Non Profit Organization Marathon County Farm Bureau US Postage PAID PO Box 5550 Madison, WI 53705 Platteville, WI 53818 Permit No. 124 Address Service Requested

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

For information about our farm safety campaign, contact your local Rural Mutual agent.

Rural Mutual Agents in Marathon County: Mark Carrico Jennifer Howen Rudy Mikulich (715) 842-0886 (715) 384-2826 (715) 581-1837 Shayne Courneya Brad Kreklau Leon Woller (715) 842-0886 (715) 384-2826 (715) 257-1414 Brian Deffner Diane Echols David Meihak - (715) 298-512 (715) 218-8280 District Manager

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

A Member Benefi t the Whole Family Can Enjoy! Welcome to the Dairy Days of Summer Farm Bureau during the game as well By Beth Porior Schaefer, Regional Program Manager, Dairy Council and as advertising in the program book and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board radio ads so support your local North- It is almost here … sunshine, fresh cut alfalfa and June Dairy Breakfast at Marathon Park, Wausau. woods League team! the 30 dairy fi lled-days of June Dairy Month. Serving from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Th e teams in Th e Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is taking the Stratford FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast, Country Wisconsin include , month of June and extending the celebration of our Aire Ballroom, Stratford. Serving from 7 a.m. to Get your peanuts and Cracker Jacks , Madison Mal- state’s dairy heritage to all summer long. 12:30 p.m. ready! Th e Wisconsin Farm Bureau lards, , Green Sunday, June 14 Federation and Rural Mutual Insurance Bay Bullfrogs, Kenosha Kingfi sh, La Th e Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is excited to Edgar FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast, Ross Farms, Company are teaming up for a special Crosse Loggers and the Wisconsin Rap- bring the third Annual Dairy Days of Summer back Edgar. Serving from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farm Bureau Member Appreciation ids Rafters. to Wisconsin. Friday, June 19 Day at the ballparks of the eight Wis- Spencer Chamber of Commerce June Dairy Break- consin Northwoods League teams. “Nothing beats sitting in your favor- Th e Dairy Days of Summer website at www.dairy- fast, Village Park. Serving from 5 to 10 a.m. ite ballpark, watching your favorite daysofsummer.com is complete with dairy recipes, Sunday, June 20 “Th is will be a great opportunity for team on a hot, sunny day, with a hot events and farm breakfasts for the June Portage County June Dairy Breakfast, Bulgrin Farm Bureau members to take part in dog smothered with all the goods in Dairy Month experience! Grandview Farms LLC, Milladore a member event and enjoy America’s one hand and an ice cold drink in the favorite past time,” said Jim Holte, other,” said Todd Argall, Vice President New recipes featuring Wisconsin dairy products Wisconsin Rapids June Dairy and Berry Breakfast, President of the Wisconsin Farm of Customer Acquisition and Service include Berry Oat Breakfast Smoothie, Parmesan Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids Bureau Federation. with Rural Mutual Insurance. “We are Herb Veggie Dip, Berry and Cream Muffi ns, Apple Saturday, June 27 looking forward to seeing you at the Coleslaw with Lemon Ginger Yogurt Dressing, Pittsville June Dairy Breakfast, Pittsville Septic, From, May through August, there ballpark.” PB and J Bars, Heirloom Tomato, Basil Caprese Pittsville will be three Farm Bureau Member Warps…just to name a few. Visit dairydaysofsum- Appreciation games at each of the eight Tickets can be purchased by ordering mer.com for a complete to tempting dairy fl avors. Auburndale June Dairy Breakfast, Auburndale Wisconsin teams. Th is will be a special from each team’s website or by calling Sunday, June 28 event for Farm Bureau members with their ticket offi ce. To receive the dis- If June Dairy Breakfast is your favorite way to cele- Shawano County Brunch on the Farm, Al and Vicki deals on game tickets that will include a counted price use the promotion code brate, don’t miss out on these June Dairy breakfasts! Beran Farm, Birnamwood team hat, soda and a hot dog. ‘farmbureau’. For the full list of Farm Bureau games visit wfbf.com/benefi ts- Sunday, June 7 For more information on June Dairy Month events, Th ere also will be special recognition of membership. Marathon Partnership for Progressive Agriculture visit www.dairydaysofsummer.com.

