Rural Route

Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

april | may 2012 • vol. 18 no. 2 | www.wfbf.com

Springtime in Wisconsin

Ready...Set...Grow!

Wisconsin Launches Q&A With New CALS Dean 20x30 Dairy inItiative VFA’s Recall Endorsements Page 7 Meet Members: Calaway, Hasheider, Trescher

Fa

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.

contents

vol. 18 no. 2

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departments

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ANNETTE TRESCHER

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Meet this Monroe County dairy woman.

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member benefits opinion

FFA FARM FORUM

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leadership

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ag in the classroom

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foundation

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AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL Hundreds advocate for ag in Madison.

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THE CALAWAYS We interviewed the 2012 chair of the state YFA Committee.

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PHIL AND MARY HASHEIDER Sauk County members are farmers and writers with a story to tell.

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KATHRYN VANDENBOSCH

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40 years of educating our next ag leaders.

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FOOD CHECK-OUT WEEK Members reached out to consumers in February.

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DAN POULSON Former WFBF President continues to support WFB Foundation.

Eight questions for the new dean of UW-Madison CALS.

Save Money with Member Benefits april | may 2012

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Editor’s Note

{from Casey Langan}

Editor Casey Langan

I

t was back in 1870 when Mark Twain said, “I am not the editor of a newspaper and shall always try to do right and be good so that God will not make me one.”

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but after a long week of compiling this issue, I certainly identify with Mr. Twain’s tonguein-cheek comment.

I once joked that the training for my past state government job began as a teenager with all of those calf pens I cleaned with a pitchfork.

In the last 20 years I’ve been paid to milk cows, harvest tobacco, deliver furniture, wait on tables, sell clothing and electronics, take wedding photos, write for newspapers, and assist a legislator. I’ve found that past jobs have had a way of preparing me for my current one. The response to an editorial that appeared in the last Rural Route confirmed this for me.

As background, when I wrote on a controversial topic as a newspaper reporter, I knew that if I was taking flak from readers on both sides of a topic that I had probably struck the right balance. In politics, when one person wrote or called their legislator, I figured there were probably another 100 people who felt the same way but didn’t

bother to contact us.

I took both of these life lessons into consideration when gauging the reaction to an editorial titled “The Consequence of Nonsense” from Texas Farm Bureau’s Mike Barnett.

I have had people tell me they loved Barnett’s politically-charged tale of a pig, duck, cat and little red hen. One reader even asked me to send it to their local newspaper for reprint because “people need to read that.”

On the other end of the spectrum, I received a single letter from a member who felt Barnett’s guest column was a disservice to an organization that seeks to advocate for all of agriculture and I therefore showed “bad editorial judgment.”

Perhaps, but I don’t think I have to say “opinions expressed by guest editorials are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.” Wouldn’t that be assumed?

My newspaper and political past tells me not to lose sleep over such criticism, nor be emboldened by such praise.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and we need not cringe at hearing views that don’t match our own. I don’t think of myself as a gatekeeper of information. Instead, I’m trying to fling open the gates for members big and small, conventional and diversified, traditional and organic. Each segment of agriculture has a voice in Farm Bureau, and each type of farmer is better off knowing what’s being said about them by others.

Am I trying to get the last word? You bet.

After all, Mark Twain is one of two people credited with saying, “You never win an argument with someone who buys ink by the barrel.”

Casey Langan Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

608.828.5711

Assistant Editor Sheri Sutton 608.828.5706

Address of Publication Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation 1241 John Q. Hammons Dr. PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550 Postmaster: Send address changes to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550

Contact Information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) www.wfbf.com info.demingway@wfbf.com

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

Women’s Committee Chair Kathleen Papcke, Elkhorn

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

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

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

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

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Big Changes to Youth Farm Labor Rules Still in the Works

By Casey Langan

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federal proposal to drastically limit the ability of youth to work on farms remains under consideration.

Last year, the federal Department of Labor (DOL) proposed regulations that would alter existing “hazardous occupation” categories and prohibit youth from performing many farm tasks unless they are working solely under the control of their parent or guardian.

“These changes threaten to dramatically change the face of the family farm,” said Bill Bruins, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President, at the time of the proposal’s introduction.

Joining thousands of individual farmers and parents, WFBF submitted nine pages of comments in opposition to the rules prior to the December 1st deadline.

Among the changes that WFBF wanted to see made to the proposal was the expansion of DOL’s narrow definition of a family farm which did not recognize multi-family partnerships and other modern farm business structures. The omission would likely ban youth from working on farms that belong to their grandparents or any farm where their parent is not the sole owner.

In late January, DOL announced a decision to reexamine this “parental exemption” portion of the proposed changes as they pertain to relatives of farm owners.

“The Department of Labor’s decision to re-propose the ‘parental exemption’ in the child labor rule is a positive step, but it does not resolve the long list of concerns that our organization has with the entire rule package,” said Paul Zimmerman, WFBF Executive Director of Governmental Relations. “Wisconsin’s farming heritage is built upon extended family members working together on

farms. Nobody is more interested in assuring the safety of youth on farms than farm families.”

WFBF remains hopeful that additional comments on this portion of the rule will result in common-sense changes to the rules that reflect the realities of modernday farm partnerships and the role that youth relatives play on family farms.

However, despite what has been erroneously reported in some other agricultural publications, the rest of the rule proposal remains on track for adoption as early as this summer.

Officials at the American Farm Bureau Federation are in contact with members of Congress about a legislative fix, should the DOL adopt over-reaching regulations that prohibit the operation of tractors and lawn mowers, or working with noncastrated animals older than six months, sows with suckling pigs and cows with newborn calves.

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“Farm Bureau supports the rights of parents to have discretion when it comes to the capabilities and limitations of their child’s activities on farms,” said Karen Gefvert, WFBF Director of Governmental Relations. “This rule package as still proposed would not only deny invaluable real world experiences for youth interested in agriculture, but they also set up a huge barrier to a labor-intensive industry that already struggles to attract a trained workforce.”

on the web To share your concerns about this proposal with federal lawmakers, share your comments at www.keepfamiliesfarming.com.

www.wfbf.com

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VFA Endorses Walker, Kleefisch, Three Senators in June 5 Recall Elections

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he Volunteers for Agriculture Committee has endorsed the five incumbents in a historic recall election scheduled for June 5.

“Governor Scott Walker and his administration have been strong advocates for agriculture since taking office in January 2011,” said Cal Dalton, a Columbia County corn, soybean and beef farmer who chairs the Farm Bureau’s political action arm, the Volunteers for Agriculture (VFA).

“Governor Walker has consistently expressed his support for use value assessment of farmland, state standards for the siting of livestock farms, and our state’s right to farm law,” Dalton said. “In addition, he has been an advocate for increasing agricultural exports and recently unveiled an initiative to increase Wisconsin’s milk production to 30 billion pounds by the year 2020.”

Dalton said Gov. Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch’s VFA endorsement comes from signing a number of Farm Bureau-supported bills into law. They include: • A state income tax deduction for contributions to health savings accounts • Needed reforms to wetland regulations • A two-year state budget that did not raise fees or increase taxes • Extension of the dairy and livestock investment tax credit • Extension of the fall harvest road weight exemption from November 30 to December 31 • A variety of transportation bills that make it more feasible to haul ag products, manure and sealed containers for international trade

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• Continued an exemption pertaining to livestock farms and air quality permits, which kept Wisconsin from being a regulatory island The VFA also endorsed three state senators facing recall elections for their strong support of these agricultural issues over the past legislative session. The VFA Senate endorsements include: • Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) 13th Senate District • Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) 21st Senate District • Sen. Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) 22nd Senate District Dalton also noted that Governor Walker named Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Bill Bruins to the state Natural Resources Board, and Farm Bureau members Pam Garvey and Miranda Leis to the state Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board.

Former Farm Bureau employee Jeff Lyon was selected by Ben Brancel, Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as his deputy secretary.

