MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

What Mid-West Farm Report heard from the 2026 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum this week is that farmers are looking at the third straight year of negative margins for staple crops like corn and soybeans. Government aid is coming down the pipeline, but economists are critical that it is solely a temporary fix.  Paul Mitchell, Director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute at UW-Madison, tell...

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 finan...

Weather was a little fickle in 2025 for Wisconsin's cranberry growers.  Jill Welke gets the update from Grant Holley, executive director of the WI Cranberry Growers Association.  He says that producers continue to struggle with access to global markets.  That's something they've been targeting to try and educate and engage with a whole new consuming audience. We may not be setting a...

In Sauk County, Roger Bindl farms about 300 acres of corn, soybeans, triticale, cover crops and rotationally grazes about 50 head of beef cattle. The owner and operator of RB Farms has been recognized for his conservation efforts. He sat down and told us about some of the practices he has seen success with on his operation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carla Schultz of the United Soybean Board and Stephanie Hoff explore how American farmers are navigating economic challenges through strategic innovation and collective investment. The discussion highlights the impressive $12.30 return on every checkoff dollar, showcasing breakthrough successes like biodegradable "soy foam" and the rising demand for bio-based consumer products. By bridging the gap...

There’s a political battle underway over health care subsidies, and it’s leaving rural Wisconsin at a crossroads. Here with some perspective is Ben Nelson, the new executive director of the Cooperative Network. CN is the trade association that supports cooperatives across Wisconsin and Minnesota across all sectors, including agriculture, energy, and rural economic development. Ben has...

The crowning of this year's Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs looked a little bit different than the first one that took place 60 years ago. Connie McCallister was the first to wear the crown. She reflects on her experience and compares the program in its beginning to its current competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigate the shifting landscape of the 2026 dairy market with expert insights from the perspective of agricultural lending. Trever Athorp, agricultural lender at BankFirst, and Stephanie Hoff explore the vital tools available for price protection, from Dairy Revenue Programs to DMC, and why understanding your cost of production is more critical than ever. Learn how to transition from a reacti...

2025 was a year of uncertainty for farmers. Doug Rebout, President of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, sat down to explain the effect tariffs had on his operation. He reflects on the impact of 2025 policy and looks to 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wished you could hire a multi-purpose landscaper? David Fisher is the Vice Chair of the American Lamb Board. He explains that sheep may be the solution. There are a multitude of grazing techniques. David explains what scenarios call for each technique. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controlling corn rootworm is not only a technical challenge, it's a financial risk for any agribusiness.  Farmers spend over $1 billion a year battling the insect that has the ability to change with its surroundings.  Research shows that populations can develop resistance to repeated use of the same traits.  That's why Syngenta started developing new technology years ago to try and...

Autonomous machinery has been in the works for years and is currently being used on dairies and mowers. Brian Luck, an associate professor of Biological Systems Engineering for UW- Madison, says that he expects to see autonomous tractors in the fields in the next 3-5 years. He gives a look into what is currently happening in that space and why the idea of more farmers using them is becoming more r...

The H2A program has been around for many years helping to make sure farmers have a way to get seasonal labor, but it is a lengthy process to get started. Emily Klingbeil, the Manager of Marketing and Client Relations for Great Lakes Ag Labor, gives a look into how they help farmers navigate the process and updates that have recently taken place to the program. One of the updates is the change in h...

Stephanie Hoff talks soybean trade with U.S. Soybean Export Council Chair Janna Fritz. Fritz, a grower out of Bad Axe, Michigan, breaks down how "boots on the ground" relationship building is opening new markets for U.S. soy in countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh. From the future of animal protein to the innovation of tempeh-flour baked goods, learn why there is reason for optimism despite glo...

Strong Microbials provides probiotic supplements designed to strengthen the gut health of honeybees against the harmful effects of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. By applying a monthly tablespoon of a sugar-based microbial powder directly to the hive, beekeepers can help restore the natural digestive barriers that bees need to survive during pollination cycles. Renee Kusilek tells Stepha...

Many Wisconsin farms and agribusinesses are caught between a rock and a hard spot managing their labor needs.  With increased presence of immigration officials in the Twin Cities, more farms are asking questions about how to protect their employees. Sam Moheban, Immigration specialist with Wausau firm, Ruder Ware.  Pam Jahnke visits with him about the unique challenges dai...

Jason Mugnaini, Executive Director of Government Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, discusses key policy priorities aimed at bringing economic stability to the state's agricultural sector. With Stephanie Hoff, he highlights the urgent need for a production tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel and the creation of specialized health care plans to support the unique financial sit...

Erin Tomasik, from Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and the Dairy Business Association, highlights the critical need for farmers to engage with local government boards to counter the rising misinformation about agriculture. She tells Stephanie Hoff that urban sprawl and activist-driven frameworks have led to a surge in local ordinances and restrictive regulations across western and central Wisconsin....

Wisconsin agriculture is being briefed on potential changes to how they use their drones.  This technology has become very popular for specific field monitoring chores and watching for insect or disease outbreaks.  Ben Jarboe finds out where the disconnect is, and what's at stake for Wisconsin farmers.  He gets an update from Jeramy Williams, owner of American Drone, with insight on...

Program Director Maria Woldt discusses with Stephanie Hoff how the UW Dairy Innovation Hub leverages state investment to fund over 260 research projects across three Wisconsin campuses. She explains that while some breakthroughs like biodegradable plastics and training apps are already in use, other critical studies on human health and nutrition represent a long-term "marathon" for the industry. U...

Rick Clark is a 5th generation farmer who has been on a regenerative farming journey for 17 years. On 6,500 acres, he raises corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, peas, buckwheat, cover crops, milo, sheep and cattle. In 2017, he began pursuing speaking engagements where he could advocate for his regenerative farming techniques. He tells us what motivated him to convert his operation. See omnystudio.com/...

They call Angus cattle, The Business Breed for good reason. From maternal ability to carcass and growth traits, it seems there isn’t much the breed can’t do. Casey Jentz is the Chief Operating Officer at the American Angus Association. He walks us through the benefits a straw of angus genetics can provide to a commercial herd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly every sector of the agriculture industry is focused on various policies in Washington D.C. The same is true for the American sheep industry. Ben Lehfelt runs a commercial ewe operation in Montana and is the President of the American Sheep Industry Association. He told us that despite the turbulent cycle the industry has been experiencing, they still saw success with a 20% increase in loan d...

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...

Dairy farmers are wondering what will improve in 2026.  Jill Welke finds Dr. Leonard Polzin, UW-River Falls Extension Dairy Specialist, at the annual Western WI Bankers Conference.  Polzin says while world milk production stays high, producers should expect prices to stay low. Bitterly cold wind chills will impact daily chores and travel this week around Wisconsin.  Stu Muck sa...