Podcasts about total farm marketing

There’s still a lot of old crop grain in storage to market, even while farmers prepare for the upcoming 2026 growing season. John Heinberg, the market advisor for Total Farm Marketing, said clearing out old crop grain supplies is a big concern. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This afternoon's coverage of Commodity Classic is sponsored by Syngenta. Weekly markets contributor Oliver Sloup of Blue Line Futures joins us in person in San Antonio for an extended conversation on the markets. And Bryan Doherty of Total Farm Marketing by Stewart-Peterson talks commodities, including milk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Doherty, Total Farm Marketing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 46th annual meeting of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni brought historic high marks for membership. Pam Jahnke discusses the accomplishments and what's ahead with Tari Costello, executive director of the group. Costello says they've gained 2,000 more members in the past year, as well as 10 new alumni chapters statewide. Nick Lowe is pleased to see the numbers. Lowe is a life-long member of the Stoughton FFA and Stoughton FFA Alumni. He explains how his parents helped inspire his engagement with FFA, and how he elevated his activities to the state level. Another blustery day for Wisconsin with winds whipping up to 35 miles per hour. Stu Muck says the winds should settle down later this week but not before some lumpy precipitation moves through. The Mid-West Farm Report has partnered with the Professional Dairy Producers for their annual business conference coming up March 4-5. Ben Jarboe highlights some of the top shelf conversations that will be offered, including Dr. David Kohl. Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Ag Finance and Small Business Management at Virginia Tech, will speak on building a resilient dairy business. Resilient, nimble dairy operations often have three to six different revenue streams. Kohl says diversification strategies discussed will include value-added creameries, agritourism, special events, cattle genetics sales, methane digesters, and consulting services. First time attendees could score free admission courtesy of the Mid-West Farm Report. Just text your name and email address to 877-301-3276. Valued at more than $400!Markets are still trying to figure out what the tariff conversations mean for agriculture. With the Supreme Court denying President Trump's tariff's, but then the president deploying another round of tariffs under a different measure - everyone's confused. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, tries to sort through what we know now. Also, beef consumption remains well supported by consumers despite higher prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wheat and crude oil continued their rally on the back of weather and geopolitical risk in those markets. Corn and soybeans were quiet once again as USDA's Ag Outlook Forum projected smaller corn acres and higher soybean acres for the year ahead. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss the week in the grain and livestock markets. Find more at https://www.totalfarmarketing.com. Cash is still king in the cattle market, with Northwest Iowa seeing trades at $250, reinforcing the strength of negotiated cash. Attention now turns to Friday, which brings two potential market movers: the latest Cattle on Feed report and another vote at the JBS plant in Greeley, Colorado. On this week's Cattle Chatter, Brad Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek breaks down the strong cash movement, the impact of heavier cattle, and answers a listener question about cattle in Mexico and whether more are now being processed south of the border.

Lawrence Kane, Total Farm Marketing by Stewart Peterson, joins the program to discuss market conditions and outlooks.Chuck Gallagher, Business Ethics Speaker and Author, talks about artificial intelligence and agriculture from the Grain and Feed conference in St. Louis.Matt Makens, Meteorlogist and Atmospheric Scientist at Makens Weather, has a look at the forecast and a "false spring."

The humble potato is getting a makeover as culinary experts work to move the vegetable from a simple side dish to the center of the plate. At the "Spud Lab" in Denver, RJ Harvey, Culinary Director for Potatoes USA, is leading a movement to transform how major food brands, universities, and even the medical community view the potato.He tells Stephanie Hoff that the Spud Lab has identified key functional benefits of potatoes that go beyond flavor. In baked goods, potatoes are proven to improve moisture retention and shelf life, while in savory applications, they serve as "allergen solves." For example, potatoes provide creaminess without dairy or thicken soups without flour (gluten).More above normal temps on the way today, bringing with it a few showers. Stu Muck says that will help draw out any frost that may remain in some soils across the state.A junior from Waunakee High School has become the 2026 WI FFA Auctioneer Champion. Junie Kierce won this year’s competition and started well in advance preparing. Kierce tells Ben Jarboe that her activity in public speaking helped out, but that the mentorship from an actual auctioneer was key. Kierce was paired with Jenny Gehl, a professional auctioneer from SE Wisconsin. Some of the challenge areas for Kierce were the actual items she had to sell. She says not knowing what something was used for could've been a big obstacle if it weren't for the support and knowledge of other auctioneers. Now with the win, she earned the opportunity to attend auctioneering school or compete at the International Junior Auctioneers Championship.A 3-day weekend didn't improve the attitude of traders apparently. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for an update. One area that he's monitoring is the run up in soybean oil. From food to fuel, that commodity is finding many avenues of use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We saw a quiet start to the week in the grain and livestock markets as the grains prep for the February WASDE Report tomorrow. John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing joins us for a conversation. Also, we get an update on the weather forecast for the week ahead with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions and listen in to a conversation from last week during CattleCon 2026 with Kara Lee, Director of Producer Engagement, Certified Angus Beef.

