Extension Views Newsletter
January-February 2017
This newsletter is mailed to approximately 1,400 farmers and agriculture businesses in Central Wisconsin at a cost of .70 per newsletter. County budgets are tight and each department has been asked to reduce expenses. If you would like to view the Extension Views newsletter on-line versus receiving a paper
copy please contact the UW-Extension Office at 715-743-5121 / [email protected]. You can view the newsletter on our webpage at: http://clark.uwex.edu/agriculture/agriculture-newsletter/ Thank you for considering this option!
Continued on page 2...
What is Cropland Renting For?
Richard Halopka, CCA
Clark County UW-Extension Crops & Soils Agent
This question begins right after Thanksgiving and before
Christmas and continues until crops are planted. It is a legitimate
question and many people don’t always like my first
response...“depends.” I ask questions: did the rent get paid last year?
Where are you located in the county? What is the demand for cropland
in your area? Are you happy with your current renter? Is your renter a
good steward of your cropland? Who will pay for lime, if needed?
How many years is the rental agreement? Remember, after I get off
the phone the next call usually is the potential cropland renter with the
same question. So my story is generally the same and I have not
mentioned a rental price.
The current cropland rental rates are gathered by National
Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) and these are a good source to
begin a conversation. Over the years there have been attempts to
capture numbers in Clark County with limited success. Now there will
be an on the street rental rate and it may or may not be accurate and
what is in that cropland rental rate?
Another method is to know your market and then can set a price in
your market area. If you are happy with the relationship with your
current renter is it worth increasing or decreasing rent to continue
working with this renter? Today most rental rates are decreasing rather
than increasing.
Can the land owner and/or cropland renter think in a different
manner? The land owner has an investment in land and that land has a
monetary value. If you had money in the bank, an IRA, or some other
financial investment, wouldn’t you like a minimum return on your
investment?
Let’s look at the cropland as the landowner’s investment and the
cropland renter as the financial company paying on that investment.
In this issue
What is Cropland Renting For?.............1,2
Tractor Rollbar Rebates. ..……….….…..Page 3
Grain Bin Safety Week….…………….…..Page 4, 5
Do You Have an Emergency Response
Plan?................................................................Page 6
Discovery Farms Launches an Online Farmer-
Only Discussion Forum…………………...Page 6
NCWCA Preview Show………..………….Page 8
Conservation Corner………………….….Page 9
Event Calendar……………………………...Page 11
Sample Lease Form………………………..Page 12
Clark County University of Wisconsin Extension
517 Court Street, Room 104 Neillsville, WI 54456
715-743-5121
Richard Halopka Crops and Soils Agent
Shawn Ganther Program Assistant
Contact Us
Extension Views Newsletter Page 2
From NASS; located at: https://www.nass.usda.gov/
Statistics_by_State/Wisconsin/Publications/
Annual_Statistical_Bulletin/2016AgStats_web.pdf in
2015 Clark County cropland sold in a range of
$1,560.00 -$5,650.00, a very wide range. This provides
a value for cropland. Both parties can use the sale price
as a range for negotiations for a rental price. If both
parties agree that cropland is worth $3,000.00 and the
current rate of return is between 2% - 3% this would
give a range of $60.00 - $90.00 per acre rent.
Remember there may be other considerations (lime,
conservation practices, USDA payments, etc.)
These numbers would provide a guideline in which
both parties can negotiate a cropland rent price.
Understand every situation will be different. I will
select one question from above: who pays to apply lime
to correct pH? If the landowner is paying for lime that
may cause an increase in rental price versus the
cropland renter paying for the lime, which may result in
a longer term contract at a lower rate allowing the
renter some reward for their input.
Next many only want a verbal agreement;
understand verbal agreements are only enforceable for
one growing season. It is wise to write things down,
even if it is just the renter and landowner writing down
their thoughts and dating plus signing a hand written
notebook paper. Once written it eliminates any he/she
said situations.
There are many things I have not covered in this
article. A recommend read is Iowa State’s “Cropland
Cash Rental Rate file C2-20” located at this site: http://
www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/html/c2-
20.html . This may go into greater detail than you may
require.
To summarize, rental price doesn’t mean much
unless you know the details. Rental rates are
negotiations; there is no one price fits all. Writing
things down is better than disagreeing a year later on
verbal terms. To determine rental rates know current
conditions in the area and current land values.
If you have questions on renting cropland please call
715-743-5121 or email [email protected].
