Rural Route by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Rural Route wisconsin Farm bureau federation’s

june | july 2012 • vol. 18 no. 3 | www.wfbf.com

America’s Dairyland Stands Tall

FB Board Endorses Tommy Thompson Field to Foodbank Helps Feed Hungry Meet Members: Papcke, Ditzenberger

BRYAN WHITE

To Headline Annual Meeting Page 5

“WHY DO I USE FS?” “I need information. FS gives it to me. We’ve been grid mapping since they first came out with it. Sampling specific sites–checking soil fertility–only applying what we need where we need it. FS has really been on the leading edge of doing that here. And it wound up saving us a lot of money. Why do I use FS? FS gives me the knowledge and information I need to make me a better, more profitable farmer.

Ken Reinhardt

Corn and soybean grower

Local knowledge. Proven results.”

THE LOCAL ANSWER TO YOUR WORLD OF NEEDS.

™

contents

vol. 18 no. 3

12 5

features

articles

departments

news

member benefits

opinion

leadership

ag in the classroom

foundation

BRYAN White Country star will perform for WFBF, December 1.

MARIE DITZENBERGER

Take part in creating ag policy this year.

KATHLEEN PAPCKE

PAUL PETERSON Before he retires, longtime field supervisor shares his stories.

YFA DC TRIP Young FB members were on Capitol Hill in April.

We interviewed the state Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Committee chair.

TOMMY THOMPSON Former Governor endorsed by farmers for U.S. Senate bid.

Every month is Dairy Month for this Green County woman.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

FIELD TO FOODBANK New program aims to battle hunger in Wisconsin.

Make Plans to Attend YFA Conference june | july 2012

www.wfbf.com

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Editor’s Note

{from Casey Langan}

Editor Casey Langan

he last time I wore my FFA jacket was in 1994. I was just the fourth person from my high school to receive the American FFA Degree. Back then, I was a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where none of my classmates understood why I was flying to Kansas City to receive “some farm award.” These were the days before cool country singers mentioned FFA in their songs. Oh sure, I held big dreams back then of a career in agricultural public relations, but the truth was that I had no idea what direction my career would take. I was filled with self doubt while sitting in a sea of blue corduroy jackets, awaiting my turn to walk across the big stage. Was this worth flying to Kansas City and skipping class? Was this degree going to matter to anyone? Was FFA something I was supposed to leave behind in high school? I often say it was my childhood fascination with my grandpa’s herd of Holsteins that spurred my career in agriculture. Yet, it was my time as an FFA member that really sent me down the path I continue on today.

At my first FFA chapter banquet, I remember being nervous and also miffed that I was overlooked for the Star Greenhand and Creed Speaker awards that night, but I would not be deterred. It was in FFA where I realized that I liked, and was not half bad at, writing and speaking about agricultural issues. While competing in the FFA’s prepared speaking contest, I had no idea that someone might actually pay me to do such things for a living someday. That is one of the great things about FFA, it develops lifelong skills. It also gives those students who may never be the star quarterback or the homecoming queen, their own place to shine. Two decades removed from my years in FFA, I was very humbled to learn that my name will be called at this year’s State FFA Convention as a recipient of the Honorary State Degree. Out of gratitude for what FFA provided me, I also recently became a board member of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. Today, the Wisconsin FFA Association is nearly 19,000 members strong (a 28-year membership high). As employers currently run a deficit of college grads with ag-related degrees, FFA has never been more relevant. Think of how many great opportunities we could provide youth if every past FFA member gave just a couple dollars to the FFA and WFB Foundation annually. I know that I can never repay all that FFA gave me. That is the best thing I have come to learn about the FFA: No matter when you take off that blue corduroy jacket for the last time, you never leave those skills and experiences behind. You take them with you. 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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news

Bryan White to Headline WFBF’s Annual Meeting

hart-topping country singer Bryan White will headline the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 93rd Annual Meeting, to be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells Dec. 1-3. Bryan White charted 17 singles on the Billboard country charts, including six number one singles during the 1990s. Some of his hits include “So Much for Pretending,” “Someone Else’s Star” and “Sittin’ on Go.” White will take center stage at this year’s Farm Bureau Extravaganza, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. During White’s ride to the top of the charts, he garnered several awards, including a Grammy, the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Horizon Award, and the Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) Top Male Vocalist. Along with two albums certified platinum (one million sold) and another two certified gold (500,000 sold), his duet with Shania Twain, “From This Moment On,” was a global smash. The hits and accolades led him to high-profile TV appearances with David Letterman and Jay Leno. People magazine even named him one of its “50 Most Beautiful People” in the world. White, an Oklahoma native, was born in to a musical family. Fresh out of high school, with $500 in his pocket, he packed up his guitar, drum sticks, angst and dreams, and headed to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. He is an accomplished song writer who has penned songs for other acts like Wynonna, LeAnn Rimes, Sawyer Brown and Diamond Rio. White says he has always been grateful for all he has been given throughout the years, but looking back now in retrospect, he is more grateful than he has ever been before. “To gain notoriety for doing something

that is second nature has always amazed me,” he says. “It is incredible that I have gotten to work with so many of the people who have influenced me. It still blows my mind.” His most recent album, titled “Dustbowl Dreams,” was a sonic sensation infused with stories about real life with an underlying theme of never forgetting your roots. White’s performance at the Farm Bureau Extravaganza is generously