It was a volatile week of trading in the cattle markets with the JBS Greeley, CO news on Thursday followed by more red hot cash cattle trade on Friday that helped support a decent futures rally. Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek joins us to share perspective on the livestock markets and a bit on the grains as we finish up the week. More at https://www.kkvtrading.com. Meanwhile, it was a strong week for the soybean complex although Friday did bring a round of profit taking and farmer selling it seems as we finished well of session highs. The corn and wheat markets continued to struggle with more quiet, rangebound trade. And, we also get thoughts on beef on dairy but looking at it from the dairy side of the equation with Bryan Doherty, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing. Find more online by visiting https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com.

Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing by Stewart-Peterson is our guest analyst this afternoon and she helps us put a wrap on the week's market action. And Chris Swift of Swift Trading Company hops in for a quick visit as we enjoy his hospitality in Nashville, Tennessee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Stephanie Hoff catches up with Maria Woldt, program manager for the UW Dairy Innovation Hub. Every dairy cow in Wisconsin generates approximately $41,500 in economic activity annually, a statistic that underscores the importance of the UW Dairy Innovation Hub's mission. Now in its sixth year, the Hub has funded over 260 projects. While some results are immediate, many are long-term investments that prioritize sustainable growth over quick fixes. In the last fiscal year alone, the Hub trained 310 students (mostly undergraduates) from diverse academic backgrounds ranging from political science to soil science to ignite interest in dairy careers. Researchers at UW-Platteville recently secured a patent for converting cheese whey into biodegradable 3D-printing filament, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The Hub is playing the "long game" by studying how dairy ingredients can be used to treat or prevent non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dementia, and IBS. Despite a volatile dairy economy, the Hub serves as a "bright spot" for farmers by focusing on innovation that benefits the entire supply chain, regardless of farm size or management style. Temps keep warming around Wisconsin. Stu Muck says the forecast doesn't hold much snow, which is keeping winter skiers and snowmobilers in place. Lab grown meat is getting another look at the state capitol. Pam Jahnke visits with WI Senator Pat Testin about the flurry of activity he's keeping track of. Testin says he has visited a lab producing lobster in the past. While not to his taste, Testin says if consumers are going to have lab based meat as an option, labeling is clearly something that must be in place. The financial distribution of about $11 billion in USDA aid is underway. Sandy Chalmers, state executive director for USDA's Farm Service Agency offices says operators should watch for a pre-certified document being mailed. Once that document is certified and returned to FSA, ALL of the money under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will be disbursed. The market's looking for news these days according to John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend. All eyes continue to look to South America and their weather patterns. Precious metals became an easy distraction for traders on Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While nothing is set in stone yet, the proposed regulations for 45z tax credits could be a nice benefit to the grain markets. Riley Smith visits with Brandon Doherty of Total Farm Marketing. 

Grain and livestock futures were under selling pressure to close out the month of January while metals, stocks and more were down even harder on Friday. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to share perspective on the finish to the week and month, thoughts on farmers selling small rallies in the grain trade, an update on a volatile dairy market and more. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Friday's futures trade brought some heavy selling pressure in feeder cattle with some spilling over to live cattle ahead of the Cattle Inventory Report release. Joe Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek joins us to discuss what he's seeing at month's end, thoughts in lean hogs and some grain market perspective as well. More at https://www.kkvtrading.com.

