Wisconsin Farmers Union News

Transcription

wisconsinfarmersunion.com
Wisconsin well-represented at
NFU Convention in Wichita
Henderson hired as WFU Kamp
Kenwood Facilities Manager
Page 4
Page 6
The Big Share a big success
Page 8
United to grow family agriculture
April 2015
Volume 72 | No. 3
Not in Kansas anymore: Von Ruden travels to Rome
Darin Von Ruden
President
s winter
gives way
to spring,
we at Wisconsin
Farmers Union find
ourselves hitting the road, advocating
for family farming, much like the
traveling folks who founded Farmers
Union more than a century ago.
March brought 24 WFU members
and staff to Wichita, Kansas, where
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 203
Eau Claire, WI
Wisconsin Farmers Union
117 W. Spring St.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Return Service Requested
NON-PROFIT
A
the National Farmers Union convened
for its 113th Anniversary Convention.
Over several days, delegates from
across the country set the course for
NFU policy for the coming year,
developing policies that will protect
family farms and guide NFU on topics
like the Renewable Fuel Standard,
Country-of-Origin Labeling, trade,
market transparency, rural schools and
more. (For more about key policies set
at convention, see page 5.)
U.S Secretary of Agriculture Tom
Vilsack gave an inspiring address,
urging ag organizations to come
together. Though he acknowledged
farm groups will likely never agree on
every topic, he called for agvocates to
take a more unified approach,drawing
applause as he said, "Every minute
that agriculture takes fighting within
agriculture is another minute we're not
using to advocate about ag with the
rest of the country."
Attendees to the National
Convention enjoyed Wichita's warm
weather and historic charm, with some
venturing to Old Town and catching
area farm tours during the few days.
We hope you'll consider joining
us next March when the National
Convention comes to Minneapolis.
As I write this, I'm keenly aware
that I'm not in Kansas anymore. Right
on the heels of National Convention,
I took a leap over the Big Pond to
Rome. While here, I've been part of a
contingent that has been sharing the
story of American family farmers with
Vatican leaders and representatives
Above: Twenty-four WFU members traveled to Wichita, Kansas for the
National Farmers Union Convention March 14-17. Pictured are, from left:
Front row, Janet Nelson, Deb Jakubek, Kriss Marion, Jim and Lisa Soyring;
second row, Nancy Slattery, Flo and Wayne Danielson, Rachel Strangstalien;
third row, Michael Slattery, Patty Edelburg, Sarah Lloyd, Larry Stangstalien;
fourth row, Dennis Rosen, Tom Quinn, Nicole and Joe Schauer; back row,
Joann Von Ruden, Zachary Herrnstadt, WFU President Darin Von Ruden,
David Wright-Racette, Danielle Endvick, Craig Myhre and Chris Holman.
of rural groups like the Caldoritti
(the largest farm organization in
Italy); the International Catholic
Rural Association; and the
World Farmers Organization. .
The meetings are leading up to an
International Symposium of Faith,
Food and The Environment that will
take place in Milan, Italy June 24 -27.
We have been working to ease
tension and dispel the belief held by
many Europeans that all American
farmers are corporate farmers.
We've also learned that one of the
Above: WFU President Darin Von
Ruden and other Farmers Union
leaders were granted the honor of an
audience with Pope Francis March 25
while in Rome on business.
Continued on page 2
▶
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Farmers Union News
WFU News
WFU
News• |April
Fall 2015
2010
WFU continues fight against rural hunger
A publication of
117 W. Spring St.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
ph: 715-723-5561 • 800-272-5531 • fx: 715-723-7011
www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
WFU Board of Directors
Darin Von Ruden
President
District 5
608-634-4695
Craig Myhre
Vice President
District 4
715-983-2167
Dennis Rosen
Secretary
District 2
715-265-4519
Mark Liebaert
Treasurer
At-Large
715-398-5234
Janet Nelson
District 1
715-455-1755
Ed Gorell
District 3
715-287-3383
Patty Edelburg
District 6
715-445-2003
Tina Hinchley
District 7
608-764-5090
W. Michael Slattery
District 8
920-863-2996
WFU State Office Staff
Tom Quinn
Executive Director
715-723-5561 • [email protected]
Diane Tiry
Administrative Assistant
Cathy Statz
Education Director
Amanda Kollwitz
Accounting/Member Services
Danielle Endvick
Communications Director
Deb Jakubek
Regional Membership Coordinator
Sarah Lloyd
Special Projects & Membership
Kara O’Connor
Government Relations Director
Zach Herrnstadt
Government Relations Associate
David Wright-Racette
Policy Organizer
Brad Henderson
Kamp Kenwood Facilities Manager
Newsletter Editor, Layout & Design: Danielle Endvick
Printed by: Leader Printing, Eau Claire, WI
Bulk Rate postage paid in Eau Claire, WI
W
isconsin Farmers
Union, continuing
the fight against rural
hunger, presented $5,000
to food banks around the
state in March. This is the
fourth year the National
Farmers Union has joined
Feeding America's efforts
to raise funds for rural
food banks.
WFU President Darin Von Ruden said that
although rural hunger doesn’t always get the same
media attention as inner-city poverty, it doesn’t
discriminate based on geography and often becomes
a larger issue in rural communities, which may lack
the resources needed for a food bank to thrive.
“With the struggling financial state of many
Americans today, there are more and more people
who are depending on food pantries for their everyday needs,” Von Ruden said. “This is just one way
Wisconsin Farmers Union can help our neighbors.”
WFU presented checks to 19 food banks,
including Bethel Butikk Food Pantry and Thrift
Shop, Westby; Cambria Bread Basket Community
Food Pantry; Cashton Cupboard and Closet;
Elmwood Food Pantry; Fall Creek Community
Cupboard; Feed My People Food Bank of West
Central Wisconsin, Eau Claire; Lomira Food
Pantry; Loyal Community Food Pantry; Oakfield
Continued from page 1
Food Pantry, Fond du
Lac; Pepin County Food
Pantry; Peter’s Pantry,
Manitowoc; Portage
Food Pantry; Prairie
Farm Food Pantry; Rural
Care & Share Food
Shelf, Poplar; Second
Harvest Foodbank,
Madison; Stepping
Stones, Menomonie;
Tomorrow River Area Community
Kitchen, Amherst; Waupun Food Pantry; and
Whitehall Food Pantry.
Funding was provided by Farmers Union
Enterprises to assist pantries in the five-state area
of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Wisconsin food banks were
selected by WFU board members and staff.
Last year, NFU members donated $196,700 to
Feeding America and its food banks — the most
money raised annually since the campaign began.
Final figures for 2015 are not yet available.
“Feeding the less fortunate is not a mission
family farmers and ranchers take lightly,”
said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Farmers
Union members have always sought innovative
solutions to food security challenges, whether
in their own communities or on the other side
of the world.”
Despite all Italy's culture and charm, this
Wisconsin farmboy will be ready to return home
Vatican's concerns is water quality and quantity in
to the Driftless region when the meetings are done.
the major ag-producing regions of the world. If there Once there, I'll be hitting the road yet again, as
is one point farmers the world over can agree on,
WFU launches its annual Spring Tour. I hope
it's that in the face of droughts or contamination, we you'll join us at one (or more!) of the seven tour
need to make sure that the water supply remains safe stops around the state March 30th through April
and abundant.
10th. For the full line-up, check out page 3.
On March 25th, our small group was granted the
Plan to join us for a complimentary meal and
honor of an audience with the Pope, an incredible
learn more about Farmers Union and our efforts
experience I'll not soon forget.
in education, cooperation and legislation.
While not in meetings, we have been able to do
Whether you'll be hitting the road to Spring Tour
some sightseeing and did a walking tour of the ruins or getting the wheels rolling — before we know it
of Pompeii — in the rain nonetheless.
— on spring planting, I wish you happy trails.
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WFU to kick off April with Spring Tour events
Spring is here, and the Wisconsin Farmers
Union staff is ready to hit the road with our members once again for our annual WFU Spring Tour!