The VFA is comprised of 18 farmers from across the state, and was formed to give farmers a more direct role in electing leaders who best represent agriculture’s interests.

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Farm Bureau Endorses Dairy 30x20 Initiative

By Casey Langan

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he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation enthusiastically endorses the Dairy 30x20 Initiative announced in March by Governor Scott Walker in Madison.

“A growing business is a healthy business, and therefore, we are very pleased with Governor Walker’s commitment to grow Wisconsin’s dairy industry,” said Bill Bruins, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President.

Bruins, a dairy farmer from Fond du Lac County who served on the task force that developed the Dairy 30x20 Initiative, noted the importance farmers, processors and supporting agribusinesses capturing valueadded market opportunities. He also said the goal of increasing Wisconsin’s annual milk production to 30 billion pounds by the year 2020 is realistic by a combination of increasing productivity within Wisconsin’s

current milking herd and by adding cows.

In 2011, Wisconsin’s herd of 1.26 million milk cows produced 26.1 billion pounds of milk.

“With two percent annual growth, we would add 500 million pounds of milk per year,” he said. “This could be accomplished by adding 25,000 cows with a 20,000 pound herd average.”

“When you consider that each milk cow generates $20,000 in annual economic activity, the addition of 25,000 cows will create $5 billion in additional economic activity for America’s Dairyland,” Bruins said.

“It is vital that all players in the dairy industry and state government are laserfocused on reaching the initiative’s goal of 30 billion pounds of milk by the year 2020,” said Bruins. “This includes the UW-Extension, UW-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, all other universities and technical colleges, our state Legislature, and state agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation.”

For more information: Call toll-free: 855-WIDAIRY (855.943.2479) Email: GrowWisconsinDairy@wi.gov On the Web: GrowWisconsinDairy.wi.gov

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Ag Day at the

Capitol N Donning their blue and gold courderoy jackets, members of the East Troy FFA took part in their first Ag Day at the Capitol event.

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early 500 farmers from across the state came to Madison on February 8 to talk with their state lawmakers. They also got inside scoop on Wisconsin’s volatile political landscape and pertinent ag issues.

State Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau), Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Jeff Lyon, and Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Joe Murray were the featured speakers at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

Farm Bureau’s Executive Director of Governmental Relations Paul Zimmerman briefed farmers on issues including agricultural economic development, use value assessment of farmland, animal welfare, road weight limits, environmental issues involving wetlands, agricultural air emissions and implementing the state’s wolf management plan.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK Inc. were major sponsors of the event. Wisconsin Farm Bureau co-sponsors Ag Day at the Capitol with a variety of other dairy, beef, pork, horse, corn, soybean, cranberry, potato and vegetable groups.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

1. Farm Bureau members made the short trek from the Monona Terrace Convention Center to the State Capitol.

2. State Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) spoke about rural road needs.

3. Joe Murray provided an insider’s view of the state’s political climate and election trends.

4. Dairy farmer and State Rep. Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) meets with constituents from southwest Wisconsin.

5. Former Farm Bureau lobbyist, Jeff Lyon, made his first Ag Day appearance as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

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The Calaways raise beef cattle near the community of Pittsville, which is known for being at the exact geographical center of Wisconsin.

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Taking Chances and

Never Giving Up

By Casey Langan

Meet YFA Members: Josh and Ashleigh Calaway

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osh and Ashleigh Calaway’s motto is to take chances and never give up, which is why they fondly call their 160 acres the “Last Chance Ranch.”

“We both like pushing ourselves to be better,” Ashleigh said.

Married for five years, the Wood County couple represents District 8 on WFBF’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Committee. Josh is also the 2012 YFA chairman and serves on the WFBF Board of Directors on behalf of the committee.

“We needed to make friends our own age,” Ashleigh said with a laugh when asked what prompted the couple to join Farm Bureau. “Josh is very social, but he needed a social outlet instead of just working.”

They took a chance and attended their first YFA conference in 2007 in Milwaukee.

“We didn’t know anybody,” Ashleigh recalled.

Today, some of those same people they met in Milwaukee are among the many they look forward to seeing at Farm Bureau events.

“When you gather as a group it replenishes you,” Ashleigh said. “It’s rejuvenating to talk with others. That’s what gets us excited and wound up.”

Self-described as hard-charging individuals, the process of rehabbing a farm that has been in Josh’s family since it was homesteaded in the 1800s has taught them both patience.

They have big plans for the property Josh bought from his uncle eight years ago. Their goal is to cash flow their efforts to refurbish a once-dilapidated barn and Depression-era home located in rural Vesper.

Josh grew up nearby and showed sheep as a 4-H member.

The fourth generation farmer is the son of Ray and Barb Calaway. He shares a passion for farming with his wife.

The former Ashleigh Brummel grew up in the small town of

South Wayne in Lafayette County.

“Any chance I could be on a farm, that’s where I wanted to be,” she recalled of her youth showing Angus beef cattle and spending time on her grandfather’s farm.

The Calaways first met through a suggestion of Ashleigh’s UW-River Falls classmate who was insistent that she meet her friend, Josh.

Today, Ashleigh works as a community development manager for the Girls Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes. Josh is a pulp truck driver for Terry Frost Trucking, performs road maintenance and snow plowing for their local township, and is a custom manure hauler for area farmers.

Together they farm 160 acres of hay and pasture for their herd of 40 crossbred beef cows and calves. Members of the Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative, most of their beef is sold directly to local consumers.

Last Chance Ranch is also home to some horses, goats, dogs and a pot-bellied pig, some of which were cast-offs from friends.

“Neither of us can give up on them, you have to give them one more last chance,” Ashleigh said.

While Josh’s family has long been Farm Bureau members, the Calaway’s credit District 8 coordinator Lindsay Prahl with getting them involved.

“She makes volunteerism so much easier,” Josh said.

Not one to seek the limelight, when asked to reflect on his year as YFA chairman, Josh was quick to say that it is the collective work of the YFA committee that makes things happen. He feels fortunate to have been picked to lead them.

The first time Josh traveled to Washington, D.C. with the YFA was the furthest he had ever been from home. He relished that experience and says it was one of the chances that Farm Bureau has pushed him to take.

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Check Your 2012

Tax Assessments R

ural landowners are urged to check their property tax assessments this spring.

“It’s especially important for landowners to review the classifications for their woodlots and undeveloped land,” said Paul Zimmerman, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Executive Director of Governmental Relations.

“State law defines wetlands, swamp and wasteland as undeveloped land. These areas are to be assessed at 50 percent of the market value.”

Further, the same law classifies woodlots on a parcel containing agricultural land as an “agricultural forest,” which is also assessed at 50 percent of its market value.

Assessments for

agricultural land (both cropland and pastureland) are determined by the use value assessment of farmland formula set by

Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue for each municipality.

“Farmers need to be aware of how the various types of

land they own are classified in order to determine which assessments apply,” Zimmerman said.

“Tax assessment statements for municipalities are typically issued in April and May to notify landowners of changes in property assessments,” Zimmerman said. “If farmers have questions about their assessments, they should first talk with their assessor.

They should also be aware of the appeals process available through their local Board of Review.”

The Department of Revenue’s Agricultural Assessment Guide and use value assessment of farmland rate for each municipality can be downloaded at wfbf.com.

Steps for Checking Property Tax Assessments: •• Check with the local assessor to make sure land is accurately classified.

•• Verify that assessments for the property have been accurately applied from the Department of Revenue guidelines.

•• Compare any market value assessments of property (buildings, woodlots and wasteland) with comparable property in the municipality.

•• Talk with the assessor over any questions or disagreements.

•• Go to the local board of review if there are disagreements with the assessor. The property taxpayer must notify the board clerk at least 48 hours before the first scheduled meeting of the board. A property owner must go to the board of review if they want to keep their options open to appeal their assessment. By law, the board of review is to meet on the second Monday in May or during the 30-day period following.

