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Chocolate milk is the Official Beverage of Halloween and it is perfect added to your breakfast routine, as an afternoon snack, or heated to warm you up on a chilly fall evening. Not only is chocolate milk delicious, but it is also nutritious! This sweet and satisfying beverage is a treat that children and parents can agree on. Chocolate milk isn’t just for snack time, it can be incorporated into almost any meal. One great way that chocolate milk can be added to breakfast is right on top of your cereal. You can also make Chocolate Milk Overnight Oats. Fill your cup with oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and add in chocolate milk. In the morning this delectable dish will be ready and waiting for you and is perfect topped with chocolate chips! Another breakfast chocolate milk recipe is Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes. This recipe is sure to satisfy the pumpkin and chocolate lovers in your home. Not only does this recipe make delicious pancakes, but my mom used the leftover batter to make muffins (if you choose to do this, you may want to add some sweetness). This recipe is festive and a great way to use Halloween’s official beverage! One more recipe that I recently tried that also uses chocolate milk is Chocolate Milk Cupcakes with Chocolate Milk Frosting. This recipe is perfect for National Chocolate Cupcake day which just so happens to fall on October 18th. Watch the video on how you can make them at home! Dairy products like chocolate milk, cheese, and yogurt are packed with 13 essential nutrients including protein, calcium, and vitamin D. The high-quality protein found in dairy helps to build strong muscles while calcium works to strengthen bones and teeth. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people age nine and older include three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods in their diet, and chocolate milk can serve as one of the three! As temperatures begin to cool down chocolate milk in the form of hot chocolate (topped with whipped cream) is the perfect treat to warm you up! While you are in the dairy section of the grocery store, be sure to look for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge or the number “55” on milk cartons to ensure you are buying fresh, locally produced chocolate milk from right here in Wisconsin. Looking for hands-on activities to share with teachers, families, and on social media? “Mess with Your Milk – Halloween Edition” are kid-friendly activities to celebrate Halloween while recycling chocolate milk cartons.

Wisconsin’s agriculture industry contributes $104.8 billion to our economy each year! From growing to harvesting and food processing, farmers and processors across our state work hard every day to provide an abundance of delicious produce. When most people think of Wisconsin agriculture, commodities like dairy, corn, and soybeans come to mind. While those commodities are a very important part of our state’s agriculture industry, there is so much more to Wisconsin agriculture. Wisconsin is a leading producer in many specialty crops, which are “fruit and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In the coming months, I encourage you to join me as I explore some of Wisconsin’s tasty and nutritious specialty crops. This November we are focusing on two of Wisconsin’s most orange specialty crops: pumpkins and carrots. Pumpkins: When I think of pumpkins, I think of carving spooky characters during Halloween, going on hayrides through pumpkin patches, and homemade pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner. With more than 2,300 acres across Wisconsin dedicated to growing pumpkins and a $3 million contribution to our state’s economy every year, pumpkins are an important part of Wisconsin agriculture. In fact, there is even a state championship contest for the largest pumpkin grown in Wisconsin! In 2021, Caleb Jacobus grew the state’s largest pumpkin, weighing in at over 2,000 pounds! The word pumpkin comes from the Greek word “pepon,” which in English translates to “large melon.” Pumpkins are also one of the oldest known crops grown in the western hemispheres. While pumpkin picking does not start until the fall or winter months, pumpkins are planted around June every year. Pumpkins are extremely versatile and can be used for much more than carving a ghost during Halloween. They are jam packed with Vitamin A and antioxidants and can be used to cook plenty of yummy desserts like pumpkin bars or made into delicious cheesy baked pumpkin pasta! Carrots: Did you know Wisconsin ranks first in the U.S. for the production of carrots for food processing? As one of our state’s top specialty crops, carrots contribute approximately $8 million to our state’s economy. Carrots were first grown for food in Afghanistan in 900 B.C. but the orange carrots we know best were not grown until much later when it was developed in Holland as a tribute to William of Orange during the Dutch fight for independence. Pilgrims brought orange carrot seeds with them when they settled in the U.S. and planted them all across the country. You may have heard once or twice that eating carrots is good for your eyesight, and they are right! Carrots are rich in many different vitamins and minerals but are best known as being an excellent source of beta-carotene, which helps with eyesight. This crisp, crunch vegetable can be eaten by dipping it into a creamy ranch dressing made with Wisconsin dairy products or cooking them into delicious desserts like carrot cheese cake.