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sponsored by GreenStone Farm Credit Services and United Farm Credit Services. This year’s Annual Meeting coincides with the WFBF Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference, which will be held Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2. Combined, the two events traditionally attract more than 1,000 members and guests from across the state. Registration materials will be sent to county Farm Bureau offices in August. www.wfbf.com

news

Farm Bureau in Action:

The Policy Development Process A bedrock activity of Farm Bureau is policy development and its implementation. Become involved in your countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy development process this summer and fall by contacting your county Farm Bureau president or WFBF district coordinator for information about your county Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy development process.

isconsin Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots organization that works on behalf of farm families and other individuals who support agriculture. Farm Bureau got its start with local farmers meeting to discuss issues of concern in order to devise ways, or policies, to resolve these issues. Each year since, county Farm Bureau members have met to discuss pertinent issues as part of the policy development process. Local involvement culminates with discussion and votes on proposed policy at county Farm Bureau annual meetings. In order to help with these discussions, the WFBF state Policy Development (PD) Committee and the American Farm Bureau Federation surface issues for county Farm Bureaus to consider during their policy

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development process. The state issues surfaced by the PD Committee this year include:

The Wisconsin State Budget The next biennial state budget is due to be submitted and debated next year. Given recent state budget deficits, the PD Committee is encouraging discussion about state taxes and fees, prioritizing state expenditures, and the budgets impact on Wisconsin farm families.

The Role of County Land Conservation Departments Historically, county land conservation departments have been the primary regulatory entity dealing with farmers locally.

Programs they administer include nonpoint source pollution abatement, manure storage ordinances, farmland preservation and wildlife damage program. In recent years, some county governments have been combining land conservation departments with planning and zoning departments, primarily due to fiscal constraints. The PD committee is encouraging discussion about the role, responsibilities and the future of county land conservation departments to ensure the needs of farmers are met.

Nutrient Management Implementation Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nonpoint program requires Wisconsin farmers to have nutrient management plans. Many regulatory and incentive programs require nutrient wisconsin farm bureau federation

management plans. These include the farmland preservation program, manure storage ordinances, state standards for the siting of livestock operations and permits for livestock farms more than 1,000 animal units. However, agriculture is consistently being accused of being the primary source of nonpoint pollution. The PD Committee is encouraging discussion about ways to encourage more farmers to adopt nutrient management planning or ways for farmers to be given more credit for the nutrient management activities they currently have implemented.

How is Farm Bureau Policy Developed? The flow chart below shows how Farm Bureau policy begins at the county and eventually becomes county, Wisconsin and American Farm Bureau policy.

Individual Members

County Farm Bureau Committees

County Policy Development Commitee

Rural Transportation Issues There have been increasing enforcement issues regarding farm machinery and road weigh limits. In addition, there are projections that the state will need a couple hundred million dollars more each year just to maintain the road system we currently have. Without increased funding, the state’s road infrastructure will decline. But given the current fiscal climate and situation, the PD Committee is encouraging discussion about highway funding and expenditures.

County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting (August-September-October)

Farm Bureau Advisory Councils

State Policy Development Commitee

County Farm Bureau Policy

Farm Bureau Board

Livestock Premise Registration Program In recent years, the PD Committee developed suggested resolutions for county Farm Bureaus to consider. This year’s draft resolution pertains to fees associated with Wisconsin’s livestock premise registration program. WFBF policy of supporting the program is expected to continue. However, members are being asked if the policy should change from opposing fees on farmers to pay for the program, to supporting such fees for farmers and processors to fund the program.

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Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Delegates (December)

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Policy

As a qualified group member, you’re eligible to take advantage of AAA’s legendary roadside assistance, travel deals and services, plus a wide range of exclusive discounts – all for a special group rate.

Join today and save!

American Policy Development Committee

American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting (January)

Join AAA at a special group rate!

Call 877-731-3315 to enroll today. American Farm Bureau Policy

on the web Additional information on these issues can be found under “Legislation & Regulations” at www.wfbf.com. june | july 2012

www.wfbf.com

news

FB Board Endorses Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate

Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s ommy Thompson has Board of Directors felt the endorsement of the Tommy Thompson is the Wisconsin Farm Bureau type of proven leader Federation in his race to who will bring an end to become Wisconsin’s next U.S. the political polarization Senator. that has Washington The endorsement was made gridlocked.” by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau When Thompson met Federation’s 11-member board with the WFBF Board of of directors. Thompson, a Directors, he reminded former Wisconsin Governor, them that he worked with is seeking the Republican a Democrat-controlled nomination for the U.S. Senate State Legislature to pass in the August 14 primary historic welfare reform election. in the 1990s. He chided “Farming is in my blood, the current U.S. Senate and it is an important part for not passing a budget of our state’s heritage,” said in more than 1,100 Thompson. “So, it is with days, for a mountain of great pride that I have earned debt and for the federal the Wisconsin Farm Bureau talking with tommy government’s fiscal endorsement for U.S. Senate. reliance on China. Wisconsin’s agricultural On Why He’s Running: community has an economic Thompson says that “I don’t need the job, but I’m concerned about our country.” impact that I both understand ObamaCare must be On Washington: and respect. It is driven by a repealed, and as a former “You can’t have ideologues on the right and the left that won’t talk to each other.” work-ethic I share and which Secretary of the federal On China: I will put to work for our Health and Human Services “I would much rather sell corn to the Chinese than borrow money from them.” state’s farmers and related Department, he is the On Farm Bureau’s endorsement: industries as your next U.S. person to come up with a “Don’t you want someone out there who knows which end of a cow the milk Senator.” market-based health care comes out of?” plan. “Tommy Thompson has been a strong advocate for farmers Thompson said those since serving in the State Assembly,” said WFBF President Bill elected to federal office this fall face the daunting task of Bruins. making $1.2 trillion in cuts due to the sequestration process, at the same time as a round of tax cuts are expiring. “Wisconsin farmers have Tommy Thompson to thank for use “You’ll have to have the parties come together,” he said. value assessment of farmland,” Bruins said. “As then-Attorney General Jim Doyle sought to prevent it from happening, it was Thompson, a long-time Farm Bureau member, owns a herd of Governor Thompson and his Revenue Secretary, Cate Zeuske, purebred Belted Galloway cattle and 700 acres of corn, soybeans who fully implemented it in 2000. Since then, Wisconsin rural and hay. If he secures the Republican nomination in the August landowners have saved over $4 billion in property taxes.” primary, he would face Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D) for “As governor, he was a staunch property rights advocate who the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Herb Kohl. strengthened the state’s Right to Farm law, cut taxes 91 times, WFBF’s political action committee, the Volunteers for eliminated inheritance and gift taxes, and enhanced deer and Agriculture, only endorses candidates for state (not federal) bear damage claims for farmers,” Bruins said. races. All endorsements for federal races are made by the “In addition to what he has already done for agriculture, the WFBF Board of Directors.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Meet Farm Bureau Member

