Wisconsin Farmers Union News

Transcription

wisconsinfarmersunion.com
Frac Sand Workshop coming
up in Eau Claire
Meet the Farmers Union Family:
Front Page Holsteins
Pages 4-5
Pages 3
Chapter Chatter: Garden
party, cookie swaps & more!
Page 12
December 2015
United to grow family agriculture
Farmers deserve better
Zach Herrnstadt
Government Relations
Associate
W
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
inter has begun
to stake its claim
on the land, bringing
harvest season to a close. Once again
farmers throughout the state worked
hard, investing in new technologies, and
taking steps to increase the productivity
of their operations. For their efforts,
farmers have been rewarded with near
record grain production — along with
the chemicals that a farmers relies on to
protect that seed. In some cases, a farmer
who purchases a specific variety of seed
low commodity prices.
is contractually obligated to also purchase
In many cases, if someone does their
proprietary chemicals owned by the same
job well, they are rewarded with a raise.
firm.
All too often in farming, the opposite is
Last month, another case of industry
true. While farmers are told that the key
consolidation slapped family farmers in
to success and
the face when the
profitability is to
Department of Jusgrow more food
Low commodity prices tice announced the
more efficiently,
purchase of Cargill
did not ‘just happen.’
we continue
Inc.’s pork unit by
to encounter
JBS SA. With apThey are a direct result
situations like this
proval of the deal,
year: record crops of lack of competition in
more than seventy
accompanied by
percent of the pork
agricultural markets.
low commodprocessing ability in
ity prices that
- Zach Herrnstadt
the United States is
barely cover cost
now controlled by
of production. Additionally, the cost of
just four companies. The move reduces
agricultural inputs such as seed, fertilizer, marketing opportunities for family
and pesticides have far outpaced farm
farmers and could directly impact pork
commodity prices, further stacking the
prices for consumers.
deck against farmers.
Farmland prices have also dramatically
Low commodity prices and high input
increased, further narrowing the profit
costs did not “just happen.” They are a
margin for farmers. From 2009-2014
direct result of a lack of competition in
farmland rental prices rose from $79
agricultural markets.
per acre to $130 per acre, a 65 percent
Currently three firms (Monsanto,
increase. The driving factors of this
DuPont Pioneer, and Syngenta) control
increase are agricultural policies that
over half of the global seed market, up
encourage increased production without
from 22 percent in 1996. These same
consideration of the effect on the farmer’s
three firms also control more than onebottom line. This increase also makes it
third of the global pesticide market.
tough for beginning farmers to access
This intense industry consolidation,
land, which is troubling considering that
along with the near disappearance of seed the average age of the American farmer is
saving practices, has led to a dramatic
58 and climbing.
increase in seed prices. It has also led to
The above issues are all symptoms
situations in which a single firm owns
of a much larger problem – our curthe rights to (and controls the price of)
rent system of agricultural production is
both the seed a farmer purchases and
rigged against family farmers. Instead
“
”
Volume 72 | No. 10
of markets and government policies that
help all to thrive, we have markets and
government policies that enable the
largest operators, processors, input
manufacturers, and crop insurance
companies to become even larger. These
firms have everything to gain and nothing
to lose from using wealth, power, and
influence to maintain the current “get big
or get out” system of agricultural production, in which farmers must continue to
adopt new technologies and strive to increase production regardless of demand.
Farmers — not large corporations — are
the ones forced to tighten their belts in
response to low commodity prices.
But there is another way.
In order to level the playing field,
robust competition within agricultural
markets is vital. We must advocate for
increased and improved enforcement
of federal anti-trust laws pertaining to
agribusiness concentration. Federal
and state regulators should revise and
reform existing legislation to ensure
fair market pricing and avoid non-competitive monopolistic and oligopolistic
market control. Crop insurance must undergo major reforms and become a true
risk-management program that no longer
encourages the overproduction of a few
commodity crops.
Now is the time to work for changes
that favor sustainable production rather
than overproduction. Now is the time to
advocate for a system that allows farmers
to earn a decent price for the food they
grow rather than one that prioritizes enormous profits for a few large corporations.
We must work together to take these
important steps. Because farmers deserve
better.
Page 22
Page
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
Facilities Manager, WFU Kamp Kenwood
Newsletter Editor, Layout & Design: Danielle Endvick
Printed by: Leader Printing, Eau Claire, WI
Bulk Rate postage paid in Eau Claire, WI
Farmers Union News
WFUWFU
NewsNews
• December
| Fall 2015
2010
Electoral organizing considered
Darin Von Ruden
President
N
ational Farmers Union’s
roots reach back to Point,
Texas in 1902, when a group
of farmers, a newspaperman, a
county clerk, a physician and a schoolteacher
concerned with farm income and stability
banded together to advocate for family farmers.
More than a century later, Farmers Union
is still a grassroots organization. Our farmer
members continue to shape organizational
policy and guide our important work. Our rich
Farmers Union history through the decades has
been paved with challenges, accomplishments
and paradigm shifts, as the borders of American
agriculture grew to a worldwide scope and the
Farmers Union torch passed to new generations.
This fall, Wisconsin Farmers Union chapters
are debating another potentially pivotal point
for our organization: Should our organization
play a more active role in organizing around
elections?
Current Wisconsin Farmers Union bylaws
state “This cooperative shall be nonpartisan and
nonsectarian. It shall be the duty of each member to see that no monies of any local, county,
or state unit be used directly or appropriated
for the use of any political candidate, party, or
religious organization.”
This provision has meant that WFU has
refrained from endorsing candidates or offering direct support to candidates — from either
party. Frankly, there have been times when this
has been very frustrating. Especially when a
candidate who strongly supports our position
is being attacked by outside forces and asks for
our help. Unfortunately, this is becoming more
and more common as big money floods into our
elections.
I am trying to attend as many annual county
meetings as possible this year, and have been
listening to county chapters discuss ways that
WFU could be more involved in supporting
good candidates — no matter which party they
are in. The discussions include a range of options: by-law changes that would allow more
flexibility in considering endorsement, ways to
engage members in decisions about candidates,
organizing programs to let voters clearly know
who supports our positions, and more.
Wisconsin Farmers Union has long prided
