rural route

Ruralwisconsin Farm bureau Federation’s

Route

P a g e s 3 - 9

december | january 2010-2011 • vol. 16 no. 6 | www.wfbf.com

Bucky Embraces Farm Bureau‘Farmers Feed US’ Winners Selected

Leopold Award Finalists Named

christmas croPWisconsin’s

Farm Bureauannual meetingWrap-up

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Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. © 2010 FBL Financial Group, Inc. LI139 (11-10)

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december | january 2010-2011 www.wfbf.com 1

Features Every Issue

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10

Annual Meeting Highlights

Election Paints Wisconsin Red

Growing Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Crop

Four Farms are Leopold Award Finalists

Free Groceries for Farmers Feed US Winners

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News

Member Benefits

Opinion

Ag in the Classroom

Leadership

Calendar of Events

Foundation

Rural Mutual

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On the Cover

contents

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A worker at Northern Christmas Trees & Nursery in Jackson County sizes up one of the thousands of evergreens that the Frelk and Ahl families annually ship across the nation.

2 Rural Route wisconsin farm bureau federation

This time of year there is a natural tendency to look back and forward – almost at the same time.

You look back at the year that is drawing to a close, while you anticipate, predict and wonder about the year that is about to begin. I think we have captured those same feelings with the content found in this issue of Rural Route.

We’ve included a look back at some of the highlights of the successful Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Young Farmer & Agriculturist Conference that were held earlier this month in Wisconsin Dells. We report on who won a year’s worth of free groceries from the Farmers Feed US sweepstakes. Finally, we have news coverage and commentary on what 2010’s elections will mean in 2011.

Our news coverage also looks forward to some issues that could impact agriculture in 2011, like the Working Lands Program and proposed changes to Wisconsin’s livestock siting law. We highlight the four finalists for the 2011 Leopold Conservation Award. There is also information on events like the Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit and Ag Day at the Capitol, both set for early 2011.

Speaking of new, you might notice we continue to make tweaks to Rural Route’s new magazine format. I often liken this format change to a new piece of farm machinery or a milking parlor. It always seems to take a few spins around the field or a few milkings before things are truly running smooth. Such is the case with the new magazine format as well. Yet we will strive to make each issue better than the last.

May you approach 2011 with that same kind of optimism – to make the new year better than the last.

Happy New Year,

Casey Langan Rural Route Editor Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

editor Casey Langan 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 Farm Bureau’s Rural Route PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705-0550

contact information 608.836.5575 800.261.FARM (3276) www.wfbf.com [email protected]

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

Women’s committee chair Rosie Lisowe, Chilton

Young Farmer & agriculturist committee chair Maria McGinnis, Portage

Farm Bureau’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 [email protected].

Ruralwisconsin Farm bureau Federation’s

Routeeditor’s note

from casey langan


annual meeting

Bruins, who is a dairy farmer from Waupun in Fond du Lac County, was first elected WFBF President in 2003.

Jerry Bradley, a corn and soybean grower from Sun Prairie in Dane County, was elected as Vice President.

Joe Bragger, a Buffalo County farmer was elected to represent Farm Bureau’s District 4 (Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe and Trempealeau counties) on the board of directors. Bragger succeeds the late Gary Steiner of Mondovi who had served in that post since 1991.

Wayne Staidl of Peshtigo, Don Radtke of Merrill, and Jim Holte of Elk Mound were all reelected to three year terms on the board as district representatives.

Maria McGinnis of Portage was elected Chair of the Young Farmer & Agriculturist Committee and will serve a one-year term on the WFBF Board of Directors.

Rosie Lisowe of Chilton was reelected Chair of the Women’s Committee and will serve a one-year term on the WFBF Board of Directors.

Other Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board Directors who were not up for reelection included: Dave Daniels of Union Grove, Richard Gorder of Mineral Point, and Lloyd DeRuyter of Cedar Grove.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization providing legislative representation, public relations, leader-ship development and services to farmers across the state.

Bill Bruins Reelected President of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

BIll BruIns was rEElECtEd PrEsIdEnt OF thE wIsCOnsIn Farm BurEau FEdEratIOn By Its BOard OF dIrECtOrs at thE OrganIzatIOn’s 91st annual mEEtIng In wIsCOnsIn dElls On mOnday, dECEmBEr 6th.

Clockwise from top left: Bill Bruins, Jerry Bradley, Maria McGinnis and Joe Bragger


Farm Bureau Director Gary Steiner passed away on November 14.

“Our board of directors often referred to Gary as our sage, and therefore with his passing we will greatly miss his wisdom and historical perspective,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Bill Bruins.

Gary was elected to the WFBF Board

of Directors in 1991 to represent District 4 on the board, which includes Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse and Monroe counties. He was president of the Buffalo County Farm Bureau from 1986 to 1991.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Betty. They had six children. He

lived on a 773-acre dairy farm near Mondovi that he had sold to their sons, Fred and Paul. He was a 1951 graduate of UW-Madison with degrees in accounting and business education.

We greatly appreciate his many years of service to our organization. His humor and wisdom will surely be missed.

in memoriam


annual meeting

george Peterson was one of five people who started the St. Croix County Farm Bureau in 1948. He and his wife, Doris, have received the highest award the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation bestows upon its members for their nearly six decades of service. The Petersons were presented the ‘Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award’ at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting, December 5 for providing exceptional leadership and support to Farm Bureau’s efforts.

A charter member of the St. Croix County Farm Bureau in 1948, George has been a director ever since, serving as President for 25 years. Doris has served on the Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee on the county, district and state levels, and served a decade as the state chairwoman.

“George and Doris Peterson have lived a commitment to both agriculture and Farm Bureau spanning over 60 years,” said Jim Holte, an Elk Mound farmer and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Director. “They have each given their time and abilities for the benefit of all people who value agriculture.”

The Petersons live on their 480-acre farm near Wilson, where they raised and exhibited a prized herd of Guernsey dairy cattle.

Their involvement in Farm Bureau and their community runs

deep. Both have been active on Farm Bureau’s dairy and legislative committees, and have volunteered in the Farm Bureau food stand at the St. Croix County Fair. They have never missed a county Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and have attended several state and national Farm Bureau events. The Petersons also served locally as 4-H leaders. They passed along their commitment to Farm

Bureau to their children. Their son, Gary, served as the state Young Farmers Committee chairman, and his wife, Melanie, recently served as the state Women’s Committee chair.

During a time of high prices for baling twine, George contracted directly with Brazil to ship affordable twine to northwestern Wisconsin farmers. As a Farm Bureau fundraiser, he placed orders for Florida fruit by the semi-load. He also coordinated a local “Freedom for Farmers” movement to counteract an effort to withhold the shipment of milk from dairy farms.

The Petersons are active in their church, where Doris taught Sunday school. She

also served on a state traffic safety commission and was active in a wool promotion program. George coached softball locally.

The Petersons were married in 1951 and have five children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

george and doris Peterson receive ‘distinguished service

to farm Bureau’ award



The first time participant in the Discussion Meet contest said he was “extremely surprised” to have won the competition. Sellen, 26, will compete in the national Discussion Meet contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd Annual Meeting next month in Atlanta.

Sellen graduated in 2006 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in dairy science, with a management emphasis. He is an active partner with his parents, Jeff and Brenda Sellen, at the family’s Valley Line Dairy near Oconto Falls. The farm has 650 acres of alfalfa and corn and 300 Holstein cows.

He is involved in Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Agriculturist Program, FFA

Alumni and is a member of the Oconto Falls Fire Department.

Dodge Truck provided Sellen with a $500 cash award, Midwest Stihl awarded a chainsaw and Rural Mutual Insurance provided a free financial plan. Troy will be the guest of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at next year’s Young Farmer & Agriculturist Conference in Wisconsin Dells, and a special guest at the annual meeting of GROWMARK, Inc. in Chicago this August.

Other state finalists in the Discussion Meet were: Andrea Brossard-Martin of Dodge County, Chris Pollack of Fond du Lac County, and Elizabeth Gartman of Sheboygan County.

troy sellen tops Discussion meet contest

Troy Sellen of Oconto County was selected winner of the 2010 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Agriculturist Discussion Meet contest at the organization’s 91st Annual Meeting. The Discussion Meet contest is a panel discussion in which young members are judged on their ability to express their ideas and opinions and reach a solution on current issues affecting agriculture.

If you strolled along the trade show aisles at the WFBF Annual Meeting

like these two Farm Bureau members, you were sure to see the generous

donations of silent auction items from members, businesses and sponsors.

These included hotel packages, bobble heads, beverage sets, tools, toys and

more. There were over 230 items that were donated and the auction raised

$13,600 for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation which supports agricultural

education and leadership programs. Thank you to all that donated items

and to all who bid and purchased items during the silent auction.

Governor-elect Scott Walker (right) talked with Farm Bureau members

prior to addressing the Sunday evening Awards Banquet where he spoke about his support for use value assessment of

farmland, creating jobs and balancing the state budget.


annual meeting

Andrea Brossard Martin of Dodge County was selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer & Agriculturist Excellence in Agriculture contest at the Annual Meeting. The Excellence in Agriculture winner is selected based on their leadership, involvement in Farm Bureau and their local community, understanding of current issues affecting agriculture.

Brossard Martin, 29, is the Producer Communication Specialist at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB). In addition, she farms with

her parents Dennis and Carol Brossard, and brother, Anthony, at the family’s 150-cow, 650-acre farm near Beaver Dam. She milks the herd every evening after her commute home from her job with WMMB in Madison.

