Steve Humfeld, a full-time farmer from Vernon County, Wis., won the drawing for a free rollover protective structure (ROPS) at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. He plans to retrofit an International 674, a value of $2,000.The ROPS drawing was part of a joint effort by McMillan-Warner Mutual Insurance Company of Marshfield, Wis., and the National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, to promote the Wisconsin ROPS Rebate Program.
Humfeld raises crops and beef cattle on 300 acres in the hilly region near Chaseburg, Wis. His will be the first International among the 70 tractors to be to be retrofitted in the first 18 months of the program. Installation will be done by Portland Implement in Cashton.
Humfeld's name was drawn August 14 by Kaylee Hintz, daughter of Jake and Angie Hintz, members of Farm Technology Days co-host Blue Top Farms, Stevens Point.
Tractor overturns are the leading cause of farm-related deaths in the U.S. That's why it's important that each tractor have a ROPS. The Wisconsin ROPS Rebate Program reimburses tractor owners up to 70 percent (maximum of $865) toward the total cost of purchasing, shipping and installing individual ROPS. To register for the ROPS rebate program, call 1-877-767-7748 (1-877-ROPSR4U), or go to www.ropsr4u.com.
Funds to establish the Wisconsin ROPS Rebate Program came from generous donors at the Auction of Champions, an annual Farm Center fundraiser held at RiverEdge Golf Course in Marshfield. This year's Auction is set for September 18, (https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving).
8.20.2014