Today, we explore the emotional and practical complexities of transitioning to assisted living. Stephanie Hoff talks to Mike Pochowski, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association. He emphasizes the importance of balancing personal independence with safety. He shares with Hoff a roadmap for families, including how to navigate difficult conversations and where to find financial resources. Community support and proactive planning ensure a high quality of life for seniors in both urban and rural settings. A little snow overnight shouldn't cause any travel disruptions today. It stays cold according to Stu Muck, but temps could improve by the weekend. Approximately 27% of Wisconsin farmers rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for health insurance. Without credits, the cap on premiums (previously 8.5% of income) has vanished, forcing tough choices between health and farm survival. Ben Nelson, executive director of Cooperative Network, explains how challenging it is to try and find coverage for farm families today. The Cooperative Network is exploring reopening the Farmers Health Cooperative of Wisconsin to provide independent, comprehensive coverage. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend will be one of the featured speakers this morning at the annual UW Ag Outlook Forum. This morning he tells Pam Jahnke that dairy has seen some robust trading over the past few days. Question is will it last. Weather's also impacted some trading, especially dairy and wheat short-term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a strong day for dairy and cattle to start the week while the grain trade was mostly lower to start the week. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss what he's seeing across the markets as we start off the week of trading. More at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Many part of the U.S. are experiencing frigid temperatures this week, on top of a massive winter storm that brought snow, ice, power outages and more for many across the country (Jesse Allen included). For our Weekly Weather Update with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Jesse shares a firsthand look at what his backyard looks like and they talk about when this pattern may change and start to thaw folks out. More at https://www.ag-wx.com.

We saw a mixed grain and livestock trade on Thursday as wheat was the upside leader. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss potential winter weather impacts on wheat, perspective on the current state of the soybean market, along with a look at cattle and dairy markets as well. Find more online by visiting https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also, it's a new episode of Cattle Chatter this week with Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek. This week on the show, they break down the softer feeder index, weather that may not yet be fully priced in as snow and colder temperatures arrive late this week, and what Friday's Cattle on Feed report could reveal about tighter supplies moving forward. Find more at https://www.kkvtrading.com.

Stephanie Hoff gets a closer look at organic butter production in Wisconsin. Chelsea Weadge explains how Organic Valley balances seasonal milk fluctuations caused by cows moving off pasture during the winter months. Unlike the conventional market, the cooperative doesn't compete on volume. It maintains its premium pricing by focusing on consumer values. Looking ahead to 2026, the brand is leveraging new grants to modernize its Wisconsin processing plant with a focus on sustainable packaging and high-protein product innovations. Frigid temperatures continue today and bring with them a chance of snow. Stu Muck explains what areas are likely to get the most accumulation, and when temperatures will start to fluctuate. Wisconsin's "Grow" convention continues in Wisconsin Dells. Kiley Allan made the trip to find out how strawberry, apple, grape and Christmas tree growers are approaching 2026. Sometimes it's not just about the crop. She finds out about how Mayberry Farms began in Mayville back in 2020 from Danielle Clark. The mother of 5 says that their background growing up on the farm was a big motivation to raise their kids on an active farm. Markets are in a nose dive this morning over strains between the United States and Europe - the quest for Greenland top of mind. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend explains how that tension weighs down commodity actions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing by Stewart Peterson helps us wrap up this wild week in the markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soybeans saw decent strength on Thursday with another large crush number out from NOPA along with good export sales numbers. Meanwhile, the corn market continues to struggle under the weight of USDA's big surprises from Monday. Was corn silage the main culprit as to why we saw a large shock in harvested corn acres? That's one of many topics we discuss today with Bryan Doherty from Total Farm Marketing. More at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also, we start the show with market analysis from Mike Castle with StoneX and follow that up in Segment Two with a brand new episode of Cattle Chatter. FARM's Susan Littlefield is joined again this week by Brad Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek for a deep dive into the cattle markets.