In the past three years, she has been very involved in Farm Bureau. She is a graduate of the Farm Bureau Institute, is involved in Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program, and was one of four finalists in the Discussion Meet Contest.

Brossard Martin will compete in the national Excellence in Agriculture contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd Annual Meeting next month in Atlanta. She will also be guest of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at next year’s WFBF Young Farmer & Agriculturist Conference in the Wisconsin Dells. She also received a $250 FS Fast Stop gift card from GROWMARK, Inc. and will be a guest at its annual meeting in Chicago in August. Dodge Truck provided a $500 cash award.

Brossard Martin fostered her start in agricultural leadership by being active in 4-H, FFA and the University of Wisconsin-National Agri-Marketing Association. She attended the Farm and Industry Short Course at UW-Madison, then went on to complete a double major at UW-Madison in Dairy Science and Agricultural Journalism. Brossard Martin continues to be active on campus through teaching an Ag Business Communication class for the Farm and Industry Short Course.

andrea Brossard martin Wins Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award

Andrea Brossard Martin is congratulated by Bill Bruins after being announced as the winner of the Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals who derive income both on and off the farm. She works at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board by day and milks her family’s Holstein herd at night.

Did You Know?

Members of the Young Farmer and Agriculturist committee (YFA) raised $1,021 for the WFB Foundation through the sale of fun name badge ribbons at the Annual Meeting. The ribbons said things like princess, dude, runs with scissors, and party animal. Thank you to everyone who purchased ribbons and supported the WFB Foundation.


Dave Jelinski was presented the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s “Distinguished Service to Agriculture” award during the organization’s 91st Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells on December 5.

“Dave Jelinski is a true friend of production agriculture and has worked tirelessly to make sure farmers have access to the land and water resources they need to be successful and to be good stewards as well,” said Bill Bruins, WFBF President.

The Distinguished Service to Agriculture is awarded to an individual for outstanding

contributions to the success of Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.

Jelinski grew up in the Town of Taycheedah in rural Fond du Lac County, before serving his country during the Vietnam War. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in

1979 with a bachelor’s of science degree in agricultural engineering.

In 1980, he began his career working on environmental issues for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specializing in animal waste management and

developing a permit program for large livestock farms known as NR 243.

Jelinski left DNR in 1984 and joined the staff of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), where his major responsibilities involved working on a variety of programs related to

soil and water conservation, livestock siting standards and land use.

In 2010, after 30 years of state service, he left DATCP to work as the Government Affairs Director for the Dairy Business Association. In this new role, he works to

promote the success of all dairy farms by fostering a positive business environment.

Jelinski is a 1998 graduate of the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program and has served in several leadership positions for the National Association of State Conservation Agencies.

Dave Jelinski Receives “Distinguished Service to Agriculture” Award

“Dave Jelinski is a true friend of production agriculture and has worked tirelessly to make

sure farmers have access to the land and water resources they need to be successful and to

be good stewards as well.” - Bill Bruins


he Klings bought their farm from his grandparents, Bob and Edith Kling, in 2001. Nathan is the seventh generation in his family to farm on the same piece of land. They own and operate a 220-cow dairy farm near Taylor, where they raise 300 acres of alfalfa, 350 acres of corn, and pasture another 100 acres.

Nathan said he examines the costs of each component of the farm operation. He attributed their success to analyzing the farm’s internal growth over the past decade. To minimize their costs, they have done much of their own construction work on farm projects. They raise Holstein steers and rotationally graze their heifers.

Nathan’s brother, Joel, is one of four full-time employees on the farm. They also hire one additional part-time employee.

Nathan has served on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Dairy, Legislative and Young Farmer & Agriculturist committees. He has served on the Jackson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors since 2000, and Karen once served as the county secretary. Both are past participants in Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet contest.

The Klings will compete in the national Achievement Award contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd

Annual Meeting next month in Atlanta.

The Klings will also be guests of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation at next year’s WFBF Young Farmer & Agriculturist Conference to be held next December in Wisconsin Dells. They also will be guests of GROWMARK, Inc. at its annual meeting in Chicago this August. Dodge Truck provided a $500 cash award, FABCO Equipment Inc.

annual meeting

Klings Win achievement aWard

provided 40 hours use of a FABCO 226 skid-steer loader, and Rural Mutual Insurance provided a free financial plan.

Nathan, 33, is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in animal science. Karen is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in English. The Klings have three children: Grace, Jake and Justin.

Jackson County dairy farmers Nathan and Karen Kling were selected the winner of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer & Agriculturist Achievement Award at the organization’s 91st Annual Meeting. The Achievement Award goes to young farmers who have excelled in their production farming operation, understanding of current issues affecting agriculture, and their leadership and involvement in Farm Bureau and local community.

t


rom animal welfare to zoning, delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 91st Annual

Meeting established several new policy directives for the organization.

Delegates adopted the policies that will guide the Farm Bureau’s legislative agenda over the next year. Resolutions submitted by members addressed topics like land-use, federal dairy policy and environmental regulations.

Two resolutions were passed regarding Wisconsin’s Working Lands Program. Members support making funding for the program sum sufficient to ensure that participants are fully compensated. They oppose the program’s ‘conversion fees’ being collected until both a county’s farmland preservation plan and zoning ordinances have been adopted.

Concerned about the state’s fiscal condition, delegates support a repeal of the prevailing wage law, and a reduction in funding to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the next state budget. They support changing the mediation arbitration process to allow arbitrators to modify either side’s proposal in order to reach a compromise, and noted that public employees’ wages and benefits should more closely reflect those in the private sector. They also oppose the proposed high speed rail between Madison and Milwaukee.

Delegates asked that nutrient management plans required of their farms by federal, state and county agencies be consistent and uniform in their application. In parts of the state where groundwater quantity is an issue, they support allowing the DNR to regulate usage of water in groundwater management areas in consultation and with approval from a local advisory committee comprised of representatives from agriculture, industry and municipalities.

In light of debates about animal welfare in other states, they said they support farmers and veterinarians deciding appropriate husbandry practices for their farms.

Delegates also sought policy changes within two different state agencies. They are opposed to the expansion of the farming operation at the Department of Corrections and support the sale of all excess acres. They support requiring the Department of Transportation and utility companies to compensate crop producers for crops being destroyed through eminent domain or during construction of the project.

Delegates reaffirmed a policy they set last year in support for Wisconsin’s prohibition on the direct sale of raw milk to consumers. Their policy and current law do allow for incidental sales.

Wisconsin delegates also approved resolutions pertaining to federal policy. These resolutions will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation, which hosts its Annual Meeting and resolutions session next month in Atlanta. There delegates from across the country will vote on whether or not to adopt these resolutions from Wisconsin. They include:

• Repealing the national health care reform bill.

• Support tax deferred farmer savings accounts.

Wisconsin delegates also had a number of suggested changes to federal dairy policy. They include:

• Elimination of the price support program.

• Enhancing the product formula price by increasing the number of plans surveyed, expanding the number of products, speeding up the reporting of prices and making the reporting more transparent.

• Fewer classes of milk and a reduction in the number of federal milk marketing orders.

• Lowering the somatic cell count to 400,000 for milk to be eligible as Grade A.

• Support producer safety net programs such as the Milk Income Loss Contract and margin insurance as risk management tools.

The Farm Bureau’s 2011 policy will soon be posted on its website, wfbf.com.

Delegates Set Policy for 2011

F

Farm Bureau delegates Laura Daniels (top), Calvin Wasserstrass (bottom left), and Arch Morton (bottom right).


Three new Wisconsin faces in D.C.

For the first time in decades, three new members of the same party were elected to Wisconsin’s congressional delegation. Republican Ron Johnson of Oshkosh defeated U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, an 18-year Democratic incumbent. Republican Reid Ribble of De Pere defeated Steve Kagen, a two-term Democratic incumbent from Appleton for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional seat in northeast Wisconsin. Republican Sean Duffy of Ashland defeated State Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point for the 7th Congressional seat in north-central Wisconsin. That seat was open due to the retirement of Congressman Dave Obey, who had held the seat since 1969. The ‘pick up’ of these three seats means Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation will now have six Republicans and four Democrats.

“With congressional control now split between a Democratic-led Senate and a Republican-led House, it will be interesting to see how Washington D.C. operates for the next two years,” said Paul Zimmerman, WFBF’s Executive Director of Public Affairs. “A main item of interest for the Farm Bureau will be the 2012 Farm Bill debate.”

Walker wins; Newcomers make up nearly a third of Assembly

The Volunteers for Agriculture’s endorsed gubernatorial candidate, Republican Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker won the race to become Wisconsin’s next governor over Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Republicans also gained control of the State Senate by a 19-14 majority and the State Assembly by a 60-38-1 majority.

Ten Democratic incumbents in the State Assembly lost their elections, while four lost in the State Senate. Combined with a number of retirements, the make-up of the State Legislature will change significantly when new members are sworn in on January 3. There are eight new state senators, although five of them have

2010 Election Paints Wisconsin’s

Political Landscape Red

news

isconsin’s political scene shifted from blue to red as voters in the November 2 election followed

a national trend by supporting a number of new Republican candidates.

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previous legislative experience. In the Assembly, 30 of the 99 members are new.

“It will be very important for WFBF members to make contact with these newly elected legislators to get to know them and explain the importance of agriculture to their district’s economy,” Zimmerman said.

Leadership Changes

With the change in control of the Governor’s office and the Legislature, there will be a number of leadership changes.

