MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

When disease outbreaks occur, it requires a team effort to make sure it is quickly and safely contained. The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) works alongside DATCP to ensure proper protocols are followed. Julie Sweney is the Executive Director at WLIC. She sat down with me to explain their role in livestock production health and identification.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a humble soybean in a Midwest field find its way into the engine of a commercial jet? Infrastructure and friendly policy. We’re talking about the massive boom in Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF and the hurdles that still stand in the way. Paul Winters, Director of Public Affairs and Federal Communications for Clean Fuels Alliance America, has the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an industry as unpredictable as agriculture, having a safety net isn't just a luxury, it’s a necessity. But what happens to that net when the government shuts down, or when a massive hurricane levels a season's work? Today, we’re sitting down with Tom Zacharias, President of National Crop Insurance Services. We talk about the 'shot in the arm' provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill, and why American farmers lean on crop insurance to protect their livelihood. First, he reminds us what National Crop Insurance Services does.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flies aren’t just a nuisance; they cost the livestock industry billions in lost production, and the threat of diseased flies threatens the food chain. Brian Hupp is a national account manager at Central Life Sciences. He tells us why stopping flies in the manure is the ultimate labor-free solution for your operation. Whether you're battling pasture horn flies or confinement stable flies, an integrated pest management program can protect your livestock’s health and your bottom line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas Eve from Mid-West Farm Report! The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a formal transit permit to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus. The permit grants a fleet of reindeer entry through any U.S. border port starting at 6 p.m. tonight. USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Rosemary Sifford says to keep American livestock safe, port personnel will be on hand to disinfect the sleigh’s runners and ensure Mr. Claus’s boots are scrubbed clean after his global travels. To accommodate a significant expansion and the installation of a new harvest area, Pingel Processing LLC is undergoing a three-phase renovation designed to keep its retail space open for customers. Dallas Pingel also tells Ben Jarboe about their popular holiday meat boxes and summer sausage. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for a good holiday travel day today. Be wary of icy roads tonight after a slight drizzle touches most of southern Wisconsin. Snow is possible this weekend with a cold front coming in. Is there still time for used farm equipment to go under the Christmas tree? Pam Jahnke checks in with The Steffes Group on the holiday auction scene, including what's on the auction block in early 2026. The Wisconsin Soybean Association is closely monitoring recent federal actions related to potential restrictions on certain foreign-manufactured drones used in U.S. agriculture and the possible impacts on soybean farmers. President Doug Rebout urges a balanced approach. Soon, Santa Claus will be taking to the skies with his magical reindeer to deliver presents around the globe, but what does the rest of the year look like for these animals? Jeff Phillips of Reindeer Games in Erin, Wisconsin, shares with us a year in the life of a reindeer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It turns out that what’s on the plate for livestock, and our pets, is caught in a geopolitical and regulatory tug-of-war. From a dependency on China for essential vitamins to the MAHA movement's potential impact on feed standards, the American Feed Industry Association is juggling a lot of topics with us today. Leah Wilkinson is AFIA's chief policy officer. She starts off by explaining to us the volatility around feed ingredients, including where they come from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Christmas will be a bit warmer than usual but, that also means it will be safe travels with only a slight chance of ice on the roads according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. 8 to 12 years. That's how long it takes for a Christmas tree to grow before it is ready for our around two months of holiday celebration. Stephanie Hoff joins the show with Jeff Aissen, the owner of Aissen Tree Farm just south of Luxemburg, to see what it takes to grow these holiday staples. The holiday season usually brings on a lot of great food for the family to enjoy, and this may include lamb. Kiley Allan chats with Ben Lefeldt, the President of the American Sheep Industry Association, to get an update on what they are doing to make sure their producers are getting the pay they deserve. Market advisor John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins the show to give an update ahead of the holiday. He says that the beef has seen good demand, but there is still too much milk being produced on the dairy side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board is intensifying its efforts to boost the industry’s bottom line by expanding international markets and investing in urban education. Through partnerships with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the Beef Checkoff is successfully marketing "the whole animal" by identifying international culinary needs that differ from domestic trends. A recent $7.9 million investment has allowed USMEF to promote products like tripe and tongue in Mexico, and a nutrient-dense "liver burger" in Peru to combat iron deficiency. "Across the world, there are some of the parts of a beef animal that we don't eat as much in the U.S.," says Cheryl DeVuyst, Vice Chair of the Cattlemen's Beef Board. "It is helping with the health and nutrition of the people in Peru, but then it's increasing the bottom line for our producers because that's selling product that we don't really eat as much of here."