itself on being a nonpartisan organization.
We’re not asking to take the plunge into the
deep, dark waters of behind-closed-doors
money in politics. Dollar for dollar, we can’t
compete with many of the organizations that
endorse candidates. Nor do we want to.
But there are times when key issues arise and
a candidate who strongly supports our positions
is unfairly attacked by outside money. During
those times our support can be especially
important, and a clear message from our
members can make a difference. We saw this
in several close races in the last election where
good candidates, who were WFU members,
where unfairly attacked in ads funded by deeppocketed interests such as the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. It was frustrating to
our members that we did not have the tools to
respond in an effective and truthful way.
I believe having the ability to do electoral
organizing would complement our issue
organizing and strengthen our efforts to restore
progressive public policy in Wisconsin.
We need to keep our legislators accountable.
National Farmers Union and many other groups
do so by tracking policymakers’ votes on varied
issues throughout the year and releasing a
scorecard on relevant issues.
Ought we not advise our members, and the
public at large, when legislators fail in their
role? Or commend them when they have
championed family agriculture, conservation
and policies that benefit our rural communities?
To be clear, any move toward electoral
organizing would not be intended to lean
WFU towards one political party or another.
To accomplish the work that needs to be done
throughout the Wisconsin countryside, we need
to work with both sides of the aisle.
If we want to be a strong voice for family
farmers, we need to have a strong voice with
our elected officials. Politics has become an
entirely different game than it was a century ago.
Proposals for policy and bylaw changes will
be discussed by the WFU Policy and Bylaws
committees in January, and also at the County
President’s meeting. I expect that we may see
some electoral organizing discussion at our
annual convention.
WFUNews
News •||December
2015
WFU
WFU
News
NFall
ovember
20102011
Farmers Union News
Frac Sand Mining Workshop
Monday, December 14th
The Plaza Hotel & Suites
1202 W. Clairemont Ave.
Eau Claire, WI
Save the Date!
Agritourism
Workshop
6
Fri., Jan. 29th, 201
Presented by
& the Wisconsin Towns Association
In the past five years Wisconsin
experienced a boom in frac sand
mining activity. In response,
many communities have worked
to create tools to manage this
development and protect
common interests.
Hear from local officials and
independent professionals who
have been working with local
governments to manage mining
development. Topics will include:
This year, mining development
has slowed and even stopped in
some areas. What lessons have
local towns learned? What are
positive and negative impacts?
Are there emerging issues that
need to be addressed?
• The Role of Local Government
Wisconsin Towns Association
Town officials and interested
citizens are invited to share
their experiences and join in this
important discussion.
The cost to attend is $25 if
registered by December 8th.
Register today at
Page33
Page
or call the WFU State Office at
715-723-5561 for more details.
• Overview of Mining in Wisconsin
• Toolbox for Towns
Paul Kent, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP
• Economic Benefits & Costs of Sand Mining
Steve Deller, UW-Extension Community
Economic Development Specialist
• Mining Reclamation: Lessons Learned
Dan Masterpole, County Conservationist,
Chippewa County
• Annexation: What Every Town Should Know
Philip Freeberg, UW-Extension Center for
Local Government
• Environmental Considerations: Air Quality
Dr. Crispin Pierce, UW-Eau Claire
• Sharing Experiences
Panel of local officials and citizens will
share their experiences in developing
ordinances, negotiating agreements
and managing mining development issues
Sponsored by Wisconsin Farmers Union & the Wisconsin Towns Association
Appleton, WI
Details in January
newsletter
Frac event correction
Please note (in the ad at left) the
correct date and location for the
upcoming Frac Sand Workshop,
hosted by Wisconsin Farmers
Union in partnership with the
Wisconsin Towns Association.
The workshop has been set for
Mon. Dec. 14 at The Plaza Hotel
& Suites in Eau Claire. Details
regarding the workshop were
misprinted in the November issue
of Wisconsin Farmers Union
News. (We apologize for any
confusion!)
Presidents’ meeting set
A meeting of presidents for
county, county-local and local
Farmers Union chapters will be
held Sat., Jan. 9, 2016 at Best
Western in Tomah. The meeting
will begin at 9:30am. Details will
be sent out to presidents. Please
remember to register by Dec.
29 with Diane Tiry at dtiry@
wisconsinfarmersunion.com or
715-723-5561.
Convention help sought
Volunteers are being sought to
pitch in at the 85th WFU State
Convention Jan. 29-31 in Appleton.
Volunteers are needed to help
with greeting and checking-in
attendees, monitoring workshops
and other tasks throughout the
weekend. Contact the WFU State
Office at 715-723-5561 to sign
up or for more details. Find event
details on pages 8-9.
Page 44
Page
Farmers Union News
WFU
News
• |December
WFUWFU
News
News
November
| Fall 2015
2010
2011
Meet the
Farmers
Union
Family
Front Page Holsteins a family affair
280 total head of cattle and farm 350 acres.
When it comes to getting things done, Gary and
Patty take a lot of pride in the fact they are both
able to do just about everything on the farm. That
MHERST — Gary and Patty Edelburg
way, when one of them has to leave for meethaven’t been farming as long as some in the
business, but that does not change their passion for ings, the other can run the farm without issues.
working with good cows and the pride they take in The Edelburg’s twins, Angie and Luke, also help
at home when they can. Gary and Patty employ
running their own farm.
three part-time students from UW-Stevens Point.
The Edelburgs purchased a quality herd of
The Edelburgs milk every morning, and feed all
registered Holsteins from Bob Williams in 2003.
the calves, cows and heifers. They also do most
They were able to house their small herd at the
Karl and Barb Wogsland farm (Railane Holsteins), of their own cow health work and breeding, in
addition to tillage work, planting, and cutting hay.
where they worked at the time. Gary and Patty
They do utilize custom harvesting.
began the search for a farm of their own in 2000,
The Edelburg’s success is propelled by their
and in June of 2008, they were able to purchase
enjoyment of working with good cows. They
their current farm in central Wisconsin.
admit it is fun to go to the barn in the morning and
They started milking just 65 cows and grew
their herd buying animals occasionally, in addition work with ‘pretty’ cows. They are slowly growing
to the purchase of a nice herd of cows from South their good cow families and buying into more, and
they enjoy watching the good families grow.
Dakota. Their current herd totals 130 cows with
What makes Gary and Patty so unique is that
about 85 percent registered. Gary and Patty have
Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with
permission from the Wisconsin Holstein Association.
A
they started their farm from scratch, on their own.
Although both of them grew up on dairy farms,
neither of them had a family farm to return to after