...Continued from page 1
Nutrient Management Reminder
ALL 2017 NMP CHECKLISTS ARE DUE April 1, 2017
If you don’t have a plan, contact
Northcentral Technical College at 715-
675-3331 for class information or hire an
agronomist.
Mail, Fax, or Email your NMPs to:
Clark County
Land Conservation Department
517 Court Street, Room 102
Neillsville, WI 54456
715-743-5104 (phone)
715-743-5154 (fax)
Thank you for your cooperation!
* View a sample lease agreement on page 12
***
Heart of Wisconsin 23rd
Annual Grazing Conference
Sponsored by the Central Wisconsin River Graziers Network and Marathon & Lincoln Counties
Thursday, March 9th, 2017
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free Evening Bonus Session from
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Stoney Creek Inn, Rothschild WI
Conference cost: $20 per person
If you have questions call Bill Kolodziej at 715 261-6000 or e-mail Bill at
***
Extension Views Newsletter Page 3
Tractor Rollbar Rebates
Available
Tractor overturns are the leading cause of
farm-related deaths. That’s why it’s so
important that each tractor have a rollover
protective structure (ROPS).
The Wisconsin ROPS Rebate Program
reimburses owners up to 70 percent
(maximum of $865) toward the total cost of
purchasing, shipping and installing individual ROPS. Wisconsin tractor owners can apply for a ROPS via the hotline,
1-877-767-7748 (1-877-ROPSR4U), or the Web site, www.ropsr4u.com. A ROPS, when used with a seatbelt, is 99
percent effective in preventing injury or death in the event of an overturn. More than half the tractors in Wisconsin do
not have this protection.
The program is run by the National Farm Medicine Center at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, and is made
possible through philanthropic support from the Auction of Champions. More than 180 ROPS have been installed
since 2013. For more information call Dr. Barbara Marlenga at the National Farm Medicine Center.
Fuel Assistance Available
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) administers the federally funded Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Public Benefits Energy Assistance Program. WHEAP and its related
services are aimed to assist Wisconsin households in reducing their energy burden. In addition to regular heating
and electric assistance, specialized services include:
Emergency fuel assistance
Counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets
Pro-active co payment plans
Emergency furnace repair and replacement.
Call: The Clark County Department of Social Services
715-743-5233
Extension Views Newsletter Page 4
Grain Bin Safety Week 2017 John Shutske, Ph.D.
Professor & Extension Specialist
As we launch the fourth annual Grain Bin Safety Week (Feb. 19-25),
work still remains to reduce preventable grain entrapments and deaths
associated with grain handling and storage. Record crop yields and
increased on-farm grain storage occurred in 2016. More grain bins on
farms and ranches can mean increased risk of grain entrapment, grain
engulfment and other accidents if proper safe-work procedures aren’t
followed.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that less than 7% of
the nearly 770,000 grain bins on America’s farms are equipped with a
harness and life line to prevent grain engulfment. Continued collaboration with the agricultural community and
grain industry leaders will help raise awareness of grain bin safety.
Grain storage
Feed grain prices decreased 10% in 2016, while food grain prices decreased 15%, according to the USDA. In the
same year, on-farm storage increased by 13% for wheat, 11% for corn and 2% for soybean storage. The
combination of low prices and surplus grain is motivating farmers to store more grain in an attempt to capitalize on
higher prices later in the year.
The U.S. Grains Council reported that the 2016 corn crop contained a higher moisture content and required more
drying than the prior year. Moisture values can play a significant role in personal safety when wet grain causes
workers to enter grain bins to contend with spoilage, bridging grain, equipment malfunction and other issues.
Grain bin entrapments
A study by Purdue University reported 24 documented grain entrapments in 2015, including 14 fatalities. Grain
entrapments were the most common type of confined space incident. Additionally, there were six equipment
entanglements resulting in one death, six falls into or from grain storage structures resulting in three deaths and four
fatal cases of asphyxiation.
For the first time since 2010, the number of confined space fatalities exceeded non-fatal incidents. The decrease in
the total number of incidents is due to a significant drop in non-fatal incidents, which is likely attributed to
underreporting of non-fatal grain entrapments. It is estimated that annual documented cases of these injuries and
fatalities only represent about 70% of the total occurrences.
It only takes seconds to become entrapped in grain and less than a minute to become completely engulfed. Once
grain is above knee-level, it is nearly impossible to get out without assistance. Grain bin accidents are more likely to
occur when workers or family members enter a grain bin without following safe grain bin entry procedures.
Grain entrapment and grain engulfment aren’t the only risks. Toxic atmospheres, augers, bin collapses, fires and
explosions are equally hazardous.