Marie Ditzenberger Home: Monticello, Green County Family: Husband, Jeff Step-daughter, Harleigh (16) Step-son, Parker (15)

Tell us about your farm: We have 200 dairy cattle; they are primarily Jerseys, but we have a few Holstein/Jersey crosses and have been crossing with Normande. The cows are on pasture most of the year. During the winter they are in a loose housing building. We milk 100 cows on average. The bull calves are usually sold after birth. We own 41 acres and our buildings, and installed a parlor in January 2011. We crop 170 acres.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the busiest time of day for you? Mornings. I like to get as much done as possible. Then if problems arise, I can usually still get started with evening milking on time.

How much time do you spend doing farm work compared with house work? I easily spend 90 percent of my time with the cattle. Unfortunately, house work is what I let slide.

What do you do in your free time and why? I love to read! In the spring and summer I enjoy working on the yard and in the garden and flower beds. I love being outside; it is relaxing

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best thing about farming? There are a lot of things I love about farming. The animals have to be the best. I especially enjoy watching my baby calves grow into the milking herd. The every day miracles; seeing an animal do awesome after being nursed back to health or being surprised when the pet cow that you could not bear to sell surprises you with a heifer calf. Mykenzie Fayth (in the photo with me) is proof of miracles. Emilie was my pet cow. She was 18 years old and had her first heifer calf a few days before she passed away. The calf is my new pet and is totally spoiled.

When you look back on your life, what do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for doing the best I could, for trying to help others, and for my love of animals and nature.

Do you have any ideas that could make farming easier for you and all farming women? I think times are changing and women are more accepted in positive roles in agriculture, but there are still a few salespeople that come to the farm and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give me the time of day. Jeff is often not around, as he works full time for Fastline Publications in advertising and is on the road a lot. However, I think the female agriculture population needs to assert themselves in a positive way and be positive role models for our youth. Times are changing and women are going to find themselves in many different roles that are not traditional. I think we are ready to meet this challenge. Story and photo reprinted with permission of the Dairy Star newspaper.

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www.wfbf.com

news

YFA Members Travel to D.C. to

Advocate for Agriculture By Sheri Sutton

“The YFA trip to Washington, D.C. was an experience of a lifetime....”

istrict 9 YFA Chair Teresa Hanson said after she and six other Young Farmers and Agriculturists traveled back from their trip April 16-20. “Not only did we get to tour the heart of our nation, we were able to make our voices heard, in person, to our local legislators about topics in agriculture important to us back in Wisconsin. Being involved in that process made me feel empowered and want to keep more up to date on current legislation issues.” After issue briefings at the American Farm Bureau Federation office, Hanson and her peers became ag lobbyists for a day and spoke to their congressmen on the Capitol Hill about the youth labor proposal, U.S. farm bill and Clean Water Act. The group also met with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the bilateral trade agreements and visited the Australian Embassy to learn about the global ag economy. “My experience in Washington, D.C. was outstanding and would be beneficial for anyone who is involved in agriculture,” YFA Discussion Meet Finalist Brad Gefvert said. “It was a trip that built up my leadership qualities while informing me about the new topics in agriculture that are affecting everyone. I was able to meet great young agriculturists from around the state and bring back a great deal of information to my agriculture students and FFA members.” The YFA members who took part in the trip were Josh and Ashleigh Calaway of Wood County,

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

“...Being involved in that process made me feel empowered and want to keep more up to date on current legislation issues.”

on the web For more photos of the YFA D.C. Trip and other county and state Farm Bureau events, visit our Wisconsin Farm Bureau flickr page. Go to www.wfbf.com and click on the “fr” tab above the search bar.

Brad Gefvert of Columbia County, Teresa Hanson of Washburn County, Peter Muth of Washington County, and Jay and Angela Schultz of Shawano County. Sponsors Duane and Sheryl Roelfs of GROWMARK and Mike Ruder of Rural Mutual Insurance Company also attended. The trip was sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company, GROWMARK Inc. and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation to help develop future leaders in agriculture.

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www.wfbf.com

Wearing Many Outfits By Sheri Sutton

Q: What do bees, chickens, Farm Bureau, catering, ag surveys, Canada and quilting have in common? A: State Board Member Kathleen Papcke

athleen Papcke’s life, passions and paths are diverse. From being a professional chef in Canada to serving as the State Women’s Committee Chair, this Walworth County farmer likes to “wear a lot of different types of outfits.”

