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february | march 2011

Use Value Law Preserves FarmlandBrancel, Lyon to Lead DATCP

Ag Day at the Capitol

Wisconsin TakesaFBF in atlantaBy Storm

• vol. 17 no. 1 | www.wfbf.com

freshkeeping it

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february | march 2011 www.wfbf.com 1

Features Every Issue

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Use Value Law Saves Farmland

Brancel, Lyon to Lead DATCP

Flyte Farm Keeps it Fresh

Highlights from AFBF Annual Meeting in Atlanta

Teacher of the Year Chosen

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26

News

Calendar of Events

Member Benefits

Opinion

Ag in the Classroom

Leadership

Foundation

Rural Mutual

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16

22

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27

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32

On the Cover

contents

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Carrie Flyte of Waushara County tends to a hydroponic tomato plant on her family farm. Photo by: Sheri Sutton

2 Rural Route wisconsin farm bureau federation

When I was a reporter for The Country Today newspaper I referred to this time of year as the “Meeting Season.”

I just didn’t get out onto the farms as much during the first three months of the year, and when I did gray skies and muddy barnyards often made snapping the right photo a challenge. Yet there never was a shortage of conferences and meetings taking place during this time in the world of Wisconsin ag.

I guess some things never change. The next few weeks are going to be a blur of activity. After exhibiting at the Corn-Soy Expo trade show in Wisconsin Dells, Farm Bureau will host nearly 200 high school juniors at the FFA Farm Forum in Wisconsin Rapids. We’ll co-sponsor and attend the Wisconsin Animal Husbandry Conference in Neillsville in early March. That same weekend I will conduct a media training session for

our members in the Farm Bureau Institute leadership course. March also brings the first-ever Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit, March 18-19, and Ag Day at the Capitol on March 9.

Aside from my newspaper days, I’ve also worked as a legislative aide at the State Capitol. Early in the legislative session, lawmakers and their staff are swamped with hearing the ideas and wishes of their constituents and every interest group imaginable. That’s why I feel so strongly that our members attend Ag Day at the Capitol. If we in agriculture don’t each speak up for our industry, someone else with a completely different point of view will surely try to do it for us. So be sure to check out the registration form on page 7 and add Ag Day at the Capitol to your own “Meeting Season” this year.

Busy, busy, busy. I’ve come to learn that such is the life for farmers, legislators…and magazine editors.

Please take the time to enjoy your latest Rural Route.

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



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keeps Wisconsin farm families competitive with their colleagues from other states and nations.”

“The Farm Bureau is pleased that Scott Walker has indicated his long-standing support for the use value law will continue as governor,” Zimmerman said.

Wisconsin farm families are saving approximately $600 million annually as a result of the use value assessment law. According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue the assessed value of farmland will decrease by 3.58 percent in 2011.

“The use value law remains the best tool we have to keep farmland in production rather than being sold off to recreational or developmental pressure,” Zimmerman said. “At about $3.50 an acre, the property taxes on farmland are still more than the cost of police, fire and road services they require.”

he number of acres farmland lost in Wisconsin continues to decrease due in large part to the state’s use value assessment law.

A total of 6,702 acres of farmland were diverted to other uses in 2009 according to the Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service. The number of acres lost was as high as 90,971 acres in 1993, and remained over 60,000 throughout the rest of the 1990s.

It was 2000 when the use value law was fully implemented that the rapid loss of farmland slowed. For decades, taxes where shifted to farmland under a market value system that assessed values on potential development rather than the realities of growing crops and raising livestock.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau had always maintained that farmers needed fairness in the way farmland was taxed. In 1995 the Farm Bureau successfully lobbied to change the law so farmland is taxed based on its current use rather than potential.

The decline in the amount of Wisconsin farmland diverted to other uses has been dramatic:

• 44,403 acres in 2004

• 33,808 acres in 2005

• 23,969 acres in 2006

• 15,228 acres in 2007

• 8,666 acres in 2008

• 6,702 acres in 2009

“This equitable tax structure helps preserve farmland,” said Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Public Affairs for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. “Farmland is part of the infrastructure needed to maintain our $59 billion agricultural industry, as one in 10 jobs in Wisconsin is tied to production and processing of agricultural commodities.”

“Use value assessment helps keep our farms viable and that benefits Wisconsin’s overall economy,” Zimmerman said. “The use value law continues to be the single most important thing the state has done to preserve farmland and ensure a healthy ag economy. While state government cannot control the world economy or the weather, it did create a property tax structure that

Use Value Law Continues to Preserve Farmland

“The Farm Bureau is pleased that Scott Walker has indicated his long-standing support for the use value law will continue as governor.” - Paul Zimmerman

By Casey Langan

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Brancel Returns

“Wisconsin agriculture is in good hands with fifth-generation farmer Ben Brancel at the helm of this important agency,” Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Bill Bruins said in a congratulatory statement issued after Gov. Walker appointed Brancel to the post he previously held during the Thompson Administration.

“Ben appreciates and understands the full breadth of what Wisconsin’s $59 billion ag industry entails,” Bruins said. “With his prior experiences as Assembly Speaker and as our state’s Farm Service Agency director he is uniquely qualified to lead an agency charged with growing agriculture and Wisconsin’s economy.”

Bruins noted that as part of the State Assembly’s leadership team Brancel worked diligently with his colleagues to craft Wisconsin’s Right to Farm and use value assessment of farmland laws, two pieces of landmark legislation that remain critically important to the future of agriculture in Wisconsin.

“As DATCP Secretary he saw the value of agriculture working with the environmental community to develop programs that were sustainable,” said Bruins, who also called Brancel the founder of Wisconsin’s Discovery Farms and Pioneer Farm projects.

More recently Brancel served as a state relations liaison for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where he helped map out the future of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Stations.

Brancel was Farm Bureau’s 2009 recipient of the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.

“We have always been able to count on Ben being a friend to agriculture. Therefore we are very fortunate to have him back in this critical leadership position,” Bruins added.

Brancel is the fifth generation to farm his family’s land in Marquette County. He and his wife, Gail, ran a dairy farm for 22 years. The Brancels now raise registered Angus beef cattle on their 290-acre farm with their son, Tod, and daughter-in-law, Sondra.

Lyon Looks Back

“I greatly appreciate the confidence and support from staff members, the board of directors, and Farm Bureau members over the past 22 years,” Lyon said just before his job change. “I appreciate Roger Cliff (WFBF’s Chief Administrative Officer) taking a chance and hiring me as a lobbyist.”

He notes that Cliff had known him from his time working for former Wisconsin Congressman Steve Gunderson in Washington D.C., where Lyon’s primary responsibilities were with agricultural, environmental and energy issues.

“I am definitely going to miss having Jeff at Farm Bureau,” Bruins said. “I told him that it feels like having my right arm cut off when it comes to working on national ag policies.”