Join us at one, any or all of the seven tour stops
throughout the state for a complimentary meal
and to learn more about Farmers Union, our mission and policy priorities for 2015. Non-members
are also welcome!
Every stop will include either a special featured speaker or a tour of the agribusiness host,
which range in diversity from a small-town
brewery (Dallas) to an award-winning goat farm
(Malone), a food cooperative (Ashland), local
food venues (Whitewater, New Glarus, Viroqua)
and a robotic dairy (Amherst).
There is no cost to attend. Each Spring Tour
program will begin at 11 a.m., with a meal to follow. Please RSVP to Deb Jakubek at djakubek@
wisconsinfarmersunion.com or 715-590-2130 to
help ensure that we have enough food. (If possible, RSVP one week in advance.)
Tour stop details:
• Stop #1 will be at Fin & Hooves, a Black
Sheep Restaurant at the former Whitewater
Country Club.
• Stop #2 will be at The Café at LaClare Farms,
an award-winning goat farm and farmstead
creamery.
• Stop #3 will be at Cow & Quince Local Food
Market & Eatery in New Glarus, the first community supported restaurant (CSR) in Green County.
Housed in a 1930’s historic building that formerly was a grocery store, Cow & Quince offers a
farm-to-table experience in a casual atmosphere.
• Stop #4 will be the Chequamegon Food Coop in Ashland, a member-owned store dedicated
to providing ecologically sound and healthy
foods and products for its members and community.
• Stop #5 will be the Valkyrie Brewery in Dallas, which was the first microbrewery in Northwest Wisconsin
• Stop #6 will be the Rooted Spoon Kitchen
Table in Viroqua. The Rooted Spoon offers seasonal menus that highlight locally sourced and
sustainably produced ingredients.
• Stop #7 will offer a chance to view a robotic
milking system installed last year at Groshek
Farms in Amherst. Afterward, we'll meet for
lunch at the Lettie Jensen Community Center,
487 N. Main St., Amherst.
Plan to bring a friend; these events are a great
way to introduce people to Farmers Union. We
hope to see you soon!
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2010
2011
A Wichita welcome
Kansas hosts 113th Anniversary
National Farmers Union Convention
Clockwise from top: The Wisconsin
contingent met to discuss key issues before
policy discussion kicked off at the National
Farmers Union Convention March 16
in Wichita, Kansas; Kriss Marion, who
farms in Blanchardville and is president of
South Central Farmers Union, displayed
her musical talents at the Education Gala;
Long-time WFU member Janet Nelson
of Prairie Farm was honored for her dedication to Farmers Union during the
convention — that same night, her hand-made quilt sold for a record $3,000;
During the convention, NFU awarded Maureen McCollum of Wisconsin Public
Radio with the Milt Hakel Award, recognizing reporters who have demonstrated
exceptional reporting of agricultural issues. Maureen was nominated by WFU
due to her accurate, fair and timely coverage of issues affecting family farmers;
Joe Schauer of Good Earth Farm in Oakfield accepted a Leadership Achievement Award on behalf of the Dodge-Fond du Lac County Farmers Union. Also
recognized were the Chippewa, Amnicon-Douglas, Eau Claire, South Central
and Wood-Portage-Waupaca chapters. ; WFU District 8 Director Michael Slattery channeled his inner cowboy spirit during a walk in downtown Wichita.
WICHITA, Kansas —
Twenty-four WFU members
ventured to the prairie state of
Kansas to represent Wisconsin
at the National Farmers Union
Convention March 14-17 in
Wichita. The four-day event
drew more than 480 family
farmers and ranchers from
across the country and featured
high-profile speakers, workshops and grassroots policymaking.
Highlights of the convention included keynote addresses from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Gina McCarthy and Dr. Temple Grandin.
Delegates adopted six special orders relating to family farming: Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL); the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS); Transparency
in Livestock Markets; Cotton in the 2014 Farm Bill; Trade Policy; and Animal
Disease Protection and Research. Full text of the adopted policy manual will
be available soon at www.nfu.org.
In his address, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced $97
million in programs to support local foods and rural economies.
The Secretary also urged agricultural groups to come together, earning applause as he said, "Every minute that agriculture takes fighting within agriculture is another minute we're not using to advocate about ag with the rest of the
country."
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy promised the agency would soon come out with a final Waters of the Unites States
(WOTUS) rule and also committed to movement on the Renewable Fuel
Standard (RFS).
"I really wish we had done a better job of rolling out the clean water rule,"
McCarthy said, alluding to pushback EPA has faced from the ag community
since the rule was introduced. "I'm really concerned that we weren't crystalclear enough, not only about what we intended to do, but also what we weren't
intending to do."
EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are working hard to finalize the
Clean Water Act by this spring, she said, noting clearer definitions are being
proposed for tributaries, ditches and other terms that had caused concern with
national farm organizations. McCarthy also promised movement on the RFS.
"The RFS is a complicated program, and we weren't able to accomplish what
we needed to do last year," she said. "Implementing the RFS as Congress
intended has been challenging."
For expanded NFU Convention coverage from Wichita, visit News Releases
at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com or www.nfu.org.
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NFU members set policy priorities
Zachary Herrnstadt
Government Relations Associate
I
may be slightly biased, but in
my opinion they always save
the best for last at the National
Farmers Union Convention. This
year was no exception, with the
final day of the 113th convention, held March 1417 in Wichita, Kansas, almost entirely dedicated
to debating and voting on the grassroots policy
that makes up the core of the organization.
During the policy process, delegates reaffirmed
NFU’s support for Country-of-Origin Labeling
(COOL) and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
while also restating NFU’s continuing opposition
to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Trade Promotion Authority. NFU delegates also debated some
of the very topics that were discussed at the WFU
convention in January, including the definition of
the family farm, GMO labeling, and raw milk.
“As always, NFU delegates took the policy discussion and adoption process very seriously, considering the needs of family farmers and ranchers
and planning the best path forward for them and
the future of American agriculture,” said NFU
President Roger Johnson.
Grassroots Policy Making
WFU delegates presented two suggested modifications to NFU policy process. The first suggestion was to add language to NFU policy on the
Dairy Margin Protection Program pointing out the
importance that the program provides all family
farms with a reasonable opportunity for protection. This language was adopted into NFU policy.
The second suggestion was to remove language
which referred to Common Core as a program
consisting of excessive testing requirements.
WFU delegates argued that though Common Core
may not be perfect, its elimination could strain
the resources of rural schools whose budgets are
already extremely tight. Elimination of Common
Above: Representing WFU as delegates at the national
convention were, left to right, Dennis Rosen, Wayne
Danielson, Patty Edelburg and Darin Von Ruden.
Left: From left, Flo Danielson,
Janet Nelson, Joe Schauer and
Michael Slattery observed the lively
debate during the NFU Convention
policy session March 17 in Wichita.
Above: WFU District 6 Director
Patty Edelburg of Amherst voiced a
WFU stance on rural school policy.
Core would force rural schools to develop their
own standards even though many of these schools
do not have the personnel or money to dedicate
to this project. After a fair amount of debate, the
NFU delegation voted against removing this reference to Common Core.
vegetables. Additionally, America’s family farmers and ranchers are proud of the food that they
produce, and want their products to be differentiated as U.S. produced. Therefore, NFU supports
maintaining the integrity of COOL.
Convention delegates adopted six Special Orders of Business, which policy staff at the national and state levels will focus on throughout the
next year: Family Farming and Country-of-Origin
Labeling (COOL), Family Farming and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Family Farming
and Transparency in Livestock Markets, Family
Farming and Cotton in the 2014 Farm Bill, Family Farming and Trade Policy, and Family Farming and Animal Disease Protection and Research.
Below are summaries of these six Special Orders
of Business.
NFU calls on the administration to defend U.S.
farmers and ranchers by opposing imports of live
animals and processed or frozen animal products from countries or regions with a history of
Foot-and-Mouth Disease. NFU opposes moving
research on highly contagious animal diseases to
the mainland U.S.
