June WFU News - Wisconsin Farmers Union

Transcription

wisconsinfarmersunion.com
Fly-In participants stand strong on
Country-of-Origin Labeling
Women Caring for the Land
events focus on conservation
Page 3
Summer memories ahead:
Register for WFU Kamp Kenwood
Page 7
Page 9
Wisconsin Farmers Union News
June 2015
United to grow family agriculture
Rising from the ashes
Breitenmosers bounce back after barn fire
M
U.S. Postage
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Permit No. 203
Eau Claire, WI
Wisconsin Farmers Union
117 W. Spring St.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
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NON-PROFIT
ERRILL — Watching the
Holstein calves contentedly
dozing in their cozy hutches on the
Breitenmoser Family Farm, it's hard
to imagine the tragedy that marred this
very spot, leaving just a concrete pad
and a pile of smoldering rubble mere
months ago.
"To this day, I still can't believe we
had a fire," Hans Breitenmoser said,
staring at the foundation where his
family's dairy barn once stood. "I still
look at my wife sometimes and say,
'Did that really happen?' "
But the Lincoln County farmer can
still vividly recall the sight of flames
climbing 50-feet-high in the early
hours of Nov. 3, 2014. Moments
before, he'd received a call from his
neighbor and long-time farm worker,
Laurie Svetlik, exclaiming the barn
was on fire.
As he arrived on the home farm, just
down the road from his own house,
Breitenmoser saw flames spitting
from the two-story barn to the garage
attached to his parents' house. He remembers feeling relief discovering his
parents, Hans Sr. and Margrit, weren't
inside the house — until he realized he
had no idea where they were.
Breitenmoser found his father near
the burning barn but no one knew
where his mother was. They found
her in the calf barn, which was also on
fire, rescuing calves with the help of a
neighbor, Breitenmoser recalled, shaking his head, a hint of pride in his eyes.
When the flames had been subdued,
only a pile of smoking debris remained
where the barn and farm shop had
stood. Eight cows were lost in the
blaze and several more later died.
Volume 72 | No. 5
Right: The Breitenmosers
would like to thank all who
assisted on the day of and in
those following the fire.
Pictured: back row, Hans Sr.,
Margrit, Hans Jr., and Katie;
front row, Maggie, Calvin,
Charlie, Abby and Lilah.
The barn had housed
the milking parlor, and
the Breitenmosers and
their farm crew now faced the
challenge of finding temporary homes
for the rest of the 485-cow herd.
But they weren't alone.
"People poured out so much good
will and generosity of time and spirit;
we don't know how to ever thank
people enough," Breitenmoser said.
"If nobody gets hurt, then it's just
back to what farmers do everyday
anyway — problem solving," he said.
Friends and family quickly came
forth to help with that task.
In record speed, volunteers stretched
a fence one-eighth of a mile long
across a field to neighboring Roth's
Morning View Farm and herded 130
cows there to be housed and milked.
Meanwhile an armada of trucks and
trailers had appeared to move the
300 remaining cows to two farms
owned by Brian Forrest of Maple
Ridge Dairy near Stratford.
"We had so much help," Breitenmoser said, fighting back emotion. "I
can't say enough about the people —
the day of the fire and every day after."
See FIRE p.2
• By Danielle Endvick •
Communications Director
Right: A portion of the Breitenmosers' herd
made the trek home after being cared for at
a neighboring farm for several months after
the fire. The cows were moved between the
farms with a make-shift fence quickly stretched
across a field by volunteers on the day of the
fire.
Meet the Farmers Union Family
Who: Hans Jr. & Katie Breitenmoser,
Maggie, Abby, Charlie, Lilah & Calvin
WFU members since: 2012
Farm: Breitenmoser Family Farm
(Follow the farm on Facebook!)
Where: Merrill, Lincoln County
Fun Fact: Hans Jr.'s parents, Hans Sr.
and Margrit Breitenmoser moved to
the farm from Switzerland in 1968, not
knowing a word of English.
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Wisconsin Farmers Union News
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
Farmers Union News
WFUNews
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2010
FIRE from p.1
Below: The American flag still flies
high above the farm on the remaining
Harvestore. Right: Life moves on at the
farm; calf hutches now line the foundation
where the barn stood before the fire.
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
Farmers Union values
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
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
'Life moves on'
Moving as quickly as the fire
had swept through, a crew of
volunteers set about cleaning up
and addressing the Breitenmoser
family's need for a parlor. Dairy
Services of Stratford located
a portable single-12 herringbone parlor, and Doug Murphy
of Brothers Builders quickly
gathered a crew to transform an
existing open-sided shed into a
functional milking parlor. Meanwhile, the Breitenmoser women
and neighbors kept hard-working
volunteers fed.
"In six days we went from a
30-by-70-foot building with just
poles and a roof into a 30-by-120foot building with walls, windows,
insulation, ceiling liners; it was
incredible," Breitenmoser said.
On Jan. 17, the first group of
cows came home from Stratford.
Three days later, family and
friends gathered to push the next
herd back across the field from
their neighbors, the Roths.
"The day we brought the cows
back from the Roths' in January,
the field was dotted black and
white from his barn to mine,"
Breitenmoser said. "It was a sight
to see."
On Jan. 23 the last of the girls
came home.
The Breitenmoser family became members of Wisconsin
Farmers Union in 2012.
"Philosophically, many of the things Farmers Union stands for
align with what we believe in: common-sense conservation,
an interest in renewable energy, education for children, sound
groundwater policies," Hans Breitenmoser said, pointing out the
20-kilowatt solar panels on the family's free-stall barn.
"Those things line up with our view of the world — teaching
kids about social justice, about how cooperatives work and why
they work at their core," he added. "Farmers Union is also the
only farm organization that I'm aware of that has stood against
money in politics. Farmers Union gets it, and that's why we have
been and plan to continue to be members. "
Breitenmoser describes the few
months after the fire as a "75-day
hiccup" in the farm's history.
