MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

School bells are about to ring and just like students, teachers are getting ready. Now, there's a way for parents and supporters of those agriculture teachers to get them started on the right foot! Teri Barr visit with Pamela Stuttgen. She wants to be sure her daughter walks into the classroom this fall, and finds a back-to-school gift box waiting for her there. The Colby, Wisconsin woman believes it’s a simple way to show — someone has noticed the work agriculture teachers across the state, do every day. For the past three years, Stuttgen has sent this surprise to her daughter, Jessica. She’s an ag teacher in the Athens School District. But this year, Stuttgen decided to send a second box, celebrating another agriculture educator in the state. “Ag teachers play a very important role in our school system,” she said. “However, they are so underappreciated.” And this gift has become more than a box filled with supplies and surprises. It’s now a wonderful way to recognize teachers who spend countless hours helping students discover opportunities within the agriculture industry. The last weekend of the Wisconsin State Fair will work with moderate temperatures and some rain. Stu Muck says that pattern won't change until at least next week. Harvest may not have started, but farmers are getting a pretty good idea of what their crop will yield. Pam Jahnke visits with Dr. Shawn Conely, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist about the 2026 WI Soybean Yield Contest. Conley says the opportunity not only puts prize money in producers pockets, it also generates real-world information that can help Conley and his research team. Paid for by WI Soybean Marketing Board. The Wisconsin Products building at State Fair Park features everything you'd like to enjoy from the state's farmers. Kiley Allan takes a little time to find out how the cranberry growers are doing. Holly Herline, Communications Director with Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association says the season looks good. Friendships forged at fairs, through 4-H. There's stories all around with that nucleus as its start. Pam Jahnke visits with a group of 6 Sheboygan County 4-H youth that bonded over their mutual love of poultry. Katherine Arbuckle and Lyla How are two of the members. While this group was exhibiting for different 4-H clubs, their mutual interest in poultry ultimately brought them together. Once they showed side-by-side, they found out they also all played music! That led to the beginning of "What's Up: Chicken Butt Band". The troup of poultry appreciators perform at different events all around Sheboygan County and also performed at the WI State Fair. The passion these kids have for poultry has also ignited a new event at the Sheboygan County Fair through a new costume contest! Lyla How tells Pam Jahnke that the best birds for the dress-up event are the "fluffy ones" - because they don't move around so much. And now you know. What's Up: Chicken Butt Band does have its own social media page if you'd like to follow these 4-Her's friendships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin's voice is being heard on the national scene regarding use of beef checkoff dollars. Curt Larson, President & CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock also is serving as president of the WI Beef Council. Larson explains to Pam Jahnke that discussion is currently ongoing about channels where beef producers checkoff dollars will be spent. Larson acknowledges that the entire industry is trying to do more with less. Fewer cattle mean fewer investment dollars available overall. That makes producer voices all the more important in the decision making process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Dairy Shrine is preserving agriculture stories from the past -- for the future. Teri Barr talks with Mike Opperman, executive director of the Dairy Shrine and Museum, to learn why everything from antique butter-making machines to a Dairy Hall of Fame, are so important. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most important steps when it comes to maximizing the yield you're getting out of this year's crop is to know what you're up against. Dr. Emily Bick sat down with Kiley Allan. She's Extension Specialist of Insects for Field and Forage Crops. She tells us what we're seeing in the fields right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The preservation of habitat is extremely important for Wisconsin wildlife. Nate Fore sat down with me. He's a Wetland Easement Biologist with Pheasants Forever. He tells me that they're primarily concerned with grasslands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leo Berger and Victor Cruz from Milwaukee keep coming back to the Flower Crew. What they describe as a 'fun summer job' is a crew of approximately 30 people that keep the fairgrounds beautiful and inviting!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know the difference between a bison and a buffalo? Learn more about the bison industry with the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association and Chef Andy Tenaglia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cranberries are a robust industry in Wisconsin! The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association are encouraging State Fair attendees to use all of their senses to learn about cranberries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volunteers at the Wisconsin State Fair's Milk House are serving up flavored milk! Teri Barr talks with Tami Garrison, the lead volunteer for a group of co-workers from Generac. She explains why sharing glasses of milk is a fair tradition, and how it also helps support Wisconsin agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This farm's legacy traces all the way back to Norway, where an ancestor emigrated from before arriving in Wisconsin in 1861. He officially purchased the farmland a few years later, in 1864, and built the operation from scratch on sandy and clay soil, eventually constructing nine outbuildings on the property. One of those original structures, a tobacco shed, is still standing today. The family also has a proud history of supporting the country's war efforts, from raising donkeys for the World War I effort to Pete's father serving in the Pacific for two years during World War II. Today, the farm is represented by siblings Susan and Pete Redinger. Their family moved to Wisconsin from New York in 1953, and officially purchased the farm in 1957 from Oscar Ryerson, their mother's uncle. Susan even took on the daunting task of filling out the 87-page deed and paperwork required to get the farm officially recognized. Now, Susan lives in Arkansas and Pete lives in Texas, but despite living out of state, the siblings return each spring, summer, or fall to keep up with maintenance, including painting the buildings and updating an old chicken coop. While visiting, they stay in the original farmhouse, which they humorously describe as "two steps up from camping." Now retired, Pete is heavily focused on maintaining the buildings and keeping the farm entirely out of debt, and both siblings have already made plans to ensure the farm is safely passed down to the next generation. 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.