MARATHON COUNTY FARM BUREAU EDITION MAY 2015 MAY 2015 COUNTYnews MARATHON COUNTY FARM BUREAU EDITION

Marathon County Farm Bureau Members Attend Ag Day at the Capital Ag Day at the Capitol was held Members also heard from Jordan March 11 at the Monona Terrace Lamb, an attorney with Dewitt Convention Center in Madison. Ross & Stevens who spoke to the group about high capacity It is the largest gathering of farmers wells and the UW System bud- and agriculture industry offi cials get and Bob Welch, Wisconsin from across the state representing Corn Growers, who spoke about a variety of farm and agriculture- transportation. related groups to learn more about state issues and meet with their state Following a briefi ng session at legislators. the Monona Terrace, members walked up to the Capitol to Attendees listened to Governor Scott Walker who spoke about the meet with local representatives importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy. and speak about issues important to our agriculture industry.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 5th Annual Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit is Successful During the last fi ve years, hundreds of women from around the were able to attend 2 Meet Shannon Boschma state have gathered in March for a day and half retreat the Madison breakout sessions cover- area. ing everything from Institute Program Update farm succession, home Th is year was no exception! Th is annual event is a like a mini vaca- offi ce organization, how Membership Goals tion for a lot of farm and agribusiness women who attend. to dress for any occa- sion, along with how to Essay Winners It is hard to believe that during this 27-hour conference women turn trash into treasure and so much more. Friend of Rural Health Th is year’s keynote speaker Scott Zimmer talked about “When 3 District 8 YFA Update Generations Connect,” helping us to relate to New Committee Lists the four generations now working together Farmland Film On Sale on our farms and other workplaces. Marathon County Contacts During the evening festivities the women enjoyed the sights and Member Benefits sounds of Piano Fondue.

Marathon County Farm Bureau: 877.583.5880 wfbf.com/countyfarmbureaus/marathon Meet Marathon County Farm Bureau YFA Chair: Shannon Boschma Shannon Boschma has been her time can best be spent concentrating on their dairy farm Next on their agenda is 4-H because they were active mem- a member of Farm Bureau and spending quality time with family. bers growing up and are excited for their son to experience the for more than four years and same opportunities. proudly served as your county Shannon became involved with Farm Bureau as a way to YFA chair for the last two years. network and build relationships with others in the Marathon We asked Shannon why she thought it was important to be County farming community. part of the ag industry? Shannon, her husband Hank and son Gabe run Sky-Reach When asked what she thought the greatest benefi t to being “Agriculture is our life,” Shannon said. “We grew up on dairy Holsteins, a registered Holstein a Farm Bureau member, Shannon shared that it is having a farms learning the importance of hard work morning to and Red and White Holstein strong voice directed to our government offi ces and learning night. Th ere are many job opportunities off ered to all ages in Farm. Th ey milk 45 cows and how to address our legislators with matters that are important the ag industry as well. It is wonderful to know we are part of raise 55 heifers. to agriculture. an industry that strives to produce a healthy lifestyle for all.”

Shannon recently resigned from her position as a technical Shannon and Hank also are active outside of their county Shannon is honored to be serving as the county YFA chair support specialist with Ag Source DHI where she worked for Farm Bureau. Th ey are members of Marathon County Hol- and looks forward to continuing to grow strong relationships 10 years. Th is decision wasn’t an easy one but they agreed that stein Breeders as well as Wisconsin Holstein Breeders. with her peers in Marathon County Farm Bureau.