“While I did not purse the position, when Secretary Ben Brancel contacted me about being the Deputy Secretary and then offered me the position, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass

Brancel, Lyon Take the Reins

By Casey Langan

couple of familiar faces for Farm Bureau members

are now leading Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture,

Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

In late December Governor Scott Walker announced

that Ben Brancel would be his Secretary of Agriculture,

Trade and Consumer Protection. Jeff Lyon, Wisconsin

Farm Bureau’s Director of Government Relations, was

appointed as DATCP’s Deputy Secretary in January.

A


up,” Lyon said. “Further, it will be fantastic working with a proven, respected leader such as Ben Brancel.”

Lyon said his responsibilities and experiences with Farm Bureau will serve him well as Deputy Secretary.

“As a general farm organization representing all commodities and farms of all sizes and management styles, Farm Bureau has little opportunity to pick and choose the issues it gets involved in. The same is true at DATCP,” he said.

Given the considerable amount of time Lyon has spent at DATCP working on legislative initiatives and regulatory issues, he thought knowing many of the people who work there would make the transition easier.

Jeff and his wife, Karen, reside in Middleton and have a daughter and a son.

Ben Brancel• Fifth-generation farmer from Marquette County.

• Animal science degree from UW-Platteville.

• Served in Wisconsin Assembly from 1986-1997.

• Appointed Co-Chair of Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee in 1995.

• Elected by colleagues as Assembly Speaker.

• Appointed as DATCP Secretary by Gov. Tommy Thompson in 1997.

• Appointed Wisconsin State Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency in 2001.

• Re-appointed as DATCP Secretary by Gov. Scott Walker on December 30, 2010.

Jeff Lyon• 1979 graduate of Shawano High School.

• Agriculture and journalism degree from UW-River Falls.

• Staff writer for The Country Today.

• Legislative Assistant to Congressman Steve Gunderson from 1985-1987.

• Assistant Director for the National Commission on Dairy Policy from 1987-1988.

• Joined Wisconsin Farm Bureau in 1988 where he has worked as a lobbyist and in the member relations division.

• Appointed DATCP Deputy Secretary on January 7, 2011.

“As a general farm organization representing all commodities and farms of all sizes and management styles, Farm Bureau has little opportunity to pick and choose the issues it gets involved in. The same is true at DATCP.” - Jeff Lyon


I feel it is important for those who make their living in the ag industry to engage and educate state officials on why this $59 billion industry is so important to Wisconsin’s economy.State Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink, D-Milladore

For new attendees who really don’t know the government process this is a great opportunity to visit with their legislators and learn more about the people they voted for and what they are really doing for them.Jim Bleskey, Waushara County Farm Bureau

For me, Ag Day at the Capitol is an exciting day. To see and hear legislators other than my own and receive current information ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’ is such an education for me. It’s a real opportunity to express my opinions to my representatives. Last year we took one of our county’s FFA officer teams to Ag Day at the Capitol. What a fantastic experience they had!Karyn Schauf, Barron County Farm Bureau

Reasons to Attend Ag Day at the Capitol

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”Ag Day at the Capital is one of Farm Bureau’s most empowering events. It secures agriculture’s presence in our state by taking the issues up with the decision makers themselves. State representatives and senators want to hear from the people, and what better way to get our message across than by sitting down face-to-face. The strength is in the numbers, and the Farm Bureau voice echoes in the rotunda.

Ag Day at the Capitol is the premier opportunity to network with my legislators on issues that are critical to the agriculture industry. The Farm Bureau brand carries significant clout and legislators really listen when we meet with them.

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”Peggy Dierickx, Brown County Farm Bureau

Maria McGinnis, Columbia County Farm Bureau

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.

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

Thank you sponsors:

Insurance CompanyRural MutualInvites you to attend

11.

adline. .

Contact Name:

Address:

City: County:

Zip Code: Telephone:

Amount Enclosed: (# of people) x ($20) =

Mail to: Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation,

P.O. Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705

Questions? Call 1.800.261.FARM

Names of People Attending County

***Be sure to check with your county Farm Bureau to see if there is a car pool set up or if your Farm Bureau cov-ers some of your registration fees. ***

Cut off , fi ll out, and send to WFBF to register.

Ag Day at the Capitol Registration Form - March 9, 2011

Event #991022

Rip this page out and attend...

“Government rules and regulations affect pretty much everything you do on the farm. I encourage folks to come to Ag Day at the Capitol to learn more about the legislative process and visit with their legislators. We need to hear how the laws affect you and what changes you’d like to see hap-pen. Ag Day at the Capitol is always a good time! ”State Rep. Lee Nerison, R-Westby

People are so far removed from production agriculture. If we don’t speak up for our needs, no one else will! Our job is to feed a growing population ef ciently, safely and productively. We need to bring agriculture to Madison if we expect to get the help we need.

“”Shane Goplin, Trempealeau County Farm Bureau

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

We always want our elected of cials to do something for us, but how can they if they don’t hear from us? Ag Day is one of the best means for them to hear from us and build a cooperative relationship.

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” Joe Bragger, Buffalo County Farm Bureau


“Why do I use Fs?”

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

The local ansWer To your World oF needs.™

stan & Willis KelseyCorn and soybean growers

©2011 GROWMARK, Inc. A12296E-


FLyTe FARmkeeps it freshFrom hydroponic

tomatoes and livestock to strawberries and dry edible

beans, Carrie and Adam Flyte’s farm strives on

diversity. “Diversity keeps us fresh,” said Adam. “I love

to watch things grow.”

rowth is something he knows well. He and his wife, Carrie, have grown their Waushara County farming operation by leaps and bounds since they

started with 60 acres next to his parents’ farm in 1994.

Today they farm 2,600 acres, manage six greenhouses, and finish 150 steers annually.

“It is a juggling act, but it is exciting for us,” Carrie said.

Their farm is literally a cornucopia. In addition to field and sweet corn, soybeans, alfalfa, peas and green beans, they raise nearly 10 acres of strawberries and blueberries, and another 50 acres of Yukon Gold, red and sweet potatoes for McCain Foods. In four of their greenhouses they grow hydroponic tomatoes (cherry, cluster, and beefsteak), English cucumbers and peppers.

GBy Sheri Sutton


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Nearly five years ago the Flyte’s entered a share crop agreement on 500 acres with Adam’s grandfather. The land had been left fallowed for over three years, which provided them the opportunity to use the acreage to grow organic peas, green beans, sweet corn, seed corn, alfalfa, beans and other grains.

They sell about half of their produce to local grocery stores and restaurants, with the other half sold at farmers markets including Madison, Portage, and West Bend. Adam grew up selling produce at roadside stands for his parents, Lee and Cheryl Flyte. Today, he and Carrie manage six of the Flyte Family’s 14 stands. His brother, J.R. now works as the farm manager on his parents’ operation, also located near Coloma.

Adam writes the fertilizer programs for their crops and monitors soil samples. He also does customized harvesting on about 2,000 acres for other area farmers.

