MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

As Wisconsin fields enter dormancy, it's time to analyze the past season's pest pressures to inform planting and management strategies for 2026. While 2025 was largely an "uneventful insect year," one pest, armyworm, caused significant problems during its second generational flight. Emily Bick, an entomologist and Extension Specialist for field and forage crops, notes that the initial true armyworm flight from the south was minor because crops were not yet established. However, the subsequent generation found ideal conditions. “We were really hit with a massive, massive true armyworm population,” she tells Mid-West Farm Report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of the week the state's largest farm organization gathers together in WI Dells for their 106th convention. Jill Welke visits with the president of the WI Farm Bureau Federation as they approach the big event. Brad Olsen says it's not just about policy development, but also community. He says the fellowship elements at the convention can be just what membership needs to boost their energy and attitude. More snow is on the way for Wisconsin beginning again this afternoon. Stu Muck breaks out the regional movement the next storm will make. No improvement in temperatures for the rest of this week. Tomorrow is "Giving Tuesday" and many non-profits will be hoping for your financial attention. Pam Jahnke visits with Ellen Schutt, executive director of the WI FFA Foundation. Schutt says that they're hoping for $10,000 in donations on Tuesday - with the first $2,500 being matched by Compeer Financial. Schutt says the money will be used in support of agriculture education in everything from blue jacket scholarships to travel budgets. Those FFA programs depend on agriculture educators in the classroom. That's a commodity that's tough to come by. Kiley Allan visits with an agriculture educator at the Melrose-Mindoro school district that found a "work around" leading her to the classroom. Maddie Dobbs, obtained her teaching license in Ag Education in Wisconsin with only a two-year Associate's degree in Agribusiness, Science and Technology. This was possible due to a "Professional Experience" based technical and vocational education subjects license. The license process involved submitting a simple application and providing verification of industry hours from a previous employer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a record harvest creating logistical pressure, the U.S. transportation system is currently keeping up with demand, thanks in part to recent investments and a temporary slowdown in export activity. Max Fisher, chief economist and treasurer for the National Grain & Feed Association, explains that global trade shifts provided a buffer. The current trade environment, particularly reduced grain movement to major export hubs in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Mexico, has eased congestion. “The trade barriers have meant that we have a little excess capacity, especially in our rail system right now,” Fisher tells Mid-West Farm Report. “So there's just not as much grain moving through it. For the time being, because of a little slack in the amount of grain demand for rail, the service has just been excellent.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the tight margins, there are still people that want to enter production agriculture! Tay Fadtke with Marbleseed says it may not be large-scale farming at first, but it's a beginning. Marbleseed has created a Farmer-to-Farmer exchange program that allows those starters to be mentored by someone who's been in production agriculture for a while. Fadtke tells Pam Jahnke that it's a year-long program that addresses not only farming practices but also financing guidance. Wisconsin's got some powerful storms headed its way starting tonight. Stu Muck says that some areas of the state could pick up between 6-10 inches of new snow, making travel hazardous at best. No doubt many people are thinking about possible end-of-the-year donations. Kiley Allan helps educate potential donors about what to know when it comes to donating to animal rescue groups. Names and titles can be deceiving. She chats with Hannah Thompson-Weeman, executive director of the Animal Ag Alliance about some of the posers asking for your money, and the real agenda they're promoting. Ed Elfmann, Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Rural Banking Policy, with the American Bankers Association says there's been policy developments in Washington, D.C. that might encourage ag lenders to engage a little more aggressively on farm real estate loans. Stephanie Hoff talks with him about the ACRE Act which provides a 25% tax break to banks on the interest income they earn from new farm real estate loans. The primary goal is for banks to pass the savings on to farmers by offering lower interest rates on qualified loans. The ACRE Act is now permanent law after being included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," marking a significant legislative win for the ABA, which has worked on versions of this for three decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re digging into what farmers can expect for the 2026 crop year with Koch Agronomic Services. As growers across the country continue to scrutinize their bottom lines and return on investment, Director of Agronomy Tim Laatsch is here to break down the trends and challenges ahead. This includes how input costs and availability are shaping up for the coming season, and why smart nutrient management and crop protection remain essential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brady Spangenberg, marketing director for crop protection at BASF, says zero percent financing is back! This aims to support farmers, ease stress, and enable early-season planning. He says 11 percent of BASF revenue is reinvested in research and development, constantly improving the products BASF offers. And don't forget about the Real Results Yield Challenge! This is a financial and agronomic opportunity to help farmers reach their highest yield potential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re exploring a breakthrough changing the way farmers think about phosphorus. RhizoSorb® by Phospholutions is raising the bar for phosphorus efficiency, helping growers maintain or even increase yields while cutting applied phosphate by up to 50 percent. Byron Bredael, head of product, has the details, including how growers can save $2 to $3 per acre by improving nutrient utilization and reducing phosphorus loss to waterways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the United States, 80 percent of banks have agriculture in their portfolio. And these banks were successful in getting a bill through Congress to give them some tax relief in order to lower costs for their rural customers. Ed Elfmann is the senior vice president of agriculture and rural banking policy for the American Bankers Association. He tells us about how the ACRE Act made it to the finish line. This is a 25 percent tax break for banks on the interest on agricultural real-estate loans, allowing banks to lower interest rates for borrowers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

