MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

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.

In the Assembly Agriculture Committee, two key ag policy discussions are ongoing, from who can own farmland to what happens when your farm equipment breaks down. Assembly Ag Committee Chair Representative Travis Tranel joins us to talk about a proposal that would ban foreign adversaries from buying Wisconsin farmland, and another that would give farmers a “right to repair” their machinery. Plus, with all the uncertainty at the federal level on trade and the government shutdown, Tranel says it’s more important than ever for farmers to stay engaged.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's Wisconsin Farmers Union Conference agenda is full of exciting news and discussion topics. To be held December 12-14, at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, the event is celebrating its 95th anniversary. Danielle Endvick, Executive Director of Wisconsin Farmers Union, says that with exciting conversations and a full agenda, there is something for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington DC, nine groups traveled across the US to learn about the Ethanol Value chain. One of those groups was a delegation from Mexico. They found themselves, right here, in Wisconsin. One of their stops was Reeb Farms in Whitewater. There, they saw harvest in action. Walter Julián Ángel Jiménez is the Secretary For Energy Development For The State Of Tamaulipas. He tells us about the group’s experience in Wisconsin. His story is voiced by a translator from MD Translation. Photo provided by: U.S. Grains & BioProducts CouncilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making sure you are getting what you need out of your health care is very important for the rural community, but it may be hard to know exactly it is you do need. Those needs change if you have children or are a farmer. Stephanie Plaster a Business Development Outreach Specialist with extension says that not two situations are the same.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harvest is nearing its end and according to Brant Smith a District Sales Manager for Wyffels out of Winnebago, Boone and McHenry counties in Illinois it has come with variability. He says that they have seen a wide range of yields due to drought and disease pressure on fields. Smith also says that the last couple weeks of harvest look to bring good weather to close out the season. If you have any questions visit Wyffels.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is getting more and more interest from data center developers. It's not new to the state. Michael Greif, fellow with the Midwest Environmental Advocates says that information transparency is critical for residents near these centers. He says knowing where power lines will be located is particularly important since utilities have been using "imminent domain" to secure land for power towers. Another nice sunny day for Wisconsin. Stu Muck says although the weather's breezy and dry, some of our remaining corn and soybean fields aren't drying down. Volume has picked up again with sales listings at the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that their latest catalog is ready to go! Interested parties can download it from the website or call for a physical copy. Paid for by the Steffes Group. Households are trying to figure out how to manage their needs without SNAP/FoodShare assistance this week. Even if the federal government gets payments moving, it's going to take a few days/weeks/months to restore normal flow. That's having an adverse effect on our grocery stores. Stephanie Hoff talks to Michael Seeman, president and CEO of the WI Grocers Association about how stores are managing this disruption. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that the trade will start seeing some data release beginning next week. He notes that we'll get two dairy production reports, but there's still some uncertainty on the WASDE update content.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin soybean growers are closely monitoring what's happening specifically with US/China agriculture discussions. Friday the WI Soybean Association issued a statement expressing optimism about the progress, but also anxiety about market already lost. Bob Bosold talks with WI Soybean past president, Sarah Stelter, about her strategies facing these market issues. She stresses how important it is to stay involved in the process. She also explains different alternative uses soybeans are investigating including railroad fuel and firefightin soy-foam. Warmer weather on the way for the front part of this week. Stu Muck explains what he sees developing for the week across the state. 