Opening Day for Deer Hunting Approaching
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the archery and crossbow deer hunting seasons open Sept. 14. The two seasons run through Jan. 5, 2025, except in the 35 counties and metro subunits that have extended seasons open until Jan. 31, 2025.
The early archery and crossbow seasons are great opportunities for hunters to harvest antlerless deer before they change their patterns and experience additional hunting pressure during the gun deer season. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations remain available in many counties.
Hunt Safely
Just like when hunting with a firearm, archery and crossbow hunters should always remember these safety tips:
- Always practice TAB-K.
- Always wear a safety harness in a tree stand.
- Use three points of contact when going into or out of the stand.
- Use a haul line to bring the unloaded bow or crossbow into the stand.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Operate any ATV or UTV soberly and responsibly.
Register A Harvest
As a reminder, all harvested deer must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery using GameReg online, by phone or at a participating registration station.
Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board Charts New Path
The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) elected a new officer team for 2024-2025. This team will represent nearly 17,000 soybean growers in the state as leadership transitions ahead of a season of change.
“I’ve been on the board since 2013,” Gibbs said. “We’ve been through a lot of changes. Pat Mullooly, our former president, was a great leader and respecting his time and what he desires during his time on the board, he was looking to make a transition, and I am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead.”
While he’s stepping down from his lead role, Mullooly will remain active as a member of the board. Other changes in leadership include Matt Wagenson, who is shifting into Andy Bensend’s former role as vice president.
“I am most excited about the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes and making sure our checkoff dollars are getting exported out of Wisconsin and into our farmers’ pockets,” Wagenson said.
WSMB elected Steve Wilkens of Random Lake to serve as treasurer/secretary, filling Gibbs’ former role.
As president, Gibbs looks forward to exploring how the checkoff can improve farmers’ bottom lines.
“What excites me the most about our checkoff is the research that we are doing,” Gibbs said. “We do a lot of classic research, small block trials through the University of Wisconsin, but we’re also looking at some bigger picture items that are applicable on the farm a little quicker than the smaller trials. To see that come to fruition quicker excites me a lot.”
UW Harvest Festival Features Seed Swap & More
You’re invited to celebrate Allen Centennial Garden’s third annual Harvest Festival on Sep. 28.
The event runs from 12-8 p.m. It will have live music, dancing, and opportunities to learn about different harvest traditions from around the world. The festival is free and open to the public.
This year, the garden is excited to partner with the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures to host their fall Bowery Dance from 6-8 p.m. Get on the dance floor with Beth Hoven Rotto and the Scandinavian-American Old-time Dance Music Ensemble.
The Harvest Festival centers around the Wyman Kitchen Garden. This highlights the crops and cuisines of African American, Latine, and Native American cultures. This year, the Wyman Kitchen Garden features crops from South America, Choctaw plants, a new cranberry bog, and more.
The Harvest Festival kicks off with a seed exchange at 12 p.m. It features free seeds shared by Allen Centennial Garden, Seed Savers Exchange, Driftless Seed Supply, and community members. Individuals with seeds they’d like to exchange should arrive at noon. Seeds will be ready to pick up starting at 12:30 p.m.
This year’s Harvest Festival will also feature many hands-on ways to create with plants including making flower crowns and a collaborative quilt made from fabric dyed with plants.
Food will be available for purchase starting at 5 p.m. from UW’s Electric Eats food truck, featuring meal options from African, Asian, Latine, and Native American cuisines. Cash is preferred, but credit cards will also be accepted.
Allen Centennial Garden is located at 620 Babcock Drive. Free parking is available in Lot 34 at 1480 Tripp Circle; in Lot 36 just west of Steenbock Library; and in Lot 40 behind Babcock Hall.
Learn more: https://allencentennialgarden.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/harvest-folk-festival/
Local Cheesemaker Wins World Dairy Expo Prize
The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association announced the Grand Champion winners of the 2024 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest. Wisconsin is home to one of three grand champions.
The 21st year of the competition attracted an impressive array of entries across 93 classes of dairy products, showcasing the finest products and the craftsmanship behind them. Encompassing all dairy products, the contest brings together the best of the best, with each entry carefully judged by a panel of industry experts. The competition not only celebrates product quality but also highlights the innovation and dedication of dairy producers and processors worldwide.
The Grand Champion winner in the Cheese and Butter category is Pure Maple Mascarpone by Lake Country Dairy – Schuman Cheese. The Maple Mascarpone has a rich, robust pure maple syrup taste with sweet caramel notes.
“This award is very special because the Maple Mascarpone was truly a creation from the Lake Country Dairy employees, from the initial idea to the trials, to the finished product in the cup,” says Plant Manager Gary Gosda. “Combining two of Wisconsin’s best products—cheese and maple syrup—how can you go wrong?”
The Grand Champion in the Grade A category is Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk from Turner Dairy Farms, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Grand Champion winner of the Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, and Gelato category is Classic Lemon Bar Ice Cream from Umpqua Dairy in Roseburg, Oregon.
