Podcasts about steffes group

Wisconsin is home now to 79 weather stations that dot the state. These stations are generating real time information that farmers and outdoor enthusiasts can tap into. Pam Jahnke visit with Chris Vagasky, Research Program Manager for Wisconet. Vagasky says one new element they've added to these stations are soil sensors. The 400 soil sensors provide "plant available water" readings at multiple depths in the soil profile. Heat and humidity are building in Wisconsin today with some severe weather that could develop. Stu Muck hones in on what areas need to be alert. The lull in auction action is over. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group tells Pam Jahnke that they're already seeing a surg on auctions being booked for later this fall. Huhn says by being proactive, clients get the benefit of solid preplanning, preparation and advance promotion. Paid for by Steffes Group. The market's continuing to watch development of New World Screw Worm. Now a total of four cases have been detected, including a dog in New Mexico. While it's not a food risk, it is a market disrupter. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss the chatter online. He's also watching certain regions in the latest crop progress report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Schaefer of Schaefer Beef Consulting tells Kiley Allan about common mistakes producers make when transitioning from dairy to beef. Stu Muck outlines a beautiful day in the Revolution Plastics Ag Weather Update. Is manure feeding your crops like it used to? Division of Extension Specialist Chris Clark tells Stephanie Hoff about her latest research out of the UW Dairy Innovation Hub looking at manure micronutrients and where farms are falling short. Ashley Huhn and Pam Jahnke discuss The Steffes Group's auction calendar and resources for both buyers and sellers. Market advisor John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing walks Stephanie Hoff through the first USDA crop condition ratings and the recent loss of bullish momentum in the grain markets. Heinberg explains that while early corn and soybean ratings landed slightly below market expectations, the primary downward pressure on prices stems from a typical seasonal peak and heavy global competition from South American harvests. Ultimately, he advises producers to look past early-season weather anxieties and implement defensive risk management strategies before the market historically runs out of steam in mid-June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin continues to move forward with the goal of connecting everyone to the internet. Ben Jarboe finds out that the path has been rife with challenges. Alyssa Kenney, State Broadband and Digital Equity Director for Public Service Commission of Wisconsin says the goal remains to achieve full broadband access statewide by 2030. The state has had a broadband expansion grant program in place since 2014. Early funding was modest, but investments increased significantly starting in 2019 and surged during the pandemic. State and federal funding (including the American Rescue Plan Act) have driven major broadband expansion. Over $365 million has been invested, supporting more than 400 broadband projects. Nearly 1 million people (about 300,000 locations) have gained improved broadband access in the last five years. Heat has returned to Wisconsin! Stu Muck says now everyone needs to stay aware of the possibility for severe weather as the week unfolds. Career opportunities abound with the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn visits with Pam Jahnke about some of the areas they need staff that may not first come to mind for people. Paid for by Steffes Group. The fertilizer industry is as anxious as consumers to find out what damage has been caused in the Strait of Hormuz. Corey Rosenbush, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute says about a third of the world’s urea, 20 percent of the phosphate, and more than half of the sulfur moves through the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked by Iran since March 2nd. Unfortunately, says Rosenbusch, there are no simple or quick answers to bringing those prices back down. Oil prices did take a break over the holiday weekend. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing our of West Bend says traders will watch that today. He also notes that China has told Brazil they're not accepting their beef until after detecting hormones in some packages, but thinks there's some gamesmanship there. He also recaps Friday's April Milk Production figures. Big cow numbers and big production. That'll keep the pressure on Wisconsin dairy operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Pudenz from Iowa Farm Bureau tells us about an upcoming opportunity for a trip to see India and its agriculture. Rebecca Vittetoe tells us what she's seeing on fields in southeastern Iowa. Joe Kooima details last week's cattle on feed report and the market impact. Jamey Kohake is our analyst as markets resume following the holiday weekend. And we get this week's update on the Steffes Group calendar!

Today's dairy operator's are being asked a lot. Many industry partners need to share details about sustainability practices with their consumers, but need the dairy story as part of the dialog. Stephanie Hoff talks with Jennifer Block, director of value chain partnerships, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. Dairy farmers have improved efficiency for decades, but they have lacked a consistent, credible way to quantify these efforts to receive financial recognition in the marketplace. There is increasing pressure on the supply chain to report Scope 3 emissions -- the carbon footprint generated directly on the farm -- making verified data more critical than ever. Empower+ provides a structured, third-party verified framework to turn everyday improvements into measurable climate outcomes that the value chain can trust. Unlike top-down mandates from corporations, this program allows farmers to choose the practices that fit their specific business, whether that is genetics, cow nutrition, or manure management. There are three pillars of implementation: 1) Gathering a complete baseline across feed, herd, manure, and cropping; 2) Running "what-if" models to identify the biggest efficiency gains before a farmer invests capital; 3) Using third-party audits to prove to processors and buyers that a reduction has actually occurred. The program focuses on an "insetting" model, keeping the carbon value within the dairy value chain (farmer, processor, and buyer) rather than selling it to outside industries. Most farmers already have an ongoing wish list of improvements; the ultimate goal is to ensure no value is left on the table as the global market shifts toward carbon-conscious sourcing. Rain moves through the state this morning. Stu Muck says some of the storms may have measurable rain, and strong winds. Once we're past this front, he says things calm down, and dry out. Steffes Group is still open to your item for their bi-monthly sale. Ashly Huhn tells Pam Jahnke about how this opportunity fits many elements of equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. The Indy 500 will have a dairy presence again this year. Jenni Browning, CEO of the American Dairy Association of Indiana says it’s a time-honored tradition. One new change this year is making milk available for purchase during the race. China has agreed to a $17 billion commitment to the U.S. and its annual agricultural purchases. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says the market can only trade off that for so long. Heinberg's also watching the wheat ratings as those crop scouts finish their observations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practical Farms of Iowa's Senior Livestock Education Coordinator, Amos Johnson, tells us about the upcoming Midwest Meat Summit. Dan Bjorklund from Landus talks crop conditions and SkyScout with us. Ashley Dean-Brownlee, Agriculture and Natural Resources Specialist at Iowa State Extension, talks about their recent data on moth flights. We'll look at the sharply-higher grain markets with Don Roose of US Commodities. And Mason Holvoet tells us what's happening at the Steffes Group!

