MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

It is day one of the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay and ag meteorologist Stu Muck says the draft goers may be getting wet.It has been about 2 years since the AMPI plant in Portage had a fire that shut down production for six weeks. Charitee Seebecker talks with Sarah Schmidt, the vice President of Marketing for AMPI about the rebuilding process and how they overcame the event.It is warming up outside and may have you thinking about pulling the boat out. Ben Jarboe chats with the DNR's Boating Law Administrator, Darren Kuhn, about some considerations before hitting the water.Making sure your cattle are comfortable in the barn is key for good production. Stephanie Hoff is joined by Jeff Glass from Best Footing Concrete and Grooving to see how having the right flooring is essential for the comfort of your animals. Katie Burgess, the Dairy Market Advising Director with EverAg, says the latest milk production report is a bit surprising, showing only a 0.9% increase last month. Burgess also says that as we move towards the summer grilling and ice cream season that she expects that to pick up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using duct tape as a bandage is common for farm kids and farm kids at heart, but you can’t put duct tape on a stroke. As we enter the busy planting season, be aware of the signs of stroke so that you can seek help before it’s too late. Shannon Huettl, a stroke coordinator at the ThedaCare Appleton location and a nurse on the stroke floor in Neenah, has advice for farmers to both prevent and respond to symptoms of a stroke. She says the good news for Central Wisconsin is that there’s going to be more access to clinics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid rising concerns about bird flu affecting dairy cows, experts want the public to know one thing clearly: pasteurized milk is safe. Dr. Keith Poulsen, Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, emphasized, “Pasteurization is 100% effective. This is not a food safety issue.” He also shared reassuring news: no bird flu virus has been found in Wisconsin dairy cows to date. While poultry have been hit hard by the H5N1 virus, dairy cows experience it very differently. “We’re not seeing cows die from this virus,” Dr. Poulsen said. “Only about 2 to 3 percent of cows are affected, and most recover.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors annual convention in Middleton, two industry leaders were inducted into the 2025 Meat Industry Hall of Fame: Fritz Usinger of Fred Usinger, Inc., a 144-year-old family meat business in Milwaukee, and Dan Sutherland of Johnsonville, who has held various roles since 1982. Sutherland, a third-generation member of the Milwaukee Stockyards, shared insights into his start in the industry and how meat companies navigate seasonal consumption trends. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck says despite some more mild and above normal temps ahead, rain is still in the forecast. Dairy farmers take cow comfort to the next level because they know that if they take care of the cows, the cows take care of them. Today, we’re exploring one of the many ways dairy farmers prioritize animal welfare. Nick Knaapen is a sales manager for Bioret Agri. He joins Stephanie Hoff and says on many farms, the cows sleep more comfortably than their farmers do thanks to animal welfare technology. Nick essentially sells waterbeds for dairy cattle. Ashley Huhn from Stephas Group provided an update, noting that while some farmers are anxiously tilling to dry out fields, aggressive markets are currently in Canada. Due to weather delays, Canada is seeing more equipment auctions than regions like Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, where farmers are preparing to hit the fields. Paid for by Steffes Group. Pam Jahnke has a conversation with Brian Luck, a biological systems engineer with UW-Madison Extension, about changes to the custom operator survey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spring bird migration has begun here in Wisconsin, but unfortunately our homes could be one of the most dangerous obstacles for our feathered friends. Windows pose a huge threat to our avian counterparts and Lisa Gaumnitz the coordinator of Save Our Songbirds shares some proactive ways you can prevent these collisions that take the lives of 3.5 billion birds a year. She also shares some other ways to help the birds through their travels. One way of preventing these collisions is to put up stickers 2 inches apart across windows to break up their reflection. It is also very helpful during migration time to turn off all unnecessary lights at night, so birds do not get confused. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Emergency Medical Services, healthy eating, and a healthy environment are on the priority list for Assembly Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Rep. Clint Moses. He also chairs the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care. Moses grew up on a dairy farm and was raised by an agriculture teacher. He currently raises beef cattle. So, with roots in the agriculture community, he’s been keyed in on rural Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you head to your attorney’s office, it’s best to have your plan together so that you can be efficient with the time you’re paying for. Unfortunately, not every farm family has a plan when it comes to a farm succession. Justin Randall is an associate attorney at Hoooper Law Office, heading up the area of farm succession planning. He walks us through some dos and don'ts when you’re going through that process with a lawyer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once