The grand champions and the first, second and third place winners for each class will receive their trophies, medals and ribbons at an award reception and auction on Oct. 1 as part of World Dairy Expo in Madison. The first-place winner’s products are auctioned off that day with proceeds going to scholarship programs focused on dairy education.
See the complete list of winners: https://wdpa.net/
Ennis Receives National Scholarship
As the new school year gets underway, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) awarded three students with a $1,000 scholarship through ACE’s Scholarship Program to help further their collegiate education. Among the recipients is Wisconsin native, Elsie Ennis.
Ennis is from Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and is attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she studies Biology. Ennis was a member of FFA, National Honor Society, and was a Class Officer in high school. She is the granddaughter of Jim Leitzinger. Her grandfather is affiliated with ACE ethanol producer member Badger State Ethanol in Monroe, Wisconsin.
“ACE extends its best wishes to these talented, young individuals as they embark on their career journeys,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “Involving the next generation is crucial for the future of our industry. ACE is proud to invest in the education of tomorrow’s leaders.”
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center Opens Corn Maze
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center again celebrates Wisconsin’s fall harvest with Fall Fest. This year’s event takes place Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and marks the opening of Farm Wisconsin’s corn maze.
“Wisconsin’s $104 billion agriculture industry should be celebrated,” says Abigail Winkel, Farm Wisconsin Brand Manager. “The fall harvest is a great time to recognize the diversity of Wisconsin agriculture and the leading role our state plays in the production of the food we enjoy every day.”
Activities
Fall Fest will feature the following activities, which are included with regular admission:
-Corn maze
-Petting zoo
-Antique tractors and cars on display
-Mock cranberry bog and cranberry samples
-Live bee hive and honey samples
-Corn roast
-Barrel train rides
-Pumpkin slime activity
-Potato dig
-Book reading
Special Guests
Several special guests will also take part in the Fall Fest activities:
-Wisconsin’s 77th Alice in Dairyland, Halei Heinzel
-Wisconsin Honey Queen, Sadie Goettl
-Author Cynthia Schumerth
“This event really highlights the fact that collaborations make Farm Wisconsin special,” adds Winkel. “We could never have this event or the corn maze without the help of volunteers and partners from across the state.”
Beyond the individuals listed, Winkel credits partners like InDepth Agronomy and Grotegut Dairy Farm Inc. for planning and planting the maze, and Wilfert Farms for providing the delicious sweet corn featured in the brand-new corn roast. Whisper Hill Clydesdales, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, Sunset Apiaries, Riesterer & Schnell, Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club, and Masters Gallery Foods support the event.
All Fall Fest activities are included with general admission to Farm Wisconsin, and individuals with a current Farm Wisconsin membership are admitted free of charge. Tickets and memberships can be purchased in advance online or at the reception desk on the day of the event. Fall Fest activities run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., but the discovery center remains open until 4 p.m.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is an interactive agricultural education center located along I-43 in northeastern Wisconsin. Farm Wisconsin connects visitors’ curiosity to the wonder of Wisconsin agriculture and provides guests with a better understanding of their food sources and their importance.
Regular Farm Wisconsin admission rates are $18 for adults, $14 for seniors 62 and older, and $10 for youth 3-18. Children 2 and younger are admitted free of charge. More information can be found at farmwisconsin.org.
Tour Fish Hatcheries & Spawning Facilities
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the dates for fall open houses at two fish spawning facilities and one fish hatchery. Over the coming weeks, the DNR will host open houses at the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, Root River Steelhead Facility and the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery.
Each of these free events will give attendees a chance to see fish up close. As well as learn how hatcheries and spawning facilities help sustain Wisconsin’s fish populations.
Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility
Join the DNR Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, located at N3884 Ransom Moore Lane in Kewaunee. Guests will get to watch salmon egg collection demonstrations, enjoy educational displays and take a guided tour of the facility. The Algoma Kewaunee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen will also be providing wagon rides.
Root River Steelhead Facility
The Root River Steelhead Facility open house will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2200 Domanik Drive, Lincoln Park in Racine. The event will feature guided tours and fish spawning demonstrations. Volunteers from Salmon Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and the Milwaukee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen will be providing educational fishing stations. There visitors can try new casting techniques and receive knot and fly-tying lessons.
Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery
An open house at the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery’s education center, located at N5871 State Road 22 in Wild Rosen, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will celebrate the annual fall salmon migration. There will be games and educational activities for people of all ages. These include learning to cast workshops, fish identification tips or the chance to “swim” upriver like salmon on their migratory journey to spawning areas. Other fish activities include fish printing on tote bags, building a spinnerbait, making Kool-Aid clay fish. As well as touring the original 1908 hatchery and the modern operation.
More details on each of these events is available on the DNR’s Events Calendar.
Local Food Purchase Program Hosting Fall Events
The Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program is hosting fall events across the state. These events are a chance to network with local food system partners and connect around solutions for farm-to-food access in your community.