John Heinberg, Total Farm Marketing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Large portions of what would normally be a Farm Bill have already been included in the "Big Beautiful Bill". That's part of the update from Congressman Derrick VanOrden. The western Wisconsin representative tells Ben Jarboe about several components designed to protect food safety elements, animal health, and international competition. The last of the snow may be gone around most of Wisconsin by the end of the day today. Stu Muck says you're already hearing the gusting winds this morning. That will be a big part of the weather story today and tomorrow. 95% of Wisconsin's total population have made a stop at a county fair or the fairgrounds. That's part of the economic story revealed at the WI Fair Associations annual meeting in WI Dells. Pam Jahnke talks with Ray Alisson, chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, and executive director of the Indiana State Fair. Alisson says that in Wisconsin, fairs contribute over $1.5 billion to the local and state economy. This is part of the story that will be shared with policy makers and local businesses. It's also helping to launch a new phase of questioning focused on the non-financial value of county fairs. The market is still shocked after big numbers were released in Monday's World Ag Supply Demand report. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing says he heard the deflation in his clients voices yesterday. If there is a bullish element left in the market, it's corn. Heinberg says we need to keep grinding through this girth of corn if there's any hope of trying to reclaim higher prices without a weather event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, USDA released a ton of data with it's January report dump and most people were of the opinion that the numbers were bearish for the market outlook moving forward. We discuss the surprising changes to corn yield, harvest area, ending stocks and so much more on today's show. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing shares his reaction and analysis of today's reports. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Plenty of weather storylines to watch this week across the U.S. and around the world, including cold and snow for some and dryness for others. But how about a long term idea that maybe, El Nino could return in 2026? That's one of many things we talk about with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions on this week's Weekly Weather Update. More at https://www.ag-wx.com. We also start the show in segment one with reaction to the January USDA numbers from Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist at StoneX.

What's happening with consumer preferences now that winter is upon us and fresh produce and vegetables from local growers has shrunk? Kiley Allan talks about it with Nick Novak, President of the Midwest Food Products Association. Novak says that keeping consumers' confidence is key in light of questions about ingredients and sources. He notes that canned and frozen vegetables offer transparency as consumers can easily see the few simple ingredients. typically, just the vegetable, water, and sometimes salt. Nutritionally speaking Novak says that preserved vegetables are very similar in quality to fresh options, as they are typically picked and canned or frozen at the peak of freshness. He does admit that the recent government shutdown has impacted consumer purchasing decisions and spending.Some parts of Wisconsin have a glaze of ice to deal with this morning. Stu Muck looks region by region at what's moving through Wisconsin this morning, and what we'll be seeing for the rest of the day.There is one bright spot in production agriculture that's working to get more attention. Lamb! David Fisher, Vice Chair of the American Lamb Board says they're seeing a noticeable uptick the amount of lamb being purchased by consumers. They're also working on an educational message about getting into lamb production through somewhat unconventional ways, like grazing sheep under solar arrays.Venezuela didn't do much to influence commodities on Monday, but it could influence oil going forward. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says that Monday's USDA grain report will also be critical. Heinberg says that Monday's report will likely set the goal posts for what corn/soybean prices will shoot for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Doherty of Total Farm Marketing by Stewart-Peterson joins us to close out the marketing year and offer some optimistic perspective plus Todd Horwitz of bubbatrading.com is still concerned about the possibility of stagflation and USDA dropped some details on the bridge payments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to ag meteorologist Stu Muck cold weather will persist and may bring some more snow soon. Kiley Allan has a chat with Maddie Dobbs to see how she went from classroom to classroom. She shares her story of becoming an agricultural teacher at Melrose-Mindoro. The record government shutdown closed a lot of things for farmers, but according to National Crop Insurance Services president, Tom Zacharias, it did not interrupt their ability to pay claims. Stephanie Hoff has the Story. Keith Burns, a co-owner of Green Cover Seed out of Nebraska, gives an update on what the cover crop industry is looking like as a whole. John Heinberg, a Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing joins the show with host Ben Jarboe to give a review of the 2025 year and a look into 2026. He says currently the metal markets are going crazy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Christmas will be a bit warmer than usual but, that also means it will be safe travels with only a slight chance of ice on the roads according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. 8 to 12 years. That's how long it takes for a Christmas tree to grow before it is ready for our around two months of holiday celebration. Stephanie Hoff joins the show with Jeff Aissen, the owner of Aissen Tree Farm just south of Luxemburg, to see what it takes to grow these holiday staples. The holiday season usually brings on a lot of great food for the family to enjoy, and this may include lamb. Kiley Allan chats with Ben Lefeldt, the President of the American Sheep Industry Association, to get an update on what they are doing to make sure their producers are getting the pay they deserve. Market advisor John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins the show to give an update ahead of the holiday. He says that the beef has seen good demand, but there is still too much milk being produced on the dairy side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we get closer to ending 2025 and see the markets mostly entering into the holiday mode, we take a step back and discuss some common market terms and strategies to consider when it comes to managing your risk. Our professor for today's lesson is Bryan Doherty, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing. Learn more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Plus, we take a look at what is happening in the cattle markets as we near the end of the week and month. It's an all new episode of Cattle Chatter as our own Susan Littlefield sits down again this week with Brad Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek out of Sioux Center, IA. More at https://www.kkvtrading.com.