’Tis the season for charitable giving! It's the time of year when individuals and organizations often open their pocketbooks to support causes they care about. One option is Wisconsin 4-H. Jessica Jens, Wisconsin 4-H State Program Leader, reminds us that the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation has recently gone through some changes. Still, she reassures donors that their ability to give, and the impact of their gifts, remains the same if not improved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve heard us talk about labeling rules for dairy and meat, but what about honey? Today, Stephanie Hoff is diving into how policy decisions impact the beekeeping industry, both here in Wisconsin and across the country. Joining us is James Hillemeyer, vice president of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association and co-owner of LB Works out of Plover, a beekeeping operation that travels out of state for pollination services. James has a national perspective on what’s happening in the industry, having served with both the American Beekeeping Federation and the American Honey Producers Association. He’s passionate about making sure when a label says “honey,” it really means honey. It's a foggy start to Wisconsin's Tuesday, and that fog will probably redevelop this afternoon according to Stu Muck.Yes, there's also snow on the way for your Thanksgiving. The 95th annual meeting of the Wisconsin Farmers Union is on the way! Danielle Endvick, executive director of the organization, says that they're excited not only about the chance to gather together, but also the great content they'll be focused on. The final crop progress report for 2025 was released on Monday. The information was impacted by the government shutdown, so it basically told us that 90% of Wisconsin's corn crop was harvested, and that 70% of the winter wheat looks good to excellent! Kiley Allan reminds us that Thanksgiving is the number one date when people have accidents with fire! Michael Wos, Executive Director of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation says the leading causes of emergency calls during the holidays are related to cooking and heating sources. Specific risks include using turkey fryers (never used with frozen turkey), not inspecting or properly using heating sources, and improperly using extension cords or gas-fired appliances indoors. He also says to check the dates on smoke alarms, as they have a lifespan of only 8-10 yearsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday season is approaching. And for some Midwesterners, it means lefse is on the table. If you’re not familiar with lefse, it’s a soft, Norwegian flatbread, and it’s a cherished staple during holidays and celebrations. But it doesn’t come easy – there’s an art to the generations-old tradition. One that Countryside Lefse in Blair, Wisconsin, knows well. We’re visiting with owner and lefse maker Marshall Olson, whom Stephanie teases has the perfect last name for the line of work he’s in. He introduces us to this Norwegian treat, how it’s made, and some of the challenges of keeping this tradition alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to this year's Marketbasket survey, the cost of our Thanksgiving meal is down 5% from last year. Faith Parum is an Economist with American Farm Bureau Federation. She says that this is the 3rd consecutive year there has been a decline after a record high in 2022. She notes that the big story in this year's survey is the price of frozen turkey. It's helping lower pressure of higher prices in other foods that find themselves on our Thanksgiving plates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mallory Stowe is the artist of the School of Veterinary Medicine Holiday Card. The art, entitled Dashing Through The Snow, features a child and a dog taking a twilight sled ride down a snowy hill. Mallory says the art depicts the comforting relationship between kids and their dogs. The cards help give back to the community and can be ordered through December 12. Mallory tells us how she got the job and created the special piece of art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to apply for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This gives financial assistance to eligible producers for revenue, quality, or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines from 2023 and 2024 disaster events. It has two stages. Applications for Stage 2 are open now. We’re talking about it today with Richard Fordyce, the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Before he goes into the details, he tells us about the whirlwind start to his job at USDA – after he was confirmed for the position, the government shut down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a mild weekend temperatures look to drop again according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Thanksgiving is just about here and it has many wondering how light it will leave their wallets. Kiley Allan talks with Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau on what they found in their annual market basket survey. 