MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Tariffs are something that we've heard talked about more and more, but what have they actually meant for U.S. agriculture? Steven Deller, a Professor of Agriculture and Applied Economics at UW-Madison, explains the effect tariffs have had on the agricultural economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

60 years ago Wisconsin created the position of "Fairest of the Fairs".  Designed to be an ambassador for all fairs in the state, the program is thriving today.  Kiley Allan gets a chance to visit with the first "fairest" that started it all.  Connie McCallister, was Wisconsin's 1st Fairest of Fairs and says the format was much more relaxed than it is today.  She notes...

Farms and agribusinesses need to stay engaged in conversations.  Not just on the state or national scene, but locally.  Erin Tomasik, community relations manager, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, says there's a growing need to mobilize member farmers at the local level to ensure agricultural policies remain fair, as many local government officials now lack personal backgrounds in farming....

For many dairy operators in the state - community is critical.  From community involvement to conservation practices on the farm, it's all connected.  In Wisconsin, 99% of dairy farms are family-owned like David Bangert's dairy operation in Clark County.  His commitment to his community stretch beyond the farm gate. Bangert believes that in Wisconsin, the WIAA reaches people in a wa...

After retiring from professional basketball at age 35, Marcus Landry traded his sneakers for soil to build a multi-species farm, Beulah Family Homestead, near East Troy. He tells Stephanie Hoff about the "all or nothing" mindset that led him to expand from a suburban backyard to a 20-acre homestead (and growing) featuring everything from Highland cattle to Clydesdales. More than just a farm, Marcu...

Explore the evolution of agricultural testing as Matthew Fenske and Stephanie Hoff talk about Dairyland Labs' journey from analyzing 12 basic feed constituents to over 30 using advanced infrared technology. The conversation breaks down how global data sets and rapid testing allow farmers to manage crop variability and economic volatility in real-time. Matt, the business development manager, explai...

Independent dairy nutritionist Jake Guenzler and Stephanie Hoff explore how dairy producers can navigate variable forage quality and a plummeting butter fat market by refocusing on nutritional fundamentals. Jake, with ProAGtive, discusses the shift toward protein production, the impact of 10 years of genomic advancement on modern herds, and why high-quality forage remains the ultimate driver of mi...

Although the Super Bowl isn't a national holiday, the it's widely viewed across America. Whether you tune in to watch the game, the commercials or the halftime show, chicken wings may just be the perfect game-time snack. In fact, it's expected that Americans will eat 1.48 billion chicken wings during the big game. Tom Super, Senior Vice President of Communications at the National Chicken Council w...

Pictured: Potato pizza puffs. Photo by: Potatoes USA 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 tel...

National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler and Stephanie Hoff discuss the legislative hurdles facing the pork industry in 2026. The conversation highlights the struggle to find a federal solution to California's Proposition 12 and the widening political divide stalling a new Farm Bill. Stateler also provides an outlook on North American trade relations and the upcoming USMCA renegoti...

Winter in Wisconsin means we're closing homes and buildings up to protect against the elements.  While necessary, it can create unique air quality issues in homes, offices and farm buildings.  Ben Jarboe finds out about some air quality work being done by Kate Mccoy, the manager for occupational health and safety surveillance program with the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp...

The back and forth conversations continue at the state capitol, and Wisconsin Senator, Pat Testin, is toggling from one room to the other testifying. Testin spoke with Pam Jahnke about the tempo of conversations, and specifically focused in on his mission to protect the state's hemp industry, as well as thoroughly vetting proposals around lab grown meat. Opponents of protecting the state's hemp in...

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 stal...

Weather is one of the biggest question marks for farmers in the growing season, often wondering if there is going to be a drought or if their crop is going to get drowned out. Alex Harrington, the Chief Meteorologist at Channel 3, says he believes we can expect a wetter than average spring. He also gives a look at the severe weather outlook and how hurricanes in the gulf can impact the midwestern...

Farmers know that even when the temperatures drop, work still needs to get done. Many of these jobs will take place inside, and that creates a new level of danger. Kate Mccoy, the manager for occupational health and safety surveillance program with DHS, and Jennifer Camponechi, the program manager for environmental public health tracking program with DHS, share air quality concerns for indoor jobs...

Potatoes are at the heart of Wisconsin agriculture with the state being the third largest producer in the country. 78th Alice In Dairyland, Sarah Hagenow, shares some fun facts about these spuds and a recipe for Loaded Pizza Baked Potatoes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briess Malt & Ingredients CEO Craig Briess and Stephanie Hoff discuss how the 150-year-old family-owned business continues to navigate industry changes. The company supplies to over 50 percentof the craft beer space. Briess leverages the "clean label" movement and natural processing to meet modern consumer demands for healthier ingredients. Briess also highlights the logistical hurdles of inte...

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...

Wisconsin has a unique opportunity for citizens to chime in on guidance for the state's natural resources.  How should state parks be monitored, along with natural resources.  It's all fair game for conversations according to Paul Reith, delegate for the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.  The event happens April 13-15 statewide.  He says it started with anxiety over the state's...

Wisconsinites are proud to belong in the "frozen tundra." But when those sub-zero temps keep us inside, they can impact our collective mood. From remote workers to the elderly and housebound facing isolation, the walls are starting to feel a little too close for comfort this winter. Today, we’re exploring the hidden mental toll of what’s known as “cabin fever” and how we ca...

American corn farmers are celebrating a historic achievement in the fields, even as they face a sobering reality at the bank. The National Corn Growers Association tells Mid-West Farm Report that the U.S. has produced a record-shattering 17.02 billion bushel corn crop, driven by an unprecedented yield of 186.5 bushels per acre. Despite this feat, the agricultural sector is grappling with a fourth...

The Marbleseed Conference will take place February 26-28 in La Crosse. The organizations; Tay Fatke sits down with Jill Welke to talk about the details of the conference agenda. Corn Soy Expo has brought many reflective conversations on 2025. Gretchen Kuck is an economist for the National Corn Growers Association. She talks to Stephanie Hoff about 2025 and policy priorities for 2026. Ben Jarboe's...

Cottage Foods are a lesser-known industry in the state of Wisconsin, but they are facing issues with policy that could put some out of business. Jobea Murray, the president of the Wisconsin Cottage Foods Association board, gives a look into a bill that could decimate the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cottage Foods are a lesser-known industry in the state of Wisconsin, but they are facing issues with policy that could put some out of business. Ben Jarboe talks with Jobea Murray, the president of the Wisconsin Cottage Foods Association board, to see what these in-home bakers are concerned about. Some relief from the frigid cold looks to be coming soon as ag meteorologist Stu Muck says within the...

As Wisconsin's potato industry prepares for the annual Grower Education Conference & Industry Show next week, a shadow of oversupply looms over the national market. While Wisconsin farmers have managed to maintain steadier prices than their Western counterparts, record yields and excess processing stocks have had a downward effect on open-market values nationwide. WPVGA Executive Director Tama...