"From 1968 to 2015, we went
75 days without producing milk
on the farm," he said. "That's not
too bad."
A new chapter
Signs of the fire linger. Just
yards from the parlor a partial
shed houses hay, but its charred
boards bear memories of the
blaze. But calf hutches now line
the foundation where the barn
once stood, offering dry footing
for new life.
"Out of the ashes, a new place
for growth," Svetlik wrote with a
photo of the new hutch set-up on
the farm's Facebook page.
Today, the herd numbers 417
cows, with just over 350 milking.
Breitenmoser said the fire was
Above: A Harvestore — which had
been filled with high-moisture corn
the night before the fire — suffered
heat damage, buckled and had to be
taken down. A stave silo also had to be
removed after the fire.
life-altering, but he tries to put it
in perspective. Though the family
lost a tractor and skid steer, along
with some cows and the barn full
of hay, they gained many new
friends and the family, farm crew
and many fire responders were
safe.
"We were really fortunate,"
Breitenmoser said.
WFUNews
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2015 2011
WFU
Fall
November
2010
Farmers Union News
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Farming takes faith
Darin Von Ruden
President
on this ever-important issue.
As you'll see in WFU Policy Organizer
David Wright-Racette's State Budget
eing a farmer takes
Update on page 4, Wisconsin Farmers
faith; there's no
Union did reap a harvest on some key
doubt about it. When we
issues in the Biennial Budget. Our staff
plant a seed — whether
and members were among those who
by hand in the greenhouse or among
fought hard for school and conservation
acre upon acre in the field — there's
funding and to retain authority on the
always a chance that tiny seed won't
Department of Natural Resources and
survive the challenges Mother Nature
Department of Agriculture Trade and
sends its way.
Consumer Protection boards.
The uncertain scenario is much like
Looking across the budget, some of
the one we as Farmers Union members
the seeds we planted bore fruit, while
face while fighting for policies that are
others were less fruitful, but nonetheless
fair for our family farmers and rural
worth fighting for.
communities.
In the weeks ahead, the Wisconsin
Each phone call we make, letter we
Farmers Union staff will be out and about
send and meeting we hold with our
nurturing some budding ventures. We're
legislators is done in hopes that an extra kicking off a series of Power Hours,
push, that extra sprinkle of rain, so to
focusing on solar energy for your home,
speak, will sprout into change for the
business or farm. (Details on page 6.) The
better of family farmers and our rural
workshops are being hosted in collaboracommunities.
tion with the Midwest Renewable Energy
This spring has been a reminder that
Association, which will be hosting its 26th
not all the seeds we plant will come to
annual Renewable Energy Fair June 19-21
fruition. But those that do take can make in Custer. Swing by the Farmers Union
a strong stand.
booth there and say hello!
In late May, I was among 60 Farmers
Recognizing that half of the farmland
Union members from throughout the
in the Midwest is now owned or cocountry who traveled to Washington,
owned by women, we're also joining
D.C. for a special NFU Spring Fly-In.
efforts to expand conservation education
We hoped to make Congress realize
to women. On June 2, WFU is hosting a
how much family farmers and consum- Women Caring for the Land workshop,
ers value Country-of-Origin Labeling.
in partnership with the Women, Food
The popular labeling law has been
and Agriculture Network. See page 7 for
under attack by foreign processors
more details.
who have threatened retaliation,
Also, don't forget to mark Aug. 8 on
saying the origin labeling creates an
your calendar and make plans to join us for
unfair market in the United States.
the WFU Summer Conference at Kamp
Farmers Union values COOL
Kenwood near Chippewa Falls. This year,
because it allows consumers to rest
we'll have a special focus on resourceassured they know if they're eating
sharing among the county chapters.
foreign or domestic meat. Isn't that
We have many seeds to tend to in the
a right we should be allowed in this
Farmers Union, as we strive to fulfill
great nation?
our mission of being "United to Grow
The fate of COOL remains to be seen, Family Agriculture." With a little faith
as of print time, but I'm glad I could be
and the cooperative spirit started so long
among those who took time from my
ago by our founders, we have a bright
own spring planting to plant some seeds and bountiful future ahead.
B
WFU President Darin Von Ruden, left, Patty Edelburg, second from left,
and Michael Slattery, fourth from left, met with Rep. Grothman during the
National Farmers Union Spring Fly-In in Washington, D.C. May 19.
WFU members take
part in Spring Fly-In
S
ixty National Farmers Union (NFU) members from 27 states
descended on Washington, D.C., May 19-21 for a special Spring
Fly-In. The family farmers and ranchers met with their elected officials to underscore their unwavering support for Country-of-Origin
Labeling (COOL).
Representing Wisconsin were WFU President Darin Von Ruden,
Westby and board members Patty Edelburg, Amherst, and Michael
Slattery, Maribel.
“Farmers Union members took time out of their busy spring
schedules to travel to the nation’s Capital to ensure that Congress
knows that America’s producers and consumers strongly approve of
COOL and want to know where their food is from,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.
“Countries across the globe are adopting labeling laws because
their consumers have been fooled by unlabeled products,” Johnson
added, noting the global political environment is clearly shifting
towards more information for consumers, not less.
Johnson said he believes pressure will continue to mount to
recognize and accept the rights of consumers to the information
provided by COOL.
The Fly-In fell on a key time in the Capital, as word broke that the
WTO had ruled against COOL and a law had been introduced to cut
the labeling law.
“There is still a path forward for COOL,” Johnson stressed.
"Eliminating COOL altogether would be a disservice to the
consumers who want to know where their food is from and to producers who are proud to provide the information."
In order to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, Canada will
have to prove that COOL has caused real economic harm to their ag
sector, which will not be easy given the recent study out of Auburn
University that found it was the economic collapse of 2008 – not
COOL – that caused a dip in their cattle exports to the U.S.
“Until the Canadians prove that point, Congress needs to keep its
hands off COOL,” said Johnson.