NFU opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership
as it currently stands because it uses the same
failed blueprint as past trade agreements. NFU
also opposes Trade Promotion Authority, or “Fast
Track,” for negotiating trade rules. Congress’
constitutional authority to set the terms of trade
agreements, especially as these trade agreements
expand to cover more domestic rules, must be
restored.
Family Farming and
Transparency in Livestock Markets:
2015 Special Orders of Business
Family Farming and Trade Policy:
Family Farming and Animal
Disease Protection and Research:
Family Farming and the
Renewable Fuel Standard:
NFU calls for the retention of the Renewable
Fuel Standard, increased availability of blender
pumps nationwide, and the expansion of flexiblefuels vehicles.
NFU supports increased transparency and usability of mandatory price reporting data and
making mandatory price reporting permanent law.
Family Farming and
Cotton in the 2014 Farm Bill:
When Congress passed the Agricultural Act of
2014, it eliminated the cotton commodity proFamily Farming and
gram. NFU believes that cotton should be reinCountry-of-Origin Labeling
stated as a covered commodity. NFU opposes the
The vast majority of consumers support COOL, Stacked Income Protection Plan, and recommends
which is a labeling law that requires retailors to
loan rates to be no lower than the cost of producprovide information to consumers on the origins
tion.
of food products including muscle cut and ground
The NFU policy will be posted in full soon at
meats, as well as fresh and frozen fruits and
www.nfu.org.
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WFU welcomes Henderson to WFU Kamp Kenwood
Wisconsin Farmers Union welcomed Brad Henderson to their staff March 2. Henderson will serve as
Facilities Manager for historic WFU Kamp Kenwood on the shores of Lake Wissota near Chippewa
Falls. Each summer, the camp becomes home to hundreds of youth who learn the values of cooperatives,
family farms, social justice and civic engagement.
Henderson, a native of Racine, attended UW-Madison and graduated with a civil-environmental engineering degree in 1993. With his intrepid wife Julie,
he moved to Eau Claire to raise his family and began
working for the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources. For 20 years, Henderson assisted small
villages and large cities in their efforts to provide safe
and abundant drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. More recently, his interests have been
drawn to water quality issues related to the increase
in sand mines and high capacity wells in northwestern Wisconsin.
His involvement with WFU began when his
daughter Sarah (now Eau Claire County chapter president) attended WFU Kamp Kenwood. “My daughter and I rode our bikes from Eau Claire to Kamp
Brad Henderson, pictured with his daughter Sarah,
Eau Claire County Farmers Union president, has been
hired as WFU Kamp Kenwood Facilities Manager.
Kenwood,” he recalled. “The setting on the shores of
Lake Wissota was beautiful but what impressed me
were the stories Sarah shared during our two-hour
ride home about what she learned about leadership, co-ops and sustainability. I knew we would be
involved with WFU for a long time to come.”
“The opportunity to serve Wisconsin Farmers
Wanted: Green Thumbs and
Hard-Working Volunteers for
WFU Kamp Kenwood
Spring Clean-up
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 25th
19161 79th Ave.
Chippewa Falls, WI
Join us for a day of clean-up and camaraderie as we prep
for the 2015 Summer Camp Season! Bring gloves.
Take in all or part of the day, but we are calling for all
hands on deck at 11 a.m., when we put the docks in.
WE’RE THROWING OUT THE RAKES! Instead we’ll be:
Tidying up • Sprucing up the landscaping • Cleaning the lodge
Restocking ﬁrewood (no cutting needed) • Putting in docks
Planning how we can keep a strong volunteer core all summer long!
Lunch will be served.
For more info, Contact Kamp Kenwood Facilities
Manager Brad Henderson at 715-723-6137.
Directions at www.kampkenwood.com
Union came about when changes in my life and our
government meant I wanted to focus my energy
full-time on issues important to our communities,”
Henderson said. “I was drawn to WFU for its awareness and promotion of sustainable food, from urban
gardens to family farms. I found myself relating to
WFU’s work on behalf of family farms, local food,
sustainable energy, cooperative business and healthy
and active living, and I am pleased to be able to help
the WFU staff accomplish their goals.”
As Facilities Manager, Henderson will be responsible for care of the camp and facilities. He will
assist with event bookings and oversee construction
projects on the 23-acre Kamp Kenwood property,
which hosts reunions, weddings and other events on
weekends between camp sessions.
"We are very pleased about the energy and ideas
Brad is bringing to our team," said WFU Executive
Director Tom Quinn. "He has seen the benefits of
camp with his own kids and is passionate about the
camp program, the property and the role it can play
in educating future leaders in agriculture, conservation and the cooperative movement."
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The Big Share has a BIG impact for WFU Kamp Kenwood
Danielle Endvick
Communications Director
O
n March 3rd, the Wisconsin
Farmers Union Foundation
asked past WFU Kamp Kenwood
campers, counselors and parents to
consider giving back to a camp
that for generations has given so much — lasting
memories, lifelong friendships and lessons on the
value of cooperation, civic engagement and leadership,
to name a few.
This was the first year of The Big Share, a day of
online giving hosted by Community Shares of
Wisconsin and dedicated to nonprofit groups. The
WFU Foundation committed to raising $5,000 for
a cooler at WFU Kamp Kenwood, which has been
blessed with a bounty of cooperatively-sourced food
in recent summers, but struggles with limited space.
In an incredible 24-hour outpouring of support,
Kamp Kenwood alumni and aficionados met our
$5,000 challenge — and surpassed it! For that we
owe you a big thank you. More than 100 donors
poured out their love and opened their wallets for a
place that many of us in Wisconsin Farmers Union
have come to cherish. At the end of the day, we
had raised a whopping $6,520, crushing our goal
and earning $750 in Big Share cash prizes. Combined
with a generous anonymous matching grant, we
raised over $12,000 for this great camp! Altogether,
the 70-plus nonprofits taking part in The Big Share
raised over $230,000.
If you were among those who gave, thank you. If
you weren’t, it’s not too late to make a difference.
You can use the form on the bottom of this page to
contribute to the camp program or facility upgrade
fund. Donations of food products are also welcome.
In each of the past two years, Kamp Kenwood has
seen an exciting 10 percent growth in attendance,
thanks largely to the support of camp alumni and
area cooperatives and credit unions. Thank you for
your continued support!
We'd like to acknowledge the following donation
dedications from throughout The Big Share.
• Allison L Krosnoski, "To all my amazing summers
spent at Kamp!"
• James Anderson, "To great memories."
• Robert Mahr, "To many great summers at Kamp
Kenwood."
• Steven Statz, "In honor of Tony and Claire Statz
and WFU Education Director Cathy Statz for their
continued dedication to Kamp Kenwood."
• Tom Pamperin, "In honor of Bruce the Penguin,
Grandpa Fang and Co-op Class!" (We won't ask.)
• Cathy Statz helped us break the $6,000 mark
nearly at the stroke of midnight with a dedication
"To round numbers" and also gave "In memory of
Lylas Trogstad, former WFU Education Director."
• Crispin Pierce, "To the excellent education and
youth support Kamp Kenwood provides."
• Tom Quinn, in recognition of his fellow Dunn
County Farmers Union members.
• Patricia Pattison, in honor of the Pattison
family.
• Mitchell Salzwedel, "For generations to
come."
• Chanda Manning, in honor of Cathy
Statz.
It’s not too late to support WFU Kamp Kenwood! Consider donating today!
 We'd like to help support the co-op camp program through a
contribution to the WFU Foundation.
Enclosed please find: $
 We'd like to help support the WFU camp facility through a
contribution to the WFU Foundation Kamp Kenwood Fund.
Enclosed please find: $
Contributions to the WFU Foundation for the camp program / WFU Kamp Kenwood Facility Fund are tax-deductible.