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Animal Agriculture Alliance is doubling down on its efforts to promote the role of animal proteins in a balanced lifestyle. The organization recently launched a refreshed version of its "Meat Matters" guide, a resource designed to counter campaigns like "Meatless Mondays" that have gained traction in universities and K-12 schools. Communications Director Emily Ellis explains that removing meat from menus can lead to unintended nutritional gaps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time for another Mid-West Farm Report Ride-A-Long. An opportunity to accept invitations to find out about the latest technology and innovations Wisconsin farmers are evaluating and using. Today we travel to Malta, IL and the site of the Syngenta Seeds Research and Development Innovation Center. Pam Jahnke finds out about the length of time required to develop products like the new Durastak corn rootworm tool. Drew Showalter, Head, Corn Portfolio Strategy, tells Pam about the evolution of the product and why it's a game-changer for Wisconsin farmers. The technical innovation that makes Durastak possible involves molecular stacking, speed to market, proteinexpression, and trait development. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weeds remained an evolving challenge for Wisconsin farmers. Jill Welke gets a recap from UW-Extension Weed Specialist, Dr. Rodrigo Werle. Werle's making his rounds statewide sharing what they learned this growing season. He says there were some breakthroughs this year that proved to be challenging. Those breakthroughs were weeds overcoming existing chemistry to keep growing. Werle says he's got a long list of projects to try and get grower answers for 2026. Above average temperatures will make a white Christmas unlikely in many areas of Wisconsin. Stu Muck explains what's acting as the catalyst for this late December warm-up. Time for another Mid-West Farm Report Ride-A-Long. An opportunity to accept invitations to find out about the latest technology and innovations Wisconsin farmers are evaluating and using. Today we travel to Malta, IL and the site of the Syngenta Seeds Research and Development Innovation Center. Pam Jahnke finds out about the length of time required to develop products like the new Durastak corn rootworm tool. Drew Showalter, Head, Corn Portfolio Strategy, tells Pam about the evolution of the product and why it's a game-changer for Wisconsin farmers. Paid for by Syngenta. On Friday Wisconsin animal health officials announced the genomic sequencing information gathered from the H5N1 positive herd in Dodge County. Pam Jahnke reports that the genotype was found to be D1.1, a spillover from wildlife into dairy cattle. This is new and no connected to previous detections that trace their strain to an outbreak in the Texas Panhandle. Wisconsin's seen no new dairy detections and continues to rigorously monitor dairies through the National Milk Testing Strategy. A new bipartisan bill introduced on Friday could provide hope for wedding barn operators in 2026. The bill LRB-2567 would roll back 2023 Act 73 that restricts venues to six alcohol-consuming events annually. Jean Bahn, operator of Farmview Event Center in rural Green Lake County says potential clients do not like having their event restricted. She says she's lost business because people want to be able to feature alcohol as a guests option. Bahn had previously filed suit against the state claiming Act 73 was unconstitutional and designed to put her out of business. When a court ruling went against her motion last month, this new bipartisan bill became a last ray of hope for retaining business in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin farms feature a lot of different crops and animals, but despite our diversity - it doesn't normally include reindeer. Reindeer, otherwise known as caribou, take center stage for a lot of stories during the holiday season. Ben Jarboe takes a fun adventure to find out more about what reindeer eat and need before their grand flight. He gets the details from Jeff Phillips, owner of Reindeer Games in Erin, Wisconsin. Phillips explains how the animals nutritional needs change from winter to summer, and how adapt they are to fit their conditions. Winds have started to pick up around Wisconsin and that will be the story today. Stu Muck says wind chills will be part of the conversation today with improving temperatures into next week. There's a lot of conversations happening about buy local and knowing your farmer. The Wisconsin Farmers Union committed to incorporating locally produced ingredients in their convention menu this year. Not an easy feat! Stephanie Hoff talks to Layne Cozzolino, director of special projects with the Wisconsin Farmers Union. The organization chose to "put their money where their mouth is" by reinvesting their convention budget directly into the hands of the family farmers they represent. For its 95th annual convention, one Wisconsin organization decided to transform the standard hotel meal into a direct investment in its own membership. They fed 280 attendees seven meals each. The event successfully sourced 70 local ingredients from 40 farmer members. Rather than asking the hotel to change its entire menu, organizers worked with Chula Vista’s chefs to swap local ingredients—like beef, eggs, and cheese—into the resort’s existing recipes to make the transition easier for the kitchen staff. By using "procurement partners" (such as Organic Valley and the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative), the organization was able to aggregate products from many small farms into fewer deliveries, making large-scale local sourcing more efficient. Despite the convention taking place in December, the meals featured a wide variety of local products, including storage crops (potatoes and garlic), frozen roasted vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, and diverse dairy products. Seeing their farm names and logos on event signage and knowing their products were being served significantly boosted member morale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The number one issue that whenever I talk to farmers has always been labor," says Tyler Wenzlaff, director of national affairs with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. "We're not going to be able to survive if we do not have labor needs met." Wenzlaff explains that the traditional