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2011
From the capitol: State Budget Update
David Wright-Racette
Policy Organizer
O
ver the past few months,
the WFU policy team has
focused our energy on working
to make your voices heard in
the capitol as the state legislature continues
to debate the state budget. The Joint Finance
Committee (JFC) is in the process of poring
over the budget and amending and subtracting
items from the Governor’s proposal.
Wisconsin Farmers Union’s policy staff has
been meeting with legislators and members
of the JFC in particular to relay our budget
priorities. We have been successful in our
efforts to remove a handful of items and also in
obtaining funding for agencies and programs
critical to farmers and rural Wisconsinites.
Provisions to Strip Authority from the
Natural Resources & DATCP boards
This provision as proposed by Governor
Walker would have taken power away
from the citizen boards at the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) and the
Department of Agriculture, Trade, and
Consumer Protection (DATCP) to set policy
for the agencies. We argued that as nonfiscal items these changes should be kept
out of the budget. We also argued that these
boards should retain their authority because
they occupy a unique position where policy
and practice meet and best understand how
policies will be implemented on the ground.
We are happy to report these items have been
removed from the budget.
Broadband Expansion Grant Program
The governor’s proposed budget allocated $6
million over the biennium to rural broadband
expansion grants. This was a positive step
forward as only $1 million had been allocated
to the program in the previous state budget.
The JFC altered the proposal to make it a
continuing appropriation, meaning money will
also be allocated for rural broadband in future
budgets which was welcome news. However,
they reduced the funding to $3 million over the
biennium which was disappointing to see.
County Conservation Staffing
In his budget, Governor Walker called for
a cut of $815,900 per year in funding for
county conservation staffing. The JFC voted
to soften the blow by adopting an amendment
which restored $675,000 per year in funding
for county conservation staff. This is a onetime allotment, which means that funding
for county conservation staffing will once
again be an important issue in the next budget
cycle. This partial restoration of funding is a
step in the right direction, but we would have
preferred to see at least a full restoration of
funding. Instead, the JFC decision amounts to
a slight reduction in funds from the previous
budget.
Rural School Funding
Public education funding took a serious hit
in the proposed budget, with a $98 million
reduction in funding over the biennium.
This amounts to a $135 per pupil cut to
Wisconsin’s public schools. Strong outcry
by citizens has forced the legislature to
back away from the Governor’s proposal
and the JFC recently voted to restore the
funding cuts in the first year of the budget
and increase funding for public schools in
the second year of the budget. However, they
also expanded the statewide voucher program
that is estimated to cost $48 million over the
biennium and will draw money away from
public schools. While public schools overall
will see a small increase in per pupil funding,
the use of taxpayer dollars to fund private,
religious schools undermines not only the
funding but also the principles on which
public education was built.
Funding for UW-Extension and the
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
One of the most talked about provisions from
the Governor’s budget was the $300 million cut
to the UW-System. This would amount to a $12
million dollar cut the College of Agricultural
and Life Sciences and a $4 million cut to
Cooperative Extension that provide valuable
research, information, and training for farmers.
At print time, it remains to be seen what the JFC
will decide to do with the UW-System budget.
Preemption of Local Control of Frac
Sand Mining
Last legislative session, efforts were made
to strip towns and counties of the ability to
regulate frac sand mining. Although the bills
failed due lack of support in the Senate and
Assembly, we are concerned that a provision
could be snuck into the budget to preempt
local control of frac sand mining. Because
the budget has to pass in order for the
government to function, legislators sometime
use the budget process as opportunity to sneak
items into the budget that they were unable
to pass as stand-alone legislation. So far no
such attempt has been made, but we continue
to ask legislators to oppose any attempt to slip
this type of non-fiscal policy into the budget.
We will continue to urge the legislature
to keep the farming community and rural
Wisconsin in mind as they make amendments
to the budget. Thank you everyone that has
contacted their legislators asking them to
stand up for things like county conservation
staffing, rural schools, and rural broadband. It
truly makes a difference.
WFUNews
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2015 2011
WFU
Fall
November
2010
Farmers Union News
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BadgerCare compromise would help beginning farmers
W
isconsin
lawmakers
could soon have the
chance to save taxpayers hundreds
of millions of dollars and provide
healthcare to tens of thousands of
individuals in need.
New legislation introduced by Rep.
Daniel Riemer (D – Milwaukee) and
Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D – Middleton),
would save Wisconsin taxpayers an
estimated $241 million over the next
two years while accepting federal
funding for BadgerCare coverage to
an additional 81,000 adults between
100 and 138 percent of the federal
poverty level.
Whether it be in the name of fiscal
responsibility, social justice, or forward thinking, lawmakers in Madison should support this legislation.
Reimer and Erpenbach’s Assembly
Bill 101 and its companion, Senate
Bill 68, present a reasonable compromise between accepting full federal
funding for BadgerCare and leaving
all of those funds on the table. Just as
importantly, it would provide coverage for people who are at or slightly
over the poverty line, yet unable to
realistically afford health insurance.
Similar to a plan already implemented by Iowa’s Republican Governor
Terry Branstad, this legislation would
provide coverage not through a
public plan, but via private insurance
plans purchased on the health insurance marketplace.
While this compromise plan would
benefit the entire state, it would
be particularly vital for Wisconsin
agriculture. Like other states with
strong agricultural roots, the number
of farms in Wisconsin is steadily
dropping, while the average age
of our farmers is rising. In order to
preserve Wisconsin’s tradition of
agricultural excellence, we must find
new ways to encourage young people
to become farmers. A lack of access
to affordable health insurance can be
an enormous barrier for our young,
aspiring farmers. For many young
Wisconsinites, access to BadgerCare
coverage could be the support they
need to make a career in farming a
financially viable option—especially
during those first few years after
starting a farm.
Aside from making health care
more affordable for tens of thousands of people, including a new
generation of farmers, this legislation
makes sense from a fiscal standpoint.
Without it, taxpayers in Wisconsin
will continue to pay for citizens in
other states to enjoy the benefits of
federally funded Medicaid, without
seeing any benefit ourselves. The
Reimer/Erpenbach bill would allow
lawmakers to put Wisconsin’s tax
dollars back to work for Wisconsin.