A Great Team

“We have always been a team, anything we do we do as a team,” Carrie said. “We work well together.”

It was her internship in land hydroponics at Florida’s Epcot Center while studying horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville that sparked her interest in hydroponics. Adam was studying agribusiness and soil crop science at UW-Platteville. The twosome first teamed up on an independent study project with hydroponic tomatoes on Adam’s parent’s land in the horse pasture.

Married in 1999, the couple now has three children: Mikayla, 9, who they call their “blueberry queen,” Tristan, 8, who is known as their “little picker” because he likes to pick armfuls of vegetables and Taylor, 5, who loves the farm equipment.

Adam fondly recalls riding with his mom on their Honey Bee Farmall tractor to cultivate, and takes pride in seeing his kids take turns on the same tractor with their grandmother.

“It is very important to have people on the frontline

defending what we feel is important for

agriculture.”

- Adam Flyte

Hydroponics provide optimum plant health in a nutrient solution. Carrie and Adam Flyte utilize hydroponic

technology in four greenhouses to grow tomatoes (cherry, cluster,

and beefsteak), English cucumbers and peppers. Carrie is shown

below grabbing a handful of perlite, a volcanic material with high

water content used as the ‘soil’ in hydroponic tomato production.


For all they accomplish, the Flytes are the first to say they don’t get it all done alone. Farm Bureau is among those they credit for their success.

“Farm Bureau keeps the farm community alive. It makes you aware there are other farmers out there and that you are not alone,” Carrie said.

“It is very important to have people on the frontline defending what we feel is important for agriculture,” Adam added.

Carrie represented Wisconsin on the American Farm Bureau’s Ad-hoc Committee for Horticulture. She credits the four-year experience with teaching her farm policy, specifically relating to horticulture.

The Flytes enjoyed their time leading Waushara County Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Committee, especially the opportunity to meet other young farmers from across the state and traveling to Washington D.C.

Surrounding themselves with great people is a philosophy they bring to their farming operation.

“We need a lot of people to help on our farm,” Adam admits.

They joke that most of Coloma (population 400) have worked for them at some point. Their farm has provided full-time and part-time jobs for locals and their low turnover is a testament to how they value their employees.

“Surround yourself with good employees. This will help the farm grow,” Adam said.

Not only do they give to the community by creating jobs, but they also are involved in the local 4-H program and youth basketball with their children. Adam served on the Wisconsin Corn Growers Board and Carrie currently serves as the Vice President of the Westside Community Market in Madison.

“Farm Bureau keeps the farm community alive. It makes you aware there are other

farmers out there and that you are not alone.”

- Carrie Flyte

Flytes are fans of Farm Bureau

Above: Adam Flyte is shown by the hydroponic control center, which controls the amount of nutrients and water the plants receive.

Every morning the Flytes monitor nutrient levels and make sure the vegetables are on the right track for optimum growth and health.

Below: The Flytes provide space in their greenhouse for Adam’s brother JR to dry the popcorn that he grows for farmer’s markets.


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American Farm Bureau Adopts Dairy Policy from WisconsinIdeas first proposed by a committee of Wisconsin

dairy farmers are now the official stance of the

largest farm organization in the United States.

On January 11, delegates at the American Farm

Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta

adopted a series of dairy policy directives that were

originally crafted by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s

Dairy Committee, made up of 20 dairy farmers from

across the state.

“This shows the grassroots power of Farm

Bureau,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President

Bill Bruins, a dairy farmer from Fond du Lac

County. “Our members who serve on our Dairy

Committee represent dairy farms of every size

and management style. Together they thoughtfully

came up with a list of directives that, if adopted

by Congress in the 2012 farm bill, will make our

dairy industry more market-driven, efficient and

transparent.”

“Successful passage of these policies by Farm Bureau delegates from across the nation marks a great step for the dairy industry,” Bruins added. “This allows the force of the American Farm Bureau to advocate for these needed changes to federal dairy policy. These changes would allow our dairy industry to become a reliable supplier that can supply the world market with the products it both wants and needs.”

The approved resolutions include:

• Elimination of the federal dairy price support program.

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

• Supporting a producer safety net program such as margin insurance.

• Reducing the number of classes of milk to

two, and making modifications to federal milk

marketing orders.

To be considered by the American Farm Bureau,

the resolutions were first adopted by delegates at

the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual

Meeting in December.

Wisconsin Author Wins National Book of the Year Award at AFBF Annual Meetinghe American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has presented its “Book

of the Year” award to Cris Peterson for Seed Soil Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food.

Peterson, a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member and dairy farmer from Grantsburg, has authored several children’s books, and is a past recipient of the World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Woman of the Year honor.

Seed Soil Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food walks young readers through the three essential ingredients of food production with vibrant photographs by David Lundquist.

The Book of the Year award springs from the foundation’s effort to identify “accurate ag books.” The foundation has assembled a collection of more than 300 books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately cover agricultural topics. In addition to their accuracy, Book of the Year selections are educational, reflect farmers’ love for the land and what they do, create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives

as well as tell the farmer’s story.

Peterson has several other books in the foundation’s accurate ag books collection. Her book, Clarabelle, about dairy farming was recently named the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 2011 Book of the Year.

The foundation has created an educator’s guide and classroom poster as companion pieces to Seed Soil Sun, which takes first through third grade students through various learning activities.

In honor of Peterson and in recognition of the host city of the American Farm Bureau’s 2011 Annual Meeting, the foundation donated hardcover copies of Seed Soil Sun to each of Atlanta-Fulton County’s public libraries and

Georgia’s Ag in the Classroom program, as well as a $1,000 contribution to the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation’s summer reading program.

Author and dairy farmer Cris Peterson (second from right) is shown at her book signing at the AFBF Annual Meeting in Atlanta with fellow

Wisconsin Farm Bureau members (from left) Joe and Rosie Lisowe of Calumet County, and Jim Holte of Dunn County.

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Sweet 16 After winning the state Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Discussion Meet at the YFA Conference in December, Troy Sellen (Oconto County) went on to compete at the national level. He made it to the “sweet 16” round – where 16 of the nations finest discussion meet contestants express their ideas and opinions on the hottest issues driving agriculture in panel-type discussions.

On the national Stage Rock and Shawano County Farm Bureaus were two of just 15 county Farm Bureaus nationally that were selected as County Activities of Excellence winners by the American Farm Bureau. Members from both Rock and Shawano displayed their good works at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta in early January. Rock County (above) was recognized for its legislative “Focus on Agriculture” event while Shawano County (left) took the prize for its Brunch on the Farm.

Wisconsin Wins Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation was recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation for providing excellent programming in all five of its eligible categories: Ag Education and Promotion, Leadership Development, Member Services, Policy Implementation, and Public Relations and Information. WFBF President Bill Bruins (right) is shown here with AFBF President Bob Stallman at the presentation.