Here in America’s Dairyland, we are known for agriculture. But, did you know that Wisconsin also leads the nation in the production of cranberries? Cranberries are native to Wisconsin and the first cultivated Wisconsin cranberry marshes date back to the 1830s before Wisconsin was even a state! Cranberry growing is a family business, with many fifth- and even sixth-generation Wisconsin growers. More than half the entire world’s supply of cranberries are grown on Wisconsin family farms, generating $1 billion in state economic impact and providing thousands of local jobs. The cranberry has been Wisconsin’s state fruit since 2004 and Wisconsin farmers produced 4.6 million barrels of cranberries in 2020. This year, 2021, marks the 27th consecutive year that Wisconsin has led the nation in cranberry production. Cranberries received their name from European settlers who called them ‘crane berries’ after noticing that the flower resembled the head of the Sandhill Crane. Contrary to popular belief, cranberries do not grow in water. Cranberries are a perennial plant and grow on vines in sandy bogs and marshes. Marshes are flooded with water to aid in harvesting. Because the tart, tiny berries contain a pocket of air, the berries float to the surface to be picked up by harvesting equipment when the marsh is flooded. Cranberries are harvested each year from late September through October. Wisconsin cranberries are an awesome choice because they are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Plus, when you bring home Wisconsin cranberries, you are supporting Wisconsin farmers! Cranberries can be enjoyed dried, juiced, baked, and more. I’ll never say no to a new cranberry cake, trail mix, or even cheese! Try my family's favorites Cranberry Cake! Perfect for cranberry season and holiday gifting. https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/cranberry-christmas-cake/ Learn more and find recipes on the Wisconsin Cranberries website http://www.wiscran.org/ Also, mark your calendar for the Warrens Cranberry Festival from Friday, September 24 through Sunday, September 26. https://www.cranfest.com/

Wisconsin agriculture contributes $104.8 billion to our economy each year! From everything from growing to harvesting all the way to food processing, farmers across our state work hard every day to provide an abundance of delicious produce. When most people think of Wisconsin agriculture, commodities like dairy, corn, and soybeans come to mind. While those commodities are a very important part of our state’s agriculture industry, there is so much more to Wisconsin agriculture. Wisconsin is a leading producer in many specialty crops, which are “fruit and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture),” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In the coming months, I encourage you to join me as I explore some of Wisconsin’s specialty crops. As we approach the holiday season, I am highlighting two holiday staples: apples and Christmas trees! Apples Apples may be small, but they are a big part of Wisconsin. There are more than 300 commercial orchards in Wisconsin spanning 6,500 acres of land. They are located in 57 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and offer a wide-variety of delicious apples all year long. Wisconsin’s history with apples goes back to the 1800’s when apple seeds were brought to the state and planted by settlers. The first commercial apple orchards in Wisconsin were planted between 1830 and 1850, and these early orchards produced many different apple cultivars including some of local origin. According to Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, Wisconsin apple orchards grow more than 300 different varieties of apples including Red Delicious, McIntosh, Johnathan, and Gala. All of these apples are medium to large size and perfect for enjoying in salads, baked goods, or pressed into warm apple cider. Apples are a tasty and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed all year long. Uniquely, they are one of the best sources of pectin, a type of fiber that helps prevent heart diseases and maintain cholesterol levels. In addition to their high levels of pectin, apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals and low in sodium. According to the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, apples ripen six to ten times faster at room temperature than at refrigerator temperature. After picking apples, place them into plastic bags to retain moisture and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods. Store the bag of apples in your refrigerator crisper to keep them fresh. If you are storing sliced apples, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to prevent discoloration. Christmas Trees While we often think of Christmas trees around the holidays, farmers across Wisconsin are working hard all year long to make sure that you take home the perfect Christmas tree. Producers nurture seedlings to grown trees ready for harvest and, on average, it takes 15 years for these trees to be harvest ready. The most popular Christmas tree varieties grown in Wisconsin are Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine, and Scotch Pine. Christmas trees play an important role in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry. There are more than 850 Christmas tree farms across the state of Wisconsin and our state houses more than 23,300 acres of trees. Wisconsin harvests approximately 600,000 Christmas trees each year and, in 2017, ranked fifth in the nation in Christmas tree production. These beautiful trees also provide many benefits to our environment all year long. They absorb carbon dioxide and, in return, release oxygen into the air. In fact, one acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen intake for about 18 people. Additionally, they are often grown on land that would otherwise be subject to erosion if farmed with other crops and, unlike artificial trees, are 100% biodegradable. From bees and butterflies to bears and deer, tree farms are also provide a safe habitat for wildlife, birds, and insects. After you have purchased a real tree, it is important to take proper care of it so it can look perfect on Christmas Day or beyond. The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association recommends using a tree stand with adequate water holding capacity to ensure your tree is able to absorb enough water. Additionally, they recommend that you keep your tree away from sources of heat and lower the room temperature where the tree is stored to help slow the drying process. Once the holidays have past and you have to start taking down your holiday decorations, make sure to recycle your tree. Across the state, there are many programs and opportunities to recycle your Christmas tree. Some programs will even take your tree and turn it into mulch, compost, or even wood chips.