Safety education and training
is crucial in identifying and understanding the risks associated with grain handling and storage.
Continued on page 5…..
Extension Views Newsletter Page 5
See other grain bin hazards.
GBSW17 topics
We continue to share safe-work procedures, industry best practices and insights from subject matter experts to address
the hazards of handling and storing grain, as well as methods to help keep workers safe from serious injuries and
fatalities. This year’s topics include:
Grain grading and personal safety, courtesy of Iowa State University
Lockout/tagout for de-energization
Youth safety, courtesy of the Grain Handling Safety Coalition
Fire management plans
Hazards of working alone
Safety education and training
Attend a live webinar hosted by subject matter experts and industry professionals. These webinars provide farmers
and grain handlers with valuable insight into some of the topics listed above.
Grain rescue tubes
Grain rescue tubes are the only safe way to rescue someone entrapped in grain. Unfortunately, many fire departments
and other first responders lack the equipment and training to perform a successful grain bin rescue. Each year,
Nominate Your Fire Department Contest winners receive a grain rescue tube, along with six hours of specialized
training. In 2016, the contest awarded 19 rescue tubes across 14 states. Nominate your fire department for a grain
rescue tube.
Partner with us by donating grain rescue tubes, rescue training and financial contributions, providing content or
serving as a subject matter expert for Grain Bin Safety Week. To learn more about how your contribution can help
save lives, please contact Doug Becker at (515) 508-5590 or via email.
Grain bin accident prevention is key
A zero-entry mentality is the best practice to prevent deadly grain bin accidents. If you must enter a grain bin as a last
resort, ask your local fire department if they are equipped with a grain rescue tube and grain rescue training.
“Until we can convince all farmers and other grain handlers to develop a zero-entry mentality, we will strive to make
tubes available,” said Brad Liggett, president of Nationwide Agribusiness. Join us in our effort to help save lives in 2017.
...Continued from page 4
“It only takes seconds to become entrapped in grain and less than a minute to become completely engulfed. Once grain is above knee-level, it is nearly impossible to get out without assistance.”
Extension Views Newsletter Page 6
Do You Have an Emergency
Response Plan?
Richard Halopka, CCA
Clark County UW-Extension Crops & Soils Agent
Safety is thought of on all farms, but has it been
discussed or has the farm business documented a
protocol in case of an emergency? The first step in the
process is to develop an emergency response plan. This
plan may be very simple or provide much detail, but the
most important fact is to have a plan before there is an
emergency.
As a farm owner or manager do you, family members,
or employees know what to do or who to call when an
emergency occurs? When an accident occurs and a
person is injured don’t hesitate to call your local first
response emergency team. The sooner medical care can
be provided the less chance there will be additional
complications related to the injury.
Farms have many products (detergents, pesticides,
fertilizer, fuel, oil, manure, and the list continues) that
may be spilled or released accidently. Take time to
develop an emergency response plan for accidents and
spills related to these products mentioned. A spill is any
product released that has potential to impact ground or
surface water. The four steps or four C’s in spill
response are:
1. Control the spill: Immediately determine the best
method to prevent more product from being spilled.
2. Contain the spill: Prevent the spill from entering
surface water is very important. Have a phone list of
contractors available and equipment required to contain
the spill, include equipment present on the farm.
3. Clean up the spill: A phone list of contractors and
equipment available on or off the farm to clean up the
spill.
4. Contact the proper authorities: This may not be the
last call, as you may need assistance or advice to
determine the best method to clean up a spill.
Document, not a C, but it is important to document any
accident. Take pictures through the process to prove
you were diligent to control, contain, and clean up a
spill. The last act is to fill out required documentation
of the spill and the clean up.
It is important to remember that it is not illegal to
have a spill, but it is illegal to not report a spill. Remember, every situation will be different and
contacting authorities (#4) may be the first call if there
are injuries or assistance is required.
Before spring field work begins please take a few
minutes and fill out an emergency response plan and be
sure to post your emergency plan in the farm office.
Any plan is better than no plan at all. Questions please
email [email protected] or call 715-743-
5121
Discovery Farms Launches an
Online Farmer-Only Discussion
Forum
Contact: Callie Herron
Phone: 715.983.5668
Email: [email protected]
Discovery Farms introduces The WaterWay
Network
PIGEON FALLS, WI; The Discovery Farms Programs
of Wisconsin and Minnesota are excited to announce
the launch of an online farmer-only discussion forum.