The money saved could instead be
used to mitigate the devastating cuts
to K-12 public schools, DNR staffing and the UW System included in
Governor Walker’s proposed budget.
The bill also addresses one of the
main concerns voiced by opponents
of accepting federal funding: that
in the future, the federal govern-
ment may be unable or choose not to
provide Wisconsin with the promised
level of funding. By including language allowing the Wisconsin Legislature to end the expanded coverage
if Congress or a future president reduces the federal portion of Medicaid
funding, the bill essentially provides
the state with an escape clause.
Twenty-eight states, including our
neighbors in Michigan, Minnesota,
Iowa, and Indiana have accepted full
federal funding for Medicaid or have
adopted a compromise plan such as
the one proposed by Sen. Erpenbach
and Rep. Riemer. Twelve of those 28
states have Republican Governors,
showing that this need not be a partisan issue.
Wisconsin’s lawmakers should be
doing everything possible to temper
the deep budget cuts looming on the
horizon. Supporting the Reimer/Erpenbach bill would be an important
step in that direction. Not only would
it provide affordable health insurance
to those who need it most; it’s also
the fiscally responsible thing to do.
Midwest CSA Conference
Save the Date!
Zachary Herrnstadt
Government Relations
Associate
Moving Forward Together
December 3-4, 2015
The Plaza • Eau Claire, WI
Sponsored by Wisconsin Farmer Union
in partnership with:
We invite you to join in two days of shared
learning, practical workshops, and lively
discussion, including keynote and general
sessions to imagine together the future
of the Community Supported Agriculture
movement in our region. The conference
program has been developed by CSA
farmers for CSA farmers. Please plan on
joining in the conversation!
• Angelic Organics Learning Center
• Badgerland Financial
• Band of Farmers:
The Chicagoland CSA Coalition
• Biodynamic Association
• Farm Commons
• FairShare CSA Coalition
• Iowa Farmers Union
• Land Stewardship Project
• Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
• Minnesota Farmers Union
• Practical Farmers of Iowa
• UW-Madison Center for Integrated
Agricultural Systems
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Farmers Union News
Bits n’ Pieces
Fall Fly-In scholarships available
Wisconsin Farmers Union is offering scholarships for first-time participants for
the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Fly-in Sept. 15-18, 2015. NFU organizes
legislative fly-ins usually in the spring and fall and as vital issues come before
Congress for a vote. These fly-ins allow Farmers Union members to gather in the
nation's capital and help acquaint members of Congress with the challenges faced
by family farmers and ranchers across rural America.
These visits provide an opportunity for producers to tell lawmakers firsthand how
current government policy impacts them and others in their area. Fly-in participants
can share a personal story and put a human face on how decisions in Washington,
D.C., affect both producers and consumers across the United States. To apply, visit
www.WisconsinFarmersUnion.com.
WFU policy is online
Did you know the Wisconsin Farmers Union policy priorities come straight from
our grassroots membership? The issues the Farmers Union staff are lobbying for in
Madison and in Washington, D.C., are concerns brought forth by our members.
Curious about what those issues are? The 2015 WFU Policy book is now online.
at www.WisconsinFarmersUnion.com. To request a print copy, contact the WFU
State Office at 715-723-5561.
Solar 'Power Hours' coming up
WFU
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You're invited: Tour de Kolacky
PHILLIPS — The Taylor-Price County Farmers Union invites you to join 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.
The ride begins at the school and meanders around the many lakes near Phillips,
stopping at farms along the way. Expect rolling hills, but no daunting climbs. Riders
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 www.thecrazyloon.com/tourde-kolacky-2014/.
SOIL SISTERS Tour celebrates rural life
From July 31 to Aug. 2, SOIL SISTERS: A Celebration of Wisconsin Family
Farms & Rural Life, will offer an immersive farming and culinary experience led
by women in the farming communities of Monroe and Brodhead.
From heirloom tomatoes to emus, sheep to solar energy, and bed & breakfasts
to beef, the farmers and artisan food producers who make up the tour share a
unique diversity of farm experiences showcasing the summer’s bounty.
Activities include Dinner on the Farm, a Taste of Place culinary event,
plentiful on-farm “Green Acres” fun and educational workshops, plus area
restaurants featuring "locavore" specials throughout the weekend.
So wear your sun hat, pull on your farm boots or overalls and kick back for a
relaxing time on one, or all, of the farms. And come hungry for some farm-to-table
feasts. Learn more at www.soilsisterswi.org or like Soil Sisters on Facebook.
Wisconsin Farmers Union, in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy
Association (MREA) and local partners, is hosting three Power Hour programs
around the state. The Power Hours will be:
• Luxemburg: Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m., 4-H Conference Room #142, Exhibition Hall, Kewaunee County Fairgrounds, 625 3rd Street. In partnership with
Kewaunee County UW-Extension and the Rural Enterprise Network.
• East Troy: Thursday, July 2, 6:30 p.m., Michael Fields Agricultural Institute,
W2493 County Road ES. In partnership with Michael Fields Agricultural Institute.
• Amery: Thursday, July 9, 6:30 p.m., Hungry Turtle Farm and Learning Center,
110 Keller Ave. N., Amery. In partnership with the Hungry Turtle Farm and Learning Center.
The hour-long presentations will cover the economic benefits of solar energy,
basics of a solar photovoltaic system, market trends and the step-by-step process to
determine if solar is right for your farm, home or business. Attendees will have the
chance to network with high-quality local solar installers.
For more details contact WFU Special Projects Coordinator Sarah Lloyd at
[email protected] or 608-844-3758.
Value-Added Grant Writing Help Available
Funding is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Value-Added
Producer Grant Program, which helps agricultural producers enter into value-added
activities. VAPG grants are a great opportunity to plan a value-added business or
help fund early-stage working capital expenses. Grants of up to $75,000 for business planning and up to $200,000 for working capital were made last year.
