County Executive press release issued on Monday, February 11, 2013
Abstract:
MADISON, Wis. (February 6, 2013) — The Statz Brothers Farms, Inc. of Sun Prairie has been selected to host the 2015 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.
“We’re proud to have the Statz Brothers, Inc. dairy as the home of Farm Technology Days in Dane County,” Parisi said. “Their farm reflects much of what makes Dane County a special place to live – our strong agriculture heritage, our focus on families, and our respect for the land. I have no doubt that working together we will make Farm Tech Days in Dane County a great event for everyone to enjoy.”
Statz Brothers Farms, Inc. milks around 2,000 Holsteins and runs approximately 5,500 acres of corn, soybeans, forage and small grains. The farm has 75 full-time employees, including three generations of Statz brothers. Purchased in 1966 by Don and Richard Statz, the farm has grown from one location with a herd of 40 cows, to what it is today with a new facility to be featured at the 2015 show.
“We felt it would be good for the community. I think Sun Prairie will benefit a lot from this,” Joe Statz said, adding that the opportunity to educate others –especially in a primarily urban environment – about agriculture and what it takes to get food from the farm to the consumer, is what made the decision to pursue the event easy for them.
“I think that site and the quality of the land and buildings, but more importantly the quality of the family, exemplifies outstanding agriculture in Dane County,” Bob Wipperfurth, chairman of the Dane County FTD Executive Committee, said. “I think this is going to be a great educational opportunity, especially with Dane County’s population being so diverse. I think this is an event that will draw people together, develop new friendships and invoke leadership development. It has many positive effects on the community on many different levels.”
The show is scheduled for August 25-27, 2015.
Dane County UW-Extension staff, together with the 2015 Farm Tech Days Executive Committee and Statz family, will continue planning and preparation for the upcoming event. More than 1,000 volunteers will be needed to help make the event a success, creating great potential to expand and strengthen leadership in the agriculture community.
Those interested in volunteering at the show are encouraged to contact Heidi Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension Crop & Soils Agent, at 608-224-3716 or at Johnson.heidi@countyofdane.com.
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. As the largest agricultural show in the state, it welcomes more than 60,000 attendees, with more than 600 commercial and educational vendors.
About Agriculture in Dane County, Wis.
Dane county is Wisconsin’s most productive agriculture county. It ranks first in both corn grain and corn silage production. It ranks second in soybean production and third in wheat production. Agriculture is a very important element of the Dane County economy. Ag-related sales are $3.45 billion, ag-related employment accounts for 16,767 jobs and agriculture contributes $1.2 billion to county income. Dane county’s top agricultural commodities are milk, $206.2 million; grain, $109.4 million; and cattle and calves, $46.4 million. Farms in Dane County number 3,331 covering 535,756 acres. Direct market sales are an important element of Dane County agriculture. These 246 farms generate $2,684,000 through roadside stands, famers’ markets, community supported agriculture, produce auctions and pick-your-own operations.
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