Optional:  In honor of /  In memory of:
To be used for:
Organization:
Title:
Contact Person:
Phone:
Email:
Full Mailing Address:
MAIL TO: Wisconsin Farmers Union, 117 W. Spring St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Questions, contact Cathy at: 715-723-5561 or [email protected]
• Maxwell Burke-Scoll, "To the Fangrowskis and
the big green mound."
• James Pattison, in honor of the Buche Pattison family.
• Susan Benzschawel, "For all the memories in
years past, and all the memories yet to be made."
• Brad and Julie Henderson, dedicated by their
now-grown campers, Sarah, Abby and Calvin.
• Jeanene Holton and family, in memory of Robert
Holton, who dedicated many years of his life, and
lots of vacation hours, to supporting and taking part
in camp programs that fostered citizenship, good
values and teamwork.
• Michelle Struebing, "From the Struebing family
in Nebraska, honoring our mom and stepdad who
would be so proud of this venture!"
• Lindsey Arenberg, "To Robbie Bannen and Ted
Fisher who opened our eyes to the joys of WFU and
Kamp Kenwood."
• Ed and Kristi Gorell, "For generations to come."
• Jean Olson, in honor of Francis L. and Lena A.
Olson, Town of Howard Farmers Union, Chippewa
County.
• Jamie Derr, in honor of the Derr family.
• Robert Slaughter, in honor of Kara O'Connor.
• Sue Carlson, "To Janet Nelson and her long-time
leadership to Farmers Union, where education is
the base of our focus, including the value of family
agriculture, cooperatives and civic engagement."
• Paul Gehrke, in honor of Erwin Gehrke.
• Tovah Flygare, "To awesome WI family farmers!"
• Amanda Gilmeister, "To 'A friend on your left, and
a friend on your right, viva la compagnie! In love
and good fellowship let us unite!' "
Well said, all! To the many people who gave,
whether $5 or $500, thank you! Stay tuned for photos
of the completed cooler project.
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• April 2015
WFUWFU
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| November
2011
Spring has sprung, but we have summer (camp) on the mind!
Cathy Statz
for summer camp staff and volunteer
Education Director positions are available by contacting
Cathy at the WFU office, 800-272ith the first
5531 or cstatz@wisconsinfarmerday of spring sunion.com.
behind us, thoughts
Family Camp is a great way for
are turning to sumfamilies with younger children to
mer. In the world of Farmers Union’s dip their toes in the summer camp
education department, this means it is experience. The 2015 Family Camp
almost time for camp!
will be held August 7-8, followContacts from new and returning
ing the Junior 3 Camp session. This
members have increased, with families overnight camping experience is a
asking questions as they prepare to
great way to spend time with young
mail their camp registrations. There
family members and extended family.
are still spaces available in all camp
Cost for Family Camp is $65 for one
dates as of this writing, but, to be asadult and up to 2 elementary-aged
sured of your first choice of session,
children; additional adults $25 each;
don’t wait too long to send in your
additional youth $15 each. Since our
camp registrations.
Summer Conference will happen that
Planning is underway for another
same weekend, we are also offering
great summer of fun and cooperaa one-day Acorn Camp for younger
tive education at Wisconsin Farmers
campers (ages 7 and up) on Saturday,
Union Kamp Kenwood. Our program August 8.
builds capacity for the future by
Due to increased demand for camp
educating our young people today
sessions in later summer, we are
about cooperatives, leadership
adding a Junior Camp session in late
development and engaged citizenship.
August this year: our Junior 5 Camp
Do you know a college student
will be held August 16-19 (Sunday
looking for seasonal employment or a - Wednesday). Camp registrations
high schooler who loves to volunteer?
were up by 10 percent each of the last
Farmers Union can offer a sumtwo years, so it will be great to
mer experience of travel, outdoor
accommodate more families and
activities, kids and fun! Applications youth this summer.
W
Perhaps you have fond memories
of your own children attending Farmers Union Camp … are your grandchildren old enough to attend now?
It is always fun to see camp registrations from parents who attended
Farmers Union Camp themselves
when they were young and are now
looking forward to their own children
experiencing WFU Kamp Kenwood for the first time this summer.
Grandparents, be sure to share camp
information with those grandkids!
During June, July and August,
youth between the ages of 8 and 18
can attend overnight camps for four
to five days at Kamp Kenwood.
Farmers Union Camp is a great mix
of learning, leadership and fun in a
cooperative environment with the
support of a great group of camp
counselors, many of whom grew
up attending camp and are looking
forward to sharing the excitement of
camp with the next generation.
Please call the WFU state office for
more information at 800-272-5531.
Printable registration forms can be
found in recent issues of the WFU
News, at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com or by request from the
WFU office.
When a June weekend dawns, do
you follow your nose to the closest
on-the-farm breakfast? If you know
you’ll be at a particular breakfast
or other event, consider joining us
for an hour or two to share Farmers Union with the general public
through the WFU education booth.
We are always on the look-out for
members and their children to
assist us by volunteering to staff
the WFU booth and help with face
painting. If you are involved with
the planning of a dairy breakfast or
other summer event in your community, call the WFU office to find
out if the Farmers Union camp
outreach program can play a role.
Summer camp staff are available
to lead games, do face painting, or
volunteer in other ways, but our
summer events calendar always fills
quickly, so contact the WFU state
office as soon as possible if you are
interested.
Meet this year’s camp staff and
get the update on Farmers Union
youth traveling to Bailey, Colorado
for the National Farmers Union AllStates Leadership Camp immediately after the conclusion of Senior
Camp in upcoming summer issues.
For now, think spring and send in
those camp registrations today!
Farmers Union members,
Hastings Mutual has you covered!
Now, with your Farmers Union membership, you
will receive a 9% special group discount on your
Hastings Mutual Farmowners policy premium!
117 W Spring St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
1-800-272-5531 • [email protected]
WFUNews
News •| April
20152011
WFU
Fall
November
2010
Farmers Union News
Registration open: Wisconsin Farmers Union
Summer
Youth Camps at WFU Kamp Kenwood
2015 Wisconsin Farmers Union Summer Youth Camps at WFU Kamp Kenwood
Junior Camp 1/Junior High Camp 1 (Jr 1/JH 1)
COMBINED SESSION  June 9-12 (Tues-Fri)
Ages 8-14 . . . $85.00
Junior High Camp 2 (JH 2)  July 27-31 (Mon-Fri)
Ages 12-14 . . . $90.00
Junior Camp 2 (Jr 2)  July 19-22 (Sun-Wed)
Junior Camp 3 (Jr 3)  August 4-7 (Tues-Fri)
Junior Camp 4 (Jr 4)  August 9-12 (Sun-Wed)
Junior Camp 5 (Jr 5)  August 16-19 (Sun-Wed)
Ages 8-12 . . . $85.00
For younger children & families:
Acorn Day Camp (ACORN)  August 8 (Sat)
Ages 7 and up . . . $15
Senior Camp (SEN)  June 14-18 (Sun-Thurs)
Ages 14-18 . . . $95.00
Family Camp (FAM)  August 7-8 (Fri-Sat)
All Ages - $65 for 1 adult and up to 2 children
$25 each add’l adult; $15 each add’l child
NOTES
 Mail form(s) with payment to: Wisconsin Farmers Union Camp Programs, 117 West Spring Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
 Annual WFU family membership (required except for raffle/auction/drawing winners) is $30. Multi-year membership discounts available.
 To secure registration, a payment of ½ the total camp fee (plus full amount of WFU family membership for non-members) is required.
 NON-MEMBERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO REGISTER UNTIL WFU MEMBERSHIP FEE IS RECEIVED IN FULL.
 For more information, contact us at 1-800-272-5531 or [email protected], or print copies at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
 WFU Kamp Kenwood is located near Lake Wissota State Park at 19161 79th Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI.
 Contact your county/local FU secretary/treasurer, local co-op or the WFU state office regarding eligibility for full or partial sponsorship.
 Camp fees refunded only if we are notified in writing (mail/fax/email) three days prior to session start date; written notification is also required
in cases of emergency/illness. Camper substitutions are welcome. WFU membership is non-refundable.