Some analysts are looking to January’s WASDE report with anticipation. Naomi Blohm, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing, says one of the positive factors for corn farmers at the moment is the continuing good demand. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday's market action had a bit of a "risk-off" flavor to it, especially in the grains and oilseeds. However, we did finished somewhat mixed on the session as we've hit the halfway point of December and the downhill slide to the holidays. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss the markets as we get the week started. Learn more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. With a warm up on the way this week, could that mean a sloppy and muddy mess just in time for Christmas? Also, what do some of the longer range models show us as we move into January? Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Market Talk Weekly Weather Update. Find more online at https://www.ag-wx.com. Also to start the show, could we see the a continued rally and uptrend in the cattle complex as we close out 2025 and look ahead to January? Does high price equal profitability right now? Brady Huck with Advance Trading joins us to discuss the cattle markets and share perspective on the holiday grain trade as well as we start the week.

On today's show, we start in segment one with analysis from Arlan Suderman from StoneX that we got during our Midday Commentary and follow that up with a new episode of Cattle Chatter in Segment Two with Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima. Then, we sit down for a look at the week in the market trade and talk risk management with Bryan Doherty from Total Farm Marketing to close the show.

Wisconsin hemp growers are facing going out of business if state leaders don't take action to protect them. Part of the comprehensive compromise bill that got the federal government open again contained language that would shut down the nation's hemp industry by this time next year. State Senator Pat Testin recognizes the value in the industry and has crafted legislation that would, hopefully, allow the growers and manufacturers to continue. Pam Jahnke finds out about those efforts, and his recent meeting with WI Ag Secretary, Randy Romanski, over proposed fee increases that would impact the state's livestock industry. Winter weather advisory out for most of Wisconsin beginning this afternoon. Stu Muck explains what the next system is bringing in and what we should expect. Dairy is struggling and it's an odd time of the year for that statement to be true. Stephanie Hoff talks with Kim Heiman, manager at Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield. Nasonville focuses a lot of attention on "commodity cheese" which can be marketed through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He explains how that market's been impacted and what 2026 quarter one looks like. USDA announced a $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance program on Monday. Pam Jahnke explains the released details and what WI farms will qualify for payments. She also announces the election results from the 106th annual business meeting of the WI Farm Bureau Federation. Brad Olsen has been re-elected WFBF President, and Brian Preder has been elected Rural Mutual Insurance President. Markets are flat in reaction to the USDA aid announced yesterday. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. He also notes that today we'll get the December World Ag Supply report. Although not usually a newsmaker - traders may be looking for information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday's show, we talk markets with John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing and weather with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Grain and livestock markets were mostly higher on Thursday as we work through the first week of December. Corn demand especially remains strong, according to the export sales data. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss demand, charts and market sentiment on today's show. Find more online by visiting https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also, what is happening in this cattle trade as get into December? Susan Littlefield joins us for another episode of Cattle Chatter with Brad Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek on today's show. Find more at https://www.kkvtrading.com.

Commodity marketing is a real struggle for Wisconsin farmers. What could improve? How should growers plan? Ben Jarboe visits with UW-Madison Ag Economist, Paul Mitchell, about all the elements that influence prices from government programs to international tariffs. Mitchell is currently organizing the 2026 UW Ag Outlook Forum that will take a closer look at various segments of Wisconsin agriculture January 27th.Freezing fog is a part of the early morning commute this morning. Stu Muck says that subzero temps will stick around through most of this week. He does note that there's another chance for snow rolling in by this Friday.While Wisconsin farmers are struggling with commodity marketing, they may be overlooking one of the geographic benefits they have. Water. Not just water for the crops to grow, but water to help market those commodities. Stephanie Hoff talks to Max Fischer, chief economist and treasurer of the National Grain and Feed Association. He says the investments that have been made in the Port of Milwaukee are a great example of Wisconsin getting ahead. Fischer says the St. Lawrence Seaway is an untapped resource for moving grain into the international market chain inexpensively.Wisconsin's hemp industry could disappear within a year because of federal language that snuck into the compromise bill that reopened the government. WI Senator Pat Testin has authored legislation that would essentially allow the state's hemp farmers and manufacturers to continue to operate. It's similar to what other states have adopted to shun the federal attempt to kill the industry. The cattle market took a dip on the news that a Nebraska meat processing facility would be closing. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. Heinberg sasy the Nebraska plant had been a target for closure before, but now it plays into a bigger story of where cattle are, and how much they weigh. He notes that cattle in the north are heavier than those in the south, and they're being discounted because of it. With cheap corn he says many growers have opted to add a few pounds on these high value animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grain and livestock markets kicked off the final month of 2025 with a lower day across much of the trade. Is the seasonal low volume holiday trade mindset and winter blues already settling into the commodity markets? John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us to share perspective on the markets as we kicked off the week and the month of December. Find more online by visiting their website at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Meantime, meteorological winter has arrived as the calendar turns to December and we saw winter arrive in a big way across much of the Midwest over the weekend. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Weekly Weather Update. Learn more online at https://www.ag-wx.com.

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.

We have a jam packed show to start the week after the soybean trade led the grains and oilseeds higher on Monday. Brian Splitt from AgMarket joins us for analysis to open the show followed by our Weekly Weather Update with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien. Then, it's our weekly conversation with John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing followed by perspective on grains and fertilizer from Mike Castle with StoneX to close the show.

Was Thursday's trade as simple as buy grains, sell livestock? We saw good strength in soybeans and corn with heavy pressure in cattle and hog futures on the day while stocks were also under heavy pressure. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss the trade action, thoughts ahead of Friday's WASDE report and the impact of data flowing again with the government reopening. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also on today's show, we have another episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima from KKV Trading as they discuss the on-going volatility in the cattle markets. And we also kick off the show talking markets with Kyle Bumsted from Allendale in Segment One.

Thank you to all veterans for your service and dedication to our country. We recognize the sacrifices you and your families have made. Today, we honor and appreciate all who have served. Happy Veterans Day! The State Climatology Office wants to hear from rural residents. Their “Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow” is about to kick off. Farm Director Pam Jahnke gets the details from Outreach Specialist Amanda Latham. Slippery and snowy road conditions are underway before a warm-up comes later this week, according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Open enrollment is on now in Wisconsin to sign up for health care coverage. Visit healthcare.gov. Ben Jarboe brings us advice from the Division of Extension's Stephanie Plaster on how to navigate the healthcare marketplace. Grant Holley, executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, says some growers are still wrapping up a cranberry harvest that was challenged by late-season warmups, which confused the vines’ dormancy and disrupted the cold conditions needed for harvest. He reports berries are smaller than usual. What does the government shutdown mean to the markets? John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, joins us this morning to discuss the shutdown's impact AND what it would mean for the government to open this week. USDA said it would release some much-missed reports, including the November WASDE. Soybeans continue to feel pressure as China has no incentive to purchase beans from the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We saw a "risk-on" trade environment to start the week with soybeans leading the grain trade moderately higher and cattle futures trading limit up on Monday. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us for analysis and a conversation about Monday's trade action. Find more online by visiting https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Many folks across the U.S. and Canada are seeing a shot of arctic air move through as we begin the new week and many may have seen (or are currently seeing) snow in their backyard. Will this shot of snow and cold last or is this just a precursor of what's to come this winter? Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss in our Weekly Weather Update. Find more online at https://www.ag-wx.com.

Amanda Brill of Total Farm Marketing joins Mark Magnuson for today's midday market podcast.

There was plenty of red across the grain and livestock trade on Thursday as things quickly turned into a "risk-off" mindset after the morning open. More rumors surrounding trade and tariffs seemed to be at play with soybeans, meal and wheat leading to the downside in grains and feeder cattle leading lower again in livestock futures. We kickoff today's show with Zach Hooker from Commstock Investments and then later in the show Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us for a conversation to recap Thursday's trade action. And in the middle in Segment Two, we have a new episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima from KKV Trading.

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.

John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing joins Mark Magnuson in today's midday market podcast.

Michelle Rook sits in for Chip Flory this afternoon and her guest market analyst is John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing by Stewart Peterson. Brian Splitt of AgMarket.net joins us again to share price action perspective.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.

Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing by Stewart Peterson joins us to discuss livestock and milk market fundamentals, price outlook and risk management. Oliver Sloup of Blue Line Futures shares price action analysis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.