with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Anderson addressed livestock farmers from across the country during an issues conference at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th Annual Meeting.

“Underlying everything we talk about in terms of livestock markets, everything starts with where we are with drought and pasture conditions,” Anderson said. “Where we go in terms of costs, particularly, will be based on what happens with the drought in the coming year.”

Corn prices reached up to $8 per bushel last year due to the drought. Higher feed costs led to increased production costs for cattle, pork and poultry farmers, resulting in increased retail prices to consumers. However, Anderson projects that as more acres of corn are planted in 2013, lower prices and decent yields may bring the market back into equilibrium, provided the drought subsides.

Anderson also noted that meat prices in 2013 largely will

hinge on demand. Per capita consumption of all meat in the U.S. has declined in the past five years, reflecting higher retail prices and a weak domestic economy.

“The key for how high those market prices can go, how much those prices recover to pay for record-high feed costs we can get, is really going to hinge on what happens to demand for those meat products in the overall economy,” he said.

While per-capita consumption of beef, pork and poultry are down, Americans still enjoy eating meat. Other factors like a growing population, increased exports and decreased production have affected the per-capita measurement.

“As we see reports over the next couple of years about declining meat consumption, it doesn’t have anything to do with people not liking meat,” Anderson noted. “It’s that we’re producing less, and we have booming export markets.”

Export markets will continue to be a strong outlet for livestock producers in 2013. American farmers and ranchers stand at the ready to fill increased demand from around the world as the global economy improves and dietary preferences continue to shift to include more meat.

2013 Policy Book Available

W

ant to know where the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation stands on an issue? It is now available online at www.wfbf.com.

The document reflects the most recent policy directives established by voting delegates at Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 93rd Annual Meeting in December.

“Delegates establish our organization’s legislative agenda from resolutions submitted by voting members,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President. “These grassroots-generated policies address topics like taxes, energy, farmland preservation and wildlife management.”

“We want this information easily accessible to all of our members and the decision-makers who have a role in agriculture’s future,” Holte added.

To view the policy book online, visit www.wfbf.com and search “policy.”

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Vilsack Urges Farmers to Reach Out Beyond Ag A newly created “USDA Biobased Product” label will link manufacturers of more than 25,000 plant-based products with buyers. The label will help promote production of feedstocks to be converted into biofuel. In addition, research and loan support will promote the development of new-generation refineries.

“We have to extend beyond talking to ourselves. We must embrace diversity.”

- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

L

ast year was a tough one for farmers and ranchers, and while many are anxious to put it behind them, a number of 2012’s key events will be driving the Agriculture Department’s efforts in 2013, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th Annual Meeting.

Chief among those events was the drought and its continuing ramifications, like the significantly low Mississippi River levels. Key lessons Vilsack said he learned from the drought are “the extraordinary resilience of our producers” and the importance of a safety net for agriculture.

In that vein, Vilsack said he and the department will continue to push for passage of a five-year farm bill. Along with a strong and viable safety net, key components of the legislation are provisions related to reforming credit and conservation programs and continuing the country’s commitment to enhancing trade. Research and biofuels will be important elements, too.

Vilsack also focused on rural America, urging Farm Bureau members to tap into the opportunities a biobased economy presents, “whether producing cuttingedge new products or advanced biofuels from crops and plant products.”

In addition, USDA will concentrate on promoting investment in rural America through research and collaboration.

“We must create new agricultural products that provide a renewed opportunity for the next generation of American farmers,” Vilsack said.

Equally critical to farmers’ and ranchers’ future is regaining the clout rural America once had. One way to do that is by building strategic alliances in rural America, but not limiting relationships to those in agriculture.

“We have to extend beyond talking to ourselves,” Vilsack said. “We must embrace diversity.”

As an example, groups that are pressing for immigration reform, like those that represent Hispanic interests, would be natural allies.

“I have a feeling 2013 is the year people begin to pay a lot of attention to what goes on in rural America,” Vilsack concluded.

Fresh Strawberries from Florida!

Visit www.wfbf.com/fruitsale for county Farm Bureaus who are hosting spring sales.

february | march 2013

www.wfbf.com

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news

Ag Social Media ‘Rock Stars’ Encourage Farmers

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passionate when advocating for agriculture on social media,” advised Hunnicutt. “It draws people in,” he said.

Setting up a business page on Facebook for your farm is a strategy Janice Person of Monsanto recommends. Having a business page means your farm can be found on Internet search engines. And it addresses privacy concerns many people have—you can share family photos and stories only on your personal page, for example.

“Interacting on Facebook with people in your community, at church and with college friends is a great way to get started,” Person said. From there, interest in a farmer’s Facebook page often grows dramatically in concentric circles, Person has found. A Colorful Adventure is her personal blog.

“Be consistent with social media and you will build community,” said Katie Pinke, author of the Pinke Post blog.

“Especially if you’re just starting out, concentrate on doing just one or two things well,” she added.

Pinke, who started her blog several years ago as a “lonely pregnant woman on the prairie trying to find friends,” offered encouragement to those in agriculture who may be hesitant to get started in social media. “What you do does not necessarily have to be fancy or flashy,” she said.

All of the panelists have found that engaging in conversations on social media about non-farming subjects at This was a part of Ryan Goodman’s blogpost on his site AgricultureProud.com, Food and least part of the time helps increase Farming with a young cattleman. outreach. Cooking, recipes, kids, sports, music, travel and photography are among the topics they have “Consumers are already talking about what we’re doing on successfully used for this. the farm and ranch. Through social media we can have direct Visit the Annual Meeting Blog at http://farmbureau. access to people with questions,” Goodman said. wordpress.com for perspectives from guest bloggers about Zach Hunnicutt, a Nebraska farmer who was recently social media. elected chairman of AFBF’s national Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, explained that he is able to advocate for agriculture by “giving a tour of my farm every day using Facebook and Instagram.”