 Rules for acceptance & participation are the same for everyone without regard to race/color, sex/gender, age, ability or national origin. Staff/camper
ratio is 1/7. SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY.
 Sponsored in part by the CHS FOUNDATION COOPERATIVE EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAM
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - cut here for mailing  save top portion for your reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2015 WFU CAMPS AT KAMP KENWOOD  REGISTRATION FORM (make copies as needed)
*************************************************************************************************************************
Camper Name
(Circle one) M or F Age as of camp start date
Camp Session: Jr 1/JH 1
Jr 3
Birthdate
Jr 4
Jr 5
JH 2
SEN
ACORN
FAM
Expected High School Grad Year
Cabin Buddy (optional):
Camper Email (optional)
Parent Email
Parent(s)
Day Phone
Jr 2
Eve Phone
Cell
Address/City/State/Zip
Circle to indicate: Vegetarian Vegan Other Allergy/Accomm (please contact us) Describe your household: Farm
Rural
Small Town
Urban
Other than WFU, please list any co-op and/or credit union memberships you hold:
How did you learn about us?
Amount Enclosed (include at least ½ of camp fee, PLUS WFU family membership ($30) paid in full for non-members):$
Remainder to be paid by (): Parent (Before or At Camp) County FU Co-op (provide name)
2015 WFU CAMPS AT KAMP KENWOOD  REGISTRATION FORM (for friend/family member)
*************************************************************************************************************************
Camper Name
(Circle one) M or F Age as of camp start date
Camp Session: Jr 1/JH 1
Birthdate
Jr 3
Jr 4
Jr 5
JH 2
SEN
ACORN
Expected High School Grad Year
Cabin Buddy (optional):
Camper Email (optional)
Parent Email
Parent(s)
Day Phone
Jr 2
Eve Phone
Cell
Address/City/State/Zip
Circle to indicate: Vegetarian Vegan Other Allergy/Accomm (please contact us) Describe your household: Farm
Rural
Small Town
Other than WFU, please list any co-op and/or credit union memberships you hold:
How did you learn about us?
Amount Enclosed (include at least ½ of camp fee, PLUS WFU family membership ($30) paid in full for non-members):$
Remainder to be paid by (): Parent (Before or At Camp) County FU Co-op (provide name)
Urban
FAM
Page 9
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Page 1010
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Farmers Union News
WFU
News
• |April
WFUWFU
News
News
| November
Fall 2015
2010
2011
Comments sought in Strategic Frac Sand Mining Analysis
David Wright-Racette
Policy Organizer
residents.
Farmers also have a vested interest in the results of
the analysis. It is still unclear whether or not air quality
mong the Special Orders
impacts from sand mining could force farmers to
of Business adopted by
stop farming at an early age. No one can say for sure
delegates at the Wisconsin Farmers whether or not land being mined today can one day be
Union annual convention included
reclaimed to productive farmland or if family farms
a resolution asking the DNR to
across western Wisconsin will be replaced by land
conduct a strategic analysis of frac sand mining. The
unsuitable for farming. Water quality and quantity need
strategic analysis is a relatively new process that the
to be preserved if our children and grandchildren wish
DNR can utilize under the Wisconsin Administrative
to take over the family farm one day.
Code NR 150. Many Farmers Union members signed
These and other questions require answers that only
onto a petition asking the DNR to exercise their
the DNR can provide. The average citizen does not
authority to conduct the analysis, and WFU submitted have the means or the expertise to conduct this research
comments urging the Natural Resources Board (NRB) and needs the DNR to provide them with information
to listen to the citizens of Wisconsin and approve their on sand mining which affects their lives and livelihood.
request. In January, the NRB agreed and tasked the
The initial phase of the strategic analysis includes
DNR with conducting a strategic analysis of frac sand a scoping process to determine what issues and
mining and to have the report ready for public release
topics should be covered. The DNR is seeking public
by next year.
comment on the scoping statement until April 20th,
The purpose of the analysis is to provide information and WFU encourages those who have questions or
to the public on the latest science, natural resource,
concerns about the sand mining industry to provide the
and socio-economic information related to frac
DNR with feedback.
sand mining in Wisconsin. Sand mining was last
Comments can be submitted through the online input
investigated by the DNR in 2012, but the industry has form which can be found at this website: http://dnr.
expanded significantly since then and there are almost wi.gov/topic/EIA/ISMSA.html. The input form can
twice as many active mines and processing facilities
also be found by clicking on the strategic analysis link
in Wisconsin as there were three years ago. Many
in the Weekly Update email from Farmers Union.
questions remain unresolved including what long term
Comments can also be submitted by email to
impact this industry will have on rural communities,
[email protected], or by mail to:
ranging from environmental and public health issues to
Chris Willger
quality of life and economic impacts.
1300 W. Clairemont
The information that the DNR provides will aid
Eau Claire, WI 54701
local government officials as they draft and implement
If you would like further information, contact David
regulations that strike a balance between meeting
Wright-Racette at 608-514-2031 or at dwrightracette@
the needs of the industry and also protecting local
wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
A
Locations of sand mines
and processing plants
Industrial sand for use in the
petroleum industry has been
produced in Wisconsin for over
40 years. However, the demand
for industrial sand has increased
exponentially in the past few years.
Wisconsin has mining, processing
and transportation facilities
associated with industrial sand.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
WFUNews
News •| April
20152011
WFU
N
Fall
ovember
2010
Farmers Union News
Feeding the World with the Middle Path
O
ur friend, Joel McNair, publisher of Graze
magazine, has permitted WFU to reprint a
recent opinion piece that provides a valuable perspective on the kinds of diverse farming practices
emerging at the various workshops, conferences
and watershed initiatives that WFU is involved in.
At the recent Red Cedar Watershed Conference, Ray Archuleta, an NRCS agronomist,
presented a humorous and challenging call
for farmers to re-focus farming practices on
the basics of soil health and natural systems
– utilizing no-till, managed grazing, cover
crops, and perennials. Both Ray and Joel note
the experience of Gabe Brown, a North Dakota farmer, in diversifying and transforming
his 2,000+ acre farm. We don’t have room to
reprint Joel’s entire article, but this portion
includes thoughts about reframing agriculture
in a way that meets the needs of all farmers,
utilizes new technologies where appropriate,
and provides a resilient food and environmental system for farmers and consumers. Following is an excerpt from the article:
In terms of feeding the world, the real problem with limiting our perspective to a corporate/conventional vs. organic conflict is that it
ignores the vast and very important territory
between these two brands. Food thinkers sometimes call this turf the “third way” or “middle
path.”
In this middle path, almost all of the negative externali ties of monoculture cropping and
CAFO livestock produc tion are avoided, as
are the hard and fast rules of “official” organic.
Conventional methods are employed as needed
when nature throws a curveball or when the
conventional method is more benign .
Much of this middle path involves crop rotations that include forages, minimal tillage
and integration of livestock. Also some usage of chemicals and, in some or even many
cases, GMO crops. Such middle ground can
be highly productive, as many of you know
very well. And published research provides
public credence to the argument.
For instance, in a 2003-2011 trial on Iowa
State University plots, four-year rotations
including small grains, legumes and composted animal manure along with single years of
corn and soybeans produced higher corn and
bean yields with far less commercial fertilizer and chemical use compared to the conventional corn-bean rotation
“This will not compromise the ability of such
systems to contribute to the global food supply,”
the ISU researchers wrote. “Substantial improvements in the environmental sustainability of agriculture are achievable now, without sacrificing
food production or farmer livelihoods.”
Gabe’s choices
North Dakota farmer Gabe Brown works this
middle ground. Gabe says he sprays about 20%
of his crop acreage each year. He does this because experience taught him that the damage to
soil health from tillage is greater than any negative effects stemming from the chemical use.
Gabe refuses to employ glyphosate, sprays
mainly pre- emergence, and says he would like to
be both no-till and chemical-free. He explains, “It
pains me to use herbicide, but which is the lesser
of two evils?” Gabe’s grain yields are above the
average for his county. Despite not having tilled
in 21 years, he won’t rule out tillage in the future
if he absolutely needs it. What he won’t do is go
to conventional monoculture row-cropping, as this
strategy is a loser in a wide variety of holistic ways.