Consumers are continuing to confront high beef prices at the store. Is the industry closer to helping resolve the imbalance? Stephanie Hoff finds out with the help of Jeff Swenson, meat and livestock specialist, DATCP. Swenson says high cattle prices are leading to larger swings in both directions, influenced by fluctuating harvest rates and packer demand. Despite market volatility, farmers currently hold more leverage than packers, as market-ready cattle remain at a premium. Meat packers are currently struggling with profitability, balancing high cattle costs against wholesale beef cutout values. Feed remains the number one expense for cattle feeders, while fuel and pharmaceutical costs (vaccinations) continue to rise for cow-calf producers.High pasture rents and the initial cost of livestock make it difficult for new farmers to enter the beef industry. Many dairy producers are transitioning to eef as an exit strategy or diversifying their operations with "beef-on-dairy" crossbreeding. While dairy-beef crosses are improving in quality, 100% purebred beef animals still command a price premium. The typical 10-year cattle cycle has been elongated due to drought, resulting in a tighter supply than historically expected at this stage. Rain is drifting across the state today, bringing with it some gusty winds. Stu Muck says that temps should stay above average Sales averages on many implements and tractors remains firm. That's the latest update from Ashley Huhn at the Steffes Group. He is also seeing a surge in interest for fall auctions. Paid for by Steffes Group. Meet Gabrielle Huitema from Markesan! This UW-River Falls grad is another finalist for the 79th Alice in Dairyland position. Huitema has focused most of her college and career experience on humane anmial handling in the slaughter process. She wants to make sure the message gets out that many things go right in the animal handling arena. Wisconsin farmers are almost caught up on spring planting pace. Pam Jahnke provides the latest crop progress update. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that most areas of the U.S. are now on par with planting progress. The unfortunate crop right now is wheat. Heinberg also highlights news that the Trump administration intends to allow more beef imports into the U.S. Heinberg says the U.S. is already on a record pace of accepting outside beef, but it's usually much lower quality than what's produced in the U.S. Markets will be watching developments during the meeting of President Trump and China President, Xi JinpingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NCGA Corn Board Member Kelly Nieuwenhuis discusses the push to get E-15 legislation across the finish line. Stacie Matchan tells us about the upcoming Swine Day at Iowa State. We talk trade in our monthly call with Iowa Soybean Association's Kirk Leeds. Mike Sexton, the USDA State Director for Rural Development for Iowa, discusses some investments being made in rural Iowa development. Iowa State Extension Beef Specialist Chris Clark tells us about the Beef Cattle Reproduction Workshop being hosted at the Dallas County Extension office. Our market analysis comes from the folks at BIS Commodities. And we get the latest from Mason Holvoet and the folks at the Steffes Group!

We talk about drivers and motorcycle operators using care when sharing the road with large farm equipment. We also must focus attention on the farm youth that could be operating those implements. Ben Jarboe talks with Brittany Marquard, the education and programing manager at The Food and Farm Exploration Center in Plover. She says the with distracted drivers causing more accidents then ever before, it's important that young operators receive some training before operating. Marquard says even for 'farm kids', there's training necessary. Parents need to also have realistic expectations on what their kids can do. Understanding their body size and maturity are key components. Marquard says with all the increased horsepower on today's farm, even a small string on a hoodie can become a lethal entanglement that youth need to be aware of. Nice day on the way - and dry! Stu Muck says he's been seeing some seeders out, fertilizers getting spread - all thanks to drier conditions. Temperatures will cool a bit today, and there's still a chance of frost in the forecast through Thursday mid-morning. Auctioneering is a people to people service. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to recap some comments from clients that have worked with the group. Huhn says every employee in their firm makes a human connection with the client. That's a difference maker. Paid for by Steffes Group. Weather is causing problems for more than just Wisconsin farmers. Alyssa Kenney, State Broadband and Digital Equity Director for Public Service Commission of Wisconsin says some broadband internet projects got held up too. Kenney notes that Wisconsin has about 92% of their connectivity projects complete, but areas in Door County that received a lot of late snow are delayed. Still, she believes the state is well on its way to attaining statewide connectivity by 2030. Crop progress report had a few items of note this week. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to review. Lots of risk for Wisconsin farmers to monitor and manage coming up over the next 10 days according to Heinberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weather and global conflicts. It's all being surveiled by NASA. Ben Jarboe goes behind the scene with Mike Humber. Humber is NASA Harvest Data Lead and NASA Acres Deputy Director. The data collected by NASA satellites allows monitoring of crop conditions, water availability and much more. Jarboe finds out about what they learned when war erupted between Ukraine and Russia, and how the ongoing war in Iran is disrupting food production and movement. Cloudy and windy for our Tuesday. Stu Muck says the winds will be most noticed today, but there's hit and miss chances of rain for the next 48 hours too. Used equipment prices are holding firm rolling into spring planting. Ashley Huhn with Steffes Group Auctioneers says the trends they see in March sales attest to continued interest in quality used equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. Louisianna corn growers got a nasty surprise on March 17th. An unexpected freeze! Dr. Shelly Kerns, corn specialist at Louisiana State University Ag Center in Winnsboro, says the calls started streaming in at dawn. Kerns encouraged growers to remain calm and give the plants a few days to recover. Ultimately though, 60-70% of impacted acres had to be replanted. That brought another unique set of challenges. Kerns says growers, including herself, were unable to find hybrid varieties that they wanted. That brought more anxiety in a year where costs were already high, and market opportunities already curtailed. Oil is back in the headlines for traders today. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketig, tells Pam Jahnke that the standoff with Iran is manifesting itself in higher oil prices and more demand for ethanol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lydia Johnson from Agri-Pulse tells us about the big week upcoming in Washington, D.C. for agriculture. WE announce the Route for Monday, June 22 on the WHO Radio Tractor Ride! We visit with Golden Owl recipient Zach Morris from West Liberty CSD. Bob got to catch up with Trent Loos while he was in Des Moines. Jamey Kohake takes us inside the markets and Mason Holvoet gives a look at the Steffes Group calendar!