As of the Rural Route’s press time, Governor-elect Walker was working to fill out his administration by appointing his cabinet members, including the Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). In addition to the cabinet secretaries, there are many other management appointments within agencies. At DATCP, the Deputy Secretary, Executive Assistant and six division administrators serve at the pleasure of the governor. In May, the terms of three of the nine DATCP board

members expire. At that time the new governor will have the opportunity to appoint new members.

With the shift of power in the Legislature, Republicans will now have majority membership on all committees. Senate Majority Leader

Scott Fitzgerald and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald will name committee chairs and committee membership before the Legislature is sworn in. Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller and Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca will also name members of their caucuses to committees once the committees are established.

Priorities

The two major priorities that Governor-elect Walker has identified as he takes office are job creation and the state’s budget.

“Governor-elect Walker is working on legislation that will help spur economic development. As his plans are unveiled, WFBF will be working with the administration to see if there are items that can help the agricultural industry grow,” Zimmerman said.

It is estimated that there will be a nearly $3 billion deficit within the next two-year state budget that starts July 1, 2011. That shortfall equates to nearly 5 percent of total state spending.

In addition to Walker’s priorities, the change in legislative leadership and the large number of new legislators means that the issues important to them will begin to surface as well.

“With all of these changes, this year’s Ag Day at the Capitol event scheduled for March 9 takes on an added importance,” Zimmerman added.

With the shift of power in the Legislature, Republicans

will now have majority membership on all committees.

Ag Day at the CapitolMarch 9, 2011

Madison, WI • Monona Terrace Convention Center

Schedule of Events11:00 a.m. Registration11:45 a.m. Lunch12:45 p.m. Legislative Briefing 3:00 p.m. Capitol Visits

Registration Deadline: February 28, 2011. See February’s Rural Route for registration details.Cost: $20 per person by registration deadline. $25 after deadline and at the door.

Thank you sponsors:

Insurance CompanyRural MutualInvites you to attend

11.ion details.adline. .


Meet Board Member: Jerry Bradley1848 is not only the year Wisconsin became a state, but also the year Jerry Bradley’s family established their farm in eastern Dane County. Now after five generations, Jerry and his brother, Mark, are proud to carry on their family’s farming tradition at Sun Prairie’s longest running family farm.

“I love what I do, it doesn’t really get better than this” Bradley said from inside his combine on a pleasant October day.

Jerry represents the six south-central Wisconsin counties that make up Farm Bureau’s ‘District 2’ and is the Vice President on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. He understands the diversity of agriculture and remembers the days when his farm had dairy cows, chickens and pigs.

Their farm suffered a barn fire in 1977. The fire department saved the house and silos and the cattle were fortunately out in pasture. Yet the barn was completed destroyed. It was then the Bradleys decided to sell the

herd and focus on crops. Since then they have increased crop acreage to 1,500 acres. Two-thirds of their acres produce corn and soybean seeds for Renk Seeds in Sun Prairie.

In 1990, Jerry first explored the option of no-till farming by renting a drill and switching to no-till soybeans and corn.

“No-till is always a challenge, but I’m up for the challenge,” Jerry said. “It is environmentally-friendly, saves soil moisture, and helps with wind, soil and water erosion. If you take care of the land, the land will be good to you.”

To keep the farm profitable, Jerry recalled his high school job of hauling peas and sweet corn for a Sun Prairie vegetable plant. He decided to look into adding a trucking component to the farm. In the late ‘70s the Bradleys began reaching out to companies and farmers to see if they needed help hauling their vegetables and crops. Today their trucks run year-round, hauling for Seneca Foods and other area companies and farmers. To give back to their community,

every year the Bradley Farm supplies all of the trucking for the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival during the third weekend of August. The annual festival draws over 100,000 people who consume 70 tons of sweet corn.

The Bradleys incorporated their farm in 1980 to protect themselves from liability issues and so they could access health insurance. They have also specialized their roles. Jerry takes care of the finances, planting, spraying and combining, while Mark takes care of the maintenance, and the shop, hauling and trucking schedule.

In the early 1990s Jerry became upset by the direction of a different farm organization and decided he needed to look for an option that bettered mainstream agriculture. He saw a newspaper article about an upcoming Dane County Farm Bureau picnic, attended to see what Farm Bureau was about and ended up becoming a member that day. Ever since he has eagerly taken on leadership roles to make sure farmers’ voices are heard and policies and actions are taken to better agriculture.

“I’m not sure we could farm without Farm Bureau,” Bradley said. “There are so many anti-agriculture groups that want us to stop. Without Farm Bureau’s voice, agriculture would look a lot different than it does now. With Farm Bureau, we are the 800-pound gorilla. We have a big voice and can make things happen.”

When not farming or serving for Farm Bureau, Jerry enjoys Badger football and attends every NCAA Final 4 men’s basketball tournament.

news

By Sheri Sutton

october | november 2010 www.wfbf.com 13

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The deadline as to when that happens by is determined by a county’s recent growth. The fastest growing counties must have their plans completed before 2011. While the slowest growing ones have until 2015.

Earlier this year Farm Bureau staff met with Farm Bureau members in the 14 counties required to have their farmland preservation plans done by 2011. The counties include: Brown, Calumet, Dane, Kenosha, La Crosse, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, St. Croix, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago. Calumet has completed its plan while other counties are at various stages of completion.

The next round of counties are required to have their plans complete by 2012. They include: Chippewa, Columbia, Door, Dodge, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Green, Jefferson,

Marathon, Pierce, Polk, Sauk and Sheboygan.

“County Farm Bureau leadership and individual members need to be at the table when decisions are being made about where farming is going to occur and where development will take place,” said Jeff Lyon, WFBF Director of Governmental Relations. “A year or two to complete the county plan may sound like a long time but it goes by fast.”

Plans are good for 10 years and require:

• Designation of farmland preservation areas.

• Establishment of rationale for designating farmland preservation areas.

• Identifying strategies to increase housing density.

Farmland Preservation Planning Underway Time for Farm Bureau Members to Get Involved

news

Wisconsin’s Working Lands Program, which replaced the Farmland Preservation Program in the last state budget, requires all counties to adopt a farmland preservation plan that is certified by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.


• Consistency with the county comprehensive plan.

• Approval by county board of supervisors.

DATCP is authorized to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of preparing an updated farmland preservation plan. The tax credit goes from income-based to a per acre credit while maintaining cross-compliance with soil and water standards. Credits are paid as follows:

* $5 per acre credit for agreements in areas not zoned and in an Agriculture Enterprise Area. An AEA is defined as a contiguous land area devoted primarily to farming and agricultural business development. It is created when five or more landowners successfully petition DATCP. Not all landowners have to sign an agreement; however, the land must be located entirely in a certified farmland preservation area.

* $7.50 per acre in areas zoned; and

* $10 per acre in areas zoned, with an AEA agreement.

A total of $27 million will be available annually for tax credits. If credits exceed the $27 million, credits could be prorated.

To qualify for a tax credit the land must:

• Be part of a farm with a minimum of $6,000 in gross farm revenues during the preceding tax year or $18,000 in gross farm revenue in the previous three tax years.

• Be in a certified farmland preservation area.

• Be in a certified farmland preservation zoning or an AEA with an agreement.

• Be compliant with state soil and water conservation standards.

• Have property taxes paid by the claimant.

For land in a farmland preservation zoning district (formerly exclusive ag zoning), those ordinances will need to be updated as well. Counties have one year after their farmland preservation plan is certified to update their zoning ordinances.

For land rezoned in a farmland preservation zoning district, there is a conversion fee equal to three times the highest assessed value of ag land in the

municipality. The fee is paid by the entity requesting the rezone. A conversion fee is not required if the rezone is within a certified farmland zoning change. Local units of government may also impose an additional conversion fee to fund farmland preservation efforts. Conversion fees along with federal dollars will be used to purchase development rights under the state’s Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements program.

This winter, to better explain the program, WFBF staff will be meeting with county Farm Bureaus that need to have their plan done in 2012.

For additional information on the Working Lands Program go to www.datcp.state.wi.us/workinglands.


Christmas Tree Cropgrowing wisconsin’s

Did You Know?

In the 1970s a contest deemed their Christmas trees the best in the nation. That year they delivered a Christmas tree to the White House for President Nixon and his family.

news

By Sheri Sutton

Pictured left to right - Cal Frelk, Arlene Frelk, John Ahl, Ginger Ahl and Ashley Ahl

meet Farm Bureau members: the Frelk and ahl Families


he small community of Merrillan in Jackson County gets its nickname as the “Christmas Tree Village” because it’s home to Wisconsin’s largest Christmas tree farm and proud Farm Bureau members, the Frelk and Ahl families.

It was in the early 1950s when brothers Calvin and George Frelk drove from their Illinois farm to Merrillan because one of George’s professors at the University of Illinois told him there was ‘green gold’ in Christmas trees in west-central Wisconsin. They purchased 500 acres and Cal and his wife, Arlene, started growing Christmas trees at what would expand and evolve into Northern Christmas Trees & Nursery. George stayed in

Illinois to own and manage the acres of vegetables they had grown for Campbell’s Soup.

What started as a family business has remained one. In 1980 Cal and Arlene’s only daughter, Ginger, and her husband, John Ahl, joined in the Christmas tree business and in 1995 they became partners. Cal and Arlene are now retired while Ginger and John are the managing operators. The Ahl’s three children include: Ashley who left a job with a hedge fund in Chicago to return to the family business oversees sales in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois; Lindsey lives in Minnesota and works as a buyer for Target; and Derek is a third year student at the University of Minnesota studying Nursery Production Management.