college. Patty’s parents sold their family farm
while she was in school, and Gary’s brother had
taken over his and at the time was raising beef.
When they started, milk prices were very good,
but six months into their venture they hit $9. The
Edelburgs struggled through their startup year
with milk prices at an all-time low, but they were
able to endure that and the drought of 2012.
The Edelburgs admit that their passion runs
deep through their veins. They enjoy the chance
to be their own boss, and that everyday there is
something new to do. Gary and Patty find it easier
to work and talk with cows on a daily basis rather
than people. Having their kids with them, working
with them, and raising them on the farm is priceless. Both Angie and Luke love it and are proud of
being farm kids, and physically being able to work
outside is a huge benefit for the entire family.
WFUNews
News •| December
2015
WFU
Fall
November
20102011
Farmers Union News
Page 55
Page
‘Which Moo Are You?’
WFU member launches new children’s book
Gary and Patty hope to continue working with good cattle, and are looking
forward to marketing cow families in the future. The kids are really enjoying
showing at the county fairs, and its been great for the Edelburgs to have good,
home-grown animals that the kids can compete with.
Though the farm keeps the family busy, they still find time to be involved
in the agricultural community. Patty serves on the Wisconsin Farmers Union
state board and the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee.
The family is also active in the Wisconsin Holstein Association.
Steve Langteau (Gary’s brother-in-law) helped get Gary interested in cattle
when he was in high school. Both Gary and Patty were involved in the dairy
club at UW-River Falls. After college, Karl and Barb Wogsland really helped
the Edelburgs get their start. Bob Williams and George Trzebiatowski were
also there for the Edelburgs to talk Holsteins whenever needed.
When asked what the biggest challenge in the dairy industry is, Gary and
Patty believe the difficulty lies in getting and keeping young people involved.
Dairy farms are declining at a drastic rate in Wisconsin, and unless young
people have a farm to go back to, it is very difficult to get started.
Wisconsin Farmers Union’s willingness to address beginning farmer struggles
and other tough issues was part of what drew the Edelburgs to become members
in 1998, when Patty also began working in membership for the organization.
“I believed in Farmers Union’s policy and grassroots structure,” Patty said.
“I also realized if you want to make a difference you need to get involved and
speak up. WFU was fighting for the right issues for family farm agriculture
and believed in the right values I was looking for.”
The family has enjoyed getting to know other farm families from across
the country while attending National Farmers Union fly-ins and conventions.
Angie and Luke have also attended summer camp at WFU Kamp Kenwood
near Chippewa Falls.
“I appreciate the opportunities Farmers Union has led me into, such as
different committees and boards I have been able to serve on, locally, statewide, and nationally;” Patty said, “as well as different places I’ve been able to
travel to for lobbying in D.C., national conventions, and other opportunities.”
Gary and Patty have an eye on the future, with hopes to build a new barn
to focus more on cow comfort. The would also like to grow their good cow
lines, obtain new good cow families, and someday market them as they grow.
Their twins are freshmen, and both have interest in farming in the future. The
Edelburgs hope to make that possible for their children.
Just in time for the holidays,
member Ruth McNair has
released a children’s book.
Which Moo Are You, geared at
children ages 2 to 6, follows a
cute and busy group of calves,
or “moos,” as they spend a day
exploring the farm.
While the calves eat, play
and sleep following the
natural rhythms of the day,
we learn that there is more to
their story than meets the eye.
Author Ruth McNair lives
on a farm near Belleville
where she and her family have raised a variety of animals
including cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats —
even a llama!
Watercolor illustrations were done by Ruth’s daughter, Molly McNair,
who shares her mothers’ love of animals.
The book is filled with fun rhymes and engaging illustrations, and ends
with the encouraging message that we are all more than the labels that
others assign to us.
The 32-page hardcover (ISBN 978-0-9839503-1-8) is available from No
Bull Press at www.nobullpressonline.com at an introductory price of $14.
Angie
Photos courtesy of Danae Bauer
— Farmgirl Photography
Page 66
Page
Farmers Union News
©2011 • Eric C. Snowdeal III • Organic Valley
Give a Stronger Voice to Rural America
Join Wisconsin Farmers Union and
help preserve the economic health and
sustainability of our rural communities.
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 Horseso Other ______________
Membership: Fee includes family unless student or
WFU
News
• |December
WFUWFU
News
News
November
| Fall 2015
2010
2011
Farmers Union
Happenings
South Central Farmers Union Annual Meeting, Nov. 30, 5:30 to
8:30pm, Monroe Public Library, 925 16th Ave, Monroe. Soup dinner.
Info: Kriss Marion, 608-523-4341.
Chaseburg Local Annual Meeting, Nov. 30, 7pm (pizza available),
The Hideaway Pub & Grill, 107 W. Mill St., Chaseburg. Info: Jim
Servais, 608-386-6175.
Taylor-Price Farmers Union Annual Meeting, Dec. 2, 6:30pm, The
Sports Page, 1174 W. Broadway Ave., Medford. Info: Linda Ceylor,
715-474-2271.
South Central Wisconsin Farmers Union 2nd Cookie Exchange,
Dec. 2, 6pm, Cow & Quince, 407 Second St., New Glarus. Info: Lisa
Kivirist, [email protected] or 608-329-7056. More details at
www.facebook.com/wfusouthcentral.
Midwest CSA Conference, Dec. 3-4, The Plaza Hotel, Eau Claire.
Register at www.midwestcsa.com.
Dodge/Fond du Lac (Sheboygan) County Farmers Union Annual
Meeting, Dec. 4, 11:45am, The Red Cabin on Green Acres, W2701
Fourth Street Rd, Fond du Lac. RSVP for complimentary meal by
Dec. 1 to Joel Narges, 920-477-4207 or [email protected].
Kenosha/Racine/Walworth/Jefferson County Annual Meeting,
Dec. 4, 7:30pm meet & greet followed by 8pm meeting, What’s the
Point Bar & Grill, W6950 US Hwy. 12, Fort Atkinson. Info: Bill
Neuhaus, 262-859-2549.
Dane County Farmers Union Annual Meeting, Dec. 6, noon potluck, home of Dan and Lori Kvalheim, 2256 County T, Sun Prairie.
Info: Dan or Lori Kvalheim, 608-837-9482.
o New Member
o Renewing Member
Pepin County Meeting, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. potluck and 7 p.m. meeting,
Community of Christ Church, N6378 Co. Hwy. D, Arkansaw. Info:
Brad Richardson, 715-285-5353, or Audrey Bauer, 715-672-8656.
o 1 Year ($30)
o 4 Years ($100)
o Student ($15)
o 2 Years ($55)
o Lifetime ($2000)
o Organization ($50)
Sauk County Farmers Union Meeting & Cookie Exchange, Dec.
12, noon - 2:30pm, Farm Kitchen Restaurant, S5718 State Road 123,
Baraboo. RSVP to Erin Schneider, e.schneider.hilltopfarm@gmail.
com or 608-257-6729 by Dec. 9.
organization is checked.
Join us today!
Frac Sand Workshop, Dec. 14, The Plaza, Eau Claire. Register at
www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com or call 715-723-5561.
Mail this card to:
2016
Agritourism pre-convention workshop, Jan. 29, Radisson Paper
Valley Hotel, Appleton.
Or sign up online:
85th annual WFU State Convention, Jan. 29-31, Radisson Paper
Valley Hotel, Appleton. Register at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
117 W. Spring St. • Chippewa Falls, WI • 54729
For more information, call 800-272-5531
National Farmers Union Convention, March 5-8, Radisson Blu,
Minneapolis, Minn., www.nfu.org.
Farmers Union members are welcome to submit chapter or farm
events to Danielle at [email protected] or
715-471-0398.
WFUNews
News •| December
2015
WFU
Fall
November
20102011
Farmers Union News
Page 77
Page
Wisconsin Farmers
Union Foundation
Supporting programs that:
• Foster family farming
• Enhance the quality of rural life
• Provide opportunities for public education and
dialogue on key issues
• Encourage cooperative economic development.
The Foundation maintains a modest Small Grant Program to
provide support to a variety of farm and rural organizations
and projects. Grant amounts are generally under $2,000 and
typically $200 to $500.
The Foundation Grant Committee meets quarterly to consider
applications. Quarterly application deadlines are March 31,
June 30, September 30, and December 31. Applicants will
be notified by the 15th day of the month following the
quarterly deadline under which the application was made.
Fourth Quarter 2015 Grant Awardees:
• UW-Madison, Ag Economic Outlook Forum
• GrassWorks, Wisconsin Grazing Conference
• NASCO, Leader Low Income Scholarship
• WI Local Food Network, Local Food Summit
• UW-Stout, Red Cedar Conference
• CESA Foundation, WI Rural Schools Alliance
• Sauk County Farmers Union, Unearthing a Soil
Quilt Celebration
Requests must meet the WFU Foundation’s mission:
The Wisconsin Farmers Union Foundation supports
projects and programs for all ages that foster family
farming, rural life and public education on the important
role of cooperatives and agriculture in society.
Successful applicants must, within a year of the grant’s
acceptance, submit a report demonstrating how the funding
was used. Small Grant funds are made available from the
donations of WFU members and partnering cooperative
businesses.
Learn more at
www.WisconsinFarmersUnion.com
Page 88
Page
WFU
WFU News
News• |December
November2015
2011
nn
i
Wis
co
n
January 29-31, 2016
Msin Fa
S
OTversary
85th Annual State Convention
RE
Irs UNnGionO8UR R
R
E
B
5th O
EM rme
A
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
333 W. College Ave., Appleton, WI
EST. 1930
Hotel Reservations:
1-800-333-3333
Event Info:
715-723-5561
Co o
pera
on
i
t
a
tion ~ Legislation ~ Educ
FRIDAY January 29
SATURDAY January 30
Agritourism Pre-Convention Conference
Wisconsin Farmers Union recognizes the value of agritourism in
diversifying opportunities for family farms. Join us for a day of
workshops that will focus on this growing sector of Wisconsin
agriculture. The conference will run from 10am to 2pm and is
being offered in partnership with the Wisconsin Agricultural
Tourism Association (WATA).
We’ll be “Remembering Our Roots” throughout our milestone
85th Annual WFU State Convention.
Keynote National Farmers Union Honorary Historian Tom
Giessel will share some of Farmers Union’s rich grassroots history.
Workshops will cover a range of topics including building allies,
groundwater conservation, money in politics, soil health, building
allies, and some different angles looking at “the big picture” in
the structure of our agricultural community today and more.
Banquet Join us for a formal meal and camaraderie, as well as
the traditional Torchbearer Ceremony and a to-be-announced
entertainer.
Hear about successes and challenges of established agritourism
businesses, learn about Wisconsin’s Limited Liability Law and get
practical tips on savvy marketing and other topics. The cost will
be $50/nonmembers and $40/members.
Friday Night WFU Foundation Fundraiser
Join us for this fun and informal way to raise money to support
WFU Kamp Kenwood. Tickets are $35 per person. The evening
includes food, socializing and a chance to win great prizes!
Details will be up soon at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
SUNDAY January 31
Our final day will include an interfaith program, highlighting
lessons from the Pope’s recently released Laudato Si, an encyclical
on the farmer’s role in conservation. Convention will conclude
with wrap-up of resolutions and policy discussions.
Youth Activities • Childcare Available • Workshops • Entertainment • Local Food • Fellowship
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS JANUARY 14th!
Registration available online at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
WFUNews
News •| December
2015
WFU
Fall
November
20102011
Please note the following before
mailing the registration form:
Registration and payment must be
mailed by Thursday, Jan. 14, 2015 to
receive the early bird rate.
All delegates and voting individuals are
required to purchase the convention
registration and meals, which include
Saturday and Sunday meals. Delegates
who are also youth/youth leaders must
purchase a delegate registration and
meal package. Individual meal tickets
are available.
Indicate names with your package
and/or individual meal orders so we
can prepare tickets in advance for ease
during registration. Registration table
opens at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29
and will continue on Saturday, Jan.
30 at 7:30 a.m. Convention officially
opens at 9 a.m. Saturday.
LODGING
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
333 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI
starting at $75 (plus tax) per night.
Guaranteed block rate ends Jan. 14! To
reserve, call 800-333-3333 and ask for the
Wisconsin Farmers Union group block.
The Convention Agenda is available at
www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Arrive early to attend the special Friday
afternoon sessions on Agritourism
in Wisconsin. The cost is $50 for
nonmembers and $40 for members,
including lunch. Please pre-register by
Jan. 14 as seating is limited.
WFU FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
The WFU Foundation Fundraiser will
be held Friday, Jan. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person and can
be purchased via the form at www.
wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
YOUTH OPTIONS
There will be three registration options
for youth this year. Child care (infant-K)
will be available at select times.
The Youth Co-op Convention runs
concurrent to convention and is geared
at middle school and high school
youth. New this year, elementary
age youth can take part in the Co-op
Youth Zone. Please note names, ages
and any special dietary needs or care
considerations for your children and
include with your registration. Youth
registration for all ages is $30, which
includes meals.
Cancellation Policy: Any cancellations
must be reported to the WFU State
Office by Friday, Jan. 16 (a week prior to
the event) in order to receive a refund.
Please call Diane at 800-272-5531.
85th Annual State Convention
Page 9
Farmers Union News
January 29-31, Page
20169
Radisson
Valley Hotel
85th Annual
StatePaper
Convention
W. College
January 333
29-31,
2016 Ave., Appleton, WI
Hotel
Reservations:
1-800-333-3333
Radisson
Paper
Valley Hotel
333
W.
College
Ave.
•
Appleton
Event Info: 715-723-5561 • www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
Please PRINT CLEARLY all information as you would like it to appear on your
name
badge.
List additional
attendees
reverse
side ofon
thisyour
form.name