Apron

Raised in La Crosse as the youngest of 11 children, Kathleen recalls, “We were always cooking growing up. Our meals were a major part of our lives. It was a time for gathering and sharing.” She continued to wear her apron after she married and moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. There, she raised her three children with her first husband. After they separated, she went to culinary school at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. While in school, Kathleen worked as a personal chef, caterer and chef publicist. In 1997, Kathleen attended her niece’s wedding in Southeastern Wisconsin and decided to move back permanently. She started a licensed bakery in her home called The Dessert Company where she made desserts for local restaurants and businesses until 2009.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Barn Clothes Soon after she moved back to Wisconsin, Kathleen said, “I kept thinking of how my aunt and uncle lived such a charmed life farming. I wanted to marry a farmer.” It didn’t take her long to find, fall in love with and marry Terry Papcke, a third generation dairy farmer in Elkhorn. Kathleen started feeding calves at the 130-cow, more than 1,550 acre CRT Papcke Farm. Today, she’s developed a few agricultural hobbies around her house. Kathleen has two coops where she raises small flocks of chickens and turkeys. For a couple summers about five years ago, Kathleen increased her chicken count and sold frozen birds at Farmer’s Markets, but now she focuses on collecting and distributing the dozen eggs they produce every other day. Kathleen also takes pride in her big garden of pumpkins, squash, peppers, tomatoes, dry black beans, rhubarb and egg plants.

Beekeeping Suit Kathleen remembers how her grandfather used to keep a bee hive near her family’s garden. Two years ago, Kathleen decided to cross beekeeping off her bucket list and put on her beekeeping suit, so she bought a bee hive at a charity auction. Knowing very little about beekeeping, Kathleen searched the area

to find a local club to help her with her questions. To her surprise, Walworth County had almost 200 beekeepers, yet no club, so last fall she started one that already has more than 60 active members. Locally, she is also involved in the 4-H quilters group, Walworth County UW-Extension Advisory Committee and works part-time for the National Agricultural Statistical Services as an ag surveyor.

Agriculture Advocate With all that she has going on, she devotes the most of her time to Farm Bureau. “I do something with my county Farm Bureau almost every day. Farm Bureau really takes up a large portion of my life. It’s my way of being involved in agriculture.” Her father-in-law Charles and mother-in-law Elaine were both very involved in Farm Bureau and shared that passion with their family. Kathleen has been the Walworth County Women’s Chair since 2002 and the District 1 Chair since 2009. She also serves as the county treasurer and a state leadership institute member. Her husband serves as the Walworth County Farm Bureau President and is on the state VFA Commitee. They both enjoy being heavily involved in an organization where they can share and promote their love of agriculture. Kathleen encourages members to become involved in Farm Bureau on all three levels, “On the county level you see the picture of Farm Bureau, on the state level you see the whole picture and on the national level you see the big picture.”

kathleen’s cheesecake CRUST

until cake test comes out clean. (Cake test – stick toothpick in center, when it comes out clean it is ready.) Cool on rack. Note: Cheesecake can be made up to two days before you’d like to enjoy it. Keep it in the refrigerator.

10 oz. crumbs (chocolate, vanilla or graham cracker) 7 tbs. unsalted butter 1/3 cup sugar Preheat oven to 325°F. Melt butter. Mix crust ingredients together. Press into a greased 9” spring form pan. Bake crust for 8 minutes. Take out and let sit at room temperature.

DECORATE Decorate with whipped whipping cream or Ganache Frosting.

FILLING 3 8 oz. pack cream cheese 1 cup sugar 3 large eggs 2 tbs. all-purpose flour ¾ cup of flavor of choice (Pictured Kathleen used Kahlua and cream - 6 tbs. Kahlua and 6 tbs. heavy cream. This could also be ¾ cup of pureed fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, etc. Or it could be 6 tbs. of melted chocolate and 6 tbs. of heavy cream.) 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. almond extract 3 oz. chocolate (optional) 4 tbs. heavy cream (optional) Mix cream cheese, sugar and eggs together. Then mix in the rest of the ingredients for the filling.

Ganache Frosting 1 ¼ cups unwhipped whipping cream ¼ cup of corn syrup ¼ cup unsalted butter 1 lb. chocolate (either white, milk, semisweet or dark)

Pour into prepared pan, over crust. Melt together chocolate and heavy cream. Pour this in a spiral pattern onto filling of cheesecake. Then carefully with a toothpick or skewer, go through chocolate to make a marble pattern. Don’t over mix the chocolate in. Bake in oven for 50 minutes and keep checking

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Put unwhipped whipping cream, corn syrup and unsalted butter in heavy sauce pan. Heat until melted. Add chocolate and continue to stir constantly until smooth. Fill large bowl with ice and put another bowl inside that bowl. Pour mixture in the smaller bowl on top of the ice. Whip the mixture with electric mixer until desired consistency.

www.wfbf.com

Capitol

Watch Two of Farm Bureau’s front burner federal issues have seen action in D.C. One plugs along, while the plug was pulled on the other.

2012 Farm Bill

Youth Farm Labor Rules

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee passed its version of the 2012 farm bill in April, while the House Agriculture Committee is set to complete its work in June. As of press time, the full Senate had not voted on the bill.