“Be positive all the time, and be quartet of agricultural social media “rock stars” offered tips and encouragement to farmers and ranchers at a strategic engagement conference during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th Annual Meeting.

“Social media allows us to be part of the conversation,” said Ryan Goodman, a cattle rancher from Arkansas who created the AgricultureProud.com blog and is a guest contributor to CNN’s Eatocracy blog.

“Be consistent with social media and you will build community.

Especially if you’re just starting out, concentrate on doing just one or two things well.” - Katie Pinke

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Wisconsin Farm Bureau

Salutes

2012 American Farm Bureau President’s Award Recipients for Outstanding Programs and Services

Dane County

Walworth County

Kelly Sime and Brianna Ditzenberger of Dane County with AFBF President Bob Stallman.

George and Connie Mroch of Walworth County with AFBF President Bob Stallman.

Farm Bureau

Wick Ad

Farm Bureau

news

Wisconsin’s Use Value Assessment Law

Preserves Farmland The amount of farmland converted to other uses continues to decline in Wisconsin. Thanks to the state’s use value assessment law, Wisconsin farmers continue to save millions on the property taxes they pay to own a piece of America’s Dairyland.

The number of acres of farmland diverted to other uses has fallen steadily since 2000 according to the Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service.

In 2011, just 3,764 acres of farmland (with and without buildings and improvements) were diverted to other uses. This stands in stark contrast to 1993 when 90,971 acres of farmland (with and without buildings and improvements) were sold and diverted to other uses.

That statistic remained over 60,000 acres per year throughout the rest of the 1990s. With full implementation of Wisconsin’s use value assessment law in 2000, the rapid loss of farmland has fallen consistently: • • • • • • • • •

44,403 acres in 2004 33,808 acres in 2005 23,969 acres in 2006 15,228 acres in 2007 8,666 acres in 2008 6,702 acres in 2009 4,899 acres in 2010 3,764 acres in 2011 2012’s statistic is not yet available.

“The use value law remains the best tool we have to keep farmland in production rather than being sold off to recreational or developmental pressure,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President. “Wisconsin farm families have seen savings of over $400 million annually and $4

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billion in total since the use value assessment law was enacted in 2000.”

“Farmers must not take for granted that we now have fairness in the way farmland assessments are determined,” said Holte, a beef, corn and soybean farmer from Dunn County.

“For decades farm families suffered as property taxes were shifted to farmland under an antiquated market value system that based assessed values on speculative development. Farm Bureau always maintained that farmers needed assessments

“Farmers must not take for granted that we now have fairness in the way farmland assessments are determined.”

- Jim Holte, WFBF President based on the realities of farming. Use value’s equitable tax structure helps the viability of Wisconsin’s $59 billion agricultural economy, which is good news for the job market and our state’s overall economy.”

“From a global perspective, the world’s growing population coupled with a limited supply of good farmland underlines the importance of keeping Wisconsin’s rich soils in production agriculture,” Holte said.

on the web See more information on Use Value Assessment of Farmland at wfbf.com under “Issue Backgrounders” on the Legislation and Regulations page.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Ag Lab Updates Seek State Approval

T

wo high-profile agriculture projects on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus will seek funding in the upcoming state budget process.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Agricultural Initiative calls for the replacement of the Meat and Muscle Biology Lab and expansion and upgrade of the Babcock Hall Dairy Plant. Both projects must first be approved by the State Building Commission and receive legislative approval in the state’s 2013-15 budget.

“These are top legislative priorities of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau this year,” said Paul Zimmerman, WFBF Executive Director of Governmental Relations. “As a long time leader in the dairy and meat processing industries, Wisconsin’s antiquated research facilities must be revamped to utilize today’s technology.”

Meat and Muscle Biology Lab

Babcock Hall Dairy Plant

Project Description

Project Description

• Current facility dates back to the 1930s.

• Total cost for new building is $43 million (half from private sources).

• Will contain research labs, classrooms and specialized animal and meat processing spaces.

Rationale • Meat production accounts for $12 billion in economic impact in Wisconsin, $3.8 billion income and supports 88,000 jobs.

• There are 357 meat plants in 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

• Research, discovery and innovation are critical to maintaining this thriving part of the Wisconsin economy.

A new research facility at UW-Madison will house professional education to Wisconsin workers, train the next generation of industry leaders, and provide a platform of collaboration between medical, pharmaceutical, engineering and agricultural researchers to improve human health and grow Wisconsin’s economy. The main areas of focus will be human health, food safety, fresh and processed meat products, and value-added animal by-products. february | march 2013

• Current facility dates back to the 1950s.

• Total cost for renovation and expansion is $32 million (half from private sources).

• Will contain research space (for cheese, cultured products and dairy ingredients), dairy plant upgrade and a modern milk intake area.

Rationale • Dairy generates $27 billion annually and employs more than 146,000 people in Wisconsin.

• Wisconsin produces 600 varieties, types and styles of cheese in 126 cheese plants.

• 90 percent of Wisconsin milk production is utilized for cheese production.

• In 1986, UW-Madison partnered with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board to create the Center for Dairy Research.

The faculty and researchers in the center develop solutions to manufacturing and processing challenges.

An expanded facility will ensure Wisconsin maintains its position as a dairy leader, expand capacity for industry education programs, product development and research.

www.wfbf.com

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news

Traceability Rule Published: What This Means for Wisconsin

O

n December 20, 2012, publication of the USDA Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rule hit news wires all over the United States, but it wasn’t until January 9, 2013 that the rule was actually published in the Federal Register. Effective March 11, 2013, the ADT rule’s core principle, with some exemptions, will require that livestock moving interstate must be officially identified and accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection. Due to changes within the rule, some forms of identification you have relied on in the past may no longer be official once the rule is fully implemented.

