MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Former University of Wisconsin forage expert Dan Undersander discusses the history of the Forage Analysis Super Bowl, a part of World Dairy Expo for more than four decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Justin Brandel, the feeling of gratitude and pride following his Annette Ostrum Memorial Supreme Showman win has been a long time coming. The Lake Mills high school junior credits his victory to the village of family and mentors who have helped him along the way. He describes his experience at the end of the halter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the very special things about World Dairy Expo is that you can see the impact of its patrons long after their time at expo has come to an end. Ed McCartan is one of those people. At this year’s World Dairy Expo, they opened a 30-year-old time capsule. The capsule itself is a milk can that ed McCartan painted a beautiful dairy scene upon. His wife Mary and daughter Patty McCartan joined me to tell the story of ed’s painting. They say that he would be 100 years old if he were here todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's take a little stroll through Georgia cotton fields and miles of peanut production with Bill Tyson. Tyson's a University of Georgia Extension Outreach Coordinator in Bulloch County. He tells Pam Jahnke about how growers there have been switching acres based on input costs and available markets. He also gives us a little insight into growing cotton and peanuts and why the crops are sought after in the global market. Rain will drift in today across Wisconsin and bring lower temperatures overnight. Stu Muck says you may need a slicker at World Dairy Expo today. That wet, overcast weather is slowing Wisconsin's harvest. With just 4% of the states corn harvested and 5% of the soybeans combined, we're lagging behind. Andy Grebner, district sales representative for Wyffels Hybrids in Dane and Green County says it's time to monitor stalk quality and prioritize field harvesting. Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.Dane county is proposing nearly $200 million in improvements to the Alliant Energy Center grounds. Home of World Dairy Expo and other major ag events like Midwest Horse Fair. Dane Co. Executive Director Melissa Aagard says it will happen over phases. Laura Herschleb, general manager of World Dairy Expo, says they'll be watching the first phase of improvements on the coliseum. It could change how WDE operates for a year or more.Meanwhile a look back at World Dairy Expo with the opening of a time capsule. Kiley Allan watches as former WDE general manager, Tom McKittrick, reopens the milk can he closed some 30 years ago. Trinkets inside include Holstein registration papers, Alice in Dairyland press releases and FFA memorabilia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's in the World Dairy Expo time capsule? We now know it was filled with wonderful memories from 1996. Former Expo General Manager Tom McKittrick helped create the capsule, housed in a hand-painted milk can featuring Wisconsin dairy scenes. McKittrick says exhibitors, cattle breeders, and breed association members were then invited to choose what should be included, and sealed, for the next thirty years. Kiley Allan shares why the contents offer a fun look back at the Expo’s history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new limited series follows a dairy farm family's story while highlighting mental health, family, community, and the people behind America’s food. Teri Barr talks with Producer Sam Goldberg -- just before a premiere screening at World Dairy Expo. He shares why this is a story worth telling. Learn more about 'Perfect Sundays' here. (Featured photo: Teri Barr and Producer Sam Goldberg at World Dairy Expo.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It appears that Wisconsin's corn crop is going to need some more warm, dry weather to get closer to the harvest. Andy Grebner, district sales representative for Wyffels covering Dane and Green counties says that things are still wet. Couple that wet cob condition with weak stalks, and we could be facing some additional harvest challenges. Grebner says with the humidity this spring, coupled with the exceptionally dry weather in the summer, plants are degrading quickly. Managing which fields need to be harvested first is something each grower should be evaluating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the outside, school lunches may seem simple. However, handling dietary guidelines and financial constraints can make that meal anything but simple. Kiley Allan learns more about the complicated process from Caitlin Harrison, Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Elmbrook School District. Harrison says menu planning for school meals must adhere to complex federal regulations governing calorie counts, sodium limits, fat percentages, whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber requirements. She says federal reimbursement must cover all operational costs—including labor, equipment, maintenance, and overhead—leaving only about $1.00 to $2.00 per student tray to cover actual food costs. That means a budget really has to stretch. Harrison says they try to stay in touch with the kids and parents on the menu. They frequently conduct surveys asking strategic questions but it seems that students typically request favorites like chicken, pizza, and burgers, while parents ask for greater overall variety, whole grains, and diverse ethnic cuisine. Today will be the last dry day for Wisconsin's weather. Stu Muck says the moisture starts rolling in tonight. Land sales are popping up again on the Steffes Group website. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that these transactions can take a little longer than selling a tractor because of the process and the price. 2,477 dairy animals are now housed at World Dairy Expo 2026. Pam Jahnke visits with Lisa Behnke, communications director for the show, about the generational stories to be told. Not just the cow generations, but the family generations caring for those cows. Heavy harvest pressure being felt in the marketplace. John Heinberg, market advisor for Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for a quick update on how yields look. Also monitoring any new business internationally that can help use this crop. He says that the wet weather is taking its toll on Iowa farm fields. Despite the 'less than expected' results of talks with China, there's still been some interesting movement in soybeans available for immediate delivery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Dairy Expo brings generations of dairy farmers, industry experts, technology innovators, and friends together in Madison, Wisconsin. Pam Jahnke talks with Lisa Behnke, communications manager for World Dairy Expo. Learn how her return to dairy -- and to World Dairy Expo -- highlights the lasting pull of an industry that continues to bring people back, year after year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers don't need to go it alone when it comes to conservation projects on their farms. Jill Welke investigates options and assistance with Amber Radaatz, part of the Discovery Farms network in the state. Radaatz says there's always projects going on and always interest in engaging with more farmers in different areas. Nice Monday on the way but watch out for wet weather later this week. Stu Muck gives us a quick rundown. With the tight margins farms are facing, you can't afford to miss any savings. Larry Lee focuses on leasing land and the going rates with Jackie McCarville, UW-Madison Extension Agent. McCarville says it's not just about entering into these land lease agreements, it's also about being to adjust them as time goes on. It's also a mechanism for land owners to be able to exit when necessary. World Dairy Expo's trade show may not begin until Tuesday but the dairy cattle action has already begun. Pam Jahnke updates us on how some Wisconsin youth have been doing already in competitive events. The phrase "influencers" has become a familiar. Now those influencers are being called on by animal rights groups to sound off on farm policy development in Washington, D.C. Pam Jahnke visits with Will Coggins, research director with CEW. Center for the Environment and Welfare has found out that animal rights groups are paying basically anyone with a presence on social media to post comments about "Save our Bacon". This is a policy piece that was part of the current farm bill being carved. It would protect consumers from legislation like Prop 12 in California that limits production practices. Coggins says their research shows consumers regret having Prop 12 in place. It's driven food costs up dramatically and limited access. Coggins says these influences generally know nothing about agriculture let alone animal agriculture, but are trying to sway policemakers direction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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We start our morning with the Fabulous Farm Babe and USDA's Richard Fordyce. They talk about the security measures that are in place to keep farmer data secure. Stu Muck says lower temperatures, and a little rain are possible going into the week of World Dairy Expo. Carey Jones is still working the land of his Richland County farm in the Township of Richwood. He's raising beef cattle, growing corn and soybeans -- while also holding down a full-time job. It's important. The farm has gone through seven generations during the last 100 years. But at times, Jones had to fight to get pieces of it back. Paid for by Compeer Financial. Is the next major health food cranberry juice? A Wisconsin grower thinks it may be. Larry Lee talks with the Warrens family. To round out a series filled with impactful stories, Pam Jahnke visits with Dorothy Harms. She is the founder of the Farmer Angel Network. Mental Health Week series paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With no heat, no additives, and no sugar, the Herzinger family is hoping to catch health-consious consumers who want better juice options for their families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Wisconsin's first fall case of HPAI confirmed at a turkey farm near Rice Lake, Dr. Keith Poulsen, Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, discusses farm biosecurity with Larry Lee. What's the meaning of "Gold Status" and what the new findings of the virus in Texas cattle might mean for Wisconsin beef and dairy producers. Another beautiful day on the way. The exception might be in far western Wisconsin, and possibly on the Iowa/WI border. Stu Muck says some stray showers could swing in there. Otherwise a sunny, calm day on the way. When McKenna Reichling was 17 years old, she lost her older brother, Myles, to suicide. Although she was still in high school, she realized the importance of mental health and decided it was time to take better care of her own. Since then, she says she has become, “ an advocate for my family, for myself, and for, you know, our whole community just to advocate for mental health and resilience.” This series is presented by Rural Mutual Insurance. What's going on? With the holidays just around the corner, Wisconsin cheesemakers and the dairy farms that work with them are accustomed to escalated sales. This year - it's missing. Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says it's because of high diesel prices. Reimbursement on freight shipments are meeting actual expenses, and companies are hesitant to make a move. Wackershauser says that's the same pattern being witnessed in retail featuring of dairy products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're frustrated that there's been no movement (except down) on cheese prices, you're not alone. Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says high diesel prices are creating an anomaly in the market we haven't seen! Right now the reimbursement factor provided to cheese processors that cut/wrap product from the west coast is not covering actual transportation costs. This has led to the holiday buyers for retail and online sources to essentially - stop. Wackershauser says everyone in dairy country is worried about the prolonged impact this could have on dairy farm margins - which are already in trouble. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When McKenna Reichling was 17 years old, she lost her older brother, Myles, to suicide. Although she was still in high school, she realized the importance of mental health and decided it was time to take better care of her own. Since then, she says she has become, “ an advocate for my family, for myself, and for, you know, our whole community just to advocate for mental health and resilience.” This series is presented by Rural Mutual Insurance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you imagine building an orchard from scratch. Well Deirdre Birmingham did! She's the owner/operator of The Cider Farm. They treat cider production like winemaking, utilizing specific tannic English and French apple varieties to create cider with distinct mouthfeel, complexity, and high quality. Because European cider apple trees were not commercially available in the U.S. in 2003, Birmingham and her husband hand-grafted their orchard trees using rootstock and scion wood learned from a local orchardist in Wisconsin. Apple seeds produce genetically unpredictable trees, requiring grafting (cloning) to maintain specific varieties; the precise process involves lining up thin layers beneath the bark of the scion wood and rootstock. Unlike mass-produced U.S. ciders that rely on table apples or imported juice concentrates, The Cider Farm grows high-quality varietals despite risks like high disease susceptibility and regional weather variations. Stu Muck says there's beautiful weather on the way for the next few days. Welcome relief for some people that suffered with those heavy rains earlier. It's a Wyffels Wednesday! Brent Tharp with Wyffels gives us a quick preharvest update. He tells Kiley Allan that those rains didn't do a lot of damage, but they definitely added a few points of moisture to those cobs. Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.You're the end of the line for the family farm. That's a place many farmers don't want to end up at, but it happened to Randy Roecker of Loganville. Roecker shares the elements that were brewing when he faced his own depression at the thought of losing the family farm. He shares with Larry Lee how he managed to get through the very difficult transition, and use what he learned on the other side to help other farmers. Sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance during National Farm Safety and Mental Health Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As farmers look eagerly look towards harvest, the professionals at Wyffels Hybrids are doing the same. Brent Tharp, Product Manager at Wyffels, sits down with Kiley Allan to talk about harvest progress across the country. He also dives into some resources that are built to help producers minimize loss and maximize ROI. Online agronomy tools can be found at wyffels.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Dairy Coalition is the latest dairy group to question the use of privately-funded attorneys by Attorneys General in a dozen states to work specifically on energy and environmental issues, saying there needs to be more tranparency and assurances that special interests are not buying regulatory or enforcement outcomes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pageantry platforms are a crucial part of the queen's reign. It isn't often one of the ladies chooses agriculture as her advocacy project, but Viroqua ag teacher turned Miss Wisconsin USA couldn't see her reign any other way. Pam Jahnke sits down with Olivia Lulich to discuss why agricultural advocacy is so important to her. Stu Muck says the rain will likely stay away until the weekend! Will it be enough of a dryout for our crops? A fourth-generation Wisconsin farm family is sharing a deeply personal story about the pressures of farming, mental health, and the importance of asking for help. Brian Reisinger says his family’s history of overcoming hardship also came with an expectation to simply keep going. Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance. Pam catches up with Ashley Huhn. Although crops are starting to come out of the fields, there is still a lot of business to be transacted with the Steffes Group. Paid for by Steffes Group. Global factors are the talk of the market early on a Tuesday morning. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, says there's a rumor that Iran is calling for peace. However, the source is not very reputable. More attention is turned to the US and China meeting scheduled for later this week. While primary discussion isn't expected to be agricultural, it's always an underlying factor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carey Jones is still working the land of his Richland County farm in the Township of Richwood. He's raising beef cattle, growing corn and soybeans -- while also holding down a full-time job. It's important. The farm has gone through seven generations during the last 100 years. But at times, Jones had to fight to get pieces of it back. His wife, Barb, has been part of that journey, too. A farm girl herself and his high school sweetheart, she helped work the farm so he could maintain his full-time job. They tell Teri Barr why keeping their farm in the family is now about future generations. And how it's also a way to help young people understand the importance of agriculture. You can catch more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former dairy farmer Randy Roecker discusses his struggles with the farm financial crisis, mental health, the decision to sell the farm, and life after farming, including partnering with another affected family to start the Farmer Angel Network. This series is presented by Rural Mutual Insurance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the northern end of the World's Longest Barn in Eau Claire, Jill Welke teases Cranfest and all it has to offer. After paying for parking, this walking festival is free and is planning to have some special activities and visitors. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck says weekend rain gave us some varying totals across the state. He's also keeping an eye on the first frost chances we're going to see in Northern Wisconsin. Pam Jahnke is kicking off Rural Mutual Insurance Mental Health Week with Jeff Ditzenberger. The former farmer faced mental health challenges himself. Now, he's helping others have important conversations and leverage tools that are available. Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance. Wisconsin Original Barnyard Beautifier, Jody Miller, joins Kiley Allan to talk about Cheese Fair Off The Square. The event is set to take place September 26, and will feature two things that make Wisconsin special: the dairy and the people. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin We're talking about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) again. Dr. Keith Poulsen gives us an update on the protocol being followed be the infected farm near Rice Lake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fourth-generation Wisconsin farm family is sharing a deeply personal story about the pressures of farming, mental health, and the importance of asking for help. Brian Reisinger says his family’s history of overcoming hardship also came with an expectation to simply keep going. But after learning his father had struggled with thoughts of harming himself following the loss of the family’s dairy herd, Reisinger realized -- the two had been standing side by side -- while each privately carried the same fear. Now, as Reisinger shares that experience with Teri Barr, he explains why it's also meant to be a reminder for other farmers -- asking someone how they’re doing can be the first step toward getting help. (Note: This interview is part of a special series brought to you by Rural Mutual Insurance. The Mid-West Farm Report Network and Rural Mutual Insurance reminds farmers and their families that physical farm safety and mental wellness go hand in hand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Wisconsin's first fall case of HPAI confirmed at a turkey farm near Rice Lake, Dr. Keith Poulsen, Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, discusses farm biosecurity, the meaning of "Gold Status" and what the new findings of the virus in Texas cattle might mean for Wisconsin beef and dairy producers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheese Fair off the Square is a celebration of two things that make Wisconsin so special: our premier dairy products and our premier people who make it happen. I have one of those people along with me now. Jody Miller is one of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's Wisconsin Originals. She takes the title of "the Barnyard Beautifier." Jody, tell us a little bit about the celebration that is Cheese Fair off the Square. More information about the Wisconsin Originals at https://wisconsindairy.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Quakenboss says they're fielding a lot of questions about the logistics of canning flour and butter. However, she says there's no way to do so safely. Good news, UW–Madison Extension and Iowa State University Extension have launched a toll-free helpline (1-866-540-4636) where callers can speak to a live expert Monday through Friday (9 AM–12 PM & 1 PM–4 PM) about food preservation, freezing, drying, and fermenting. Stu Muck says the rain will stick around into Monday for Southern Wisconsin. A long-awaited farm bill has cleared a major legislative hurdle. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in a 12-11 vote. This action pushes the legislation, known as Farm Bill 2.0, to the full Senate. Paul Jarvis is a Wautoma farmer and president of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. He sits down with Larry Lee to break down what the bill could mean for Wisconsin farmers. Dr. Rodrigo Werle, UW-Extension Weed Scientist, visits with Pam Jahnke about the field research he's been conducting to try and come up with answers for Wisconsin growers facing this tenacious weed that seems to keep spreading. Corey William Janke is celebrating 150 years of his family farming the same land near Bear Creek, in the Union Township of Waupaca County. The fifth-generation farmer reflects on how it has evolved from steam-powered equipment and a family sawmill to a modern beef operation, which he started in 2018 after the dairy cows left the farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think farm safety, do you think about protecting your hearing? Teri Barr and Pam Jahnke tackle hearing loss with Audiologist, Dr. Rebecca Younk. The rain is back. Stu Muck says we can expect a rather rainy weekend as well. CHS announced that Wisconsin is getting its first soybean processing plant. Larry Lee gets a peak behind the scenes with the folks at CHS. Dairy Analyst Bryce Windecker with Ever.Ag tells us how the state of the overall economy has a direct impact on the dairy and cheese industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Beef Expo is coming back to Milwaukee! Jill Welke learns that the folks in charge have everything lined up for a great expo! Stu Muck says the rain won't be away very long. Pam Jahnke catches up with the folks at the Wisconsin Beef Council. Kaitlyn Kesler and Andy Gussert join her. Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock on behalf of the WI Beef Council. Door County organic livestock farmer Josh Mechaelsen discusses why he’s traveling to Washington, D.C., with a group of Wisconsin farmers to meet directly with lawmakers. He also talks about the need for a new Farm Bill, changing farm policy to better support diverse and beginning farmers, and why having farmers personally share their stories with lawmakers can make a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Novak with the Midwest Food Products Association shares how food processors are also feeling the economic pressure, especially from energy costs, labor, and steel tariffs that make the can your food comes in account for about 40% of the price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A $2.5 million state investment is helping Wisconsin farmers find new markets while bringing fresh, locally produced food to families across the state. Teri Barr talks with Hunger Task Force CEO Matt King to learn how the "Connecting Farms to Families" program is growing beyond anyone's expectations -- and why King is now working to keep these connections successful -- well into the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, Stereo Master.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Novak discusses economic impacts to the food processing industry, competition from foreign canned goods, labor shortages, and high energy costs with Larry Lee from the Mid-West Farm Report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corey William Janke is celebrating 150 years of his family farming the same land near Bear Creek, in the Union Township of Waupaca County. The fifth-generation farmer reflects on how it has evolved from steam-powered equipment and a family sawmill to a modern beef operation, which he started in 2018 after the dairy cows left the farm. Janke says his goal now is to maintain the land and continue raising cattle, while highlighting the importance of family, longtime friendships, and the community that has helped build and sustain the farm for five generations. You can find more Sesquicentennial and Century farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, Stereo Master.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Latham and Pam dive into the complexities of the weather patterns we've been seeing. They talk drought and expectations for the upcoming el niño. Wisconsin saw rain through the night and into the morning. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck expects things to dry out as the week progresses. Pam and Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group discuss the importance of utilizing local opportunities and knowledgeable sellers. Paid for by Steffes Group. Larry Lee and Doug Rebout discuss an exciting announcement for Wisconsin farmers. On Monday, CHS announced they will break ground on Wisconsin's first soybean processing facility. The plant is expected to process 80 million bushels of soybeans annually. John Heinberg's attention is also focused on the announcement from CHS. A highly anticipated USDA report after the ProFarmer Tour and global dynamics continue to impact grain markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Door County organic livestock farmer Josh Mechaelsen discusses why he’s traveling to Washington, D.C. with a group of Wisconsin farmers -- to meet directly with lawmakers. Teri Barr talks with the Baileys Harbor man about being a beginning farmer who moved to Wisconsin from Iowa, and his firsthand perspective on the challenges facing today’s farmers. He talks about the need for a new Farm Bill, changing farm policy to better support diverse and beginning farmers, and how having farmers personally share