The Farm

The Pat Duffy/Duffy Grain Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc. (WORF) Board Scholar award winner is Katherine Eugster of Stoughton, Wis. She received a $1000 scholarship towards her education. Eugster was selected from over 300 applicants from rural Wisconsin.    

The daughter of Joe and Carol Eugster, Katherine is a 2020 graduate of Stoughton High School. She is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in agricultural business management and environmental studies with a minor in Spanish. “I plan to continue my parents’ farm market, so an ag-business degree will greatly benefit me in the future,” says Eugster.    

Living on a farm her entire life, Eugster has accumulated a variety of skills and work experience including her hobby of showing goats for nearly a decade. Over the years she has garnered a number of awards including five grand champion honors. Additionally. Eugster has started and managed her own sunflower bouquet business featuring 32 different varieties and 22 thousand flowers. Euguster also did a field trial with Takii Seeds with some new varieties.    

During her high school tenure, Euguster was involved in 4-H and FFA, a member of the National Dairy Goat Association, in National Honor Society and a varsity letter winner. She also volunteered her time to give tour to socio-economically challenged school groups at the family’s Eugster’s Farm Market.    

The WROF is honored to announce the inaugural class of board scholars. Nine rural Wisconsin students were selected to receive a scholarship that is funded and supported by a board member of WROF.    

“Duffy Grain is proud to be able to participate in the Wisconsin Rural opportunities Foundation Board Scholars program, promoting further education in Wisconsin,” stated board member Pat Duffy.    

Since 1934, the Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc. has invested in the education of people from rural Wisconsin so they, in turn, can transform and improve the economic health and quality of life in their rural areas. As a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, more than 6000 individuals have received over $6.2 million in scholarships and grants in agricultural and rural health care education in over 30 different Wisconsin educational institutions and programs.

The production of Wisconsin’s field and miscellaneous crops was valued at $4.14 billion in 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Values 2020 Summary. This was a 33% increase from 2019.

The value of corn for grain production totaled $2.14 billion, up 41% from the previous year. Wisconsin’s corn price averaged $4.15 per bushel, an increase of 72 cents from the last marketing year.

Up 61% from 2019, the value of soybean production was $1.08 billion. The average price increased $2.28 from the previous year to $10.70 per bushel.

Value of production increased from 2019 to 2020 for barley, alfalfa hay, and oats. Value of production decreased from 2019 to 2020 for other hay, potatoes, rye, and winter wheat.

As far as counties impacted – Rock County tops the list!

In 2020, farmers in Rock County led the State in soybean production with 5.03 million bushels according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Dodge (4.43 million), Grant (4.35 million), Dane (4.26 million), and Lafayette (3.79 million) rounded out the top five counties with the highest production.

Statewide, two counties averaged over 60.0 bushels per acre. Lafayette County had the highest yield with an average of 65.4 bushels per acre. Grant (60.6), Iowa (59.8), Dodge (58.1) and Green (56.9) rounded out the top five highest yielding counties. Bayfield County recorded the lowest average yield at 28.5 bushels per acre.

Rock County was the largest corn-producing county with 27.2 million bushels. Dane, Lafayette, Dodge, and Grant rounded out the top five. Columbia County was the only other county that produced over 20 million bushels of corn for grain.

Lafayette led all counties in Wisconsin with a county average yield of 205.2 bushels per acre. Dodge (202.3), Green (195.1), Rock (194.4), and Iowa (192.5) counties rounded out the top five highest yielding counties. Thirteen counties exceeded the 180 bushel per acre yield mark for 2020.

In 2020, Dane County led all Wisconsin counties in total corn silage production, with 1.09 million tons according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fond du Lac (942,000), Manitowoc (863,000), Dodge (811,000) and Clark (804,000) rounded out the top five highest producing counties.

Columbia and Dane Counties tied for the highest yield with an average of 25.5 tons per acre. Lafayette was in third place with a yield of 25.0 tons per acre. There were 18 counties that had an average yield of 23.0 or more tons per acre.

Creating a safe and healthy workspace takes specific actions and changes, but it can have a significant ROI as a result of direct savings, reduced insurance rates, better workplace productivity and a happier workplace.  

“Most estimates suggest it costs almost one-third of a year’s wages to bring on a new farm worker including the costs of waiting, workarounds, recruiting, training, and getting a new worker up to speed,” said John Shutske, UW-Madison professor and Extension Specialist. “It’s far better to keep current workers safe, healthy and fully engaged so they want to work on your operation, knowing you have a full commitment to their health and well-being.” 

Building a Positive Farm Business Culture, with employee safety and health is the first of two Farm Management Friday webinars in March. The second webinar will explore resources available to help your farm startup. These webinars hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. Farm Management Friday webinars are a part of Extension’s FarmReady Research winter programming for farmers and ag professionals. 