model of family-run operations has been upended via economic pressure or lack of interest from younger generations. This has forced the industry to look toward comprehensive federal reform as the only path forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin Farmers Union concluded its 95th annual convention, celebrating a year defined by both legislative hurdles and significant internal growth. Executive Director Danielle Endvick, who took the helm in May, tells Mid-West Farm Report that despite a volatile federal and state landscape, the organization is "busting at the seams" with new energy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For its 95th annual convention, one Wisconsin organization decided to transform the standard hotel meal into a direct investment in its own membership. By partnering with Chula Vista Resort and several regional food hubs, the event successfully sourced 70 local ingredients, ranging from storage crops like garlic and potatoes to proteins and dairy, from 40 farmer members. With the products, staff fed 280 attendees seven meals each. The initiative wasn’t just about the menu. It was about honoring the farmers in the room, says Layne Cozzolino, director of special projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike previous highly pathogenic strains seen in other regions, the specific variant at a Dodge County dairy farm appears to have a minimal impact on cattle health, according to a local veterinarian. Dr. Monty Belmer is one of the partners at Waupun Veterinary Service. Being in Dodge County, where Wisconsin detected its first bird flu case in dairy cattle, they’re on alert. He explains to Mid-West Farm Report how day-to-day operations change for veterinary staff when there's a disease outbreak in proximity. "Anytime there's a disease outbreak in the area, we go back and talk to our clients and make sure that their biosecurity protocols and procedures are enhanced," he says. "All of our clients do a really good job with biosecurity on their dairies anyway, but we just kind of step it up a notch to make sure that we are following all our procedures."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big day in Washington D.C for wolves. The House of Representatives will vote on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act. Ultimately, the decision will determine if the gray wolf will stay on the endangered species list. Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke and Wisconsin DNR Large Carnivore Specialist, Randy Johnson, discuss Wisconsin's wolf population data and movement patterns. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck and Kiley Allan talk about the warmer temperatures we have been seeing. Temperatures will continue to swing in the upcoming week. No two days as a veterinarian look the same. Dr. Monty Belmer, a local veterinarian explains the standard practices and the heightened precautions veterinarians take when a disease outbreak occurs to Stephanie Hoff. Dr. Arden Anderson, a Physician and Agricultural Consultant, tells Ben Jarboe that farmers are a high-risk group for several health concerns including cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. He tells us one reason why the group is considered high risk.Dairy market analyst, Cody Koster, breaks down the suspected market effects of Avian Influenza. He looks into his crystal ball and forecasts the GDT trends we can expect going into the new year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think of your cheese going through TSA before it gets to you -- metal detectors, X-rays... and the careful eyes of the farmer, processor, and the dairy sanitation specialists with the state of Wisconsin. But sometimes, issues still happen. We’re getting a look at the recall process today with Elsie Lundquist. She’s one of 20 dairy sanitarians with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday, the full House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. is expected to consider removing the wolf from the endangered species list. This is a conversation Wisconsin has been watching unfold. With more and more deprivation reports coming from south of highway 29 in Wisconsin - what don't we know about Wisconsin wolves? Randy Johnson is the Large Carnivore Specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He talks with Pam Jahnke about what people may not know about wolves today. How do they move? How big are the average packs in Wisconsin, and why are they seemingly moving south? Johnson says they're currently involved in their winter tracking efforts. That's a cooperative activity involving state and federal employees, as well as the general public, looking for tracks wherever they are. Johnson says they're also currently monitoring some 40 Wisconsin wolves that have been fitted with GPS collars. The Pet and Livestock Protection Act will be voted on by the full U.S. House on Thursday., 12/18. H.R. 845 directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the Department of the Interior’s 2020 final rule that delisted gray wolves in the lower 48 states from the Endangered Species Act and ensures this decision is not subject to judicial review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the Farmer's Bridge Assistance program and the $11 billion it's bringing to farms, there's still no Farm Bill. Bob Bosold talks about the agenda yet to be tackled on farm policy with Rod Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. Larew was in Wisconsin for the 95th annual meeting of the WI Farmers Union. He says that while farms are grateful for the financial assistance, they'd rather get their "check" from the world marketplace. Larew says the battle doesn't end with tariffs. He says it's also about the concentration that's happened in the food processing and agribusiness sector as a whole. He says they're still pushing for a Farm Bill, but recognize with the divisiveness in D.C. and elections ahead, getting it over the goal line may be difficult. Warmer weather today will transition to windy and wet as the day unfolds. Stu Muck says that temperatures will also start slipping once we reach the weekend. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group highlights some upcoming Wisconsin auctions currently on their website. It includes an equipment dispersal at Delong Company in Clinton and a land sale coming up near Columbus. Paid for by Steffes Group. Wisconsin dairy producers aren't happy with their milk checks, but they should be happy with how consumption of dairy products has continued to grow. USDA released numbers from 2024 that highlighted butter consumption breaking all records and cottage cheese enjoying an increase in buyers. Pam Jahnke recaps some of the information. The holiday season is the number one spot in a calendar year for prime rib sales. Angie Horkan with the WI Beef Council says that even with higher prices, consumers are buying ribs. She also offers some cost saving recipes available at beeftips.com. Paid for by Equity Livestock Cooperative Sales Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. dairy industry is experiencing lower-than-usual commodity cheese prices, but Kim Heiman of Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield is betting on long-term growth driven by consumer demand for protein and significant industry investment. Higher-than-average temperatures mid-week may bring some precipitation, only to freeze later, says ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Grace Atherton with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association emphasizes that pasteurization effectively inactivates the bird flu virus, ensuring that commercially sold milk and cheese remain safe for consumption. Dairy processors are prioritizing food and employee safety with strict procedures. The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has a deadline this week. Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, says the first thing farmers need to do is submit an acreage report by Dec. 19. Market advisor John Heinberg discussed the minimal market reaction to Wisconsin's first dairy cattle bird flu case, while noting that grain markets are entering a seasonal window that typically offers price support and rally opportunities for corn and soybean farmers. He emphasized that current rallies should be used to protect against downward pressure ahead of the South American crop forecast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has gotten its first confirmed case of HPAI in a dairy herd in Dodge County, and that may leave a lot of you wondering, what does this mean for our cheese? Grace Atherton, the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association Communications Director, is here to share what these processing plants are doing to make sure our dairy foods remain safe. She says that all dairy products are safe to consume and prior history shows the demand will not waver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not just soybeans caught in the crosshairs of tariffs. The U.S. Meat Export Federation is battling against tariffs and phytosanitary challenges on the global scene, too. Dan Halstrom is the CEO of USMEF. He visits with Bob Bosold about the challenges and opportunities he sees. Halstrom notes that while some markets like China are still throwing up obstacles, there are still areas like Central America and regions of Africa that hold tremendous promise for U.S. meat products.Warmer weather is on its way, but it brings gusty winds. Stu Muck says the warmer weather will put a dent in the snowpack around the state by later this week. Wisconsin detected its first case of H5N1 and announced the findings on Sunday. Pam Jahnke gets the details on what consumers should know from Adam Brock, administrator of the Food Safety and Recreation Dept. at DATCP. Brock says with the rigid system Wisconsin put in place earlier this year, the impacted cow/herd was detected before milk left the farm. Brock also reiterates that even milk impacted by H5N1 is safe for human consumption once pasteurized. It's a different dairy story from the current Alice in Dairyland, Sarah Hagenow. She visits with Stephanie Hoff about how real Wisconsin butter adds a delicious element to the holiday season. Hagenow reminds consumers that if they want to know their dairy comes from Wisconsin, look for the "Proudly Wisconsin" badge or the number 55 on the dairy packaging. That tells you the product is Wisconsin-based. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Hagenow, the 78th Alice in Dairyland, stamped her passport when she went to Shanghai, China with the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin. Kiley Allan catches up with Sarah and learns about her favorite parts of the trip. It's about to get colder. Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck walks us through our forecast. He reminds us to bundle up if you're going outside this weekend. The intricacies of war can leave soil unhealthy, and action must be taken to ensure agriculture production is restored. Ben Jarboe talks to Mike McNeill, a soil scientist, who is helping farmers in Ukraine build soil health amid the war with Russia. The iconic Wisconsin Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition since the early 1900s. Darrin Smith is the Superintendent of the Building Grounds at the State Capitol. He told Stephanie Hoff about the journey of this year's tree. It's time again for another Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along. This ride along focuses on the technology and advancements today's Wisconsin farmers are using going into 2026. Today Pam Jahnke travels to Malta, IL to find out what's happening at the Syngenta Seeds Research & Development Innovation Center. Matt Dolch is the Corn Product Manager for Syngenta. While he started as an intern years ago, today Dolch is excited about the new technology Syngenta's bringing to the market by fall of 2026 in combating corn rootworm. Paid for by Syngenta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ensuring animals get the proper nutrients and energy to grow and produce as expected, their feed must be particularly crafted to fit their needs. Dr. Steve Lerner, Senior Scientific and Business Advisor at Novonesis, breaks down how and why probiotics boost livestock efficiency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to caring for crops, a lot of curveballs are thrown farmers' way. Courtney Schriver, the Key Account Manager of Plant Health at Novonesis, says the problem solving is not throwing the kitchen sink at the field. He breaks down Novonesis's prescriptive approach to solving problems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of the Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along, we head to