their stories with lawmakers can make a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Rebout with the Wisconsin Soybean Association reacts to the annoucement by CHS that construction will begin soon on the Evansville, Wisconsin soybean crush plant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Bosold and Jake Sailer discuss the complexities that come with processing your own meat. Cooler temperatures are making their appearance this week. Stu Muck is keeping an eye on rain that could impact harvest activities. Larry Lee and Jackie McCarville talk about a few of the dos and don'ts of land lease agreements. Last week's most listened to story was "Third Grade Teacher Brings Wisconsin Agriculture to Life in Her Classroom." Pam sits down with our friends at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Jeff Betley dives into the many activities you can immerse yourself in at World Dairy Expo. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years ago, Dr. Rodrigo Werle (Brazilian native) escorted a group of Wisconsin farmers and agribusiness leaders through the major farming areas of Brazil. They're going again in January 2027.If you want to see the true size and scale of Brazilian agriculture, listen to the information Dr. Werle shares with Pam Jahnke.If you'd like to get a glimpse of what the 2025 experience was like, please take a few minutes to watch this short trip recap:https://youtu.be/bshBl5L3DS8?is=f-lSErUa6h-HAvXCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to start a conversation with any farmer - start talking about the weather. Farmers and farm families are accustomed to routine conversations like that. We'll talk about the weather forecasts, crop yields, fertilizer costs, herd challenges and harvest timelines. These discussions are comfortable, predictable, and familiar. Mental health, depression, and personal well-being are usually not a part of that comfort zone of conversation. The Mid-West Farm Report Network and Rural Mutual Insurance, are reminding our valuable farming community that physical farm safety and mental wellness go hand in hand. Jeff Ditzenberger, founder of TUGS (Talk, Understanding, Growing, Supporting) based in Monroe, emphasizes how the landscape of agricultural mental health has shifted over the past decade. Ditzenberger tells Pam Jahnke that while talking about mental wellness was once considered taboo, the conversations today are becoming more frequent, honest, and intense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think about farm safety, we usually think about the physical hazards of the job. Today, we take a dive deeper into the human side of farm safety. Pam Jahnke sat down with Dorothy Harms, co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, to discuss her personal journey creating the network. How evolving culture of rural mental wellness, is changing and how local grassroots initiatives are making a difference. For Dorothy Harms, the turning point came after losing her dairy farmer husband to suicide after thei herd dispersal, and then the tragic loss of a close friend and farming neighbor to suicide. What started as informal gatherings over soup and sandwiches, drawing 40 to 60 people at a time, proved that rural neighbors were hungry for support, connection, and solutions. Out of that shared grief, the Farmer Angel Network was born. This series made possible by Rural Mutual Insurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Dairy Expo brings the global dairy community to Madison each fall to celebrate exceptional cattle, discover new ideas and experience the pride that defines dairy farming. Joining us today is Wisconsin dairy farmer and World Dairy Expo cattle exhibitor, Jeff Betley.. Jeff not only sits on the board for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, his family also exhibits cattle at World Dairy Expo. Pam Jahnke explores the layers of opportunity that World Dairy Expo offers Wisconsin's dairy industry. Betley highlights the global interactions that happen from the trade show floor to the straw strewn ally's of the barns. Betley's also quick to highlight the educational opportunities available at World Dairy Expo. He's amazed at the amount of free fluid milk enjoyed during the show, the educational tours offered to area school kids, the career possibilities highlighted in the trade show and the practical skills honed in the show ally. World Dairy Expo returns to the Alliant Energy Center complex and the New Holland Pavilions September 29 through October 2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever.ag's Matt Tranel discusses the USDA's World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report that is due Friday at midday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hedge Becker never planned on becoming director of the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, but a friend’s encouragement and her passion for fiber arts eventually led her there. Now, Becker is helping grow the September 11-13 event in Jefferson. Becker tells Pam Jahnke the festival includes more than 115 fiber arts classes, sheep breed demonstrations, working dogs, shepherd education, and even discussions about using sheep to graze around solar farms. She also explains how it has become an annual family reunion for many visitors, thanks to the shared love of sheep, fiber, and the people who come together around them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a maelstrom of information blowing through dairy circles these days. Matt Tranel, dairy analyst with EverAg is trying to keep a pulse on it all. Tranel tells Pam Jahnke that there's a lot of information that could be gleaned from the upcoming World Ag Supply Demand Estimates that will be released from USDA. While most of the emphasis is on corn and soybeans, dairy is included in the outlook. Tranel points to the corn and soybean estimates as a direct indicator of feed costs - which have gone up! Will that mean dairies change their approach to animal management?