MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

One Century Farm being recognized this year also saw one of its family members turning 100 years old. The Crass family farm in Adams County belongs to John & Susan Crass, and John's mother, Verna, celebrated her 100th birthday alongside the farm. Verna shares more about the farm's history and what life was like growing up on her family's farm, while John shares some of his memories and what th...

Greg Hanson recalls driving his first tractor at the age of 6 and fondly remembers the last team of horses, Duke and Dock, that were on his family's Waupaca County Farm. Greg's family farm received its Century Farm recognition this year at the Wisconsin State Fair, and he traces the farm's history back to his grandparents. They purchased land in Clintonville in 1922 and purchased a team of horses...

Brad Brogley recalls the hard work and family ties that were created on his family's Grant County Farm. Brad, along with his 4 siblings, grew up with strong agricultural roots and have found out more of the farm's history thanks to the work of their mother, Elaine. Not only did they learn more about their ancestors who entered the U.S. through Ellis Island, but they also learned that their great g...

Disaster struck earlier this summer when a tornado hit Carlene Zaremba's Monroe County Farm, taking out the barn and leaving behind some serious damage. However, the tornado was not able to take from the farm's rich history. This year, Carlene's family farm received the Century Farm recognition. She shares more about the farm's history and shares some of her memories.  The attached image is Thomas...

Barbara Ausmus Lowe is the great-granddaughter of one of the first limburger cheesemakers in Wisconsin. While the taste for limburger cheese has not been passed down to her, the farm property in Green County has remained in the lineage, and is celebrating 100 years. This is another Centennial Farm story brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial. Barb tells Mid-West Farm Report about her family’...

When cooking dinner, many turn to beef or pork. But, another healthy option is bison meat. The Wisconsin Bison Producers Association is a network of Wisconsin ranchers and farmers raising bison that are trying to spread the word about serving healthy meat such as bison. Andy Tenaglia, a chef with the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association is helping to run their booth at the Wisconsin State Fair an...

The Wisconsin State Fair is full of opportunities to learn about Wisconsin agriculture. Dairy Lane is one area where fairgoers of all ages can learn about Wisconsin’s vibrant dairy industry. From learning about cheesemaking to how farmers care for their cattle, there is something for everyone.   Nicole Barlass, President of the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board shares more about the Dairy...

Wisconsin has a wide variety of state parks and natural areas for visitors to enjoy. The Wisconsin DNR has created an initiative aimed to make folks aware of all of the outdoor opportunities available to them.  The 'Out Wi Go' campaign has the goal of helping people to "find your adventure" in Wisconsin. Preston D. Cole is the Secretary of the Wisconsin DNR, and he details that initiative.  See om...

One of the timeless treats that can be enjoyed at the Wisconsin State Fair is a roasted ear of corn. However, there is lots of coordination and planning that goes into getting that fresh corn to the fair park - and getting enough of it.  Eric Young is the Chairman of the corn roast with the New Berlin Lions Club. He shares what goes into getting around 100,000 ears of corn to the State Fair and ho...

Beekeepers faced a cooler spring this year, but despite the cold weather, the honey crop is looking strong. This is the word from James Hillemeyer, Co-owner of LB Werks and a Director of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association. He gives a look at honey production this year and the next steps to prepare for fall and winter. But first, he shares more about beekeeping in Wisconsin. See omnystudio.c...

The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board plans to sell all first place entries from the Dairy Products Contest at the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction on Aug. 11. The proceeds from the auction are used to help fund scholarships for students pursuing careers in the dairy industry, dairy education at the State Fair (Dairy Lane, daily milking demonstrations), and junior dairy exhibitor recogn...

Did you know lavender is a useful herb that can spruce up a wide variety of dishes? Aside from its calming benefits as an essential oil, it can also give a unique flavor to your food.  Aron McReynolds is the owner of New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm in Baraboo with his wife, Laura. He shares more about the culinary uses of lavender, but first outlines the work that goes into growing it and the...

Adam Kolb shares the story of his family’s Century farm in Manitowoc County. The farm was purchased by the first Kolb generation in 1900. The land was used to raise feeder pigs and run a dairy operation until 1997. The Kolb family then focused solely on the dairy and expanded their herd. In 2010, Adam exited the dairy industry and since has transitioned the farm into a cash crop business. He also...