In April, the U.S. Department of Labor withdrew its proposal to drastically limit the ability of youth to work on farms. “This is great news for farm families,” said WFBF spokesman Casey Langan. “If these unworkable rules were implemented, it would have drastically changed the face of the Wisconsin family farm.”

Some of the Senate’s significant changes to the proposal include: •• Elimination of direct and counter cyclical payments •• Changes to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) requirements •• A simplified risk management program called Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) •• A new dairy policy that replaces several current programs with market protection and stabilization programs •• Consolidation of conservation programs •• Improvements for coverage for all commodities within the crop insurance title

on the web

“The thousands of farmers and parents who took the time to contact members of Congress and the Department of Labor can claim victory. Common sense prevailed as the U.S. Department of Labor announced that this rule proposal will be shelved for the duration of the Obama Administration,” Langan added. WFBF also appreciated the news that federal labor and agriculture officials would instead work with stakeholders such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, 4-H and FFA to develop an educational program to reduce accidents of young people involved in agriculture.

To view a 17-page summary from the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee visit www.wfbf.com/legislation-regulations.

Farm Bureau Podcasts

Listen to all podcasts at WFBF.COM

“Throughout my FFA career I have had 11 FFA jackets, and you will probably say that’s a lot of corduroy, and that’s correct: It is.” Ethan Giebel, Wisconsin State FFA President 2011-12, on hanging up his FFA jacket for the last time at the 2012 State FFA Convention in June.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Perry Goetsch

What it means to be a co-op member. “As a member of Frontier FS, I have a voice and I am a face for the co-op. “I mean something to my co-op. I’m not just a customer, I am an owner. They have a vested interest in me and I have a vested interest in the cooperative.

“As Town Chairman, I see first-hand how the cooperative meets the needs of not just the farmers, but also the community.”

“My co-op supports the local fire department in training. We support the Lions Club and other local organizations.” Cooperatives, whether next door or across the globe, operate under some guiding principles. • Voluntary and Open Membership • Democratic Member Control • Members’ Economic Participation • Autonomy and Independence • Education, Training, and Information • Cooperation Among Cooperatives • Concern for Community

Frontier FS is a full-service agriculture and energy supplier providing high-quality products and services for the purpose of improving customer profitability. Headquartered in Jefferson, Wisconsin, Frontier FS has locations in 25 counties across the state. Frontier FS provides specialists in crop, feed, petroleum, agri-finance, propane and turf as well as trained staff in custom application, grain marketing and precision farming. Frontier FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 250,000 customers across North America. More information is available at www.growmark.com

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Perry Goetsch Ixonia, Wisconsin 3rd Generation Farmer Frontier FS Jefferson, Wisconsin

GROWMARK and its member cooperatives are partners in the United Nations celebration of 2012 as The International Year of Cooperatives.

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news

Second Ag Women’s Summit Shines

uilding leadership skills and networking were front and center as more than 360 attendees gathered for the 2012 Ag Women’s Summit, April 27-28 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The Summit’s full agenda included topics on health and wellness, building social capital, practical time management tips, farm safety, social media, and financial and tax tips. “It was apparent that the hundreds of agriculturally passionate women in attendance left on a positive note,” said Deb Raemisch, WFBF Director of Member Relations. “As planning is underway for the 2013 Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit, we are excited to announce the event will be moving to the Marriott West in Madison. We hope moving the event to March will attract more women from across the state.”

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(Above) It was standing room only (or sitting on the floor) for keynote speaker, Paul “The Ripples Guy” Wesselmann who encouraged attendees to switch their mindsets from “getting tasks done” to “getting them started.” (Top right) Family Affair: Lauren, Daphne and Taylor Holterman and (bottom right) Joan Holig and Abbie Jo (Holig) Erickson enjoyed mother-daughter time.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

Crops Go From Field to Foodbank to Help End Hunger

t is a fact of life for Wisconsin farmers… sometimes what we grow doesn’t make it to someone’s dinner table. But what if there was a way to help people facing hunger with the tons of food left in the fields? That’s what is happening with the Field to Foodbank program developed by the University of Wisconsin’s Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. The program links farmers, processors, packing sheds and trucking companies in a supply chain that delivers fresh and processed vegetables to those facing hunger. Through Field to Foodbank, farmers can support Second Harvest in two ways. They can arrange to donate product left behind in the fields or farmers can specifically plant acreage to donate to Second Harvest. Paul Miller Farms in Hancock set aside two acres of carrots for the program last year, but there was a problem. The 47 tons of carrots from those two acres were more fresh produce than Second Harvest could safely store and distribute through its distribution system before the product spoiled. The solution was working with Delmonte Foods, Silgan Containers Corporation and Plainfield Trucking to cost-effectively process, can and transport the carrots. By canning, the shelf-life of the nutritious produce was

FIELD TO FOODBANK

A partnership between Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.

extended by 18 months or more. “We, along with Delmonte and Plainfield Trucking [and Silgan], all agreed that this was a worthwhile project,” said Paul Miller. “We know that food is a priority item today with a majority of families that are really suffering because of what’s happening in our economy. It is not a big deal as you do not have to donate a lot of tonnage or anything like that, but every little bit will help food pantries distribute some of our product throughout the state.” Program visionary, Jed Colquhoun, horticulture professor and director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Agriculture said, “If we could capture those carrots and put [them] into the food bank system, there could be a real opportunity to make a difference. We have the ability

to combine the strengths of agriculture in Wisconsin with this unfortunate situation of growing hunger to come up with a solution.” To date, 350,000 pounds of carrots, potatoes, onions and apples have been distributed through Second Harvest’s agencies to the tables of people struggling with hunger. The Field to Foodbank program is looking to expand to include sweet corn and snap beans this year. Every donation through Field to Foodbank, no matter how large or small the farm, will make a difference. Second Harvest Foodbank serves nearly 141,000 people annually (43 percent of whom are children under 18) through its 300 partner agencies in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties.

