Planning for the 2011 Marathon County Wisconsin Farm Technology Days began over four years ago with 12 members of the Executive Committee. On July 12-14, 2011, the show became a reality with the help of 21 committees, 1,500 volunteers, dozens of sponsoring businesses and organizations, and of course the host farmers, Ken and Karen Seehafer. 

While the FTD show will go on after 2011 at other Wisconsin host farms, the Executive Committee members are proud of the role they had in hosting the successful 2011 show and the impact to Marathon County. 

FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS: More than 50,000 visitors attended the 2011 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days held in Marathon County. This year's event will be held July 17-19 north of New London in Outagamie County.

Keith Langenhahn, Executive Committee chairman, reports that profits from the 2011 Marathon County FTD show totaled $192,000. In September, $92,000 was distributed to nine local non-profit organizations that served food at the show. On May 2, the Executive Committee unanimously voted to award the remaining $100,000 as follows:  $20,000 to the NTC Agriculture Center of Excellence for capital projects; $20,000 to Marathon County Parks for the horse barn project; $40,000 to the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin for FTD Scholarships; and $20,000 will be given back to Marathon County as repayment of seed money originally provided.  

Mike Wildeck, who served as the Executive Secretary to the shows in 2011 and 1996, adds that it's great to see that the show was a financial success. "The proceeds resulting from the show will fund some terrific local projects and educational scholarships, but the leadership development that occurred may have an even greater impact. I think you'll see many of the FTDs volunteers actively involved in other community leadership roles for years to come."

Source: 2011 Marathon County Wisconsin Farm Technology Days