The discussion forum, known as The WaterWay
Network, is a password protected, online platform for
farmers, crop consultants, and hand-picked experts only.
Do you have questions about cover crops, nutrient
management, soil health, or water quality? Members on
the site can provide you with the answers you are
looking for.
“Farming presents challenges. Solutions can often be
found from experience,” said Erica Olson, UW
Discovery Farms farmer network manager. “I am
excited to provide farmers with a place to connect and
learn from others’ experiences and expertise.”
By joining The WaterWay Network, you will become a
part of a unique online community that focuses on
conservation. Farmers and crop consultants will provide
the applied knowledge and experience, while Discovery
Farms and University experts will bring science to the
discussion.
Getting started is simple and FREE. If you are a farmer
or crop consultant, register for an account today and get
your questions answered at www.waterwaynetwork.org.
Extension Views Newsletter Page 7
CW
FC
2
01
7
Wednesday, March 1
Colby VFW
104 S Division Street
Colby, WI
Wednesday, March 8 Clark County Courthouse
Auditorium
517 Court Street
(North Entrance)
Neillsville, WI
Friday, March 10 Thorp Fire Hall
101 S Wilson Street
Thorp, W1
All classes start at
9:00 AM
The cost of the training session is $35.00
which includes study material and testing
fee. There is a $7.00 mailing fee if we have
to mail the material to you.
Contact UW Extension office at
715-743-5121.
Private Pesticide Applicator
Certification Training 2017
Central Wisconsin Forage Council
Educational and Annual Meeting
Wednesday,
March 22, 2017
Nutz Deep II - Spencer
10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Speakers and Topics
Herbicide Tolerant /Resistant Weeds
Richard Halopka
Feeding Low lignin Forages
Matt Akins
What You Need to Know About New
Soybean Herbicide Traits
Dan Heider
Local Corn Silage Data
Pioneer Hi-bred Representative
Membership has Rewards
Midwest Forage Association
WI Forage Council or Midwest Forage Association membership
is not a requirement to attend this meeting.
Cost for this program is $10.00 (cost of lunch).
Pre-registration is required by March 17.
Please contact Clark County UW-Extension Office at
715-743-5121 to register.
Make checks payable to: Central WI Forage Council
Mail payment to:
Clark County UW-Extension Office
517 Court Street, Room104
Neillsville WI 54456
For more information contact
Richard at 715-743-5121.
Extension Views Newsletter Page 8
NCWCA Preview Show
May 13, 2017
Sandy Stuttgen
Agriculture Educator, UWEX Taylor County
The North Central WI Cattlemen’s Association invites
the public and those raising beef or wanting to learn
about beef production to the Beef Round-up on
Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Brecke Rodeo Arena,
W7939 Hwy 64, Medford, WI. The Round-up will be
held from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
New this year, the NCWCA Beef Preview Show will
be held in conjunction with the annual Round-up. All
students within or out of Wisconsin planning for
upcoming fairs and shows are invited to participate.
The NCWCA Preview consists of Jackpot
Showmanship for students ages 8 to 22, a Junior
Market Steer Show, and an Open Heifer Show (for
both youth and adults). $200 grand champion steer
and heifer and $100 reserve grand champion steer and
heifer are being awarded. The NCWCA Preview will
be an excellent event for both the exhibitor and their
animal(s) to gain experience for the 2017 fair and
show season.
Gates to the NCWCA Preview will open at 7 am;
check-in and weigh-in closes at 9:30 am. A
Showmanship Clinic begins at 9 am. The Preview
begins at approximately 12:30 pm, with Jackpot
Showmanship immediately following the conclusion
of the NCWCA Seed stock Sale.
Visit the NCWCA website, http://ncwcattlemen.com,
to read the rules for the NCWCA Preview and to
download the entry form. To receive early-bird
discounted rates, entry forms (one exhibitor per form)
are due with payment by April 30, 2017, to the
address listed on the form.
For more information, contact Sandy Stuttgen,
Agriculture Educator, UW-Extension Taylor County
at 715-748-3327 ext 1.