Friend of Rural Health Initiative” Campaign Increasing Wisconsin Farm Bureau Institute Program: An Awareness throughout Marathon County Opportunity to Grow and Learn By Randy Wokatsch and Bill Mueller When you provide your email, you will automati- cally be added to the email distribution list for our Th is is what We are grate- upcoming electronic newsletter, which will share Randy ful to have news and updates. We won’t share your email Wokatsch and this opportu- address with anyone else and we plan to send a Bill Mueller nity and have maximum of one email per month. have to say come away about their looking at To become a Friend of RHI, visit www.wirural- experience in things with a health.org or contact Brittany Schreiber at brit- the institute diff erent view. [email protected] or Gail Kell at [email protected]. so far. Sometimes Front (L-R) Jilayne Radtke, Tiff any Ludka-Gaulke, Gail Overall, residents of Marathon County have been For several years, it has been a goal of ours there seems like there is only one answer Kell, Judy Burrows; back (L-R) Jean Maszk, Gary Beast- receptive. Th ank you! We are hoping to connect to qualify for and attend the Farm Bureau to a particular question but when talking rom, Brittany Schrieber, Tara Marciniak, Antonina with more people to increase awareness of our Institute. Last year we applied and we to our group, we found more ways to look Olszewski and Misty Vogel. program. were chosen to be in Institute Class 9! at the question than most of us realized. Th e Rural Health Initiative (RHI) launched its 2015 Friend of Rural Health Initiative networking We have 41 friends including Bob Kulp, Paul Th ere are fourteen of us and we just We talked about networking and social campaign in January 2015 with a goal of making Daigle, Mandy Wright, Mandy Myszka, Diane completed Session 3 of fi ve total sessions. media, how it is here, how to get the word 1,000 individual friends throughout Marathon Abitz, Marge Lastrow, Pat Duffi eld, Mike What a great experience it has been! out now, it's really quick and more people County in 2015. McNamee, Mark Gaulke, Melissa Dotter, Carol are getting their information from that Schairer, Norman Lambright, Matt Kiefer, Rick Dale Beaty, director of leadership devel- then they did before all this new technol- RHI Outreach Health Coordinator Brittany Linder and Tom Rau. opment for WFBF is our instructor. It is a ogy was introduced. Schreiber and Project Manager Gail Kell have leadership class with sessions at locations been working to extend the invite during routine Rural Health Initiative is a local 501(c)3, commu- around the state and out of state. Times are changing so we also must screenings, visits and appointments. nity-supported, program that brings preventive change to make life more enjoyable and health services directly to local farms, agribusi- We've already learned so much about profi table. In fact you may have heard one of them say the nesses and agriculturists, in eff orts to improve and public speaking, how to agvocate, what it campaign slogan, “I’m a Friend. Are You?” or per- sustain their overall health and safety. takes to be a leader, how to conduct meet- Applications for the next Wisconsin Farm haps you have seen a colleague or friend pose for a ings, ethics and so much more. Bureau Institute are due August 14. photo with our campaign poster. It’s a concept that we call Kitchen Wellness, which includes complimentary preventive health screen- Becoming a Friend of the Rural Health Initia- ings with immediate test results, health coaching, tive is easy. Th e cost is $10 and we request an and referral information. Marathon County Farm Bureau Hits April 30 email address. All the money stays local to provide Membership Goals! By Randy Wokatsch, Membership Chair convenient on-site preventive health screenings to Th ank you for your support as we continue to farmers, agribusinesses and agriculturists within serve as a bridge to improve and sustain the health I’m proud to tell you that we have accom- bers and I want to welcome all the new Marathon County. and safety of farm families in Marathon County. plished our goal of recruiting 40 new vot- members and say thank you for support- ing members by April 30. ing us. Ag in the Classroom Essay Winners are All the Buzz… Th e Farm Bureau membership year runs Th e Marathon County Ag in the Classroom com- Wisconsin agriculture?” from October 1 to September 30 but we mittee members mailed books and information earn $1,000 by achieving this number about the essay contest to every fourth grade class- Sam Nitzke, a student at of memberships by the early-bird date of room in Marathon County. South Mountain School April 30. in Wausau, was the Th e results from this approach? Th e committee District 8 and Marathon We were the fi rst county in District 8 to received almost 300 essays from students in Mara- County winner of the reach our goal! thon County who were asked to write a 100- to contest. He will receive a 300-word essay on “Why are bees important to Kindle Fire and classroom presentation. Th ank you to everyone who signed mem-