“We estimate that one of our trees gets touched by a human hand 31 times before it is in the home,” Arlene said of the care each tree receives.

The family’s goal is to continue their efforts to be the best in their business. Since those first 500 acres of Christmas trees the family business has grown to 6,700 acres of Christmas trees spread out over 70 farms. Yet wholesale Christmas tree sales only account for a quarter of their annual sales. Nursery sales comprise the bulk of their business at 65 percent, and grain production accounts for the other 10 percent.

Their nursery of shrubs, fruits, roses, specialty trees and other plant life is among Wisconsin’s largest nurseries.

If you were to put their nursery’s hoop houses (where they grow trees, evergreens and flowering shrubs) end to end it would span over 6 miles long!

The Ahls attribute their success to not only hard work, risk taking and goal to be the best, but also to their emphasis on customer service. Ginger says callers to their farm receive a live voice to help them instead of an automated recording.

“It is not in our vocabulary that we can’t or we don’t,” Ginger said of the farm’s 100 employees who work hard to make sure their customers who stretch from Hawaii to Texas to Puerto Rico are more than satisfied.

“When our customers say something we jump,” John added.

“we estimate that one of our trees gets touched by a human hand 31 times before it is in the home,” arlene said of the care each tree receives.

Ta friend of farm Bureau

“Pals forever” is how Cal Frelk describes the farm’s relationship with Farm Bureau.

“Farm Bureau looks out for all of our government interests as farmers. They protect our interests in D.C. and Madison,” he said. “We need this strong farm representation in government to protect us.”

Arlene mentions how decades ago it was automatic for them to join Farm Bureau and get Rural Mutual Insurance. It was a win-win situation – joining an organization that looks out for their interests politically and getting fantastic insurance to cover their farm.

“Without Farm Bureau we would be in trouble,” Ginger adds. The Ahls can recall many critical times when Farm Bureau was involved in lobbying for their farm’s best interests.

The Frelks and Ahls are also involved in many state and national nursery and Christmas tree associations, with both Cal and John serving in leadership positions.

The multi-generational farm family loves their industry and encourages everyone around the holiday season to be sure to buy a real tree because it’s good for the environment. Christmas trees provide lots of oxygen, sequester carbon, provide homes for wildlife and for every tree that the Northern Christmas Trees & Nursery cuts down, they plant three more trees.

“The panel was created to determine if there are additional best management practices that can or should be incorporated into the rule to address nutrient and odor management,” said Jeff Lyon, Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. “Many of the recommendations pertain to policy changes which conflict with the intent of the original legislation and cannot be addressed in rulemaking. Any changes would have to go through the legislative process.”

The panel included public and private sector experts in facility permitting, air emissions, odor, nutrient management, runoff management, manure management systems engineering, public health, land use planning and zoning. The panel was divided into Engineering, Nutrient Management, and Odor subcommittees. Each subcommittee held three to four meetings and made their final recommendations in November and December.

Among its recommendations, the expert panel is tentatively calling for:

• Decreasing odor control credits for the majority of practices available to farmers.

• Removing the 2,500-foot exemption from the odor credit.

• Allowing local governments to decide if winter spreading of manure can be done by operations with between 500 and 1,000 animal units.

• Adopting new standards for feed storage which lowers the moisture content threshold for feedlot runoff controls from 70 percent to 65 percent.

• Requiring manure storage to be emptied for inspection at the time of application.

“In their recommendations, the technical expert panel has not taken into account the fact that 60 siting permits have been issued with little or no dispute and there haven’t been any problems since they have been issued,” Lyon said, “This tells me the technical standards we have in place are allowing livestock operations to expand while being protective of public health and safety. It appears that the livestock siting rule is working for farmers, local government and the vast majority of the citizens of Wisconsin.”

“Generally, when there has been criticism of an expansion, livestock siting has not been adopted by the local government,” Lyon noted. “Many of the people critical of livestock siting law have not offered suggestions to improve the technical

standards but have used DATCP meetings as an opportunity to state their opposition to large farms. Farm Bureau supports operations of all sizes.”

Twenty-three counties and thirty-seven towns that have wanted to regulate livestock facility siting have adopted ordinances. The Wisconsin Towns Association and Wisconsin Counties Association have been great partners in educating their members about the benefits of adopting livestock siting standards.

At their October meeting the DATCP Board adopted a scope statement which allows DATCP staff to proceed with proposed changes to the technical standards. The technical expert committee’s report will be presented to the DATCP Secretary.

“With the election of Governor-elect Scott Walker and the appointment of new DATCP Secretary, it is uncertain what the timetable will be for rulemaking with respect to the livestock siting rules known as ATCP 51,” Lyon said. “Presumably, DATCP staff will develop modifications to the rule which will go to public hearing. Farm Bureau will continue to monitor the livestock siting rulemaking process in the coming year.”

Panel Finalizes Livestock Siting Report

news


he livestock siting technical panel, established by the wisconsin department of agriculture, trade and

Consumer Protection (datCP) to review livestock siting technical standards is completing their work. Even

though it states it in their name, not all of their recommendations are technical in nature. T

december | january 2010 www.wfbf.com 19

County, Town and City Livestock Siting

Ordinances

Ordinance Administered By:

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. The policy covers any accident, except those on a public road or highway occurring or arising out of occupancy or use of a vehicle required to be licensed under state laws.

AgriPLAN MEdicAL rEiMBUrSEMENt ProgrAM

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau has teamed up with TASC (Total Administrative Services Corporation) to bring you the AgriPlan Medical Reimbursement Program. TASC is located in Wisconsin. The AgriPlan is based on Section 105 of the IRS code written in 1954, and can allow farmers and other self-employed individuals to deduct 100% of their family’s medical expenses through their farm or business. AgriPlan clients save an average of $3000 in taxes per year. Deductible expenses include health, dental, and vision insurance premiums, qualified long term care insurance premiums, as well as any non-insured medical expenses. Farm Bureau members will receive a $10 discount off of the already low cost of the plan. To learn more about the AgriPlan and/or sign up, simply click on the AgriPlan image or call one of TASC’s friendly AgriPlan specialists at 888.595.2261.

www1.tasconline.com

AViS-BUdgEt cAr rENtAL

With 4,800 locations in over 140 countries, there’s always an Avis nearby to help you with your car rental needs. And whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, your membership in the (Name of State) Farm Bureau® entitles you to special discounts. For instance, 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: (WISCONSIN A298849) • Budget discount number (Y775749)

www.avis.com, www.budget.com

BUdgEt trUck rENtAL

Farm Bureau members receive a 15% discount on Budget Truck rentals. To use the discount call 800.566.8422 or visit www.budgettruck.com/wfbf. Use the Wisconsin Farm Bureau account number 56000133165 to get your 15% discount.

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# 0058419.

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 of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau now receive $7.50 off a yearly subscription (and $15 off a two-year subscription) to The Country Today newspaper. The folks at The Country Today will then give a $5 donation to the Ag in the Classroom program, which helps educate Wisconsin youth about farming and food production. To start a new subscription or extend a renewal, call 888.833.9268, and prepare to give your Farm Bureau membership number. An advertisement (with a mail-in form) will also appear in the next issue of Farm Bureau’s Rural Route. If you would like a free copy of the newspaper to check out first, just visit www.thecountrytoday.com and request a free sample. Farm Bureau members can now save up to 28 percent by reading the newspaper that has cared about rural life in the Midwest since 1977, and support the Ag in the Classroom program in the process.


member benefitF E D E R A T I O N

Wisconsin

Farm BureauguiDe

dodgE VEhicLE rEBAtE

Members are eligible for a $500 rebate on a purchase or lease from Dodge on selected vehicles. You must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 days before getting the rebate. Get details from your local Dodge dealer. Eligible 2011 models include: Charger, Avenger, Caliber, Journey, Grand Caravan (including Cargo Van), Ram Pickup 1500, Ram Pickup 2500/3500, Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cab, Dakota and Nitro.

FArM BUrEAU BANk

Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s FDICinsured 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.

FS-groWMArk PAtroNAgE

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

grAiNgEr

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 and a credit card.

Members with an existing account who would like to take advantage of the 10% discount can call Tracy Pape at 608.828.5707 to have their account coded to receive the discount. Provide name, membership number, the company name, billing address, phone number, and the Grainger account number. Grainger now has a toll free order number for Farm Bureau members only.

FB APPArEL

FB Apparel offers you more than 700 apparel items to choose from, including products from your favorite brands like Cutter & Buck, Columbia, GEAR for Sports, and Dickies, to name a few. Looking for an Award or Special Gift? With the Gift and Awards Research Tool, you are able to access thousands of gift and award ideas quickly. Check out “Agriculture Friendly” products by clicking on “Products Made from Renewable Resources.” Need that personal touch? Contact your FBApparel representative at 866.859.7005.

rUrAL iNSUrANcE

Insurance coverage available exclusively to members includes: auto, crop/hail, farm liability and health. Rural also provides a wide array of insurance and financial products for businesses and families including business auto, farm / commercial / and business insurance. Refer to the Yellow Pages or go online at www.ruralins.com to find your nearest Rural agent.

ScriPtSAVE® PrEScriPtioN drUg SAViNgS cArd

ScriptSave® is a prescription drug savings card available to all Wisconsin Farm Bureau members. The card is available to you at NO COST as an added feature of your membership. Your entire household can use the card for instant savings that average over 22% with potential savings up to 50% on brand name and generic medications (based on national program savings data). The ScriptSave card is accepted at thousands of independent and chain pharmacies nationwide. The card also offers savings on vision care, hearing care, and diabetes care and supplies.