33 days that the federal government's been shut down. Farmers are just like other citizens - nervous. Ben Jarboe speaks with Stephanie Plaster, UW-Extension Business Outreach Specialist, about how farms approach affordable health care. She says if it's just a husband/wife team, they usually don't plan on seeing a doctor. However, Plaster says when you introduce kids - that all changes. The US Meat Export Federation is pleased to see some weekend development with China that could open more doors for US pork. Two bills have been signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers designed to shore up rural responders and the services they provide. Pam Jahnke talks to WI Senator, Howard Marklein, about the listening sessions he conducted to find out about the unique challenges faced by EMS groups serving rural Wisconsin. Marklein says disparities on reimbursement for services provided, as well as reimbursing educational expenses that future emergency responders faced, are part of what the bills should address. He says he hopes it helps inspire people in rural communities to think about serving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re diving into the upcoming WWASH Conference, where Wisconsin agriculture comes together to advance water quality, soil health, and conservation. The conference is Dec. 16-17 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Now in its third year, WWASH combines the former Discovery Farms and Cover Crops conferences, creating one event focused on both research and real-world farming practices. Experience new features this year, including two farmer keynote speakers offering dairy and grain perspectives, a lunchtime talk from Wisconsin’s state climatologist on “weather weirdness,” and a stronger spotlight on producer-led groups driving conservation from the ground up, explains coordinator Laura Paletta. The conference also kicks off the 25th anniversary of Discovery Farms, celebrating a quarter century of on-farm water quality research and collaboration. Plus, regional guests from Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal government shutdown drags on, the uncertainty around FoodShare funding is rippling through Wisconsin’s grocery aisles. The Trump administration announced plans to partially fund SNAP benefits after payments were delayed on Nov. 1, but the impact is already being felt across the food supply chain. Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, joins us to explain how the disruption to FoodShare affects local grocers and the supply chain. Wisconsin’s grocery community is adapting in real time and urging Washington to bring stability back to the system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many know the Silicon Valley as a region in Northern California that is a hub for technology innovation, but have you heard of the Silicon Valley of Bull Semen? Sophie Eaglen, International Program Director at National Association of Animal Breeders tells us why Wisconsin and the US lead the world in dairy genetics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is pork month and Kiley Allan has a couple suggestions on how you can help celebrate! She visits with Keri Retallick, executive director of the WI Pork Association. Retallick explains the unique flavor profile that pork can offer a recipe.Some clouds and sprinkles may roll in today before trick-n-treaters hit the streets. Stu Muck gives us our spooky forecast for a Friday and the weekend.Things can get a little spooky around this time of the year for Wisconsin drivers. As the days shorten and the weather changes, deer start changing their movement patterns. Ben Jarboe gives us some eerie details from Lt. Nate Henrikson, WI state patrol officer. He says it's important to know how to handle your vehicle if you encounter a deer. First, drive at a safe speed so you can stop. Don't swerve for deer, but if you do hit a deer, pull to the side safely and dial 911. Those are just a few of the officer's tips. Last year WI saw over 17,000 deer related crashes. Waukesha county led the state with 937 of those crashes.The National FFA Convention wraps up on Saturday in Indianapolis and it looks like the maps advisors used to get there will be relevant for the future. Cheryl Zimmerman, WI State FFA Exec. Director says they've inked a deal with the City of Indianapolis to have their annual convention there through 2040. Zimmerman says the city has committed to continuing to grow its infrastructure to accommodate the current 72,000 attendees and grow for more. Wisconsin's celebrating 4 national award winners. Hunters will be heading to the woods with increased frequency now. Deer and wild turkey are just a few of the game they may be after. Then what do you do with your prize? Keeping our Hallwoeen theme, Stephanie Hoff shares some spooky mistakes that can be made if you make your own jerky. UW-Extension Meat Specialist, Dr. Jeff Sindelair, has some safety tips to keep top-of-mind, as well as some recipe tips that might help make the most of your game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory syndrome, more commonly know as PRRS, is the most economically damaging disease to the US pork industry. According to studies done by Iowa State University, it is estimated that PRRS cost producers $1.2 billion dollars in 2024. That staggering statistic is exactly why Extension Swine Outreach Specialist Jeff Morris is invested in sharing information about the disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Halloween the scariest thing you see might not be a ghost, zombie, or a witch. It might be that 10-point buck on your trail camera standing in front of your car. Lt. Nate Henriksen with the Wisconsin State Patrol shares some tips to make sure that when you're driving between trick or treat locations you don't get a scare from a deer. He says to remember not to swerve if a deer walks in front of you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin potato growers are battling both uncooperative weather and tough market conditions this fall. Prolonged heat delayed harvest across the Midwest, forcing farmers to work overnight to protect crop quality, while the frost now threatens what’s left in the ground. Despite decent yields, prices have fallen under pressure from