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation 1.800.261.FARM www.wfbf.com Newsletter subscription of $3 is included in Farm Bureau dues. Marathon County YFA Members Events Marathon County Farm Bureau Contacts: Marathon County YFA members participated in a tour of four chucks. Th is year we will be catching the Sunday, July 5, game President, Steve Schmidt 715.536.8153 Marathon County dairies on May 2. Host farms included Van against the . First pitch is at 5:05 Vice President, Ryan Prahl 715.842.7167 Langen Farm (Edgar), Double P Dairy (Marathon), Maple p.m. Secretary, Nikki De Jong 715.379.6861 Ridge Farms (Stratford) and Arnold Farms (Edgar). Treasurer, Beth Schaefer 608.577.6845 Th is is a Rural Mutual sponsor night. Promo tickets are $11 YFA Chair, Shannon Boschma 715.205.2655 Th e tour showcased robotics, grazing, organic and and includes a soda, hot dog and a hat. General Women’s Chair, Nikki De Jong 715.379.6861 conventional dairies. Each shared their story of how admissiona tickets also are available for $6. In addition, they have made dairying work for their facilities, fami- iti is $1 night on hot dogs, soda, beer and popcorn. Director, Michael Borchardt 715.897.5356 lies and long-term goals. Director, Wayne Breitenfeldt 715.842.8868 AfterA the game, Marathon County YFA will be Director, Chad Erickson 715.352.3589 A special thank you to United FCS Wausau for spon- sponsorings ice cream for YFA members in atten- Director, Joe Kaiser 715.218.1298 soring lunch, CRI for sponsoring boots and Shannon dance.d Please contact Beth Schaefer at 608.577.6845 Director, James Riehle 715.675.6111 Boschma for arranging the day’s events. oro [email protected] to reserve your tickets Director, Chad Stockinger 715.432.6760 by Friday, June 26. Bring the whole family for a night at the Director, Eric Vogel 715.539.3781 rd Don’t miss the 3 Annual YFA Night at the Wisconsin Wood- ballpark! Director, Randel Wokatsch 715.443.2457 Director, Mark Zimmerman 715.571.5512 District 8 YFA Update By Mellisa Eron Marathon County Farm Bureau 877.583.5880 June 23 Abbyland Travel Center in Curtis. We will be having the buff et District 8 Coordinator, Ashleigh Calaway 866.355.7348 District 8 YFA members are invited to attend the 2015 Friends that consists of chicken, ribs, scalloped potatoes, soup, salad WFBF Board Director, Donald Radtke 715.539.2892 of Millcreek Watershed Conservation Tour. It is co-hosted by and dessert for $10.75. Before the discussion meet we will be RMIC District Manager, Dave Meihak 715.344.6220 Bulgrins Grand View Dairy and Mark and touring Munson Bridge Winery at 10 a.m. Lisa Totten in Milladore. Th is was a dairy farm before a winery and Th e tour is a hayride style and will highlight the tour will cover the converting process. FARMLAND Film On Sale Now conservation eff orts practiced by the landown- Th e cost of the tour and tasting is $5 per ers. If time permits we also will tour a historic person. Plan to make a day of it by attend- Academy Award®-winning round barn owned by the Bulgrins. Please ing the Loyal Corn Festival Breakfast in the fi lmmaker James Moll’s RSVP to Melissa Eron at 651.380.1710, seat- Park. Th e breakfast is sponsored by the Clark feature-length documentary, ing is limited. County Farm Bureau with all proceeds ben- FARMLAND, is available efi ting their scholarship fund. Th e breakfast on DVD at Walmart and July 1 is from 7 a.m. to noon. Walmart.com. Applications due for the Excellence in Ag and Achievement awards. Th e Excellence in Ag award is for Day at a glance Th e availability of the docu- someone involved in the agriculture industry but doesn't not mentary at retail locations have the majority of its income from production farming. Th e 7-10 a.m. Breakfast in the Park, Loyal across the country and online, Achievement award is for someone in production agriculture. 10 a.m. Tour and tasting at Munson Bridge Winery, provides another opportunity For more information, please talk to your county YFA chair. W6462 Bridge Road, Withee for viewers to experience the 12 noon Travel to Abbyland Travel Center, 219 Plaza fi lm, which off ers a fi rsthand August 14 Drive, Curtis glimpse inside the world of WFBF Institute Class X applications due. Th is is a great 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Discussion Meet farming by showcasing the leadership opportunity and is open to all ages, not just YFA lives of six young farmers and members. You don't have to compete to attend or if you can't attend the ranchers in their twenties. whole day, you are welcome attend part of it. Please RSVP by Rural Sponsorship due. Consider nominating someone who August 24 to Melissa if attending any of the events and if you Th is fi lm is a great tool for educating others about agricul- will be attending the YFA Conference for the fi rst time. Rural are participating in the Discussion Meet. ture. Th ere are many ways to use this fi lm in ‘ag’vocating Insurance will cover their registration and hotel costs. eff orts. For example you could donate copies to your local To save on printing costs and postage, we will not send post- schools and libraries or could set up a movie night in your August 25-27 cards for upcoming events. Please share your contact informa- community to watch the fi lm together and discuss it after. Farm Technology Days in Dane County. tion or email address with Melissa Eron at mklein211@hot- mail.com. We will send reminder emails and create Facebook FARMLAND premiered in theaters across the country in August 29 events to promote the events. spring 2014, and now, is available on hard disk for rent and District 8 Discussion Meet. Th is year it will be held at the purchase at Netfl ix, Amazon, select retail outlets and via On Demand platforms.