Please PRINT
CLEARLY
all information
as and
you youth
wouldon
like
it to appear
REGISTRATION FORM
REGISTRATION FORM
badge. Include a list of additional attendees and youth on a separate sheet.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Name(s)_______________________________________&___________________________________________
Address_______________________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________
County/Local___________________________________Phone______________________________________
Email_________________________________________Cell_________________________________________
CIRCLE: Vegetarian Gluten-Free Other:______________________________________________________
Affiliation/Organization (guests/sponsors/exhibitors)______________________________________________
Payment contact, other than attendee (where applicable)__________________________________________
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
REGISTRATION & MEAL PACKAGE PLEASE NOTE THAT PACKAGE RATES INCLUDE ALL MEALS: Saturday lunch and banquet,
Sunday breakfast and lunch. Use Separate Meal Tickets area below for non-delegate guests who need an individual meal only.
Type of Registrant
Early Bird Price on
or before 1/14/16
Regular Price after
1/14/16
# of Packages
Total
DELEGATE Member
$60
$80
$
ADULT Member
$60
$80
$
NON-Member
$80
$100
$
YOUTH or YOUTH LEADER (Member)
(Please
ages for
(Please fillnote
out youth
infoyouth)
on reverse)
$30
$50
$
Annual Membership (I wish to join WFU)
$30
$30
$
PRE-CONVENTION AGRITOURISM WORKSHOP — Friday afternoon
Agritourism Workshop Registration, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Includes lunch)
Nonmember
Member
Total
$50 x #_____
$40 x #_____
$
SEPARATE MEAL TICKETS Tickets available for non-delegate individuals who want to join us for meals only — includes programs.
Meal
(List attendee name after each meal)
Early Bird Member
Price on or before
1/14/16
Regular Member
Price after
1/14/16
NON-MEMBER
Rate
ONLY
# of
Tickets
Total
Saturday Lunch
$15
$20
$25
$
Saturday Banquet
$30
$35
$40
$
Sunday Breakfast
$15
$18
$23
$
Sunday Lunch
$15
$17
$22
$
REGISTRATION TOTAL $
MAIL REGISTRATION FORM WITH CHECK PAYABLE TO:
WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION, 117 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
MAIL REGISTRATION FORM WITH CHECK PAYABLE TO:
WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION, 117 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Page 1010
Page
Farmers Union News
WFU
News
• |December
WFUWFU
News
News
November
| Fall 2015
2010
2011
Cover crops
a key to better
land stewardship
By W. Michael Slattery & Bill Krueger
WFU Grains Committee
A
s stewards of the land and environment, farmers are becoming more
conscious of improving the quality of the land that we farm and
reducing pollutants that deteriorate our earth.
The farmer’s role in conservation has been a frequent topic in meetings of
the Wisconsin Farmers Union Grain Committee. Earlier this year, the topic
made headlines with the release of Pope Francis’s Laudato Si, “Care for Our
Common Home.”
In the encyclical, Pope Francis issued an appeal to “all of creation” to
exercise greater care of the environment in which we live as part of the means
to less adversely affect those less blessed. Farmer Union Enterprises has been
involved in promoting this conscious-raising.
Even a generation ago, farmers did not regularly engage in cover cropping.
As they shift toward better land stewardship, today’s farmers are beginning to
use cover crops as a tool focused on improving our environment. Cover crops
integrated into crop rotations are helping farmers move away from monocropping (particularly of corn and soybeans).
Wisconsin farmers in 2012 planted cover crops on 553,000 acres1, much of
it winter wheat. Farmers planting cover crops elect by priority: winter cereal
grains (wheat and rye), brassicas (radishes, turnips, etc.), legumes, annual
grasses and multi-species mixes.
Cover crops help reduce soil compaction and soil erosion and control
weeds, ultimately increasing future crop yields. Cover crop users additionally value the crops’ potential to increase organic matter, reduce erosion and
compaction, control weeds, and source or scavenge nitrogen.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) offers abundant regional recommendations on timing and rate of
seeding for cover crops.
In Wisconsin, designated as Zone 4, cover crops may be terminated at
or within five days after planting in the spring, but before crop emergence.
NRCS highly recommends no-till cover-cropping and termination with
herbicide in order to preserve ground cover.
Each type of cover crop has different benefits, objectives, and costs. Not
every cover crop provides the same results because of different attributes such
as soil type, the soil fertility, the weather, the time of planting or term of use.
Some (clover and rye) are better at scavenging or providing nitrogen in the
form of green manure; others (daikon, i.e. tillage radish, or turnip) provide
biomass; and yet others (rye and daikon) are prized for their ability to break
compaction.
We recommend consideration of the following cover crops in a grain rotation system: (a) winter rye planted after either soybean harvest or corn silage
harvest, (b) clover planted in oats or rye, (c) a combination of Austrian peas,
daikon (tillage radish), and winter rye (or two of the three) after wheat. The
best opportunity for Wisconsin farmers to plant cover crops is after they
harvest corn silage (980,000 ac/yr), wheat (265,000 ac/yr), or potatoes or
processing crops (245,000 ac/yr).
The cost-benefit analysis, as shown below, demonstrates that in many cases,
but not all, this may be an extra net expense for the farmer. Part or all of the
expense may be defrayed if the farmer is awarded a five-year contract under
the USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program. If awarded, the farmer may
get a cash subsidy of up to $25 per acre for each year of a five-year period.
While oats and barley are not major revenue producers, they require fewer
inputs and are an option when corn and soybean prices dip. If one plants
berseem or red clover with the oats in the spring, he or she can expect a yield
WFUNews
News •| December
2015
WFU
N
Fall
ovember
20102011
Farmers Union News
drag of about 20 bu/ac on the oats, but, according to analysis by the UW-Extension, the clover scavenges nitrogen and produces between 80 and 140 lbs/
ac (96 lb/ac above ground of biomass nitrogen and 45 lb/ac below ground. In
this model, with 95 bu/ac of oat yield, the cover cropping would cost $42/ac
and the nitrogen gain would only be realized in the following year after the
small grain is harvested and a new crop is planted.2
Long-term value
The expense of cover crops do not adequately portray the actual gain to the
farmer because some benefits are difficult to calculate in dollar values. Over
time, soil compaction is reduced; organic matter is added to the soil; erosion
of top soil that took millennia to form is prevented; soil quality improves
permeability of water; etc.
Mike Duffy of Iowa State University estimates that erosion, in Iowa for
example, costs the farmer $2.10 per ton of erosion in nutrient loss, $5 per
acre in water quality costs, and a loss of three to seven percent in land value
because of reduced yield.3 Actual loss depends on crop rotation, soil type,
tillage, and phosphorus.