"Value-added" is defined quite generously by the USDA. Not only does it mean
changing the physical state of your raw product, but it can mean the fact that you
are marketing and branding your fresh product as local, or by your means of production, such as organically grown.
The application is long and detailed, requiring much thought and planning.
Investigate this program now to see if it can help you achieve your business goals.
Free grants advising is available through Wisconsin Farmers Union. For more
information, contact Deirdre Birmingham at [email protected] or 608-2194279.
MADISON
SOIL SISTERS
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Caring for the Land
Farmers Union Women
Conservation events aim to teach sound land practices
Happenings
Danielle Endvick
Ride to Farm, June 6, ride starts and ends at Botham
Vineyards, just south of Barneveld, and includes stops
at Heisner Farm, an Organic Valley dairy, and Fantome
Farm, a goat dairy owned and operated by Anne
Topham, www.ridetofarm.dojiggy.com
Restoration Agriculture in Action workshop, June
10, Sauve Terre Farm, 4540 Hillcrest Dr., West Bend,
Kirsten Jurcek, 920-342-9504, www.glacierlandrcd.org
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce June
Dairy Days, June 17, 5-8:30 p.m., Northern Wisconsin State Fairground, Chippewa Falls. Dinner is $6.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association Energy Fair,
June 19-21, Renew the Earth Institute, Custer, www.
midwestrenew.org/energyfair
Tour de Kolacky bicycle ride and Czech-Slovak
Festival, June 20, Phillips, www.thecrazyloon.com/
tour-de-kolacky-2014/
FairShare CSA Coalition Driftless Bike the Barns,
June 28, Sparta, www.csacoalition.org/events/bikethe-barns-driftless/
Solar Power Hour, July 2, 6:30 p.m., Michael Fields
Agricultural Institute, W2493 County Road ES,
East Troy
Solar Power Hour, July 9, 6:30 p.m., Hungry Turtle
Farm and Learning Center, 110 Keller Ave. N., Amery
Soil Sisters Tour: A Celebration of Wisconsin
Farms and Rural Life, July 31-Aug. 2, farms around
Monroe and Broadhead, www.soilsisterswi.org.
WFU Summer Conference, Aug. 8, WFU Kamp
Kenwood, Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Aug. 25-27, Statz
Bros. Inc. Farm, Sun Prairie, www.danecofarmtech.com
National Farmers Union Fall Fly-In, Sept. 15-18,
Washington, D.C., www.WisconsinFarmersUnion.com
FairShare CSA Coalition Bike the Barns, Sept. 20,
rural Jefferson County, www.csacoalition.org/events/
bike-the-barns/
Midwest CSA Conference, Dec. 3-4, The Plaza, Eau
Claire, www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
2016
85th WFU State Convention, Jan. 29-31, Radisson
Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton.
Organic Farming Conference, Feb. 25-27, 300
Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, www.mosesorganic.org
Are you a Farmers Union member? You're welcome
to submit chapter or farm events to Danielle at
[email protected] or by mail to the
WFU State Office, 117 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls,
WI 54729. The deadline is the 15th of each month.
S
everal weeks ago, I
found myself perched
on a haybale, bouncing along
an Eau Claire County farm
field in a hayrack, surrounded
by the chattering camaraderie of about 30
women whom I'd just met earlier that day. We
were a diverse bunch. Some of the women
were multi-generational farmers or farm wives,
while others were divorcees or adventurous
souls merely seeking a new path — closer to
the land — later in life.
What drew us all together was a Women
Caring for the Land workshop, hosted by
the Women, Agriculture and Food Network
(WFAN) and the Midwest Organic and
Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)
and sponsored by Wisconsin Farmers Union.
These free workshops, geared toward women
who own or manage farm land, have been
popping up around the state.The events aim to
support women landowners in learning about
conservation practices and building local
connections.
WFU is excited to announce we will host
another workshop in partnership with WFAN
from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 2 at the
Richland Community Center, 1050 N Orange
St., in Richland Center. Lunch will be provided.
Thank you
More than 30 women, including Eau Claire
County WFU member Kelly Jacobs, right, took
part in a Women Caring for the Land session
in Altoona in early May, which included a hay
ride to view conservation practices at Mueller
Hilltop Farms near Brackett.
The morning session will feature time for
networking and a discussion on conservation,
while an afternoon bus tour will bring the
women out to an area farm to see these
practices in action.
These workshops offer a chance to consider
farm management goals and learn about
conservation in a non-threatening atmosphere.
Please RSVP to WFU Membership Coordinator
Deb Jakubek at 715-590-2130 or djakubek@
wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
For more information on this series, visit
www.womencaringfortheland.org/wisconsin.
Barron Mutual Insurance Company
Cooperative Network
County of Marathon
Dallman
Insurance Agency
Associate Members!
Douglas County Land & Water
Conservation Dept.
Falls Silo Repair
Greenville Co-op
Hay River Pumpkin Seed Oil
Michael
Fields Agricultural Institute
Does your organization
Midwest
Renewable
Energy Association
share the values of
Natural Heritage Land Trust
Wisconsin Farmers Union?
North Wind Renewable Energy
Contact WFU Membership Coordinator
Osseo Plastics & Supply
Deb Jakubek at 715-590-2130 to learn how
Premier Co-op
being an Associate Member can benefit
Statz Brothers Inc.
you and further our efforts in protecting
Vernon Telephone Co-op
family farms and rural communities.
Viroqua Food Cooperative
Page 88
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• June 2015
WFUWFU
NewsNews
| November
2011
Gearing up for camp and dairy month
Cathy Statz
Education Director
I
t really starts to feel
like summer when
the camp staff members
arrive at Farmers Union
Camp! Camp counselors will be joining
us at WFU Kamp Kenwood as they finish
with school obligations, helping us getting
everything ready for another season of cooperation, education, leadership and fun!
Camp and outreach staff from across
Wisconsin and beyond will be assisting
in various ways with the programming
this summer, which will feature creative
theme nights, education on Farmers
Union and cooperatives, and a special
afternoon theme topic focused on renewable energy.