Lacking a driving force
Problem is, there is no powerful constituency
for these middle-path methods. No premium
market exists for the production as in organic.
(Grassfed is an exception, but it, too, tends to
carry a lot of rules that limit productivity.) There
is no USDA “middle path” label, and consumers
are not clamoring for middle path foods.
Unlike corporate/conventional, there are no
billions of industry and USDA research dollars
available, and the subsidized crop insurance
generally isn’t as lucrative. Also unlike corporate/
conventional, the middle path often requires farm
managers to get their hands dirty and live by their
own wits rather than those of their crop and livestock advisors. It’s a harder path to travel.
But the path could be wider and smoother if
incentives were available. Government support
of farmers could be tied entirely to environmental
performance rather than production. Monocultures and CAFOs would fade away if the incentives to improve soil health and water quality
were great enough. Ten-thousand acre cash grain
operations would become dinosaurs as sophisticated crop rotations and grazed livestock returned
to the land. CAFOs numbers would fade as millions of acres of corn were converted to small
grains and forages.
Hard-core organic would continue to serve its
premium market, although hopefully with some
alteration of the current rules. One-hundred percent grassfed will claim a growing share of the
meat and milk markets.But many more millions
of acres and animals would be managed under
middle-path practices with access to conventional
production tools — at least to the degree that
those tools do not cause environmental degradation.
New crop chemicals and GMOs would be less
likely to come to market due to lack of demand,
but that would be no big deal. Improved management attained with the aid of new research initiatives aimed at middle-path farmers would hike
Page 11
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11
Show your WFU pride!
Suggested donation — $12 each
To order, contact Deb at 715-590-2130 or
[email protected].
Associate Members
Barron Veterinary Clinic
Cooperative Network
County of Marathon
Dallman Insurance Agency
Douglas County Land & Water
Conservation Dept.
Falls Silo Repair
Farley Center for Peace,
Justice & Sustainability
Hay River Pumpkin Seed Oil
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
North Wind Renewable Energy
Oconto Electric Co-op
Osseo Plastics & Supply
People’s Food Co-op
Statz Brothers Inc.
Vernon Electric Co-op
Viroqua Food Cooperative
Thank you for your continued support!
You're invited!
Open house celebration of
Margaret Segerstrom's
90th Birthday!
1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 4
Martin Center, Mondovi
Entertainment at 2 o'clock
yields far beyond today’s levels even without a
new age of chemicals and GMOs.
And the world would be fed plenty well.
This article is from January 2015. For more info
or to subscribe to Graze: www.grazeonline.com,
[email protected] or 608-455-3311.
Page 1212
Page
Farmers Union News
WFU
News
• |April
WFUWFU
News
News
| November
Fall 2015
2010
2011
April 2015
National Farmers Union (NFU)’s 113th
Anniversary Convention was a huge
success in Wichita, Kansas, in March,
as attendees set the family farm
organization’s policy for the next year,
participated in breakout sessions and
tours, and heard from top officials in
the agriculture and energy sectors.
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
volume obligations still have not
been set, and several members of
Congress have called for reform to
the program. Trade also continues to
be a hot issue in Washington, as the
Obama administration seeks to secure
Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or
“fast-track,” in order to finalize the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and
the agriculture community seeks to
restore relations with Cuba.
National Convention a
Success
Roger Johnson’s State of the Farmers
Union address, and policy discussions
on
Country-of-Origin
Labeling,
the
Renewable
Fuel
Standard,
and proposed trade agreements.
Delegates from each state Farmers
Union organization shaped the
direction of the national family farm
organization for the next year through
grassroots policy development. U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Gina McCarthy, and Dr.
Mary Temple Grandin also addressed
convention attendees.
“NFU’s convention is our most
important event of the year,” said
NFU President Roger Johnson. “It is
the time for our members to come
together to determine NFU’s policy
for the next 12 months, participate
in exciting and informative breakout
sessions and tours, hear from top
officials in the agriculture industry, and
show support for the organization’s
education programs.”
The 2016 National Convention will
be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota,
March 5-8.
RFS
Continues
to
Delayed, Attacked
The National Farmers Union 113th
Anniversary
Convention
hosted
more than 450 attendees in Wichita,
Kansas, March 14-17. The 2015
convention, “Driving the Future of
Agriculture,” featured farm safety,
health and agricultural best practices
breakout sessions, NFU President
be
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),
which requires that a minimum of 36
billion gallons of renewable fuel be
blended into the U.S. transportation
fuel supply by 2022, has proven
extremely beneficial to the U.S.
economy. The RFS saves American
consumers $100 billion per year
at the pump and has drastically
reduced the nation’s dependence on
foreign oil. Thus far, the majority of
renewable fuel is derived from cornbased ethanol, which has significantly
increased the price of corn and other
commodities. This has also been an
efficient process, as a byproduct of
ethanol production is Distiller’s Dried
Grains (DDGs), used as a feed source
for the cattle and poultry industries.
The
Corn
Ethanol
Mandate
Elimination Act of 2015, aims to
eliminate corn-derived ethanol as an
option in reaching the RFS volume
obligations. National Farmers Union
President Roger Johnson expressed
the organization’s concerns with the
proposed act by emphasizing the
role corn-based ethanol has played
in bringing “a level of prosperity and
hope that rural Americans have not
seen in generations.”
The bill would not only be a step
backward for U.S. agriculture, but also
a major setback to the environment
and the ability of the U.S. to manage
its carbon emissions. NFU has urged
Congress to reject that policy and
continue to embrace the vision of a
robust renewable fuels industry as
a component of the nation’s overall
energy portfolio. NFU also continues
to press EPA to set target levels for
2014-2016.
WFUNews
News •| April
20152011
WFU
Fall
November
2010
NFU
Opposes
Trade
Promotion Authority
National Farmers Union President
Roger
Johnson
voiced
the
organization’s opposition to trade
promotion authority, or “fast track,”
in a recent letter to members of
Congress. NFU’s major concerns with
fast track include lack of transparency,
opportunity
for
currency
manipulation, and the nation’s
enormous, and growing, trade deficit.
Trade promotion authority would
grant President Obama the power to
enter into trade agreements without
any review or input from those
elected to represent the interests of
the American public - the members
of
Congress.
The
Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which
have taken place behind closed doors
(and with little input from Congress),
should serve as a glimpse into the
future, if trade promotion authority
is granted. Several countries involved
in the TPP negotiations are known
currency manipulators, thus the
reason for NFU’s concern. Currency
manipulation played a significant role
in creating the 2013 U.S.-Japan trade
deficit of $80 billion, which resulted
in the elimination of nearly 900,000
U.S. jobs. NFU believes all future
trade agreements, including TPP,
should contain provisions addressing
currency manipulation. Finally, while
the agriculture sector generally
fares well in trade agreements,
NFU’s members are more concerned
with the overall trade deficit, which
reached $505 billion in 2014 - nearly
3 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic
Farmers Union News
Product. National Farmers Union
advocates for the prosperity of the
nation’s economy, and is therefore
strongly opposed to trade promotion
authority.
Restoring Relations With
Cuba
National Farmers Union has voiced
its desire many times to Congress to
see the 50-year long trade embargo
on Cuba lifted, which would open
new markets for U.S. agriculture
products. In January, NFU joined
other members of the U.S. food and
agriculture community in the launch
of the new U.S. Agriculture Coalition
for Cuba (USACC), with the common
goal of re-establishing normalized
trade relations with Cuba.