Here is what this means for Wisconsin: Export Cattle?

• Need to meet USDA and the state of destination requirements • All rodeo, exhibition or event cattle (including steers) are required to be officially identified Import Cattle?

• Need a 15 Digit Country Coded (840) Animal Identification Number (AIN) eartag (includes visual and/ or RFID) OR a National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) tag (includes Brite tags which are nine digit alphanumeric tags that start with the state code. An example would be an orange Brucellosis calf hood vaccination tag.)

• Wisconsin will still require official identification and a certificate of veterinary inspection on all sexually intact beef cattle and does not plan to develop any brand or commuter herd agreements.

• All rodeo, exhibition or event cattle (including steers) are required to be officially identified Ship Directly to Slaughter?

• No changes – a backtag will still be considered identification and a certificate of veterinary inspection is not required.

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Vaccinating and Disease Testing Your Animals?

• Need a 15 Digit Country Coded (840) AIN eartag (includes visual and/or RFID) OR a National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) tag (includes Brite tags which are nine digit alphanumeric tags that start with the state code. An example would be an orange Brucellosis calf hood vaccination tag.)

• Registration Tattoos OR Registration Numbers (ONLY if they uniquely identify the animal and ONLY until the DATCP administrative rule is updated) Animals at Market?

• If an animal is officially identified when it enters a market, the rule does not allow anyone to add a second form of official identification, UNLESS, they are adding an 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) tag. Markets will need to read the existing official ID number if they have one.

Veterinarian Writing Health Papers or a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection?

• If an animal is officially identified, the rule does not allow anyone to add a second form of official identification, UNLESS, they are adding an 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) tag to an animal that already has a NUES tag. Veterinarians will need to read the existing official ID number if they have one.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Names in the

Farm Bureau members making headlines around the state

Former Wisconsin Farm Bureau public relations intern, Ann Larson, Shabbona, Illinois, made it to the top 4 in the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in Nashville. She received a Case IH Farmall 55A and $3,000 in cash and STIHL merchandise. Ann is a recent graduate of UW-Platteville where she was a founding member of the UW-Platteville Collegiate Farm Bureau. She currently works on the marketing team at ANIMART, Inc. Photo by AFBF

Three Farm Bureau members will be among the sixteen official judges who will evaluate over 2,500 head of top quality dairy cattle at the 2013 World Dairy Expo October 1-5. Lynn Harbaugh (pictured at right), Marion, will be judging the international Milking Shorthorn show. Katie Bue, Alma Center, will be the associate judge of the international Milking Shorthorn show. Paul Trapp, Taylor, will be judging the international Ayrshire show. The 2013 World Dairy Expo theme will be “Center of the Dairy Universe.”

Photo by Nina Linton

Kewaukee County Farm Bureau members, Stacy and David Jauquet (pictured at right) of Luxemburg were named the 2013 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmers on January 19. Rock County Farm Bureau members, Brian and Nicole Barlass of Janesville were the first-runners up. OYF candidates are sponsored by local Jaycee chapters or other agriculture groups. The 2012 state winners, Adam and Rebecca Kuczer (pictured at left) of Pulaski, compete in the 2013 national competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico this month.

Photo by Daphne Holterman

Kaleb Dolan, son of Farm Bureau members Ryan and Krista Dolan, found himself on the front page of The Country Today with this photo. Five-yearold Kaleb Dolan wasn’t actually driving his parents’ Farmall tractor when this photo was taken — in fact, the tractor wasn’t even running. But it appears as if the son of Krista and Ryan Dolan of Dodgeville is ready for the day when that might happen. The Dolans operate a 250-cow dairy farm in Iowa County.

Photo by Jim Massey

february | march 2013

www.wfbf.com

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news TM

It Took Years to Make it a Farm.

It Takes One Call to Keep it Safe.

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www.feedsavr.com

Packaging Information:

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level. People of all abilities can easily access feeders and houses installed on the FeedSavr pole.

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No reaching for feeders with a pole or climbing a ladder.

Put it in your yard or on your deck (deck mounting bracket sold separately) Lower feeders to your height. Handicap accessible

Hanger assembly for 3 feeders or houses Rope and pulley system to raise and lower feeders and houses PVC ground sleeve for in ground installation

• • •

• • •

In the box:

Packaging Information:

Case dimensions: 59”L x 13”W x 10” D

50 pounds, six per case

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In the box:

Box Dimensions: 58”L x 6”W x 3”D

Weight 8.2 pounds

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Rural Route

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level. People of all abilities can easily access feeders and houses installed on the FeedSavr pole.

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legal responsibility to call Diggers Hotline to get underground o one digs more dirt than American farmers and ranchers. utilities marked.

In a recent incident in Iowa, two workers were injured Striking underground utilities while digging can cause when their drain tiling equipment came in contact with injuries, or even death. Other dangers could be potential a natural gas pipeline. They were working on a farm drainage environmental issues or loss of critical infrastructure and vital system when the pipeline was struck and ruptured. The utility services we all rely on every day. If you damage a buried natural gas utility without a call to Diggers Hotline you are held financially ignited in responsible and subject to potential fines and penalties. a billowing It is important to call 811 every time before you dig. Whether tower of the digging project is large or small, make the call, to 811. The fire. In a call is free and so is the locating service. Call 811 Before You separate People of all abilities can easily access feeders and houses installed on the avr pole.

Dig. incident several For more information, please visit www.diggershotline.com. days later another natural gas pipeline was punctured during a Keep feeders and bird houses out of reach of squirrels, deer and other drain tile No reaching for feeders with a pole or climbing a ladder. installation Put it in your yard or on your deck (deck mounting bracket sold separately) Lower feeders to your height. Handicap accessible project.