In the Nunes household, much of our holiday celebrations revolve around food. This year, I decided to make some cooking videos to showcase Wisconsin Cheese and some of the products in my 'Make the Holidays Twice as Nice' Something Special from Wisconsin holiday promotion. With nearly 450 companies participating in the SSfW program, the logo can be found on everything from meats and cheeses to sweet syrups, candies, soaps, candles, lotions, art, beverages, and more. I can't celebrate the holidays without some Wisconsin cheese! Wisconsin has more than 600 types, styles, and varieties of cheese to pick from, perfect for cheeseboards galore! The Holiday Tree Cheese Board is great for holiday parties, pre-game snacks, or to make with your kids. Find the full recipe here: https://www.wisconsincheese.com/recipes/3394/holiday-tree-cheeseboard

The Something Special from Wisconsin program is a great place to find unique, high-quality Wisconsin-made products! Since 1983, the program has been trademarked through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The red and yellow SSfW logo is a quick, reliable way to identify genuine Wisconsin products. Products displaying the logo guarantee that at least half of the item's ingredients, production, or the processing is attributed to Wisconsin. With nearly 450 companies participating in the SSfW program, the logo can be found on everything from meats and cheeses to sweet syrups, candies, soaps, candles, lotions, art, beverages, and more. By purchasing Something Special from Wisconsin products, you are supporting Wisconsin producers, processors, businesses, and the local economy. To find more local flavors and other Wisconsin-made products, visit www.somethingspecialfromwi.com . Boxes of Fun | christines-kitchens.com These boxes make it easy for consumers to give fun, unique holiday gifts while supporting local Wisconsin businesses. Boxes of Fun are perfect for college students, family & friends in the military, stock your house for holiday company, or treat yourself! Order by December 17, 2021, to receive by Christmas. Below is a list of all Something Special from Wisconsin members participating in the Alice in Dairyland 2021 Holiday promotion. Addicting Pretzels | addictingpretzels.com Addicting Pretzels based in Wind Lake has your crunchy snack needs! Addicting Pretzels offers 3 different sizes of tasty pretzels with sweet and savory flavor options like Buffalo Ranch, Bacon Ranch, and Cinnamon. Ambrosia Flame Candles | www.ambrisiaflamecandles.com · Make your home smell delicious this season with Ambrosia flame candles! These candles are made using the finest ingredients, burn clean, are nontoxic & smell amazing! Ambrosia Flame is a small female-owned Wisconsin company that hand pours each candle with scents like Wisconsin Old Fashioned and Apple Maple Bourbon candles. BannJoe Farms | https://www.bannjoefarms.com/ Flavor your holiday dishes with Wisconsin spices. BannJoe Farms grows gourmet garlic in Marshall, WI, and offers 7 varieties! Their Garlic powder is 100% garlic with no additives resulting in a flavorful product! BannJoe Farms offers garlic bulbs as seeds and for cooking! Burn Pit BBQ | burnpitbbq.com Burn Pit BBQ is a veteran-owned company based in Racine, WI. Offering rubs & sauces are made in Wisconsin! Burn Pit BBQ strives to help people cook great food and is passionate about giving back to the military & veteran community. All their products are made with natural ingredients and perfect for all your grilling needs! CJ's Premium Spices | https://cjspremiumspices.com/ This family-owned company makes spices mixes using organic, gluten-free, and kosher-certified ingredients. Try their award-winning dill dip mix or their fresh and easy potato salad mix! Any mix from CJ’s Premium Spices is sure to be a crowd favorite and easy to incorporate into your holiday celebrations! Clear Water CBD | https://clearwater-cbd.com/ Clear Water CBD, based in Osseo, WI, aims to provide high-quality CBD in an enjoyable and easily consumable form! Clear Water CBD offers water in sparkling or non-sparkling options in 4 different flavors Corey Geiger | www.coreygeiger.com · For the book worms on your gifting list, On a Wisconsin Family Farm by Corey Geiger is the perfect gift to start a conversation about early rural life in Wisconsin. This book features 77 photos to help tell stories of pioneers emigrating to the U.S. On a Wisconsin Family Farm tells tales of character, community, culture, and how Wisconsin became America's Dairyland. Cream City Caramels and Confections | creamcitycaramels.com · Cream City Caramels and Confections, based in Wauwatosa, are made with REAL butter and heavy cream and perfect for sweets-lovers! Their Salted Vanilla Caramel Sauce is creamy and delicious, great on apples, ice cream, and