Senior Camp attendees will have a bonus opportunity to participate in a special
Add-On Co-op Trip to the Twin Cities
of Minneapolis/St. Paul on the day that
Senior Camp concludes.
A few Senior Campers will have two
weeks of non-stop Farmers Union fun
this summer, as several of them will
be heading from Senior Camp directly
on to the National Farmers Union
All-States Leadership Camp in Bailey,
Colorado at the NFU Education Center
at the end of June. All-States Camp is
a reward recognizing the completion of
four years of Senior Youth work in the
Farmers Union Youth Program, and is
one of the high points of Farmers Union
youth participation. Wisconsin campers
and staff will meet attendees from the
Minnesota Farmers Union and travel by
bus to Colorado, making stops to pick up
South Dakota Farmers Union attendees
along the way.
We’ll be staffing the WFU booth and
providing face painting for kids at many
dairy breakfasts and other events during the next few months, so look for us
around the state this summer. If you’d
like to see Farmers Union represented
at summer events in your community,
contact us to get involved. We welcome
high school age volunteers to help with
face painting and share their experiences as Farmers Union campers and youth,
as well as adult members to talk about
WFU’s activities and provide education on the Farmer’s Share of the Retail
Food Dollar, a popular component of
our education efforts.
There are still spaces available at
some Farmers Union camp sessions
at WFU Kamp Kenwood, including
Family Camp, August 7-8. Contact the
WFU office for more information at
1-800-272-5531 or at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com. Register as soon as
possible for your first choice of session.
See you at camp!
We're on the moo-ve!
Wisconsin Farmers Union will be out and about this
month enjoying one of our favorite times of year
— June Dairy Month!
Watch for us at local events or, better yet, plan
to help with a WFU booth at a breakfast in your area.
To coordinate a booth or get promotional materials,
contact Cathy Statz at 715-723-5561.
National Farmers Union All-States Leadership Camp is nestled
among the peaks of the Rocky Mountains near Bailey, Colorado.
All-States camp stories sought to mark anniversary
Next year marks the 80th Anniversary of the National
Farmers Union All-States Leadership Camp. As NFU prepares
to celebrate the milestone, they are looking for past All-States
participants to share stories and memories.
• Stories should be roughly two paragraphs long
• Include your name, year attended, hometown, state and a few
vignettes from your life
• Please explain the impact All-States had on your life, career
trajectory or overall perspective
• Contact Dave Ray at [email protected] for more information
Please spread the word to your fellow All-Staters!
WFU Kamp Kenwood seeks maple syrup
Calling all maple syrup makers! The camp staff and
campers go through gallons of syrup each summer at WFU
Kamp Kenwood. If you have maple syrup you'd be willing
to sell at a reduced rate or donate to the camp, please contact
the WFU State Office at 715-723-5561.
Save the Date!
Summer
Conference
8th
Saturday, August d
FU Kamp Kenwoo
W
I
Chippewa Falls, W
Details to follow!
WFUNews
News •| June
2015
WFU
N
Fall
ovember
20102011
Farmers Union News
Register today! 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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Farmers Union News
WFU
News
•| June
May
WFUWFU
News
| November
2011
News
Fall 2015
2010
©2011 • Eric C. Snowdeal III • Organic Valley
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 WFU Foundation, with help from Farmers Union Enterprises,
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 considers applications quarterly.
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 deadline under which the application was made.
First Quarter 2015 Grant Awardees:
• Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce June Dairy Day Dinner
(WFU has 50 dinner tickets available for pick-up at the WFU State Office,
117 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls, on a first-come, first-served basis.)
• Soil Sisters, A Celebration of Wisconsin Farms
• Brattset Family Farm/Feral Farm/Racer Placers Farm Tour
• Wisconsin Public Broadcasting Foundation
• UW Foundation School for Beginning Dairy & Livestock Ride to Farm
• Partnering for Progress: Celebrating our Rural Communities: Barn Dance
• FairShare CSA Coalition Bike the Barns
• FairShare CSA Coalition Driftless Bike the Barns
• Michael Fields Ag Institute-Dinner in the Gardens
• Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association
• 56th Annual National Association of FSA County Office Employees
(hosted by Wisconsin this year)
Grant requests must meet the Wisconsin Farmers Union 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.
Learn more at www.WisconsinFarmersUnion.com.
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 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:
www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com
For more information, call 800-272-5531
WFUNews
News •| June
May
2015 2011
WFU
N
Fall
ovember
2010
Farmers Union News
Page 11
Page
11
What’s on Your Table?
with Diane Tiry
Directions:
1. Melt the almond bark in microwave according to directions or on the top of
a double boiler until melted.
2. Remove from heat and add 1 cup peanut butter stirring until melted.
3. Add chopped peanuts, mini marshmallows, and rice krispies. Optional: add
Favorites of Farm Families and Friends
1-2 cups mini chocolate bits.
It’s time again to seek out recipes from our members and this
month Neil and Mary Segerstrom, Buffalo County Farmers 4. Mix together and place in a buttered 9” x 13” baking pan.
Union members, have graciously volunteered to share some 5. Chill until set. Cut into size bars you prefer.
tidbits about themselves with our Farmers Union family
MOM'S SALAD DRESSING
along with a recipe or two. Their farm, started by Ralph
and Margaret Segerstrom in 1947, is located six miles east of
Mondovi. Neil and Mary married on July 6, 1974, a date purposefully scheduled Margaret said, “I use this for potato salad, as
to fall between the “first and second crop haying season!” Their first home was a my mom did, but can be used with fruit, also.”
mobile home just down the road from the farm. Many trips were made back and Ingredients:
forth over the years, until Neil’s parents decided to retire in 1997. Neil and Mary
½ cup sugar
bought the 286-acre dairy farm, moved into the farmhouse and found it much
½ cup vinegar
easier to keep watch on the 70-cow milking herd. After 47 years, Neil sold the
3 egg yolks
cows in 2012 and the heifers in 2013. The Segerstroms are currently raising 21
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Holstein steers and cropping the land.