ridden by Chinese Emperors and world leaders, the Akhal-Teke has a rich history. Now there are less than 5,000 of them remaining in the world. Danielle Splaine a member of the Akhal-Teke Association of America joins Ben Jarboe and shares the history of these horses as well as the characteristics they have that led them to being the horse of choice for the once-great leaders. The wet weather is here to stay for a few more days. That's according to Ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Scott Mahloch is an FBI Agent out of Milwaukee where he's the Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator. He joins Stephanie Hoff and says the FBI pays careful attention to the many facets of the food supply chain from technology to animals that are at risk for attack. John Heinberg, Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing, says planting progress in Wisconsin is slightly behind due to wet conditions but remains near average, with warmer, drier weather expected to help. He notes the weaker U.S. dollar is boosting export competitiveness, while wheat supplies remain tight globally but underappreciated by the market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farms have a wide range of assets and activities that require specialized coverage. When you're worrying about the home, personal property, AND farm buildings, equipment, and livestock, some liabilities can get overlooked. We're talking about some of those items today with Rural Mutual Insurance Agent Barbi Manter in Northwest Wisconsin. She works with a diverse portfolio of farm businesses from dairy and cash crops to goat yoga establishments and hobby farms. Barbi walks us through items that you don't want to miss in your policy, including life insurance, blanket policies for small items, sentimental things, property, and livestock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Bosold brings us a conversation with a New Zealand dairy farmer, Chris Adams, at Bright View Farms at the "bottom of the world." Dairy has taken over sheep as their largest industry. This month's DFW Checkoff Chat has Charitee Seebecker visiting with Gary Kohn. Even though June is a few months away, dairy marketers and farmers are preparing for June Dairy Month. A June dairy breakfast -- or any breakfast -- isn't complete without maple syrup. Ben Jarboe catches up with Jim Adamski in Antigo. Jim says the sap has stopped running, but the producers have not. The work at the sugarbush is year-round. Wisconsin continues working toward its goal of getting everyone access to high-speed internet. Alyssa Kenny with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has an update.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expanding and bettering healthcare in rural America is top of mind for many in the U.S. including businesses. Bob Madsen the Vice President of Rural Vitality with Compeer Financial shares some recent projects they are working on to support rural areas. One of the more recent projects is helping fund a $25.75 million renovation of the Midwest Medical Center in Galena, Illinois. They are also going to be opening a new hospital in Darlington Wisconsin in June to better serve the surrounding communities of Lafeyette County. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some wet weather is moving through the state this weekend. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck says some of these may be severe. Farm Director Pam Jahnke has a conversation with Brian Luck, a biological systems engineer with UW-Madison Extension, about some updates on the changes to the custom operator survey. Luck says the research will now be fully done by UW- Extension.This morning also involves some education, this being to learn about some new technology that helps speed up the process of putting new structures on your farm, Ben Jarboe talks with Austin Tyler, a drafter and surveyor with the Sharine group, to learn about the use of 3-D scanners for surveying. With the Midwest Horse Fair concluding this last weekend it is a good time to think about the best ways to keep your horses healthy this spring, Stephanie Hoff has the details on the vaccines to consider for your horses with DATCP vet Dr. Heather Roney. Pam Jahnke has a chat with Jonathon Gibbs, from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, about some farm shows and new research coming out to help the Wisconsin soybean industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we hit the quarter-century mark in agriculture and ag lending, there’s a tale of two economies unfolding. According to Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech’s Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, the U.S. economy is holding strong, but the global economy is facing headwinds. Stu Muck tells us what rainfall could look like around the state this evening and into the Easter weekend. Spring is the time for bunnies and baby chicks. It's fur and feather swap season at a town near you. In Walworth County, they're gearing up for a swap to help fund the Fur & Feather Sale at the county fair and several scholarships for youth exhibitors. Dr. Temple Grandin tells Ben Jarboe that if you get down and see what an animal sees, then you can better understand their behaviors. At a UW-Madison event, she tells Mid-West Farm Report about key moments in her career that have led her to new animal welfare research today. Ever.Ag dairy analyst and broker Cody Koster joins Mid-West Farm Report with an explanation for the Class III rally. He says, despite the tariff scare, countries can't argue that U.S. dairy products are the cheapest in town, spurring an increase in export numbers, aided by a weaker U.S. dollar. Exports are critical to eating up the domestic supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trusted tool that helps Wisconsin farmers make smart financial decisions is getting a fresh start in 2025. The Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey, which shows the average prices charged for farming services across the state, is now being handled directly by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. “This survey gives farmers the power of information,” said Brian Luck, University Extension Agricultural Engineer. “It helps them understand what others are paying or charging for everything from planting to harvest.” In the past, the Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service conducted the survey. But due to rising costs, the Extension team decided to take it on themselves. “The costs just got too high,” Luck said. “So we looked at how other states do it and decided to build our own version in-house.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we hit the quarter-century mark in agriculture and ag lending, there’s a tale of two economies unfolding. According to Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, the U.S. economy is currently holding strong — but the global economy is facing headwinds. “We have a bifurcated world economy,” Kohl said. “The U.S. is doing well, largely because of deficit spending and high equity markets like stocks and real estate. That’s driven consumption. But the rest of the world is struggling.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy farmers take cow comfort to the next level because they know that if they take care of the cows, the cows take care of them. Today, we’re exploring one of the many ways dairy farmers prioritize animal welfare. Nick Knaapen is a sales manager for Bioret Agri. He says on many farms, the cows sleep more comfortably than their farmers do thanks to animal welfare technology. Nick essentially sells waterbeds for dairy cattle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once ridden by Chinese Emperors and world leaders, the Akhal-Teke has a rich history. Now there are less than 5,000 of them remaining in the world. Danielle Splaine a member of the Akhal-Teke Association of America shares the history of these horses as well as the characteristics they have that led them to being the horse of choice for the once-great leaders. This horse for Turkmenistan has a long neck and slender body. Splaine explains that the horse is known for its speed, endurance, and loyalty to its rider. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A comfortable cow is a productive cow. When animals are your livelihood, keeping them happy is a part of the job. Today we’re exploring one of the many ways dairy farmers prioritize animal welfare. Austin Brozak owns Quadra Step Hoof Care near Madison, providing foot baths and hoof trimming for dairies. He says hoof care for a cow is kind of like scheduling a pedicure! Learn more: https://quadrastephoofcare.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The work continues to prevent the highly pathogenic avian influenza from disrupting dairy herds. Several states have had the virus infiltrate dairies, but Wisconsin is not one of them. The goal of state health officials is to keep it that way. Dr. Heather Roney is a veterinarian and epidemiologist with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's Division of Animal Health, overseeing state cattle programs. She says Wisconsin's dairy industry is different from the other top dairy-producing states that have struggled with the virus -- we're not bringing in a lot of lactating cows. This benefits our dairy industry in preventing the spread of HPAI/H5N1. Wisconsin is currently under two federal orders and one state order regarding lactating dairy cattle testing. Roney says even dairy farmers who are not required to test their milk are volunteering to test and being proactive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When animals are your livelihood, keeping them happy and comfortable is a part of the job. Today we’re exploring one of the many ways dairy farmers prioritize animal welfare to keep the farm profitable and productive. Jeff Glass joins us from Best Footing Concrete and Grooving out of Strum. His job is to ensure cows don’t slip on wet concrete or hurt their feet on surfaces that are too rough. He says barn floors encounter a lot of wear and tear, water, and manure, so slipping is common if there’s no traction. Learn more: https://www.bestfootingconcretegrooving.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Patrick Testin has taken the reins of the Wisconsin Senate Committee for Agriculture and Revenue. Although not from a farming background, Testin says he's always had a healthy appreciation for Wisconsin agriculture and rural life, and already has some priorities he wants addressed. He tells Pam Jahnke about his path to the position, and how he's already focused attention on seed potato production in the state and continuing a grazing pilot program that helps new farmers investigate that option. Wind continues to be the dominant element of Wisconsin weather today according to Stu Muck.More policy is being developed at the state capitol focused on rural Wisconsin. Stephanie Hoff catches up with Rep. Travis Tranel, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. One item that's been getting a lot of attention is locating solar arrays on valuable farmland. Tranel says he's working to find some policy guidelines that will work to protect that farmland. Wisconsin's DNR is soliciting applications for their Wolf Advisory Committee. Pam Jahnke reports that the DNR is specifically filling spots from 5 different stakeholder groups, and expects members to attend all meetings, come prepared and be willing to collaborate. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing out of West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke. The U.S. corn market has remained resilient to all the global discussion of tariffs. Heinberg says China focusing all its buying power on places outside of the U.S. has actually driven other global buyers TO the U.S. market. He also notes that you can't ignore the progress that's been made on soybean harvest in South America and that the market is screaming "do not plant beans".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A program called the "Local Food for Schools' started during the pandemic but is coming up short on funds today. Stephanie Hoff finds that Wisconsin schools were supposed to get $9 million this year, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled the program. REAP Food Group calls the termination a “major blow” to Wisconsin. REAP Farm to School Director Allison Pfaff Harris says the demand is there to justify continuing the federal program or implementing a new state-run initiative to help schools acquire local food without breaking the bank. The Ashwaubenon School District is an example of who will feel the cut. Nutrition Coordinator Kaitlin Tauriainen says she won’t stop trying to bring local food into the menu, but it’s going to be harder. Kaitlin is also the president of the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin. She says nutritionists are under a lot of pressure to plan menus while also following many regulations and pinching pennies. The Local Food for Schools dollars helped ease the burden.Windy weather returns to Wisconsin today. Stu Muck says temps will stay in the mid-50's, but the wind will change how it feels.Normally in spring, farmers are feeling optimistic about the growing season. Ag lenders are saying that trend has changed this year. Charitee Seebecker spoke with Nicholas Felder at the WI Ag Lenders Spring Conference in WI Dells. Felder is an ag banker from Lancaster who says the entire sector is pessimistic. Felder says lenders are reevaluating their portfolios and taking a closer look at the value of land, cattle and equipment. Sustainability is turning into premiums for some Wisconsin dairy farms. With Earth Day on the calendar April 22nd, Jeff Betley, Pulaski dairy farmer and board member of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, tells Pam Jahnke about some of the practices they're using that help the environment, and tell a story to today's consumers. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers across Wisconsin are no strangers to navigating uncertainty—from changing weather to fluctuating markets. But what does that mean for their financial future? We checked in with Jeff Wilke- Chair of the ag bankers section board to get an inside look at how the lending landscape is shifting in his neck of the woods in Northeast Wisconsin and what it means for farmers planning their next move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers are trying to get all hands on deck on what they are calling the largest energy reform package that the state has seen in decades. It's called the Wisconsin Energy Reform Act (WERA). It includes a farmland preservation component. Assembly Agriculture Chair Travis Tranel led the effort to include whether or not a large-scale renewable energy project should be sited on productive farmland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you find yourself daydreaming about living in the countryside, growing tulips, and having a farmstand… well, you’re not alone. It’s not something that only happens in the movies, but it takes more work than the movies let on. Welcome back as we highlight specialty crops across Wisconsin and the growers who make it happen. Today we’re visiting with Erin Avila-Vissers at Four Acres Flowers in DeForest. She turned this dream into a reality, even though the rest of her family was a little apprehensive at first. After planting 1,000 tulips by hand over the past few years, her dream of being a full-time flower farmer is only getting closer. This podcast series is brought to you by Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more at gowiagtourism.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Temple Grandin is a staple in US agriculture, well known for her work on the humane harvest of livestock, as well as the better understanding of the behavior of animals. Recently Temple was in Madison where she spoke about her about the work she has done throughout her life as well as current issues that she is seeing within the animal agriculture industry. She says that if you get down and see what an animal sees then you can better understand their behaviors. One of the biggest issues Dr. Grandin is currently seeing is the breeding of unhealthy animals. She feels it is unethical to breed animals with health issues, knowing that the offspring may also have the issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The maple syrup season is drawing to a close. Always dependent on the weather, this year's season ended up a little shorter than Cedric Boettcher had hoped. He's a fourth generation maple syrup operator in Cadott who explains the diversity of the industry to Bob Bosold.Warmer today, with sunshine this weekend. Stu Muck holds out weather hope on a Friday. Ag suppliers are getting product in place, and out the door these days. Pam Jahnke talks to Steve Bailie, market manager at the Monroe location for Helena Agri. He says they're pretreating seed right now, and focused on gathering any information that will help minimize risk on a field-by-field basis, to save money. Paid for by Helena Agri. Two meat industry legends were inducted into the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame on Thursday night. Dan Sutherland who started his career at Johnsonville in 1982, and Fritz Usinger who is the fourth generation of the Fred Usinger, Inc. company - known as Usinger brats. Both share what they think their legacy is to the industry with Pam Jahnke.Likewise, plans are ramping up for the 78th annual "Alice in Dairyland" finale. Hosted for the first time by Crawford County, committee member and former "Alice", Kaitlyn Kesler, tells Pam Jahnke about what they're doing to prepare. She believes that Crawford county will draw good sized crowds for their events since people may have never experienced the piece of paradise before.If I say "Girl Scout" I'm guessing you'll immediately think of the flavor of cookie you prefer. That's expected since cookie sales are a hallmark of the Girl Scouts. Today some of those young women are working on a badge with a different distinction. A Wisconsin agriculture badge. Stephanie Hoff explains that what started as a badge focused exclusively on dairy has now branched out to involve all Wisconsin agriculture. Dane County dairy producer, John Haag, has helped with that and shares the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a year marked by a lot of uncertainties, many Wisconsin farmers are wondering what’s next. Behind the scenes, agricultural lenders are working closely with producers—not just to manage risk, but to help guide long-term success. One of those voices is Nicholas Felder, vice chair of the ag bankers section board, who’s seeing both concern and quiet confidence among his clients in Southwest Wisconsin. Lenders are watching for key traits in borrowers. “The farms with an executive mindset—handling HR, finances, equipment choices—those are the ones that survive long term,” he emphasized. Some sectors are faring better than others. “Dairy had an average year in 2024. But 2025 will be tougher. Crop farmers will face another rough season,” Felder shared. “Cattle producers are doing okay—if the math adds up.” Across the board, producers are feeling uncertain. “There’s a lot of pessimism in agriculture right now,” Felder said. “No one knows what’s coming next—six weeks or six months out.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From your favorite restaurant to dinner tables around the world, a key Wisconsin facility quietly helps deliver cheese to your plate. But when a fire temporarily shut down operations, it posed a major challenge. Now, that plant is bouncing back stronger than ever. Sarah Schmidt, Vice President of Marketing for AMPI, is sharing the story of how they overcame the setback at their Portage plant and what it means for the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin Beef Council is crisscrossing the state in the month of May, promoting beef and the recipes that are making it great! Kaitlyn Kesler, Director of Communication & Outreach for the Wisconsin Beef Council tells Pam Jahnke that their annual "Best Beef Burger" campaign has been overwhelmed with entries! Here's your Elite 8: Elite 8: 11:11 Burgers & Beignets - Fond du Lac Brazen Head Pub - West Bend Brothers On Oak - Baraboo The Dump - Cambria IRON Horse Saloon - Hurley Local Press Burger Bar - Kewaskum Mihm’s Charcoal Grill Menasha - Menasha Straight Home – Eland Kesler says that the panel of judges will be logging miles to make sure that the best of the best are announced as winners at the end of the month! Speaking of the month! All month long in May, pay attention to the beef messages you'll hear and see at your Kwik Trip pumps! Thanks to a partnership with Kwik Trip and Pit Boss, you could score not only great beef - but a Pit Boss Navigator grill/smoker. You can use store visits to enter, and get an additional entry by making a fresh beef purchase. Checkoff Chat is brought to you courtesy of the Equity Livestock Sales Cooperative Sales Association. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is the time for horse owners to reevaluate their vaccine regimens. Diseases are out there that threaten your prized animals, but they're preventable. Dr. Heather Roney is a veterinarian and epidemiologist with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's Division of Animal Health, overseeing state equine programs. She walks us through the health risks your horse may encounter this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organic Valley has selected agricultural veteran and community advocate Shawna Nelson as the cooperative’s fourth CEO, effective March 28. She’s also the cooperative’s first female CEO. Over almost 20 years within the co-op, she has grown from intern to CEO, contributing significantly to Organic Valley’s growth. Born and raised in the Driftless Area, Nelson started her career at Organic Valley in 2005 as an intern. She later moved into marketing, sales analysis, recruitment, employee relations, field operations, and dairy pool management. In every position, Nelson excelled and deepened her understanding of cooperative structure and strategy. She takes the lead as outgoing CEO Jeff Frank leaves to assume the CEO role at Monogram Foods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15th AgrAbility of Wisconsin and the National Farm Medicine Center, will be hosting an outreach summite to educate agencies on what's available resource-wise through the group. Melissa Ploeckelman, outreach specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. explains the itinerary to Jill Welke.Fog this morning, but improving temperatures on the horizon according to Stu Muck. How far do you have to drive to find a doctor? Any kind of doctor? For many rural residents that drive may take an hour or more. Ben Jarboe finds out about the Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME(graduate