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Land on Wisconsin farms generally falls into one of five classifications: •• Agricultural Land: Agricultural land is subject to the use value assessment law, and is further classified as Grades 1, 2 or 3, or pastureland.

•• Agricultural Forest: Assessed at 50 percent of market value, this is a woodlot located on a parcel containing Agricultural Land, or wooded land contiguous to a parcel entirely classified as Agricultural Land under the same ownership.

•• Productive Forest Land: Assessed at market value, these are wooded areas that do not meet qualifications as an Agricultural Forest.

•• Undeveloped Land: A classification that encompasses wetlands, swamps and wasteland, all of which are assessed at 50 percent of market value.

•• Other: The farmstead and farm buildings are assessed at market value.

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Capitol

Watch During the recent legislative session, these WFBF-supported bills were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Scott Walker.

By Paul Zimmerman

Wolf Hunt When Wisconsin’s gray wolves were removed from the federal endangered species list, the DNR was allowed to implement a wolf management plan to address the growing wolf population. This bill aides that management effort with an annual wolf hunting and trapping season.

Estimates are that Wisconsin’s population of at least 800 wolves far exceeds the DNR’s goal of 350. WFBF supported the hunting season due to increased wolf attacks on livestock.

Agricultural Air Emissions This legislation extended the exemption from regulations for air emissions from animal agricultural waste, which was set to expire this summer. Wisconsin, like all other states, is waiting for guidance on how to regulate these emissions as required by the federal Clean Air Act. As the federal Environmental Protection Agency figures out how to best regulate air emissions from livestock farms, Wisconsin needed to formally extend its current exemption to remain consistent with other states.

Federal and state air emissions laws will eventually be applied to livestock farms. However, neither the U.S. EPA nor the DNR have yet established uniform standards or calibrations to determine what size farms, what type of farms or what manure-handling methods produce air emissions that exceed the legal thresholds of regulated pollutants (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide). This legislation allows Wisconsin to remain in step with the proper development of these regulations.

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Seasonal Weight Limits for Manure Hauling Vehicles hauling manure will be allowed to exceed weight limits by not more than 15 percent, annually from September through December.

This exemption is similar to the agricultural crop exemption. The legislation came in response to last fall’s increased enforcement of road weight limits, where a number of manure haulers were cited for being over weight. WFBF supported the legislation in order to make road weight limit regulations between hauling crops and manure consistent.

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Livestock Premise Registration

Wetlands Reforming Wisconsin’s wetlands permitting process will help farmers obtain permits for projects that impact wetlands, while still protecting the environment. Ensuring consistent state and federal general permits is one of the bill’s provisions that will be beneficial to Wisconsin farmers.

Our state’s previous wetland laws were complex and often times unworkable for landowners who wish to build a shed or driveway near a wetland on their property. The reforms offer workable solutions to landowners, such as revising the mitigation program to allow for mitigation to offset wetland losses. This means landowners will be required to establish more wetlands than they impact with a construction project.

The reforms allow farmers to modernize their farms and allow the Department of Natural Resources to work within a common sense framework when making decisions regarding wetlands.

Farm Bureau Podcasts

Wisconsin’s livestock premise registration program has funding through June 30, 2013.

Anyone who keeps livestock in Wisconsin is required to register the location with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. To make up for federal funding that had expired, lawmakers authorized DATCP to expend $250,000 from a Working Lands program fund. They also directed DATCP to develop a funding proposal for the next state budget. WFBF supports continuing Wisconsin’s premise registration program.

on the web For additional information on these bills and other legislative and regulatory issues check out our website at www.wfbf.com/legislation.

Listen to all podcasts at WFBF.COM

“The bottom line is passage of this legislation was very important to keep Wisconsin livestock farms on equal footing with their peers in other states.”

Paul Zimmerman, WFBF Executive Director of Government Relations on the successful passage of ag air emissions legislation in Wisconsin (Senate Bill 138).

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Everyone Has a Story Meet Farm Bureau Members:

By Sheri Sutton

Phil and Mary Hasheider

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his is the story of Phil and Mary Hasheider, farmers and writers who are driven to tell other people’s stories.

“Everyone has a story and they will share it if you let them,” said Phil, a Sauk County Farm Bureau member. “I want to find out people’s stories. I find them so interesting.”

“Unless it is written down, a lot of information gets lost,” said the beef farmer and published author who has written 12 books over the last 20 years and is currently working on six more. Mary, who works in agri-marketing, helps him brainstorm book ideas and edits all of his work.

“I am very fortunate to have someone like Mary to make me look better,” he said smiling.

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Their Beginning Both Phil and Mary’s stories began with their admiration of growing up on a farm.

This led them to pursue agricultural majors (Phil, dairy science and Mary, dairy science/ ag journalism) at UW-Madison where they met.

“We wanted our kids to enjoy the same rich experience that we both had while growing up,” Mary said. After being married a few years and experiencing life in the Twin Cities where Mary’s job brought them, in 1992 they moved back to the farm near Sauk City where Phil grew up.

They rented a barn down the road and raised a herd of 120 Registered Holstein dairy cattle and gave their two children, Marcus and Julia, the rural life they had desired to teach them about.

They named their farm Honey Creek Heritage Farm. “The name reflects the heritage of everyone that has lived on this land. We are just the current stewards,” Mary said.

His Passion of Writing It was in the early years of farming and raising children when Phil became more serious about his passion for writing. He became intrigued about the history of the church down the road and their family genealogies, so he wrote books about them.

“I realized it is more interesting to interview people and let them tell the story,” said Phil as he described how he interviewed 45 people for his book All Bottled Up: A History of Sauk Prairie Area Milk Delivery Routes.

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Shortly after that book, Jerry Apps, a well known writer and UW-Madison professor, recommended Phil to Voyageur Press.

Through that publisher Phil wrote a “how to raise” series on cattle, pigs and sheep, which Phil describes as “something for people to read before they jump in with both feet.”

Phil’s son, Marcus, was also highly involved in this “how to raise” series. “Marcus took all the pictures,” said Phil. “He was a published photographer at the age of 16.”

Phil has since written numerous free-lance articles, contributed chapters in multi-author books and completed more agriculturally related books including The Family Cow Handbook and The Complete Book of Butchering, Smoking, Curing, and Sausage Making (which was among Voyageur Press’ best selling books last year).

“I don’t see the end result of my books, but because it is good, reliable information, whoever picks it up will have a good chance to be successful. I just try to help people develop skills,” Phil mentioned.

Phil now runs his own publishing house, Honey Creek Press, while Mary owns Galena, LLC, a marketing and communications business.

“Farm Bureau is in our family legacy; we are involved in furthering efforts that Farm Bureau stands for and we support organizations that Farm Bureau supports.”

- Mary Hasheider

Their Farm Now Phil has not only been a man of words, but also of farming. Over the years the family switched from dairy to beef, and now manage 35 head of Milking Shorthorn/Red Angus cross cattle on their 100 acre farm of pasture and woodland. They sell their beef directly to local consumers under their own farm label.

Along with working in agricultural marketing, Mary invests a lot of time and energy into her church, First United Methodist Church near the state capitol in Madison. She enjoys connecting rural and urban individuals by helping further its food ministry through its food pantry and CSA that links people directly to farmers to learn how their food is raised.

Farm Bureau is also a part of their story.

Mary said, “Farm Bureau is in our family legacy; we are involved in furthering efforts that Farm Bureau stands for and we support organizations that Farm Bureau supports.”

Phil added, “A lot of our interests are parallel with Farm Bureau.”

Accomplished writer and farmer, Phil Hasheider loves to share his passion of agriculture through his words. While his final projects end up in a typed format, he prefers to handwrite his first drafts before transferring them to the computer.

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Questions with UW-Madison College of

Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean Kathryn VandenBosch Q: Why did you want to become CALS dean?