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farms encourage striking up relationships with your local farms and the goods they can provide you with. Unfortunately, once those relationships are cemented, getting the finished products to customers can become the battle. Kiley Allan finds out about it firsthand from Haly Schultz, farmer at Marth Homestead Farm & Beef Store. She says roughly 36% of Wisconsin counties (26 out of 72) lack inspected red meat slaughter facilities, creating processing "deserts" that force farmers like Hallie Schultz to drive hours round-trip to process their livestock. Older mom-and-pop processing facilities closed due to retirement and high upgrade costs, and while post-COVID funding briefly helped new processors open, several have since shut down or shifted away from local slaughter to wholesale and retail sales. She explains the demand for state- or federally-inspected mobile slaughter units, which would allow farmers to handle cattle on-site, reduce animal stress, eliminate transportation logistics, and keep local processing options accessible. Local meat markets face persistent hurdles including a shortage of skilled, detail-oriented butchers, strict inspection standards, and a need for improved consumer education regarding regional meat production. Another picture perfect day in Wisconsin weather on the way. Stu Muck says we'll stay pretty dry today and tomorrow with only slight chances of showers. Temperatures will stay in comfortable upper 70's for the rest of the week.It will be "back to work" for representatives and senators beginning next week. That includes U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin. She's got a full agenda she'd like to see discussed, as she shared with Teri Barr. The two caught up recently at the Crave Brothers Farmstead in Waterloo during celebration of new Burrata cheese for the holidays. The Crave Brothers increase in new cheese production is supported through a grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative program, Baldwin supported the creation of the program. She wants more funding to continue support. The program is currently out of money.Although there was celebrating at Crave's event, Baldwin says she's concerned about the future for other farmers. The senator explains her priorities as she goes back to the nation's capitol - including the Farm Bill and beef imports.International negotiations have been part of daily headlines for months. That means they sometimes become a dull noise in the background. Matt Tranel, dairy analyst with EverAg says that Wisconsin dairy operators and dairy processors need to stay vigilant on monitoring those discussions. Tranel says in July, for example, Mexico purchased 35% of all U.S. cheese exported. That's a big number! It's more than South Korea, Japan and Australian sales put together for the same time period. Tranel says keeping that relationship healthy is a major directive from the nations dairy operators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopefully you never need them - but unfortunately many families in rural communities have to call on Emergency Medical Services(EMS). Those resources are stretched no matter what community you live in. Pam Jahnke finds out about those challenges from Carrie Meier. She's spent 21 years in Dane County helping to coordinate those emergency response efforts. Things have definitely changed over the course of that tenure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There will be a limited number of legislative days when lawmakers return to Washington -- and Congress breaks again -- before the midterm elections. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin plans to push for dairy support while keeping an eye on the farm bill and other issues affecting Wisconsin agriculture. She talked with Teri Barr about the importance of legislation while attending an on-the-farm event and celebration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School lunches are highly regulated by the federal government, but they still need to be tasty to appeal to students. What does that mean your child's actually getting served? Diane Pratt-Heavner joins Kiley Allan. She's a spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association. She's explains the careful considerations and requirements foods must meet before landing on lunchroom trays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As canning and preservation enthusiasts shift from crop to crop, Heather Quackenboss, a UW–Madison Extension Human Development and Relationships Educator, says it's important to make sure you're crossing your t's and dotting your i's when it comes to proper preservation techniques. While there are a plethora of resources online, Heather says they can't all be trusted the same. She tells us about a new tool UW-Madison and Iowa State Extension are bringing to the canning community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.