Beverly Bergles tells the story of her family’s Century farm in Racine County. The farm was acquired in 1921 and was originally an 80 acre hobby farm. Bergles was married in 1955, and she and her husband built a new barn, milk house, machine shed, and grain bins. Today she rents her farm out to a crop farmer and she still lives on the farmstead tending her garden.  See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Carl VandenAvond tells the story of his family’s Sesquicentennial farm in Brown County. The first VandenAvond generation purchased the property in 1871 and were dairy farmers. In 1928 a new farmhouse was built and it is the one Carl lives in still today.  Today, the property is used for cash cropping and raising steers. The VandenAvond family hopes to continue passing the farm onto future generati...

Richard Olson tells the story of his family's Sesquicentennial farm in Door County. The farm was acquired in 1872 when Richard’s great great grandfather, Matthias Olson, immigrated to Wisconsin from Norway. The farmstead was originally a cash crop operation but over time turned into a more dairy focused operation. Today, the property is home to a 60 cow herd and robotic milker. The Olson family ha...

Sandra Wedepohl Witte tells the story of her family’s 180 acre Century farm in Sheboygan County. The farm was acquired when Harry and Lenora Habighorst sold their farm to their nephew Fred Wedepohl in 1912. The original farm was a dairy operation and also had a hatchery as a center part of the business. In the 1950s to 60s, the milking herd was expanded and the chicken coops were converted into ho...

Virginia Green tells the story of her family's Sesquicentennial farm in La Crosse County. The farm was acquired in 1872 and over time reached 300 acres. The first Green generation grew everything from timber to wheat and had dairy cattle as well as operated a sawmill. The farm was sold to Virginia’s cousin and the land was rented out. In 2021, Virginia and her husband Todd purchased the farm and n...

Virginia Green tells the story of her family's Sesquicentennial farm in La Crosse County. The farm goes six generations back to when the first Pfaff generation married the daughter of those who originally owned the farm in 1871. Early on the farmstead was home to cash crops and a livestock operation. Once Virginia’s dad purchased the farm in 1971, it was a dairy, steer, pig, and crop operation. To...

Wesley and Jill Milner share the microphone to tell the story of the family's Sesquicentennial farm in Rock County. The first Milner generation purchased 100 acres in 1866 and an additional 77 acres in 1868. The land was farmed with horses until Wesley’s dad decided to purchase a tractor. However, his grandpa still farmed half of the acreage with horses while his dad used the equipment. Now of the...

Charlie Jones (Kramer) shares the story of his family’s Sesquicentennial farm in Washington County. Adam and Eva Kramer were the original settlers and are what the farm is now named after as Krescent Valley Dairy. They sold the farm to Henry Kramer who built the barn that is still used today. The farmstead was a dairy operation from 1967 -2001. In 2011, Charlie took over the farm and now milks 150...

David Viergutz tells  the story of his family’s 94-acre Sesquicentennial farm in Waupaca County. The farm was acquired in 1872, with David’s great grandfather purchasing it in 1903. It was a dairy operation that has continued to stay in the family even today.  In 2000 there was a barn fire, however, David persevered and expanded the dairy to 300 cows. Today, Triple D Dairy has 500 cows and 1150 ac...

Charles Felch shares the history of his Sesquicentennial farm located in Marinette County. The farm was established by Charles' great grandfather, Christian Felsch (Felch), before any other settlements or roads had appeared in the area. Christian built a house on the property, but it burned down during the Peshtigo Fire, so he had to rebuild with his family. Charles used to raise bison on the prop...

Nate Kirch details the history of his family's farm, Sperle Farm. This farm will be receiving the Century Farm recognition at the Wisconsin State Fair this year. The farm was established in 1883 when Hans Sperle, an ancestor from Norway on Nate's mother's side, purchased the property in the Town of Dunn. The original house was built in 1847 and is believed to be one of the earliest houses in the T...

One of this year's Centennial Farms belongs to EllaFaye Johnson of Marquette County. She tells Mid-West Farm Report that her late husband, Wayne, did not want to continue farming the way his dad did, and so they started Westfield Nursery & Florist in 1946 to serve the surrounding communities. Pictured from left to right: Sam, EllaFaye, Anna and Wayne Johnson in the greenhouse in 1947. Wayne's...