Coordinating data is becoming a bigger part of the picture for today's beef producers. Jill Welke finds out about the full scope of information out there from Andrew Coppin of RanchBot. RanchBot looks at the global situation with beef and indicators like weather and pasture conditions. The company serves over 12,000 farmers and ranchers by helping them monitor available water and trough levels remotely. Warmer weather in Wisconsin today, but keep an eye on Canada for what might be coming next. Stu Muck says that system will be dumping feet of snow in places like Alaska and the Northwest. Ultimately it could bring more wet weather and cooler temperatures to Wisconsin, especially along the Lakeshore. The heavy push of auctions is beginning to draw to a close for the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn says as more farmers head to the field for planting, their tempo eases up. Still, Huhn says prices are remaining firm and resilent on mid-size equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. Wisconsin farmers only had 1% of their corn in the ground as of Sunday. Pam Jahnke recaps the thin results of fieldwork courtesy of the WI Ag Statistics Service. Dry weather, not planting progress, is what's keeping the markets attention this morning. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says there's already some field abandonment discussed in the marketplace. Plus cattle are making some moves based on speculation that some Mexican cattle might re-enter the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob is in Ames today at the 98th annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference! He is joined by three FFA members and by Tom Adam, President of the Iowa Soybean Association! ISA is proud to sponsor today's reports from the FFA Leadership Conference! We'll also talk markets with Jamey Kohake and get the latest from the Steffes Group with Mason Holvoet!

Last night's thunderstorms provided some impressive rainfall totals and fierce winds. Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck says we can expect more precipitation throughout the week. Bob Bosold takes us on a trip to Arizona to learn about olives and olive oil. Different olives produce different types and qualities of oil. The oil you choose depends greatly on use and taste. Bob learns more. Pam catches up with Randy Kath and our friends at the Steffes Group. This week's rain has the potential to play a role in filling manure pits, and will need to be emptied before we know it. As Wisconsin farms get larger and shift toward liquid manure systems, the number of injuries and deaths related to toxic gas exposure is trending higher. Stephanie Hoff and Extension Specialist Becky Larson talk manure gas safety musts. Why have corn and wheat been feeling pressure, and are soybeans next? John Heinberg walks us through the elements to pay attention to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the northern end of the world's longest barn, Bob Bosold shares tales from his trails out West, including what it takes to manage the mule concession in the Grand Canyon. John Berry says these mules not only bring people to the bottom of the canyon, but also provisions for the restaurant and cabin accommodations -- there's really no other way to get down there!Although it may be dreary this morning across Wisconsin, the sun is supposed to peek through this afternoon, according to the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update.Are you a commercial or hobbyist grape grower? Plant pathologist Leslie Holland tells Ben Jarboe about the critical need for Wisconsin grape growers to use strategic fungicides with precise timing to combat a resurgence of black rot and downy mildew.Farm Director Pam Jahnke catches up with The Steffes Group before a big equipment auction today, brought to you courtesy of The Steffes Group.Alice in Dairyland Sarah Hagenow explains to Kiley Allan how Marathon County’s unique soil and climate produce high-quality ginseng with a potent concentration of ginsenosides. This root is increasingly prized for its distinct bittersweet flavor and immune-boosting properties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intercompatibility and speed are essential for farmers to have with their equipment, and with the labor shortage getting worse each year, producers need to be able to work faster with less hands. Ben Jarboe talks with Dave Smarts, the team leader for the Agricultural Electronics Foundation's High Speed Isobust Research, to see how they are working to make equipment computers 4,000 times faster. Today will see a dip in temperatures according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck during the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update. The rest of the week holds warmer temperatures, but also some rain. Wisconsin's dairy farmers are always looking for new ways to diversify and many have found success with beef on dairy. Kiley Allan chats with Casey Jentz, the COO of the American Angus Association, to see why the angus crosses are finding success in the market. Keeping animals well fed and healthy with tightening margins is always a difficult task, but there are ways to do it. Stephanie Hoff gains insights with Jake Guenzler, an independent nutritionist for Southern Wisconsin, to see how dairy farmers can work their forage to conserve money and keep healthy cattle. Pam Jahnke joins the show with Randy Kath from the Steffes Group to see how people are using auctions for added income on their farms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update, Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck says we can expect a few rain showers before we see warmer weather. Stephanie Hoff visits with two council graduates today about how this program is a backstage pass to the world of ag policy and career networking. Mary Schrieber and Jescey Thompson are both now college students after successful stints in the FFA. Mary, originally from East Troy, was a National FFA Vice President. Jescey, who calls Ettrick home, was a Wisconsin State FFA President. Their career interests started in high school, when they saw the opportunity to apply for the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council. Pam Jahnke talks land auctions with the Steffes Group. Kiley catches up with Matt Crimmins. He tells us about the importance of livestock identification in the meat processing industry. At the WPS Farm Show Ben Jarboe has a lot of fun learning about some of the new technology on the market. He talked to Justin Premo about the realities of upgrading equipment on the farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every voice counts when it comes to speaking up for agriculture. Kim Bremmer is the current President of American Agri-Women, and also serves as Executive Director of Venture Dairy Co-op. Bremmer also holds board positions with the American Dairy Coalition and the Farm Bureau. Her career is rooted in a childhood on a dairy farm and a degree in dairy science from UW-Madison, followed by 15 years as an on-farm ruminant nutritionist. A major driver for her advocacy is closing the gap between the average consumer and the farm, helping farmers find the confidence to share their stories and represent American agriculture. Through her national leadership, Brummer emphasizes that despite regional differences, farmers share the same challenges and are stronger when they amplify their voices together. She encourages others to get involved by choosing one thing they love, whether it's social media, writing, or school programs,rather than trying to do everything. Kiley Allan listens in.A little more snow overnight for some of Wisconsin. Stu Muck says the precipitation will be changing form overnight and temperatures will start to rise. That means a muddy Wisconsin is on the way by the end of the week.Four wheel drive tractors remain a hot commodity in the auction world. Pam Jahnke visits with Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group. Huhn says selection is still good and prices are moderate. Paid for by Steffes Group.Can you imagine your food as a prescription. No pills, just focus on eating exact vitamins and elements in certainf foods. That's happening in conversation now with physicians and dieticians nationwide. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is a part of that conversation. Pam Jahnke learns about the direction of those talks from Shalene McNeil. McNeil is a registered dietician herself who is currently the executive director of nutrition, health and wellness at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. She says research done by the beef checkoff shows what lean beef's protein and vitamins bring to the table. Paid for by WI Beef Council and Equity Livestock Sales Cooperative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marathon county is excited to host the "Alice in Dairyland" finals for the first time in decades. The county has been part of the educational experience for the current Alice, Sarah Hagenow, for the past year. Pam Jahnke sits down to visit with Julie Bohr, finance committee chair for Marathon county, and Hagenow about what's unique they have to offer. Windy and wet. Those two words sum up what Wisconsinites can expect today. On Tuesday Racine picked up more than an inch of rain. Exceptionally high amount compared to the rest of the state. Catalogs are out and interest is high for good used equipment as producers get ready for spring. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group just returned from a large construction equipment convention in Las Vegas and says their data showed a lot of farmers from the Midwest were in attendance. Paid for by the Steffes Group. Technology is all around in food and fiber production. Kiley Allan hears from a cheesemaker in central Wisconsin that says he's wrapping his arms around technology within his cheese plant, but not losing focus on the people behind the process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-Badger standout and NFL Hall of Famer, Joe Thomas, has turned farmer in southwest Wisconsin. Stephanie Hoff finds out what lured the offensive lineman to transition from field battles on turf, to field battles on pasture. Thomas is using his halloffamebeef.com product to elevate awareness and raise funds for Blood Cancer United and the "Big Climb" event at Camp Randall May 16th. Sunshine returns to Wisconsin today along with warmer temps. Stu Muck also reminds us to take a look at the full moon this morning if you're up in time. Market prices on good used equipment remain robust according to Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group. He tells Pam Jahnke that they're finalizing preparation for their spring catalog and it's full! Paid for by Steffes Group."B" Teamers are busy at World Champion Cheese. The event kicked off yesterday at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, and it required many hands to make light work. One of those "B" team volunteers is Jeremy Houston. He explains all the daily duties that they must get done to keep judges moving and wheels, literally, turning at the event.Kiley Allan got her first taste of the World Cheese event Wednesday speaking with judging veteran, Pam Hodgson. Hodgson is one of 2 female Master Cheesemakers in the world, with her work home at Sartori. Hodgson explains why she enjoys being part of the cheesemaking industry. She says it may seem like an individual endeavor, but in reality it's a team approach that wins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A leveling off of temperatures is expected to come soon but not before lower than normal temperatures pop in for the weekend according Ben Jarboe's conversation with ag meteorologist Stu Muck. The winter has been a cold one across the US causing the waterways to lock up with ice. Kiley Allan talks with barge captain Jimmy "JRock" Cheatham to learn how they navigate the icy waters in order to keep the world moving. With it being National FFA Week we are looking into some great things Wisconsin members have done. Stephanie Hoff has a chat with former state FFA officer Tyson Gehrke from Fennimore to see how his recent trip to Spain has changed the outlook of his future. Last night the State Of The Union was given by President Trump and one member from the Wisconsin agricultural community was in attendance. Stephanie Hoff gets the scoop with president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, Doug Rebout, and Congressman Mark Pocan. They share what the process was to get Doug to the speech and why it was important for a member of the agriculture community to be there. Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke is joined by Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group to get some insight on what is happening with Wisconsin auctions. He says land is one of the top things being auctioned off this spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer demand for protein continues to fuel a lot of agricultural markets. From beef to dairy - more protein is popping up on all kinds of labels. That's carried over to the bison industry too. Jill Welke finds out about how growers are dealing with the demand, and the lack of a skilled workforce to help harvest the animals. Lee Graese from Northstar Bison in Haugen, WI shares his challenges.Rain gauges are back in action across Wisconsin this morning, with some lightning along for the entertainment. Stu Muck says those showers won't stick around though. Sunshines back on the way later this morning.Improving weather has farmers starting to move some of their equipment around in the shed and yard. Maybe you've decided it's time to replace a piece or let go of something. Steffes Group Auction is helping move those pieces with consignment auctions all across the U.S. and Canada. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that their ability to collect information piece by piece and feature it in their sales has led to great interest and super prices. Paid for by Steffes Group.The Wisconsin FFA Alumni is heading to Middleton for its annual convention Friday and Saturday. Pam Jahnke highlights some of the auction items that will be presented, all created by the state FFA officers.Been there - done that. It's a phrase that applies to Wisconsin's ginseng industry. Will Hsu, president, Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises and Hsu Ginseng Farms, Wausau tells Stephanie Hoff about the market devastation the industry faced during the first Trump administration. Now, with more tariffs back in play, Wisconsin's ginseng industry has become a little brittle. He says they've turned to elements like agrotourism to try and fill the gaps they're missing in global trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The small community of Blair, WI was rocked when a cheese plant that's been there for decades said it was changing. Sarah Schmidt, communications coordinator for Associated Milk Producers Incorporated(AMPI) tells Jill Welke that the lure of the cottage cheese market became too much for their board of directors. In March, some 86 employees will be laid off while they transition the award winning cheddar plant into a top notch cottage cheese manufacturer. Schmidt says while some may question whether the cottage cheese phase has peaked, their numbers show it's just growing. Those same employees will largely be welcomed back to the "new" plant when it reopens in 2027. More spring-like weather for Wisconsin today with possible 50's by the weekend. That's the news that Stu Muck delivers. We've heard time and time again that with technology today, it's almost impossible for a human to be able to execute deals as quickly as a computer. Same thing goes if you're involved in an auction. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group tells Pam Jahnke about their Price App and what it offers anyone who downloads it. Huhn says by having this tool, you'll never miss a bid and be in the action as long as you want. The WI Ag Tourism Association has nominated 7 of its members from across the state for the Governor's Tourism Awards to be presented in March. Pam Jahnke runs down the nominees. Wisconsin's wine making industry may seem to be in its infancy, but it's far more advanced than you think. Take it from a California wine expert. Kiley Allan introduces us to Zoran Ljepovic, lecturer at UC Davis and a renowned wine maker. He says while California wines cannot be directly applied to Wisconsin, there are some shared lessons. In Wisconsin's cool climate, a 10–20% loss of vines due to cold snaps is considered an expected cost of doing business, whereas a 3–5% loss in a region like Napa would be seen as a major crisis. Ljepovic says he'd encouraged Wisconsin winemakers to move away from trying to replicate king varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and instead embrace and market local, specialized cultivars (such as Marquette) that thrive in the region. The wine expert also says beyond the technical challenges, he views wine as a historical and social art form intended to bring people together, noting that any wine, regardless of the grape, is worth enjoying if it is well-crafted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commodity groups are still on edge. They're grasping what tariffs mean globally and they're trying to find ways around the system to keep sales going. U.S. corn has remained competitive. That's the good news from Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association. Jill Welke does a deeper dive into global challenges as well as domestic obstacles that look to stall out corn growers profit potential.Improving temperatures help us enjoy our Wednesday, but Stu Muck says there's a slight chance of snow tomorrow morning.Sales activity remains robust for the Steffes Auction Group. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group tells Pam Jahnke about some new acreage that's coming up for auction in western Wisconsin this month. He also highlights the online information people can find to help guide sales on their website. Paid for by Steffes Group.The American Farm Bureau Federation's reminding consumers that very little of the money they spend on food this weekend(or any weekend) for the Super Bowl ends up back at the farm gate. Faith Parum, economist for AFBF says only 15.9 cents of every food dollar makes it back to a grower.Super Bowl weekend is big business for the food industry though. One staple that's found its way to the top of the menu - chicken wings. Kiley Allan finds out how the chicken industry prepares for their big day, and what the origin of wings even is! She speaks with Tom Super, Senior Vice President of Communications, National Chicken Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin agriculture is being briefed on potential changes to how they use their drones. This technology has become very popular for specific field monitoring chores and watching for insect or disease outbreaks. Ben Jarboe finds out where the disconnect is, and what's at stake for Wisconsin farmers. He gets an update from Jeramy Williams, owner of American Drone, with insight on what a drone ban could mean. Southern Wisconsin picked up a couple inches of snow overnight. Stu Muck says it's not done yet. He also warns us that temperatures are going to become brutally cold again by the end of the week. It's been surprisingly busy for the folks at Steffes Auction Group. Ashley Huhn says they've seen a real uptick in the number of auction items, and overall auction listings for 2026. He says many of the retirement auctions they're scheduling have fantastic equipment with low hours. Paid for by Steffes Group. It's time for Ag Day at the Capitol. Stephanie Hoff will be checking on policy progress. WI Assembly Ag Chair, Travis Tranel, explains a little bit more about why the state is again discussing banning margarine, especially in schools. It started with a group of dairy parents that found out their kids were being served margarine and school. Supper clubs are a staple for Wisconsin dining out experiences. Now, those supper club stories could help elevate the story of beef! Kaitlyn Kessler with the WI Beef Council tells Pam Jahnke about the campaign looking for "Real People. Real Stories" involving beef. Kessler says the state's love of supper clubs, family experiences and beef play well into this campaign. People are being asked to submit their real stories for the 2026 campaign. Paid for by Equity Livestock Sales Cooperative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's "go time" at the state capitol for policy and policymakers. Pam Jahnke chats with Sen. Pat Testin, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee. Testin is spearheading efforts to try and protect the state's hemp industry from a federal mandate that could end the entire industry by the end of the year. He's got a public hearing slated for Thursday.Another foggy start for Wisconsin, but another day of above normal temps. Pam and Stu Muck also talk about the passing of longtime farm broadcaster, Bob Meyer.The deadline is approaching for the quarterly sales booklet for the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke about how they're reaching buyers in the new calendar year. Paid for by Steffes Group.Winter can mean being cooped up and inactive, but Green County wants to give people a reason to get out! Stephanie Hoff gets the lowdown on the "passport" program they're promoting to get people visiting Green County and learning about their agriculture heritage.Statistics now show that people involved in production agriculture are 46% more likely to be affected by dementia and Alzheimers. Ben Jarboe visits with a researcher that's making it her business to help provide resources for families and caretakers charged with helping that individual and keeping them safe. Free online resources rollout January 26th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year's Eve! Mid-West Farm Report takes a trip down memory lane, looking at our most popular stories of 2025. We start with No. 5 -- when a Wisconsin construction company was preparing for tariffs before a March 1 expected deadline. In other news, FSA State Director Sandy Chalmers reviews 2025, including a look toward the rollout of Farmer Bridge Assistance. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update says cold temperatures are on the way tonight. Meanwhile, the weekend might feel like spring! The No. 4 story of 2025 -- rural residents seeking more information on wind energy, and whether wind turbines belong in their communities. This morning, the Steffes Group tells us how they are bringing in first-time online auction buyers with a buying guide. At No. 3, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski discussed the reason behind the proposed fee hikes for livestock markets, dealers, and truckers in early September. At No. 2, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association CEO Curt Larson said the 1,700% proposed fee hikes would be problematic for farmers. Since this coverage, DATCP announced it would rework its original proposal. And the top story of the year -- celebrating Compeer Financial's 2025 GroundBreakers, a Fond du Lac couple, Evan and Taylor Schrauth. Find these top stories tonight at midwestfarmreport.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

Wisconsin had a fairly successful harvest during the recent gun/deer season. Ben Jarboe gets the details from DNR deer program specialist, Jeff Pritzl. He says weather was an overriding factor to hunters' success again this year. He also notes that it appears hunters donated more deer this year, helping local food pantries with increased demand. He says high beef prices might have also encouraged more hunters to share. The warmest temperatures we'll feel today may be early this morning. Stu Muck says there's a chance for a few more flurries in the forecast and cold temps prevail. Farm machinery is holding its value according to Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group. He tells Pam Jahnke that some items may have retreated as far as prices, but things like tractors are still selling strong. Paid for by Steffes Group. Not all honey producers were thrilled with their 2025 harvest. Chris Hansen of Hansen Honey Farm in Rhinelander is one of them. He tells Stephanie Hoff that weather had a big impact on his bee performance. He said the winter of 2024 going into 2025 was devastating with widespread colony loss. Beekeepers had to take aggressive action to try and rebuild their hives quickly. That practice generally means production will take a hit. Hanson estimates his harvest was down drastically. He estimates he harvested about 5 pounds per hive when he'd normally expect 45-50 pounds on average. He said he plans to work on diversifying his operation and focus on good fall management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some of the latest farm news headlines, along with a new installment of Auction Talk with Steffes Group - featuring Max Steffes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the pastures of Waupaca County to leadership tables across Wisconsin, Rachel Bouressa wears many hats. She’s a beef farmer, an agriculture advocate, and a conservation coach. On her family’s farm near Royalton, she practices rotational grazing and works to help other farmers overcome the challenges of starting their own conservation journey. She tells Stephanie Hoff about what it takes to make conservation work for your farm. Her advice? Collaboration is key to lasting change. Start small, stay flexible, and build your network as you work to implement conservation projects on the farm. A messy mix of precipitation is happening across Wisconsin this morning. Stu Muck says that it's not going to last, but it may make the morning commute interesting for some. With the advancement in technology, fewer and fewer auction companies are involved in live auctions anymore. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group highlights a couple live auctions they've got scheduled starting today. He says with their unique platform, they can facilitate bidders that have signed up in advance, or those that want to join the auction as it happens. Paid for by Steffes Group. If your business partner was a "no show" for 43 days, you might rethink your arrangement. That's exactly what some farmers are doing, including Eric Wuthrich from Green County. He says simple things like trying to cash grain checks during the harvest and making loan repayments became very difficult. At the same time, the federal legislation that reopened the federal government also gutted the nation's hemp industry. Phillip Scott, president/founder of WI Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association is trying to find a way to move forward as both a grower of hemp, and someone who depends on a storefront for his livelihood. If nothing changes, he's got less than a year to find a new plan. The markets have been disappointed with the delayed reports issued by USDA. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to break it down. Heinberg says the government lowered its expectations on this year's corn and soybean crop, but it's still a big crop. The market got excited on Monday when news hit that China had purchased multiple cargo loads of U.S. soybeans. That rally, however, turns U.S. beans into an expensive investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you look around the room at any agriculture conference, you'll see very few "young" faces. The Wisconsin Honey Producers recognized that a few years ago and are trying to change that trend. Stephanie Hoff talks with Stephanie Slater, board member of the WHPA. She says their Youth Scholar Program has helped entice more young people into thinking about bees, including their 2026 WI Honey Queen, Emily Skala. Skala was a past Youth Scholar. Any remaining snow in the area is likely to be gone starting today. Stu Muck details the warm up. Prices are starting to soften for some items on auction bills. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to highlight the trends, and point out how the Steffes Group feeds knowledge into the marketplace. Paid for by Steffes Group. WI State Fair is still offering ticket exchanges to people caught when the event had to be cancelled its final day of the 2025 event. They'll offer those exchanges through November 15th. It seems like the radical changes in weather Wisconsin can experience lead to runny noses and chills. Keeping people and animals healthy on the farm is a big priority. Kiley Allen talks with a veterinarian that says, just like humans take probiotics for gut health, cattle can use them too. Ryan Royer, veterinarian, focuses us in on what matters most to livestock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

Wisconsin has four outstanding finalists for the annual Leopold Conservation award. Jill Welke introduces us to one. Andy Bensend has been practicing no-till for decades on his farmland in Barron County. Bensend says he's always looking for new ways to suppress weeds while disturbing the soil very little across his 3,800 acres. One of his advisors is actually a giant pumpkin grower that inspires him with unique ways of keeping weeds away. That nip in the air will stick around this week. Stu Muck says that daytime highs this week probably aren't going to get much higher than 50 degrees. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to talk about unique sales they've consigned for the month. Huhn also notes that they still enjoy a live auction despite their heavy presence with their website. Paid for by Steffes Group. Offhand comments from the president have tanked cattle prices. While on Air Force One, President Trump said he was considering importing beef (and maybe cattle) from Argentina. Collin Woodall, CEO of the Nat'l Cattlemen's Beef Association says that's disappointing. Woodall says they've had a good working relationship with the administration and USDA, but this direction is a surprise. Markets are still reacting to that slip of the tongue on Friday. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing tells Pam Jahnke that without actual facts, traders react heavily to those kinds of social media posts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's Wisconsin Science Festival will feature a special weather event at the Wisconsin Energy Institute on the UW-Madison campus. On October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wisconet Manager Chris Vagasky tells Stephanie Hoff that it will help introduce people to the behind-the-scenes of weather -- a topic that influences lives every day. He says Wisconsin is a weather hub as it's home to the Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences Department, the National Weather Service, several big-market TV meteorologists, the State Climate Office, and Wisconet. More sunshine on the way today, but showers keep popping up through Thursday. That's the word from Stu Muck. Farm appraisal appointments are taking up a lot of time with the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that farmers and their lenders sometimes want to get a handle on machinery inventory before the end of the calendar year. He also highlights some of the in-season bids that captured equipment while the harvest was underway. Paid for by Steffes Group. The U.S. Meat Export Federation just returned from a trade mission to the United Kingdom. While it may not represent a big geography, it does have a lot of population looking for meat. Jerry Thiel, chair elect of the USMEF, says the UK's alignment with the EU should make things easier - but it doesn't. The information vacuum created by the shutdown of USDA looms over the marketplace and trade activity. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend explains what critical pieces are missing and what it means to production agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first round of the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program grants is open! This application period will distribute $50 million in ARIP funding to support projects across the state focused on improving rural roads and culverts that are critical to moving and transporting agricultural and forestry products. The 2025-27 Biennial Budget included $150 million to continue this program created in 2023. This year, $30 million will be specifically targeted to bridge and culvert repair through the separate Local Bridge and Culvert Improvement Program. WisDOT is developing those program materials, which are expected to be available in the coming months, says Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen. He tells Stephanie Hoff that the two completed projects of the 91 grants from the 2024-25 ARIP program are: Town of Sugar Camp in Oneida County and Town of Rockland in Brown County.Not a lot of rain out of yesterdays' cloudy skies according to Stu Muck. The threat of frost gets real for most of the state beginning tonight. He also notes that we'll be enjoying plenty of sunshine and a little warmer temperatures for the rest of the week.With 120 auctions to go before the end of the calendar year, Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group is staying busy. He says that the fourth quarter has turned into one of their most active times of the year. Why? Farms decide they want to replace or upgrade certain pieces of equipment as the harvest concludes or right after. Paid for by Steffes Group.Boneheaded maneuver! That's the phrase that WI Senator Pat Testin uses to describe the proposed fee escalation WDATCP wants to levy against all livestock marketing locations, associated support businesses like livestock truckers, and farmers themselves. Testin tells Pam Jahnke that after a Supreme Court ruling, the state legislature is powerless to override this agency directive. He implores anyone in the livestock industry to voice their concerns before October 15th. People in the farming community often struggle with discussing mental health. It's important to get beyond that stigma according to Paula Hillmann, Counseling Psychologist with the Wisconsin Farm Center. Housed within the WI Department of Ag., Trade and Consumer Protection, Hillmann says she reminds farmers that if trauma isn't treated it turns into PTSD. She tells Kiley Allan it's important for farmers and their families to remember that people care about them and that there is help available. She emphasizes that you're not alone if you're struggling. Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance.The government shutdown is disrupting some reports that traders normally expect. The weekly crop progress report for example. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, tells Pam Jahnke that there are private tools available to supplement the data, but upcoming reports - or lack of - could change the atmosphere of trading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dairy Business Association promoted Chad Zuleger to executive director. Having nearly seven years of experience at DBA, Zuleger is dedicated to advocating for the state’s dairy community. As executive director, Zuleger will continue to lead DBA’s efforts in the state capitol. He also tells Stephanie Hoff that he will also direct DBA’s government affairs strategy, guiding public policy and messaging and fostering member involvement in grassroots campaigns. He will oversee the organization’s political action committee. Nothing to complain about with today's weather forecast. Stu Muck says for the 30th of September, these temperatures are well above normal for Wisconsin. While some are worried about the lack of rain, Stu says that may change coming up next week.This is the last week for people to get their auction items, or planned auctions connected with the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that they're wrapping up their quarterly catalog that will be distributed to more than 80 recipients this fall. Paid for by the Steffes Group.20,000 grilled cheese sandwiches is just one feature that anyone can enjoy at World Dairy Expo. Stephanie Hoff talks to Grace Mansell, a member of the Badger Dairy Club which oversees production of those grilled cheese. She says it's a juggling act to get ingredients, volunteers, and students all pulling in the same direction to deliver the hot, tasty treats.The harvest has control of the market these days. That's the word from John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend. He tells Pam Jahnke that today the USDA Grain Stock Report could bring some interesting numbers to the harvest dynamic. Heinberg also notes that corn demand remains exceptionally strong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is very wet after large amounts of rain over the weekend, but this weekend could help dry it out. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Harvest is underway for most, and this creates new dangers on the road. Lt. Bill Berger with the Wisconsin State Patrol motor carrier investigative unit, shares some tips for farmers when it comes to DOT standards and civilians for driving around the large machinery. Pam Jahnke has a chat with Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group to give insight on what's selling at auctions. Wisconsin is full of Dairy royalty which includes the National Guernsey Queen, Josie Bailey. Kiley Allan talks with her to learn more about how she fell in love with this breed. Market advisor John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing joins the show and says that the beef market is still holding strong, but New World Screwworm is now within 70 miles of the US borders. Argentina is also strengthening their soybean industry by implementing an Export Tax Cut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're trying to enjoy the home stretch of summer with outdoor activities - be careful. Ticks are still out there and their populations are big. Kiley Allan chats with Kurt Avery. He's the Founder and Owner of Sawyer Products. He estimates that 500,000 people will get Lyme Disease this year. Kurt shares tips and tricks to avoid ticks. Good news for us! Many of his tips also work for repelling mosquitoes.It's going to get a little warm today with temps in the mid 80's. Stu Muck explains that the Compeer Financial forecast for the next phase of weather includes a little rain, and cooler temperatures.Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke with the 10 sales from the month of August. He says it proves that there's still a robust market for used equipment going into the harvest. Paid for by Steffes Group.There's more interest from students than ever focused on where their food comes from and how it's produced. Sally Ladsten is the State FFA Advisor at the WI Dept. of Public Instruction. She explains that there's about 30 new FFA chapters chartering this year all over the state. She also notes that the strain on teachers is still evident, but they're managing with flexible alternative licensure options.The Prime Rib Trail is just one project that the WI Beef Council has undertaken this summer, leading consumers to new restaurants and supper clubs that feature the cut. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the WI Beef Council joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the initial 16 locations. She also notes that a group from Central America will be visiting Wisconsin next week. They'll get a full experience from meeting restaurant owners, to the meat processing element and on to a farm visit. Checkoff Chat sponsored by Equity Cooperative Livestock Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture plays a part in everything we do. Recently, I was surprised to learn that agriculture even has a role in tattoo art. Graham Cassellius joins us from his 34-acre farm named Cassell Hollow Farm in Vernon County. When he bought the farm more than a decade ago, he inherited about 3,500 hazelnut trees. It took a few years for him to decide that it was time to start making something with those hazelnuts. It took him into a niche market of helping people maintain their fresh ink. But it wasn't easy -- growing a unique specialty crop in Wisconsin comes with challenges. Luckily, he had help from the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative. Now, his valuable hazelnut skin oils will be featured at the Madison Tattoo Festival, September 12-14.A little rain today depending on where you are in Wisconsin, but the good news - warmer weather's on the way. Stu Muck explains the outlook in our Compeer Financial ag weather update.Just before the harvest lies the sweet spot for some farm equipment sales. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group explains to Pam Jahnke that sometimes farms want to go into the harvest with a little "insurance" in the form of back-up equipment. That can make for some robust auction prices. He explains in this week's Steffes Group update. Paid for by the Steffes Group.Markets reflect the near ideal weather the crop's enjoyed and the international challenges some grains are running into. Wisconsin's crop progress update shows a slight decline in the soybean readings, but the corn harvest has surpassed 10%. Meanwhile the state's potato growers can pace themselves with the harvest as long as the weather stays cool and dry. Pam Jahnke updates where numbers stand.Wisconsin’s wine grape harvest is underway, and at Bailey’s Run Vineyard in New Glarus, manager Aimee Arrigoni is watching the weather closely. She oversees six acres and 3,000 vines. The early Edelweiss has already been picked, but later-ripening reds are still waiting on September warmth. Recent swings between hot and unusually cool temperatures have stalled sugar levels, raising the risk of fruit damage from birds, bees, and disease. Despite the challenges, Arrigoni says yields are strong and quality is high, with promising reds like Marquette and Petite Pearl set for harvest later this month into early October.Shave them to save them. The phrase isn’t talking about beards and moustaches in this scenario, but rather a program run by the livestock conservancy to save our sheep. Ben Jarboe visits with Jeanette Baranger, the senior program manager for the livestock conservancy which has been in existence for about 7 years. She says one element they're promoting is how shaving the animal can actually help save them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall is an ideal time to start thinking about composting projects. That's the word from statewide horticulture specialist, Bruce Spangenberg. He tells Ben Jarboe what the process is all about, and shares tips for first time composters to make it a success. Fall is ideal because of the volume of organic material available. Spangenberg also recommends not putting meat food scraps in the pile because it will not decompose quickly and may attract animals. After a little rain today, sunshine should return. That's the forecast from Stu Muck. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to talk about preparing for your auction. Time is the key component that can really influence a sales success. Paid for by Steffes Group. Agriculture plays a part in everything we do, and can show up in surprising areas. When Graham Cassellius bought his 34-acre farm named Cassell Hollow Farm in Vernon County, he inherited about 3,500 hazelnut trees. It took a few years for him to decide what direction he could take the crop when - surprise - he discovered tattoo art. Today his hazelnut skin oil helps people maintain their ink, as well as their beards! Cassellius and Cassell Hollow Farm will actually be featured at the Madison Tattoo Festival in September! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading to Airy Point Farms in St. Cloud, Wisconsin, where thousands of dahlias burst into bloom each summer. Nicole and Derek Sippel leaped six generations of conventional dairying into agricultural tourism, hosting U-pick flowers, festivals, and community events. Nicole shares the challenges of growing dahlias, but says the rewards are greater come harvest. She says Dahlia Days at their farm has become a centerpiece for both beauty and community impact. Fall-like conditions will continue into Labor Day Weekend. Small chances of rain creep up for Southeast Wisconsin. Pam Jahnke catches up with Ashley Huhn of The Steffes Group (paid) to discuss upcoming auctions that Wisconsin farmers will want to take note of. With turbulence around staffing and funding across federal agencies, Ben Jarboe checks in with newly appointed Wisconsin Farm Service Agency Executive Director Sandy Chalmers. She says FSA has a lot of temps working in the office, but the busy season is going smoothly. Grotegut Dairy Farm is hosting an ACE Twilight Meeting this evening. Rosario Ibarra, the dairy's general manager, says they are proud to be a member of their community. They are excited to welcome people to the farm for education and discussion on important farm topics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has a history in hemp production that dates back to 1908 when farmers started growing the crop. The state played a key role during World War II when hemp was being used for rope. Today, hemp is used in a variety of products but the key is growing a crop that meets market quality requirements. Kiley Allan visits with UW-Madison Hemp Research Program Manager, Phillip Alberti. Alberti says harvest is underway. August is the peak time for fiber hemp and early stage of grain hemp. Weather hasn't been a problem for the crop this year according to Alberti, but the humidity creates some lucrative challenges with insects. A few showers this morning, otherwise a pretty pleasant Wednesday on the way. Stu Muck says it's a dry week after that with moderate temps. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to discuss a manure handling equipment auction that's coming up. This is generally very unique and expensive equipment that buyers would have to locate in multiple locations. Ashley Huhn says this auction brings it all to one spot. Paid for by Steffes Group. Lactococcus Lactis - it's not a dirty word! It could, however, become the state microbe for Wisconsin if one state representative gets her way. Ben Jarboe finds out why this microbe fits "America's Dairyland" from Senator Rachel Cabral-Guevara from the 19th district. She says this microbe is used in nearly every dairy product made in the state, which makes it the perfect state microbe representative. This is the second straight session she has introduced the bill in. Today’s farms run on advanced technology, face high financial risk, and operate under ever-changing policy landscapes. Yet even with all that, farmers still find time to serve their communities—whether it’s mentoring youth or volunteering at the county fair. That’s exactly the kind of well-rounded excellence the Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Program seeks to recognize. Cindy Matton leads the program. She tells Stephanie Hoff about the program and why it was started. She also explains the fairly simple application process for young farmers that want to apply. Deadline is September 1!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old iron at work. That's what you can look forward to at the 62nd annual Badger Steam & Gas Engine show this weekend outside of Baraboo. Ben Jarboe takes a closer look with Steve Rodebush, president of the club. He says they're focused on the Ford and Ferguson brands this year. He also explains that there will be many demonstrations giving people a chance to see how work 'used to be done' in the nation's farms and industrial business centers. Weather looks friendly for the big show in Baraboo. Stu Muck says that the only uncomfortable part that's not changing is the humidity. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group says things are temporarily slower in the office while farms prepare for the harvest. He does note though that prices for good used equipment remain firm, as does the real estate market. Paid for by Steffes Group. The World Ag Supply/Demand Estimates released on Tuesday were in line with what traders had expected. Pam Jahnke reports that Wisconsin farmers are expected to harvest about 189 bushel/acre on corn, and about 54 bushel/acre on soybeans. Grazing is a practice that most Wisconsin dairies used a generation ago. Now the Dairy Grazers Alliance wants to reinfuse enthusiasm for the practice again. Stephanie Hoff learns from central Wisconsin dairyman, Joe Tomandl, about the market value being discovered for grass-fed milk. Their projections are that the global market for that element will grow by nearly 23% in the next decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck joins the show to give us a look at if we can expect rain in this critical growing period. David Giehtbrock, a Fish Culture Section Leader with the DNR, gives us a more detailed look into how the state works to stock fish in our lakes. He says this year they stocked over 1 Million Chinook Salmon into Lake Michigan. Stephanie Hoff talks with Kelly Wilfert, the Extension Farm Management Outreach Specialist with UW, on how an expiring legislation may leave farmers needing to pay an increased “Death Tax”. Jeremy Williams the Owner of American Drone to see what he has planned as far as drone demonstrations for the 2025 Farm Technology Days. Farm Director Pam Jahnke has a conversation with Randy Cath from the Steffes Group to give a deeper dive into the work they do behind the scenes when preparing for an auction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summers Christmas tree farm is operated by Bill and Judy Summers. During the summer months, ideal weather is crucial for Christmas tree development. Bill tells Kiley Allan about the summer care of trees, the effects of weather, and the evolution of consumer tree demand.Today's Compeer Financial ag weather update calls for a cool front bringing rain and a Canadian wildfire smoke advisory.Pam Jahnke checks in with Randy Cath of the Steffes Group on big auctions they have lined up.What's old is new again at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Ben brings us a story about the "new" Dairy Building.Joe Tomandl, a fourth-generation dairy farmer in central Wisconsin and founder of both the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship and the newly formed Dairy Grazing Alliance, says he’s proud of how far the movement has come since 2010. The Alliance, he explains, builds on that foundation to grow the dairy grazing sector as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month's installment of Auction Talk with Steffes Group features a conversation with Director of Real Estate Max Steffes and Richland County Commissioner Nathan Berseth, a market development officer with Bell Bank, and alfalfa grower near Colfax - just to name a few of his duties. Hosted by Rusty Halvorson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.