You can sign-up by calling ScriptSave directly at 800.700.3957. Mention Group # 703A to identify yourself as a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member.

DISCOUNT ONLY - NOT INSURANCE. This program is not an insurance policy and does not provide insurance coverage. Discounts are available exclusively through participating pharmacies.

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# 62775 when making your reservations. Call 877.670.7088 to make a reservation with these hotel chains: Days Inn®, Howard Johnson®, Baymont Inn and Suites®, Microtel®, Knights Inn®, Ramada®, Travelodge®, Hawthorn Suites®, Wyndham Hotels®, Wingate Inns® and Super 8 Motels®.

F E D E R A T I O N

Wisconsin

Farm Bureau



news

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Sand County Foundation are pleased to announce the four finalists for the 2011 Leopold Conservation Award.

“The high quality and number of nominees in this inaugural year made the selection process difficult but it proves that Wisconsin’s natural resources are being cared for by innovative landowners who want to see them flourish for future generations,” said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President.

The Leopold Conservation Award, named in honor of world-renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is comprised of $10,000 and a Leopold crystal. The winner will be formally announced in April, in conjunction with Earth Day 2011.

The finalists (listed alphabetically) are:

• Bragger family, Buffalo County

• Jim and Valerie Hebbe, Green Lake County

• Bob and Helen Kees, Pepin County

• Koepke family, Waukesha County

The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is made possible through the generous support of the Bradley Fund for the Environment, American Transmission Company (ATC) and the Rural Mutual Insurance Company. For more information, please visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org

Four Wisconsin Farms are Leopold Conservation Award Finalists

Bragger Family, independence

The Bragger Family Dairy is located in the steep and narrow valleys of west-central Wisconsin’s driftless area. While very productive, it also poses challenges in terms of controlling soil erosion and run-off. A 300-cow dairy herd, 50 head of grazed beef, 64,000 pullets and 4,000 brown trout make up the diversified operation. All of the manure is incorporated onto fields as fertilizer for over 500 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and barley. Another 150 acres of woodlands are managed for wildlife, recreation and timber production. The brown trout are raised annually in a spring-fed pond on the farm and are later released into area streams. The farm was a participant in the University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program.


Jim and Valerie hebbe, Princeton

Jim Hebbe has been implementing conservation practices for 24 years and has shared his ideas with other farmers as the Green Lake County Conservationist since 1984. He and his wife, Valerie, raise 1,100 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa in central Wisconsin. In addition to no-till planting all of the crops, he has worked to develop numerous conservation systems that compliment each other and lead to less erosion and more residue cover on the land. The farm includes land with a significant slope draining into a Class 1 Trout Stream. A water and sediment basin was constructed to help control and reduce field runoff into the stream. Twenty-five acres of evergreen trees were planted on one of his farms with light and sandy soil.

Bob and helen Kees, Durand

The Kees’ Wheatfield Hill Farm has been a nationally certified organic farm (for both crops and livestock) since 1997. All pest control (both insect and weed) is done through biological, botanical, cultural or mechanic methods. These skillful growers of high quality produce sell their crops regularly at the Eau Claire Downtown Farmer’s Market. The farm produces a variety of organic crops in addition to producing organic beef. Local manure and sawdust are used to fertilize their farm fields where contour strip cropping of barley, oats and alfalfa is used to avoid erosion. Years of conservation management has increased the organic content of their sandy, highly erodable soils in west-central Wisconsin. All of the farm’s woodlands are enrolled in a managed forest program.

Koepke family, oconomowoc

Koepke Farms Inc. is a partnership between brothers Alan, David, Jim, and Jim’s son John. The 320-cow dairy farm consists of 1,000 acres of cropland plus 150 acres of woods and wetlands. As one of the first farms in their area to adopt a completely no-till system, the family has a long history of soil conservation. The University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms participant incorporate grassed waterways, contour strip cropping, diversified crop rotation, nutrient management, cover crops and barnyard runoff control practices. The dairy herd’s feed ration was altered so that its manure does not contain excessive levels of phosphorus, without impacting milk production. As proof, a Holstein named “Granny” from the farm holds the world record for lifetime milk production.


opinion

Each December we at Farm Bureau take a look back at what made headlines in agriculture over the past 12 months, and try to predict what will be the big news during the upcoming year.

November’s election will have a big impact on agriculture. Scott Walker will soon move into the Governor’s Mansion, and Republicans will take back strong majorities in both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature. A Walker Administration also means changes will be afoot at state agencies like DNR and DATCP.

Along those same lines, 2010 will be remembered for a number of leadership changes. Over the past 12 months we saw the untimely passing of DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, the departure of Molly Jahn as the Dean at the UW-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the announced retirement of longtime Congressman Dave Obey, and the defeat of 18-year incumbent U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

A topic that made national headlines in 2010 was the ongoing debate over animal welfare. The mission of the deceptively-named Humane Society of the United States was a hot topic of discussion at Ag Day at the Capitol last February. HSUS posted political gains in farm states like Ohio and Missouri this year. To counter an honest dialogue with consumers, Farm Bureau and other ag groups held the Farmers Feed US campaign through the summer.

As for policy, the passage of the water runoff regulations known as NR 151 was a big win for farmers. Farmers attended hearings and successfully convinced the DNR to make the proposed rules workable for production agriculture. Farmers had another reason to

smile in 2010. Unlike 2009’s less than ideal growing conditions and commodity prices, 2010 will be remembered for a great growing season, early harvest, record yields, and a turn around in prices for most commodities that helped heal some of the pain that 2009 inflicted.

While nobody can ever predict the future, a few items seem certain to be newsworthy in 2011. The election of 2010 will mean a change in politics in 2011. How will things fare under a GOP-controlled legislature and governor? How will President Obama work with a divided Congress?

Two key items that federal and state lawmakers will be working on in 2011 are the 2012 U.S. Farm Bill and the 2011-12 state budget. Crushing government debts are sure to spell big changes for the nation’s farm policy and state’s fiscal priorities that impact our farms and families.

The process of updating and implementing a number of state regulations will take place next year. Land-use plans will be due from the first round of fastest-growing counties. Changes to the livestock siting law will be debated. Implementation of NR 151 will take place at DATCP and on the county level.

Finally, which direction will the economy take in 2011, and at what speed? Will the tepid recovery continue, or could we see a strong resurgence or double-dip recession? What will happen with farm prices and to what degree will ag impact our state’s economic recovery. It all remains to be seen.

Danish physicist Niels Bohr said: “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future.” He might have a point, but we predict these are the issues we’ll be rehashing a year from now.

Farm Bureau’s “Picks” for 2010 and 2011

A messAge from WfBf President Bill Bruins

2010:

• Election

• LeadershipChanges

• AnimalWelfare

• NR151

• GreatGrowingSeason

2011:

• ChangeinPolitics

• U.S.FarmBill

• StateBudget

• Regulations

• Economy


November’s mid-term elections brought a lot of change to Capitol Hill. In the House of Representatives alone, approximately 80 new members were elected. That’s just less than one-fifth of the entire makeup of that legisla-tive body.

As with any new Congress, such drastic change will carry both opportunities and challenges. But, as they say in Wash-ington, that’s the name of the game, and it’s certainly noth-ing new to Farm Bureau members. As the 112th Congress settles in, we look forward to helping new congressional members get acquainted with agriculture.

A New Farm Bill

There will be many important legislative issues relevant to agriculture in the new Congress. One of the most signifi-cant is the new farm bill, which will be written by new ag-riculture committee members who may not be that familiar with farm policy since more than half of the current com-mittee lost their re-election bids.

The biggest issue affecting the consideration of the new farm bill will be budget issues. Agricultural spending, par-ticularly spending related to farm programs, has always been a target and will be even a greater one in the economic en-vironment that we face. Regardless, Farm Bureau will work with agriculture committee members, to help them under-stand the role of farm programs and develop a bill that pro-vides an effective and responsive safety net for producers across the country.

Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle farmer from Texas

has served as president of the American Farm Bureau

Federation since 2000.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to tax, regulatory and most trade issues, the new Republican-controlled House should be more closely aligned with many Farm Bureau priorities. There will also likely be a congressional shift toward small business issues.

As businessmen and women, farmers and ranchers under-stand the need to foster economic growth and job creation. We will work closely with congressional members on tax issues, such as the estate tax and capital gains tax, as well as for common-sense solutions on environmental issues, like the Clean Water Act and greenhouse gas regulations.

I am optimistic the new Congress will brighten the outlook for trade opportunities. For example, passage of the stalled bilateral trade agreements with Korea, Panama and Colom-bia should have a much greater chance of being passed. Unfortunately, a trade issue that may be a little more dif-ficult with the new House is opening up trade with Cuba. The new chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee has been an adamant opponent of the issue.

Renewable fuels will also likely face challenges. It may be difficult for the industry to get anything but short-term ex-tensions of tax credits and incentives.

Most new congressional members know very little about the economics, production practices and environmental regulations related to agriculture. But, as with any new Congress, we are looking forward to working with the new members to help them better understand agriculture – still our nation’s most vital industry.

A message from AFBF President Bob Stallman

A New Lay of the Land



Zoila Naujock of Franklin and David Schneider of Sheboygan were the two lucky Wisconsinites selected as the grand prize winners of the Wisconsin Farmers Feed US sweepstakes that concluded October 3.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau and other farm and commodity groups sponsored the grand prize: free groceries for a year – a value of $5,000.