March topics and presenters include: 

• March 5: Building a Positive Farm Business Culture, with employee safety & health. This meeting will explore how farms can become positive places to work during COVID-19, which will help attract and retain good employees. Join Extension Specialist John Shutske, UW Center for Agriculture Safety & Health and Extension educators Jim Versweyveld, Walworth County, Maria Jose Fuenzalida, Dane County and a panel of experts in exploring ways to create a culture on your farm that promotes safety and health to achieve top performance, enhance teamwork, and help you empower your team for long-term success. 
• March 19: Your farm startup: Where to begin and who can help? Whether you’re currently farming and want to explore a new idea or someone new on the farming scene, this session will help you figure out where to start. Learn about tools, people, and resources available in the state that can help you explore your farm dreams. We will hear from Extension Specialist/UW-Platteville Professor Kevin Bernhardt, and Extension Agriculture Educators Leigh Presley Kenosha and Racine County, Steph Plaster Ozaukee and Washington Counties, and Ben Jenkins Green Lake County, and from UW Food Finance Institute 

There is no charge to participate in the sessions, but pre-registration is required to allow access to the session. Extension recognizes that producers are receiving information for a lot of meetings this winter; the Farm Ready Research webinar website go.wisc.edu/FarmReadyResearch is your place to find all information about UW-Madison Extension Agriculture programs. 

A sample week of Extension agricultural webinars begins on Tuesdays with Badger Dairy Insight from 1-2:30 p.m. and Wisconsin Beef Special Edition from 7-8:30 p.m.; Wednesdays focus on Small Ruminants from 7:30 – 9 p.m.; and then it’s Farm Management Fridays from 11 a.m. – noon. 

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is inviting the public to a forum intended to help consumers identify and avoid scams and pitfalls in a complex marketplace.

The event will take place virtually on Zoom on Thursday, March 4 from noon to 1:00 p.m. U.S. Representative Gwen Moore will provide an introduction at the summit. Additionally, DATCP, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and the Federal Trade Commission will give presentations before responding to questions from participants.

A wide variety of consumer issues such as robocalls, COVID-related scams, student loan debt, predatory lending, landlord-tenant issues, and predatory and deceptive automotive sales practices, are expected to be covered.

Registration is not required, but space is limited to 350, so participants are encouraged to join promptly. For the event information and access link, visit datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ConsumerProtection.aspx.

Consumers across the state are encouraged to utilize DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free at (800) 422-7128 or by email: [email protected] for information on current scams, consumer laws and publications, and how to file a complaint. Contact Consumer Protection when you have questions about topics such as auto repair, deceptive advertising, home improvement, identity theft, landlord-tenant issues, telemarketing, or “too good to be true” offers. Consumer Protection fact sheets and additional resources can be found on our website at www.datcp.wi.gov.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau is seeking a director of media relations and outreach.

This position oversees WFBF’s media relations efforts, social media strategy and advertising. This director of media relations and outreach will provide editorial content for Rural Route and other publications; develop and maintain partnerships with external partners; and manage special projects as assigned.

This is a full-time position.

General Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and oversee all WFBF’s media relations. This includes writing news releases, columns and policy briefings, conducting media interviews and handling media inquiries to promote WFBF positions, policies, activities and strategies.

2. Plan, coordinate and oversee WFBF’s social media strategy and content.

3. Provide content, coordinate and maintain the organization’s website and blog.

4. Provide editorial content as assigned for the Rural Route magazine. 

5. Coordinate all advertising to promote WFBF.

6. Provide media and social media training for members as requested.

7. Develop and maintain partnerships with external organizations and manage other special projects as assigned.

8. Assume other duties as requested by the Executive Director of Public Relations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, English, marketing or a related field.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, InDesign, Excel, Access, Premiere Pro, PowerPoint and/or Prezi.
• Ability to proactively work on multiple projects simultaneously and effectively juggle diverse communication demands.
• Position requires independent work and creative skills.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to grammar and written presentation.
• Must possess a basic understanding and appreciation of Wisconsin’s agriculture industry.  
• Available for occasional overnight travel.
• Valid driver’s license.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing farms of all sizes, commodities and management styles.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau will be joining Farm Bureau members across the nation in celebrating Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week during Feb. 28-March 6.

This year’s ASAP Week theme is ‘Driving Safety Home.’

“Farm safety and mental health are always top priority, but both come front and center as we recognize national Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Kevin Krentz. “As we approach the busy planting season, we also encourage farmers to check and maintain all safety mechanisms.”

Starting on Monday, March 1, visit WFBF’s Facebook page for farm safety content throughout the week.