Register for the following events here: https://www.wilocalfood.org/events
The Wisconsin LFPA Program awards farmers and community partners grant contracts to grow food that is picked up and distributed to food access partners throughout Wisconsin and provided to underserved communities at no charge.
Add These To Your Calendar:
On-Farm Peer Education Event: Sullivan Family Farm
Sep. 17 (1-5:30 p.m.)
Sullivan Family Farm (7725 County Road R, Manitowoc, WI 54220)
Listen to a recent story with Sullivan Family Farm: https://omny.fm/shows/mid-west-farm-report-madison/sugar-peas-how-an-air-force-vet-continues-to-serve
On-Farm Peer Education Event: Yowela Farms
Sep. 20 (1-5:30 p.m.)
Yowela Farms (2625 Oak Lawn Rd., Stoughton, WI 53589)
After the Farm: Meat processing training for farmers in wholesale food access supply chains
Oct. 1 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building (1933 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI
53706)
WI Local Food System Networking Call: Farmer Education & Resources
Oct. 2 (3-4 p.m.)
Coolbot Cooler Build Workshop Led in Hmong/HMoob Language
Oct. 12 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Westport Farm (5143 Bong Rd., Waunakee, WI, 53597)
Fall Farmer Gathering
Oct. 25 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Market On River (128 W River St., Chippewa Falls, WI)
Listen to a recent interview about Market On River: https://omny.fm/shows/mid-west-farm-report-madison/wfu-to-open-doors-to-new-headquarters-in-september
Farm Business Decisions: Food Access, Wholesale, & Beyond
Nov. 1 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Philadelphia Community Farm (599 280th St Osceola, WI 54020)
WI Local Food System Networking Call: Support For Farmers
Nov. 6 (3-4 p.m.)
Meet Your Leopold Conservation Finalists
Four finalists have been selected for the 2024 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award.
The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.
Meet The Finalists
Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Co. of Manitowish Waters in Vilas County
Brothers David and Steven have improved cranberry yields with nutrient management for better plant and soil health. They planted five acres of native pollinator gardens for the honeybees needed to increase crop pollination. Efficient water management has reduced input costs and improved water quality. The cranberry leaves that come off the plant when cranberries are harvested is later sold to local gardeners and landscapers.
Full Circle Farm of Seymour in Shawano County
Full Circle Farm builds soil organic matter while sequestering carbon on its pastures. Rick Adamski, Valerie Dantoin, and their son Andrew rotationally graze beef cattle, raise pastured hogs and laying hens, and grow 10 acres of vegetables. Their farm’s woodlands, wetlands, natural ponds, riparian buffers, and fence lines provide habitat and migration corridors for wildlife, birds, and beneficial pollinators.
Joe Hovel of Conover in Vilas County
Joe Hovel protects unique and fragile habitats in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. A woodland owner since the 1970s, he began prioritizing the protection of ecologically important land in the 80s. He now manages 3,300 acres in several counties, including Porcupine Tree Farm and the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest. Hovel owns County Line Wood Products and is the president and founder of the Partners in Forestry Landowners Cooperative.
Glacial Lake Cranberries of Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County
In addition to cranberry bogs, the forests and wetlands on Mary Brazeau Brown’s 6,100-acre property provide habitat for diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna. It hosts an ideal breeding habitat for birds and provides a stopover for migrating species. A certified forester has managed its 2,600 acres of woods for decades. Woody vegetation is kept in check with periodically controlled burns to maintain its wetlands.
About The Award
The first Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award was presented to woodland conservationist Gerry Mich of Appleton in 2006. The 2023 recipient was Noll’s Dairy Farm of Alma in Buffalo County. This year’s recipient will be revealed at the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection meeting in November.
Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Wisconsin, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
Marbleseed Launches A Beer
Marbleseed partnered with La Crosse Distilling to launch a co-branded organic beer. The organization is hosting a release and fundraising party in La Crosse at the distillery on Oct. 15.
Guests will have the opportunity to taste the co-branded beer eat food featuring organic grower’s produce, and mingle, all while supporting Marbleseed’s work to support farmers in their transition toward organic farming systems. The event is 2-5 p.m.
Marbleseed’s Climate and Conservation Director Thomas Manley and Board Member Dylan Bruce helped brew the tasty Farmony Farmhouse Ale. Circadian Organics and Dropseed Farm will provide fall squash as part of the mouth-watering organic nosh. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the distillery and watch the process of bottling organic spirits.
Walk-ins are welcome! RSVP: https://marbleseed.org/events/cheers-to-organic-farming
If you are unable to join Marbleseed in La Crosse on Oct. 15, you can still support Marbleseed’s work by eating at Ahan restaurant in Madison, Amilinda restaurant in Milwaukee, or Marty’s Deli in Minneapolis, in October. These three restaurants will be running menu specials featuring fall/winter squash from organic farmers across Wisconsin and Minnesota and proceeds from these dishes will go to Marbleseed.
