Posted: 07.21.2010

10:30 p.m.- Wednesday, July 21

What had been a wonderful second day for the 2010 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days took a sudden turn late Wednesday evening when exhibitors and organizers learned of the death of WI Ag Secretary, Rod Nilsesteun.

Nilsesteun, according to reports, was swimming after work on a Habitat for Humanity project in Marquette, Michigan. Apparently Nilsestuen swam to Marquette's Picnic Rocks and went under on his way back.  Emergency personnel attempted to revive him after discovering his body almost 45 minutes later.

Wisconsin Governor, Jim Doyle, issued the following statement:
"Rod Nilsestuen was a visionary agriculture leader. He is one of the most important agriculture leaders in Wisconsin history. Under his incredible leadership Wisconsin has seen the greatest and most beneficial transformation of agriculture in generations. Among many other accomplishments, Rod's legacy includes dramatic increases in milk and cheese production, dynamic growth in organic farming and grazing operations, protecting our state's farmland through the working lands initiative, promoting the development of biofuels and bioenergy to generate homegrown renewable energy in Wisconsin, connecting consumers to local farmers through the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program and strong support for investments in America's dairyland. Rod was an internationally respected leader in the cooperative movement. He worked to make sure farmers received the economic value of their work. On top of all these professional accomplishments, he was a warm, humorous and wonderful husband, father and friend."

Glen Thompson, retired general manger of the show was shocked when I (Pam Jahnke) informed him of the untimely death.

Exhibitors informed of Nilsesteun's death around River Falls eateries were as shocked as Glen Thompson.  Cal Dalton, on his way back to his Pardeeville farm said he "couldn't believe it".  Nancy Kavizanjian of the WI Corn Growers was sharing a meal with other Farm Tech exhibitors when she heard.  "Really? Are we sure?"  she asked people around her.

Most in the tight knit agricultural circle thought of their own personal dealings with Nilsesteun - who's been Wisconsin's ag secretary since 2003 when Doyle appointed him.  Personally, I remember one of my first interviews with Rod was him explaining that he really didn't know if he wanted the job!  

All of us with the WI Farm Report sincerely send sympathy to Carol Nilsesteun and her family.  It's a shock to us all - but especially you. 

We'll keep you informed of further developments from the show.

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