When thinking of Earth Day, recycling and planting trees may come to mind, but how do our food and eating habits affect our communities? In Wisconsin, we a fortunate to have a diverse and productive agriculture community. Our farmers are constantly working hard to produce high-quality products and care for the land and resources they use. From feeding distiller’s grains and reusing water to planting cover crops and utilizing renewable energy, many farms are finding ways to manage their resources and reduce their carbon footprint. Farmers often live on or near the land that they farm and work collaboratively with experts to develop environmental and animal care best practices. Some examples of innovation that have led to increased sustainability include enhanced productivity practices such as improved cattle genetics, more precise animal nutrition, increased resilience and efficiency, and improved resource use, among others. The U.S. beef industry works in tandem with the international research community to continuously improve and share sustainability advancements and technologies. Approximately 29 percent of the land in the U.S. is pasture and rangeland that is too rocky, steep, or dry to grow food crops, but it’s perfect for cattle. People aren't the only animals who enjoy leftovers now and then, farmers often feed distillers grains or spent grains which are the leftovers from ethanol or beer production. Normally, these would go into a landfill once we have our beer in hand or gas in the tank. However, our cattle in Wisconsin have what I like to call a superpower. They can take these grains and turn them into protein for our families. In fact, 90 percent of what cattle eat is grass or leftovers that humans cannot eat. Farmers work with experts like nutritionists and veterinarians to create a diet plan for their animals and make sure their animals are healthy. Farmers and their local communities also play a part in the water quality solution. Clean lakes, rivers, streams, and safe drinking water start with smart, sustainable farming practices. Farm families drink the same water everyone else does and work hard to ensure that water is safe and clean. They also use the water to tend to their land and animals. There are 41 farmer-led watershed groups in Wisconsin. Farmers work with government agencies, researchers, environmental groups, conservation professionals, soil scientists, and other agricultural experts to understand how they can best care for their land and resources. Everyone from farmers raising food to customers who enjoy it has a responsibility to work together and care for the environment. Reducing your food waste can help you be a more sustainable food eater! Three ways to reduce food waste: 1. Proper Storage Understanding how to properly store food can helps reduce spoilage and extend shelf life. Different products require different storage methods. Cheese Storage: https://wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/36/how-to-store-cheese 2. Freezing Food When I purchase beef, I often buy a much larger package than I need for one meal. One of my favorite things to do is to freeze portion-sized amounts of cooked ground beef. Not only does this reduce my leftovers, but also helps me to prepare for my next meal. I can quickly thaw the cooked beef and add it to chili, nachos, tacos, and so much more! Learn more about freezing beef with this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxLYSSDq5VY 3. Repurposing Leftovers Alright, be honest - how often do leftovers go bad in your fridge? They do in mine too. One of my favorite ways to make sure those leftovers are eaten up is by repurposing them. It can be as easy as adding steak or cheese to your salad or into a soup, or you can get creative and disguise your leftovers as a new dish. One of my favorite ways to do this is with an egg bake. I often use any leftovers I have from beef, ham, cheese, vegetables, and more. Here's my recipe for my taco egg bake. Taco Egg Bake 1 large potato 1 Tbsp minced garlic 1 bell pepper 1 red onion 2 cups chopped spinach 1 1/2 cups taco meat 1 1/3 cup shredded cheese 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or milk 12 eggs Salt and Pepper Slice potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and saute with butter or oil until slightly soft. Add in garlic, onions, peppers cook until peppers are tender. Add to a greased 9 x 13 pan. Stir in chopped spinach (*optional). Top with taco meat. Add cheese over meat. Whisk together eggs and milk and pour over meat. Bake at 350°for 1 hour, or until eggs a firm and cooked. Enjoy with salsa, hot sauce, and more! My favorite thing about this recipe is that you can make it your own. Add in your favorite vegetables (or whatever you have in your fridge) and leftovers and enjoy! Once your egg bake is cooled you can freeze pieces to make for a quick and easy breakfast option. Find great leftover recipe inspiration here: https://www.beeftips.com/recipes/collection/10033/so-long-leftovers Go to BeefTips.com or WisconsinCheese.com to find more recipes suggestions using beef and dairy products!

March is Women's History Month and a perfect time to highlight the rich history behind the Alice in Dairyland program. For 74 years, Alice in Dairyland has served as Wisconsin's agricultural ambassador. From its wholesome and pastoral beginnings following World War II to today's high-tech age of instant communications, the program has grown and changed with the times. Margaret McGuire of Iowa County served as Wisconsin’s first Alice in Dairyland in 1948. She was selected to host a month-long centennial exposition at the Wisconsin State Fair Park and tour the U.S. as an ambassador for Wisconsin's dairy industry. After her tenure as Alice, she earned a master’s degree in elementary education and taught for 23 years. Like Margaret, early Alices traveled nationwide with a chaperone, logging 150,000 miles a year – much of it on an airplane – and making 1,000 appearances annually. In many cases, they were professional women that came from farms and were well-versed in agriculture. Many also went on to careers outside their home in a time when most women’s homes and families were their careers. In 1952, Alice in Dairyland became a one-year full-time contracted employee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and an official representative of all Wisconsin agricultural products. Also, in the 1950s, Alice carried boxes of cheese to Hollywood stars, served samples at corner grocery stores, and even made an appearance on the Today show. Mary Ellen Jenks Jordal, the sixth Alice in Dairyland, served Wisconsin in 1953 and is one of only two Alices originally from Chippewa Falls. She went on to become the vice president of Consumer Affairs and Services for Green Giant and then Pillsbury. She then worked in publicity for the Minnesota Beef Council and other food clients as well as customer service training for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota. In 1961, Alice hosted a wine and cheese reception for national and international media after the Green Bay Packers won the National Football League (NFL) championship title. Alice also continued the tradition of carrying boxes of cheese to Hollywood stars and serving samples at corner grocery stores throughout the 1960s. In 1966, she started delivering her message to classrooms and educating students about Wisconsin agriculture. As women’s television programs became increasingly popular, she filled the role of a consumer educator by promoting nutrition and food preparation. She also continued to make appearances on national television programs and appeared with celebrities. The 26th Alice in Dairyland, Mary Hopkins-Best, danced on the Lawrence Welk show in 1969 and the 29th Alice, Janice Findlay Aiken, shared the stage with Bob Hope on the opening night of the Wisconsin State Fair. Over the years, Alice in Dairyland has adapted to the changing face of agriculture and the contemporary world. Even so, she remains Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador, serving as a custodian of Wisconsin's proud agricultural heritage and dynamic voice for the future of agriculture. In May, the 75th Alice in Dairyland will be selected to carry on the legacy of this important program. The 75th Alice in Dairyland Finals will take place in Dane County, May 19-21, 2022 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Some portions of the finals are open to the public, including the final selection ceremony. After being selected at the conclusion of the finals, the 75th Alice in Dairyland will begin her term on July 5, 2022.

Cheese is the universal language of love in Wisconsin! As America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is home to more than 600 varieties, types, and styles of cheese. Whether you are gathering with loved ones, watching your favorite football team, or celebrating Valentine’s Day, Wisconsin cheese is a tasty option for any snack or meal. Wisconsin’s more than 1,200 talented and dedicated cheesemakers are the ingredient that makes our state’s cheese so special. In fact, they have helped our state win more awards for cheese than anywhere else in the world. For a small group of elite cheesemakers that are passionate about pushing their education to the limit, there is one final step – becoming a certified Master Cheesemaker. The Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program is like getting a Ph.D. in cheese. Wisconsin has the only Master Cheesemaker Program outside of Europe and is the only state that requires a license to make cheese. To become a Master Cheesemaker, applicants must be licensed Wisconsin Cheesemaker for 10 years and then complete coursework and submit samples for an additional three years on one type of cheese. The product of Wisconsin cheesemakers’ hard work can be found in many grocery stores. In fact, more than half of all specialty cheese in the U.S. comes from Wisconsin. Whether you are craving sweet or savory, Wisconsin is truly a world of cheese and has the highest quality cheeses in the world. Use some of Wisconsin’s award-winning cheeses to create a cheese board, try a new appetizer or pair it with your favorite beverage. As you visit a local cheese shop and search grocery store shelves, look for the “Proudly Wisconsin Cheese” badge to find a high-quality cheese made in Wisconsin! Buying Wisconsin’s safe, nutritious food products supports farmers and food processors and contributes to the economic strength of Wisconsin communities. Learn more about Wisconsin cheese and find endless cheese board inspiration and recipe suggestions at https://wisconsincheese.com/ The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin are giving away 500 heart-shaped boxes of Wisconsin cheese, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Each box contains three Wisconsin cheeses and an engraved heart-shaped cheeseboard. One lucky recipient will receive a crystal wedge in their box, unlocking an all-expense-paid trip to Wisconsin, the State of Cheese®. As cheese is better when shared with others, the winner gets to bring along three cheese-loving friends of their choice for a custom-designed adventure. There is no purchase necessary to enter. Nominate the cheese lover in your life at WisconsinCheese.com/LoveLanguage.

For the past 74 years, the Alice in Dairyland program has brought agriculture education to communities across Wisconsin and beyond. As we step into the 75th year of the program, I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this Wisconsin tradition and historic year of the program. Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Each year, “Alice” travels more than 30,000 miles throughout the state, promoting Wisconsin agriculture to various audiences. Additionally, she conducts hundreds of media interviews, speeches, and school presentations. While recruiting for new Alice applicants, I have enjoyed reflecting on my time as Alice. I have learned so much about Wisconsin agriculture, met some truly amazing people, and been to many unique places and events. When I applied to be the 73rd Alice in Dairyland in January 2020, I had no clue what this adventure would be like or that I would go on to be the first Alice to serve two consecutive terms. The search for the next Alice in Dairyland is a job interview process beginning in January when applications become available. By early February, interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, references, and application form for DATCP staff to review. Then, qualified candidates will go through the initial interview process. After these individual interviews, up to six candidates are selected and officially announced to the public at a press conference. These six candidates attend training and professional development seminars at DATCP where they receive several assignments to complete prior to the final interviews in May. For me, the months leading up to the 73rd Alice in Dairyland finals were very rewarding. As a top candidate, I learned more about agriculture in Wisconsin and gained professional skills in public speaking, working with media, and online communications. The top candidate experience helped me get a taste for what being Alice in Dairyland would be like and shake off some of the nerves leading up to the finals event. In early May, the candidates travel to the host county for the final step in determining the next Alice, a three-day finals event. At the finals, candidates take part in an interview process that includes press conferences, agribusiness tours, interviews with local media, and speeches over the course of several months. Based on the scores from a panel of three judges, the next Alice in Dairyland is selected and formally announced. The beauty of being Alice in Dairyland is having the ability to share your passion, stories, and love for agriculture with the citizens of Wisconsin and bring fresh ideas to promote Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry. If this sounds like the position for you, I encourage you to apply for the 75th Alice in Dairyland position. Applications will be available on January 5, 2022, on DATCP's website. Whether you are a candidate or just a fan of Alice, I invite you to the 75th Alice in Dairyland Finals, which will take place May 19-21, 2022 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Some portions of the finals are open to the public, including the final selection ceremony. After being selected at the conclusion of the finals, the 75th Alice in Dairyland will begin her term on July 5, 2022. She will serve as a spokesperson providing public relations and communication services for DATCP from the Madison headquarters for the contract year.

Wisconsin is known for being the #1 producer of many agricultural commodities, but you might not know about this specialty root that is sought after around the world! Wisconsin Ginseng, otherwise known as Panax quinquefolius is one of Wisconsin's #1 crops. In fact, we produce about 95% percent of all cultivated ginseng in the United States, with the majority of it being in Marathon County. Ginseng is often used in the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Tiger and the New Year starts on February 1, 2022. Wisconsin ginseng is known as being the highest quality American Ginseng and produces a unique bitter-sweet taste that’s recognized all over the world. About 90% of Wisconsin ginseng is exported to Asian countries and Ginseng is a key ingredient used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginseng is often given as a gift around the new year and is known as the ‘gift of good health’. Wisconsin Ginseng can be consumed as a tea, capsules, fresh root, or powder form – which can be easily added into one’s favorite dishes. American Ginseng can also be found in some energy drinks. The possibilities are endless! Try cooking or baking with ginseng – I made the Chocolate peanut butter ginseng cookies with ginseng powder. http://www.ginsengherbco-op.com/q/ginseng-recipes/chocolate-peanut-butter-ginseng-cookies Visit the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin website to learn more about ginseng, its history, and find out how you can get your hands on this Wisconsin product! https://www.ginsengboard.com/.

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.