CALS is one of the best colleges of its type in the country, with recognized strengths in agriculture, the environment and the fundamental life sciences. I spent two years at UW in the 1980s and developed a respect and a fondness for the institution. I was excited to have a chance to come back to lead CALS at an important time in its history.

Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of CALS as you start?

CALS greatest strength is its people.

We have many highly regarded, creative scholars in a diversity of areas, and they apply their technical expertise to current problems and share their knowledge through engagement with the state.

Collaboration beyond college boundaries is another big strength. Tackling problems in things like renewable energy and human health, for example, requires broad expertise. We interact with colleagues in the School of Medicine and Public Health, the Colleges of Engineering and of Letters and Science, and other units in our research and training. UW-Madison is one of few universities in the U.S. that is so comprehensive, and arguably, has the greatest across-the-board strengths.

The greatest weakness—perhaps

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challenge is a better word—is the fiscal climate. Cuts to the university make it difficult to replace faculty members who have retired, and we have to compete with other universities that would like to hire our best. We want to continue to invest in areas that will be important in the future, but resources are thinly spread.

Q: What are your top priorities as you begin as CALS dean?

Strategic planning is very important. We will be undertaking a strategic planning process in the fall. Stay tuned for more information because we will need input from our external partners. Another priority is to get acquainted with the scope of CALS research and how it benefits the state. To do this, I am meeting with faculty and college leaders, and starting to get out and about in the state. A third priority is to take stock of our academic programs to evaluate where we are succeeding, what needs work and what new opportunities we have.

Q: Being new to Wisconsin, how do you intend to become acquainted with Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture?

Getting out in the state and meeting with stakeholders and industry leaders is a big part of that. I have already visited Bill Bruins’ dairy farm, as a result of his kind invitation to hear about the Farm Bureau on locale. I also attended the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association’s annual meeting in Stevens Point. That was a great way to meet leaders of the association and some growers, and to learn about current issues all at once. I’ve also had briefings from faculty on several areas, including the dairy, livestock and vegetable industries. I will be looking for more opportunities—on and off campus—to further my education.

Q: Are there any new building projects being proposed for CALS within the next five years?

We have two. One involves a renovation

of the Babcock dairy plant and an addition for the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).

The estimated cost is $32.5 million, about half of which will come from private sources. The planned facility will produce Babcock ice cream and support the 160 Wisconsin cheese and dairy companies who rely on CDR training and research.

The other planned project will replace our Meat Science/Muscle Biology lab. The estimated cost is $42.8 million. Again, about half will come from private sources, and $5 million has already been raised. Research done in our meat science facility supports Wisconsin’s 475 meat processors and their $12.3 billion industry. Both projects have been approved by UW-Madison and are now being reviewed by UW System.

Q: As a land grant institution, CALS is noted for its high quality research. Are there some research projects being conducted that are of interest and importance to Wisconsin farmers?

I turned to some of our ag experts to answer this, and they were quick to note that CALS has hundreds of ag-related projects, and they are all pretty interesting, so it is hard to pick. One example is a new high-yielding oat variety that is very high in beta glucan, the heart healthy compound found only in oats. Breakfast cereal companies are very interested. Another project involves feeding distillers grain from ethanol production. This work can help dairy producers and their advisors plan rations and help ethanol producers maximize the suitability of their byproducts for feed use.

A lot of our basic science work can also benefit farmers. For example, we are studying the genetic and biochemical mechanisms of plants that enhance pest resistance. We are looking at photoreceptors that control plant traits, which could help improve crop growth.

april | may 2012

Q: Obviously, funding has become a topic within higher education. How is CALS positioned to handle reduced funding from the state?

It is our biggest challenge. State funding for CALS decreased 20 percent over the last six biennial budgets, and unfortunately, many of the cuts have been absorbed by not filling faculty positions following retirements. Going back to 1980, CALS has lost 120 positions. CALS and UWMadison are pursuing several avenues to address funding gaps. These include administrative streamlining and innovating instructional programs to reduce costs.

We are also growing philanthropy to CALS to support more need-based financial aid and encouraging private support for professorships. But streamlining only goes so far. We have been doing with less for a long time. Now we face the prospect of either reducing quality of all programs or eliminating programs.

Q: What is the student make up of CALS? How are students from rural Wisconsin doing?

CALS has 903 graduate students and 2,880 undergraduates, 72 percent from Wisconsin.

Our Farm and Industry Short Course program has 135 students, 84 percent from Wisconsin. UW-Madison research shows that seniors from high schools in rural communities are less likely to apply to UW-Madison than those from high schools in cities, suburbs and towns. Those rural students who do apply are admitted and enroll at the same rates of their urban and suburban counterparts, and they enjoy the same levels of academic success.

Knowing that, we are striving to get more students from rural high schools to apply.

One way we’re doing that is through the CALS Wisconsin Rural Youth Scholarship initiative, which in four years has raised nearly $250,000 to provide need-based financial aid to CALS students from rural communities. www.wfbf.com

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news

2012 Farm Bill Process Plows Along

By Karen Gefvert

W

ith hearings underway, Congress is crafting the 2012 Farm Bill. Their framework is the $23 billion in cuts over the next 10 years that was recommended to last year’s socalled “Super Committee.”

All signs point toward the Senate crafting the first draft this spring. As to what it will say, there is widespread belief that direct (counter-cyclical) payments to growers will be eliminated.

However, the right approach for an adequate risk management program for crops is still being debated.

When it comes to dairy policy, there is still hope that comprehensive reform can happen as Congress works to cut spending, provide risk management tools to farmers and allow for growth in trade.

President Obama’s proposed budget aims to reduce spending on agricultural programs by $32 billion over the next decade. His proposal would eliminate direct payments, decrease subsidies to crop insurance companies, target conservation funding for high priority areas and boost food-nutrition assistance programs.

A mid-summer passage appears to be a best case scenario. A tenuous political climate and high-stakes election season could push back passage until 2013.

The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners who exemplify the land ethic of Aldo Leopold, translating their love for the land into responsible stewardship and management. The Wisconsin recipient for 2012 receives an Aldo Leopold crystal and a check for $10,000.

If you, or someone you know, is a Wisconsin farmer engaged in and committed to land management practices that increase conservation, we invite your application for the Leopold Conservation Award.

Application deadline: August 10, 2012

2012

Call for Applications

To download an Application Form, visit: www.leopoldconservationaward.org

Presented by Sand County Foundation in partnership with Wisconsin Farm Bureau

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Federation

2011 recipient The Koepke Family

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Names in the

News

Farm Bureau members making headlines around the state

BRIAN & RENEE SCHAAL, Burlington, were named one of four national winners at the 56th National Outstanding Young Farmer Awards Congress held in Springdale, Arkansas February 9-12. The top 10 finalists from across the nation were invited to the Congress. Schaals were named Wisconsin’s state winners in January 2011. They operate a dairy farm with 300 head of Holsteins and grow 425 acres of corn and alfalfa. They have two children, Michael, 8, and Ashley, 4.

ADAM & REBECCA KUCZER, Pulaski, were honored with the JCI Wisconsin Jaycees 59th Outstanding Young Farmer Award in January, and like the Schaals, they will be competing at the national level next year. They own Kuczer Farms, a beef and grain farm in Shawano County. They have four children, Nicholas, 6, Sawyer, 4, and twins Clara and Cadence, 1. Adam is the Shawano County Farm Bureau Vice President and together they serve on the state YFA Committee.

New WATA BOARD MEMBERS, were announced in January, making the list were six Farm Bureau members.

(Front row left to right) Serving as president of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association Don Schuster (Dane County FB), vice president Phil Waldvogel (Dodge County FB), treasurer Joylene Reavis (Green County FB), (back row left to right) directors Nodji Van Wychen (Monroe County FB), Jason Ring, Noreen Rueckert and Steve Peterson. (Not pictured Julie Govin, Dunn County FB.)

april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com

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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.

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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#

Grainger

Stroke Detection Plus

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

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

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

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

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

AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program

00209870.