medical education). Lori Rodefeld is their director and says they're focused on engaging with medical students about the options to practice in rural communities. One of the ways they entice students into the conversation is through tuition reimbursement. She explains both the challenges and the rewards. Tariffs were paused on Wednesday and the markets immediately started to respond. Dr. Joe Outlaw is a professor and extension economist at Texas A&M University, and his most recent survey of farmers doesn't look promising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Midwest Horse Fair returns to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison this weekend. Ben Jarboe visits with show manager, Terri Giannati, about how engagement looks this year. The event is the biggest gathering of equine enthusiasts in the nation, and focuses on education instead of the "show" element. Rain is rolling back to Wisconsin. Stu Muck says it's not going to be a lot, but it will diminish the sun. Pam Jahnke visits with Randy Cath from the Steffes Group at the WPS Farm Show. April auctions are stacking up and Cath explains the conversations he's having with auction partners. He says that there's all kinds of dynamics at play when an auction's being pulled together. Paid for by Steffes Group. Emily Sydow, Wisconsin's new Honey Queen, says she's learning that beekeepers lost a large number of bees over the winter. She says she's hoping to draw attention to the issue at the state capitol and within state agencies that could help. The 68th annual WI Beef Improvement Association's Bull Sale was a record breaker last weekend. Stephanie Hoff gets the digit details from Alan Arndt, president of the WBIA. 68 bulls came from WI, IA, IL, MN and Montana!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From heartbreak to harvest—one Minnesota woman has turned unexpected tragedy into something truly beautiful. For Liz Fiedler, what began as a simple roadside flower stand during the pandemic has blossomed into a thriving farm and floral business. She joins Pam Jahnke to share how digging into the soil helped her heal, and how she’s built a business rooted in resilience, beauty, and a deep sense of community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Wisconsin Honey Queen is Emily Sydow from Sun Prairie. Currently a student at UW-Madison, majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics, she shares how beekeepers placing their hives on her family's farm first sparked her love for the industry. She shares more information about the farm she grew up on and the animals they kept. She also says that she hopes to one day work in the capitol with legislatures to advocate for agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April is Earth Month which means Wisconsin residents are encouraged to get out and do something good for the environment. Alice In Dairyland, Halei Heinzel, shares some fun facts about sustainable agriculture efforts within the state. She also says that on Arbor Day, which is April 25th, she will be planting a tree in Crawford County to support sustainability efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Wisconsin’s agriculture faces both challenges and opportunities, one state senator is stepping up to help shape policies that support farmers across the state. Senator Patrick Testin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue, has a background that blends both politics and agriculture. He’s been actively working to ensure Wisconsin's farming community thrives, advocating for everything from infrastructure improvements to new farming practices. Senator Testin joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the priorities driving his work and how he got his start in agriculture policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REAP Food Group calls the termination of the Local Food For Schools and Child Care program a “major blow” to Wisconsin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is cutting two programs that provided about $1 billion in funding to schools and food banks to buy directly from local farms. That includes about $660 million this year for the Local Food for Schools program. Allison Pfaff Harris, Farm to School Director for REAP Food Group in Madison, says the termination is effective May 6. “The termination of the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program is a major blow to not only schools and farms around Wisconsin, but schools and farms throughout the country,” she says. “Throughout my career, folks have asked me ‘How do we move local foods into schools?’. To me, it’s never been an issue of abundance or lack of interest by schools and farmers but a funding issue.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association's 68th Annual Bull Test Sale featured 68 bulls averaging $5,358. This year's sale was “record-breaking” for the WBIA. The sale average was the highest it has ever been, surpassing the previous sale average record from 2022, with an average sale price over $500 higher than last year. The sale was via DVAuction online and live auction at UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm this past weekend. The buyers appreciated the bulls the consignors entered into the test and sale, says WBIA President Allan Arndt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many in Wisconsin Dairy Farming is a way of life. But recent times have shown a labor shortage making it harder for these farmers to produce. One school in Green Bay heard this call for help and implemented the only pure dairy science program in the nation. Wendy Vandenboom, a dairy science instructor and Veterinarian with the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College shares the