The two winners, whose names were drawn at random from more than 107,000 Wisconsin consumer online registrations, were recognized on November 16 at separate presentations, one on a dairy farm in Sheboygan Falls and the other at a grocery store in Milwaukee.

For 90 days from July to October, Wisconsin residents were invited to visit www.FarmersFeedUS.org to register for a chance to win. While doing so, they had the opportunity to meet eight Wisconsin farmers and watch video tours of their farms. Each video explained how the farmers produce safe, nutritious and affordable

Wisconsin Farmers Award “Free Groceries For a Year” to Two Lucky Consumers

Sweepstakes Winners Awarded $5,000 in Grocery Gift Cards

From left: Dairy farmer Dean Strauss of Sheboygan Falls and soybean farmer Vicki Coughlin of Watertown (both Farm Bureau members) present Wisconsin Farmers Feed US sweepstakes winners David and Dianne Schneider of Sheboygan with $5,000 worth of free groceries at Strauss’ dairy farm near Sheboygan Falls on Nov. 16.

food for Wisconsin consumers. Both winners acknowledged that they visited the site multiple times to register.

“I loved that people from across the state were able to visit my farm online and see the dedication each of us farmers has when caring for the land and our animals, while raising the food that everyone enjoys,” said dairy farmer and Farm Bureau member, Daphne Holterman of Watertown, one of the farmers featured on the site.

And as the official retail partner of the sweepstakes, Wisconsin-based Sentry Foods has helped connect their customers with Wisconsin farmers by promoting the chance to win through in-store materials, shopping circulars, and online. “Throughout the sweepstakes, it was exciting to see customers interested in meeting the farmers who produce their food, some of which may end up here in our stores,” said Brian Conrad, owner of Conrad’s Sentry in Lake Mills.

And while the sweepstakes registration period is now over, the Wisconsin Farmers Feed US website, featuring information about agriculture in the state, will remain live.

Other participating Wisconsin agriculture groups included the Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Poultry and Egg, Wisconsin Beef Council, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Veal Growers Association, Dairy Business Association and Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin.

Things had changed since David Schneider (left) had last stepped in a dairy barn. He and his wife, Dianne, were treated to a farm tour by dairyman Dean Strauss following the sweepstakes presentation. They talked about the technological advancements agriculture has made and its role in society. “Without farmers, we’d have nothing,” David said.


Zoila Naujock was thrilled to meet soybean farmer, Vicki Coughlin,

who was one of the eight featured Wisconsin farmers on videos found

at the Farmers Feed US website. The sweepstakes generated over 107,000

online registrations for the prize of $5,000 in groceries. Naujock made

plans to visit Coughlin’s farm located near Watertown.

Wisconsin Farmers Feed US sweepstakes winners Walter

and Zoila Naujock of Franklin are presented with $5,000 in free

groceries from Wisconsin’s 63rd Alice in Dairyland (and Farm Bureau

member), Christine Lindner, at the Sentry Food Store on West National

Avenue in Milwaukee on Nov. 16.


Ken ReinhardtCorn and soybean grower

“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.

Local knowledge. Proven results.”

The local ansWeR To youR WoRld oF needs.™

©2011 GROWMARK, Inc. A11540E


larabelle, the story of a bovine beauty written by a Wisconsin dairy farmer has been chosen as 2011’s Book of the Year for the

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program. Members of the WFBF Women’s Committee chose Clarabelle, penned by Cris Peterson for the annual honor.

Copies of Clarabelle are available from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation for $15 per copy plus shipping. Order forms are available at www.wisagclassroom.org. Activity guides developed for the book accompany orders.

Clarabelle teaches that cows produce milk, which is great for drinking and is made into cheese, butter, ice cream and yogurt. Their manure is made into electricity, fertilizer and bedding for animal stalls.

Vibrant, close-up photographs by David R. Lundquist capture Clarabelle with her herd mates and her newborn calf as well as the family members of Norswiss Farm who live and work together.

Check out www.wisagclassroom.org for ideas of what you can do on National Ag Day. Some of them include:

• Read Clarabelle to the class as the class munches dairy snacks and drinks chocolate milk.

• Have dairy farmers visit classrooms and tell about their operations.

• Make butter or ice cream with the class using ‘Hands-on Activities’ found on the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom’s wesite: www.wisagclassroom.org.

• Visit these dairy websites for more resources and key dairy messages:

• www.eatwisconsincheese.com

• www.wmmb.com/wdc/teachers.aspx

• www.dairydoingmore.org

• www.wmmb.com/producers/speak_up_for_dairy/key_messages.aspx

>> For more information about National Ag Day, visit www.agday.org.

ag in the classroom

This coming National Ag Day (March 15) the Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program encourages Farm Bureau members to contact their local school or library and ask to serve as a guest reader. Clarabelle contains fun activities, promotes agricultural literacy and would be great for you to read to children.

read ‘clarabelle’ for national ag Day

clarabelle is our Book of the Year

C


Engaging. Poetic. Who would have thought that these words could describe how mozzarella cheese is made or how wild horses are protected. But such words have been used to describe the delicate and appealing stories written by Cris Peterson.

An owner and operator of Four Cubs Farm near Grantsburg, this dairy farm wife, along with husband Gary and son Ben, live the life that books are made of. Currently operating 1,500 acres and milking 700 cows, Cris rolls up her sleeves daily to co-manage the herd, handle the finances and oversee the farm’s labor force. In 1997 the Petersons made the decision to grow their 45-cow operation, and by 2000 they had expanded their herd to 400 cows, built a free stall barn and added a new milking parlor.

The farm has been in her husband’s family since 1877, but it is modern farming that is telling the tale of this dairy woman. Majors in history and geography from the University of Minnesota in 1972 prepared her for life as a story teller. Her 10 books in print include: “Extra Cheese, Please!,” “Harvest Year,” “Amazing Grazing” and now “Clarabelle.” Each tells the story of a modern, progressive farm life, while celebrating the gentle beauty of its people and its history.

More than 200,000 of Peterson’s books have been sold, teaching and reaching children in schools across the country with a message that realistically and respectfully portrays agriculture and the dedication of the farm community. Her advocacy for agriculture earned her the distinction of “Dairy Woman of the Year” at the 2004 World Dairy Expo in Madison.

As she walks out to the barn each day to check on the fresh cows, Peterson knows that promoting the hard work of dairy farmers will continue the way of life for her three grown children.

When she isn’t singing the praises of agriculture, this storyteller is singing in the church choir, where she has “voiced” her beliefs for over 30 years.

Dear Darlene,

I can’t thank you and your committee enough for the great honor of having my book “Clarabelle” named the WFBF 2011 Book of the Year! This really makes my day – and year. The farm family featured in the book is also from Wisconsin. I’m very proud of our dairy heritage here in Wisconsin and am glad “Clarabelle” fits with your plans. Great resource packet too!

Thanks again!

Cris Peterson

Author, Dairy Farmer Peterson Wears Many Hats To Promote Ag

thank You letter


etting funding for agricultural literacy projects can be a challenge for many

agricultural groups including county Ag in the Classroom programs, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and teachers. Fortunately Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom has several sources of funding available for such projects.

Teacher Mini-Grants Applications

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom will award teacher mini-grants to pre-school through high school teachers to fund projects that promote ag literacy in the classroom. Ten grants (up to $100 each) will support innovative lessons, activities, projects, resources, presentations, school fairs and other projects that integrate agriculture into a variety of curriculum areas. The application deadline for the teacher mini-grants is January 15, and can be downloaded from www.wisagclassroom.org.

Last year funding was given for projects such as:

• “Agriculture Board Games” which was used to promote agricultural literacy, critical thinking, and positive social skills.

• “National Agriculture Week Ag Literacy Program” that educated all Lodi kindergarten, first and second grade students about food products produced in Wisconsin, locally-grown agricultural products and non-food products that are produced in Wisconsin.

• “Adventures in Forestry” which was a week-long project that informed students of what forestry is and why it is so important to Wisconsin’s economy.

• “Conserving our Land and Water” which helped students understand how land is used for the production of crops and the survival of the people living on it.

Matching Grants

Wouldn’t it be nice if our money would double? For Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom matching grant recipients that is exactly how it works. Matching grants of up to $500 are available to groups sponsoring projects that promote agricultural literacy. Grants may be awarded for less than the full

amount requested, based upon discretion of the judges and the funds available. A total of up to $4,000 will be awarded. Application forms are due on April 1 and can be found at www.wisagclassroom.org.

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s White Reinhardt Grants

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s White Reinhardt Grants offer two different options of funding: mini-grants and education scholarships. Mini-grants are available for county and state Farm Bureau programs to develop literacy projects. Educator scholarships are for K-12th grade teachers to attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference. This fall, there were three county Farm Bureau applications (Brown, Jackson and Manitowoc) for the mini-grants and one educator scholarship application (Betty Krcma from Green Bay). The Wisconsin Farm Bureau also applied for a mini-grant. The AFB Foundation will notify all applicants in early March. For more information about the White Reinhardt Grants visit www.agfoundation.org.

grants at Work

Last year UW-Extension of Dane County received a $400 matching grant for their ‘AGRI-versity’display. Each year, over 300 youth and adults attend the learning stations during the Dane County Fair. AGRI-versity is designed to promote and celebrate Wisconsin’s rich agricultural history and heritage.Participants get a hands-on experience of what makes up Wisconsin’s diverse ag industry.

ag in the classroom

for Ag in the Classroom Projects

Grants Available

G


Farm Bureau membership made gains in 2010

With a jump in 269 members over the previous year, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation finished the 2010 membership year on September 30 with a total membership of 42,734 members.