Rural Mutual Insurance

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.

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

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.

Rural Route

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

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

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

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

The Country Today Newspaper Here’s a way to save money, get informed on ag issues, AND help support a popular Farm Bureau program. Members now receive $7.50 off yearly subscriptions (and $15 off two-year subscriptions) and The Country Today then donates $5 to the Ag in the Classroom program.

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

opinion

Filling our Tanks and Stomachs A Message from WFBF President Bill Bruins

I “It is time we use our natural resources in a way that prioritizes humanitarian needs.”

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recently filled up my 1995 Chevy pickup truck with gas. It was the truck’s first trip to town since I had stored it for the winter. Filling it with $93.11 in gas, I chuckled as I thought that’s nearly what the old truck is worth. The joke faded when I began to ponder how high fuel prices will impact our farm and tie an anchor around the neck of a U.S. economy that is just trying to stay afloat.

Government officials tell us that world demand is driving up the price of fuel. I completely agree with that, but what infuriates me is the obvious agenda to restrict access to our domestic supply of fossil fuels. There is a belief held by too many of our leaders that natural resources should be untouched and preserved in order to protect the environment. It does not seem to matter what the natural resource is: oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, water, etc.

I take a different view. A resource is not a resource until it is used. As farmers we take great pride in providing food for a growing population.

However, unlike our Creator, we cannot create something from nothing. The process of growing food depends on the use of many resources, and I also think it Is our right to use them in order to feed others.

In an energy-based economy, when a government restricts the production of energy (by moratoriums, legislation or excessive regulation) it is not only driving up the cost of energy, but also many other items, including food.

How can someone embrace this skewed world view of natural resources when it has so many other serious ramifications? Are they considering the 47 million Americans who already cannot afford breakfast for their children or the billion people around the world who go to

bed hungry every night?

What kind of government, especially one that is sinking in a sea of red ink, would deliberately drive up the price of food for the people it serves? What kind of elected officials would heed the call to protect the environment at the direct expense of their hardpressed constituents?

It is time we use our natural resources in a way that prioritizes humanitarian needs.

This means putting an end to the nonsense that is happening in Washington, D.C. and Madison by electing clear-eyed leaders who see that putting natural resources to work allows agriculture to meet the needs of a growing planet.

This has to be done before our economy resembles my old farm truck, low on fuel and having seen better days.

Bruins is a dairy farmer from Fond du Lac County.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

opinion

Prosperous Farms = Prosperous Wisconsin Guest Column by UW-Extension Dean Ray Cross

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ike many of you, I grew up with mud on my boots, dirt under my nails and hay in my hair. (Oh, for the good old days when I had hair.) In the 1960s, Midwest farmers like my dad were lucky to get 60 bushels an acre of corn and 8,500 pounds of milk per cow each year.

His jaw would drop if he knew farmers now get 185 bushels an acre of corn and 30,000 pounds of milk per cow.

That kind of productivity is driven both by investment and research. Over the years, the University of WisconsinExtension has partnered with the UWMadison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls to research, develop and apply the unbiased information that today drives productivity and profitability.

Along with important partners like the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, UWExtension brings farmers the knowledge that helps them develop profitable systems, improve integrated pest management and protect the natural resources integral to our agricultural and tourism industries and quality of life.

With the middle class growing rapidly in China and India and the worldwide population predicted to exceed 10 billion around 2050, we will have to double our protein output by mid-century. That means change for our North Central region, where farmers produce 45 percent of U.S. agricultural exports. We will have to invest even more in research to help meet worldwide demands for food, feed, fuel and fiber.

Prosperous farms mean a prosperous Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s agricultural industry accounts for more than 12 percent of the state economy and impacts every county, from urban areas

with major dairy processors to rural areas with up to half the workforce in agriculture. About one in 10 Wisconsin jobs is ag-related, and each supports another 0.89 jobs.

Together, UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation are committed to keeping the ag sector healthy by supporting today’s farmers, agriculturists, agronomists and researchers, and by building the educational pipeline to bring the best of the next generation into agriculture.

The University of Wisconsin will continue efforts to make production agriculture as efficient and profitable as possible, help organic farmers and artisan food producers take advantage of niche market growth and help growers collaborate to advance the cranberry, hazelnut and other innovative industries.

Wisconsin’s first ag agent, E.L. Luther, started bringing the unbiased knowledge of the UW to farmers 100 years ago. I am sure his jaw would drop if he knew Cooperative Extension’s agriculture and business contacts will top a half million in 2012.

Just think what we will be able to do in the next 100 years!

The University of Wisconsin-Extension, www.uwex.edu, includes Cooperative Extension offices in 72 counties and three tribal nations, 12 Small Business Development Centers and outreach, and e-learning programs delivered via the 26 UW System campuses and distancelearning channels, as well as the statewide networks of Wisconsin Public Radio and

“We will have to invest even more in research to help meet worldwide demands for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

Wisconsin Public Television.

april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com

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opinion

We Can Protect Our Farm Kids

A guest column from AFBF President Bob Stallman

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s a boy growing up in southeast Texas, I not only worked on my family’s farm, I lived and breathed it. What many people outside of rural America don’t understand is that farm work for a kid is not just a chore or a job— it is a way of life. Learning to drive a tractor comes as natural as riding a bike, and there is nothing that teaches a kid more discipline and commitment than milking a cow. It was “American Gothic” painter Grant Wood who once said, “All the good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.”

Farm work has always played a significant role in the lives of rural youth across the country, whether they are milking cows on their grandparents’ farm or harvesting apples as a summer job. But, because of general misunderstanding and overzealous activists, the ability of rural kids being able to perform traditional farm chores and jobs is in serious jeopardy.

Way of Life A proposed rule released by the Department of Labor would have detrimental effects on farm families. Kids would no longer be allowed to do many chores on their grandparents’ farms, nor would kids under 16 be allowed to get a typical summer job at their neighbor’s farm—even with their parent’s consent. Under the DOL rule as it was proposed in September, a child can only work on a farm that is “wholly owned” by his or her parents.

Farm Bureau is hopeful that the recent decision

by DOL to re-propose the “parental exemption” will be a positive step, but we simply do not know.

If DOL decides to, it could interpret the parental exemption in a way that would make it much more difficult—if not impossible—for nieces, nephews and grandchildren to work on the family farm.

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Let’s take a look at Missouri hog producer Chris Chinn, who grew up doing chores on her grandparent’s farm. As she testified before Congress in March, she never would have had those life-shaping experiences if the DOL rule had been in place back then. Even more disturbing is that her two children will not be allowed the same experiences of doing routine chores on their grandparents’ farm if DOL goes forward with its initial plan.

Hazardous Rulemaking The DOL rule would also put strict limits on what hired youth can and cannot do on farms.

In updating its “hazardous occupation orders,” DOL says that youth under the age of 16 would be mostly prohibited from working with livestock or operating equipment that is not driven by hand or foot power. Read literally, the DOL proposal would mean a 15-year-old could not operate a hand-held, battery-powered screwdriver to mend fences or be hired to mow lawns.

Farm and ranch families are more interested than anyone else in assuring the safety of our farms.

We have no desire at all to have young teenagers working in jobs that are inappropriate or entail too much risk. But regulations need to be sensible and within reason—not prohibiting teenagers from performing simple everyday farm functions like operating a battery-powered screwdriver.

Members in the House and Senate, on both sides of the aisle, have called for the rule to be withdrawn, and Farm Bureau agrees. But if DOL proceeds, as seems likely, we will be working actively to assure that any final regulation makes sense, does not infringe on the traditional rights of family farms and does not unnecessarily restrict the ability of young people to work in agriculture.

In other words, we need a rule that respects the significance of youth farm work in America and the importance it plays in our system of family-based agriculture.

Stallman is a cattle and rice farmer from Columbus, Texas.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Meet Farm Bureau Member

Annette Trescher Home: Cashton, Monroe County Family: Husband, Steve; Children, Derek (23) and Kori (19)

How much time do you spend doing farm work compared to house work?