North Central Graziers
2017 Grazing
Conference
Saturday, March 11th
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meadowview Golf Club
800 W. 3rd Street
Owen, WI
Call 715-748-1469 to
register
Extension Views Newsletter Page 9
Hello from the Conservation
Corner. Well, it is that time
of the year again when the
snow starts melting, manure
starts running and then the
phone rings. I want to
remind farmers that you
need to take special care to
help avoid manure from
running off your fields at
anytime but especially this
time of the year. It is
estimated that the majority
of manure running off of
fields in the year occurs in this 3-4 week period we are
in right now. Having and following a nutrient
management plan can go a long way to help reduce
runoff potential. Things like no spreading manure
within 300 feet of stream, 1000 feet of a lake or pond
and if you need to spread in the winter spread on your
flatter fields are simple management practices. If you
do not have a nutrient management plan, we may be
able to help you develop one with cost sharing and
training if you do not want to hire it done by Certified
Crop Advisor (CCA). Calls us and lets talk.
I also would like to put the word out again that the Land
Conservation Department purchased a No-Till grain
drill last summer that it is renting out to farmers in the
county to do cover crop planting and No-Till planting
of forages, small grains and soybeans. There is ample
proof out there that cover cropping and No-Tilling helps
improve soil health and your bottom line + can help
protect our valuable waters. So why not give it at least
a try.
Finally, I would like to mention that the Land
Conservation Department thru DATCP and DNR has
cost sharing monies available to farmers for waterway
work, manure pit construction and barn yard
improvement. Please calls us with your plans to see if
you qualify.
Conservation Corner
Jim Arch
“Having and following a nutrient management plan can go a long way to help reduce runoff potential.”
***
Central Wisconsin No-Tillers &
WI River Grazing Network
Spring Field & Pasture Walk
April 12, 2017
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Marshfield Agricultural Research Station
M605 Drake Avenue Stratford, WI 54484
For questions or additional information
contact Jason Cavadini at 715-650-7451 or [email protected]
***
Extension Views Newsletter Page 11
The University of Wisconsin Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status. La Universidad de Wisconsin-Extensión proporciona acción afirmativa e igualdad de oportunidades en educación, programas y empleo, para todas las personas calificadas, sin tener en cuenta raza, color, sexo, credo, discapacidad, religión, nacionalidad de origen, ascendencia, edad, orientación sexual, gravidez o paternidad, historial de detención o condena o estado de veterano de guerra. If you need an interpreter, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, activity, or service, please contact the program coordinator at 715-743-5121 as soon as possible (10 days is reasonable) preceding the scheduled event so that proper arrangements can be made in a timely fashion.
Upcoming Meetings/Events Make sure to listen to WCCN and WAXX for any cancellations
Judith Hasse
FoodWIse [email protected]
Lori Hendrickson Program Assistant
Shawn Ganther Program Assistant
Phone Number—715-743-5121
Fax—715-743-5129
Richard Halopka
Crops and Soils Agent
Melissa Kono
CNRED Agent
Nancy Vance
Family Living Agent
Christine Hollar
4-H Youth Development Agent
Clark County Staff
DATE EVENT LOCATION TIME
March 1, 8, 10 Private Pesticide Applicator
Certification Training
Variable - See page 7 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
March 9 Heart of Wisconsin 23rd
Annual Grazing Conference
Rothchild, WI 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
March 10-11 Ag Women’s Summit Madison, WI
March 11 North Central Graziers 2017
Grazing Conference
Owen, WI 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
March 22 Central Wisconsin Forage
Council Annual Meeting
Spencer, WI 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
April 5 - 7 Minding Our Waters Stevens Point, WI
April 12 Spring Field &
Pasture Walk
Stratford, WI 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
May 13 Beef Preview Show Medford, WI 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Extension Views Newsletter Page 12
SA
MPLE
CASH FARM LEASE
This lease is entered into on , 20
Landlord - Renter –
Address - Address –
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
Acres tillable land owned by landlord in Township,
County, as outlined on attached field map.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LEASE:
1. Timetable: This agreement shall be in effect for the growing season(s).
Subleasing: The landlords do not convey to the renter the right to sublease any part of the property.
The landlords reserve the right to enter the property at any reasonable time.
Amendments and alterations to this lease shall be in writing and shall be signed by both parties.
LAND USE:
The land will be managed in a method that complies with all USDA/NRCS conservation plans presently in place
and will keep all waterways and other conservation structures in good repair.
The renter will report cropping records to the Farm Service Agency, annually.
The proceeds from any government programs relating to this land will be paid directly to the renter.
The landlords will not accept responsibility for any accidents or injuries that occur as a result of farming activities.
PAYMENT:
The renter agrees to pay $ /acre for a total of $ .
Payments will be made directly to the landlord as follows:
$ paid by , 20
$ paid by , 20
Executed on , 20
(Renter) (Landlord)
*Visit us online at http://clark.uwex.edu/cash-farm-leases/ for this form and other lease agreements