1 teaspoon butter
½ teaspoon salt
Mary recently retired, after 26 years, from a teacher’s aide position with the
1 pint Whipping Cream
School District of Mondovi. She currently subs at an investment center, does
volunteer work and enjoys her “Merry Ministry,” performing at area churches,
Directions:
county homemakers’ events and nursing homes. I have seen her perform twice
1. Heat sugar and vinegar in saucepan on stove or can be done in microwave.
over the years, and she will get you laughing to the point of tears just with a pur- 2. Beat egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth; add slowly to sugar and vinegar
pose of reducing your stress level. Often times, she relates to life as a farm wife.
mixture stirring constantly so you don’t cook the yolk. Stir and let it come to a
boil. Add butter and salt last. Cool.
You might also catch Neil’s talented singing voice at a Dunn County Northern
3. Add whipping cream (best if whipped, but is not necessary).
Lights Barbershop Chorus or the Dunn-4 Barbershop Quartet concert, where he
is a lead singer. On June 7, the group will be singing at seven different churches
in the morning and in July, they are scheduled at the Ludington Band shelter in
Happy and Healthy eating to all!
Menomonie.
Mary and Neil may not be spending long hours doing barn chores like they used
to, but they are still and always will be ‘farmers’ at heart.
You may recall in a past WFU News the notice of Margaret Segerstrom’s 90th
birthday celebration. Although it had to be cancelled due to her health at the time,
Neil and Mary report that she is getting better every day recovering at a nearby
nursing facility. If anyone would like to send her a card please mail to: Margaret
Segerstrom, c/o American Lutheran Home, 200 Memorial Dr., Room 112,
Mondovi, WI 54755. She would love hearing from our Farmers Union family.
Mary shared one of her favorite recipes below, and the other recipe I found
in the Favorites of Farm Families and Friends cookbook, in which Margaret
Segerstrom included over 19 recipes.
Show your WFU pride!
ed
t
s
e
g
g
Su ation
don ach
$12 e
ALMOND BARK BARS
(Shared by Mary Segerstrom)
Ingredients:
1 package Almond Bark
1 cup Peanut Butter
1 cup chopped Peanuts
1 cup mini marshmallows
5 cups Rice Krispies or similar cereal
To order, contact Deb at 715-590-2130 or
[email protected]
Page 1212
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Farmers Union News
WFU
News
•| June
WFUWFU
News
News
| November
Fall 2015
2010
2011
June 2015
National Farmers Union held a
special Spring Fly-In in May, hosting
60 Farmers Union members from
27 states. Participants urged their
congressional
representatives
to
keep Country-of-Origin Labeling
(COOL). Trade 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). The
EPA is expected to release the 20142016 proposed volume targets for
the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
on June 1, and NFU is urging the
administration to stick to targets set
forth in the statutes enacting the RFS.
Spring Fly-in: Keep COOL
National Farmers Union hosted 60
members for the 2015 Spring FlyIn in Washington, D.C., May 18-21.
Participants from 27 states traveled
to the nation’s capital to advocate for
Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL),
meeting with their congressional
representatives to let them know
producers and consumers alike favor
the law, and urging Congress to leave
COOL alone until the World Trade
Organization (WTO) process was
exhausted.
The fly-in’s timing could not have
aligned better with the WTO ruling
on COOL, as the decision was
expected on May 18. Participants felt
the sense of urgency, while asking
their representatives to wait for the
ruling before moving forward with
any legislation. They discussed the
importance of COOL to family farmers
and producers and emphasized that
possible retaliation from Canada and
Mexico is expected to be minimal.
Trade
Issues
Contested
for 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.
Hotly
The Obama administration has
been pushing for Trade Promotion
Authority (TPA), or fast-track, from
Congress in order to finalize the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.
TPA would allow the administration to
negotiate TPP 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, giving NFU reason
Finally,
while
the
agriculture
sector generally fares well in trade
agreements, NFU’s members are
concerned about the overall trade
deficit, which reached $505 billion
in 2014 - nearly 3 percent of GDP.
National Farmers Union advocates for
the prosperity of the nation’s economy
and is therefore strongly opposed to
Trade Promotion Authority.
The HouseWays and Means Committee
and the Senate Finance Committee
each passed a TPA bill at the end
of April, setting up debate on each
chamber floor. The bill experienced a
rocky start, as a cloture vote to begin
debate on the Senate floor failed on
the first attempt. Several days later,
after some hard lobbying efforts from
President Obama, the Senate passed
a cloture vote to begin debate on the
bill. A vote on the bill is expected after
Memorial Day.
WFUNews
News •| June
2015 2011
WFU
Fall
November
2010
COOL Ruling Imminent
In
October,
the
World
Trade
Organization
(WTO)
found
the
United
States’
Country-of-Origin
Labeling (COOL) law to be compliant
with WTO rules, but decided its
implementation
is
unbalanced
between consumer information and
production costs. Shortly after, the
U.S. Trade Representative appealed
the ruling. The WTO decision on the
appeal is expected by May 18, and
NFU is urging lawmakers to exhaust
the WTO process before considering
changes to the law. (The decision was
not issued by the time this publication
was released.)
At a subcommittee hearing in late
March, Johnson referenced a study
done on COOL by C. Robert Taylor,
Ph.D., that found COOL did not
negatively impact Canadian imports
of cattle in the U.S. Johnson urged the
committee to wait for the WTO process
to run its course and reiterated that
Canada and Mexico cannot retaliate if
no damages are found.
While COOL has been a contentious
issue between the U.S. and its
neighbors, this has not been the
case in Europe. In addition to COOL
requirements for beef, the European
Union (EU) recently expanded their
mandatory labeling of fresh, chilled
and frozen meat to include sheep,
goats, pigs and poultry.