Looking for Ways to Get Involved in Marathon County Farm Bureau? DVDs of FARMLAND are available at Walmart locations Check Out the New and Improved Committee Lists! and on Walmart.com. Th e documentary also is available to rent on DVD from Netfl ix and to purchase on Amazon, with During the last month a special task force made up Policy Development: Randy Wokatsch, 715.443.2457 continued availability for rent and purchase via digital down- of county directors and members reviewed the list Little Britches: Mike Borchardt, 715.897.5356 load on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster On- of standing committees that were in place. Fair Stand: Helen Traska, 715.842.1957 Demand, Sony PlayStation, Vudu.com, Xbox and YouTube. Membership: Randy Wokatsch, 715.443.2457 Th e task force found that some of the committees no longer Annual Meeting: Nikki DeJong, 715.379.6861; Ryan Prahl, “I’m thrilled by how wide the distribution has been for Farm- served their purpose. Th e task force also found that in order 715.842.7167 land,” said Moll. “Th ere’s a lot of interest out there in the to move the county Farm Bureau forward they needed to add YFA: Shannon Boschma, 715.330.4450 lives of young farmers and ranchers. It is a fascinating topic new committees. Women’s: Nikki DeJong, 715.379.6861 and I’m glad that there’s such a demand for the fi lm.” PR/Media: Beth Schaefer, 608.577.6845 If you are interested in learning more about the committees or PPA Committee/Farm City Dinner/Dairy Breakfast: Eric Produced by Moll’s Allentown Productions, FARMLAND how you can get involved, please contact the chairs of the com- and Misty Vogel, 715.539.3781 was made with the generous support of the U.S. Farmers & mittee or visit wfbf.com/countyfarmbureaus/marathon. By-Law Committee: Th e board is looking for a com- Ranchers Alliance®. Check out the offi cial trailer and more Ag in the Classroom: Lindsey Prahl, 715.842.1061; Lindsay mittee chair, if interested, please contact Steve Schmidt, information about the feature length documentary at FARM- Buettner, 715.680.1003 715.536.8153 LANDfi lm.com and on Facebook.

Marathon County Farm Bureau: 877.583.5880 wfbf.com/countyfarmbureaus/marathon