YFa Cream of the Crop State YFA Achievement Award winners Nathan and Karen Kling (Jackson County) and State YFA Excellence in Agriculture winner Andrea Brossard Martin (Dodge County) represented Wisconsin proudly when they competed against other young farmer and agriculturist members. All three of these YFA members have excelled in their farming operations and have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities.


news

Meet Board Member:

he year was 1979. Little did Richard Gorder know an invite from his neighbor

to a hayride with other young farmers would lead to a seat on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Board of Directors, seven years as its vice president, and several hundred meetings representing Farm Bureau and Wisconsin agriculture.

Gorder represents six southwestern Wisconsin counties for Farm Bureau’s District 3. He farms with his wife, Cindy, on a 200-acre, 60-cow dairy farm east of Mineral Point in Iowa County. Cindy owns and operates a graphic design business called Homegrown Graphics. In 2000 they modernized the dairy, building a free-stall barn for 70 cows, and retrofitting the traditional stanchion/tie-stall barn with a step-up parlor. The changes allowed Gorder the ability to pursue his other passion, agriculture advocacy.

Gorder relishes the advocacy opportunities Farm Bureau has offered him. He has become a vigilant voice for common-sense environmental rules and regulations. Over the last decade he has served on

many committees, task forces and councils pertaining to Wisconsin’s non-point rules and regulations.

“Farmers have a tendency of minding their own business and not feeling comfortable expressing themselves in public,” said Gorder. “Farmers need an advocate in these meetings to explain what works and won’t work in the everyday environment of the working farm. It’s been my experience that regulations should come with an advisory label that says ‘batteries not included’ as there is little thought of how laws and regulations will be implemented or the cost associated with implementation.”

Gorder gives credit to former and current WFBF presidents Dan Poulson and Bill Bruins for affording him a wide range of opportunities. In 2003 Gorder was selected to represent Wisconsin on the American Farm Bureau’s Making American Agriculture Productive and Profitable (MAAPP) task force. The committee’s responsibility was to look at the future of agriculture and what policies would be needed to ensure agriculture’s ability to compete in the world

market in 2019 and beyond.

“The MAAPP experience was truly a once in a lifetime event,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to see agriculture from different parts of the country and understand the challenges that others face. After two years and 15 meetings we put forward a document that is very relevant today. We could see government continuing to be involved in agriculture, just not in the traditional role.”

Gorder says that could mean a greater emphasis placed on food safety, nutritional, environmental and risk management options and less with the income side.

While Gorder has testified at numerous legislative and agency hearings, it is the two times he has been asked to testify before Congress on dairy policy in 2000 and 2001 that stand out.

“It’s not everyday you get invited to testify before Senate committees,” he remarked.

In 2000 he testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee on dairy policy and

Richard GorderT


Richard Gorder has sat through his share

of meetings, but coming face to face with

leadership of the animal rights group, the

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS),

stands out.

“I was trying to get a read on their agenda

in Wisconsin and to see if they were even

listening to us,” he said of the Wisconsin

Farm Bureau’s late 2009 meeting in Madison

with Paul Shapiro, the senior director of the

HSUS’s End Factory Farming campaign and

HSUS’s local contract lobbyist. “Their job was

to see where we were at and what we would

concede.”

After the meeting he took their threat to

livestock agriculture very serious.

“It’s not about the sad-eyed puppies and the

runny-eyed kittens on their commercials. They

want to change the way agriculture practices

in this country,” he warned. “They have the

money, the people, and the media-savvy to

accomplish their goals. We in agriculture have

to be ready to compete with that.”

Gorder sees the onslaught of advertising

that the deceptively-named Humane Society

of the United States does for fundraising

purposes on cable television.

“They are not a fad or some fringe group

that we won’t be dealing with five years from

now,” Gorder added. “They are disingenuous

in their statements and I’m concerned about

their divide and conquer tactics. They will

try to divide agriculture into big versus small,

commercial versus organic. That’s how they

win. Agriculture can educate the public all

it wants, but it faces an uphill battle if the

industry doesn’t stick together.”

calendar of events

March 4, Wisconsin animal Husbandry Conference American Legion Hall, Neillsville

Wisconsin Farm Bureau helps sponsor this gathering of progressive dairy and beef producers, consultants, service providers and educators, to expand awareness and improve understanding about the science and politics of farm animal care. For more information call 715.743.5121.

March 8, Council of Presidents Sheraton Inn, Madison

County Farm Bureau presidents and vice presidents attend this annual event for an update on Farm Bureau business.

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. Register by Monday, February 28 by calling 1.800.261.FARM.

March 18-19, Wisconsin ag Women’s Summit Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Dynamic speakers and a chance to network with other women in agriculture await attendees of this premier event. Send your questions to [email protected] or call 608.828.5714.

the inequities directed toward the upper Midwest. In 2001 he was invited to speak before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the impact of the Northeast Dairy Compact toward states outside of the compact region.

“Sitting there in front of Senators like Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Charles Schumer of New York is at best intimidating,” he said. “There is little that can intimidate me today after that experience.”

Today Gorder continues his involvement representing Farm Bureau on the state Biomass Energy Council as well as the Discovery & Pioneer Farms steering committee and wherever needed.

“We need to continue to tell agriculture’s story, our story,” he said. “We need to be that advocate for what really happens on our farms.”

Finally, he has advice for anyone who might find themselves invited to a Farm Bureau hayride.

“Go, it may change your life,” he said.

Gorder on HSUS: ‘Not a fad’

AAA

Farm Bureau members save 20% on AAA membership and the enrollment fee to join AAA is waived. Call 1-888-203-2600 to join. Farm Bureau members who already also belong to AAA can receive the discount on their next renewal by calling 1-888-203-2606. In both instances, be

prepared to give them a group code of “WI07”.

ACCiDenTAL DeATh PoLiCy

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

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.

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.

Fs-GRowmARk PATRonAGe

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


member benefitF E D E R A T I O N

Wisconsin

Farm BureauguiDe

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.

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.

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. 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.

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

ee Nerison says, “Making sure farmers and agribusinesses are working together

toward a common goal” is his primary goal as the new chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee for the 2011-12. As the Westby Republican begins his fourth two-year term in the State Assembly, the long-time Farm Bureau member is quick to tell you he’s not a politician, but a “farmer that happens to be in the Legislature.”

Nerison met with members from a coalition of agricultural and commodity groups at the Farm Bureau Center in Madison on January 10.

He expects growing the ag economy, reforming the regulatory functions at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Department of Natural Resources, and maintaining the core functions at DATCP during the budget process to take up the lion’s share of his time as the committee chairman.

“We need younger farmers to be able to get started,” he said. Then he added that unless someone benefits from having parents trying to bring them into a farm business it’s hard to get started in farming.

Ag Coalition members peppered Rep. Nerison with a variety of questions on budget issues, road weight limits, environmental regulations and the need for people with agricultural ties to serve on the DNR board.

“It’s been a big push in my district,” Nerison said when asked about the prospect of another bill to allow raw milk sales directly to consumers.