The resulting rupture and fire sent flames shooting several hundred feet into the air and shut down important e box: utility services to portions of the surrounding community. Both Hanger assembly for 3 feeders or houses Rope and pulley system to raise and lower feeders and houses been prevented by making one call to 811. incidents could have PVC ground sleeve for in ground installation It’s free, it’s easy and it’s the law.

Everyone needs to dig safe, respect what’s below ground and aging Information: call 811 or 800.242.8511 to contact Diggers Hotline to initiate imensions: 59”L x 13”W x 10” D nds, six per case the line locate process. mensions: 58”L x 6”W x 3”D Wisconsin Statute 182.0175 requires all excavators, to www.feedsavr.com t 8.2 pounds contact Diggers Hotline at least three business days prior to any excavation that disturbs the soil in anyway. An “Excavator” is any person proposing or engaging in digging or demolition work. This includes homeowners, property owners, tenants, farmers, professional excavators and contractors. By simply dialing 811, you can reach Wisconsin’s one-call center where, at Raise them out of reach... lower no cost to you, companies that operate underground utilities in them for easy filling the area you plan to dig will be notified. Those companies then dispatch locate crews to mark the location of their utilities so Squirrel that you can avoid hitting them during your digging project. level. People of all abilities can easily access feeders and houses installed on the FeedSavr pole. deflector The call and locate service are free.

Examples of agricultural related excavation activity that requires a call to 811 include installation projects such as drain tiling, sub-soiling, chisel plowing, holding ponds, terracing, setting posts and water or irrigation wells just to name a few.

The one-call center accepts locate requests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The person or company actually performing 877.356.6455 www.feedsavr.com • Keep feeders and bird houses out of reach of squirrels, deer and other Feeders not the digging must make the call to 811. In other words, if you • No reaching for feeders with a pole or climbing a ladder.

Pole height 10 ft + included • Put it in your yard or on your deck (deck mounting bracket sold separately) are a contractor doing digging work for a customer, it is your • Lower feeders to your height. Handicap accessible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Stroke Detection Plus

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

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

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

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

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

Rural Mutual Insurance

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

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

Farm Bureau Financial Services

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

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

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

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

The Country Today Newspaper Here’s a way to save money, get informed on ag issues, AND help support a popular Farm Bureau program. Members now receive $5 off one-year and two-year subscriptions and The Country Today then donates $5 to the Ag in the Classroom program.

Please call 888.833.9268 during normal business hours and let The Country Today customer service representative know you are a Farm Bureau member to qualify for the reduced rates.

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

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

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Presenting a Private offer for farm Bureau memBers

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opinion

Part of the Solution

A Message from WFBF President Jim Holte

I

t was President Ronald Reagan who famously said, “Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem.”

While I get what he was saying back then, the political reality in 2013 is that our federal leaders need to forego posturing on fiscal issues for true leadership. In other words, they need to be part of the solution.

It’s often said with a wink and smile that the wheels of progress turn the slowest in Washington. Given the recent chain of events regarding the farm bill, fiscal cliff, debt ceiling and sequestration cuts, nervous American taxpayers facing smaller paychecks and larger tax bills have grown increasingly frustrated.

The hurry-up and get-it-done attitude found on our farms is sorely lacking in Washington, where most elected officials seem unfazed by the ballooning deficits.

These are the same people who offered so many promises and expressed so much concern on the campaign trail.

Yet once they arrive in Washington,

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they only seem interested in fingerpointing. Few exhibit the intestinal fortitude required to reach solutions.

To make matters worse, they have displayed a level of procrastination that would make even a college freshman blush.

The New Year’s Eve fiscal cliff deadline came as a surprise to nobody, least of all Congress and Obama Administration, who created the deadline in the first place. Yet they delayed action until the very last-minute, seeming to almost enjoy their self-created, high-stakes drama as Wall Street got the jitters and our entire economy was put at risk.

Eleventh-hour, closed-door deals are not the way to govern. The hastily agreed-to farm bill extension serves as a prime reason why. Years of work went into a farm bill proposal that would have reformed all facets of agricultural policy, but it was quickly cast-aside for a nine-month extension of the status quo. Nearly all of agriculture had agreed to eliminate costly direct payments to grain farmers as a way to trim billions in spending, but even that opportunity couldn’t be agreed upon by the dealmakers.

Yes, Congress did avert the so-called and over-blown ‘dairy cliff’ that would have artificially raised milk prices for farmers and consumers, but in so many other ways they simply kicked the milk can further down the road. The proposed farm bill moved agriculture in the right direction of requiring a vested interest of farmers in their own risk management tools. It’s a principle that should apply to the rest of society as well. Risk is a necessary component of the free enterprise system which makes America great. The collapse of the banking and housing industries should serve as cautionary reminders of

what happens when risk is removed.

Apparently you can only kick the can so long before it becomes a boulder.

Our federal leaders have created the current scenario of perpetual deadlines of fiscal cliffs, debt ceilings and sequestration cuts. If the answer is a mix of tax hikes and spending cuts, the cuts cannot be delayed for another 3 to 5 years as some have proposed.

“The time for political posturing on our fiscal fiasco and farm bill passed. Our nation’s future depends on federal leaders who are part of the solution.”

The enormity of our nation’s situation is larger than many of us like to acknowledge.

For some time the nation of Greece has been considered the world’s poster child for fiscal mismanagement. Suppose both the nations of Greece and the United States spread their national debts evenly between every man, woman and child: The tax bill for every American would be about $20,000 greater than that owed by every Greek. It’s a sobering statistic, but is exactly the type of dialogue that our nation needs: less rhetoric and more reality.

The time for political posturing on our fiscal fiasco and farm bill has passed.

Our nation’s future depends on federal leaders who are part of the solution.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

opinion

Farmers and Veterans: Strong, Resilient and Independent Guest Column from Sabrina Matteson Most people have a clear image of what farmers are like. That’s because people create fixed stereotypes and then believe their own generalizations about members of a particular group.

