Celebrating our farmers and farming at 2009 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days

Media Contact:

Linda Funk

Food Insight Public Relations

Office: 866-430-2590

Mobile: 515-491-8636

funk@foodinsight.net

Waterloo, WI, July 2, 2009— Taste, technology and tradition will converge at the 2009 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, July 21-23. This year, the state’s largest agriculture exposition takes place at The Crave Brothers Farm LLC in southern Dodge County. From heritage tractors to field demos, with a focus on interactive family fun as well as commercial exhibitors and demonstrations of the ways that Wisconsin farmers contribute to healthful eating, this event covers it all.

The Crave Brothers themselves seem to be living the event theme of “Food—Fuel—Future.” Since 2002, they have increased milk production on their family farm, doubled the size of their on-farm cheese plant, and formed a unique partnership with Clear Horizons of Milwaukee with two anaerobic manure digesters that create enough electricity to power 550 average Wisconsin homes. Visitors to the 1,800-acre host farm will be able to see for themselves what’s on the horizon for farm technology.

With today’s interest in where our food comes from and how it’s grown, the show offers children from urban families the firsthand experiences of milking a cow, churning butter or riding a tractor. For members of the farming community, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days provides one-stop shopping with 1,000 exhibitors and a ride-and-drive area for test-driving skid loaders, utility tractors and more. Among the field demos are alfalfa foraging, tillage, and wheat harvesting. History buffs will appreciate the approximately 100 antique tractors (the oldest is from 1930) participating in a tractor parade to Madison. The Family Farm Adventure Tent houses activities that include games, educational events and a web cam featuring goats. Antiques, arts and crafts will demonstrate the theme “renew, reuse, rejuvenate.” And what farm-focused event would be complete without food?

Regardless of one’s level of experience with farming, there’s something for everybody. The UW-Madison marching Band will be performing, and Pam Jahnke, known throughout Wisconsin for her farm report heard on WTDY AM 1670—Madison and Q106 FM—Madison, will be on hand for the Opening Ceremony The 2009 event is presented by Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Inc., University of Wisconsin Extension, and Dodge County. Event Admission is $5 (children 12 and under get in free). For details about the event, visit the website at http://www.dodgefarmtech.com.

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About Crave Brothers Farm, LLC: The state-of-the-art family farm is operated by brothers Charles, George, Tom and Mark. On 1,800 acres of land they raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa, milk approximately 1,000 dairy cows; and emphasize conservation and sustainable practices. At their farmstead factory, they make a selection of Farmstead Classics cheeses. Visit the website at http://www.cravecheese.com.