Nerison represents the 96th Assembly District which is made up of all of Vernon and Crawford counties, and portions of Monroe and Richland counties. With a prevalence of Amish farmers, large farms,

organic growers, and what he called the traditional 60-cow farm like the one he operated, he called his the most agriculturally diverse district in the state.

Yet he said another shot at changing the state’s ban on raw milk sales to consumers is low on his priority list. Rep. Nerison said he’s waiting to see the completed report from a DATCP raw milk working group and wants to consult with DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel. He noted that a raw milk bill could be sent to the Assembly’s Health or Rural Development committees. In the meantime, he encouraged ag groups and their members to express their opinions on raw milk sales to their legislators.

When asked about issues pertaining to Wisconsin’s Working Lands Program, Nerison said he wished the program had been passed as an individual bill, where some issues could have been properly debated,

rather than being part of the state budget two years ago.

“There’s talk all over the board,” he said of what the future bodes for Working Lands.

As for changes to the state’s livestock law, he said any proposed changes that are not science-based could run into problems with the current Legislature.

Count on Nerison to keep busy as the Assembly Agriculture Chairman during the 2011-12 legislative session. He told Ag Coalition members that he once could say he went 10 years without missing a milking.

He’s not a politician, but a “farmer that happens to

be in the Legislature.”

Meet State Rep. Lee Nerison Farmer now chairs the Assembly Ag Committee

L


senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 (202) 224-5653 Website: http://kohl.senate.gov/

rep. Paul ryan Wisconsin-1st, Republican 1233 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515-4901 Phone: (202) 225-3031 Website: https://paulryan.house.gov/

rep. tammy Baldwin Wisconsin-2nd, Democrat 2446 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515-4902 Phone: (202) 225-2906 Website: http://tammybaldwin.house.gov/

rep. ron Kind Wisconsin-3rd, Democrat 1406 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515-4903 Phone: (202) 225-5506 Website: http://kind.house.gov/

rep. gwen moore Wisconsin-4th, Democrat 2245 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515-4904 Phone: (202) 225-4572 Website: http://gwenmoore.house.gov/

senator ron Johnson 2 Russell Courtyard Washington DC 20510 (202) 224-5323

rep. f. James sensenbrenner Jr. Wisconsin-5th, Republican 2449 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515-4905 Phone: (202) 225-5101 Website: http://sensenbrenner.house.gov/

rep. thomas e. Petri Wisconsin-6th, Republican 2462 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515-4906 Phone: (202) 225-2476 Website: http://petri.house.gov/

rep. sean P. duffy Wisconsin-7th, Republican 1208 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515-4907 Phone: (202) 225-3365 Website: http://duffy.house.gov/

rep. reid J. ribble Wisconsin-8th, Republican 1513 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515-4908 Phone: (202) 225-5665 Website: http://ribble.house.gov/

Contacting the

WiSCOnSin Congressional DelegationCalling or emailing is the most effective way to make your position known on federal legislative and regulatory issues.

Statement of Ownership


Want to know where the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation stands on an issue?

The state’s largest farm organization’s 2011 policy book is now available online at www.wfbf.com.

The document reflects the most recent policy directives that were established by voting delegates at Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 91st Annual Meeting in December.

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

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

Farm Bureau’s

2011 Policy available online

news

Farm Bureau PolicyAdopted by delegates at the 91st Wisconsin

2011

Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting.

The Wisconsin Legislature’s recent passage of a tax deduction for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) is a matter of fairness for farmers and other self-employed individuals.

“Farmers and other self-employed individuals in Wisconsin will now be able to deduct this cost for health care, just as other employers have been able to do,” said Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Public Affairs for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. “This brings fairness for those who purchase their own health insurance coverage rather than accessing it through employers.”

“The benefits of this new law are two-fold,” Zimmerman said. “Consumers win with lower costs associated with health insurance. Additionally, these reduced costs free up dollars to be invested and spent elsewhere within the economy.”

HSAs allow people with high-deductible health insurance plans to save a limited amount of money for future health expenses. Their taxable income is reduced by the amount they put into the HSA.

A 2010 survey of Wisconsin dairy farmers by the National

Agricultural Statistics Service notes the largest proportion of insured farmers (46 percent) purchased individual policies directly from private insurance companies; while 11.5 percent of dairy farm families reported no coverage at all.

Zimmerman said Wisconsinites with HSAs should now see their health care costs lowered by 6.5 percent, the amount they will be able to deduct from their state income tax liability.

Wisconsin had been one of only four states still taxing contributions to HSAs since the federal government made them exempt from federal taxation in 2003.

“We are pleased the Legislature and Governor Walker have enacted this long-sought policy by members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau,” Zimmerman said.

The HSA bill was the first signed into law by Governor Scott Walker. The measure retroactively takes effect as of January 1, 2011.

HSA Bill Brings

Fairness for Wisconsin Farmers

HUMANEWATCH.ORGKeeping a watchful eye on the Humane Society of the United States


opinion

Madison recently saw a sea change and I’m not talking about the lakes that dot Wisconsin’s capital city.

One in four of the State Legislature’s 132 members were elected to their first term last November. As newly-elected Governor Scott Walker prepares his first two-year budget proposal amid a fiscal crisis, lawmakers are surely hearing from a torrent of competing interests. Rural areas elected many of the new faces in the Capitol, so it’s now time they heard from people like you, the lifeblood of Wisconsin’s $59 billion agriculture industry.

Ag Day at the Capitol is set for March 9. Attending this annual event has probably never been more important than it is at this pivotal time in our state’s history.

“Jobs” are the buzzword inside the capitol’s walls these days. Ag Day at the Capitol is the ideal opportunity to remind legislators and their staff that agriculture already accounts for one in 10 jobs in Wisconsin. Farm Bureau members need to tell them that if agriculture is going to help grow the economy it will need the type of strengthened infrastructure and expanded processing facilities that pathways to greater market access around the globe.

Economic growth for agriculture is also dependent on the choices that await our lawmakers regarding regulatory and tax reform.

Governor Walker said during his inauguration ceremony that he wants to “right size state government.” In farm-speak, it’s time to be vocal about which state programs and services are your sacred cows and which ones could be culled.

What are your opinions on how state-local dollars flow in regards to school aids and shared revenue to local municipalities? Other non-fiscal issues are sure to come up at some point over the next two years. It’s time to make sure your elected officials know your stance on hot-button topics like the sale of raw milk directly to consumers. We also don’t want to take for granted that new lawmakers know that the deceptively-named Humane Society of the United States animal rights group is about attacking agriculture and fundraising, rather than the sad-eyed puppies and kittens on their commercials.

By now, hopefully one of these issues has your wheels turning. It’s time to take your ideas and passion for our industry and turn it into something tangible. The time has never been better.