A different safety focus will be highlighted by American Farm Bureau, Wisconsin Farm Bureau and the U.S. Ag Centers on social media:

Monday, March 1 – Famer Roadway Safety

Tuesday, March 2 – Caretaker Support

Wednesday, March 3 – General Farmer Wellness

Thursday, March 4 – Mental Health

Friday, March 5 – Community Roadway Safety

Wisconsin farmers and residents are encouraged to ‘Like’ Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation on Facebook to learn more about each of the daily themes.

About the ASAP Program: The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own safety messages on social media using the hashtags #KeepFarmsSafe, #ASAP21 and #USAgCenters.

The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, applauded the signing today of a bill that protects businesses and others from predatory lawsuits over outbreaks of COVID-19.

The new law creates a civil liability exemption for individuals as well as entities like businesses and schools that are acting carefully to protect others. The exemption, part of a bill Gov. Tony Evers signed to improve the state’s unemployment insurance system, had bipartisan support.

The lawmakers taking the lead on the liability issue as early as last year were Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and Reps. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, and Dan Knodl, R-Germantown.

DBA President Amy Penterman said the pandemic has created a host of challenges for businesses, which are balancing health precautions and financial survival.

“The priority for our dairy farmers and other members is always to keep employees safe as they do the essential work of producing food. But we know that sometimes things can be beyond our control. Lawsuits seeking to exploit the situation could be damaging for everyone. Our guard against the virus will remain up as we hope to see this extraordinary circumstance come to end.

“It is encouraging to see the bipartisan support for this measure. We thank the governor and lawmakers in both parties for recognizing its significance.”

From the bill:

Beginning March 1, 2020 (retroactive), an entity is immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to any individual or damages caused by an act or omission resulting in or relating to exposure, directly or indirectly, to (COVID-19) in the course of or through the performance. (The exemption) does not apply if the act or omission involves reckless or wanton conduct or intentional misconduct.

Kriss Marion of Blanchardville has signed on as communications director for the collaborative Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWIC) project. The initiative will bring together women through a variety of workshops, field days and mentorship opportunities, kicking off with March and April virtual workshops throughout the state. The three-year project is a collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), Renewing the Countryside and the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), with support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

“Kriss is uniquely suited to lead this project, given her passion for rural Wisconsin, communications strengths, hands-on conservation experiences on her own farm, and the role she has played in protecting her local watershed,” said WFU Executive Director Julie Keown-Bomar. “She knows how conservation fits into a bigger picture of land preservation and food security, and we’re pleased to have her join the WFU team.”

Marion lives in Lafayette County, where she runs a bed and breakfast on her diversified market farm. She is a county board supervisor with a history of conservation advocacy and leadership, having served several terms on her county Land Conservation Committee and on the WI Land+Water Policy Committee. She is the founder and a board member of Pecatonica Pride Watershed Association, a producer-led watershed protection council. Marion also serves on a Water Action Volunteer (WAV) stream monitoring team that assesses water quality on tributary streams, and she sits on the River Alliance of Wisconsin board of directors.

Marion and her husband Shannon implemented a number of conservation practices on their property – including pollinator habitat restoration and managed grazing of sheep to control invasives in a sedge wetland. They have a hoophouse and irrigation systems paid for through conservation cost-share programs.

 “Conservation is contagious. In my experience, you start with one small project and you enjoy the results so much, you become addicted to making your land better – for future generations, but also for your own pleasure,” says Marion, who has partnered on several projects with NRCS, and has more in the works.

Marion also has a long history of involvement in community organizing around rural issues. She was the founding president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union South Central Chapter and a founding member of the annual Soil Sisters Tour of southern Wisconsin farms.

 “The future of rural communities, and all communities, is dependent on how seriously we take stewardship,” said Marion. “Soil conservation, habitat preservation, wetland restoration, water protection – these concepts aren’t just nice ideas – they’re about food security, economic development, flood mitigation, and survival. I’m excited to connect more women with the inspiration, knowledge and resources to do this important and satisfying work on their land.”

Marion can be reached at [email protected] or 608-844-3758. For more information on the March events and to register for the statewide newsletter, visit www.wiwic.org.  

Landmark Services Cooperative is pleased to announce the winners of its annual scholarships. The cooperative recently presented 19 scholarships of $1,000 each to a group of local high school seniors and collegiate students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships were awarded during Landmark’s annual scholarship recipient “luncheon” which was held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Recipients were able to discuss future goals and aspirations with Landmark staff and board chairman during the reception.

“We are proud to invest in the future of agriculture. It is a pleasure to help students along their academic journey. By awarding scholarships, we are able to set students on a path to success,” emphasized Jim Dell, CEO of Landmark Services Cooperative.