story of how local farmers called on them to start the program. She also shares what the future holds for the only pure dairy science college program in the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has been working hard to close the gap between the demand for rural doctors and the actual number there are. This all starts with where medical students get placed for their residency. Lori Rodefeld the Director of the Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME shares an update on the effort to provide more healthcare for rural Wisconsin. She says that as part of this effort, Wisconsin is home to the first rural OB-GYN program in the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin's livestock market has been topsy turvy with incredible prices for any beef cattle. Curt Larson, President and CEO of the Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association, talks to Jill Welke about the marketing cycle they've witnessed at sale barns. He also projects what he's anticipating for livestock movement and prices going forward in 2025. Sunshine returns to the forecast today, according to Stu Muck. With high egg prices and limited supplies, many people have decided to try and grow their own. That's a great option, but you need to be aware of some of the regulations and laws that are in place to protect other farms and flocks. Stephanie Hoff talks to someone who's lived through a flock depopulation. Scott Schneider is an egg producer out of Lake Mills and he sits on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium. He knows firsthand how HPAI can damage a commercial flock. He dealt with it in 2015 when his flock was wiped out. This should motivate livestock owners to register and/or renew their premise ID through the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium. For one, it's the law. Second, it's to protect livestock owners from disease outbreaks. The first crop progress report of the season was released on Monday. While there's not much to report for Wisconsin farmers, there's ample concern about weather patterns elsewhere. Matthew Bennett, co-founder of AgMarketing.net, says there's a 60% chance that drought could impact national production averages. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss the latest trends in tariffs and the impact it's having on the marketplace. The U.S. remains the place international buyers are going for corn, while South America's harvest continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Springtime is busy for the equine veterinarians on staff at IronGate Clinic in Madison. Howard Ketover is one of them. He serves farms, hobbyists, and boarding facilities across Dane County and beyond. He says he puts a lot of miles on in the spring because horses and their owners are in a key transition period. It’s time to move from a less active winter season to a more physical summer routine, not to mention it’s also foaling season. Dr. Ketover gives horse owners some critical advice on how to best care for their animals this time of year. We look forward to catching up with him and other equine experts again at the Midwest Horse Fair April 11-13 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Snow's still in the forecast for this week! Stu Muck tells Pam Jahnke that it won't amount to much, but it signals that temperatures are cooler this morning.USDA's Brooke Rollins has some explaining to do before a group of agricultural leaders in Iowa last week. Rollins reviewed the current situation with tariffs announced by the Trump administration, and compared export figures from the first Trump administration to today. Farm Animals are great recyclers. They eat things that we can’t and then create quality products for us like milk and protein. And when farm animals get old and pass away, their contribution to recycling doesn't end there. Jeff Sauer, is the owner of Organic Waste Connections and they help farmers continue that recycling process. He explains the process to Charitee Seebecker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainability is everywhere, especially in Wisconsin’s dairy industry! Sustainability in one form or another has been practiced by Wisconsin dairy farmers for generations, including working with their land to keep their soil rich and healthy to dairy cows being natural recyclers. Jeff Betley is a member of the board of directors for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. He's the third generation farmer in northeast Wisconsin, with plans in place to bring the next generation along! Betley tells Pam Jahnke more about their operation, and the unique investments they've made in sustainability practices that help not only their bottom line - but their neighbors as well. Most recently, a methane digester! Betley says it's not just about the cows - it's also about the land when it comes to sustainability. He says many farms today are using cover crops to protect and enrich the soil on their farms. Today's farms are moving toward no-till or reduced tillage practices to reduce or eliminate erosion and keep soil healthy. Farmers improve soil health via crop rotation, planting cover crops and converting to no-till or reduced tillage, which prevents soil erosion and runoff into local water sources. Continued learning is a key point for Betley and the staff he employees and works with too! Wisconsin has over 28 dairy-farmer-led watershed groups that protect hundreds of thousands of acres of land and water in Wisconsin. Many dairy farmers are involved in these groups to care for their local waterways and water supply. Farmers are also students! Farmers volunteer to participate in research that helps protect water quality through a Wisconsin program called Discovery Farms. Betley