Thirty-three counties contributed to the membership gain. Sawyer County led all counties in membership growth with 90 new members, followed by Superior Shores Farm Bureau with 80 and Marathon County with 63.

WFBF finished its year with 22,738 voting members and 19,996 associate members. Nineteen of the 61 county Farm Bureaus reported an increase in voting members, with the largest increases in Manitowoc, Rusk and Jackson counties.

“Our membership growth is truly a team effort,” said Bill Bruins, WFBF President. “Thanks to Farm Bureau’s dedicated membership workers across the state, our voice will be even stronger in 2011.”

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

Members of the 2011 Farm Bureau Institute are:

Annegret Stolz, Cochrane

Bryant Gill, Platteville

Charles Rabitz, Manitowoc

Geri Wolfe, Colfax

Heather Cotterill, Markesan

Jennifer Digman, Cuba City

Jillian Beaty, Milton

John Gerbitz, Milton

Keith Engel, Madison

Kristi Fiedler, Cecil

Linda Pomplun, Pine River

Monica Streff-Buechel, Chilton

Stephanie Hofmann, Hartford

Trisha Wagner, Black River Falls

Timothy Clark, Lomira

The Institute will first meet in January where its focus will be on public speaking, etiquette, and identifying personality and leadership skills. Subsequent sessions will focus on media training, local and state government, Farm Bureau’s structure and function, and national and international agricultural issues.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Institute consists of five

multi-day sessions that provide insights on issues important to agriculture, development of leadership and speaking skills, interaction with Farm Bureau leaders and staff and leaders in the governmental and agricultural sectors, and networking with other participants. The class will also participate in the Farm Bureau Leader Fly-in to Washington, D.C. in 2012.

The Farm Bureau Institute is sponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK, Inc.

Farm Bureau members interested in applying for the 2012 Farm Bureau Institute can contact Dale Beaty at 608.828.5714, or email him at [email protected].

Farm Bureau Institute Welcomes 15 Emerging Ag Leaders

Fifteen emerging agricultural leaders have been selected to participate in the 2011 Farm Bureau Institute. The year-long leadership training program’s mission is to develop strong and effective county Farm Bureau leaders.

Members of the Farm Bureau Institute Class IV shared a light hearted moment during one of their leadership sessions.


e’s the man behind ground-breaking Internet websites (PetaKillsAnimals.

com and HumaneWatch.org) that get under the skin of animal rights groups like the PETA and Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

David Martosko will be sharing his insights about “how to survive in the era of HSUS” with attendees of the 2011 Ag Women’s Summit at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, March 18-19. His workshop will cover the unique threats posed by the modern animal rights movement, and what farm families can do in response.

“As the Director of Research for the Center for Consumer Freedom, David Martosko is at the forefront of exposing the true agenda of animal rights groups such as the HSUS,” said Dale Beaty, WFBF Director of Training and Leadership Development. “He understands how these groups operate and how their strategy is to end animal agriculture. The insight and wisdom of how to counter their misguided messages is right on target.”

Martosko holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Johns Hopkins University. He has testified before the U.S. Congress, been a guest on most of the major broadcast and cable news magazine shows, and has been published in most of America’s

largest newspapers.

Martosko is just one of several outstanding workshop presenters at this premier event designed for all women involved in agriculture. The workshops focus

on networking, wellness, family living, life balance and agricultural awareness. In addition to learning, attendees can network with other women who share a passion for agriculture. Friday evening’s featured entertainment is the musical renditions of Piano Fondue. Bring the family for a get away and enjoy the amenities of the Kalahari Resort.

Hosted by Badgerland Financial and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, the registration fee for the conference is $75 and the room rate at the Kalahari is $149 per night. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Dale Beaty at 608.828.5714 or email him at [email protected].

SUZY SAYS ‘SUCCESS IS NoT PERFECTIoN’Born and raised in Stevens Point, Suzy Favor Hamilton’s genuine warmth transcends age and athletic ability. The three-time Olympian is embracing the second phase of her professional career as a motivational speaker by sharing her lessons learned on and off the track. Suzy will tell the story of her journey to become the best, and her belief that it would truly make her happy. Her story centers around the 2000 Olympic race that she was picked to win, but something else happened that would lead her to where she is today.

Suzy won 11 state titles in high school and was named one of the top 100 high school athletes of the century. Suzy became the winningest female collegiate athlete ever at the University of Wisconsin, winning nine NCAA championships, the Honda Broderick Cup as the nation’s top female collegiate athlete and the Big Ten Athlete of the Decade for the ‘90s. Suzy won seven U.S. National Championships.

Attend the 2011 Ag Women’s Summit and you will hear Suzy’s story of inspiration.

outstanding speakers set for wisconsin ag women’s summit

leadership

h


The Rock and Shawano County Farm Bureaus were among 15 county Farm Bureaus from across the nation recently selected as County Activities of Excellence Winners by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Rock County Farm Bureau was recognized for last June’s “Focus on Agriculture” event designed to connect Rock County’s elected officials with working farmers and agriculturists. The farm tour and program held at the Roger Rebout & Sons Farm west of Janesville attracted 48 elected officials and political candidates.

The program included presentations on Wisconsin’s Working Lands Program, use value assessment of farmland, and the economic impact of agriculture to the county and state economies.

Shawano County Farm Bureau was recognized for its Brunch on the Farm. The annual event held in June gives the public an opportunity to visit a farm and learn about the importance of agriculture to Shawano County. This year’s event attracted more than 5,000 visitors. Now in its 27th year, the goals of the event are to educate the public about modern agriculture, dispel myths about dairy farming, and showcase the environmental protection measures in place on the host farm.

The winning programs were selected based on a written entry submitted by the County Farm Bureau earlier this year. Rock and Shawano County Farm Bureaus will be recognized at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta next month.

wo Farm Bureau members recently received scholarships for the Leadership Wisconsin program. The funding from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was made available to Jason Kollwelter of Fort Atkinson and Howard Roth of Wauzeka.

Kollwelter is the Agriculture Program Manager for We Energies where he works with agricultural customers to provide safe, reliable energy and implementing energy efficient practices and equipment. He also assists on his family’s farm with planting, harvesting and milking duties. Kollwelter has been a Farm Bureau member for over 15 years, and is active with the State Fair Dairy Promotion Board, Cows on the Concourse and the Walworth County Dairy Promotion Committee. He has also been active with the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, 4-H, FFA and Farm Technology Days committees.

Roth is a pork producer with a 3,000 sow herd in Crawford County where he incorporates the Pork Quality Assurance

Plus program. He currently serves as the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association’s President, and has been active in 4-H, FFA, Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR), and the National Pork Producers Council’s Operation Main Street program.

Leadership Wisconsin is a premier leadership development program with a national reputation for producing highly-effective leaders. Formerly known as the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program, the two-year program involves eight three-day seminars held in various locations throughout Wisconsin, two one-week seminars (one in Washington, D.C.), and a two-week international seminar. Farm Bureau members selected for Leadership Wisconsin are eligible to apply for scholarships from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

For more information about the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, contact Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5719 or [email protected].

Farm Bureau Foundation

Awards Leadership Wisconsin Scholarships

Rock and Shawano County Farm Bureaus Win National Awards

Howard Roth

Jason Kollwelter

T


he first Wisconsin collegiate Farm Bureau was formed this year on

the UW-Madison campus. It was started because students at UW desired to be have their voice heard on more agricultural issues and policies.

“The new Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at UW-Madison is a true win-win opportunity for students and Wisconsin Farm Bureau,” said Dale Beaty, WFBF Director of Training and Leadership Development. “The students win by being part of an organization which will build their social network, increase their understanding and knowledge of agricultural issues and policies, and develop their leadership skills. Wisconsin Farm Bureau wins by cultivating a new generation of agricultural leaders ready to take active roles in the county Farm Bureaus once they put down roots in their local communities.”

The chapter held its first official meeting on November 16 to elect officers and begin planning their program for the year. Julie Martin (a Dodge County Farm Bureau member) is president. Other officers are: Jake Lange, vice president; Lauren

Holterman, secretary/treasurer; Brandon Kruswick, director; and Taylor Fritsch, director. Bruce Jones, a Farm Bureau member and UW ag economics professor, serves as the advisor.

The officer team wants to focus on creating a solid foundation for the UW-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau and being a model for future collegiate chapters within Wisconsin.

Collegiate Farm Bureau Takes Shape

leadership

“I’m excited to be a part of the first Wisconsin collegiate Farm Bureau and to promote agriculture across the campus at UW-Madison. We have an opportunity to make a huge impact here on campus and I’m really looking forward to see what we can accomplish.”

-Lauren Holterman, Secretary/Treasurer

“I’m really looking forward to getting the collegiate Farm Bureau up and running and being able to get involved in all the different issues that are affecting the agricultural industry. The collegiate Farm Bureau is going to give UW-Madison students from all different ag backgrounds a place to get involved and have their voices heard on many different kinds of ag policy.”

-Jake Lange, Vice President

“Being in Farm Bureau is a way for me to stay current on issues relating to my interests and also a way for me to meet people with the same interests. I joined the collegiate chapter because I feel that there needs to be a voice for agriculture on this land grant university campus. When major agricultural issues arise there needs to be a group on campus where people can look to in order to fully understand the topic.”