Matt Ruark of UW-Extension evaluated cover crop practices on Edmund
Clay Loam on a four percent slope, as in south central Wisconsin, and found
a loss of 2.1 T of soil per year with no-till and without a cover crop. The
same soil in a spring chisel-plowed scenario lost 5.4 T/yr.
Page 11
Page
11
Ruark also found that, in a corn silage-soybean rotation using fall cover-cropping
with rye for nine years, organic matter increased 15 percent, nitrogen supply from
the soil by 38 percent, corn silage by 0.5 to 1.0 T/ac and soybeans by up to five
bu/ac.
Using winter rye as a cover crop after corn silage or soybeans is economically
appealing, particularly if the farmer can use or sell the winter rye as rye-lage in
early April before killing off the rye to plant the subsequent crop. Ruark notes
the above-ground biomass, when sprayed in early April with herbicide, yields on
average 115 lbs. of nitrogen, but the nitrogen credit quickly drops off to only 11
lbs. by early May. The farmer must decide whether to take the nitrogen credit in
biomass or use the rye-lage.
The final model of cover-cropping that we shall consider is the use of Austrian peas,
daikon (tillage radish), and winter rye. From a cash-flow standpoint, this model is the
least attractive and requires planting immediately after the small grain (wheat, oats,
rye, barley, etc.) is harvested in order for the daikon to build mass into winter and for
the peas to improve the nitrogen content. The radish, more so than the turnip, leaves
more biomass, improves aeration of the soil, and breaks up compaction best in the top
10 inches of soil. Because this is the most costly model of cover-cropping, expenses
may be reduced by using only two cover crop options—for example, foregoing the
Austrian peas in order to get the daikon biomass and reduce compaction. The farmer
could also choose between the benefit of the rye-lage and getting the nitrogen-credit
of above-ground biomass from the rye.
Cover crops workshop planned
The farmer should consider the priority of objectives in cover cropping in order
to decide which model best serves his or her needs. The hidden costs of erosion,
compaction, soil health and fertility — which can be difficult to calculate in terms
of financial valuation — are just as important as the cash-flow analysis.
While we have presented only three models, there remain other cover crop options the farmer should investigate. At the Wisconsin Farmers Union Convention
Jan. 29-31 in Appleton, we will have a break-out session on soil health, including
cover cropping. We invite and encourage farmers, particularly grain and vegetable farmers, to attend.
Sources: 1NASS Ag Census, 2012. 2Jim Stute, University of Wisconsin Extension, and
Kevin Shelley, UW Nutrient and Pest Management, “Frost Seeding Red Clover in
Winter Wheat.” 3http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/al-75.html
Page 1212
Page
Farmers Union News
r
e
t
t
a
h
C
r
e
t
Chap
WFU
News
• |December
WFUWFU
News
News
November
| Fall 2015
2010
2011
Submit Chapter Chatter to Danielle at 715-471-0398
or [email protected]
A Garden Party
Right: Members of the Eau
Claire County Farmers Union
chapter gathered for a garden
party at Andy and Kelly Jacobs’
(front left and front right)
Moonshadow Gardens near Fall
Creek this fall.
Below: The Jacobs’ shared
some gardening tips and showed
the visitors an array of various
plants, vegetables, and flowers.
Photos courtesy of Ed & Kristi Gorell
Overflowing support
Cookies & camaraderie
Two Wisconsin Farmers Union chapters will be hosting
cookie exchanges this holiday season.
South Central Wisconsin Farmers Union chapter invites
you to their second annual Cookie Exchange at 6 p.m. Wed.,
Dec. 2 at Cow & Quince, 407 Second St., New Glarus.
Contact Lisa Kivirist at [email protected] or 608329-7056 or visit www.facebook.com/wfusouthcentral for
more details. Bakers are asked to bring containers and five
dozen cookies.
Sauk County Farmers Union will host a meeting and
cookie exchange (bring 2 dozen) from noon to 2:30 pm
Dec. 12 at Farm Kitchen Restaurant, S5718 State Road
123, Baraboo. RSVP by Dec. 9 to Erin Schneider, 608257-6729 or [email protected].
Not a baker? Still come for some holiday cheer!
Below: The Dane County Farmers Union recently coordinated an alumninum
can drive benefiting WFU youth. The chapter would like to thank all who
pitched in to make this event a success. Proceeds from the can drive help cover
Wisconsin Farmers Union youths’ travel expenses to WFU Kamp Kenwood
each summer and other community service opportunities.
WFUNews
News •| December
2015
WFU
Fall
November
20102011
Farmers Union News
Page 13
Page
13
Who’s The Boss? CHS eyes rule changes
Alan Guebert
I
n the world of
agricultural
cooperatives
there’s none bigger
than Minnesotabased CHS Inc.
According to U.S. Department of
Agriculture data, the energy, grain,
food, and farm supply giant did
$42.9 billion in business in its fiscal
year 2014.
That makes the mighty CHS bigger than Deere & Co., DuPont, and
Tyson Foods, and far bigger than the
number two ag co-op, Dairy Farmers
of America, with its almost-puny-bycomparison $17.9 billion in sales.
CHS’s power, however, will be
challenged at the co-op’s annual
meeting Dec. 4 when members vote
on changes to its articles and bylaws.
The changes, argue CHS bosses, are
needed to keep the co-op growing
and “to reinforce CHS’s commitment to its member cooperatives,
agricultural producers and cooperative business structure.”
In short, CHS management believes its 20th century business
structure needs some 21st century
tweaking. Many of its “member
cooperatives,” however, disagree.
“This feels more like a corporate
takeover,” says Rugby, ND coop
manager Steve Dockter, who sees
the proposed changes moving power
from CHS’s 1,100 member “locals”—an essential tenet of cooperative structure—to CHS.
“It boils down to who’s the boss?
We are; we own them.”
He’s right; local CHS co-ops own
what they call the “mother ship,”
CHS, Inc., an overarching regional
cooperative that stitches the locals’
into a single, coherent business structure. For CHS, that’s 625,000 farmers and ranchers in 25 states.
Like most ag-centered co-ops,
however, CHS’s very size and its
changing customer base — a dwindling number of “voting” farmer and
rancher “members” and a growing
number of “non-voting” consumer
customers — is a big driver behind
the proposed changes in the rules.
For CHS to remain true to its
heritage, it explains, CHS, Inc. needs
to update bylaws to ensure locals
“operate on a cooperative basis or be
an organization primarily owned and
controlled by a member cooperative,
as determined by the CHS Board of
Directors.”
That “as determined by the CHS
Board of Directors” part sticks in the
craw of coop members like Mark
Watne, president of the North Dakota
Farmers Union.
“The locals are the owners here,”
he says. “If anyone has a problem
with non-members voting at the local
level, the locals can address that,
CHS doesn’t need the power to do it.”
Like many, Watne wonders if CHS
managers understand just what their
proposed changes to the co-op’s
bylaws mean. “Most of these folks
came from corporations and their
ideas have the feel of ‘corporate’
bylaws. Maybe they don’t appreciate just how deep in most members’
bones is the idea of local control.”
That principle cooperative element
is embodied in the Capper-Volstead
Act, the 1922 law that is the Magna
Carta of the U.S. ag co-op movement