Five generations. One farm. Over 150 years of history. The Vogt family's story starts in 1862, when they left Bickenried, Germany, for a new life in America. The Civil War delayed their journey up the Mississippi, but by 1870 they'd built the farmhouse that still stands today in the tri-state corner of Southwest Wisconsin, where Al Vogt still resides. The farm has weathered a lot over the years, from losing 60 acres to the construction of Lock and Dam 11, to shifting from dairy to beef and hogs in 1955. Today, Al's son Louis runs the operation with about 40 head of beef cattle, plus hogs, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. And the next generation is already pitching in. Louis's kids, Colin, Eleanor, and Eric, are out cleaning pens and hauling hay, carrying forward a legacy that started with one family's leap of faith across an ocean. 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.

The original 80-acre dairy farm was purchased by Jane's maternal grandparents after they relocated from another farm just a mile down the road. Jane's father moved to the farm when he was only four years old, and he eventually took over, growing the property to its current 120 acres and milking a herd of about 30 cows. The family even came together to rebuild the main farmhouse after a devastating fire the year before Jane was born. Today, the farm remains proudly in the family, with a solid plan in place for Jane's children, and eventually her grandchildren, to take the reins next. If you're a neighbor in Fond du Lac County, be sure to give the Schied family a huge congratulations on this milestone! 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.

Farmer and custom operator John Eron joins Midwest Farm Report's Larry Lee to discuss what he's doing differently when fertilizing corn, how the corn is doing so far, and how well-tuned older equipment is helping him succeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is America's Dairyland, so it's only fitting that it's showcased in a big way at the Wisconsin State Fair. Ann Schulz, Coordinator for the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board, tells us about the many ways you can experience dairy at the fair!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrie Goss, Steak Trailer Manager for the Cattlemen’s, says they have the best ribeye steak sandwich on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. While she is proud of the product they produce, Carrie also proud of the role each person in her family plays to make it happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education takes center-stage at the Wisconsin Goat Products booth. Amanda Fischer is the main organizer of the booth. She explains that there's more to goats than what people traditionally see on the internet. She invites everyone to come experience the many products produced by the Wisconsin goat industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curt Kluth, one of the partners at Saz’s Hospitality Group, describes the new Leinenkugel's Cream Puff Ale as "Wisconsin in a glass." In celebration of the Wisconsin State Fair's 175th Anniversary, fairgoers can taste this treat for themselves while supplies last.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pork is a great place to get your protein, and the flavor profile is unlimited! Keri Retallick, Executive Vice President with Wisconsin Pork Association, says they'll serve at least 30,000 sandwiches at this year's Wisconsin State Fair. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new crop insurance product out that America's Dairyland producers might want to consider. Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance explains the high value of alfalfa as a stand-alone crop to the nation's farmers. Yet, despite that value, the crop rates very low on engagement with current crop insurance products. That's hopefully changing with a new insurance product that allows farmers to protect against not only volume loss, but market value loss. Nelson explains that there's a special webinar explaining the options tomorrow. Foggy start to a Monday morning with some rain on the way for the WI State Fair. Stu Muck paints the picture. It's the time of the year when classic tractor collectors feel comfortable bringing their treasure pieces out of storage. Larry Lee caught up with some old iron enthusiasts at the Rudolph Classic Tractor Show. They explain why the passion for the tractors and the stories they represent remains strong. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has multiple engagement locations around the WI State Fairgrounds. Stephanie Hughes, dairy producer from Pittsville and board member of DFW explains to Pam Jahnke why the event's so important. Hughes says from the practical information shared in the barns, to the dairy product highlight elevated in the Blue Ribbon Dairy Product Auction, you only see it all at the WI State Fair. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rudolph, Wisconsin Old Tractor Club hosts its Old Tractor Show on the second Saturday every August. Club President Brandon Behrens, Secretary-Treasurer Tina Lassa, and longtime member Ron Linzmeier talk to Mid-West Farm Report's Larry Lee about the history of the show, how it benefits the community, and the volunteers who keep it going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz-Sandy Sikitch with Door County Cherry Growers and Liz Matzke from the Mid-West Farm Report discuss sweet and tart cherries, and the many treats available at the Wisconsin State Fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexandra Wolf with the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association talks with Liz Matzke from the Mid-West Farm Report, discussing apple varieties and the many apple treats available during the Wisconsin State Fair, including apple cider donuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacee and Sara Johnson discuss showing sheep and their jewelry-making at the Wisconsin State Fair with Liz Matzke from the Mid-West Farm Report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being called the ultimate cheese and meat road trip! Teri Barr talks with organizer Javin Krenn with United Process Piping in Marshfield. He shares why this first-of-its-kind event is important, and how it's meant to help you explore small, locally-owned Central Wisconsin businesses, collect cheese and meat along the way, and spend the time with your family, too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maple syrup is an industry that we typically hear about when the weather is a little cooler. However, producers plan for upcoming seasons well in advance. Teri Barr sits down with Thersa Baroun tos discuss the producers' survey. Stu Muck says it's going to feel like summer across the state this weekend. Cream puffs are a staple at the Wisconsin State Fair! Farm Director Pam Jahnke talks all about it with Colton Grebe. Wisconsin Pork Association is serving up protein at the Wisconsin State Fair. To Daniel Hanke, the land he farms is a lot more than "just" land. It represents grit, determination adn tradition that has kept their century farm alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Wisconsin's local food economy remained a priority during the latest legislative session. One area of continued attention is cottage food. Teri Barr talked with Michelle Ramirez-White, Government Relations Director with Wisconsin Farmers Union, to learn how it it can create new opportunities for home bakers while strengthening local economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas tree growers across the state are busy shaping the holidays. And Wisconsin is welcoming hundreds of growers and experts from around the country this month. Sarah Glitto, executive director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, tells Teri Barr why hosting this national gathering is a great way to put the spotlight on Wisconsin growers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is one of 13 states that now has the opportunity at enhanced crop insurance specifically for alfalfa. Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA) explains the details to Pam Jahnke. Alfalfa by itself is the nation's fourth most valuable field crop in the United States, but is not currently considered a Title One Row Crop. It hasn't had much of a crop insurance option and because of that enrollment has been thin. Until now. Nelson says the new product that's been approved is brand new, and will ensure against yield and price losses - which is a first. NAFA is holding a free webinar on Tuesday, August 11th to explain details and answer questions for any alfalfa and forage producers interested. Register here, and remember the sales window for this specific product closes September 30th, so consult your crop insurance provider right away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the eve of the Wisconsin State Fair. Shari Black is ready. She's the Executive Director and CEO of the WI State Fair. This is Black's fifth year managing the event, and she points to her history showing at county fairs as her base. Black explains to Pam Jahnke how she's trying to make sure all fair goers get a slice of that experience when they attend. One addition she implemented is a simple (but large) sign that simply says "Agriculture". Her goal is to make sure people remember that element is critical to the fairs mission and success. Weather is going to be wet today! Stu Muck says about a quarter to a half inch of rain is on the way. We'll start off with a little fog this morning. Wisconsin is getting ready to host the National Christmas Tree Growers Summer Meeting! What do tree growers talk about in the summer? Well a lot! Teri Barr finds out what's keeping those tree growers going from Sarah Glitto, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA). Robotics and speed are two key components they're focused in on! The Mid-West Farm Report is a proud partner with the WI State Fair highlighting all of the century and sesquicentennial farms that have made that milestone this year. Kiley Allan kicks off the story sharing by visiting with a Dodge County family celebrating their 100-year anniversary. Meet Alan and Mark Strohschein (brothers), Strohschein's Pine Grove Farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Daniel Hanke, the land he farms has a deep meaning. It represents grit, determination and tradition that has kept their Century Farm strong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestled in Dodge County is a farm originally purchased by the Strohschein family in October of 1925. Brothers Alan and Mark take us back in time to the beginnings of the operation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is ranked as one of the nation's top-five in maple syrup production. Theresa Baroun, executive director of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association, joins Teri Barr to share why using survey results to better understand producers' needs will help strengthen one of the state's fastest-growing agricultural industries See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin State Fair stands as one of the premier agricultural events in the Midwest, offering a unique opportunity to connect families directly with local food producers. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Hughes, dairy farmer from the Pittsville area and board member of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW). She explains the unique combinations that are being brought together for this years state fair, exploring how the organization brings dairy farming to life for hundreds of thousands of fairgoers. Interactive Education at Dairy Lane Dairy Lane remains a top destination for families visiting the fairgrounds. Through a partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board, DFW supplies educational materials, industry messaging, and trained ambassadors. Accessible Milking Demonstrations Daily English Demonstrations: Conducted every day of the fair to showcase modern milking practices. Weekend Spanish Demonstrations: Offered each weekend to make agricultural education accessible to bilingual communities. Trained Ambassadors: On-site experts answer visitor questions about cow care, nutrition, and milk production. In 2025 alone, Dairy Lane reached more than 800,000 fairgoers, fostering direct dialogue between consumers and local producers. Celebrating Award-Winning Wisconsin Cheese & Butter Wisconsin is world-renowned for its craftsmanship in cheesemaking and dairy production. DFW highlights these achievements through key fair traditions: Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction: Supporting top dairy producers and youth scholarships. Official Champion Cheeseboard: Showcasing award-winning cheeses for fairgoers and industry leaders to celebrate. Special Activation: Born To Dairy™ Day Mark your calendars for an exclusive event celebrating America's Dairyland: Date: August 14 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Outside the Cream Puff Pavilion & Dairy Building Event: Piggly Wiggly presents the Born To Dairy™ Activation, featuring farmer meet-and-greets, interactive learning activities, and family fun. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin State Fair is about 48 hours away. Each moment this year will be precious for John Yingling. Not only is is the 175th anniversary of the fair, it's also the last fair John will enjoy as chair of the WI State Fair Park Board. Pam Jahnke visits with the neighborhood boy who found his way to the fair. Yingling admits, when he was first presented the opportunity to be on the board - he was not prepared. Rain is already showing up on the margins of Wisconsin. Stu Muck says it'll warm up today with the best chances of rain building into the afternoon. The diversity of items on the Steffes auction site is pretty amazing. Ashly Huhn joins Pam Jahnke to highlight a few unique items/groups that you won't often see, including professional nutrient handling equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. Seems like many neighborhood porches have bags and boxes of fresh produce waiting to be shared. That's one way to use the overflow from gardens and farm markets. That fresh produce only lasts so long though. What about the baked goods we make, or the preserves generated. That's where people have to be careful. Teri Barr joins us with an update from the WI Farmers Union on efforts to update the "Cottage Food" guidelines in the state. Michelle Rameriz-White says some of these rules need to be revisited to allow small scale food processors market access. The harvest has begun in some areas of the U.S. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. Did the rain come in time to save much of the corn crop? Good question and one that the market's weighing this morning. Heinberg also points to early anxiety about China's purchases of soybeans, but also interest in corn and wheat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Bosold and David Kohl talk about some of the many factors affecting the global economy.Stu Muck recaps weekend storms and tells us we can expect some sunny days to kick off the beginning of the Wisconsin State Fair.State Fair Foundation is selling Cabin Strength Bourbon to commemorate the 175th Anniversary! Pam Jahnke has the story. Insect Eavesdropper has recently received a patent! Emily Bick, UW Extension Specialist of Insects For Field and Forage Crops shares more.Executive Director Theresa Baroun of Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association sits down with Teri Barr to recount the affect weather has on syrup production. The deadline for their producers' survey is September 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech is keeping an eye on the global economy and input costs of today's farm. Kohl speaks with Bob Bosold about how outside forces can make some big ripples in Wisconsin's farming operations today, that will likely last into 2027. He starts by discussing the energy complex and its impact on operating costs. Kohls says he would expect that farms might be forced to make some