At a recent workshop in a rural Midwestern state, a group of people wrote down the stereotypical characteristics of those who work the land. This included: farmers are strong, have red necks, and wear overalls and plaid shirts; they get up early and go to bed with the sun; they tuck a straw in the sides of their mouths and smell like work (which really means sweat and manure); they are independent, self-reliant and shoot things that cause harm to their livestock; and they undertake great risks for little profit, enjoy hardship, think imaginatively, and are highly respected by the community despite the fact that most folks would never do what they do.

The list went on—identifying some great and some awful characteristics—but it’s striking how comparable these farmer traits are to stereotypes of those in the military.

In 2008, Michael O’Gorman, an organic farmer from California, was struck by the similarities of farmers and soldiers.

Farm kids have the skills to become great soldiers and soldiers can become great farmers. He thought it amazing that no one was helping veterans become farmers, even though they are so obviously suited to that life. Thus, the Farmer Veteran Coalition was born.

Marc Henrie of Smithfield, Utah,

served as a platoon leader in the Utah Army National Guard field artillery in Iraq. This cattle and hay farmer agrees that there are a lot of similarities between soldiers and farmers.

“The main thing I would point out is our love for the land and our ability to work hard,” says Marc. “Soldiers and farmers share long days, often working through the night. They have bonds with those with whom they serve and are very loyal. Farmers and veterans are known as fearless risk-takers. Many are asked to do difficult tasks, often as they risk their own safety or livelihood. Both groups continue to hope for a bright future and are optimistic for what the future holds.”

Paul Schwennesen of Double Check Ranch in Winkelman, Ariz., confirmed this love of hard work when he went off to boot camp. Other enlistees were complaining how difficult it was but Schwennesen thought that it was easier than life on the farm.

“The military helped me to learn an organized, methodical approach to time management,” says Schwennesen. “There are lots of moving pieces in the military and the farm, and it is important to get them all to pull in the same direction at the same time. We are conditioned by the reality of our lives with early mornings, long hard days and physical exertion.”

The Farmer Veteran Coalition provides education, risk management training, funding and technical assistance to prepare veterans become farmers.

Assistance for internships also is offered,

particularly for disabled veterans to obtain the necessary training to run their own operations as they heal from war-related injuries in a productive environment.

Let’s count our blessings that there is an organization working to transition our veterans, who have already sacrificed so much for us, into a life for which many of them are so perfectly suited. While we’re at it, let’s abandon the stereotypes and instead honor the noble similarities between farmers and veterans by welcoming more of them as they embark on a different way of serving our nation.

Sabrina Matteson is the Director of Rural Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

february | march 2013

www.wfbf.com www.wfbf.com

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leadership

Emerging Ag Leaders Selected for Institute Left: Members of the 2013 Farm Bureau Institute class include (L to R, front row) Jennifer M. Digman, Dickeyville; Ashley Veldhuizen, Marshall; Lisa Gantner, Belgium; (middle row) Jeffrey Pionek, Manitowoc; Sheila Everhart, Janesville; Katie Mattison, Menomonie; Crystal Pollack, Ripon; Michelle Backhaus, Appleton; Cindy Bourget, Elk Mound; (back row) Wayne Staidl, Peshtigo; Doug Rebout, Janesville; Charlie Knigge, Omro; David Wilke, Ripon; and Chris Pollack, Ripon.

Below: Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch gave leadership tips to the new Institute members, who at times donned hard hats as they began their training.

Fourteen emerging agricultural leaders have been selected to participate in the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Institute. The yearlong leadership training program’s mission is to develop strong and effective agricultural leaders.

“Now in its seventh year, the Farm Bureau Institute offers personal growth and leadership training to members with the potential to make a positive impact on agriculture and Farm Bureau,” said Dale Beaty, Farm Bureau’s Director of Training and Leadership Development.

The Institute members met in January to focus on public speaking, etiquette, and identifying personality and leadership skills. Subsequent sessions will focus on advocacy training, local and state government, Farm Bureau structure and function, and national and international future ag issues.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Institute consists of five multiday sessions that provide insights on issues important to agriculture, development of leadership and speaking skills, interaction with Farm Bureau leaders and staff and those in the governmental and agricultural sectors, and networking with other participants. The class will also participate in the Farm Bureau Leader Fly-in to Washington, D.C. in 2014.

The Farm Bureau Institute is sponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK, Inc. Farm Bureau members interested in applying for the 2014 Farm Bureau Institute may contact Dale Beaty at 608.828.5714 or email him at dbeaty@wfbf.com.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Join Us

Wisconsin

March 15-16, 2013

Ag SWomen’s U M M I T

Madison Marriott West Madison

Friday Keynote Speaker:

Saturday Keynote Speaker:

Jolene Brown

Jackie Bredl-Dietrich

It’s a Jungle Out There!

A Life of Gratitute and Meaning

They’re lurking in the jungle… environmental regulations, animal welfare, technology trends, labor concerns, global markets and more!

It’s time we blaze a new trail as we build on the past and recognize the realities of today in order to negotiate the future. During this eye-opening presentation, Jolene will take you on her real life, unprecedented hike in the jungle. You’ll discover that in order to reap the amazing rewards at the end, one must maneuver through the realities of “jungle” life.

Want to calm the critical thoughts in your mind and focus on the positive? Are you able to be grateful for any situation, no matter the outcome? In this inspiring presentation, Jackie will help you make a conscious choice to enhance your perception of gratitude and become aware of things that touch your heart.

Prepare to awaken your creativity, intuition and trust. You’ll be amazed by the power that comes from just paying attention.

We’re excited for a new location and great line-up of speakers and breakout sessions!

