Wisconsin briefs
TOWN OF CHASE
Heart of Farm-Women conference slated for Nov. 3
The UW-Extension offices in Marinette, Oconto and Shawano counties will be hosting a joint Heart of the Farm-Women in Agriculture conference at Chase Community Hall (Chase Town Hall), Thursday, Nov. 3, from 9:30 am to 3:15 p.m.
Heart of the Farm-Women in Agriculture is a program committed to addressing the needs of farm women by providing education on pertinent topics, connecting participants with agricultural resources, and creating support networks.
The day will begin with Caroline Imig, a national award-winning pie maker from Wayne’s Family Restaurant. She will discuss the process of participating in the National Pie Contest and her secrets to creating towering meringue. Attendees will have the opportunity to make pies with her during this session, and discuss the pitfalls of pie making.
Lynn Jones, Oconto County Barn Quilts coordinator, will lead conference participants on a journey along Oconto County’s barn quilt trail and explore what Barn Quilts of Oconto County is all about. They’ll also be able to learn quilt painting techniques while creating a miniature block from an assortment of patterns and colors. Painting smocks and all supplies will be provided.
After lunch, Scott Reuss, Marinette County Agriculture agent, will summarize the legalities of making and selling food items from home. He will review changes in the law for those who either have a business selling food items or intend to start one.
“Soil is a living system with an immense capacity,” says Jamie Patton, Shawano County Agriculture agent. She will discuss the composition of surface soil microorganisms in northeast Wisconsin soils and the importance of these critters in gardens and fields.
In addition to engaging and networking with other farm women, participants will have an opportunity to win door prizes at this event. Registration for the workshop is $20 per person.
Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 21 and space is limited. Chase Community Hall is located at 8481 County Road S, Pulaski.
For more information or to register, contact Oconto County UW-Extension at 920-834-6845. The conference brochure and a mail-in registration form can be found at http://oconto.uwex.edu/files/2010/05/HOFBrochure2016.pdf.
Heart of the Farm is supported by the UW- Center for Dairy Profitability, UW-Extension, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, and partially funded by a USDA Risk Management Cooperative Agreement.
La Crosse
Rep. Kind applauds purchase of additional $20 million in cheese
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) applauds action taken by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase an additional $20 million worth of cheddar cheese, supporting food banks and other food assistance recipients. The decision was announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today following a discussion with dairy producers in Westby.
“Wisconsin dairy farmers are struggling due to low milk prices and other market conditions beyond their control,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “I applaud the USDA for taking action to increase demand for dairy products, which strengthens Wisconsin’s economy, while also providing food banks with nutritional assistance. I will continue to support dairy farmers in western and central Wisconsin and look for additional steps that can be taken to help farmers during these difficult times.”
Rep. Kind recently joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack urging him to take action to help bring stability to dairy prices. The letter, signed by Kind and a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives from Wisconsin and other dairy-producing states, detailed the current unfavorable market conditions for the dairy industry and urged the USDA to take all actions available in order to support U.S. dairy farmers.
In June, Rep. Kind presented a comprehensive Dairy Action Plan to fix problems dairy farmers currently face. His plan intends to make federal farm programs more efficient, open new markets, expand agriculture research, pass comprehensive immigration reform, and encourage the next generation of family farmers.
MADISON
New Into The Outdoors Episode dives into soybean production
How are soybeans key to one of the most important agricultural discoveries in U.S. history? What products come from soybeans? What is their effect on our society and environment?
These are just a few of the questions you'll find the answers to on the upcoming edition of Into the Outdoors, an Emmy Award winning program.
Devoted to the soybean, the program launches a "Soy Savvy" Wisconsin soybean curriculum for teachers and students.
Made possible with funding from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, the episode targets students in grades four through seven to enhance their classroom experience and show the importance of soybeans to the state's economy.
This segment covers soybeans from farm to table and includes segments such as the Soy History Month; exploring farms themselves, and a segment on Soy foods, Edamame and more.
Visit intotheoutdoors.com for air times and stations.
Produced by Discover Mediaworks, Into the Outdoors in a nine time Emmy Award winner. Educators and school leaders can also obtain the state-certified lessons online from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board at http://education.wisoybean.org.
This soybean curriculum is a part of the Wisconsin Education Network (WEN). A full listing of curricula is available on the WEN website at www.wisconsineducationnetwork.org.