Posted: 01.09.2012

At least 8 of Wisconsin's Farm Bureau members are enjoying the warm weather of Hawaii - and the sweet smell of success!

On Sunday during the general meeting of the 7,000 American Farm Bureau members - President, Bob Stallman presented Wisconsin with 5 Awards for Excellence....the most possible.  The awards recognize:

*Agriculture Education and Promotion
*Leadership Development
*Member Services
*Policy Implementation
*Public Relations and Information

Wisconsin all received a "Presidents Award" during the Sunday ceremonies.

In his comments to the delegation, Stallman stressed that they are the 1% producing food and fiber for the 99%.  Stallman also pointed out the progress that production agriculture has made in feeding an ever expanding world population.

"Over a 20-year period, corn yields are up 41 percent.  Per bushel soil loss has fallen by 70 percent.  Water use per bushel of corn is down 27 percent.  All major crops show similar trends,"  said Stallman.

He also extolled the record-breaking growth in U.S. agricultural exports over the past year.

"We sold $42.5 billion more in agricultural products than we imported in 2011,"  he added.  "That number will stay strong into this year and I am convinced, into the foreseeable future."

The 93rd American Farm Bureau Federation convention continues through Wednesday in Honolulu.

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