For a more detailed agenda, visit wfbf.com (under “Programs & Events tab” ; click on “Women’s Program”) Get all the latest updates! www.facebook.com/Wisconsin.Ag.Womens.Summit Registration fee: $140/person

Registration deadline: March 7, 2013





TO REGISTER: Complete the mail-in form below -OR- register and pay online at www.badgerlandfinancial.com (link under Customer Corner) Name(s): Address: City:

State:

Phone: E-Mail: Are you a WI Farm Bureau member? Yes_____ No_____

Zip:

County:

Are you a Badgerland Financial customer? Yes_____ No_____

Note: You do not have to be a member or customer to attend. All are invited and welcome!

Do you have special dietary needs? Yes_____ No_____

If yes, please indicate:

Please mail form and payment to: WI Farm Bureau/Women’s Summit, P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705 www.wfbf.com to: WI Farm Bureau

february | march fee: 2013 $140/person.

Registration Hotel room not included in price. Please make checks payable

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news resources for teachers

ag in the classroom NEWS educational resources to explore WhyAg Career Website – It isn’t just for students!

(WhyAg.com) – The WhyAg.com website is NOT just for high school students looking for careers. The website is also for displaced workers, adults looking for new careers or jobs, and for businesses to share information about their companies and job opportunities. Developed by the Wisconsin Ag Education Workforce Development Council, the website has career and skills assessment tools, information about agricultural career pathways, educational options, and links directly to company human resources departments.

Soy Savvy Curriculum (education.wisoybean.org) – The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and Wisconsin Education Networks “Into the Outdoors” are launching the new soybean curriculum for grades 4-7. The four soy segments are Soy History Mystery, Farming Soy, Soy Kids, and Edamame and More. The new soy lessons will share how soybeans are important to our state economy, how soybean growers care for the land, provide feed for livestock and help feed the world. Information on FREE Wisconsin soybean farm field trips for classrooms is also available.

My American Farm (myamericanfarm.org) – Young visitors can enjoy games such as “Ag Across America,” “Finders Keepers,” “Harvest This!” and “Farmers Market Challenge” by clicking on the featured game in the middle of the home page. The site also has a “Games” link at the top of the screen that takes users to a games page. In the updated version of My American Farm, kids can get a reward to place in a “Passport to Sustainability.” The passport entices them to play all the games. At the end of each game, kids can watch short, related video stories from the public television show “America’s Heartland.”

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Fourth and Fifth Grade Essay Contest As we near the April 1 postmarked deadline, please refer to the essay section at www.wisagclassroom.org for rules, entry information and where to send essays. This year’s essay topic is “Wisconsin farms help me eat a healthy lunch by…” The topic helps students learn where their food comes from, what is grown locally, how to make good food choices and how their lunch connects back to the farm. Thank you to Frontier FS, We Energies, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation for sponsorsing this contest.

County Farm Bureaus – Check Out White Reinhardt Grants The Mini-Grant Program funds projects that will increase agricultural literacy.

County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for grants of up to $500 for classroom education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new programs or expand existing programs to additional grade levels or new subject areas.

Grants are available on a competitive basis and are due to the state Farm Bureau on March 15. The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a special project of the Foundation in cooperation with the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. More information at www.agfoundation.org and click on “What we support.”

CHS Foundation Teacher Scholarships for National AITC Conference A limited number of teacher scholarships will be awarded based on a competitive application process. This new opportunity is provided via sponsorship funds from the CHS Foundation located in St. Paul, MN. Scholarship applications must be completed and submitted online by March 1, 2013. To apply, please visit www.agclassroom.org/ conference2013/scholarship.htm. The National Ag in the Classroom conference is Tuesday, June 25 - Friday, June 28, 2013 in Minneapolis.

This conference will feature rigorous and engaging workshops and learning labs. You’ll have the opportunity to network at the exhibit fair and to access free educational materials via partner organizations and state AITC programs. The traveling tours will expose you to the diversity and quality of Minnesota’s agriculture including: various farms, renewable energy development, processing and natural resources. Cris Peterson and Andrew Zimmern will captivate with their personal stories and passion for educating others about what they do and love.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

ag in the classroom

Merrimac School Team Recognized for Agricultural Literacy Work

A

team of elementary educators at Merrimac Community Charter School are the recipients of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom’s Outstanding Teacher Award.

Each year the Wisconsin Farm Bureau recognizes a teacher or team of teachers for their efforts in educating students on the importance of agriculture. This year’s winning team includes elementary-age teachers: Jenna McCann, Jamie Christianson, Nancy Toberman, Tracy Haupt and Kathie Thompson.

“This is the first time Wisconsin has had a team as our award recipient. It really allows our program to showcase the school’s effort to include agricultural literacy in all grade levels,” said Darlene Arneson, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.

“Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas, with the exclusion of certified agriculture education instructors, are eligible to apply for the award.”

The Merrimac Community Charter School (MCCS) began a partnership five years ago with local master gardeners where students researched local produce, garden formats and took soil samples. Composting, food preparation and crop rotation activities grow each year as older students become knowledgeable mentors.

Near the school garden is a 16-acre school forest where students have been active in the restoration phase of the forestry education curriculum.

“Making everyday connections to Wisconsin agriculture helps students understand where their food comes from,” Arneson said.

A fieldtrip to an aquaponic greenhouse in North Freedom first inspired the students to set up their own fish tank. Lettuce and other vegetables grow hydroponically from the top of the school tanks. february | march 2013

MCCS classes also take field trips to Ski-Hi Apple Orchard, Wollersheim Winery, Cedar Valley Cheese, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Forage Research Center to learn about the diversity of Wisconsin agriculture. School-wide math and literacy curriculum includes mapping and creating a small orchard, pickling and cheese-making.

Karen Reisinger, Sauk County Farm Bureau President and Ag in the Classroom volunteer, works closely with the school and makes quarterly visits about Wisconsin agriculture.