’'Ag Day'’ Has Never Been More ImportantA MessAge FroM WFBF PresIDent BIll BruIns


Economic growth for ag is dependent on lawmakers’ decisions.

enjamin Franklin once said that he was a “mortal enemy to arbitrary government and unlimited power.” Because of this

philosophy shared by all of our founding fathers, America enjoys the freedom of democracy and a fine balance between federal authority and state rights.

Unfortunately, some very important state rights have come under attack recently by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is threatening to expand federal control over the Chesapeake Bay region. For that reason, the American Farm Bureau Federation filed a lawsuit in federal court last month to halt EPA’s pollution regulatory plan for the Chesapeake Bay.

Putting the Skinny on States

You may ask why farmers and ranchers nationwide should be concerned with the Chesapeake Bay region. Simply, this new EPA approach will not end with the Chesapeake Bay. EPA has already revealed its plan to follow suit in other watersheds across the nation, including the Mississippi watershed. That is why our legal effort is essential to preserving the power of the states—not EPA—to decide whether and how to regulate farming practices in America’s watersheds.

EPA’s Total Maximum Daily Load dictates how much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment can be allowed into the Bay and its tributaries from different sources. EPA’s plan is built on inaccurate assumptions and flawed data. Further, the agency failed to provide the public with critical information about the basis for the TMDL and allow sufficient time for the public to comment on the incomplete, but highly technical, information that EPA did provide. In addition, EPA’s plan overreaches its legal authority by dictating to states how and when they must achieve water quality goals, regardless of costs.

EPA likes to call the TMDL a “pollution diet,” but this diet threatens to starve agriculture out of the 64,000 square-mile Chesapeake Bay watershed. The agency’s diet would unlawfully micromanage state

Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle farmer from Texas has served as president of the American Farm

Bureau Federation since 2000.

actions and the activities of farmers, homeowners and businesses within the six-state watershed, imposing specific pollutant allocations on activities such as farming and homebuilding, sometimes down to the level of individual farms.

It seems that a government by the people for the people is becoming out of fashion. It was Thomas Jefferson who said that “the greatest calamity which could befall us would be submission to a government of unlimited powers.

Fattening up the Government

This lawsuit is not about whether farmers will work to achieve clean water. Like all Americans, farmers want a clean Chesapeake Bay. They are already working throughout the Chesapeake Bay region and across the nation to implement real, on-the-ground conservation measures to improve water.

Regardless of what happens with this lawsuit and EPA’s diet, farmers will continue their good stewardship efforts. This lawsuit is about whether EPA alone can dictate how we accomplish a cleaner watershed and at what cost.

I know who I trust in that scenario—America’s farmers and ranchers, who, day after day, are the true environmentalists. Farm Bureau is standing behind our farm and ranch families.

A message from AFBF President Bob Stallman

EPA’s Regulatory Diet is Unhealthy for Agriculture

B



ag in the classroom

4-5th Grade essay Contest

“If I lived on a dairy farm, I’d want people to know that…” is the title of this year’s 4-5th grade essay contest. The essay contest is open to 4th and 5th grade students in public schools, private schools, and home school programs. Students involved in 4-H, PALS, and after school programs are encouraged to participate.

Essays must be handwritten in ink or typed. They must be single-sided and fit on one sheet of paper. The essay must be between 100 to 300 words in length. Essays will be judged on content (25 points), grammar and spelling (15 points), and neatness (10 points). Essays must include: student’s name, grade level, parent’s name, teacher’s name, school name and address, school phone number, and county on the back of the essay. Please do not identify the student on the front side.

Entries must be postmarked by April 1, 2011 and sent to the county Farm Bureau essay contest coordinator or to the Wisconsin

Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom office. To find your county essay contest coordinator, visit www.wisagclassroom.org.

Thank you to We Energies, Foremost Farms, and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board for sponsoring the contest.

matching Grants

For county Farm Bureau programs, schools and other organizations developing agricultural literacy projects for students, don’t forget that Wisconsin Farm Bureau-AITC will award Matching Grants of up to $500 to groups sponsoring programs for these projects. Grants will be awarded for amounts up to $500 to applicants that secure or provide equal matching funds for the proposed project. A total of up to $4,000 will be awarded. Grants may be awarded for less than the full amount requested, based upon discretion of the judges and the funds available. Application forms are due on April 1, 2011 and can be downloaded from www.wisagclassroom.org.

are you ready for these april 1 Deadlines?

Ag in the Classroom asks…

march 15 marks National Agriculture Day which falls during National Ag Week, March 13-19, 2011, a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture.

Why would individuals involved in agriculture volunteer time and energy to celebrate National

Ag Day? The Agriculture Council of America and

its supporters are committed to increasing public

awareness about American agriculture. As the world

population soars, there is even greater demand for

the food and fiber produced in the United States.

The National Ag Day program believes that every

American should:

• Understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced.

• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industries.

How are you celebrating national ag Day?


Ag in the Classroom Training opportunities

soybean science kit and AiTC Resource Training

Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board are sponsoring a training opportunity on April 15-16. Fred Henderson, developer of the Soybean Science Kits, will offer sessions on how to utilize the kits and will demonstrate the various lessons. The kits are designed for 5-9th grade students and offer 21 hands-on lessons connecting science to agriculture through polymers, biotechnology and other areas.

Other Wisconsin AITC and commodity group resources will be featured throughout the two-day training. Presentations by Wisconsin commodity groups and Darlene Arneson, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, will feature educational resources that can be used by teachers, students, extension and home school parents.

Participants will have options to attend one or both days of the training. The agenda, location, and registration information will be found at www.wisagclassroom.org or by contacting Darlene Arneson at [email protected] or 608.828.5719.

summer Teacher Training

Wisconsin teachers, pre-service students, and others involved in agricultural literacy will have numerous options this year for teacher training. Participants will be able to take the training for undergraduate or graduate credits through the University of Wisconsin-River Falls agriculture education department. The training can also be taken for in-service or enrichment purposes and not for credit.

The training will include the following options: Green

Bay area farm and agribusiness tour, Madison area farm and agribusiness tour, Madison classroom day featuring lesson plans and commodity group resources, Farm Technology Days sessions, Wisconsin State Fair Day sessions, River Falls area farm and agribusiness tour, and River Falls area classroom days.

Watch for the registration information, credit option procedures, and training day agendas as they are posted on www.wisagclassroom.org. The registration deadline will be June 8.

What can you do to celebrate national ag Day? Some ideas include:

■ Read “Clarabelle” to a classroom, day care, pre-school, public library, nursing home or other venue. To order Clarabelle, the 2011 Wisconsin AITC Book of the Year, visit www.wisagclassroom.org.

■ Set up a display in several locations and businesses in your community.

■ Offer to speak at a local community service club or organization. Use the American Farm Bureau Farm Facts

(found at www.agfoundation.org) for supporting materials and PowerPoint resources.

■ Coordinate an educational activity with your local FFA Chapter and/or FFA Alumni Affiliate.

■ Offer to prepare a guest column about agriculture for your hometown newspaper.