On the Hill
The House Energy and Water
spending subcommittee reduced
funds for renewable energy and
energy efficiency from last year - a
disappointment to National Farmers
Farmers Union News
Union (NFU), as renewable energy
benefits both the climate and
rural communities. The House of
Representatives voted to repeal the
estate tax in April, which NFU also
opposed because it would increase
the overall tax burden on American
family farmers and ranchers. The
president is expected to veto the
repeal, should it pass in the Senate as
well.
Two
important
acts
up
for
reauthorization are the U.S. Grain
Standards Act and the Livestock
Mandatory Price Reporting (MPR)
Act. NFU supports reauthorizing both
acts and included suggestions for
improving them in separate letters to
Senators Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, and
Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, of the
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry. The series of
suggestions on MPR were offered
in order to make the price reporting
data a more effective and usable
tool for family farmers and ranchers.
Both letters can be found on the NFU
website - www.NFU.org
RFS Targets To Be Set
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 been a major
boost 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
fuels used have been derived from
corn-based ethanol, which has
2
Page 13
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13
significantly increased the price
of corn and other commodities.
This process has proven extremely
efficient, because Distiller’s Dried
Grains (DDGs), a feed source for the
cattle and poultry industries, are a
byproduct of ethanol production,
allowing corn used in ethanol
production to serve as both feed and
fuel.
On April 10, EPA announced it would
be proposing the 2014-2016 RFS
target levels on June 1, 2015, and have
them finalized by November 30, 2015,
a positive step towards restoring
certainty in the biofuels industry.
NFU took the opportunity to urge
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to stick to RFS statutory
volume target levels, as the proposed
levels from November 2013 were
unacceptably low.
The Washington Corner can also be
found at www.nfu.org/corner.
Page 1414
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Farmers Union News
WFU
News
•| June
News
Fall 2015
2010
WFUWFU
News
| November
2011
Wisconsin Farmers Union and our cooperative
friends salute family farmers during
Barron Electric Cooperative
Serving the Rural Area for More than 75 Years
Cooperative Alliance of the Chippewa Valley
Committed to furthering cooperative awareness
Dunn Energy Cooperative
Energy Through Excellence
It was
EASY. It was FRIENDLY.
“Instead of feeling like we were falling through the cracks with a large
corporation, we had these people who knew exactly what we needed
and were able to make it happen. I love banking with WESTconsin
Credit Union because they are our friends and our neighbors.”
Andrew and Laurentia McIntosh, WESTconsin Credit Union Members
Lakeland Cooperative
Proudly Serving Northwest Wisconsin
Middleton Farmers Co-op
www.middletoncoop.com
Taylor Credit Union
Where your money works as hard as you do!
For their story and more, visit memberstories.westconsincu.org
Fast, local decision making | Low closing costs
Great rates | Servicing for the life of the loan
WESTconsin Realty | WESTconsin Title Services
Amery | Baldwin | Barron | Chippewa Falls | Eau Claire | Ellsworth | Hudson
Menomonie | New Richmond | Prescott | River Falls | Spring Valley
Federally
insured by
NCUA
(800) 924-0022 | westconsincu.org
Stratford ~ Auburndale ~ Colby ~ Unity
Marshfield ~ Pittsville ~ Arpin ~ Chili
WFUNews
News •| June
2015
Fall
20102011
WFU
N
ovember
Farmers Union News
Greater Insurance Service (GIS) is a proud
supporter of the Dairy Farmers in our state
and has been working with the Farmers
Union Members for over 15 years!
Greater Insurance Service is
One Source For All
Your Insurance Needs!
GIS has roots going back to 1974. Our corporate office is
located in Madison, WI with agencies throughout the state
to best serve you.
Since GIS was founded, we have marketed a variety of life,
health, property and casualty insurance
products in the Midwest and Nationwide.
The goal of GIS has always been to
provide quality products at the lowest
possible price and unequaled service.
Personal Insurance
Programs
We offer many options to help you protect yourself
and your family including but not limited to:
 Automobile
 Homeowner/Renter
 Recreational Vehicles
Farm/Commercial
Programs!
Farm Dwelling Coverage
Barns, Buildings & Structures
Farm Personal Property
Irrigation Equipment
Farm Extension Package
Farm Liability
Equipment Breakdown
Coverage
 Workers Compensation
 Business Auto
 And Much More!







Life and Health
Insurance Programs
We represent many insurance carriers in the state
and are able to put together plans that
will meet your specific needs.
 Group Options
 Individual Options
Proud Supporter of:
 Personal Umbrella
Ancillary Programs

Dental Insurance—Coverages for Preventive,
Basic and Major Services

Vision Insurance—Coverages for Exams,
Frames, Lenses and Contact Lenses

Short Term Disability Insurance Benefits—
Protect your income if you become sick or
injured

Hospital Indemnity Benefits—Help offset out of pocket
expenses on your health insurance

Accident Insurance– Help pay the
bills if you have an accident

Critical Illness and Cancer Benefits—
Don’t worry about your bank account
being depleted if you have a critical
illness
For additional information on the many types of
programs we offer, contact
Greater Insurance Service at 800-747-4472
*This flyer provides only an overview of the insurance programs and products.
See specific brochures for more detailed information.
Page 15
Page
15
Page 1616
Page
Farmers Union News
WFU
News
•| June
May
WFUWFU
News
| November
2011
News
Fall 2015
2010
”In Nature there is abundance, with Nature there is success.”
Nature’s International Certification Services
Organic Certification that
Phone: 608-637-7080 Fax: 608-637-7460
WORKS
224 E. State Hwy 56, Viroqua, WI 54665
for every farmer
www.naturesinternational.com
Nature’s International
Certification Services
is a USDA NOP accredited, farmer-owned organic certification agency founded
upon 35 years of organic farming experience. We serve producers across the
US, providing:
Organic Certification
of
Crops, Livestock, Processing & Handling, Wild Crops,
USDA Grassfed Verification
Farmer focused, Farmer-owned: That’s the NICS difference.

June WFU News - Wisconsin Farmers Union

Transcription

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