Farm work comes first because that’s where the paycheck comes from. So, I probably spend five times the hours doing farm work as I do house work.

What do you do in your free time and why?

Most of my free time is spent with family. Family is the most important thing I’ve got, so it is on the top of my priority list to take care of and spend time with such a treasured aspect of my life.

What’s the best thing about farming?

Tell us about your farm: Steve and I are the owners/operators of Trescher Town-View Dairy which is located three blocks from downtown Cashton.

The predominantly dairy farm uses village water, sewer and electric. We milk about 70 cows consisting of grade Holsteins and registered Jerseys. We raise all the heifer calves, and the Jersey bull calves are fed out and sold privately for beef.

Because of our kids’ 4-H projects, we have a small herd of beef and a small flock of sheep. A batch of feeder pigs is also fed out each summer. The grain and forage for the animals are raised on 180 acres of owned land in addition to some neighboring rented ground. We own both of Steve’s parents’ home farms.

The one in town that houses the dairy, sheep and hogs will be a Century Farm in 2016 and the country farm was a Century Farm in 1983.

What’s the busiest time of day for you?

The busiest time of day for me depends on the time of year.

During the winter, it is 6 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. (chore time).

In the summer, similar hours are busy, but if we are chopping, the whole day may be busy because you can usually find me running the tractor and chopper.

I can’t narrow this down to just one thing. Seeing new life on almost a daily basis (i.e. baby calves, lambs and kittens or new emerged crops) is one thing and being your own boss is another. If my husband and I want to just take in a movie, enjoy a special meal at some restaurant or spend time with one or both of the kids, we can!

When you look back on your life, what do you want to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered as a hard-working mom, wife and farmer who still took time to make a difference in the agricultural world.

Do you have any ideas that could make farming easier for you and all farming women?

The most important thing is to participate at various events where you can compare notes with other farm women who are in the same boat as you. This is a farm woman’s “continued education.” Also, take time away from the farm – it’s the most refreshing thing you can do for yourself.

Story and photo reprinted with permission of the Dairy Star newspaper.

april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com

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leadership

Farm Bureau’s FFA Farm Forum

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early 200 high school juniors attended Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 40th FFA Farm Forum in Wisconsin Rapids February 24-25.

FFA members attended workshops that covered topics including advocating for agriculture on social media and preparation for college and agricultural careers. Craig Culver, founder and owner of Culver’s Frozen Custard, served as the keynote speaker.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors the FFA Farm Forum in cooperation with the Wisconsin Association of FFA. This year’s event marked the 40th year the Farm Bureau family of affiliates has sponsored the event for Wisconsin youth.

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3 1. FFA members enjoyed many icebreaker activities while making friends from across the state.

2. During past State FFA Officer Tyler Sailsbery’s workshop, members learned how to become their own boss while they explored entrepreneurship.

3. State FFA President Ethan Giebel thanked Craig Culver for sharing his story of how he started Culver’s Frozen Custard.

4. Members attended workshops and listened to speakers who inspired them to continue to promote agriculture and explore ag careers.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Farm Bureau in Action

Food Check-Out Week

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embers of 27 county Farm Bureaus connected with consumers during this year’s Food Check-Out Week, held February 19-25, by talking about how to cut costs while putting nutritious meals on the table for their families.

“Stretching Your Grocery Dollar With Healthy, Nutritious Food,” the official theme of Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, reflects the fact that Americans from all walks of life are

still experiencing an economic squeeze.

Dining out less often and preparing more meals at home are two strategies people are using to cope with the situation.

Tips for better nutrition on a stretched budget, making sense of food labels and understanding USDA’s MyPlate guidelines are among the topics Farm Bureau members talked about with consumers at supermarkets. Other county Farm Bureaus made donations to local food pantries.

Each year, the Washington County Farm Bureau makes a donation to a local food pantry to commemorate Food CheckOut Week. On Friday, February 24, a $100 cash donation was made to the Slinger Food Pantry and $300 worth of food was donated to the West Bend Full Shelf Food Pantry, which currently serves nearly 580 families per month. Shown here (from left) are pantry employees Dave Lemanczyk and Roger Liebetrau, and Farm Bureau members Theresa Bruckert, Nancy Dornacker and Mariann Gundrum.

Dane County Farm Bureau hosted three Food Check-Out Week events at various grocery stores in Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie and Madison.

Evan Schnadt (center) is shown at Metcalfe’s Market in Madison, talking with consumers. He and other members gave away recipe cards, nutritional handouts, Farmers Feed US brochures and Food CheckOut Week bread bag clips.

april | may 2012

Get rural route in your inbox!

Rather have the latest Farm Bureau news emailed to you? Go to wfbf.com to opt-out of receiving a printed version of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route magazine and sign up to have each issue delivered to your inbox.

You can also read the current issue and access archived editions anytime on

wfbf.com www.wfbf.com

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leadership

YFA Holds Three Contests for Members

T

he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is again holding contests for members of its Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Program. Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible for the Discussion Meet Contest, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Achievement Award.

Farm Bureau co-sponsors these contests with GROWMARK Inc. and Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Information and applications for the contests can be downloaded from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s website, www.wfbf.com, or members can call Dale Beaty, Director of Training and Leadership Development at 608.828.5714.

The winners of these contests on the state level will compete at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee January 12-15, 2013. They will also be guests at the GROWMARK, Inc. Annual Meeting and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau 2013 YFA Conference/Annual Meeting December 6-9, and will have the opportunity to take part in the WFBF YFA Washington, D.C. trip.

Achievement Award contestants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau, and other civic and service

organizations. Applicants must have derived a majority of their income from on farm production for the past three years. The state winner will receive a free financial plan from Rural Mutual Insurance Company and 40 hours use of a FABCO 226 skid-steer loader courtesy of FABCO Equipment Inc. The Top 10 finalists will also receive a $50 FAST STOP gift card.

Excellence in Agriculture contestants are also judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement

and participation in Farm Bureau, and other civic and service organizations. However, these applicants must have derived a majority of their income from a non-production agribusiness enterprise for the past three years. Examples would be an agriculture teacher, fertilizer salesperson, veterinarian, farm employee, agricultural writer or marketer. All applicants receive a $50 FAST STOP gift card from GROWMARK Inc. The state winner receives a $250 FAST STOP gift card from GROWMARK, Inc. towards FS products.

Applications for the 2012 Achievement Award and the Excellence in Agriculture Award are due postmarked by July 2, 2012.

Finally, the Discussion Meet contest gives young members a chance to demonstrate their speaking skills on agricultural-related topics.

Contestants are judged on their problemsolving skills as they discuss timely topics with their colleagues. Each of WFBF’s nine districts will hold a district Discussion Meet competition this fall. The three finalists in each district receive a $50 FAST STOP gift card from GROWMARK Inc. The statewide winner will also receive a chain saw from Midwest Stihl, Inc.

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West Fargo, ND 58078

Built in USA

1-800-333-2314 www.fsmfg.com

You Might As Well Have the Best!

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Transportation Committee

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number of transportation issues related to road weight limits, equipment standards for implements of husbandry, farm truck registration requirement and funding for rural roads have become major concerns for Farm Bureau members. In response, the WFBF Board of Directors has established a Transportation Task Force for 2012. The first meeting of the Task Force was held on Thursday, February 23 at the Farm Bureau office in Madison. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb met with the task force to discuss DOT’s funding and expenditures.