2025 has been an all around unique year within the agriculture industry whether it be due to policy or weather. Ben Jarboe chats with the chair of agriculture and applied economics at UW-Madison, Paul Mitchell, to get the year in review. When life throws unexpected challenges at farm families, whether it’s illness, injury, or disaster, it may leave many feeling helpless. Stephanie Hoff has a conversation with Wade Peterson out of Baraboo about his 5 years working with Farm Rescue and how they help keep families afloat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weekend is looking to be a mild one with temperatures reaching the 50's in the state. This is according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Wisconsin harvest is wrapped up and fared a little worse than in previous years. Ben Jarboe talks with Grant Holley, the Executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, to see what the numbers look like. Don't worry though, Wisconsin is still tops in production. With the holidays coming up a common ingredient used to add flavor is butter. Stephanie Hoff chats with CoBank lead dairy economist Corey Geiger to see what the supply and demand looks like for butterfat. Ashley Kohls, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, joins the show to give a look into how long it takes to go from gobble to table. She also gives insight into what producers go through if HPAI is found in their flock. Turkey may not be your go to protein for the holidays, and you may opt for ham. This industry has its share of challenges with PRRS or Porcine Reproductive and Respirator Syndrome. Kiley Allan has a talk with Extension Swine Specialist, Jeff Morris, to get an update on how it is impacting the pork industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin Agribusiness Association has been working tirelessly to make sure their members stay afloat during these uncertain times. The new Executive Director of WABA, Grace Howe, gives insight into what they have been talking to the state’s policymakers about. She also gives insight to what can be expected from their annual conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend looks to be one of the last good weekends to get outside and do some work. This is according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. The hemp industry is facing some turmoil as the recent bill passed to reopen the government has language that looks to gut the industry. Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke talks with Phillip Scott, the president and founder of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers & Manufacturers Association, to see what this would mean for the state and the industry as a whole. Wisconsin is number one in many things which includes cranberries, cheese, and genetics. Kiley Allan chats with Sophie Eaglen, the International Program Director at the National Association of Animal Breeders, on why the state is so important to the world's animal genetics supply. Ben Jarboe has a conversation with Matt Tranel, a Senior Dairy Market Analyst with EverAg, to give an update on what is happening within the dairy industry. He says the USDA has released their first trade report since September showing high numbers of dairy exports in August.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renk Seed is a long-time family-owned business that continues to work for the growers. Karl Bobholz the Corn Products Manager for the company says they are unique because they have their own breeding operation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freezing fog covers the state, but sunshine should be coming by the end of the week according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Winter conference season is here and one of the first to start is the FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. Bob Bosold talks with Mick Homb the General Manger of the cooperative to see how their first few meetings have gone. MAHA is a hot topic in the country today, and it may leave many producers wondering where dairy fits into it. Stephanie Hoff has a chat with Gregg Doud, the National Milk Producers Federation president and CEO, about where he sees it sliding in. Farm Director Pam Jahnke joins the show with Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen. They give a look into what is currently happening in the world of beef.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the pastures of Waupaca County to leadership tables across Wisconsin, Rachel Bouressa wears many hats. She’s a beef farmer, an agriculture advocate, and a conservation coach. On her family’s farm near Royalton, she practices rotational grazing and works to help other farmers overcome the challenges of starting their own conservation journey. She tells Stephanie Hoff about what it takes to make conservation work for your farm. Her advice? Collaboration is key to lasting change. Start small, stay flexible, and build your network as you work to implement conservation projects on the farm. A messy mix of precipitation is happening across Wisconsin this morning. Stu Muck says that it's not going to last, but it may make the morning commute interesting for some. With the advancement in technology, fewer and fewer auction companies are involved in live auctions anymore. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group highlights a couple live auctions they've got scheduled starting today. He says with their unique platform, they can facilitate bidders that have signed up in advance, or those that want to join the auction as it happens. Paid for by Steffes Group. If your business partner was a "no show" for 43 days, you might rethink your arrangement. That's exactly what some farmers are doing, including Eric Wuthrich from Green County. He says simple things like trying to cash grain checks during the harvest and making loan repayments became very difficult. At the same time, the federal legislation that reopened the federal government also gutted the nation's hemp industry. Phillip Scott, president/founder of WI Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association is trying to find a way to move forward as both a grower of hemp, and someone who depends on a storefront for his livelihood. If nothing changes, he's got less than a year to find a new plan. The markets have been disappointed with the delayed reports issued by USDA. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to break it down. Heinberg says the government lowered its expectations on this year's corn and soybean crop, but it's still a big crop. The market got excited on Monday when news hit that China had purchased multiple cargo loads of U.S. soybeans. That rally, however, turns U.S. beans into an expensive investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that farm fields have been harvested it's time for snowmobilers to get active. Not on their machine, but in posting the trails that riders will follow when the snow arrives. In Wisconsin, that's a big job! Ben Jarboe finds out about the human workforce that has to mobilize from Lori Heideman, president of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. She explains how they prepare the nearly 25,000 miles of trails for snowmobile season. She also gives an update on some of the things the association is working on. Precipitation is on the way to Wisconsin beginning tomorrow morning. What form will it be? Stu Muck says with temperatures in the 40's, it'll probably remain rain this time. The federal government shutdown forced some changes in consumer buying patterns and grocers are noticing it. Kiley Allan follows up on the trend with Nick Novak, President of the Midwest Food Processors Association. He says consumers are being careful with their available dollars and want to know what they're getting. He highlights the value they're finding in canned and frozen vegetables for example. With very few ingredients on the package, consumers are feeling confident about the price and the product. Nebraska has surpassed Texas as the number one cattle feedlot state. Their governor, Jim Pillen, is also very happy to report that every bushel of soybeans produced in the state stays in the state. He says with all the anxiety over China being out of the marketplace, it's a comfort to Nebraska growers. Wisconsin dairy is on a roll! Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Member Ali Straschinske says farmer checkoff dollars are driving real results at home and abroad, according to the annual report. From marketing wins that made WisconsinCheese.com rank #1 on Google, to cheese exports reaching over 50 countries, today's Check In With Dairy Checkoff highlights the quality, care, and pride of Wisconsin dairy. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been an interesting season for Mississippi barge captain, Jimmy "JRock" Cheatham. He is the pilot captain for Hines Furlong Line, Inc. His barge is 145 feet long, 48 feet tall and 45 feet wide. Add to that the 6000 horsepower engines and crew - and that's a lot of responsibility! He visits with Kiley Allan about the navigational challenges he saw this year, and what expects to see next spring dependent on tariff momentum.Hang up the holiday lights today if you don't want to battle Mother Nature. That's the advice from Stu Muck. He says that there will be a dramatic change in weather beginning this weekend.Wisconsin has some wonderful agriculture architecture that dots the state. However, not all our agricultural structures are going to make it. Ben Jarboe discusses the situation with John Sisulak, owner of silodemo.com from Edgerton. He's a silo demolition expert. He says today he's called on to take down concrete-stave silos for the most part, but he's also brought down Harvestore or sealed units too. Safety, he says, is the number one issue he works with.There's a new coalition that's working to help rural residents deal with family members facing memory loss and dementia. Pam Jahnke explains the collaboration between the Iowa College of Public Health, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Illinois Extension Service, and the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. Get up to $50 for surveys and feedback, if you’re eligible.On Thursday Mike Berg from Lafayette County was named the 2025 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation award winner. Pam Jahnke visits with Berg about his commitment to erosion control as he farms along the Pecatonica River. His father, Byron, started the legacy in the 50's, and Mike hopes the next generation's inspired by what he and his wife Diane have done to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Nick Thill, a beekeeper from West Bend, who’s taken on one of the state’s most unexpected challenges: bears. As chairman of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association’s Bear Committee, Thill helps lead the charge on a growing issue. The committee was formed five years ago after black bears started causing serious trouble for Wisconsin beekeepers. Today, Thill is focused on protecting beekeepers’ livelihoods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food safety is important all year long, but on Thanksgiving it's common to be preparing dishes that don't make the normal meal rotation frequently. Heather Quakenboss, the Extension Human Development and Relationships Educator in La Crosse County, walks us through the details. From giving yourself enough time to prepare to cooking your turkey to the proper temperature, Heather has the information we need to plan for a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanksgiving Day is the most common day for house fires, immediately followed by Christmas and Christmas Eve. Michael Wos is the Executive Director of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation. He reminds us that, although the holidays are a busy time of year, it's important to slow down and think about fire prevention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The effects of the government shutdown have been felt across the county. Due to the time of year it took place and the length, there were a few impacts to research studies. State Soybean and Small Grain Specialist at UW-Madison, Shawn Conley cued us into a few ways it affected research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a farm it is inevitable that some animals will not make it, and it leads to the farmers needing to figure out the best way to dispose of the carcass. This is made even harder if the animal is euthanized due to regulations that prohibit burying those animals. In DePere there is a business that works with farmers to cremate remains of the animals no matter how large. Lauren Underhill the Owner of Camelot Cremation gives a look at how she got into this business and the process they go through to be able to handle cremating and aquamating these large animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wonder what makes honey stay smooth, crystallize, or change color? There’s a lot more chemistry in that jar than you might think. That science is also what gives honey medicinal qualities. We’re visiting with Bob Binnie of Blue Ridge Honey Company in northeast Georgia, a honey producer who also purchases coast to coast, from California to New York, and from Wisconsin to Florida. Bob breaks down the sweet science behind honey: what’s really going on inside that golden jar, and how the chemistry shapes everything from how it’s stored to how it’s labeled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin dairy is on a roll! Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Member Ali Straschinske says farmer checkoff dollars are driving real results at home and abroad, according to the annual report. From marketing wins that made WisconsinCheese.com rank #1 on Google, to cheese exports reaching over 50 countries, today's Check In With Dairy Checkoff highlights the quality, care, and pride of Wisconsin dairy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the harvest comes to a close, many farms are already negotiating their land rental agreements for 2026. Kelly Wilfert, UW-Extension Legal Specialist, says that getting things in writing is really critical. In speaking with Jill Welke, she says simple things like hunting rights during a lease should be written down. It protects not only the renter, but also the property owner. Warmer temperatures on the way, but don't get too comfortable. That's the advice of Stu Muck. Wisconsin will get back to feeling more "normal" temperatures at the beginning of next week. While the government is officially reopening, the workload that federal employees and agencies will have to overcome is large. Kiley Allan finds out about how the shutdown impacted growing season research with Dr. Shawn Conely, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist. Conley says a lot of the end-of-season harvest data was a "guess" without USDA's National Ag Statistical Service. What's more concerning to him is the delay in grant funding that's happened because of the shutdown. The talk/text line has been alive with activity from listeners sharing their Northern Light experiences. It's perfect timing since we're experiencing a solar maximum. What is it? Ben Jarboe finds out with Shawn Dahl, service coordinator with the Space Weather Prediction Center. If you've had issues this week with your phone, GPS, or yield monitor - this might explain it. Some USDA information trickled into the marketplace this week and it wasn't good news for dairy. Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the latest milk production numbers. While the market knew there would be growth, she says milk production went up over 4%. That was a surprise. Wackershauser goes on to note that there's still plant expansion happening in some regions, giving a "home" for that expanded milk. Internationally she says they're still hearing positive sales, but with the government reporting coming back online, that proof is yet to be shown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you look around the room at any agriculture conference, you'll see very few "young" faces. The Wisconsin Honey Producers recognized that a few years ago and are trying to change that trend. Stephanie Hoff talks with Stephanie Slater, board member of the WHPA. She says their Youth Scholar Program has helped entice more young people into thinking about bees, including their 2026 WI Honey Queen, Emily Skala. Skala was a past Youth Scholar. Any remaining snow in the area is likely to be gone starting today. Stu Muck details the warm up. Prices are starting to soften for some items on auction bills. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to highlight the trends, and point out how the Steffes Group feeds knowledge into the marketplace. Paid for by Steffes Group. WI State Fair is still offering ticket exchanges to people caught when the event had to be cancelled its final day of the 2025 event. They'll offer those exchanges through November 15th. It seems like the radical changes in weather Wisconsin can experience lead to runny noses and chills. Keeping people and animals healthy on the farm is a big priority. Kiley Allen talks with a veterinarian that says, just like humans take probiotics for gut health, cattle can use them too. Ryan Royer, veterinarian, focuses us in on what matters most to livestock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it might be wise to start shopping for deals. Ben Jarboe gets the scoop from Ashley Kohl, executive director of the MN Turkey Growers about how HPAI has impacted their overall flock. Kohl says grocery prices may not necessarily reflect the stress that the industry experienced late in 2025 since birds are used as a magnet to draw people into the grocery store.Stu Muck says there will be a warm-up coming later this week. It'll be small, but it's something!The president of one of the largest farm organization's speaking out on behalf of the nation's dairy producers. Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, says passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids act would be a real shot in the arm for the dairy industry and kids' nutrition. Duvall says the act would overturn restrictions that USDA has in place allowing only fat-free and 1% lowfat milk in schools. Duvall says with record milk production on pace for 2025, it would not only help with fluid milk production - it would also help with child nutrition.While the Whole Milk act is a federal matter, there are still plenty of policy directives moving in Madison. Stephanie Hoff finds out about a few from Chad Zuelger, executive director of the Dairy Business Association. Among their priorities advocating for a grazing initiative in the state and establishing a grant program to support transition practices. He also notes that they continue to work at creating strong working relationships with state natural resources groups. If you're a fan of TikTok, you may already know Andrew Christenson. He's an Amery dairy farmer who's taken to social media to help consumers better understand the 'day in the life of a dairy farmer'. He's FarmTok Hotshot and he's got followers! Christenson is one of the characters featured in the current Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin "Born to Dairy" campaign. It's a lighthearted look at the unique and authentic personalities that make up the state's dairy industry. Christenson says what dairy farmers consider as mundane daily tasks, non-farm viewers finding fascinating. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a couple November snows, it may have some Wisconsin residents thinking about the upcoming snowmobile season, but what might not get thought about is the preparation that needs to be done on the nearly 25,000 miles of trails in the state. Through the summer it is inevitable that some branches will grow and trees may fall. Lori Heideman, the President of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs, says that it takes every bit of the 36,000 members to make sure the trails are ready for winter fun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve heard us talk about labeling rules for dairy and meat, but what about honey? Today, we’re diving into how policy decisions impact the beekeeping industry, both here in Wisconsin and across the country. Joining us is James Hillemeyer, vice president of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association and co-owner of LB Works out of Plover, a beekeeping operation that travels out of state for pollination services. James has a national perspective on what’s happening in the industry, having served with both the American Beekeeping Federation and the American Honey Producers Association. He’s passionate about making sure when a label says “honey,” it really means honey. James also tells Mid-West Farm Report about other national policy directives, including progress made with the H-2A visa program and countries of origin. He also explains the push for research dollars to find solutions for pressures on beekeepers, including varroa mites.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cranberries are a big deal in the state of Wisconsin and harvest is now wrapping up. This year brought in a lot of variabilities for all crops grown in the state. Grant Holley is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, and he says the rollercoaster of weather the state saw late in the season did have a bit of an impact on this year's crop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Wisconsin Honey Queen Emily Sydow has ended her reign after a year of advocating for Wisconsin honey and educating the public about this sweet local product. Stephanie Hoff caught up with Sydow before she passed on the crown to go over some of the highlights of her year, including some of the educational tidbits that have stuck with her audience. Congratulations to Sydow on her year. And congratulations to the 2026 Wisconsin Honey Queen, Emily Skala.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you to all veterans for your service and dedication to our country. We recognize the sacrifices you and your families have made. Today, we honor and appreciate all who have served. Happy Veterans Day! The State Climatology Office wants to hear from rural residents. Their “Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow” is about to kick off. Farm Director Pam Jahnke gets the details from Outreach Specialist Amanda Latham. Slippery and snowy road conditions are underway before a warm-up comes later this week, according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Open enrollment is on now in Wisconsin to sign up for health care coverage. Visit healthcare.gov. Ben Jarboe brings us advice from the Division of Extension's Stephanie Plaster on how to navigate the healthcare marketplace. Grant Holley, executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, says some growers are still wrapping up a cranberry harvest that was challenged by late-season warmups, which confused the vines’ dormancy and disrupted the cold conditions needed for harvest. He reports berries are smaller than usual. What does the government shutdown mean to the markets? John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, joins us this morning to discuss the shutdown's impact AND what it would mean for the government to open this week. USDA said it would release some much-missed reports, including the November WASDE. Soybeans continue to feel pressure as China has no incentive to purchase beans from the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin Honey Producers Association launched its Youth Scholar Program in 2020 to recruit younger beekeepers into an aging industry by providing 12–18-year-olds with equipment, bees, and a two-year mentor they can retain after completing program requirements. The association now has 18 graduates, with more applicants seeking spots for next year, explains board member Stephanie Slater. Beekeeping’s physical demands and its traditionally generational nature contribute to the shortage of young producers, making the program’s role more critical. Graduates have stayed involved through continued beekeeping, event presentations, and even participation in the Wisconsin Honey Queen program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Policy discussions, such as "Make America Healthy Again," and consumer trends, such as the "clean label" movement, are dominant forces in the food industry. The meat sector is actively responding, according to Division of Extension meat specialist Jeff Sindelar. Sindelar says the movement is particularly relevant to the meat industry because the product naturally starts as a whole food. "I think that the meat industry fits really well in that movement because meat itself comes from animals," he said. Cuts like steaks and pork chops "have very little processing."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we head to Aissen Tree Farm, a family operation rooted in Kewaunee County since 1988. For 36 years, Jeff Aissen and his family have grown hand-tended Christmas trees across 70 acres of rolling hills just south of Luxemburg. Their choose-and-cut farm is known for its handcrafted wreaths and greens, a full Christmas gift shop, and a holiday experience that blends tradition with comfort. Visitors can browse 40 themed trees and more than 7,000 ornaments, sip complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider, and let the kids explore a life-size gingerbread playhouse. If you haven’t experienced a real Christmas tree farm, this season is the time to do it. The fragrance, the tradition, and the memories you make can’t be replicated. Agricultural tourism is more than a day trip. It’s a powerful, viable business model for farms across Wisconsin. Learn more at gowiagtourism.