oversupply and reduced demand. Alsum Farms Manager Ryan Walther, out of Friesland, tells Stephanie Hoff that they’re hoping for a market turnaround soon. Sunshine again today with moderate temps. Stu Muck says there is a sliver of a chance for rain by late in the weekend.10 Wisconsin FFA members are in the final phase of competition for National Proficiency awards in Indianapolis. Tyler Leuch is one of those. This young man from Waunakee says through some 4-H leadership as a kid, he's been able to hone his skills and build a custom clipping business that has earned him a place in Indianapolis.Jill Welke is in Indianapolis visiting with Thad Bergschneider from Illinois. This young man is the current National FFA President. While his term may have started out with all kinds of hopes and goals, things changed when he broke his arm playing basketball. He explains how it forced him to pivot how he shared his FFA messages.The holding pattern continues for dairy traders according to Zach Bauers, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. Now the market faces increased anxiety over the potential pause in SNAP benefits. Bauer says that program supports a lot of dairy investment by the government. He also notes that MAHA is re-examining the potential for "food boxes" similar to what was distributed during the pandemic. If that would come to pass, it would likely give a lift to dairy at least temporarily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits will not be reissued starting Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. Jackie Anderson joins us. She’s the executive director of Feeding Wisconsin. She says food banks are already seeing demand rise with the news that FoodShare benefits will be delayed indefinitely. Food pantries statewide are preparing for an influx of need from families. Many have never been to a food bank before, but will be going for the first time as their food assistance gets delayed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Wisconsin Farmers Union partnered with Farmers Union Enterprises to donate 35,000 pounds of pork to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Each year, the donation goes to a different part of the state. This year, the pork went to Appleton to be further distributed. Darin Von Ruden, the President of the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Farmers Union, says the donation comes at a crucial time with the SNAP program in jeopardy. The donation was part of a bigger donation that spanned across 5 states and totaled 175,000 pounds of porkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tracy Vinz and John Rosenow are just two of the many farmers in the state who are feeling the pinch in the labor force, highlighting the uncertainty that many are experiencing across the nation. Their words helped to spark the Grow It Here campaign aiming to find a sturdy labor force for farmers of all sectors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As farmers wrap up harvest and turn their attention to next year, many are finding themselves navigating extra challenges at their local Farm Service Agency offices. FSA plays a critical role for farmers, who rely on the agency for credit and crop reporting. Today, we visit with Lake Ridge Bank’s Senior Vice President of Agriculture Lending, Rene Johnson, and Vice President of Crop Insurance Jessica Sarbacker about the situation. FSA offices only recently reopened after closures, and limited staff are on hand. Rene and Jessica explain that this makes meeting key deadlines like the Nov. 15 crop reporting and crop insurance cutoff tricky during a time of peak financial pressure for farmers. They remind listeners to have patience and schedule an appointment with your local FSA office as they help farmers navigate the busy season with limited personnel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 98th National FFA Convention officially begins today in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jill Welke is there with Wisconsin's State FFA President, Amalia Draxler. Draxler previews some of the planned events and duties the state's officers will be undertaking to help the convention move along. Sunshine should dominate Wisconsin's weather today. Stu Muck says the temperatures stay consistent but the winds pick up. Wyffels Hybrids brings us a field update with Stephanie Hoff. Luke Bird is the Wyffels district manager out of Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties. He says that as the government continues to be shut down and we don’t get a crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wyffels Harvest Progress Report is a great resource for not just harvest updates, but yield estimates. While visiting the harvest report, don't forget to plug and play with new Wyffels Hybrid selections on the Yield Calculator, also available on the Agronomy tab. Mary Schreiber from East Troy is wrapping up her year of service as the Central Region Vice President on the National FFA Officer team. She explains that she's covered about 90,000 miles in service so far. One visit that sticks with Schreiber is a chapter visit in West Virginia. She met an enthusiastic member who "bled blue and gold". What Mary later found out was that the member was living with her grandparents after one parent died of substance abuse, and the other was still battling the disease. Mary said the FFA advisors became surrogate parents to this member. She admits that the story startled her and reminded her that the FFA is more than just