Members of the Transportation Task Force include: 1. Kevin Krentz, Berlin 2. Adam Kuczer, Pulaski 3. Jim Lund, Woodville 4. Ryan Prahl, Wausau 5. Shane Goplin, Osseo 6. Stan Kaczmarek, Green Bay 7. Pete Raskovic, New Glarus 8. George Muth, West Bend

april | may 2012

9. WFBF District 8 Director Don Radtke, Merrill 10. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb (not a task force member) 11. WFBF District 7 Director Wayne Staidl, Peshtigo 12. John Meyers, Barneveld Not pictured - A.V. Roth, Wauzeka

www.wfbf.com

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leadership

UW-Madison’s Fritsch Competes Nationally

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aylor Fritsch, UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau Board Director, made it into the Sweet 16 round of the national Collegiate Discussion Meet at the AFBF national Young Farmer & Ranchers Leadership Conference on February 18 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

“The discussion meet contest is an important opportunity for young leaders in Farm Bureau,” Taylor said. “Representing Wisconsin at the national contest was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and network with other college students with a mutual interest in the future of agriculture.”

After winning the Wisconsin Collegiate Discussion Meet on the UW-Madison campus last fall, Taylor competed in a public roundtable discussion with other state winners. A few of the topics were: • How can we convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care?

• How do we capitalize on the growing world demand for agricultural products?

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

• What role, if any, should agriculture play in addressing health and obesity issues?

Forty-eight competitors from 32 states competed in this year’s AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet. All competitors received $250, courtesy of CHS Foundation, in recognition of their efforts and making it to the national level.

“Taylor has a keen working knowledge of agriculture and the issues facing farmers,” said Dale Beaty, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Director of Training and Leadership Development. “He did an outstanding job of discussing current agricultural issues and making it to the Sweet 16 round of the national Collegiate Discussion Meet contest, only to be edged out by the eventual national winner. We are so proud of how Taylor represented himself, UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau and Wisconsin Farm Bureau.”

Tino Rossi, of Bakersfield, CA, won the contest following a discussion about the need for social media strategies to present an accurate portrayal of farmers and ranchers.

Dear Mr. Bruins, Dale and everyone at WFBF, I wanted to take this opportunity to tha your sponsorship and support of the Collnk you for Bureau Discussion Meet Contest in Gra egiate Farm Attending the AFBF YF&R Conference nd Rapids. pleasure and excellent learning experiewas a true again for your support of the collegiate nce. Thanks program. I kno w we would not be whe Farm Bureau re without your support. I consider myself we are now blessed to have come in contact with so incredibly this great organiza tion!

-- Taylor Fri tsch

YF&R Conference Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids

(Left to right) Ashleigh Calaway, Chuck and Nichole Rabitz, Sara and Brian Maliszewski, Tim Clark, Taylor Fritsch, and Rick Roden attended the 2012 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan February 17-20. The theme of the conference was “Our Voice, Your Future.” AFBF President Bob Stallman, agri-marketer Jane Eckert, Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Matt Lohr and motivational speaker Bryan Townsend were the featured speakers. There were a variety of workshop presentations focused on current agriculture issues, farm management and leadership development. Fritsch is a member of the UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau and competed at the conference in the national Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet contest. Roden is a new appointee to the national AFBF YF&R Committee.

Calaway, Clark, the Rabitzs and the Maliszewskis are all members of the WFBF state YFA Committee. april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com

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news resources for teachers

Ag in the Classroom NEWS educational resources to explore Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers (wismaple.org) – Looking for a great way to spend a day with your family? This website will tell you how maple syrup is produced, and lists open houses and educational institutes.

Wisconsin Master Gardener Program (wimastergardener.org) – What better way for educators and gardeners to get ready for spring than with this bountiful collection of information about gardening, horticulture, flowers and volunteer opportunities.

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative (wisbc.com) – What makes you think of spring more than baby lambs? Visit this website to learn more about sheep and fiber production in Wisconsin. Follow the links to Wisconsin Wool Works, youth activities and the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival’s website. The festival, held in Jefferson September 7-9, is a great event for families, schools, 4-H and FFA members.

What Resources Have You Used?

For teachers, 4-H leaders, FFA advisors and home school parents, the National Ag in the Classroom website offers valuable information for teachers, students and volunteers.

Under the Teacher Center you can test your science background by visiting the STEM Resources. It features countless ideas for science fairs and projects, and features easy-to-understand steps to walk students through each process. Check out the State Facts section to learn the top commodities, acreage, climate and many more statistics from other states. There are 195 lesson plans ready for your use on a variety of subjects and grade levels.

Spring Break Plans? Stay in Wisconsin!

Want to stay in Wisconsin and learn more about agriculture during spring break? You can visit the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association’s website at www.visitdairyland.com to find agricultural destinations, tasting events and festivals.

The calendar of events will help you find many ways to spend time with friends and family without leaving America’s Dairyland Summer Teacher Training Plans are being finalized for two summer teacher training opportunities. Training on classroom presentations and soybean science kits will be offered in June in the Green Bay area. A two-day traveling bus tour to farms, agribusinesses and educational facilities will be offered in July in southcentral Wisconsin. As details are finalized, information will be posted at www.wisagclassroom.org. Both teachers and volunteers are encouraged to participate.

on the web For more on Ag in the Classrom, visit out our website at www.wisagclassroom.org.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

ag in the classroom

Ag in the Classroom Lends Teachers a Hand with Mini-Grants

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isconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom has awarded a total of 15 mini-grants in the amount of $100 to teachers (ranging from pre-school through high school) to fund projects that promote agricultural literacy. This funding supports innovative lessons, activities, presentations, school fairs and other projects that integrate agriculture into a variety of curriculum areas.

This year’s recipients include:

●● Gary Wirkus Mosinee High School

●● Teri Eberhardy Merrill 4-year-old kindergarten

●● Linda Hughes Cambria pre-K to third grade

●● Jennifer Ploeckelman St. Mary’s Catholic School, Colby

●● Monkey Business Early Educational Community 4K Chippewa Falls School District

●● Katherine Seibel Auburndale Elementary School

●● Deb Doyle

●● Andrea Waski Brodhead High School

●● Candice Olson Badger High School, Lake Geneva

●● Jeanna James Southern Door, Brussels

●● Kellie Claflin Gillett & Suring high schools

●● Sandy Schildgen Lancaster Preschool

Sunset Early Learning Center, Sturgeon Bay

●● Isaak Litke New Testament Academy, Merrill

●● Maureen Brisbois Boscobel Elementary School

●● Cheri Oglesby St. Rose Pre-K, Cuba City

on the web Read more about each individual project by searching “teacher mini grants” at www.wisagclassroom.org.

Teachers, Mark Your Calendars June 26-27: Classroom Opportunities in Title Town On June 26, teachers and others involved in agricultural literacy can travel to Green Bay for a oneday workshop on educational resources provided by our Wisconsin commodity organizations. Ag in the Classroom and American Farm Bureau resources will be featured. June 27 will be a full day of Soybean Science Kit training with Fred Henderson, developer of the kits. With support from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, participants will review the 21 lessons in the kits. With additional funding from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, there are now 69 Soybean Science Kits available in Wisconsin for educators and volunteers to use. Find a kit near you at www.wisagclassroom.org and click on County AITC Information.

June 28: Ag Teachers Soybean Science Kit Training Agricultural educators can register for Soybean Science Kit training through the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educator’s Professional Development Conference on June 28 in Green Bay. This workshop will help educators learn how they can use the kits in their agricultural classes with Food for America, PALS and other outreach events in the community. WAAE members must register through the WAAE Conference Program.

July 25-26: Teachers Will “Board the Bus” This Summer Instead of students riding the bus, this summer Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is offering a two-day opportunity for teachers, home school parents, 4-H leaders and volunteers working with agricultural literacy to “board the bus.” Teachers will visit farms, agri-businesses, processors and natural resource sites to help them learn about the variety of agricultural production and resources our state has to offer. Based out of Portage, the participants will tour facilities such as Foremost Farms and Didion’s Ethanol Plant to learn about processing.