northern Illinois to visit the Syngenta Seeds Research & Development Innovation Center. The question? How big of a problem is corn rootworm(CRW) for farmers today? What new technology's being developed to address that problem? Pam Jahnke is joined by Syngenta Corn Product Manager, Matt Dolch. Dolch began his career with Syngenta as an intern, and today is proud to be discussing the latest technology coming to corn fields across the Midwest by 2027. Dolch says that CRW is one of the most devastating pests in U.S. corn production. Farmers spend nearly $1 billion per year in control measures and lost yield. That's why Syngenta decided to focus on new innovations to battle the pest.Syngenta is accelerating trait innovation that delivers new differentiation, not incrementalupdates. Their innovation focuses on multi-protein stacks that bring more diversity to CRW control.Syngenta does this by leveraging innovation pipelines and trait development tools to shorten the time from R&D to the farm.Durastak is the flagship example, built to address both current resistance challenges andfuture durability needs. Durastak is the industry’s first three Bt-protein trait stack for corn rootworm control.It provides a new level of durability and efficacy by offering additional protein diversity compared to existing products. Dolch says that Durastak should be available from dealers by the fall of 2026, for planting in the 2027 growing season!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin will be making its debut as host to more than a thousand snowshoe enthusiasts from across the globe when a world champion snowshoe race meets in Calumet County later this month. The World Snowshoe Championships, U.S. Nationals Snowshoe Championships, and Open Championships will be held on Dec. 18-21 at the Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, and organizers are excited about bringing the competition to a new audience in Wisconsin. “The Ariens Nordic Center truly is a remarkable venue, and we’re so excited to see the U.S. and World Snowshoe Championships come to such a welcoming community,” said Matthew Dougherty, executive director of North Country Sports Council. “Wisconsin and Brillion are opening up their arms to the world, and this event will bring wonderful energy and opportunity to the area while inspiring future generations of athletes.” The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is partnering with The Ariens Sports & Entertainment Foundation Inc. and North Country Sports Council to support the event with a $110,000 Opportunity Attraction Fund grant. The grant program supports high-profile community events aimed at attracting new residents to Wisconsin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soon Santa will be taking to the skies with his eight magical reindeer to deliver presents to all the kids, but what does this care look like out of the season? Jeff Phillips, the owner of Reindeer Games out of Erin, Wisconsin gives a look at why these animals are so unique and what care looks like for them south of the North Pole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2022 Ukraine has been locked into a war with Russia changing a lot of their daily lives. This includes within their agricultural operations. Mike McNeill the president of Ag Advisory limited, has spent time in Ukraine to help them change their practices so they can continue producing. He gives a look into how the conflict has impacted their ability to farm and what some of the changes to practices are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing trade and tariff disputes are impacting Wisconsin's agricultural sector, with farmers reporting negative economic returns. Tyler Wenzlaff, director of national affairs for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, says the costs associated with tariffs are hitting producers from multiple directions. "It increases the cost of our inputs, it increases the cost of our machinery, and it increases the costs of everything that we do, really," he says, noting that the squeeze on the industry has resulted in margins disappearing entirely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Olson, president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and a farmer in northern Polk County, is raising the alarm over a growing trend of local ordinances that stand to hurt the state's agriculture industry. These regulations, often appearing in a patchwork across communities in the western and northwestern portions of the state, are framed as environmental protection but end up blocking farmers from expanding their businesses. "If the cost of expansion is so great that you can't afford to do it or justifiably do it, you're being kept from expanding," Olson explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 was a pretty good year for most county fairs in Wisconsin. Jayme Buttke, executive secretary of the WI Association of Fairs, joins Pam Jahnke for a brief wrap-up. One major project that the state undertook this year was an economic impact study. What does a county fair mean financially to the county and the state? Buttke says they'll be sharing that information with members during their annual meeting in WI Dells come January. The snow has largely moved through the state, and now here comes the cold. Stu Muck says if you need to do outdoor chores or patch up any holes - do it today. The weekend will be sub zero. Just like solar arrays, wind turbines and data centers, the cry of "not in my backyard" can be heard when it comes to farms expanding. Stephanie Hoff talks with a farmer caught in some of those conversations. Brad Olson is not only the president of the WI Farm Bureau Federation, he's also a farmer in Polk County where groups are crafting unique ordinances to put heavy constraints on how agriculture grows - IF it can grow at all. Olson says most of these town and county boards are not prepared for the "loud voices" that want to essentially stifle any agriculture growth in their geography. More milk, more milk, more milk. It's the mantra draining the energy from the dairy complex. Zach Bowers with EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to discuss how the industry's approaching the new calendar year with incredible supplies to work through. He says there are some dairy processors that are pivoting to capitalize on the growing protein demand in the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers have a lot on their minds when it comes to state policy. Jill Welke gets some of the rationale behind their agenda from Trine Spindler, a dairy farmer from Marathon county. She says the development of solar arrays and data centers are some of the new items they wanted monitored and measured by state legislation. They're also continuing to look for improvement and expansion on the Agricultural Road Improvement Program(ARIP). The 511WI website is alive with crazy colors this morning. Stu Muck updates the weather system moving across Wisconsin and where it's having the greatest impact. After this moisture moves through, he says we need to prepare for bone-chilling cold temperatures. Side-by-side comparisons are something the Steffes Group is offering as we end the calendar year. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group talks to Pam Jahnke about some of the data comparison buyers can make online looking at the value of previous sales of certain groups of equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. Pam Jahnke reports that markets are flat after Tuesday's December World Ag Supply Demand report (WASDE). You can't control the weather or commodity prices but they won't matter if Wisconsin farmers can't find a lender willing to share the risk for operations in 2026. Kiley Allan finds out how the appetite of independent ag lenders in the state is from Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO of the WI Bankers Association. Allan learns that in the third quarter lending increased by 4.81% quarter over quarter and 5.3% year over year. She says the close relationship lenders have with the state's farmers remains strong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Hoff sits down with Alice in Dairyland Sara Hagenow, the official ambassador for Wisconsin's dairy industry, to talk about the state's proudest tradition: butter. Hagenow explains that Wisconsin butter’s superior richness and flavor come from high-quality cream produced by local farms with lush grasslands and dedicated farmers. Beyond its unbeatable taste for baking and cooking, choosing this local dairy product supports the state's $52.8 billion economy and over 120,000 jobs. Shoppers can guarantee they are buying local by looking for the Proudly Wisconsin Dairy Badge or the 55-xxxx plant code on the packaging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Fresh Produces Association hopes to increase access and consumption of fruits and vegetables through the momentum of MAHA. Molly Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition & Health at International Fresh Produce Association, breaks down the market opportunities and the reaction expected by the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global demand for US red meat is strong, according to Joe Schuele. He’s is the Senior Vice President of Communication for the US Meat Export Federation. He gives us insight to the demand for US meat in foreign markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According from the Quarter 3 FDIC numbers, year-over-year lending has increased in all categories, including farm lending. Rose Oswald Poels is the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. She breaks down what these numbers tell us about the health of Wisconsin banks and why it matters to farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Dr. Arden Andersen farmers are at some of the greatest risk to develop illnesses and this is due to a multitude of reasons. Dr. Andersen uses his knowledge of being a physician and agricultural consultant to dive deeper into why our producers that feed the world are at such a high risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year brought on a lot of challenges for farmers and that kept the Wisconsin farm bureau busy trying to protect its members from the many repercussions that followed. Here to share some of their most recent policy work is Jason Mugnaini. He is the Executive Director of Governmental Relations, and some of this recent work included changes to ARIP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite volatility in the voluntary carbon market, carbon sequestration remains a financial opportunity for farmers, according to Clay Craighton, agronomist and regional sales manager for Agoro Carbon Alliance. In an interview with Mid-West Farm Report, Craighton highlights a major new agreement as proof of the commodity's viability. Agoro Carbon recently secured a flagship carbon credit agreement with tech giant Microsoft. "They decided to purchase 2.6 million tons of carbon from us over the next 12 years," he says. "So it's a pretty exciting, pretty flagship opportunity."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin hemp growers are facing going out of business if state leaders don't take action to protect them. Part of the comprehensive compromise bill that got the federal government open again contained language that would shut down the nation's hemp industry by this time next year. State Senator Pat Testin recognizes the value in the industry and has crafted legislation that would, hopefully, allow the growers and manufacturers to continue. Pam Jahnke finds out about those efforts, and his recent meeting with WI Ag Secretary, Randy Romanski, over proposed fee increases that would impact the state's livestock industry. Winter weather advisory out for most of Wisconsin beginning this afternoon. Stu Muck explains what the next system is bringing in and what we should expect. Dairy is struggling and it's an odd time of the year for that statement to be true. Stephanie Hoff talks with Kim Heiman, manager at Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield. Nasonville focuses a lot of attention on "commodity cheese" which can be marketed through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He explains how that market's been impacted and what 2026 quarter one looks like. USDA announced a $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance program on Monday. Pam Jahnke explains the released details and what WI farms will qualify for payments. She also announces the election results from the 106th annual business meeting of the WI Farm Bureau Federation. Brad Olsen has been re-elected WFBF President, and Brian Preder has been elected Rural Mutual Insurance President. Markets are flat in reaction to the USDA aid announced yesterday. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. He also notes that today we'll get the December World Ag Supply report. Although not usually a newsmaker - traders may be looking for information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soybean growers are still anxious about international trade, especially with China. Bob Bosold finds out what the path forward looks like from the president of the American Soybean Association, Caleb Ragland. Ragland says they're optimistic that the Trump Administration will continue to pressure China to live up to its agreements. He also makes the point that American farmers are only looking to work on a level playing field with other farmers around the world. Lots of clouds to start off your work week. Stu Muck says that there's another Alberta clipper targeting Wisconsin later this week that will bring much lower temperatures, and maybe some snow, back to the state starting as soon as Tuesday. International travel isn't something that every Alice in Dairyland has a chance to do. Sarah Hagenow, Wisconsin's current Alice, just returned from a trade trip to China with the WI Ginseng Growers. Kiley Allan finds out how the show went, and what Hagenow learned observing the business transacted.Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Center for Dairy Research released new information about consumer cheese trends for 2026. Pam Jahnke reports that the top 5 trends include: authenticity, protein, texture, health and sustainability as top priorities when consumers are shopping for cheese. Wisconsin's vast variety of specialty cheeses make it a sensation during the holiday entertainment season. Pam Jahnke visits with Pepin County dairy producer Jonathon Hallock. He sits on the board of directors for DFW, and shares his personal experiences sharing the flavors that make Wisconsin dairy great. He also helps consumers find the "Proudly Wisconsin" badge wherever they're shopping - especially outside the state. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Names can be deceptive when it comes to charitable organizations. What you think they do, they may not. Kiley Allan finds out about what to look for from Hannah Thompson-Weeman, President and CEO of Animal Agriculture Alliance. She says that animal rights extremist groups that oppose raising animals for food are seeing financial growth. The money they're bringing in is reaching $865 million. That is almost a 10% increase in one year. Funding comes from consumers lured in by sad animal commercials, as well as powerful private foundations. She says to responsibly donate - give directly to your animal shelter to make sure your gift is properly used. Wisconsin weather conditions are going to start to change this evening. Stu Muck says some will see snow, others a mix of freezing precipitation. It's the final wrap up with Helena Agri. Steve Bailie, branch manager for the Monroe location of Helena Agri talks with Pam Jahnke about the information generated from the harvest and how they're using it to make wise investments on inputs for 2026. Paid for by Helena Agri.UW-Madison Extension is creating a new 3-day short course for people interested in beekeeping. Pam Jahnke reports that the course will be Feb. 13-15 and cover everything from hive health to marketing of products. She also highlights a new report out from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin that sharpens our vision of what consumers will be looking for in 2026. The research was conducted in cooperation with the Center for Dairy Research and shows the following cheese related trends. Consumers are looking for: #1 - Sustainability #2 - Health #3 - Texture #4 - Protein #5 - Authenticitywisconsindairy.org/cheesetrends It's a part of almost every day's activities. Buying something online. Even the most savvy shopper needs to exercise caution when it comes to those purchases. Michelle Reinen, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection tells him that in 2024 the FTC received over 380,000 fraud reports and Wisconsin had 5,000 of those shoppers. DATCP says that online shopping is the #1 source of consumer fraud complaints. Consumers should verify if a website or platform is safe by looking for "HTTPS" and a padlock icon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent policy changes are providing hope for farmers grappling with high fertilizer costs, particularly for phosphate. The removal of tariffs on phosphate imports is expected to ease pricing, though global demand remains high. "We're seeing that already," says Ben Pratt, vice president of public affairs at The Mosaic Company, adding that potash prices, supplied largely by Canada, are already affordable for growers. Ross Bender, director of product development and a Wisconsin farmer, shares his personal experience. "The margins on my farm are tight. And what I'm trying to think about is how I can make sure that I'm supplying the crop with the nutrition it needs within the budget that I have?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Coalition for Ethanol is actively engaging the EPA on the Renewable Fuel Standard, seeking final volumes and the reallocation of waived gallons to prevent demand destruction for ethanol producers and farmers. Katie Muckenhirn, vice president of public affairs, says ACE is also pushing Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to secure year-round E15 access across all states, which is vital for utilizing the nation's record corn crop. Additionally, the industry is focused on realizing the immense market potential of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), especially with the extension of the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit (45Z).