says the "real world" scenarios that Discovery Farms presents help him make decisions without forcing him to make investments in time and money strictly on his own. To learn more about how Wisconsin dairy farmers are committed to building a sustainable future, visit WisconsinDairy.org/Sustainability. While you’re shopping in store, the best way to support Wisconsin dairy farm families is to look for the Proudly Wisconsin badge or the number “55” on packaging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Midwest Horse Fair is at the end of this week and there will be lots to see and do for the fair goers. Terri Giannetti the Executive Director of the fair shares some of the highlights for what can be expected including famous horses. She also says that Amber Marshall from the hit show Heartland will be at the fair hosting clinics and fan meet and greets. The fair will include around 800 horses and 400 exhibitors for all your western and horse care needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market trends, industry developments, emerging risks – this is what agribusinesses are focused on every day that their insurance providers are also monitoring. Here to give us a snapshot of what insurance companies are analyzing are Ben DuCharme and Jen Pino-Gallagher of M3 Insurance. Ben is a client executive and Jen is the director of Agriculture, Food and Business. They cover topics around rising insurance prices, property markets, employee compensation, fleet services, cybersecurity, and dairy processing expansion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend, Girl Scout troops will explore the world of agriculture. John Haag is a dairy farmer out of Dane, Wisconsin. He milks about 115 cows with his family. They’ve been hosting Girl Scout troops on the farm for the past five years, helping these girls earn their dairy patch. About 40 troops will rotate around different presenters -- women who work in the field of agriculture: agronomy, nutrition, natural resources, communications, animal health, and more. John will also give the girls a tour of his modern dairy farm showcasing robotic milking technology and animal welfare. Pictured: John Haag talking to a Girl Scout troop at his farm in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to renew your premise ID. If you have livestock – maybe you’re milking 3,000 cows or maybe you’ve just started a chicken flock in your backyard with three birds. Registering your premise with the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium is the law. WLIC manages these premise registrations for the state. If there’s an animal disease outbreak, it allows the state to come up with a plan to protect livestock owners. Scott Schneider of Nature Link Farms knows firsthand how detrimental a disease outbreak can be for a commercial flock - he’s dealt with the highly pathogenic avian influenza on his farm. Scott has a cage-free egg-laying operation near Lake Mills. He produces about 20,000 dozens of eggs per day. He says consumers also feel the effect of a disease outbreak, starting with the price of eggs in the grocery store. Register your premise at wiid.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin's already witnessed a few wildfires that have torched rural acres. The threat for fire on the farm needs to be taken seriously too. Not only is property at risk, but family and employees need protection. Ben Jarboe gets some tips from Jerry Minor, retired fire chief with the Pittsville FD. He suggests that farm devise an emergency response plan if a fire occurs. He says there's a wealth of information and guidance in online resources. Minor says he'd really like farmers to help their local FD to prepare in case of emergency. Moderate weather returns to Wisconsin for the weekend. A little rain, and more moderate temperatures according to Stu Muck. Next week the largest 3 day horse event in Wisconsin returns to the Alliant Energy Center. The Midwest Horse Fair focuses on education according to show general manager, Terri Gianetti. She says they're expanding horses and clinicians from across the United States. She highlights some of the performances people flock to as well with Ben Jarboe. Cuts in the federal budget are sending ripple effects to researching campuses across the United States, including UW-Madison. UW-Madison Chancellor, Jennifer Mnookin, says they're trying to be proactive if these cuts are coming their way, but she says it's difficult. Mnookin tells the Mid-West Farm Report that the UW is the 6th largest research university in the U.S. and a sizable amount of the funding for that research comes through federal channels. Federal cuts are impacting local budgets too. During the pandemic the federal government created a funding mechanism to try and connect school lunch programs with local farmers that could supply fresh produce and goods during a time when the food chain was disrupted. Now, the federal government's discontinuing two of the major programs that local school nutrition programs counted on. Local farmers also counted on those funds. Stephanie Hoff finds out how school lunch programs are trying to react with Ashwaubenon School District Nutrition Coordinator, Kaitlin Tauriainen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New producers continue to enter the sheep community, but common beginner mistakes can become serious issues for the flock down the road. Caroline Ihde is a small ruminant outreach specialist with Iowa State University and the UW-Madison Division of Extension. She has the details on how to keep your flock safe and productive. But first, she says it’s been exciting to see new families or retirees find interest in sheep and goats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.