The Merrimac team will be Wisconsin’s nominee for the National Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award and will receive a cash award to be used for agricultural resources or towards the National Ag in the Classroom Conference that will be held in Minnesota in June 2013. A presentation was made to the Merrimac School acknowledging their teachers’ team effort on January 9.

The winning team includes: • Jenna McCann teaches second and third grades and is a graduate of UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh.

• Jamie Christianson teaches first and second grades and is a graduate of UW-Madison and UW-LaCrosse.

• Nancy Toberman teaches kindergarten and is a graduate of Central College.

• Tracy Haupt teaches third and fourth grades and is a graduate of UW-Stevens Point and Edgewood College • Kathie Thompson teaches fourth and fifth grades and is a graduate of UW-Madison.

For more information on the Outstanding Teacher Award, contact Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5719. Information about the National Ag in the Classroom Conference and teacher scholarships can be found at www.agclassroom.org.

www.wfbf.com

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ag in the classroom

Winter Scrapbook

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Winterfest 2012

Wisconsin Fun Face tattoos attracted a lot of children to the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producer’s booth at Winterfest in Milwaukee December 26-31. Cheryl Nicholson, Executive Director, welcomed Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Darlene Arneson as she volunteered to help staff the booth. Nicholson is shown applying one of the tattoos available on the AITC Resource Order Form. You can find this form at www.wisagclassroom.org.

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2

Wausau AITC Information Meeting

WFBF Board Member and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) Dairyland Academy staff member Don Radtke welcomed a group of teachers and volunteers to the NWTC near Wausau. The group was given a tour and then they had a meeting highlighting the agricultural educational resources available to teachers and volunteers.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

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Portage AITC Information Meeting

Portage agriculture teacher Theresa Schiferl, SAGES charter school teacher Becky Panzer, and Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Director of Agricultural Programs Brenda Gudex made oebleck. Oebleck is one of the 21 lessons found in the Soybean Science Kits. To borrow a Soybean Science Kit, visit www.wisagclassroom.org and click on “County Information.�

february | march 2013

4

Warrens AITC Information Meeting

Eau Claire county Farm Bureau members Jacki Pettis and Lisa Pettis and District 4 Coordinator Steve Boe toured the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens as a part of the AITC Information Meeting. WCDC Director Barbara Hendricks spoke to the group on cranberry resources, marsh tours and how to visit the center. Then Darlene Arneson shared other agricultural education resources.

www.wfbf.com

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foundation

Shining our spotlight on...

Ag in the Classroom Matching Grants

T

he Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Program is accepting applications for matching grants that will be awarded to groups that promote agricultural literacy in K-12 schools.

Wisconsin AITC will award up to $500 to groups sponsoring programs or projects that promote agricultural literacy. Projects considered for grants must be targeted to grades K-12 and should enhance student knowledge of the contribution made by agriculture. Projects that use funds toward an ongoing, sustainable education effort will receive preference over those that involve a “one-time” program. The application deadline for this grant is April 1, 2013.

For more information, contact Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5719, or get an application on the Agriculture in the Classroom website at www.wisagclassroom.org.

Three past Matching Grant recipients:

Grow Your Own

Farmer in the Classroom

– AgAdventureland, Washington County

– Jefferson County Ag in the Classroom

AgAdventureland is an opportunity at the Washington County Fair to enrich the lives of local community members by showing the importance of the $59.6 billion dollar agriculture industry and how the food, fuel, and fiber industries impact their daily life. The new “Grow Your Own” project will allow youth to see many stages of plant growth and then plant and take home lettuce or bean plants. Guests will also have a chance to learn hands-on activities through being a “Farmer for a Day,” milking demonstrations, Fair Gardens- Fun Edibles, visit with Alice in Dairyland and Wisconsin Honey Queen, and share ideas with the Washington County Master Gardeners.

The Jefferson County Ag in the Classroom committee is dedicated to reaching students throughout the county and providing opportunities for them to learn about agriculture. Twenty volunteer members give the classroom presentation “A Day Without Agriculture” to over 31 classes in Jefferson County. In addition, they serve as liaisons for the “Farmer in the Classroom” discussions where students get to interact first hand with real agriculture producers. The group also is an integral part of the annual fourth grade farm tour where students get to visit and learn at a real dairy farm in Jefferson County.

The Agricultural Ambassador Program has developed three programs to expand curriculum to include the 4K grade level.

These programs, focusing on dairy, pork, fruit and vegetable industries, provide an introduction to the years of presentations students receive about Wisconsin agriculture. This provides a unique service, free of charge, to the greater Fond du Lac County area by creating agricultural education opportunities for area schools that would not otherwise be available.

During recent school years, the program will educate more than 15,000 students and teachers in the area each year.

“Young people generally don’t associate things like toothpaste, lipstick, hairbrushes, chalk, cellophane tape, glue and furniture with agriculture. In fact, most adults don’t make this connection either. With this in mind, the Jefferson County Agriculture in the Classroom volunteers have been working with second-grade students across the county.” - Mariah Hadler, Busy Barns

“The implementation of our 4K programs has been very well received in area schools. During the first year with 4K programs, 48 classroom presentations were made to 830 students in select schools! We have already seen 313 4K students this year with more on our schedule for the second semester.” - Brenda Gudex, Director of Agricultural Programs, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce

“Not only did they learn during the fair but were able to take home a “Grow Your Own” kit as a souvenir and raise their own beans at home. A total of 2,800 were distributed during fair week and an additional 200 were given to teachers to use at 2 schools.” - Judy Kasten, AgAdventureland Coordinator

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Agricultural Ambassador Program – Fond du Lac Area Agri-Business Council

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Receives Apex Award State Farm Bureaus were recognized for outstanding financial support of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

The awards were presented during the Sunday general session and the Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast, at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th Annual Meeting.

Wisconsin was one of 29 state Farm Bureaus to receive the Apex for increasing total investment in the Foundation by 10 percent or more over the previous year.