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Pork Producers Council is engaged in multiple battles across the U.S., citing key concerns over labor, trade, and the impact of the current administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. A major concern is the proliferation of state-level animal housing regulations, led by California’s Proposition 12, which mandates specific space requirements for breeding pigs and other animals. It's influencing laws in other states like Oklahoma and Massachusetts. Lucy Russell, NPPC's director of producer engagement, says the organization is pushing for a legislative fix in the next Farm Bill to prevent a costly patchwork of conflicting regulations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. dairy industry is experiencing lower-than-usual commodity cheese prices, but one producer is betting on long-term growth driven by consumer demand for protein and significant industry investment. The current market is seeing prices dip despite the typical holiday season rally. Kim Heiman of Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield says the effect was exacerbated by the government shutdown, when the commodity cheese trade didn't have market transparency. "What happens is that commodity cheese, it's a very high-quality cheese, and it's generally a colored cheddar, and it's produced at large quantities, and it's marketed through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange at large volumes," Heiman tells Mid-West Farm Report. "When the government shutdown was on, of course, there was no commodity facts coming out of how much cheese was in storage or how much cheese was being processed."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are upon us and grocery carts are filling up with all the essentials for baking, cooking, and entertaining. One big winner this time of year? Dairy. Today, we’re talking about how dairy sales grow in November and December, and what Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is doing at retail to support our local farmers. Jonathon Hallock is a Board Director with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin representing Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce Counties. His dairy is just outside of Mondovi. Hallock says that this is an incredibly important time of year for all of the dairy complex. People are baking more, cooking holiday meals, hosting parties, and that all drives demand for products like butter, cream, cheese, and specialty cheeses.Across the U.S., you typically see a 3–5% increase in milk and butter sales in the fall compared to summer, and a lot of that is driven by November and December holiday shopping. Wisconsin especially shines because of all the specialty cheeses our cheesemakers have crafted. Specialty and entertaining cheeses usually can see sales really spike. In the week leading up to Christmas, specialty cheese sales at retail can be around 50% higher than average, because people are building cheese boards, gifting cheese, and using it in their recipes. How can you find that specialty cheese - and maybe the story behind it? Simple. Hallock says to look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese badge. He says when you see that badge, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a whole chain of people: The dairy farm families who care for the cows The cheesemakers crafting those specialty cheeses The truck drivers, plant workers, and local communities built around dairy Holiday sales help keep milk moving, plants busy, and paychecks flowing in rural communities across Wisconsin. Remember, the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese message is rippling across the United States and around the world. Hallock reminds everyone that 90% of our state’s milk is made into cheese. About 90% of that cheese is sold outside Wisconsin, so holiday demand across the country is a really big deal for our farmers back home. If you'd like to find some of that specialty cheese for your cheese board or special event, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's making it easy on you. Just click on WisconsinCheese.com and get ready to enjoy and share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025 many Wisconsin county fairs were focused on more than just carnival rides and cotton candy. Jayme Buttke, executive secretary of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs says they were also focused on measuring their real worth to their communities, and strategizing how to engage the next group of volunteers. Buttke says there's been an emphasis all year on a state economic impact study initiative that has fairs taking a deeper look at what they bring to their community. Buttke says we've always known about the educational element that's obvious at fairs, but there's also other cultural benefits as well as financial rewards. Buttke says the results of the year long initiative will be a focal point for the 2026 WI Association of Fairs annual convention in January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the season for charitable giving arrives, the Wisconsin 4-H program is reassuring donors that their gifts will have a greater impact following a recent administrative change in its fundraising structure. The Wisconsin 4-H program has transitioned its fundraising to the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, also known as the UW Foundation, which will now serve as its official 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner. This move replaces the previous arrangement with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. Stephanie Hoff gets the details from Jessica Jens, the Wisconsin 4-H state program leader, explains that the primary benefit of this change is financial efficiency. Hello wind chill values! Stu Muck says despite the wind chills, there's relatively little wind across the state. He says that we're looking at single digit temps today with more snow swinging back over the state before the end of the week. What do cows, sauerkraut and glyphosate have in common? Well, all three are part of the conversations happening at the 2025 EcoAg conference happening in Madison. The conference emphasizes regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices. Ben Jarboe visited with Dr. Don Huber, Professor Emeritus, Purdue University about his research looking at sauerkraut juice and its interaction with remnants of glyphosate left in soil residue. Huber says even at ½ ounce per acre, glyphosate can inhibit plant uptake of key micronutrients—manganese, zinc, iron, and copper—crucial for building strong cell walls. The sauerkraut juice can change that! It's the holiday season. So why is the dairy complex cratering when demand should be at a seasonal peak? That's one of the questions addressed by Bryce Windecker, dairy analyst with EverAg. Windecker joins Pam Jahnke from his New York state dairy and explains that demand is still there, but so are ample milk supplies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.