-Brandon Kruswick, Director

Quotes from the officers

T “I believe the collegiate Farm Bureau isn’t just another student organization on campus. Rather

it’s the prime resource, the hub of agriculture discussion on all fronts,

where our members and other students can turn to learn more about what is happening within

our industry. For me, Farm Bureau offers the opportunity to share

my background in agriculture and help pave the future for a strong

industry.”

- Julie Martin, President

“Coming to campus this fall, I was tremendously excited to become active in an organization that gives me many opportunities to develop leadership skills, network with others in agriculture and tell agriculture’s great story as a college student. I’m confident the skills I will develop will benefit me throughout my life.” - Taylor Fritsch, Director


This single-sided 18” x 24” heavy aluminum all-weather sign is ideal for indoor/outdoor use and can be personalized with up to 14 characters per line. Order two signs if a double-sided sign is needed.

Show Your Farm Bureau Pride... ...Purchase a FB sign!

calendar of events

January 19, ag outlook Forum University of Wisconsin’s Pyle Center, Madison

UW economists and commodity specialists review the financial condition of Wisconsin’s farm sector and provide an outlook for major ag commodities at this annual Farm Bureau sponsored event. Questions: [email protected] or 608.262.9812.

February 18-19, FFa Farm Forum Hotel Mead, Wisconsin Rapids

Farm Bureau equips FFA juniors considering careers in agriculture with the knowledge and leadership to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Questions: [email protected] or 608.828.5714.

march 9, ag Day at the capitol Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison

Be an ag lobbyist for the day by advocating for agriculture and meet Madison’s new crop of legislators at this annual event. See the next Rural Route for registration info.

march 18-19, Wisconsin ag Women’s summit Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Dynamic speakers and a chance to network with other ag women awaits attendees of this premier event. Questions: [email protected] or 608.828.5714.

Orders received will be processed by group at the end of each month. Signs should be printed by the middle of the next month. If needed sooner, contact Darlene Arneson at [email protected] or 608.828.5719.

Purchase your personalized Farm Bureau member sign and support the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. With each sign purchased, $5 is contributed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation to support agricultural education and agricultural leadership programs in Wisconsin.

Cost: $45 per sign


Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau, I would like to thank you for the honor of receiving the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award. I am very happy to receive the highest award a 4-H member can receive. 4-H has been such a huge part of my life and I am so thankful to everyone in my 4-H family.

Abby Soderberg Prairie Farm

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Thank you for the scholarship for t

he Leadership

Wisconsin Program. I greatly appreciate your

generosi ty and look forward to conti

nuing my education.

I look forward to working wi th you m

ore in the future

on a personal level and wi th We Energies.

Jason Kollwelter

We Energies Agriculture Program Manager

Dear Ms. Arneson

Thank you so much for sponsoring the 2010 4-H Key Award for Marquette County. I really appreciate the gesture and wanted to personally thank you for your contribution to 4-H. 4-H is a really big part of my life and I have grown a lot as a person because of it. I hope that other kids will find the opportunities that 4-H has already provided me with.

Caitlin Wagner Westfield

Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau,

Thank you very much for sponsoring the 4-H

Key Award. I have been a member of the Active

Strivers 4-H Club for 8 years now, and I was

very honored to receive i t. Your sponsorship

means a lot to me, i t is great to know you are

helping the youth.

Abigail Strunz

Prairie du Sac

WFB Foundation sponsors 4-h Key awardsThis marks the 35th year that the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company have sponsored the 4-H Key Award, which recognizes outstanding 4-H club work.

“The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Foundation wishes to commend youth for their continued growth in citizenship, leadership and life skills development throughout their involvement with the 4-H program,” said Darlene Arneson, Director of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation.

The Key Award is the highest award given to 4-H members. It recognizes those who have shown consistent growth in their 4-H program, who have developed their citizenship and leadership abilities, and who have been helpful members in their club and community.

Although it is a state award, Key Award recipients are determined by the county 4-H leader’s organization, which evaluates a member’s total record in making its decision. County Farm Bureau leaders are asked to represent Farm Bureau at the Key Award presentations.

end of Year giving opportunitiesThe Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation wishes to thank all of its supporters from the past year. As 2010 draws to a close, Farm Bureau members and agricultural supporters are encouraged to consider the WFB Foundation for their charitable contributions.

The WFB Foundation offers several opportunities for giving donations and contributions:

• Learn and Lead Growth Campaign: Making a commitment of a minimum of $250 annually for five years earns entry into phase two of the Learn and Lead Growth Campaign. Recognition includes your name on the Farm Bureau Champion Wall of Fame and recognition in Farm Bureau publications, a certificate, artist Betty Engel-designed note cards and a lapel pin. Payments may be made in installments or by a one-time contribution. The total amount must equal $1,250 (a minimum of $250 for five years).

• Memorial and In Honor Gifts: Honor someone special with a gift in their name. Special envelopes are available or download a donation form from the Foundation’s website. Acknowledgement will be sent to the family or person being honored.

• General Donations: A gift of any amount is welcomed to support the many activities and programs the WFB Foundation supports. Contribution forms are available on Farm Bureau membership renewal envelope flaps and can be downloaded.

• Request a copy of the “Charitable Gift and Planning Brochure” or download it from www.wfbf.com/wfbfoundation. This allows members to plan how to give lifetime gifts of cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, securities or real property to the Foundation.

foundation


rural mutual

rural mutual announces recipients of Wisconsin towns association scholarship Program

Sarah Riedeman of Rosendale and Tyler Koester of Somerset are recipients of the Wisconsin Towns Association scholarship sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company. The announcement was made at the Wisconsin Towns Association annual convention held October 5 in La Crosse.

Sarah is a 2010 graduate of Laconia High School and will be attending UW-Madison. Tyler is a 2010 graduate of St. Croix Lutheran High School and will be attending UW-Stout.

They received the scholarships based on their essays answering the topic: “How can towns and villages better utilize intergovernmental cooperation with other units of government to improve service in the 21st century?”

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must live in a municipality that has Rural Mutual Insurance coverage as of May 1, 2010, be a 2010 graduate of a Wisconsin public or private high school, and plan on enrolling in a Wisconsin public or private college or vocational-technical school in 2010.

The Wisconsin Towns Association is a non-profit association of town and village officials promoting education for local government officials throughout the state. Rural Mutual Insurance is the Wisconsin Towns Association’s endorsed insurance carrier.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company will have a busy winter season attending farm shows and association conventions in 2011. If you plan to attend any of the shows, stop by meet with Rural Mutual agents to stay on top of your insurance coverage. Dates and locations for many of the shows are still pending.

Commodity Conventions

• Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

• Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association

• Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers

• Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Business Conference

• Dairy Business Association Expansion Symposium

• Wisconsin Corn/Soy/Pork Expo

• Wisconsin Aquaculture Association

• Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association

Farm Shows

rural mutual gets ready for Farm show season

The WIAA announced the winners of the WIAA/ Rural Mutual Insurance Company Sportsmanship Award for the 2010 Spring/Summer Championships.

The winners of the prestigious award are Homestead for boys team tennis; Southwestern for spring baseball; Bay Port for girls soccer; Tigerton for softball; and West Salem for summer baseball.

Rural Mutual has sponsored the WIAA Sportsmanship Award since 1964. The WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school and community in each of the State team tournaments. The award winners are determined by the conduct and sportsmanship displayed by athletes, coaches, cheer and support groups, mascots, bands and spectators.

Wiaa spring/summer sportsmanship award Winners announced

• Eau Claire

• Rice Lake

• La Crosse

• Fond du Lac

• Wisconsin Farm Show

• Wisconsin Farm Technology Days

• Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting


A workers’ compensation policy provides protection in the event of an injury or illness. Farmers should also consider a workers’ compensation policy if their health insurance does not cover work-related injury or illness.

According to Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, “Farmers and their dependents may find themselves financially ruined if they are injured on the farm and discover that their health insurance company will not pay the claim because the accident was work-related and should be covered by workers’

compensation.” In fact, the OCI advises that “Most health insurance policies exclude treatment, services and supplies for any injury or illness covered by workers’ compensation.” Don’t assume that your health insurance will cover all farm accidents.

Workers’ compensation coverage is required by law for farmers who employ six or more workers on any 20 days during a calendar year. Workers’ compensation provides three distinct benefits for employees who suffer injuries or illness related to employment:

• Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical costs.

• Payments for temporary loss of wages.

• Payments for permanent loss of earning capacity.

To protect employers, workers’ compensation prohibits injured employees or their family members from suing the employer due to a work-related injury. Additional Employers Liability Insurance may be offered by some insurance companies, which covers employer negligence in the event that an employee sustains an injury in a work-related accident that is not covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Whether required by law or as optional coverage on family members, workers’ compensation is protection that Wisconsin farmers can’t afford to be without. To ensure that your livelihood is adequately protected, contact a Rural Mutual Insurance agent by calling 1.877.219.9550 or going to www.UndividedAttention.com.

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With farming one of the most hazardous professions, it just makes good business sense to protect you, your family and employees with Workers’ Compensation Insurance Protection. On many farms, family members are the primary employees. Farmers should consider workers’ compensation for all family members who are compensated for their work.

COMPENSATIONWorkers’

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AttentionUndividedRural Mutual insures more Wisconsin farms than anyone else. Our hard work, knowledge of agriculture and attentive care makes the difference. Contact a Rural Mutual agent to get the “undivided attention” and quality farm insurance you deserve.

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