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“Through Field to Foodbank, farmers can support Second Harvest in two ways. They can arrange to donate product left behind in the fields or farmers can specifically plant acreage to donate to Second Harvest.”

on the web For more information about the Field to Foodbank program, visit www.SecondHarvestMadison. org or call Jim Scheuerman, Food Resource Manager, at 608.216.7221. www.wfbf.com

Paul Peterson’s

Tales from the Road After 35 years as a field supervisor with Farm Bureau, Paul Peterson will call it a career at the end of July. He currently serves the six county Farm Bureaus in Southwestern Wisconsin’s District 3. Since 1976, he has worked with more than 30 different county Farm Bureaus on the western half of the state.

efore he rides off into the sunset, we asked him to share some of his favorite stories. In addition to “Bowling Shoes,” his other gems—“A Real Case of Courtroom Drama,” “Mad Dogs and Membership,” “Are You Dr. Spitzer?,” “Wake Up the Squirrels,” “Bear at the Board Meeting” and “Cougars in My Headlights”—can be found at www.wfbf.com/ tales-from-the-road.

Bowling Shoes Our staff met in Madison on the day before a commodity conference. Our meeting lasted until about 4 p.m., and then we checked in at a local motel. After supper, we were looking for something to do and someone mentioned, “Let’s go bowling.” That sounded like a fun idea, so we all headed to the Badger Bowl for an evening of fun and friendly competition.

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We bowled about three games that evening, and I recall we were joking with the group of bowlers next to our lane. I think they were Viking fans. It seemed that they were not appreciative of our view of their team. After we had bowled two games, they left without saying goodbye. I now have a pretty good idea of why that was. After the third game we decided to call it a night, as no one was left to antagonize. We all reached down to pick up our shoes and get ready to check out. Something was wrong at this point. My shoes were not there. I looked everywhere in our area, got down on my knees and looked under the seats and bowling rack, but no shoes to be found. I went to the front desk to see if a pair had been turned in, but none had. My thoughts immediately went back to those Viking fans. Could they have stolen my shoes?

wisconsin farm bureau federation

And if they had, how did they know which pair were mine? Well, everyone wanted to get back to the motel, so on the way to the car I looked in the dumpster and the shrubs, but no shoes. I went back inside and convinced the person behind the counter to at least let me wear the bowling shoes for the night and he reluctantly let me go ahead. The next day I was getting ready to go to the commodity conference and was all dressed and ready to go to the car. Then suddenly, I remembered I did not have any shoes. It all came back to me that the night before someone stole my shoes and all I had was borrowed bowling shoes from the Badger Bowl. I was somewhat sad when I reluctantly tied them on my feet. So, there I was, in a suit and tie heading down the hallway in my bowling shoes. I’m sure that if I had seen my face in a mirror it would have been beet red. As I walked down the stairway at the motel, I noticed a flight crew checking out. All I could think was, “I hope they do not notice me and if they do, that they only look at my face.” Well, one of the stewardesses did see my shoes, and with seemingly great admiration of them nudged another stewardess and they both looked at me with sympathetic smiles. I left the hotel and proceeded to the nearest shoe store. It was about 7:30 a.m. and wouldn’t you know, all the shoe stores were closed. I drove around and the only store open was K-Mart. It was a miracle that they were open at that time of the morning. I parked the car and walked across the parking lot. Everything I was wearing was coordinated, except for the bowling shoes. I found a pair of loafers that would work and immediately put them on.

Now, feeling a sense of being back to normal again, I walked confidently to the check out wearing my new shoes. I had to explain my predicament to the cashier after I handed her a pair of bowling shoes to place in the bag. She had a good laugh, and I did not have to go to the commodity conference wearing those bowling shoes. To this day, I will never lose track of where my street shoes are when I go bowling.

About Paul • He grew up on a family farm in Crawford County and now lives in Viroqua. • He graduated from North Crawford High School in 1966, Vernon County Teachers College in 1969, and Western Technical College (agri-business) in 1976. • He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Kentucky, Missouri and Germany. • He and his wife, Carolyn have one son and one grandson.

help him celebbrate Retirement Party Saturday, July 28 7 p.m. cocktails * 8 p.m. dinner Fox Hollow Golf Course & Banquet Hall N3287 County Road OA, La Crosse $20 per person RSVP to Darci at 608.828.5704 or dmeili@wfbf.com by July 13.

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www.wfbf.com

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.

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.

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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. 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

opinion

Dairy Must Consider Government’s Role vs. Individual Responsibility A Message from WFBF President Bill Bruins

J “Let’s create another success by doing what is responsible and supporting dairy policy reform that balances government’s role with our own individual responsibility.”