There are many other activities that you can do as an individual or a county Farm Bureau. For more information and resources, visit www.agday.org or contact Darlene Arneson at [email protected] or 608.828.5719.

Would you like some training?


ag in the classroom

heila Burris, a second grade teacher at Spring Green Elementary School, is the recipient of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom’s Outstanding Teacher Award.

The selection each year is made by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau in order to recognize teachers for their efforts in teaching students the importance of agriculture. Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas, with the exclusion of certified agriculture education instructors, are eligible to apply for the award.

“Sheila’s classroom is alive with excitement, hands-on activities, and is an inspiration for the students to learn about all subjects - including agriculture,” said Darlene Arneson, Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.

Burris is the teacher coordinator for the Sauk County Ag in the Classroom program at her school. The county coordinated presentations with Burris about Wisconsin products including a presentation on cheese and a curriculum about the new food pyramid and how it connects to agriculture.

She also teaches about plants, takes students to apple orchards, and conducts units on animals, animal care and management practices.

Burris works with their local high school agriculture education instructor at River Valley High School, Shari Graffunder, when the River Valley FFA has “Drive Your Tractor to School Day” in the spring. Her second grade students learn about weights, tires and hydraulics. Burris and Graffunder also utilize the school’s greenhouse to teach the younger students about watering, temperatures, and how to transplant plants.

Her class participates in the Agri-Dairy Service of Richland Center’s poster contest for agriculture. She utilizes various books about food in her health unit and encourages students to create a “funny lunch” and figure out where the food comes from and what food group it belongs to in the food pyramid.

A graduate of UW-Platteville with majors in comprehensive music and elementary education and a farm girl from Iowa

County, Burris has taught at Spring Green Elementary the past 24 years. She has her master’s degree in elementary education from UW-Platteville. She has been treasurer of the River Valley Education Association and was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers four different times.

Burris will be Wisconsin’s nominee for the National Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award. She received a cash award and her classroom has received a presentation from the Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.

Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program provides teachers and students K-12 with an understanding of how their food is produced. The program seeks to work within existing curricula to provide basic information on our nation’s largest industry: Agriculture. Wisconsin’s Ag in the Classroom program is carried out by a network of local educators, volunteers and representatives from agricultural organizations and businesses.

The goal of the program is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society, so that they may become citizens who support wise agricultural policies.

The Teacher of the Year for Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program is Sheila Burris of Spring Green Elementary. Burris stands before her second grade student’s food pyramid worksheets. Burris coordinated a unit with the Sauk County Ag in the Classroom Program’s “Farmer Grows a Rainbow.” The lessons helped students learn about the food pyramid and its connection to farmers and

Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom (AITC) program recognized Sheila Burris, secondgrade teacher at Spring Green Elementary School, with the Outstanding Teacher Award. Pictured here are Sauk County Farm Bureau AITC Coordinator Don Meyer, Sheila Burris, Wisconsin AITC Coordinator Darlene Arneson, and Sauk County AITC Volunteer Jean Reisinger. Burris will compete for the Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award organized by the USDA and National AITC Consortium.

Spring Green Educator Recognized for Agricultural Literacy Work

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leadership

AFBF Reaches 50 Years of Membership Growth

The American Farm Bureau Federation celebrated a milestone of 50 consecutive years of membership growth with the conclusion of the 2010 membership year. AFBF’s final membership tally for 2010 was 6,279,813 member families, which was a gain of 2,149 over 2009’s total.

Wisconsin was one of 36 state Farm Bureaus that achieved membership growth in 2010, with a gain of 269 member families.

Kentucky Farm Bureau had the largest membership gain with 16,964 member families over last year, while Tennessee Farm Bureau continues to claim the title of the nation’s largest state Farm Bureau, with 655,127 member families.

arm Bureau members will have an opportunity to escape the Wisconsin winter and explore Hawaii’s tropical paradise in January of 2012.

The 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation will be held January 8-11, 2012 in Honolulu. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is offering an optional 7-day pre-convention “island-hopping” Hawaiian cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America. WFBF has blocked a limited number of cabins on this cruise, and remaining space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sailing round-trip from Honolulu, the cruise will take place December 31, 2011 through January 7, 2012 and will visit five ports of call on four islands: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii’s Big Island, and Kauai. For those wishing to experience the beauty of Hawaii while avoiding the lost time and considerable cost associated with inter-island airline flights, this one-of-a-kind cruise will provide your “floating hotel room” as you travel from island to island and experience the best of Hawaii.

By making a refundable deposit, you can claim your spot before the remaining cabins are filled. To request a flyer with complete details on this cruise and current fares, first contact Bob Leege, WFBF Executive Director of Member Relations at 608.828.5710 or e-mail [email protected]. After doing so, make your reservation by calling WFBF’s contact at Norwegian Cruise Lines at the number listed in the flyer.

Limited Space Still Available for

Farm Bureau 2012 Hawaiian Cruise

2012 Hawaiian Cruise

F

Did You Know?

• in 2010, more than 200 Farm Bureau volunteers across wisconsin signed at least one of their neighbors as a new Farm Bureau member.

• The most common reason people give for not joining Farm Bureau is that “no one ever asked me before”

• Last year nearly 800 people in wisconsin joined Farm Bureau because they were personally invited by a neighbor.

• nine out of 10 voting Farm Bureau members renew their membership – and that number increases if they have been personally contacted during the year and asked to get involved in some way.


Presented by:

Day 1 - Friday, March 18, 2011

Schedule of Events

12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Registration1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions Dustin Maher: Health & Wellness

Trisha Wagner: Farm Employee Management

2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions Matt Scramlin: Bridging the Generational Divide

David Martosko: How to Survive in the Era of HSUS

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Reception 7:00 p.m. Banquet & Program 8:30 p.m. Entertainment Piano Fondue: Dueling Piano Entertainment

6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Workout Boot Camp (optional)

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:15 - 10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions Matt Scramlin: Bridging the Generational DivideDavid Martosko: How to Survive in the Era of HSUSAlice in Dairyland Panel: Creating YOUR Brand

Phil Harris: Estate & Tax Law

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions Joy Kirkpatrick: Balancing Act or Three Ring CircusJenny Vanderlin & Rachael Prochaska: Managing Farm RecordsRoger Williams: Communicating through the Haze

Jane Mueller: Planning for the Unexpected

12:15 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. Keynote AddressSuzy Favor Hamilton: Perfection is not Success

Day 2 - Saturday, March 19, 2011

Registration Fee: $75/person

Please send this form and payment to:WI Ag Women’s SummitAttn: Dale Beaty, WFBFP.O. Box 5550Madison, WI 53705

Make checks payable to: WFBF

Note: You are responsible for your own room reservations at the Kalahari Resort. (877.525.2427, www.kalahariresorts.com) Request the WI Ag Women’s Summit room block to receive the following standard room rate (up to 4/room): $149/night + tax

*If you have special dietary needs, please contact Dale Beaty at 608.828.5714.