difficult decisons about overall direction before the end of the year. Rain is finally on the way for a majority of Wisconsin. Stu Muck breaks down the path of precipitation and volume we can expect. To date there's more than 18,000 cases of cyclospora that the Centers for Disease Control is tracking in 45 different states. The argument over whether it was food borne in lettuce continues. Do stories like this change the way consumers approach buying produce? Teri Barr finds out from Kathy Bures of Bures Berry Patch in Barneveld. Despite the fact that their name has "berry" the farm is involved in fresh market sales year round. Bures says her customers know their protocol and are comfortable that their food source is safe. It's probably one of the most under appreciated crops we have. Alfalfa. Now, alfalfa and forage producers have a new risk management tool available after a lot of education. Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance has a great "elevator pitch" to quickly educate staff members that might keep her from getting policy makers moving on program needs. Pam Jahnke makes some notes on the high value of alfalfa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin State Fair offers 10 days of memory making experiences and the state's dairy industry wants to be front and centerThrough unique partnerships at WI State Fair, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin works to connect directly with consumers. One partnership accomplishing that is with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board and Dairy Lane. Stephanie Hughes, a dairy farmer that sits on DFW board representing district 12 says the fair’s milking demonstrations draw plenty of attention. Hughes says that with branded educational materials, industry messaging and talking points, DFW is helping prepare Dairy Lane ambassadors to answer questions and share accurate, engaging information about dairy farming. English-language milking demonstrations are held every day of the fair, and Spanish-language demonstrations are offered each weekend. That helps make dairy education more accessible to even more families. It doesn't end there. New this year is the partnership with Piggly Wiggly on August 14th. This special event will feature a Born To Dairy™ activation outside the Cream Puff Pavilion and Dairy Building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be another fun opportunity for consumers to meet dairy farmers, learn more about Wisconsin dairy and celebrate what makes our state Born To Dairy™. Hughes is also looking forward to the return of the always popular Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction. Did you know that DFW creates the cheeseboard featuring the champion cheeses. It’s a beautiful—and delicious—way to highlight the quality, craftsmanship and variety of Wisconsin’s award-winning dairy products while celebrating the cheesemakers and dairy farmers who make them possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the field to the farmers market, Kathy Bures says buying local gives consumers confidence in where their food comes from -- and a stronger connection to the people who grow it. Teri Barr travels to the Bures Berry Patch to talk with Kathy about her Barneveld area farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how shifting cheese inventories, consumer habits, and cattle border policies impact your milk check and Wisconsin dairy farm margins. Matt Tranel, dairy analyst with EverAg is keeping an eye on it all. A surprise jump in cheese inventories revealed in the latest cold storage report goes against trend in a big way. Tranel says it's another sign of consumer purchasing distress. Now dairy prepares for the reopening of our borders to Mexican cattle. He's not convinced it will be a wall of cattle coming in to disrupt markets. He is, however, very aware of how much revenue beef on dairy has brought to the bottom line of many operations. Those margins have already started to shrink.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A viral country hit celebrating family life and has sparked an unexpected partnership with Plymouth-based Sargento. This year's American Idol winner Hannah Harper is now bringing Wisconsin cheese along for the ride. Teri Barr has the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Large-scale solar and wind is coming to Wisconsin’s communities. UW-Madison Extension has tools to help your community understand what’s happening to make sure local government has priorities and a plan set before they arrive. Jessy Bradish, Renewable Energy Specialist with UW-Extension talks with Jill Welke about some of the questions those communities should be asking. What options or strategies have been working elsewhere? Those are just a few of the long-term conversations she says that lead to productive meetings and projects. More moderate weather today before we see a better chance of rain on Friday. Stu Muck also recaps some of the storm data they've collected from Monday's severe weather episode. If you're a fan of American Idol, you know who Hannah Harper is. Recently the Missouri native captured the American Idol title and launched her "Sting Cheese Tour" based on her original song titled 'String Cheese'. Teri Barr recaps the journey Harper made and how Wisconsin-based Sartori Cheese jumped in as her title sponsor! Ice cream is a great way to take a break from the heat and humidity of Wisconsin's weather. In honor of National Ice Cream Month, Cedar Crest Ice Cream has released their limited edition winner of the 2026 4-H Ice Cream Flavor Contest. How does "Hold Your Horses" ice cream sound? Well, it's the winner and Kiley Allan talks with Shannon Simon of Cedar Crest about the flavor combination the kids came up with!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural Mutual Insurance is a long-standing Elite Sustaining Partner and major sponsor of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. One the key components for the show is the Rural Mutual Event Center. There visitors can find entertainment and elements that help support local farm families. That commitment goes beyond the company's physical sponsorship of the show. Pam Jahnke visits with two of the Rural Mutual agents that attended the event and helped staff the Rural Mutual booth in tent city. Ryan Dilenbeck grew up in the area and is currently a Rural Mutual agent based in Thorp. He's made his career with Rural Mutual. Why insurance? Dilenbeck explains that it started when he was a kid. He says an insurance agent made a call to his parents home, and the way that agent handled his family left an impression on young Ryan. He knew that's what he wanted to do. Help people. Today, he's doing just that. Also along for the conversation is Kyle Klieforth originally from Neilsville. Today Kyle's been at Rural Mutual Insurance over four years, but he's known the people he's calling on for a lifetime. He explains the training he's gone through to handle situations and protect his insured. He also talks about those times when his job, the product he sells, and life events connect. Making sure his friends and family are "taken care of" when something happens is one of the reasons why Kyle says it's the best move he's ever made for his family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot weather and county fairs seem to go hand-in-hand. While the heat impacts the people at the fair, it also affects the livestock. Bernie O'Rourke sat down with me. She's the Extension Youth Livestock Specialist. She tells us about some of the symptoms livestock begin to exhibit when they feel the heat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people say kids have the best imaginations, and I can't think of a better way to exercise that theory than the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Flavor Creation Contest. Shannon Simon is the Marketing Manager for the company. She says the 4-Hers keep proving that the sky is the limit when it comes to their creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Wisconsin counties have been the first to detect tar spot in corn fields. Pam Jahnke gets the latest update from Dr. Damon Smith, UW-Extension Plant Pathologist. Smith says the plant symptoms we're seeing today started with injury and infection weeks ago. Smith says the current hot and dry weather in Wisconsin has successfully lowered the risk of major crop diseases, providing a "saving grace" after a wet, mild June that initially raised concerns about disease potential. Current infections resulted from favorable conditions three to four weeks ago. Smith says disease pressure will likely increase if rainfall returns, creating a "race" to mature the corn crop before the disease compromises it. He says advancements in hybrid genetics are providing "partial resistance," which helps by creating smaller spots and slowing down secondary infection cycles, allowing the crop more time to reach maturity. Smith is also keeping an eye on the potential for white mold in Wisconsin soybeans. He says, again, the risk for white mold has dropped significantly due to the hot, dry weather. He does not though that irrigated fields continue to face a different risk profile and should still be monitored carefully. We get a break from some of the heat today according to Stu Muck. That will give folks in the Fox Valley a chance to clean up after a tornado rumbled through Menasha. Rainfall reporters said they received anywhere from 1.5" of rain to literally nothing in the whirlwind weather activity that crossed the state. Did you ever wonder if that farm equipment you bought a decade ago is worth what you paid? Ashly Huhn from the Steffest Group did a little research. He looked at 3 pieces of popular farm equipment and found out that the equipment's maintenance matters. Huhn says if equipment has been maintained and cared for, many sellers recoup almost 80% of their investment in some cases. Paid for by Steffes Group. Troy Runge has assumed a new leadership role on the UW-Madison campus as the interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Dean and Director Glenda Gillaspy announced that she will move into a new role serving as the university’s director of the Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute. Hello Mexican cattle! USDA has announced it will allow Mexican cattle back into the United States despite ongoing concerns over New World Screwworm. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says this sent the cattle market into a tailspin. He notes that this sell off has been building. He also says rain that moved across Nebraska overnight has taken a lot of the weather premium out of the grain trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA Rural Development investment helps Westby Cooperative Creamery modernize facility, increase production and support rural prosperity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know that yields can vary greatly depending on the conditions and circumstances of each growing season. Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration put together a program to help farmers dealing with these uncertainties. Sandy Chalmers is the State Executive Director at the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency. She tells us how we're seeing these dollars impact Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What value does a farmers market have for a community? Is it just about the transactions, or is there more? A study funded by a USDA grant and involving UW-Madison researchers focused on that question. Kiley Allan finds out about the results from Bret Shaw, UW-Madison Communications Specialist. Shaw says the researchers conducted a national study to provide market operators with actionable data to boost attendance, increase consumer spending, and better communicate the community value of farmers markets to stakeholders. The research identified six consumer categories, highlighting the three groups most likely to visit: the "highly engaged" (who love the social atmosphere and local experience), the "health-focused" (who prioritize organic, local, and non-GMO produce), and the "emerging interest" group. The newly identified "emerging interest" demographic consists of younger shoppers who are less focused on buying raw ingredients to cook at home and more interested in the social environment and ready-to-eat prepared foods. To accommodate changing consumer preferences, markets are increasingly featuring vendors that sell prepared foods and specialized items (such as hot breads, baked goods, and meats) rather than strictly traditional raw fruits and vegetables. With over 8,600 markets operating nationwide, farmers markets are increasingly recognized by community leaders as vital hubs that promote healthier eating habits, foster a sense of local belonging, and build resilient regional food systems. What are the 'dog days' all about? That's the starter conversation with Stu Muck on a Monday morning. The forecast isn't offering much moisture this week to offset all the heat expected. Stu explains the cycle the states caught in. In June the White House announced that John Rich, or Big N Rich country duo fame, became a USDA envoy working with farmers and landowners nationwide. Rich says he was personally caught in a land dispute with the state of Tennessee, so he understands the disadvantage farmers face when someone wants their land. He'll report directly to USDA's Brooke Rollins and the President. He explains what he's heard so far. Last week the WI State Fair Park announced that John Yingling would be retiring after 16 years of service, most recently as board chair. Pam Jahnke visits with the fair veteran who started his relationship with the fair when he was a kid in the neighborhood. Yingling says he never liked going to the fair with his mother. He explains how that didn't stop him from making the WI State Fair, a big part of his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin's state FFA officer team is fresh off a leadership conference in Washington, D.C.. While learning the ropes to policy development was part of their goal, honing how to advocate for ag education and agriculture in general was also a major point. Cheryl Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Association tells Pam Jahnke about the investment being made in these young leaders. No rain in sight. Not what a lot of Wisconsin farmers or gardeners want to hear. Stu Muck explains why we can't seem to wring a bit of moisture out of the atmosphere right now. Everybody likes to get a gift, and our Wisconsin agriculture teachers are no exception. Teri Barr explains how saying thank you to agriculture instructors and helping them start the new school year prepared, inspired a Pennsylvania company. Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow and the Dairy Excellence Foundation teamed up to offer anyone a chance to "gift" a box to an agriculture instructor anywhere. How much energy does the average 500 cow dairy operation use in a hot month like July? You might be surprised! Pam Jahnke talks with Matt Redetzke of No Joke Dairy in Stratford about that expense. It's just one motivating point that encouraged the hosts of this year's WI Farm Technology Days to partner with Focus on Energy. Kevin Weiler, one of four Focus on Energy advisors in the state says Marathon County has been taking advantage of the partnership! Paid for by Focus on Energy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Wisconsin State Fair gets ready to celebrate its 175th anniversary, part of its history is getting ready to end. John Yingling has served on the WI State Fair Board for 16 years. This October, he's announced he'll step away. Listen in as Pam Jahnke finds out how it all started for Yingling, and what he sees today when he looks at the WI State Fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surprise gift box full of appreciation delivers encouragement, classroom resources, and a reminder that educators in Wisconsin are valued as they shape agriculture's future. Teri Barr talks with gifter, Pamela Stuttgen, to learn why it's important. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.