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing color, and football is in full swing; these are all signs that Thanksgiving is almost here. The centerpiece for most of these meals will be the turkey, but this year there are less birds in the barns due to Bird flu. Ashley Kohls the executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, gives us a look at if those lower numbers of live birds will impact our Thanksgiving feasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maddie Dobbs was always interested in pursuing a career where she can advocate for agriculture. After completing her Associate's Degree in Agribusiness, Science & Technology, Maddie began to seek out her dream role. After trying a few positions, she hadn't found the perfect fit. About 3 1/2 years ago, that changed when someone told her about the Professional Experience-Based Technical and Vocational Education Subjects Teacher License. Now, she has found her dream job in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To keep American agriculture strong, commodities are moved across the country via road, rail or river. Jimmy “JRock” Cheatham is a Pilot Captain at Hines Furlong Line Inc. The barges he navigates down the Mississippi River play a crucial role in transporting products. He walks us through how the size and scope of these barges keep agriculture moving along the Mississippi River. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin honey producers are wrapping up their season by making sure their bees are prepared for the winter. Kiley Allan visits with the current president of the WHPA, Tracy Malterer from Iron Ridge. Malterer says the erratic weather gave beehive managers some problems throughout the year. It's led to lower honey output overall, and continued concern over hive health through the winter. Snow will be a part of Wisconsin's landscape by the end of the weekend. Stu Muck details where the snow will fall and what we can expect by Monday. Fortunately the harvest is about wrapped up in Wisconsin. Dean Ebert, sales manager for Helena Agri in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to focus on the information stream that's been rolling in from fields. Ebert says that's the data that will drive decisions on next year's purchases, and he wants to help you parse it down. Paid for by Helena Agri. Food giant, Walmart, has announced that they'll remove about 30 food ingredients from their Great Value brand by January of 2027. That's sent a ripple of reaction through many food companies - and that includes our artisan Wisconsin meat processors. Dr. Jeff Sindelar, UW-Extension Meat Specialist, tells Stephanie Hoff that the goal of a "clean label" to allow consumers to understand what's in a product isn't always easy to attain. He explains that for whole muscle cuts like pork chops and steaks, there's little processing. However, brats, summer sausage and the like are reinventing their recipes using things like beet powder!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mother Nature is commonly known for throwing producers some curveballs. Whether you're growing crops, raising livestock or keeping bees, the weather is sure to keep you on your toes. Tracy Malterer is the President of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association. She shares the projected yield of the 2025 honey crop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a campaign celebrating everything that makes Wisconsin dairy farmers one of a kind — our pride, our work ethic, and our quirks. It’s funny, it’s real, and it reminds people that being “Born to Dairy” isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life. One of the stars of Wisconsin Originals – Born to Dairy, Andrew Christenson — or as folks know you online, The FarmTok Hotshot. This hilarious new campaign from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin that’s already racked up over 1.5 million views. Aside from Christenson, the campaign also involves Wisconsin's own, Charlie Berens, bringing that signature Midwest humor. Berens helps highlight real Wisconsin farmers and industry folks — not actors or model— showing what makes this state’s dairy community legendary.Christenson says he's proud to be part of the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board, but he's even more proud of this latest effort to bring non-farm consumers into his world. Christenson persona is kind of the modern farmer — juggling tech, tradition, and a sense of humor. It’s a reminder that dairy looks different these days, but the heart’s the same. We’re still getting up before sunrise, still proud of our cows, but now we’re sharing it with the world. Every persona — whether it’s the Dairyland Darling, the Farm MacGuyver, or the MOOMaw — celebrates a different side of farm life. Together, it shows that no two farmers are the same, but we’re all Born to Dairy. Christenson they're looking for suggestion on the next set of "persona" - so if you have ideas, please share! Go to Born To Dairy - enjoy, share and suggest our next storytellers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you feel like Wisconsin weather patterns have gotten a little more excessive - you're not alone! The Wisconsin State Climatology Office along with the Rural Partnerships Institute and Wisconet are road tripping beginning in December. They're goal isn't just seeing rural Wisconsin, they want to hear from people living in rural Wisconsin about how they're gathering their own weather information. Amanda Latham, Outreach Specialist for Wisconsin's Sate Climatology Office says that their office wants to better understand what rural areas need. These listening sessions will allow attendees to ask questions and share perspectives and experiences with extreme weather. Floods, drought, extreme heat, and cold - to name just a few challenges. Latham says with this information, they hope to develop data, tools, and resources to help communities better understand local weather and climate, as well as improve extreme weather preparedness. The "Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow" will