more! Feeling adventurous? Try their Dill Pickle Caramels – a combination that works spuriously well! Crave Brothers Cheese | CraveCheese.com · Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo, WI, produce award-winning cheeses and green energy. Their Mascarpone is made with sweet cream and has a velvety texture and is a great addition to desserts and soups. Crave Brothers Chocolate Mascarpone won Grand Champion at the 2021 World Dairy Expo Dairy Products Contest – it’s great with fruit, to frost a cake, or to top a pie! CTL Foods | https://www.ctlfoods.com/ · For the sweet lovers in your holiday crew, try CTL Foods Malted Milk Powder – a great way to change up your dessert options! Add 2 heaping tables spoons of malted milk powder into your favorite ice cream shake and make it a malt! Try the CTL Foods recipes for puppy chow, pumpkin malt bars, Carmel sauce, Grasshopper Malted Cheesecake, and more. The Dandelion Farm LLC | www.thedandelionfarm.com The Dandelion Farm, based in Berlin, WI, offers traditional bar soap & lotions made from goat milk straight from their farm. The Dandelion Farm is a Women-owned company that offers farm fresh skincare products like bath bombs, kids products, facial care, and more, perfect for gifting or to enjoy yourself! Driftless Chocolates | https://driftlesschocolates.com · These handmade delicacies come in a variety of flavors! Try their sea salt honey caramels (made with WI honey) or the Ledges Door County Cherry Chocolate Bar featuring door county cherries in rich dark chocolate! These are sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth and are the perfect size for stocking stuffers! Duck Creek Vineyard and Winery | https://www.duckcreekwine.com Find beverages for your holiday meals or for gifting at Duck Creek Vineyard and Winery in Demark, WI. With more than 20 award-winning wines, meads, 5 flavors of kombucha teas, Duck Creek Vineyard and Winery has options for everyone. Eckerman Sheep Company | eckermansheepcompany.com Change up your holiday snacking with cheese from the Eckerman Sheep Company and Phlox Farm. This is a rare, aged artisan sheep's milk cheese. The Eckerman Sheep Company Cheese makes a "ewe"nique gift and is pairs well with wine fruits, wine, and beer! Emmanuel's Mix LLC | https://emmanuelsmix.com This is a Mom-Owned company that uses corn rice cereal, pretzels, and mammoth pecans to create an irresistible treat that perfectly melds sweet and salty. Emmanuel's Mix snacks mixes are handcrafted and are sure to make a great stocking stuffer or addition to holiday snacking! Garden of Eden Kingdom Living | www.gardenofedenkingdomLiving.com · Garden of Eden Kingdom Living offers Wisconsin handmade all-natural spice products. Including dry spices, vinaigrette, dressings, hot sauces, jams, and more. Their motto is promoting healthy eating and healthy living. Garden of Eden Kingdom Living’s natural products are made with fresh fruit and vegetables and are great for vegans and vegetarians, health issues, Keto, and gluten-free. Heil Harvest Ginseng | www.thevillagepharm.com · Wisconsin is the top producer of Ginseng in the nation, try Ginseng capsules and tea from Heil Harvest Ginseng. Heil Harvest Ginseng is a great place to get high-quality Wisconsin-grown ginseng. Hoard's Dairyman Farm Creamery | hoardscreamery.com Their award winning Gouda and Sark cheeses are absolutely delicious – and a great addition to your holiday meal, cheese snack tray, or to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich! Hoards Dairyman Cheeses are made by Master cheesemakers with high-quality Guernsey Milk! Little Bull Falls Soap Works | www.littlebullfallssoapworks.com · Little Bull Falls Soap Works skincare products were created for people with sensitive skin and dry skin. Their soaps, lotions, and more are made with high-quality and local ingredients - your skin never felt so good! Little Bull Falls Soap Works has a variety of products try their Honey Apple Door County Cherry organic oatmeal soap and Divine Love Twilight Raspberry aloe lotion. These are perfect for you to enjoy or gift! LuAnn's Homemade Butters | luannshomemadebutters.com Try their mixed berry Jalapeno spread – great on cream cheese served with crackers - or on an English muffin. LuAnn’s Homemade Butters are perfect for any meal with flavors including original, honey, strawberry, cinnamon, and Chocolate Honey Butter – perfect to sweeten a snack of pretzels and wonderful on pancakes! Jewell Hollow Woodcraft LLC | jewellhollowwoodcraft.com For all your display, gifting, or decorating needs Jewell Hollow Woodcraft has something for you. With many different shapes, customization, and engraving options they have cutting boards for any reason and season. For a wedding or holiday gifting, making a charcuterie spread, or to use as a decoration, choose a gorgeous board from Jewell Hollow Woodcraft! Ketchup Please | kpketchup.com/find-u · Ketchup Please is simply put, Ketchup without Compromise! While mainstream ketchup is 20% added sugar alone, Ketchup Please has zero added sugar. Ketchup please is also certified Organic, and has fewer carbs, calories, and sodium than leading brands, All without compromising flavor. Kreative Kraftwerks LLC | https://www.kreativekraftwerks.com/ · Kreative Kraftwerks LLC is a small family-owned business located just outside of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Their handcrafted small-batch products include soy candles, lotion, and soap. Kreative Kraftwerks Soaps and Candles come in a variety of scents. Oak Creek Hemp Company | https://www.oakcreekhempcollc.com/ · The Oak Creek Hemp Company is a small farm located in Southeastern Wisconsin. All hemp plants are grown directly in Oak Creek Wisconsin and CBD products are produced locally. The Oak Creek Hemp Company offers Candles, CBD Gummies, Roll On, Chapstick, Balm, and more. Off the Block: Mentoring Positives | https://www.offtheblock.store/ Off the Block: Mentoring Positives offers Salsas Made in Madison, WI. These salsa are made by young people of color at Mentoring Positives. Off the Block products have all-natural ingredients and flavors ranging from mild to spicy! Palo Alto Foods | palopopcorn.com · For the popcorn lovers in your family choose Palo Popcorn! They offer sweet and savory options including cheddar cheese and white cheddar maple (made with real cheese), caramel, and more! Palo Popcorn is delicious and an easy gourmet snack for family gatherings and holiday parties. Pine River Pre-Pack Inc. | www.pineriver.com · Holiday Snacking isn’t complete without Wisconsin Cheese! Pine River Cheese Spreads has been crafting award-winning cheese spreads for more than four generations. Their port wine and spicy beer cold pack cheese spreads will make a delicious and easy addition to your holiday snacking board. Queen B & Miller Organics LLC | https://queenbandcompanycom.weebly.com/#/ Offers all-natural skincare products made from cold-pressed cranberry seeds. All products are handcrafted in small batches and they aim to provide the most gentle, healthy, and safe products for the skin. Rabit Road | https://www.etsy.com/shop/rabbitroad?fbclid=IwAR3AW0hV-6Tgk1jaXm6N-RjRBf1CRzwGs5G9wqFpdtO0qj1TVIL-2sInrkY · Try the Rabit Road hand-made cold-pressed soaps with a variety of scents including Dreamer (Lavendar Oat Soap) and the Peppy (peppermint clay & activated charcoal soap). Made from quality ingredients to ensure the best for your skin. Great for gifting or to enjoy at home! Slide Gourmet Potato Chips | slidegourmetpotatochips.com · Slide Gourmet Potato Chips - Not Your Average Potato Chip- are deep-fried in canola oil, and seasoned with a sprinkle of sea salt and more. With flavors like sea salt, dill pickle, honey barbeque, and more. Slide Gourmet Potato Chips is a woman-owned company and uses locally grown Wisconsin potatoes! Spark Spices | www.sparkspices.com Their Zesty snap seasoning is a great season-all option and makes a popular holiday dip with cream cheese, sour cream, craisins, and Zesty Snap! Also, try the Sparks Spices Bloody Mary Mix (very delicious!) or the Over the Top Rub to drive wonderful flavors of rosemary and thyme. Great on beef, pork, lamb, and more! . Timber Hill Winery | timehillwinery.com They offer Wisconsin wines and Cocktail mixers: including Prickly Pear, Mojito, Huckleberry Lavender, Elderflower lemon, and Strawberry Passionfruit. Great for all types of drink - alcoholic or not! Timber Hill Winery offers a variety of red and whites wines, perfect beverage options for your holiday dinners, to pair with charcuterie boards, or to make a great Wisconsin gift. Tom & Ma's Maple Syrup | www.tonandmasmaple.com Tom & Ma’s Maple Syrup has been working for 3 generations to create the purest, yummiest Maple products. Their sweet and savory syrup is perfect for all your breakfast (brunch, lunch, dinner, and midnight snack) needs. Urbal Tea | www.urbalhealth.com Their tea is hand blended in Wisconsin, packed inside an organic plant-based tea bag, and comes in a variety of flavors including Cran-Apple Detox, Brain Booster, and more! Urbal Tea and has options of tea for any mood and focuses on functional medicine and is full of nutrients and benefits. Village Pharm | www.villagepharm.com Village Pharm hemp products are grown in Edgar, Wisconsin on 3rd Generation Family Farm. This seed-to-table farm has 10 greenhouses dedicated to bringing premium CBD/CBG products to their customers. Village Pharm offers a variety of products including 1500mg CBD lavender lotion and CBD soap bar with ginseng. To learn more and find other Wisconsin-made products, visit www.somethingspecialfromwi.com.

When I think of Christmas, I think of decorating the Christmas tree with my sisters. I can remember from an early age stringing popcorn and cranberries to make garland and sorting through ornaments. The smell and touch of a real Christmas tree sparks holiday memories, like running around a local Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree. The holidays are a special time for families to celebrate the magic of the season and Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry. Christmas trees play an important part in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry. Wisconsin has over 450 Christmas Tree growers and ranks 5th in the nation for Christmas Trees harvested. As of January 2020, there were approximately 7.26 million Christmas trees on Wisconsin horticulture operations to be cut and sold in future years. On Saturday, November 27 I cut down the first official Christmas tree of the season at Hann's Tree Farm in Oregon, Wisconsin. This family-owned operation has 47 acres of trees to choose from and is located within Dane County, which is the host county for the 75th Alice in Dairyland finals. Fresh Christmas trees are offered at ‘choose-and-cut tree farms across the state. These farms offer families a memorable experience that often becomes a tradition. In addition to finding and cutting down the perfect tree, many farms offer visits with Santa, wagon rides, hot apple cider, and specialty wreaths and bows. Cutting a fresh Wisconsin Christmas tree from one of Wisconsin’s tree farms allows Wisconsinites to enjoy a real tree and nature’s holiday gift. Before a Christmas tree finds a home for the holidays, producers have nurtured seedlings to grow trees ready for harvest. For each real Christmas tree harvested, two to three seedlings are planted in its place and, on average, it takes seven to 15 years to grow a Christmas tree. The most popular Christmas tree varieties grown in Wisconsin are Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine, and Scotch Pine. The Balsam Fir is a short-needled tree that is native to Wisconsin and known for its dark-green color and pleasing fragrance. The Fraser Fir is often referred to as the “Cadillac of trees.” These trees retain their short needles, are blue-green in color and have extremely strong branches that turn upward. If you prefer long-needled pines, the White Pine has soft, long needles that are blue-green in color. White Pines are the largest pines in the United States. Although they have good needle retention, they are not recommended for heavy ornaments. The Scotch Pine is a full, bushy tree with long, stiff needles. These bright green trees are the most popular pines grown and purchased in Wisconsin. The Scotch Pine has an excellent survival rate, is easy to replant, and will remain fresh throughout the holiday season. While we often think of Christmas trees around the holidays, they provide many benefits to our environment all year long. These beautiful trees absorb carbon dioxide and, in return, release oxygen into the air. In fact, one acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen intake for about 18 people. Additionally, they are often grown on land that would otherwise be subject to erosion if farmed with other crops and, unlike artificial trees, are 100% biodegradable. From bees and butterflies to bears and deer, tree farms are also providing a safe habitat for wildlife, birds, and insects. Make selecting your tree a family tradition and buy a locally grown tree this season to support your local farmers and economy. To find one of Wisconsin’s Christmas tree farms near you, visit the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers’ website at www.christmastrees-wi.org.

As you gather with family this holiday season, what will be on your holiday table? Whether you enjoy turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, or cranberries, Wisconsin farmers have you covered! In many cases, the main course of a holiday dinner is protein. At my family’s holiday table, we often have turkey and ham (because my sister doesn't like ham, so we have to have both). Wisconsin ranks sixteenth in turkey production and Barron County is where most of them reside. When it comes to pork production, Wisconsin ranks eighteenth and, in 2019, hog inventory totaled 365,000 head. No matter how you slice it, pork and turkey are both excellent sources of protein and provide several important vitamins and minerals. Wisconsin farmers are working all year round to care for their livestock to supply our communities with high-quality products. The side dishes of a holiday meal are often the part of the meal (my brother-in-law) looked forward to the most. As soon as the pan of hot mashed potatoes hits the table, it is a mad dash for the spoon. Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for potato production. Depending on the weather, Wisconsin Potato Farmers will harvest anywhere from 25 million to 28 million cwt. of potatoes annually. Potatoes are packed full of potassium and fiber, making them an excellent choice for your dinner plate. The majority of the nutrients in a potato are found within the potato itself and not just in the skin, making mashed or baked potatoes the perfect option for holiday feasting. Don’t forget to top your potatoes with an ample amount of butter, sour cream, and cheese. Just because it is a holiday doesn’t mean you can skip your vegetables! Fertile soils and ideal growing conditions make Wisconsin a vegetable powerhouse. Wisconsin is the nation’s top producer of green beans, growing more than 37 percent of the nation’s beans in 2019. Make sure to support Wisconsin’s vegetable farms by piling your plate with fresh Wisconsin corn, carrots, green beans, and peas. Desserts are, by far, one of my favorite things to eat around the holidays. From cookies and cakes to pies and puddings, I will try it all and there is plenty of opportunities to include Wisconsin products into the final meal of the day. With Wisconsin’s plentiful summers, the options for holiday baking are endless. This holiday season, I encourage you to add local Wisconsin apples, strawberries, cranberries, cherries, and other Wisconsin-grown products into your favorite recipes or try a lemon sour cream pie using real Wisconsin dairy products. Wisconsin agriculture has you covered for all your holiday meal needs, from the main course to dessert. While meal planning and shopping for ingredients, I encourage you to use local Wisconsin products. Buying Wisconsin’s safe, nutritious food products supports farmers and food processors and contributes to the economic strength of Wisconsin communities. I am so thankful we have such hard-working farmers here in Wisconsin to provide us with high-quality and delicious options to fill our tables.

Fair season in Wisconsin is coming to an end, After attending some of Wisconsin’s county and district fairs and the Wisconsin State Fair this summer, I have come to realize what Wisconsin fairs mean to our communities. Food is a staple of fairs in our state and there are plenty of tasty and unique food options to enjoy at each one. From the classic fried cheese curds to more exotic options like a deep-fried pink squirrel, gator claw on a stick, or a glazer donut pork sandwich, you can eat to your heart’s desire at Wisconsin fairs. Another highlight for many Wisconsin fair-goers is the entertainment. One thing is certain about Wisconsinites – we like to have a good time. The fair is an amazing place to fill your stomach, have a good laugh, take a ride on the tilt-a-whirl, or jam out to your favorite music. The attractions are often the reason many fairgoers stay late into the evening, enjoying the fair atmosphere and each other’s company. Whether your fair is having a live comedian, featuring a local band, or a big-name artist, there are entertainment options for the whole family. One of the most important parts of Wisconsin’s fairs is agriculture. Growing up on a dairy farm, the county fair was an event that I looked forward to every summer as it allowed me to showcase my dairy cattle and the hard work that I had put into preparing them. It was also a place where I learned about other areas of agriculture that I was not familiar with. While attending the Wisconsin State Fair, I realized just how important Wisconsin fairs are to agriculture. Wisconsin’s agriculture industry is diverse, vibrant, and vital to our communities, providing jobs and contributing more than $104.8 billion to our state’s economy every year. Wisconsin farmers are working every day of the year to produce safe, nutritious food products for you and for people around the world. The fair is the perfect place to learn about Wisconsin agriculture including where food comes from and the farmers who produce it. The next time you visit a Wisconsin fair, I challenge you to think about how agriculture is connected to the fair, from the animal exhibits to the deep-fried cheese curds. This summer you have the opportunity to take part in a tradition that is a staple of summers in Wisconsin and support the diverse industry that provides our communities with food, fuel, and fiber. Learn more about fairs around Wisconsin and add one more to your calendar at www.wifairs.com

When you think of Wisconsin, what comes to mind? You might have pictured cows, cheese, cranberries, or even cornfields, but did you know that Wisconsin is the leading state in the production of dry whey? No way, right? Yes, WHEY! Dry whey is often used in baked goods, processed cheese products, beverages, and protein nutrient supplements. In 2019, Wisconsin produced more than 285 million pounds of dry whey for human consumption, almost 30 percent of the nation’s total production. Wisconsin produced 105.5 million pounds of whey protein concentrate in 2019 and is home to nine processing facilities that make and process dry whey for human consumption. As “America’s Dairyland,” it makes sense that we are a top producer of whey as it is a byproduct of cheese, casein, and yogurt production. In the cheese-making process, milk is split into curds and whey. Curds are eventually made into cheese and whey is drained off to be used in various other products. Whey is typically watery, yellow in color, rich in nutrients, and contains lactose, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Whey can be used as an additive in cattle feed or purified back into clean water so it can be used again. To make whey powder, liquid whey is pasteurized and dried into a powder through reverse osmosis and vacuum evaporation. Whey protein is commonly used to improve athletic performance and address nutritional deficiencies. According to Mayo Clinic, whey protein provides substantial amounts of the essential amino acids that help carry out the functions that proteins perform in the body. Whey protein powder can be added to liquids, soft foods, such as applesauce, or blended into a smoothie or shake. With many protein options on the market, why choose whey? It is a complete protein, meaning it features all essential amino acids or building blocks your body needs. Additionally, whey can help build and repair muscle after workouts. A high protein diet can also help preserve muscle with age, curb hunger, and maintain a healthy weight (U.S. Dairy). Whey protein powder is easily added into foods and beverages as it has a neutral flavor, dissolves easily in liquids, and provides a smooth texture. Whey protein can also be used in baked goods, processed cheese products, sauces, dressings, prepared meat products, and beverages and act as a binder and extender in food products. Furthermore, demineralized whey protein can be used in the manufacturing of diet foods, baby foods, dry prepared mixes, and other food products that need specific mineral requirements. The next time you drink a protein shake, use salad dressing or even eat a piece of bread, check the label and see if the ingredients include whey. Consuming whey products are a great way to support dairy farmers across the country and in Wisconsin. Learn more at this link, https://www.usdairy.com/dairy-nutrition/products/whey.

There’s a reason why Wisconsin holds the title of “America’s Dairyland” and it goes beyond any official rankings, awards, or recognitions. Wisconsin farmers are always hard at work to produce high-quality, nutritious dairy products while also taking great care of their animals and resources. In addition, Wisconsin’s climate and environment allow the state’s dairy industry to perpetually thrive and, in turn, contribute over $45.6 billion to our economy. Wisconsin’s more than one million dairy cows are looked after every day and produce a high-quality, nutritious product for our communities. This high-quality milk is often used to make delicious cheese. Wisconsin leads the nation in both production volume and varieties of cheese with over 3.3 billion pounds produced annually into 600 different varieties, types, and styles. Wisconsin has won more cheese awards than any other state and, if Wisconsin was a country, it would rank fourth in the world behind the rest of the United States, Germany, and France. With 90 percent of the milk produced in our state made into cheese and cheese consumption nearly doubling in the past thirty years, Wisconsin will continue to lead the way in this dairy sector far into the future. Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Wisconsin, I have always taken great pride in the product that my family’s farm produces. Like my farm, 95 percent of Wisconsin dairy farms are family-owned. Wisconsin dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, are a natural source of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients. These include immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and protein. Dairy foods have a simple list of ingredients and can easily be added to your diet in a wide variety of ways. There are options in the dairy case for almost everyone including those with lactose intolerance and other dietary needs. When it comes down to it, Wisconsin is known worldwide for its quality of dairy products and the heritage behind them. Wisconsin was the first state to grade cheese for quality and is home to the nation’s only Master Cheesemaker Program, an advanced training program to help cheesemakers truly master the art of cheesemaking. The focus of Wisconsin’s 1,200 cheesemakers on quality over quantity sets our state apart and guarantees a superior product. Wisconsin’s climate, soil, and water supply will keep the dairy industry thriving in our state and our dairy farmers will continue to ensure that all Wisconsin cows are well cared for. So, the next time you sit back and enjoy some Wisconsin cheese, know that our “America’s Dairyland” namesake is here to stay. Look for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge, or the number 55 on the packaging, when purchasing cheese to ensure you are buying local Wisconsin cheese. You can find it in 98% of grocery stores, according to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Learn more at WisconsinDairy.org.

When was the last time you visited a farm? Earlier this year I worked with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) to develop a virtual tour of my family’s farm in Chippewa Falls. On the tour, you will learn how farmers take care of their animals, different occupations that work with dairy farmers, and about the delicious, nutritious products dairy farmers work so hard to produce. This virtual farm tour showcases the devotion dairy farmers have for the land and animals they tend to. Dairy farm tours provide an opportunity for people to get hands-on experience and to receive information right from farmers. Visiting farms is also a great way for consumers to build trust in Wisconsin dairy farmers, dairy farming methods, and dairy products. As consumers, we want to know more about food and where it comes from. The farm tour video is the perfect way for viewers to get to know a dairy farming family and see the devotion that goes into producing dairy products. With many schools still being held virtually and teachers looking for online material, the Alice in Dairyland virtual farm tour is a great resource. Many youths, on average, are five generations removed from a family farm. The tour provides an opportunity to share the story of our dairy industry from the comfort of your own home! This video farm tour is a great way for students to learn about Wisconsin agriculture and experience it for themselves. Each year, 90,000 fourth-grade students study Wisconsin history as part of their Social Studies curriculum. During this unit, they learn about dairy heritage, careers, and the economic impact of the dairy industry. Agriculture in Wisconsin is important: it contributes nearly $105 billion to our state’s economy and provides over 435,000 jobs. The dairy industry alone has a $45.6 billion impact in Wisconsin. Not only does the dairy industry positively impact Wisconsin’s economy; dairy farmers are also leaders in developing strategies to protect our soil and water. Dairy farmers are making strides in reducing the environmental impact of producing a gallon of milk. Today, the dairy industry uses 30% less water, 21% less land, and a 19% smaller carbon footprint than it did in 2007. This virtual farm tour would not be possible without support from the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW), is a non-profit organization funded entirely by Wisconsin's dairy farm families. The organization strives to increase the sale and consumption of Wisconsin milk and dairy products. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) is a key financial and dairy content partner to the Alice in Dairyland program run by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Thanks to DFW’s partnership, I am excited to share my family’s farm with you through this virtual tour. Growing up and working on a dairy farm is why I care so much about agriculture and work to share the stories of farmers across Wisconsin. I hope you enjoy learning more about Wisconsin’s signature dairy industry! Find the full farm tour video at www.wisconsindairy.org/farm-tour. Teachers and parents can also find additional dairy education materials on the DFW website at www.wisconsindairy.org Bring Alice in Dairyland and the Virtual Farm Tour into your classroom virtually! Invite Alice at AliceInDairyland.com.