agriculture and leadership - it's family. Data centers are popping up in more conversations across the state. Some are small in scale - others are "hyper" in size. Ben Jarboe travelled to Janesville this week where organizers were asking for answers and transparency on a proposed data center for a former GM plant location. Cassandra Pope, organizer of No Janesville Data Centers, shares her perspective on the process and the project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently in Wisconsin there are 47 data centers proposed with one of these being in Janesville. These proposals have sparked concerns from the communities leading to rallies. Cassandra Pope is the organizer of the No Janesville Data Center group. She says one of the biggest worries is the not knowing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Varied progress so far on the corn for grain harvest in Wisconsin, according to the 2025 Harvest Progress Report from Wyffels Hybrids at https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/harvest-progress-report. Today, we’re catching up with Luke Bird, district manager out of Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties. He says that as the government continues to be shut down and we don’t get a crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wyffels Harvest Progress Report is a great resource for not just harvest updates, but yield estimates. While visiting the harvest report, don't forget to plug and play with new Wyffels Hybrids selections on the Yield Calculator, also available on the Agronomy tab.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What we're hearing across all sectors of agriculture is that having a reliable workforce remains a number one challenge today. Karen Gefvert, chief policy officer for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Voice of Milk, says it’s an issue the organization is deeply engaged in. In talking with Stephanie Hoff, Gefvert notes that this has been a 40-year battle. She says the current system doesn't work for dairy. Dairy farmers need an entry-level workforce. The only program that can address that is H2A, but dairy is prohibited from using it.Not much moisture in the latest forecast from Stu Muck. Temperatures remain on track for the last few days of October. Muck also notes a statewide FFA Foundation Auction that's happening now.Knowing a company's origins and roots can help explain how they do business. Pam Jahnke talks with Ashley Huhn about how the Steffes Group actually got started, and why they take pride in creating their own systems not just relying on third party services to handle business. Paid for by Steffes Group.Wisconsin dairy farmer, John Rosenow, has been a vocal proponent of immigration reform for decades. His dairy operation in the Waumandee Valley of western Wisconsin relies heavily on immigrant labor. Rosenow has joined a newly formed coalition called "Grow It Here" that's trying to advance meaningful immigration reform for agriculture. Rosenow says of his 18 full-time workers, 13 are from Mexico. Today's H2A visas don't work for dairy.The market's feeling more optimistic today after a weekend full of trade announcements out of SE Asia. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that it's good news for corn, soybean meal, pork and beef. There's also still a buzz about potential trade developments with China. Still the gorilla in the room according to Heinberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transportation of this fall's harvest faces some new challenges with market reconfiguration. Ben Jarboe talks with Dean Beaver, grain merchandiser in southern Wisconsin, who says the international market glitches have changed the prices available to farmers. That means that some are opting to store on farm, or in off-farm storage. Beaver sales available capacity is going to be tight. He also says monitoring water levels on the Mississippi is important, and watching basis price opportunities also plays a role.A little rain in this week's forecast, but temperatures will stay above average. Stu Muck spells out what he thinks we'll be working with.Approximately 40 million people could be facing food insecurity by the end of the week if Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits go away. In Wisconsin that program's called FoodShare. It too will end on 10/31. The Wisconsin Farmers Union, in cooperation with National Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprises, donated 35,000 pounds of pork to the Eastern Wisconsin Food Pantry in Appleton last week. Darren VonRuden, WFU President, tells Kiley Allan why they want to focus attention on the precarious situation many households face without this program.With USDA Farm Service Agency offices open, dairy producers might want to consider signing up for the relatively new Dairy Beef Risk Insurance program. Katie Burgess, dairy analyst with EverAg explains why that component of overall farm revenue is so key right now.With the threat of some big increases on fees levied against the states livestock marketing system, WI Assembly Representative, Travis Tranel, is trying to do what he can to head off the adjustments. He visits with Stephanie Hoff about the feedback he's gotten from the industry and farmers that will be impacted. He said although his hands may be tied as far as regulatory oversight, he can still implore DATCP to reconsider and deploy whatever legislative tools he's got to adjust the process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.