feature staff from the WI State Climatology Office as well as Wisconet partners and researchers like Jackson Parr, who's focused on extreme rural weather in Wisconsin. The first meeting December 2nd in Rhinelander will be the first of 3 currently planned. According to Latham, there's not a virtual option right now, but they're always interested in hearing from rural residents about what they can do to help with future forecasting tools, and emergency preparedness in rural areas. If you're planning to attend the free session Tuesday, December 2nd at the Newbold Community Center in Rhinelander, you can register here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government remains shutdown, and Wisconsin farmers are left without many of the tools they count on at this time of the year. Stephanie Hoff takes a closer look at how private businesses are trying to work through the situation. Rene Johnson, senior vice president of ag lending at Lake Ridge Bank and Jessica Sarbacker, vice president of crop insurance at Lake Ridge Bank are two trying to work through these processes. They sayas of Oct. 23, about 2,100 FSA offices reopened nationwide with limited hours (8–4:30) and only two staff per office, focusing on processing ARC/PLC and disaster relief payments. Many beginning farmers rely on the Farm Service Agency for financing, especially those with limited access to commercial credit or bank loans. Joint lending relationships between FSA and local lenders are common, helping new farmers secure funding. On the crop side, most (nearly all) farmers participate with FSA, reporting their planted acres and enrolling in federal programs. Farmers must report fall-planted crops like wheat, cover crops, and alfalfa by the Nov. 15 deadline, which aligns with the crop insurance deadline. Due to limited staffing and backlogs at FSA offices, it’s unlikely farmers will meet the Nov. 15 reporting deadline, prompting expectations of a possible extension. However, crop insurance deadlines typically are not extended, creating pressure for farmers to submit acreage information on time. The two say that the fall season brings peak financial pressure as farmers face high input costs, low commodity prices, and upcoming land rent, loan, and equipment payments, areas where FSA payments can provide crucial relief. Definitely cooler weather today for Wisconsin with a lot of overcast skies. Stu Muck says there is a chance you could see some snowflakes by the weekend. How comfortable are you with foreign ownership of Wisconsin farmland? That's a question that the Assembly Agriculture Committee's been discussing for several sessions. Now the chair of the committee says they're close to verbage they believe could pass. Travis Tranel, chair, says they put an emphasis on the value of private property rights in the U.S. versus the foreign adversaries they're working to keep out. Weather has cooperated with the fall harvest, allowing farms to get ahead on manure management and fall tillage. If you're tempted to try and apply some nitrogen this fall, think again. That's the advice of Dan Smith, UW-Extension Nutrient and Pest Management Program Manager. He says that normally nitrogen is applied in the spring to eliminate the risk of loss. Still, if weather allows and growers want to do it, he advises that you apply fall nitrogen after soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Where is the holiday demand for dairy? Zach Bauers, dairy analyst with EverAg picks up on that conversation with Pam Jahnke. Bauers says without the federal government supplying information, it's tough to know. Now Bauers says it'll be about information management since USDA has announced it will begin releasing delayed reports this week. How will the market manage that "information dump"?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 98th National FFA Convention wrapped up on Saturday, but the duties of the new national officer team are just beginning! Jill Welke caught up with the new crew and found out a little about their backgrounds and how they arrived on this grand stage.More sunshine on the way today, but you better enjoy it. Stu Muck says the windy conditions today will bring in clouds and rain potential for Thursday.The harvest is in the home stretch. In this week's Wyffels Wednesday, Ben Jarboe talks with Brant Smith, District sales manager for Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry counties in Northern Illinois. Their online harvest tool has become very popular with farmers and agribusiness partners with the absence of USDA official reports. Smith says that yields aren't record breaking but they are consistent. Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.Wisconsin's DATCP announced yesterday that they will revise proposed fee increases on the states livestock marketing system. Randy Romanski, DATCP Secretary says this conclusion was reached after a lot of public input. This weekend Wisconsin's honey producers will get together in Neenah. Kiley Allan says the buzz this year is the disruption that weather caused on hive management. She talks to WI Honey Producer Association President, Tracy Malterer from Iron Ridge. Malterer says the rain in spring washed out the nectar bees were looking for in blooms. Then the summer became exceptionally dry, making available food sources scarce. Malterer says Wisconsin toggles between 9th and 11th place nationally, and she's guessing this year they'll slip down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dane County is moving forward on water quality efforts with a new Community Manure Treatment Feasibility Study from its Land and Water Resources Department. Watershed Manager Kyle Minks says the report identifies potential sites for a community digester based on factors like proximity to farms, utilities, transportation routes, and environmentally sensitive areas. Of the seven townships studied, the Town of Vienna ranked highest. The proposed 40- to 80-acre facility could process manure from about 20,000 animals, producing renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich byproducts for resale. While construction isn’t yet planned, the county says it remains committed to working with farmers on practical, long-term manure management solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.