MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Whether you’re in rural Wisconsin or here in Madison, you don’t have to look too far when you’re craving something to eat. Whether it’s a supper club, a café, a sandwich shop, you name it… Wisconsin is a leading state in the number of restaurants per capita. Another thing about our state’s dining scene? It’s changing in order to adapt to inflation and consumer preferences. Wisconsin Restaurant Ass...

More than 230 delegates at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Annual Meeting established new policy directives for the organization.  Farm Bureau delegates adopted the policies that will be included in the organization’s policy book in 2023. Resolutions were submitted by delegates as part of a grassroots policy development process. Dave Daniels, the Vice President of the  Wisconsin Farm...

Every year on-line scammers get more clever and sophisticated in how they're trying to steal your money.  AARP has created a portfolio of information to try and keep you safe when shopping or donating on-line.  Courtney Anclam, Senior Program Specialist with AARP of Wisconsin says people's generosity during the holidays can turn them into victims if you're not aware of security measures that shoul...

Trying to reach dairy consumers outside of the U.S. is the major goal of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.  Stephanie Hoff talks with USDEC CEO, Krista Harden, about the challenges they're moving through to keep U.S. dairy moving internationally. There's a lot of conversations focused on electric vehicles, in fact some states are essentially mandating electric transportation in the future. Electric v...

After an excellent growing season, Wisconsin potatoes are doing well in storage. Since the state is a year-round producer of potatoes, the spuds harvested this fall will have to last through the summer. Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan shares what the association is looking forward to in 2023 in terms of policy, environmental initiatives, and the...

The Great Economic Reset is underway, according to Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company. Between inflationary pressures, severe weather events, an epidemic, war AND limited farmland -- economic competitiveness is going regional. Basse gives insight on what to anticipate in 2023 and recommends how to stay profitable as a producer when the world trade picture shifts. See omnystudio.com/listene...

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation begins their 103rd annual meeting in WI Dells.  Although he may not be along for the convention, American Farm Bureau Federation President, Zippy Duvall, will be paying attention to policy developments in America's Dairyland.  Bob Bosold visits with Duvall about early developments in the 2023 Farm Bill. Deer hunters in Wisconsin are a generous bunch.  More than...

There’s a lot of opportunity for hunters to get back in the woods this year between the holiday hunts and the muzzleloader season. After the nine-day gun deer hunt, the Wisconsin DNR actually expects another 25,000 deer to be harvested before the end of the year. And they’re hoping more folks are willing to donate their deer to a food pantry through the Deer Donation Program. It's a chance to give...

The latest innovations and opportunities for crop protection aren’t necessarily new but rather improved. Tim Swanson, product manager for CHS shares more about opportunities in crop protection and nutrition and shares insights for retailers and growers to help navigate the next growing season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone's keeping an eye on interest rates - including farmers.  Charitee Seebecker talks with Steve Nicholson with Rabobank.  Input costs in 2023 are still expected to be high, but Nicholson says most farms are still in a decent financial position. Consumers have probably been witnessing higher prices at the grocery store.  Maybe it was the Thanksgiving turkey or availability of fresh produce. ...

Agronomy manager Ryan Gentle of Wyffels keeps a close eye on what develops in corn fields from Illinois to southern Wisconsin. He tells Mid-West Farm Report about the patterns revealed by Wyffels Corn Root Worm Monitoring Program. He also explains how lessons learned in 2022 will help in 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Agriculturists (YFA) Conference, there will be a passing of the gavel.  Bob Nash from Ozaukee County will be stepping down as president, after enjoying some life altering experiences. Pam Jahnke visits with Nash about how his passion for agriculture developed despite the fact that he doesn't come from a farming background, and owns n...

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding consumers to check for invasive pests before purchasing live out-of-state Christmas trees and holiday décor. Pam Jahnke visits with Shahlah Werner, Plant Protection Section Manager with DATCP, about some of the previous encounters the state has had with invasive bugs and holiday decor.  She says although mi...

For many people, the internet is the source of news and communication on a daily basis.  In rural areas of Wisconsin, however, broadband internet is not taken for granted.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Jason Wied from Bug Tussel Wireless about grant monies they've received to work on providing internet access to all of rural Wisconsin. Wyffels Hybrids wraps up the growing season with a conversation fea...

The USDA is committed to supporting a diverse range of farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners. That includes Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, conservation, and disaster assistance.  Robert Bonnie is the under secretary for the USDA Farm Production and Conservation. He helps farmers and forest landowners by implementing programs to mitigate risks. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

UW-Platteville announced the Beginning a Career in the Meat Industry programming, a half-day course designed for college and high school students who want to learn more about careers in the meat sector. The project is funded by the Meat Talent Development Program, a $5 million program created to strengthen the state’s meat processing supply chain and workforce. The Beginning a Career in the Meat I...

Have you noticed the price of eggs in the grocery store? While prices have been climbing, some stores are limiting purchases or just running out as holiday feasts and baking are in full swing. With about 10% of the nation’s egg laying chickens being lost to avian influenza this year, egg production is tight and will remain that way for a while. Ron Kean is the UW-Extension Poultry Specialist and h...

The cost and availability of propane didn't take the spotlight this year with such a warm fall. Not to mention, the warm, dry weather helped with grain drying. This is making propane prices favorable, according to Michael Newland. He's the director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education Research Council. Newland says the council has several projects underway incorporating pro...

Fertilizer is a big investment that’s too important to risk. Soil tests help to determine what nutrients you need. Having a good balance between agronomics and the rising cost of fertilizer is key moving into 2023. Galynn Beer is the national strategy and product management lead for AgroLiquid. He works with farmers to attain good agronomy skills in order to handle high-priced inputs and ensure a...

What were the pro's and con's of the 2022 growing season?  How did corn hybrids respond?  Those are the questions looking for answers this winter with the Wyffels Hybrid Research and Agronomy teams. Dr. Brent Tharp, Technical Product Manager at Wyffels, explains what happens next in their world.  Pouring over data generated in farm fields across the corn belt takes time and attention.  Tharp also...

Crisis preparedness is an often-overlooked area of farm risk management; however the real risk here is loss of reputation and potentially, loss of market. This time of year is a good time to develop a plan and access the resources available to help you. In the event of a dairy crisis there are 2 critical action items: The Dairy industry must speak with one voice Quick, accurate, effective communic...

Animal agriculture always needs to be vigilant and paying attention to activities by animal rights groups.  Carrie Mess visits with Hannah Thompson-Weeman from the Animal Ag Alliance about changes they've seen in tactics. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group alerts Pam Jahnke to an upcoming auction in Brillion, WI, and discusses sales trends going into the end of the year. John Hineberg with Total F...

The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture is making its way to mailboxes across the country.  Pam Jahnke visits with Barbara Rater, USDA director of the Census and Survey Division, about new elements included in this year's census. Elections are in the rear view mirror, but educating the newly elected on agriculture and its needs going into the Farm Bill is a big job.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Andrew...

Out of the last six years, consumption of U.S. soy has outpaced production worldwide. Doug Winter, chairperson for the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USEC) and soy farmer from Illinois, shares more about global supply and demand as well as growing markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The work doesn’t stop when the cranberry harvest is over. Ray Habelman is the fourth generation and CEO of Habelman Brothers Company in Tomah. They grow cranberries for the fresh market. After the harvest, the perennial plants need to be prepped and protected for the winter. Inside the facility, cranberries are processed and packaged for retailers using unique, antique or state-of-the-art machiner...