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une is Dairy Month and while there are many reasons why we celebrate dairy here in Wisconsin, I would like to focus on the family farm. The family farm is a microcosm of what is good about America. When our nation’s leaders struggled to find a better way forward out of the Great Depression, food security was a major concern. Since then, the federal government has put in place various safety nets for farmers along with a regulatory framework to protect the environment. Yet the “responsibility” for producing food for a hungry nation was placed squarely on the shoulders of family farmers. In the decades since, we have not only produced an abundant amount of food for our fellow citizens, but also exported about 20 percent of what we produce to our trading partners all over the world. Nowhere else in our great democracy is individual responsibility more evident than on family farms. Our farms are also classrooms where the next generation

is taught how to responsibly care for the land and animals. Just as our society highly respects family farmers for their strong work ethic, there is also an assumption that we will responsibly teach the next generation how to work. Yet our out-of-touch federal government recently tried to change this time-honored tradition by banning most farm chores that children do. Thankfully, Farm Bureau’s grassroots network of farmers and parents from across the nation rose up, joined forces with 4-H and FFA, and spoke with one unified voice against this blatant government overreach. Thanks to the rugged individualism and the deep sense of responsibility of family farmers, common sense prevailed! Another example of overreach by our federal government is its dismal attempts at managing the supply of dairy products. This is another area where the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, on behalf of its family farmer members, is working to refine the government’s role by

reforming antiquated federal dairy policies. It was decades ago that the U.S. Department of Agriculture stopped buying grain during times of surplus production. Today’s grain farmers own their grain until it is marketed. It is their responsibility and they are better off for it. However, the federal government still owns caves full of cheese and mountains of milk powder in an attempt to balance dairy supplies. This policy of dabbling with supply is broken. It is high time that we put dairy farmers in charge of managing their own supply. Every dairy farmer should unite behind the Dairy Security Act being considered for the next U.S. farm bill. As we celebrate the successes of the dairy farm families across Wisconsin, let’s create another success by doing what is responsible and supporting dairy policy reform that balances government’s role with our own individual responsibility.

wisconsin farm bureau federation

opinion

We Love Tech, Except When it Comes to Food Guest Column by Iowa Farm Bureau’s Dirck Steimel

he way Americans think about technology and food production seems to be becoming more and more absurd these days. Yes, we really love technology advances in nearly every part of our lives. Our homes are full of flat-screen TVs and computers. Our cars are guided by GPS systems. And when is the last time you shopped at a store without a high-tech scanner? But when it comes to food production, some want to turn back the clock. Influential food activists and celebrity chefs—who usually seem more interested in selling books than in providing accurate information— constantly portray food production technology in a bad light. Using the hightech devices at their disposal, these folks relentlessly text, tweet and chat against technological advances in farming and food production.

Targeting a beef product Their latest target is a product called lean finely textured beef (LFTB), a boneless product made from beef trimmings. It is produced using a centrifuge process to remove fat. It is something that a butcher or home cook could do, with a lot of time and effort. To make the product safer, LFTB is treated with a puff of ammonia and a water bath to kill harmful microbes, a process used in a lot of food production.

The result is a well-tested and safe product, long-ago approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies. And this really would not have been possible without advanced technology. That has not spared the product from the wrath of activists and celebrity chefs. They have piled on the product, derisively labeling it “pink slime” and incorrectly implying that LFTB is somehow unsafe or unnatural. Due to the adverse publicity, supermarket chains and restaurants have stopped selling the product. The USDA has even given school districts the option to refuse LFTB, even though the department correctly maintains it is safe and wholesome. The upshot of all this is with LFTB out of the picture, it will take more animals to satisfy the nation’s beef consumption when America’s cattle herd is the lowest since the early 1950s. While Americans continue to embrace the latest version of the iPad or some new video game, another promising food production technology is being pushed to the sidelines. It makes no sense.

Dirck Steimel is the editor of the Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman and can be reached at dsteimel@ifbf.org. This column was reprinted with permission of the Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman.

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“While Americans continue to embrace the latest version of the iPad or some new video game, another promising food production technology is being pushed to the sidelines. It makes no sense.”

www.wfbf.com

leadership

FB Members Save Millions on Grainger Purchases

arm Bureau members saved more than $7.6 million on purchases from Grainger last year, thanks to the Farm Bureau member discount program. In fact, 2011 was a record year in terms of Farm Bureau members’ total purchases from Grainger and the amount of money they saved through the Farm Bureau discount program. “The Grainger discount is a valuable benefit that all Farm Bureau members should use,” said Jeff Fuller, executive director of operations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “Voting and associate members can achieve considerable savings on thousands

of products from engines, tools and industrial supplies to office equipment, outdoor equipment, and heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment.” The minimum discount is 10 percent and the discount goes up to as much as 50 percent off catalog prices, depending

on the product. The Farm Bureau contract allows Farm Bureau members who do not have Grainger accounts to benefit from the company’s large stock of brandname equipment, tools and supplies. Ordinarily, individuals are not able to buy from Grainger because the company is a wholesaler, not a retailer. In addition, Farm Bureau members receive free shipping on all online purchases, a benefit that can save a hefty amount of money on large, heavy items. Buyers must register at grainger. com to get free shipping. In addition to heavy-duty, industrial equipment and supplies, Farm Bureau members can order products most homeowners need, such as airconditioner filters, batteries, outdoor furniture, small appliances and even exercise equipment at deep discounts with free shipping. “Wisconsin Farm Bureau members can walk into a Grainger branch or log onto grainger.com and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on things they need around the home or farm,” Fuller added. “A member can recoup his or her membership dues and more with just one purchase from Grainger.” To use the Grainger discount, use the Farm Bureau account number (855922019) when checking out on Grainger.com, when ordering on the phone or in-person at the store.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Wisconsin’s Three Collegiate Farm Bureaus Promoting Agriculture UW-Madison

On April 25, collegiate Farm Bureau members came together on UW-Madison’s Library Mall to put up signs, hand out string cheese and distribute postcards featuring key facts about agriculture for the 2nd Annual Ag Day on Campus. The theme was “Real Farmers, Real Food.” Their three key messages were eating is an agricultural act, over 99 percent of Wisconsin’s farms are family-owned and today’s farmer grows twice as much food as their parents did using less land, energy and water. To keep the connection going, students were invited to take a photo with a tractor. Here is the collegiate Farm Bureau team that put on the event.