Name(s):

Address:

City: State: Zip:

County: Phone:

E-Mail:

Are you a WI Farm Bureau member? Yes_____ No_____Are you a Badgerland Financial customer? Yes_____ No_____Note: You do not have to be a member or customer to attend. All are invited and welcome!

Register today for the premier event for women in agriculture!


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

14th Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser Monday, September 12, 2011 – New location!!

at

4740 Pierceville Rd, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin 53527

www.golftheoaks.com

Darlene Arneson, Director [email protected]

608-828-5719

Watch www.wfbf.com/wfbfoundation for registration and sponsorship information!

4740 Pierceville Rd, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin 53527

www.golftheoaks.com

www.wfbf.com/wfbfoundationFor registration and sponsorship information, please visit:

darlene arneson, director [email protected]

608-828-5719

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

14th Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser

Monday, September 12, 2011


foundation

The mission of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation is to “support agricultural education and develop agricultural leaders.”

To honor or memorialize the special person in your life, contribute to the WFB Foundation and help support activities and programs that were important to them. The WFB Foundation support includes Agriculture in the Classroom educational programs and activities, 4-H Key Awards, Wisconsin FFA programs and activities, and the Farm Bureau Institute for developing agricultural leaders.

What a wonderful way to say “thank you” to someone that shares this passion and mission.

Enclosed is my $___________ contribution to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Name(s) _______________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State________ Zip ___________ Phone ________________

In memory of ___________________________________________ (Acct 991031)

In honor of _____________________________________________ (Acct 991001)

Please send notification of this gift to:

Name __________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State _______________ Zip _________________

Want to help?

Donate Now.

We need your help today. A little bit can go a long way.

Enclose payment and form and send to: Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705

Foundation Memorial and Honor Gifts


Dear Darlene,

Thank you for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s continuing support of Leadership Wisconsin (formerly WRLP) Fellows. Your annual gift will help sponsor the tuition of two Farm Bureau members, Jason Killwelter and Howard Roth. The Farm Bureau’s on-going support continues to make a real difference in leadership development, for our communities, and for the thousands of individuals across the state that are affected by the leaders that emerge through our programming. We know that you are proud of the return on the investment that your gift creates. Leaders who are visionary, yet pragmatic leaders who are bound by public needs and not political favors; that are capable and willing to work at shaping our future with a broad perspective on the issues. Gratefully in Leadership, JoAnn Stormer Leadership Wisconsin Executive Director

Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Thank you so much for your sponsorship for the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award. I was very honored to receive this award, especially since 4-H has made such an impact on my life! Thanks again, Kallei Schoessou

Dear Wisconsin Farm Bureau,

Thank you very much for helping provide the

Amazing Corn booklets along wi th the Wisconsin

Corn Promotion Board for our corn maze

fundraiser. This year’s maze was a huge

success and we appreciate your support !

Thank you again,

Stevens Point FFA Alumni

Think of the impact that 4-H, FFA and other youth leadership programs have had on you, your family and others in Wisconsin. Now think about the leadership development offered by the Farm Bureau Institute, Leadership Wisconsin and Wisconsin Rural Youth Scholarship Fund that allows individuals to become leaders in their communities, organizations and to further their education.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation offers annual financial support for these programs and other agricultural activities. The Foundation raises funds through the Wisconsin Ag Open golf outing, WFBF Annual Meeting Silent Auction and financial support of companies, individuals and county Farm Bureau programs.

Do you want to give back to the programs that you have benefited from? You are invited to consider joining one of the WFB Foundation’s programs: the “Learn and Lead- Phase II. The “Learn and Lead” Campaigns are an effort to raise funds over a five year time period from Farm Bureau leaders. Participants pledge a minimum of $250 per year for a five-year period and are recognized in several ways. An informational brochure is located at www.wfbf.com/wfbfoundation/ which details the recognition program for the “Learn and Lead II” Campaign or contact WFB Foundation Director Darlene Arneson at 608.828.5719 or [email protected].

Learn and Lead II

Name ________________________________________

Address _______________________________________

City _________________________________________

State ____________ Zip __________________________

Amount of 1st Payment* $ __________________________

(Checks to: Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation) Date ___________

Return to: Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation PO Box 5550, Madison, WI 53705 Code: 991061

Learn and Lead ChampionWisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Growth Campaign

*Participants pledge a minimum of $250 per year for a five-year period and are recognized in several ways.


See what your Insurance IQ is by taking this quiz. Answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. What’s the difference between actual cash value and replacement value of a free stall barn?

A. Actual cash value is the cost of the building minus any depreciation. Replacement value is the cost to return the building to the condition it was in before the damage.

B. Actual cash value is the cost of a professional to rebuild the barn. Replacement value is what it costs me to build it myself.

2. I had a tanker of manure overturn, causing $100,000 in damages to a neighbor’s property. Will my general farm liability insurance cover damages caused by this incident?

A. Unlikely, but could be covered by a pollution liability endorsement.

B. Likely. Most general farm liability policies cover an accident of this size.

3. A neighbor kid fell out of a tree he was climbing on my property and broke his arm. Will my homeowners insurance pay his medical bills?

A. No, if he was climbing without your permission, it’s his parents’ fault.

B. Yes, most homeowners policies have provisions to cover liabilities like this.

4. Can my insurance premium be different if I make sure machinery safety guards are in working condition?

A. No. It doesn’t matter because my agent hasn’t looked at my farm machinery for that stuff.

B. Yes. Taking steps to minimize risk can have a bearing on your insurance premium.

5. Does worker’s compensation protect me from lawsuits from employees or family members who have sustained an injury or illness related to working on my farm?

A. Yes.

B. No.

rural mutual

Rural Mutual Sponsors Wiaa State tournament telecasts

Rural Mutual Insurance Company will again sponsor the statewide telecast of the WIAA boys and girls hockey championship games and the boys and girls basketball tournaments.

The hockey championship games will be held March 5, the boys basketball tournament will be held March 17-19, and the girls basketball tournament will be held March 24-26.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company is a major sponsor of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award.

What’s YourAnswers - 1. A. 2. A , 3. B, 4. B , 5. A

1The guarantees expressed are based on the claims-paying ability of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. © 2011 FBL Financial Group, Inc. LI141-WI (2-11)

Visit www.fbfs.com to sign up for our free e-newsletter. It’s filled with useful tips to help you

protect your family and save time and money.

Ensuring financial security for you and those you care about most is more important than ever. Life insurance can help provide that security, along with guarantees1 and peace of mind.

Visit www.fbfs.com or contact your Rural Mutual Insurance agent to review your life insurance needs and learn how we can help you secure your family’s financial future.

Peace of mind for life

Insurance CompanyRural Mutual

WI-Life(2-11)R.indd 1 1/14/11 12:45:21 PM

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.

Insurance CompanyRural Mutual

®

Locate an agent near you at UndividedAttention.com

rural route

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