MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Crossbred calves (dairy x beef) are here to stay. That’s the message from Troy Wistuba, the vice president of research and technical service for Land O Lakes. He says Wisconsin dairy producers should take note since crossbred calves are a way to diversify the farm and add value. He explains why dairy-beef calves are gaining popularity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our world is in the initial phases of deglobalization. We are transitioning into a multipolar world with a competitive landscape of powers. The world of automation and technology are changing the future of productivity and work. But how did we get to this point? Jacob Shapiro, Director of Geopolitical analysis with Cognitive investments identifies key geopolitical forces expected to shape the next...

We are due for a new Farm Bill in 2023. Helping to support farmers at this level is Mike Strands, who is the vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union. He is helping to lobby for key issues to those who are the key negotiators of the Farm Bill.  Our world is in the initial phases of deglobalization. We are transitioning into a multipolar world with a competitive landscape of powers...

If the recent snow storm and subzero temps have been a problem for your power grid, maybe it's time to bring out an electrician for a consultation and a quote. Jeff Mahlkuch with A1 Electric in Monroe says the sooner the better to get a project scheduled for the lowest price. Some things to look for in the barn and in the house: flickering lights, exposed wiring, two-pronged outlets (instead of a...

U.S. wheat is known for its quality -- and its higher price, according to Michael Peters, vice chair of the U.S. Wheat Associates board. USW's job is to expand export markets for U.S. wheat despite the challenges of price, transportation issues and geopolitical unrest. Peters starts the conversation with good news on U.S. wheat supply and quality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

With the high gas prices of 2022, you've probably paid more attention to the cost of each type of fuel at the pump -- and E15 or Unleaded 88 was the cheapest option. It's also cleaner for the air and supports Wisconsin ethanol producers and corn growers. But while that sounds like a win-win, E15 sales are not permanently allowed year-round due to an outdated rule, according to Growth Energy. Attor...

Secretary of Agriculture Randy Romanski talks with Pam about the past year in agriculture. From meat processing education to producer led watershed group initiatives, good relationships were made. He encourages listeners to call their local officials and discuss what they are in favor of ahead of the 2023 Farm Bill. The Wisconsin Soil Health Lab is a partnership between University of Wisconsin - S...

The Wisconsin Soil Health Lab is a partnership between University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and the United States Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The intent is to provide testing services for dynamic soil properties or soil health indicators. Bryant Scharenbroch, Associate Professor of Soil Science at UW-Stevens Point says these are things that would...

Rachel Kerr, Sr. Director Experiential & Brand Marketing visits with Pam Jahnke about consumer trends, focused on dairy products, in 2023.  Among the areas she's focusing include: ·        Simple pleasures that bring enjoyment on a budget   ·        Elevated at-home experiences  ·        Healthier living options  ·        Conscious consumption that minimizes environmental impact  Kerr says con...

A farming couple from Medford was named the 2021 Leopold Conservation award winners.  Carrie Mess talks with Joe Tomandl about his philosophies in grazing, and how it's turned into an enterprise others benefit from. Fast and furious action for a lot of farmers as they approach the end of the calendar year.  Ashley Huhn, with the Steffes Group, explains how they work to make sure end of the year ta...

Asma Ahad is the Director of Halal Market Development for the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, she says that farmers should know that demand for foods that meet Halal requirements is a growing market. But what does Halal mean, what are the requirements and what do market opportunities look like for farmers?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the time of year when many organizations ask people for financial contributions.  Food banks and food pantries are certainly no exception.  The good news is that the Hunger Task Force, headquartered in Milwaukee, as just received $5 million in assistance.  Carrie Mess visits with executive director, Sherrie Tussler, about how their "Badger Box" was part of the story that secured the fundin...

The National Farm Medicine Center has been up to a lot as they are always working to help farmers learn farm safety practices to help bridge the gap between safety and farm life.  Melissa Ploeckelman, the National Farm Medicine Center Outreach Specialist, says the trend of roadway fatalities is on the upward climb. The National Farm Medicine offers great tools to help mitigate those risks. See omn...

Wisconsin is America’s Agriculture Tourism Destination. 2022 was a very successful year for Wisconsin agriculture tourism operators and they are already planning for a full year ahead in 2023. Sheila Everhart, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association is working hard to support tourism all year round. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Farm Bill governs policy in many areas related to the agricultural sector and we are due for a new Farm Bill in 2023. Helping to support farmers at this level is Mike Stranz, the Vice President of Advocacy for the National Farmers Union.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whatever color tractor you drive, preventative maintenance on your equipment now during the offseason can prevent downtime during critical times of the year such as planting or harvest. Willem Van Der Kooi is a territory manager with Ziegler Ag, working with farmers in Dane, Columbia and Sauk counties. He walks us through the steps you should take to get your machinery ready for winter storage and...

Cong. Ron Kind will be retired from Congress officially on Jan. 3, when the new Congress takes session. He's represented District 3 since 1997. And he's represented Wisconsin agriculture on the House Ways and Means Committee for over a decade. Kind tells Mid-West Farm Report what business he's left on the table: CWD prevention, natural resources protection, and farmer-led conservation dollars. He...

Wisconsin’s dining scene is changing in order to adapt to inflation and consumer preferences. Wisconsin Restaurant Association Executive Vice President Susan Quam tells Mid-West Farm Report what the industry will look like in the coming years. But first, she reminds us that this holiday season is an important time for restaurants.   Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom was a recipient of the fed...

There are many approaches to measuring soil health, all with different advantages and limitations. No matter what approach is chosen, one thing remains the same; farmers care about the land. Jamie Patton, outreach specialist for the UW- Nutrient and Pest Management Program, says different soil health tests can be used for different results depending on what you are looking to test. It is important...

A key way to get your soil health to equal your water quality is to use grassed waterways. Eric Cooley, Discovery Farms Director conducted studies on grassed waterways as a conservation tool and plans to use these results moving forward to benefit Wisconsin farmers. You can learn more about the research findings at https://uwdiscoveryfarms.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pest surveys during the 2022 season offer some insight into what pest pressure may look like in the following growing season. Krista Hamilton is the entomologist for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She also leads the statewide pest surveys. She tells us the results of this year’s survey for corn rootworm and bean cutworm -- the state's top two pests. See omnystudio.co...

The Dairy Together Coalition of farmers and industry stakeholders is advocating for the dairy revitalization plan to be included in the 2023 Farm Bill. Bobbi Wilson the Wisconsin Farmers Union Dairy Together Program Coordinator is working hard on this plan to create a viable dairy industry.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Meadows in Darlington, a first-of-its-kind farm worker housing project, is done with construction and welcoming tenants. The 32-unit development and the Darlington community can also look forward to a Head Start classroom and health clinic to come next door, thanks to more than $1.5 million secured by the Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program. SWCAP partnered with Cinnaire Community Dev...

If you’re looking to borrow money for a project on the farm – don’t overlook the Farm Service Agency. Tom Brandt is the Farm Loan Chief for Wisconsin FSA. He says there’s both an appetite to borrow and lend. And your FSA office can help find you a desirable rate. Brandt tells Mid-West Farm Report what’s available for farmers. But first, he talks about the spending trends going into the new year. I...

Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany is still trying to work through policy that would limit the amount of agricultural land lost to things like solar energy projects. In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Tiffany explains his concern about losing productive agricultural land for decades, and finding a way to remove the incentives that are spurring projects across the state. He's also mindful of all the...