“Like the apex of a plant, it is the generous contributions from individuals and families that nourish the Foundation and fuel its mission of increasing agricultural literacy,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

During the event, Stallman challenged Farm Bureau members to make 2013 a record year for donations to the Foundation.

“The donations from dedicated members like you help the Foundation provide programs, curriculums and projects to achieve our mission of building awareness, understanding and a positive perception of agriculture through education,” Stallman said.

Farm Bureau counties and individual members can learn more about opportunities to support the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture by visiting www. agfoundation.org.

We would like to thank you for your presentation at the Waupaca 8th Grade Agricultural Career Day this year. We have hea rd many wonderful comments about your pre sentation from 8th grade teachers and students. Tha nk you for believing in the future of agriculture, success of students, and the love of learning.

Morgan Platta and Nicole Jacowski , Co-chairs Waupaca FFA Chapter

I want to thank you for sending the wonderful and informative kid’s guides, coloring books, brochures, book markers, and MyPyramid.gov reference materials.

All of these samp les went to the 4-H youth to enjoy and find out more on agriculture and the importance of how it works.

Lisa Sinda Franksville, WI Thank you for supp orting Eau Claire County 4-H and the 4-H Key Award . I appreciate your gen erous contribution .

4-H is truly the powe r of youth , and I am thankful to ha ve been given the opportunity to use my leadership skills to positively impact my community. I am honored to be a Wisco nsin 4-H Key Award recipient.

Rachel Wilson Eau Claire , WI

Save the date! We hope you can join us for the...

15th Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser Monday, September 9, 2013

For registration and sponsorship information, please visit:

www.wfbf.com/wfbfoundation

february | march 2013

4740 Pierceville Rd, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin 53527 www.GolfTheOaks.com

Darlene Arneson, Foundation Director darneson@wfbf.com 608.828.5719

www.wfbf.com

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rural mutual

Purchase 2013 Crop Hail Coverage at 2013 Price and Cost Levels

J

anuary 2013 soybean futures price was $14.23 per bushel on January 10. July 2013 corn was listed as $6.89 on futures quotes and wheat was listed at $7.66. Crop input costs will stay at high levels with fertilizer, seed, herbicides, insecticides, fuel, land, rent and labor leading the way.

You may have already contracted the sale of your 2013 crops. This means that when contracts come due you must either deliver the commodity or the

money to buy out your contract. If you plan to feed your crops and they are lost, you will need to purchase quality replacement feed at 2013 prices.

If you have never considered crop hail insurance as a risk management tool in the past, consider purchasing it in 2013. Crop hail insurance has been proven useful to many Wisconsin Farm Bureau members over many years.

Their loss experience proved that crop hail insurance was the best insurance product to indemnify them for their loss when a hailstorm damaged all or a portion of their crops.

Crop hail insurance allows flexibility in your risk management insurance program. You can insure both profit and the cost of production in the event that you lose your crop. Whether you have insured your crops in previous years or are considering purchasing crop hail insurance for the first time, you need to determine what level of coverage will fit your farm’s situation.

You need to use 2013 input costs and 2013 harvested crop values to project your insurance levels required to protect your operation. An acre of corn producing 175 bushels and contracted at $6.89 per bushel will have a harvested value of approximately $1,200. 2013

input costs to grow and harvest an acre of corn is projected at approximately $4.50 per bushel which adds another $787 to a total loss. That equals a loss of roughly $1,987 per acre.

Rural Mutual crop hail insurance covers your crops in units of one acre so that when a hailstorm crosses your property and damages a portion of your crops you have coverage. Crop hail insurance covers your growing crops for direct loss of yield due to: hail, fire, lightning, vandalism, malicious mischief, vehicle damage, fodder for silage corn, replanting allowance for covered perils, transportation coverage and fire department service charges.

Rural Mutual offers no deductible and deductible policies that allow you to select what amount of your risk you wish to transfer and how much you will self-insure. Rural Mutual also has a wide array of discounts available.

Producers are in business today simply because they made the good business decision to purchase crop hail insurance from Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

Rural Mutual’s crop hail insurance has protected Wisconsin producers for over 66 years.

Premiums paid here stay here to keep Wisconsin strong!

Contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance agent today to get more information before purchasing your 2013 crop hail insurance.

Thank You Rural Mutual Insurance Company I’m a member of the University of Wisconsi nPlatteville’s collegiat e Farm Bureau. I wa nt to express my gratitud e to Rural Mutual Ins ura nce Company and the Far m Bureau Federatio n for the University of Wisconsi n-Platteville’s Colleg iat e Farm Bureau’s scholarships to attend the Wisconsi n Far m Bureau Federations Annual Meeting. As a you ng individual looking at getting involved in the field of agriculture , Farm Bureau and its memb ers are very much accepting . I also wanted to em ph asize the sense of unity that was felt being involv ed in Farm

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Bureau, which was profound . I had a gre at time and had a great exp erience meeting many great people and gaining knowledge about wh at Farm Bureau is all about.

I look forward to a rel ati onship with Rural Mutual Insurance and the Far m Bu reau Federation in the fut ure . Thank you aga in to Ru ral Mutual and Farm Bu reau for this great exp erience .

Michael Murphy UW-Platteville studen t

wisconsin farm bureau federation

The lifeblood of America.

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

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Don’t Get Caught With Your CROPS Down!

Rural Mutual Insurance Company’s Crop Hail insurance covers more than just hail damage. It also covers crop losses caused by fire, lightning, transportation, vandalism and damage caused by non-owned vehicles. In addition, if your crops are destroyed early in the growing season, our policy offers financial assistance for replanting expenses... with no reduction in coverage.

To protect your livelihood, visit us on Facebook or on our website at www.ruralins.com to find an agent near you. www.ruralins.com

CROP HAIL INSURANCE