Ag Briefs:
MADISON, WI
Bird flu detected in flocks in Marathon and Waukesha counties
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in backyard flocks in Marathon (15 birds) and Waukesha (8birds) counties. Birds at both sites have been depopulated to prevent spread of the disease.
Since the fall migration began, four backyard flocks were impacted by the virus in four counties, and four commercial flocks in Dun and Racine counties where 80,000 birds were depopulated.
This year, 18 Wisconsin counties have been confirmed with HPAI in domestic birds. Flock owners are encouraged to continue practicing strong biosecurity measures to protect their birds from the virus. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to birds, and separating new birds from existing flocks for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.
BARABOO, WI
Planning for WFT 2023 is full steam ahead
Although the 2023 Farm Technology Days show is nine months off, planning for next years event is moving full steam ahead. For the first time, the show will not be held at an agricultural venue, but instead at the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Ground's in Baraboo, Sauk County.
The show will include six tours of different local farms and companies, giving attendees a first hand look at the scope of agriculture and agribusinesses in Sauk County. Half of the tour tickets will be available online starting in July with the rest available onsite. other attractions include Taste of Wisconsin, Innovation Square, Ag Adventure Youth Experience and Equine Extravaganza.
For more information or groups interested in volunteering should contact the show at 920-644-3551 or email info@wifarmtechdays.org.
MENASHA, WI
Lindemanns honored with Lifetime Membership award
Phil and Mary Lindemann of Pine River Cheese SPread, were recently honored with the Lifetime Membership Award from the Eatern Wisconsin Cheesemakers and Buttermakers Assoc.
For the past 40 years, the couple has worked to grow their business and promote their award-winning cheese spreads across the country. The company will mark its 60th anniversary next year. The Lindemann's received the award at the 28th annual convention in Menasha on Nov. 2, 2022.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
National FFA Alumni and Supporters recognized
the National FFA Alumni and Supporters recognized several individuals and chapters with top honors for their service during the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 27.
Charlotte Johnson of the Granton FFA Alumni and Supporters group was among three individuals presented with Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters Achievement Awards. Johnson has been instrumental in the recruitment of new alumni and the continued engagement of existing members. Johnson has been an officer in the alumni chapter for the last six years, including serving as president.
As an alumni member, she has participated in numerous community service events such as helping deliver meals to low-income families during the holidays. Johnson continues to be an exceptional mentor, volunteer and advocate for Granton FFA.
Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters received this year’s Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters State Association Award for their dedication to FFA and agricultural education. At the 2022 Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters Convention, where more than 250 members attended to help celebrate 50 years of alumni membership, they held nine innovative breakout sessions to assist individual members in personal and professional growth. The association gave a total of 24 grants totaling $14,400 to send FFA student members to the National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership