Taylor County Farm Bureau holds annual meeting Sept. 1

More than two dozen members of the Taylor County Farm Bureau attended the organization’s annual meeting held Sept. 1 at We Grow LLC in Westboro. The Taylor County Farm Bureau was established in 1976 and is celebrating 46 years of advocating for Taylor County farmers and agriculturists. Those attending the event received a program and tour from We Grow owners Rebecca and Eric Zuleger. We Grow operates on the community supported agriculture model with revenue generated from subscribers who pay an annual fee for produce each week of the season. Other revenue is generated from selling at farmer’s markets in the region and through contracts to provide produce to organizations such as Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center and the Rib Lake Public Schools.

The Zulegers spoke of the challenges they have faced in developing the CSA including the ongoing battle with local deer populations. The farm recently was awarded a grant to help build an eight-foot fence to keep deer from the field. Eric Zuleger spoke of the thousands of dollars of crop damage done by the deer and the investment they have made in fences over the years to try and keep them out. The new fence is scheduled to be installed this fall.

Rebecca Zuleger pointed out the high tunnel hoop houses that are on the grounds noting they serve to extend the growing season and are instrumental in having the produce available for the CSA members, farmers markets and contracts. She currently has three of the high tunnels and noted that if they had a fourth they would be able to increase CSA members by 25%.

In addition to learning about We Grow and the important role CSAs have in bringing fresh, locally grown produce to area families, those in attendance heard from Laurie Peterson a regional manager with Rural Mutual Insurance and local Rural Mutual agents.

As part of the meeting, members voted on a number of resolutions highlighting the organization’s concerns at the state and federal level.

State resolutions included: Support striking “We support the state fence law” and replace with we support amending the current fence law to landowners utilizing fences to contain animals be required to build and maintain patrician fences. If both property owners utilize the fence they should split the cost of the fence.

Support aboveground farm fuel storage tanks being regulated by DATCP. All aboveground farm fuel storage tanks less than 5,000 gallons shall be exempt from regulation, including inspection, plan review and professional installation requirements.

Oppose the use of steel lugged wheels, steel surface contact wheels, or steel shoed horses on all paved roads Transportation Safety Support perishable products being exempt from weight limits on all roads.

Support a “90” day CAFO renewal permit window. If not approved by the “90-day” window, then the CAFO permit will be automatically renewed.

Oppose any government entity purchasing, directly or indirectly, any farmland easements to take the land out of agriculture production.

Support a state-wide task force, with at least 25% farmer representation, charged with evaluating advanced educational offerings within Wisconsin’s agricultural sectors and making recommendations for the future.

Support UW-Madison Extension Educators to maintain a level of one educator for every 1-2 counties.