The Symposium brings together members from WCO, MFA, and PNAAW along with industry, extension, and research professionals from across the Midwest. In 2025 the event will be held at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

The summer issue of the Custom News is here!

In this issue:

• WCO co-sponsors tractor safety training
• Nutrient management trainings
• Member survey results
• WCO auction
• Mini-grant info
• ARIP

By John Osterhaus

Hello from northwestern Illinois. 

As challenging as our spring was here in Illinois, I understand that many of our fellow WCO members had it much worse. Extended periods of rain and storms being a common problem throughout much of the Midwest. These weather events make for some stressful times for the custom harvest crews, manure pumping crews, and the farmers. I think that during these very stressful times, communicating with our customers is of the utmost importance. Even if it’s just a quick phone call to touch base with them about how the schedule is looking. 

By Brittany Marquard and Maria Woldt

Twenty-one students were enrolled in the first Safe Tractor and Machinery Certificate Program held July 8-12 at the Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC) in Plover, Wis. The event was sponsored by the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety & Education Memorial Fund, Wisconsin Custom Operators, Zinda Insurance Group, Feltz’s Dairy Store, the National Farm Medicine Center, and Riesterer & Schnell. 

Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc. (WCO) recently awarded two scholarships to students pursuing further education. These students were selected based on leadership, civic engagement, academics, and volunteer activities related to agriculture. Students also submitted essays detailing their educational and vocational plans for the future. Scholarship winners are required to have ties to the WCO – either as a member, relative or employee of a member, or as a relative of a member-client. Students received a $1,000 or $1,500 scholarship.

Applications for the 2024 WCO scholarship are being accepted through May 1. Interested students should visit https://wiscustomoperators.org/about/scholarships.php for more information including eligibility, criteria and application.