In the August 2014 Badger Common’Tater

The Badger Beat

By Dr. Paul D. Mitchell, UW Dept. of Agricultural and Applied Economics

Farm Bill Commodity Programs:  Farmers Face Important Long-Term Decisions

The 2014 Farm Bill finally passed in February, more than a little late after months of political drama.  For the last several months, as part of my extension program, I have been out talking about what the Farm Bill commodity program proposals were, and now, what has been passed.

Many people thought the new programs would be ready soon after passage and signup would start this summer, like the last Farm Bill.  The USDA staff has been spending a lot of time trying to figure out just exactly how to implement the legislation–not an easy task.  As a result, program signup and other details will be happening more slowly, over the next several months, but should be completed well before 2015 planting begins next spring.

Here I want to explain the new commodity programs, which can provide support payments for farmers growing program crops.  In Wisconsin, major program crops include corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats; major Wisconsin crops not included in the program include alfalfa, as well as potatoes, cranberries and other specialty crops.  However, most potato and vegetable growers in Wisconsin and other states operate base acres, which make them eligible for these programs.

For the full story, read The Badger Beat column in the August 2014 Badger Common’Tater.

Feed My Starving Children Mobile Packing Event Is Huge Success!

On June 21, 2014, the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary organized a mobile packing event on behalf of the Christian charitable organization Feed My Starving Children whereby over 300 volunteers came together in Stevens Point to pack 118,800 potato based meals. That is enough to feed 325 children for a year!

Approximately 6,200 children die each day from hunger and hunger related disease. It is truly amazing and heartwarming to see the love and generosity poured out by the Wisconsin potato industry to help change that number.  For more photos and information about this amazing event, see the August 2014 issue of The Badger Common’Tater.

The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary accepted responsibility for organizing and coordinating this year’s Feed My Starving Children mobile packing event.  Auxiliary board members include (L-R) Sheila Rine, Ali Carter, Lynn Isherwood, Patty Hafner, Jacquie Wille and Paula Houlihan.

WPVGA Associate Division Putt-Tato Open Golf Tournament

July 15, 2014
The Ridges Golf Course, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

1^st Place – 57 (scorecard tie-breaker):  Anthony Molitor, Andy Schroeder, Eric Schroeder and Tim Worzella

2^nd Place – 57 (scorecard tie-breaker):  John E. Bushman, Steve Diercks, John Eckendorf, Michael Gatz and Lonnie Krogwold

3^rd Place – 57 (scorecard tie-breaker): Mitch Bushman, Tim Freiberg, John Hopfensperger and Chris Lockery

Last Place – 81: Jeff Boyd, Kerry Larson, Mary LeMere and Gregg Ruffalo

Winners:  The Putt-Tato Open winning foursome is pictured with WPVGA Associate Division President Eugene Mancl.  Pictured are (L-R) Anthony Molitor, Tim Worzella, Mancl, Andy Schroeder and Eric Schroeder.  The team fired a 15-under par 57, and won a three-way tie on a scorecard playoff.  For more photos from this fun event, check out the August 2014 edition of The Badger Common’Tater.