because it allowed ag producers to
organize and collectively approach
the market as either buyers or sellers
without violating federal antitrust
law. (One of its namesake authors,
Minnesota Congressman Andrew
Volstead, had another law named
after him, The Volstead Act, that
wasn’t as successful: in 1919 it ushered in Prohibition.)
If Watne is right, CHS managers
and the coop’s board of producer-directors will get a new appreciation of
that deeply-held belief Dec. 4 because
another proposal to be voted on that
day has the co-op dropping any reference to Capper-Volstead. The reason,
claims CHS, is that “Given the nature
of CHS business, we do not benefit
from potential protections offered
under Capper-Volstead.”
Maybe not, says co-op manager
Docktor, but removal of any reference
to this underpinning law is akin to
changing the Ten Commandments.
“It basically lays the groundwork for
a reversal of roles and I don’t think
people want that.”
What members want today and
what CHS managers think they need
for tomorrow can be the same thing,
Dockter explains. “But the one thing
everyone needs to know now is
‘Who’s the boss?’ We know: It’s us.”
© 2015 ag comm — The Farm and
Food File is published weekly through
the U.S. and Canada. Find past columns
at www.farmandfoodfile.com.
Where do our friends stand on the proposed CHS Changes?
North Dakota Cooperative Managers Association
North Dakota Cooperative Directors Association
North Dakota Farmers Union
Why Vote NO?
1. Change in Membership — It has been proposed that membership
restrictions be removed and not tied to the Agricultural Marketing Act and
Capper-Volstead Act. This would remove provisions restricting voting
membership to “associations of producers of agricultural products,” and open
voting membership to consumer or other business groups, even if they have
no agricultural connection. The Board (and their executive managers)
would have considerable latitude to determine who they will do business
with and to determine who will be a voting patron of CHS.
2.Changes Without Input — The Board will have the power to determine
how to define an “active” member. This definition could be changed
without any member input.
3. Change in Patronage — The Board will have flexibility to approve
non-member patronage arrangements which can, and probably will,
negatively impact the amount of patronage payout to both local marketing
and supply co-ops doing business with CHS.
4. Change in Business Model — The proposed changes in the Articles
would allow CHS to begin doing business with non-farmer organizations and
consumer co-ops in an amount greater in value than with producer-owned
membership.
Summary: The proposed amendments will take CHS from being a
“producer-owned” and “producer-run” cooperative to being simply
“producer-focused.” The articles and bylaws are the cooperative’s
foundational documents and govern how CHS operates as a system.
Bylaws are the operating rules and the more flexible they are, the greater
the opportunity exists for deviating from the spirit and intent of the
organization’s business model. We urge a “no” vote.
Page 1414
Page
Farmers Union News
WFU
News
• |December
| Fall 2015
2010
WFUWFU
NewsNews
November
2011
Above: Wisconsin Farmers Union Education Director Cathy Statz was among presenters
who shared the importance of cooperatives and credit unions during the Vernon County
Co-op Career Day at Viroqua High School Oct. 23.
Cooperatives band together to educate youth
tudents from Viroqua High School learned
about the rich history and socioeconomic
impact of cooperatives during the Vernon County
Co-op Career Day at Viroqua High School Oct.
23. The event was coordinated by Wisconsin
Farmers Union (WFU) on behalf of the Vernon
County Cooperative Association.
During the morning program, 78 students,
primarily juniors, met with representatives from
eight local cooperatives. The students were given
an introduction to cooperatives and learned about
each co-op’s mission, history and membership.
The students also learned about scholarship and
internship opportunities with the cooperatives and
were offered short-term and long-term goals for
preparing for potential co-op related careers.
“Presentations at the Co-op Career Day are
intended to help students begin thinking about not
only the value of being a member of a cooperative or credit union, but also about the possibility
of working or interning for one in the future,” said
Cathy Statz, WFU education director. “Students
are introduced to opportunities ranging from that
first job to a lifelong career that could feature
national — or even international — influence.”
In anonymous follow-up evaluations, the students expressed surprise at what they’d learned:
- “There are a lot of different co-ops — and we
have a lot of different types in our community.”
- “The most surprising thing I have learned is
the structural make-up of the board — that the
members are owners and they elect the board.”
S
- “I didn’t realize that co-ops were so big and
widely known.”
- “[I was surprised that] cooperatives can be
built of as few as three people — and that those
three people could create such powerful businesses.”
- “The most surprising thing I learned was how
much money is actually given back to the cooperative members.”
- “[I liked] learning about all the cool things
they do for our community.”
Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Westby
Co-op Creamery and the Vernon County Cooperatives Association graciously contributed to a
mid-morning snack for the youth.
The career day was one of a number of special
events Wisconsin Farmers Union attended to
promote October Co-op Month. Summit Credit
Union brought together co-ops for a Co-op Connection event Oct. 3 in Madison, which showcased cooperatives to over 4,000 attendees. The
Dunn County cooperative community co-hosted
October Co-op Month in Menomonie, reaching
over 1,000 cooperative owners and community
members. WFU took part in both great events.
While October Co-op month is an ideal time to
spread the good word about cooperatives, WFU
continues carrying the message of the value of
cooperatives year-round. Groups interested in
hosting an educational session on cooperatives
are urged to contact‑ Statz at 715-723-5561 or
[email protected].
WFUNews
News •| December
2015
WFU
N
Fall
ovember
20102011
Farmers Union News
What’s on Your Table?
with Diane Tiry
December Salads
O
kay, it is a bit early to be thinking about what I am
going to make for Christmas dinner this year, but from
time to time, I receive recipes in my email inbox that really
scream out at me. I came upon a couple of salad recipes that
would make great eating at any holiday function, potluck
party or with family, maybe creating a new holiday tradition. Plus these are
good for you.
Try picking up some of the ingredients at a winter’s farmers markets in your
area or locally. One can buy a bag or two of fresh cranberries early in December
and freeze them until you need them for the “Creamy Cranberry Salad” recipe
included below. It was totally by accident that I came across two salad recipes
which both contain cranberries. This encouraged me to do some research online
at the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association website. Were you aware
the cranberry was officially named Wisconsin’s state fruit on April 5, 2004, and
that cranberries score among the highest of all fruits in antioxidants?
Diets including fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant values, like cranberries, may help support memory function and coordination. Wisconsin was
the top cranberry-producing state in the nation for the 20th consecutive year in
2014, producing more than 60 percent of the country’s crop. More cranberry
fun facts and plenty more recipes can be found at www.wiscran.org.
I can’t wait to try out this light and very tasty holiday lettuce salad from Bryan
Braack, Eldridge, Iowa, who says everyone comes back for seconds.
HOLIDAY LETTUCE SALAD
Taste of Home (http://www.tasteof home.com/recipes/holiday-lettuce-salad)
Ingredients:
10 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 medium red apples, cubed
2 medium pears, cubed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss
cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
6 Tablespoons lemon juice
3 Tablespoons canola oil
3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
1 ½ teaspoons grated onion
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped lightly salted
cashews
Page 15
Page
15
Directions:
1. In a salad bowl, combine the first five ingredients.
2. For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, corn syrup,
onion, mustard and salt. Pour over romaine mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle
with cashews. Yield: 14 servings (1 cup each).
Nutritional Facts
1 cup equals 144 calories, 8 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 7 milligrams
(mg) cholesterol, 134 mg. sodium, 17 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 4
grams protein.
I fell in love with this second recipe because it actually uses real whipping
cream instead of the usual non-dairy whipped topping that I abhor. I found a
similar recipe in this month’s Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, so I will
include some additional options from that one below.
CREAMY CRANBERRY SALAD
Taste of Home (http://www.tasteof home.com/recipes/creamy-cranberry-salad)
Ingredients:
3 cups fresh or frozen
cranberries (thawed),
chopped
1 can (20 ounces)
unsweetened crushed
pineapple, drained
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 medium apple,
chopped
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy whipping
cream
¼ cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients until blended. Refrigerate,
covered, overnight.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Just before serving, fold
cream and walnuts into cranberry mixture.
3. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Optional: Apples could be increased so you have 2 cups diced. One cup seedless green grapes could also be added.
A similar recipe, called Cranberry Fluff, was featured in the November, 2015,
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, page 21. Amounts of ingredients were
different as well as the cranberries were ground instead of chopped. This same
recipe can be found at the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association
website mentioned at the start of this article.
May this holiday season find you happy and eating healthy!
Page 1616
Page
Farmers Union News
WFU
News
• |December
WFUWFU
News
News
November
| Fall 2015
2010
2011
Wisconsin Farmers Union wishes you good
health and cheer during this holiday season!
Pictured, are, from left, front: Diane Tiry, Danielle
Endvick, Kara O’Connor. Back: Sarah Lloyd, Cathy
Statz, Darin Von Ruden, Deb Jakubek, Tom Quinn,
David Wright-Racette and Zach Herrnstadt.
Not pictured: Mary Halfman, Brad Henderson, and
Amanda Kollwitz.
Bits n’ Pieces
Dairy 30x20 grant applicants sought
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade
and Consumer Protection is seeking applications
for the next round of Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30x20
producer grants. The Grow Wisconsin Dairy Producer
Grant is a flexible grant available to producers to
facilitate operational changes, improve profitability,
and increase efficiency.
The Grow Wisconsin Dairy Producer Grant strives
to improve the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy
industry. Recipients of this grant can be awarded as
much as $5,000 and would be required to pay a cost
share of 20 percent of the total grant amount.
This grant is designed to provide access to services
and resources for proposed dairy farm projects that enhance or develop the current business and/or solve an
existing problem or concern on the farm. Customized
to meet the needs of individual farms, this grant can be
applied to hire consultants with a range of expertise to
address specific business needs.
Applications are due to DATCP by December 18,
2015. Application materials and more information are
available at http://datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Dairy_Farming/
index.aspx
These grants are only one service of the Grow
Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 Team. DATCP can help
farmers connect with dairy resources year round. For
more information, call toll-free at 855-WI Dairy (855943-2479) or email [email protected].
Free grant advising available
Have you thought about applying for a grant but
just aren’t sure what is available or where to start?
Wisconsin Farmers Union is continuing to
partner with Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
(MFAI) to provide a free grant advising service.
If you are considering any funding program or
just want to know what is out there, please get
in touch with MFAI Grants Advisor Deirdre
Birmingham at [email protected] or 608-2194279.
Deirdre is also a farmer and speaks from experience. Ask to be on her email list so you get funding program announcements for Wisconsin as well
as federal programs.
Visit http://www.michaelfields.org/grant-advisingresources/ for more grant opportunities.
Conservation funds help butterflies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced
a new conservation effort to help agricultural producers in Wisconsin and nine other states provide food
and habitat for monarch butterflies. This targeted effort
in the Midwest and southern Great Plains by USDA’s
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will
invest $4 million in 2016 to help combat the iconic
species’ decline.
Monarch populations have decreased significantly
over the past 20 years, in part because of a decrease in
native plants like milkweed — the sole source of food
for monarch caterpillars.
NRCS will provide technical and financial assistance to help producers and conservation partners
make butterfly-friendly improvements to farms and
ranches. In Wisconsin, NRCS is focusing on integrating milkweed and high-nectar plants along field borders, in buffers along waterways or around wetlands,
in pastures and other suitable locations.
Producers interested in participating should contact
their local USDA service center to learn more.
For more on resources available through NRCS conservation programs, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov/
GetStarted or visit your local USDA service center.

Wisconsin Farmers Union News

Transcription

Similar documents

wlfm-postcard starburst - Westland

Horticulture Innovation Lab Regional Center at Zamorano in Honduras

The HighGrow Agri Model

Market Plan

Jolly Jumper Moses Basket with Stand

Wisconsin TEAM BEEF - Wisconsin Beef Council

The Barn

Poster 1: Lessons from farmers in eastern New Zealand

FWAG Spring Conference 2015

4 • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News By Reed Karaim and