The Landmark scholarship program encourages academic, professional and leadership development. Landmark is delighted to announce the 2020-21 winners:

Cade Austin – Milton, WI, parents Ron & Michelle
Kayla Blum – Polo, IL, parents Matthew & Krista
Benjamin Copeland – Belleville, WI, parents Chris & Amy 
Hannah Dahl – Columbus, WI, parents Taylor & Sarah
Julie Fisher – Zion, IL, parent Mike Richards
Brooklynn Hollis – German Valley, IL, parents Todd & Jodi
Bryanna Hunsicker – Sun Prairie, WI, parent William
Quincee Johnson – Evansville, WI, parents David & Rene
Jacob Kafer – Omro, WI, parents Patrick & Stacy
Elizabeth Katzman – Whitewater, WI, parents Wes & Katy
Signe Brooke Kind – Jefferson, WI, parents Jeff & Deb
Katelyn King – Brownsville, WI, parents Janel & Rob
Kyu Lor – Deerfield, WI, parents Mary & Wa
Luke McCullough – Monroe, WI, parents Mark & Amy
Brenna Meier – Belleville, WI, parents Chris & Robert
Sydni Mell – Waunakee, WI, parents Steve Mell & Kay Nelson
Kylee Sebranek – Lone Rock, WI, parents Rob & Denise
Erin Strauss – Lake Mills, WI, parents Bruce & Tammy
Chloe Uhlenhake – Burlington, WI, parents Judy & Ken

Landmark has awarded 380 scholarships totaling $245,850 to date to students since 1989 in support of building a strong future for its members, its communities and the world. “For many years, Landmark Services Cooperative has demonstrated a commitment to investing in the future of agriculture and the communities it serves. Providing scholarships for the children of co-op members is just one of the many ways Landmark delivers on that commitment. This year’s recipients are poised for a bright future. They have excelled not only in academics, but also in their personal and extra-curricular endeavors,” said Jim Lange, Landmark’s board chairman.

Recipients were selected from a pool of applicants based on cumulative grade point average, leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal motivation and academic and career goals. All members and employees of Landmark Services Cooperative and their children attending four-year universities, two-year technical programs or short courses and high school seniors planning for post-secondary education were eligible to apply for the awards.

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Landmark Services Cooperative is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to providing customers with the highest quality products and services. For 85+ years, Landmark has provided farm-related products and services to its more than 11,000 members in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and eastern Iowa. Employing more than 275 full-time people and with sales in excess of $373 million, Landmark provides a customer service-oriented approach in the communities it serves. For more information, visit landmark.coop, or call 800-236-3276.

Photo caption: Landmark’s CEO, board chair and senior leadership congratulate the scholarship recipients on their achievements.

Join Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) for an online celebration of the World and U.S. Championship Cheese Contests, with free, original programming set to stream on WorldChampionCheese.org next week.

“For more than six decades, the World and U.S. Championship Cheese Contests have raised the bar for excellence in dairy processing, and connected our industry’s brightest, most creative cheesemakers,” said John Umhoefer, Executive Director of WCMA, the Contests’ host organization.  “That’s worthy of a celebration, and we invite you join us.”

On Tuesday, March 2, WCMA looks back on the tradition of excellence set by our Contests, and looks forward, with excitement, to what’s next for these competitions. Umhoefer will moderate a lively, insightful conversation with Contest Chief Judge Jim Mueller and Contest Chief Judge Emereti Bill Schlinsog and Bob Aschebrock.

Also on March 2, dive into the minds of cheese judges. Jill Allen of Tillamook Creamery and Craig Gile of Cabot Cheese, veteran judges from World and U.S. competitions, detail the challenges – and joys – of evaluating world-class cheddars. Gurth Pretty of Lakeview Cheese and Chad Galer of Dairy Management Inc., rising stars in the expert judging community, bring new knowledge and laughs, as they walk through cheese curd judging methods. Legendary experts John Jaeggi and Dean Sommer of the Center for Dairy Research venture beneath the smear, to show us their evaluation process for ripened soft cheeses. And valued specialists Mariana Marques de Almeida of Ms. J & Co., also an Assistant Chief Judge, and Dominique Delugeau of Saputo Cheese explain how you can find a gold medal-worthy Manchego.

Then, on Wednesday, March 3, meet ten of the world’s premiere cheesemakers, as WCMA unveils the exciting line-up for the Championship Cheese Auction, set for Wednesday, April 7 at CheeseExpo Global Online.

“We’ve had so much fun reconnecting with our Champions, in preparation for our online Contest celebration, and we know you will, too,” said Kirsten Strohmenger, WCMA Events Manager.

Programs will stream live both days at 3 p.m. (CT), with viewers invited to join in live chat on our World Championship Cheese Contest Facebook page during each broadcast. Programs will also be available to stream on-demand at WorldChampionCheese.org following their original broadcast.