Cuba’s close proximity, 90 miles,
and relatively large population, 11
million, make it an optimal location
for U.S. exports. While the U.S. sold
nearly $349 million in agricultural
goods to Cuba in 2014, current
trade restrictions prevent this figure
from reaching its full potential. On
February 12, a bipartisan group of
senators addressed these issues by
introducing the Freedom to Export
to Cuba Act of 2015, a bill that would
end the embargo. The bill, which
was spearheaded by Senators Amy
Klobuchar, D-Minn., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.,
Debbie Stabenow D-Mich., Jeff Flake
R-Ariz., Patrick Leahy D-Vt., and Dick
Durbin D-Ill., would eliminate both
the financial and logistical barriers
to trade, and would pave the way
for increased exports of U.S. goods,
including farm commodities. This
would allow U.S. markets greater
2
Page 13
Page
13
access to Cuba’s $1.7 billion market,
and greatly increase the opportunities
to prosperity for private Cuban
citizens.
College Conference on
Cooperatives
National Farmers Union hosted more
than 150 attendees at the 2015 College
Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC),
February 19-22, in Minneapolis,
Minnesota. Participants traveled from
25 states and Puerto Rico to attend the
conference. They heard from various
cooperative experts on both the
successes and challenges of memberowned businesses, including worker,
marketing, and housing co-ops. Even
though participants had varying levels
of prior cooperative knowledge, the
conference was educational for all.
NFU President Roger Johnson proudly
noted, “Farmers Union remains true to
its roots of both being an advocate for
cooperative businesses and offering
education programs.”
In addition to hearing speakers at
the conference, participants toured
several co-ops, including a senior
housing co-op, a natural foods coop, and the retail co-op REI. They
also visited the headquarters of CHS
Inc., the nation’s largest agricultural
cooperative, and the Mill City Museum,
built into the ruins of what was once
the world’s largest flour mill. President
Johnson described the conference as
“an opportunity for the cooperative
community to teach young people
about cooperative business principles
and to show them that there are great
careers in these dynamic, ethical, and
community-minded businesses.”
The Washington Corner can also be
found at www.nfu.org/corner.
Page 14
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14
Farmers Union News
What’s on Your Table?
with Diane Tiry
Quinoa (keen-wah)
My search for creative
and new recipes this
month led me to a staple
called quinoa (keenwah), a seed considered
a grain that has grown in popularity for its
pleasant nutty taste and super-food qualities.
It is also good for gluten, dairy and egg-free
individuals. At www.thekitchn.com, I found
information on quinoa as being white, red
or black in color, with a possibility of more than 1,800 varieties. This website
recommended starting with the white variety because it has the most neutral,
easy-to-love flavor. Red and black quinoas are a little bolder and earthier in flavor
characteristics. Quinoa can generally be found in the same grocery aisle as your
cereals and rice. Red Mill organic is a popular brand.
As a complete protein source also high in iron, magnesium and fiber, quinoa is
not only one of our healthiest pantry staples, but also one that is incredibly easy
and quick to cook. (http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-quinoa-cookinglessons-from-the-kitchn-63344) Quinoa is cooked similar to rice with a 2 to 1
ratio of liquid to dry product and can also be cooked in a rice cooker. It is highly
recommended to rinse the product first as it has a natural coating, called saponin,
that can make the cooked grain taste bitter or soapy. Use it as a side dish, as a bed
for stews or baked fish, in casseroles, breakfast porridges and in salads as in the
colorful quinoa salad recipe listed below.
As a little girl, I can remember people stopping along the country roadsides of
the Kettle Moraine area near Greenbush to look for wild asparagus. For a highprotein fix, those who enjoy fresh asparagus can follow the featured spring
dinner recipe, quinoa with chickpeas, asparagus and fresh peas.
WFU
News
• |April
2015
News
Fall 2010
WFUWFU
News
| November
2011
¼ c. radishes, rinsed and sliced thinly
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped (should yield about ½ cup)
2 Tbsp. fresh chives, choped
½ c. crumbled goat cheese (Be sure to get some at our March 31 Spring Tour
stop at LaClare Farms in Malone!)
Directions:
1 In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and water over medium heat to boiling. Salt
the water well, add the quinoa and stir. Bring back to a boil, then turn down heat
and simmer, covered, until the quinoa absorbs the water, about 20 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes, still covered. This will allow
the quinoa to fully absorb the water and become nice and fluffy.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, heat a second large pot of salted water on the
stove on medium-high heat. Prepare an ice water bath in a separate container.
4. Add the asparagus and sugar snap peas to the boiling water and cook for
three minutes, or until they’ve just begun to soften. Drain the vegetables and
toss them into the ice water bath to prevent further cooking.
5. Zest the lemon, and squeeze three Tbsp. of lemon juice into a small bowl.
6. When the quinoa has cooled, add the asparagus, snap peas, chickpeas,
radishes, lemon zest and juice, parsley, and chives. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the
goat cheese and finishing salt on top. Garnish with extra chives or parsley.
Nutrition per serving: 571 calories, 16.3 grams fat, 4.6 grams saturated fat,
82.6 grams carbohydrates, 7.8 grams fiber, 2.2 grams sugars, 25.5 grams protein, 10.3 mg. cholesterol, 943.1 mg. sodium.
A few quick notes: Quickly cook the asparagus and peas together. It doesn’t
change the flavor of either and is faster. While goat cheese is listed for this
recipe, it would be wonderful with an even saltier cheese like ricotta salata if
you have that on hand. Use frozen peas, if local sugarsnap peas are not ready for
harvest. Roast the asparagus rather than boil it. Cook the quinoa the night before
for faster preparation prior to the meal. Garnish with extra chives or parsley.
COLORFUL QUINOA SALAD
Source: www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/colorful-quinoa-salad/
QUINOA WITH CHICKPEAS, ASPARAGUS
AND FRESH PEAS
Source: www.thekitchn.com
(Serves 4 to 6)
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
3 ½ cups water
1 tsp. fine-grain sea salt, plus
more to sprinkle on top
2 c. quinoa, well-rinsed and
drained
½ lb. fresh asparagus, cut into
1-inch segments
¾ c. sugar snap peas
1 lemon
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
2 c. water
1 c. quinoa, rinsed
2 c. fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced
1 c. grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 medium sweet orange pepper, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
Dressing:
3 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 tsp. honey
1 Tbsp. grated lime peel
2 tsp. minced fresh gingerroot
¼ tsp. salt
WFUNews
News •| April
20152011
WFU
N
Fall
ovember
2010
Farmers Union News
Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil.
Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered,
12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat; fluff with a fork.
Transfer to a large bowl; cool completely.
2. Stir spinach, tomatoes, cucumber,
peppers and green onions into cooled quinoa.
In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients
until blended. Drizzle over quinoa mixture;
toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
Give a Stronger Voice to Rural America
Join Wisconsin Farmers Union and
help preserve the economic health and
sustainability of our rural communities.
Happy and Healthy eating to all!
Diane Tiry
Farmer’s Share of Retail Food Dollar
Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 15.8* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend on
food at home and away from home?
According to USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing
account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.
Bacon
1 Pound
Top Sirloin Steak
1 Pound
Bread
2 Pounds
Fresh Carrots
5 Pounds
Wheat Bagel
1 - 4 oz. bagel
Retail: $5.49
Farmer: $0.78
Retail: $8.79
Farmer: $2.64
Retail: $2.19
Farmer: $0.15
Retail: $4.39
Farmer: $1.69
Retail: $0.96
Farmer: $0.01
Cereal
18 Ounce Box
Tomatoes
1 Pound
Eggs
1 Dozen
Flour
5 Pounds
Boneless Ham
Price per Pound
Retail: $4.69
Farmer: $0.06
Retail: $3.59
Farmer: $0.35
Retail: $2.59
Farmer: $1.31
Retail: $2.69
Farmer: $0.73
Retail: $4.39
Farmer: $0.78
Lettuce
1 Head (2 Pounds)
Milk
1 Gallon, Fat Free
Potato Chips
Fresh Potatoes
Russet, 5 Pounds
Soda
Two Liter Bottle
Membership Application
Name: ____________________________________
Spouse’s Name: ____________________________
# of Children under 21: _____
Address:___________________________________
City: _________________ State: ____ Zip: _______
Email: _____________________________
Phone: _________________________
Household Type:
o Farm o Rural o Small Town
o Urban
Type of Farm: Check all that apply.
o Dairy o Poultryo Vegetables or Fruit
o Beef o Crops o Organic
o Hogs o Horses o Other ______________
Membership: Fee includes family unless student or
organization is checked.
o New Member
o Renewing Member
o 1 Year ($30)
o 4 Years ($100)
o Student ($15)
o 2 Years ($55)
o Lifetime ($2000)
o Organization ($50)
Join us today!