With support from the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board and the Jeanette Poulson Fund, this great opportunity awaits those that want to “board the bus” July 25-26. Registration forms and details will be posted at www.wisagclassroom.

april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com

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foundation

Shining our Spotlight on…

Dan Poulson

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an Poulson has been a supporter of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation from its very start. While serving on the WFBF Board of Directors in the 1980s, there was a need for a vehicle to provide financial support for youth, education and leadership development activities. Creating a 501c3 Foundation provided an attractive option for supporters’ business and tax purposes.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established to increase agricultural education, develop leadership skills and prepare youth for ag careers. The WFB Foundation supports 4-H, FFA, Ag in the Classroom, Farm Bureau Institute, Leadership Wisconsin and other programs.

Just as he has led by example in other roles, the Palmyra farmer has been a strong supporter of the WFB Foundation. Annual contributions, donations to special projects, purchasing items at the Annual Meeting Silent Auction and keeping a supply of Betty Engel note cards on hand are among the ways he has provided consistent support to fund the Foundation.

When cancer took the life of Dan’s first wife, Jeanette, he wanted to pay tribute to her dedication to agriculture and her profession as a teacher. He established the Jeanette Poulson Memorial Fund as part of the WFB Foundation. It supports a variety of teacher and volunteer training, along with Ag in the Classroom lesson plans.

On the county level, Dan sees the WFB Foundation supporting Ag in the Classroom and the 4-H Key Award. Many counties conduct a variety of classroom presentations and farm tours to promote agricultural literacy. In Jefferson County, Mariah Hadler works with other Ag in the Classroom volunteers at Busy Barns Adventure Farm, which hosts thousands of visitors annually.

Dan believes that agricultural literacy is extremely valuable for youth as well as the general public. The WFB Foundation’s support of the Farm Bureau Institute helps train members of all ages how to be advocates for agriculture with government officials and consumers, and utilize their new leadership skills on the county Farm Bureau level. As a former state FFA officer and chairman of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee, Dan knows and appreciates the importance of leadership development.

Shining our spotlight on… will feature individuals, groups and businesses that support the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation and its efforts to provide support for agricultural education and leadership development. To learn more about the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.wfbf.com and click on “FB Foundation.”

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What can you do to support the WFB Foundation?

•• Consider an annual contribution or donation to the Foundation •• Join the Learn and Lead Campaign •• Consider adding the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation in your estate plans •• Give contributions to honor someone’s special accomplishments (anniversary, birthday, job milestone, graduation) •• Utilize the WFB memorial envelopes at funeral visitations to assist those who would like to make a contribution in memory of the deceased •• Help organize an event in your county with proceeds going to the WFB Foundation

wisconsin farm bureau federation

nda tion, Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau Fou port of the 4-H Key Thank you so much for your sup Dane County 4-H Award. I am honored to represent 4-H is such a as a recipient of the Key Award. ve been able to ha wonderful organiza tion where I ferent areas by dif ny ma expand my knowledge in d health. Recei ving using my hea d, heart, hands an accomplishments this award as recognition of my or. over the years is a great hon Thank you for your support, Ka tie Griswold

Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau

Foundation,

Whether you are talking to seve nth grade Creed speaker or Ethan Giebel, current Wis consin FFA President, you know that they have a very brig ht future ahead of them.

Wisconsin FFA members each have a different path, but they are all leading to bright and prosperous futures.

There are more opportunities than ever for today’s FFA members to pursue meaningful, successful careers in the agriculture, food and natu ral resources industries. As they continue on their paths, it is the intersections where supporters like you propel them forward. Thank you for being so generous in supportin g these youth! It is exciting to see where their paths may lead!

Sincerely,

Dear Farm Bureau, Thank You for sponsoring the 4-H Key Award.

I recently received the Key Award in Jackson County. I have been a member of 4-H for 12 I years and this award is a huge honor for me. next ge colle year am planning to attend a four year and major in Environmental Sciences.

Nicole Nelson Executive Director Wisconsin FFA Foundation

Thanks Again,

Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation,

Erica Olson

Thank you for supporting the MIWW Contest! I enter this contest a lot and appreciate the opportunity to enter something I have designed and sewn. I really like sewing on wool fabrics. It is amazing how fabrics handle differently. Sewing definitely teaches perseverance, and it paid off! This year I won the Junior Division, so I will travel to Arizona in January. Please continue to support this program.

Dear Darlene Arneson, Thank you for volunteering to judge the Janesville Craig FFA Speaking Contest. We are lucky to have such great agriculture supporters willing to help the FFA. Sincer ely, Stephanie Kalish Chapter Vice President

Sincerely, Kirstin Franklin Neenah, WI

april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com

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rural mutual

Rural Mutual Recognizes Top Agents

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Purchase 2012 Crop Hail Coverage at 2012 Price and Cost Levels

ural Mutual agent Pat Truttmann is the company’s 2011 Agent of the Year. Truttmann, who is a member of the Eastern Shore District, has offices in Chilton, Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. The 2011 District of the Year honors went to the Eastern Shore District and District Manager, Bill Kriese. Mike Immel, Fond du Lac, was the Company Top Performer in personal, farm and life lines. Pat Truttmann was the Company Top Performer in commercial lines. Rural Mutual held its 2011 Honors and Awards program recognizing the top producing agents on February 21 at the Marriott Hotel in Middleton.

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Rural Mutual Announces Social Media “Like” Benefit

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ural Mutual has announced that every time someone comes to their Facebook page and “Likes” them they will donate 25 cents to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation funds a variety of agricultural education and leadership programs including the Agriculture in the Classroom program, Farm Bureau Leadership Training Institute, 4-H Foundation, FFA Farm Forum, FFA Discussion Meet Contest and the Wisconsin Rural Youth Scholarship Fund.

Like Rural Mutual at www.facebook.com/RuralMutual.

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n February 27, July 2012 soybean futures price was $13.06 per bushel, corn was $6.49 and wheat was listed at $6.60. Crop input costs are at a record high with fertilizer, seed, herbicides, insecticides, fuel, land rent and labor leading the way.

This means that when the contracts come due you must either deliver the commodity or the money to buy out your contract. The big question with all of these increased risk factors is, “Do you have the proper levels of coverage on your crop hail insurance?”

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 to a hailstorm or other incidental coverage.

You need to use 2012 input costs and 2012 harvested crop values to project your insurance levels required to protect your operation. An acre of corn producing 175 bushels and contracted at $6.50 per bushel will have a harvested value of $1,137. The 2012 input costs to grow and harvest an acre of corn are projected at approximately $4.50 per bushel which adds another $787 to a total loss. That equals a loss of roughly $1,924 per acre when a hailstorm destroys your crop.

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. A wide array of discounts is also available to policy holders. Producers are in business today simply because they made the good business decision to purchase crop hail insurance from Rural Mutual Insurance Company.

Contact your local Rural Mutual Insurance agent today to get more information before purchasing your 2012 crop hail insurance.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

“WHY DO I USE FS?” “I think of myself as a progressive farmer.

Someone who understands that using business analysis and paying close attention to details is probably more important than it ever has been.

Why do I use FS? FS gives me everything I need.

Brian Hora

Corn and soybean grower

It starts with the seed. It’s a complete system from start to finish with the inputs I buy from FS. From fuel, fertilizer and crop protection, to new technologies and new ways to become more efficient.

Do we think we’re all the way there yet? No. There’s more potential for bigger yields. And with FS, we’re going to find ways to get there.”

T H E LO THE TH L LOCAL O CA A L AN A ANSWER N SW W ER E T TO O YOUR Y OUR YO UR R WORLD W OR O R LD D OF O F NEEDS. N E ED NEED NE D S.

™

april | may 2012

www.wfbf.com 39 ©2011 GROWMARK, Inc. A11538E

keep Wisconsin strong For every LIKE on our facebook page, Rural Mutual will donate 25¢ to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation to help “support agricultural education and develop agricultural leaders.”

Visit facebook.com/ruralmutual for more information. premiums paid Here, stay Here to keep Wisconsin strong.

Locate one of our 150 agents today at ruraiins.com