UW-Platteville

On May 2, members of the UW-Platteville Collegiate Farm Bureau held their first ever Ag Day on Campus where they educated classmates about agriculture with the use of farm equipment and livestock. They also handed out free string cheese and walking tacos. Officers include (left to right) director at large Katie Demrow, vice president Kayla Greenwood, president Ryan Ripp, secretary/treasurer Taylor Schuetz and director at large Ann Larson.

UW-River Falls

Wisconsin’s third collegiate Farm Bureau was recently formed on the UW-River Falls Campus. Charter officers include (back left to right) vice president Mark Ladsten, senior CAFES representative Sam Olson, junior CAFES representative Max Prange, (front left to right) president Jacki Roden, treasurer Kirsten Konder and secretary Abby Johnson.

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www.wfbf.com

leadership

Spring Fling

Young Farmer and Agriculturist Ball

On Saturday, March 31, 445 members attended the 5th annual District YFA Spring Fling in West Bend. This year drew the biggest crowd ever. A local country band, Saving Savannah, had members dancing the whole night. Proceeds from the event will help cost share many YFA opportunities throughout District 1. Siblings Peter and Jennifer Muth were among the large YFA crowd.

The 2nd Annual YFA Ball was held Saturday, February 11 at Royal Ridges in Ripon. This year’s theme was “For the Love of Ag.” There were 119 YFA members from 18 different counties in Wisconsin and Illinois in attendance. YFA members enjoyed the music of Spin. The committee also sold flowers throughout the night and donated proceeds to the Fond du Lac County Ag in the Classroom program. The 2012 FDL YFA committee (left to right) Bill Herbst, Tim Clark, Heidi Zahn, Katie Mattison and Crystal Pollack had fun posing for a picture in the photo booth.

Brewers Game On Saturday, April 7, 150 Wisconsin Farm Bureau members from across the state gathered at Miller Park during opening weekend of the Milwaukee Brewers’ baseball season. They played the reigning World Series champions, St. Louis Cardinals, and won 6-0. Members from District 2 ate lunch at a catered tailgate pavilion prior to the game where they socialized and met new members. Twenty people took the new member incentive to join WFBF, which was included in the cost of the game, tailgate and t-shirt. Dane County Farm Bureau member Alison Kepner (left) and the Farm Bureau Brew Crew had a great time.

Mark Your Calendars! Music City is the site of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th Annual Meeting, January 13-16, 2013. Wisconsin Farm Bureau members traveling to next year’s event will stay at the event’s headquarters hotel, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. The 2013 annual meeting will feature a variety of issue conferences and topnotch speakers. The registration fee is $100 per person, which covers entrance to all sessions. On Saturday evening, WFBF members can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Farm Bureau members will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of optional preand post-convention tours that highlight the diversity of Tennessee agriculture. Registration materials for the AFBF Annual Meeting will be available in September by contacting WFBF’s Bob Leege at 608.828.5710 or bleege@wfbf.com.

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wisconsin farm bureau federation

Rural Mutual to Sponsor First Time Attendees at YFA Conference

he Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Conference will be held November 30 through December 2 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Rural Mutual Insurance Company will again sponsor up to 100 first-time attendees to this year’s event. This sponsorship opportunity is open to any Farm Bureau member age 18-35 who has never attended the event. Firsttime participants who are selected to attend will receive complimentary conference registration and two nights lodging at the Kalahari Resort. The conference registration includes five meals, workshop sessions and entertainment. To be considered for sponsorship, you must complete and submit an

application by August 15. Application forms are available from WFBF by calling 800.261.FARM or online at www.wfbf. com. Those selected for the sponsorship will be notified by September 15 and additional details regarding the conference will be mailed to them. The sponsored attendees are also required

to submit a conference registration form. The Farm Bureau YFA Conference starts Friday, November 30 with a welcome banquet, networking time, and live country music and dancing with the Scott Thompson Band, sponsored by Badgerland Financial. On Saturday, the conference will feature a keynote

speaker and a mock policy development session, with the YFA Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Ag competitions following. The evening will be capped by a dinner and entertainment featuring Nashville recording star Bryan White. Sunday’s events include the WFBF Discussion Meet finals, a buffet brunch and Farm Bureau program, and free time to enjoy the Kalahari Resort.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company is a major sponsor of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist program, and takes pride in supporting the programs that develop future leaders for Farm Bureau and for Wisconsin agriculture.

Scott Thompson Band to Headline WFBF YFA Conference

he Scott Thompson Band will kick off the WFBF YFA Conference on Friday, November 30. The entertainment and reception that evening is sponsored by Badgerland Financial. The group describes themselves as “young country” and features a rock solid rhythm section with brothers Brad and Ryan Babcock on drums and bass, Jakob Grimm on honky-tonkin’ keys, Mackenzie Lerchen on saw-’n-sassy fiddle and Scott Thompson on hot lead guitar. Top it all off with honest and sincere vocals and a three-part harmony, and the group is an easy sell to today’s country music fans. The guys (and girl) like to equate their multi-faceted sound to a modern blend of Garth Brooks, George Strait and Brad Paisley with a twist of Merle Haggard.