Mail this card to:
117 W. Spring St. • Chippewa Falls, WI • 54729
Or sign up online:
Retail: $1.99
Farmer: $0.76
Retail: $3.89
Farmer: $1.51
Retail: $4.29
Farmer: $0.24**
Page 15
Page
15
©2011 • Eric C. Snowdeal III • Organic Valley
Nutritional Facts: ¾ cup = 143 calories, 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat),
0 cholesterol, 88 mg. sodium, 23 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 4 grams
protein.
Lays Classic, 10.5 oz
Retail: $4.39
Farmer: $0.46**
Retail: $1.49
Farmer: $0.06
Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2015.
Retail based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted.
*Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service
**Reflects January 2015 price.
www.wisconsinfarmersion.com
February 27, 2015
www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
For more information, call 800-272-5531
Bits n’ Pieces
Farmers Union News
Holman, Marion selected for NFU council
Wisconsin Farmers Union is proud to announce that members Chris Holman and
Kriss Marion will serve on the National Farmers Union Next Generation Advisory
Council. This newly formed council will be called upon to provide feedback on
current programs and outreach for NFU, as well as to propose ideas for the future.
Holman, of Nami Moon Farms in Custer, and Marion, of Circle M Market Farm
in Blanchardville, are participants in NFU's Beginning Farmer Institute. The duo
began their duties at the council's first meeting at the NFU Convention in March in
Kansas. Other members of the council are Katie Bangs and Jacob Fagan, Montana;
Jennifer Klabunde and Anne Schwagerl, Minnesota; and Andrea Tidwell, Colorado.
NFU offers internships in Washington, D.C.
Do you know someone who could benefit from a real world working experience
with the National Farmers Union in Washington, D.C.? NFU internships typically
last two months and may be tailored to the career goals of the individual. Areas of
interest include communications, cooperative development, economics, education,
membership marketing, policy research and political science. Applications are
reviewed on an ongoing basis. Learn more at www.nfu.org/education/internships.
Soybean seed auction to benefit WFU Foundation
WFU has received two soybean product coupons, which it will be auctioning off
this month. The coupons, described as follows, must be used before June 1, 2015:
1. Choose between two Monsanto products: one carton Optimize (soybean seed
inoculant) or Tag Team LCO (soybean seed inoculant with fungicide), both enough
for 40 units of soybeans.
2. Choose among seven seed companies for five bags of soybean seed: Tracys,
Dairyland Seed, Jung, Partners in Product (PiP), Pioneer, Renk, and Legacy.
Proceeds raised will be donated to the WFU Foundation for grants. Bids should
be received by the WFU State Office no later than April 15th. Send to Wisconsin
Farmers Union, Attn: Tom Quinn, 117 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
The products will be delivered to a location designated by the winning bidders in
time for planting.
Women's conservation training set
Are you a female landowner in Wisconsin looking to learn more about land conservation and connect with various local resources and other women landowners?
Come to a Women Caring for the Land session this May, an innovative program
facilitated by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service and the
Women, Food & Agriculture Network.to support women landowners in learning
about conservation practices and building local connections.
These workshops are free for women to attend and run 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. The
agenda includes an informational morning session followed by lunch and a bus tour
of area conservation practices in action. Locations will be May 5, Altoona; May 6,
Medford; and May 7, Marshfield. To register and for more information, visit www.
womencaringfortheland.org/wisconsin.
You're invited: Tour de Kolacky
The Taylor-Price County Farmers Union invites you to join in the third annual
Tour de Kolacky bike ride June 20 in Phillips. The ride, which will feature 10,
25 and 50-mile routes this year, is held at the Phillips High School in conjunction
with the annual Czech-Slovak Festival. There will be 10 mile and 25-mile options.
The ride begins at the school and meanders around the many lakes near Phillips,
stopping at farms along the way There are rolling hills, but no daunting climbs.
Riders will receive a pass for the community pool at the school, allowing a chance
to freshen up before enjoying lunch at the festival and a free kolacky for dessert..
(Included in registration.) Find more details about this fun event at http://www.
thecrazyloon.com/tour-de-kolacky-2014/.
WFU
News
• |April
WFUWFU
News
News
| November
Fall 2015
2010
2011
Farmers Union Happenings
Fin & Hooves Spring Tour meeting, March 30, N9035 Highway 89,
Whitewater.
Luv-R-Ag Summit, March 30-31,
Black River Falls. Information: www.
luv-r-ag.com.
LaClare Farms Spring Tour meeting, March 31, The Cafe at LaClare
Farms, W2994 Cty. Rd. HH, Malone.
Cow & Quince Spring Tour meeting, April 1, 407 2nd St., New Glarus.
Chequamegon Food Co-op Spring
Tour meeting, April 6, 700 Main St.
W., Ashland.
Spring Election Day, April 7.
Valkeyrie Brewery Spring Tour
meeting, April 7, 234 Dallas St. Dallas.
Rooted Spoon Spring Tour meeting, April 8, 219 S. Main St., Viroqua.
Groshek Farms (robotic dairy)
Spring Tour meeting , April 10,
3271 Sky View Rd., Amherst. Meal
to follow at Lettie Jensen Community
Center, 487 N. Main St., Amherst.
Women Caring for the Land, May
5 (Altoona), May 6 (Medford) or May
7 (Marshfield), 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Altoona. Info: www.womencaringfortheland.org/wisconsin.
MREA Energy Fair, June 19-21,
Renew the Earth Institute, Custer. Info:
www.midwestrenew.org/energyfair.
Tour de Kolacky bike ride and
Czech-Slovak Festival, June 20, Phillips. Info: www.thecrazyloon.com/
tour-de-kolacky-2014/.
Soil Sisters Tour: A Celebration of
Wisconsin Farms and Rural Life,
July 31-Aug. 2, www.soilsisterswi.org.
WFU Summer Conference, Aug.
8, Kamp Kenwood, Chippewa Falls.
Wisconsin Farm Technology
Days Dane County, Aug. 25-27,
Statz Bros. Inc. Farm, Sun Prairie.
Information: www.danecofarmtech.
com.
World Dairy Expo, Sept. 29-Oct.
3, Alliance Energy Center, Madison.
Info: www.worlddairyexpo.com/
Midwest CSA Conference, Dec.
3-4, The Plaza, Eau Claire.
2016
85th WFU State Convention, Jan.
29-31, Radisson Paper Valley Hotel,
Appleton.
MOSES Organic Farming Conference, Feb. 25-27, La Crosse Center,
La Crosse. Info: www.mosesorganic.
org.
Are you a Farmers Union member? You're
welcome to submit info on chapter events or
happenings at your farm or agribusiness to
Danielle at dendvick@wisconsifarmersunion.
com or by mail to the WFU State Office, 117
W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. The
newsletter deadline is the 15th.
Midwest CSA Conference
Save the Date!
Page 1616
Page
Moving Forward Together
December 3-4, 2015
The Plaza Hotel • Eau Claire, WI
We invite you to join in two days of shared learning, practical workshops,
and lively discussions about the CSA movement. It’s already been two
years since we last gathered. Let’s come together again and continue
the conversation!
Sponsored by Wisconsin Farmers Union
in partnership with: Angelic Organics Learning Center •
Badgerland Financial • Biodynamic Association • FairShare
CSA Coalition • Farm Commons • Land Stewardship Project
• Michael Fields Agricultural Institute • Midwest Organic
and Sustainable Education Services • MN Farmers Union •
UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems

Wisconsin Farmers Union News

Transcription

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