April 11, 2012  E-Update    

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Rep. Ballweg presents plaque in Marquette County

Representative Ballweg presented Jerry Smart, Marquette County Surveyor, with a plaque commemorating his effort in passing Assembly Bill 113, Act 66,  which changes the statutory description of the boundary between Green Lake and Marquette Counties.  The change reflects what county officials have understood the boundaries of these two counties to be for more than 150 years.

Rep. Ballweg, Secretary of DATCP visit Nelson & Pade

Montello, WI – Nelson and Pade, Inc., a company specializing in aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture, was honored to host a visit by Ben Brancel, Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Joan Ballweg, WI State Representative 41st Assembly District on March 29, 2012. Company owners, Rebecca Nelson and John Pade, had the opportunity to share their vision for aquaponics in Wisconsin and throughout the world as Brancel and Ballweg toured the 5,000 sq. ft. demonstration greenhouse, in which fish lazily swim in tanks, lettuce grows on floating rafts and tomato plants reach for the sky.

Aquaponics is an integrated, sustainable method of growing fish and plants in a soilless system. It can be used to grow fresh food for a family, as a commercial enterprise or to feed a village or community. Nelson and Pade, Inc. offers complete aquaponic systems and growing supplies, training and workshops, consulting, information on aquaponics and tours of their aquaponics greenhouse.

John Pade, who, like Secretary Brancel, grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, sees aquaponics as the future of agriculture. John Pade shares, “An aquaponic greenhouse can produce a substantial amount of fish and vegetables in a relatively small space. Therefore, you can feed people locally, eliminating the dependence on imported food and the high cost of transportation.”

With a 20+ year history in aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture and a steady growth curve, Nelson and Pade, Inc. is gearing up to service their expanding customer base by increasing their training and product offerings, all supported by qualified staff with a wealth of experience to share.

Rebecca Nelson comments, “We are honored that Secretary Brancel and Representative Ballweg initiated the meeting with us, taking the time to learn about Nelson and Pade, Inc. and the growing aquaponics industry. We appreciate their interest and willingness to learn about new and innovative businesses in the state of Wisconsin.”

In the past two years, Nelson and Pade, Inc. has hosted over 500 people from 48 US states and 23 countries as attendees of their 3-day aquaponics training workshops. Workshops are offered bi-monthly and are open to anyone interested in learning more about aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture. For more information on Nelson and Pade, Inc., aquaponics, workshops and systems, visit www.aquaponics.com or call 608-297-8708.

State Capitol - Room 210 North | Post Office Box 8952 | Madison, Wisconsin 53708
(608) 266-8077 | Rep.Ballweg@legis.wisconsin.gov