MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The sweet taste of summer is growing nicely for a farmer in the Augusta area.  Jill Wilke visits with Chad Frase, a blueberry grower who says the crop this year looks marvelous. County fair activities continue around the state, and well there's plenty to see - there's also plenty to talk about if you slow down for the conversation.  That's exactly what Stephanie Hoff did when she visited with nine...

Wisconsin agriculture doesn't just depend on consumers within the state, but also markets beyond our borders.  Bob Bosold talks to WI Ag Sec. Randy Romanski about a recent trip he made to London that turned into an excellent opportunity to try and broaden Wisconsin's agriculture market internationally. Two of the states largest farm organizations are going through leadership changes.  Pam Jahnke r...

Farming is the most hazardous industry in the U.S. with increased risk to those who both work and live on a farm especially with children. Every day 33 children are injured on farms and ranches. However, children raised on farms also enjoy certain social and health benefits. This is a prime example of what researchers call the “Farm Kid Paradox.” Kyle Koshalek, the Project Manager at the National...

Fairs have been around since farmers brought their livestock and crops to the town square to sell and be seen by neighbors and friends. Fortunately, county fairs have retained many of the features that they started with:  livestock, vegetables, crops, crafts, and much more. The Racine County Fair is recognizing that history as they celebrate their 100 year anniversary. Julie Moyer, a committee mem...

Kaydence Holdorff has been showing dairy cattle since she was 7. Today she's a junior at Campbellsport High School, and showing the dairy cattle she owns. She tells Mid-West Farm Report about what goes into showing dairy cattle, but first tells us about her family’s dairy farm. If this is jogging a memory of yours from the fair – we are collecting your fair stories. And you could win a cash prize...

Corn fields are a staple of Wisconsin agriculture, and while most of these fields are comprised of field corn, there are a handful of popcorn fields dotting the state.  Dakotah Hammerly is the Crop Production Manager with Biddick, Inc. out of Livingston. He talks all things popcorn and gives an update on how the crop is looking this growing season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Lucas Cappozzo is nine years old and going into the fourth grade this fall. This is his third year showing at the county fair – he loves showing dairy calves especially. His home fair is Fond du Lac County, but his family also shows at the Wisconsin State Fair. He tells me about his showing experience at the poultry barn in Fond du Lac, beginning with how many different animals he brought this yea...

Cattle manure is an essential part of dairy production. Methane digestion of dairy cattle manure has many environmental and economic benefits, including producing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Katie Grinstead of Vir-Clar farms and her family utilize a methane digester to supply over 800 homes with power. She shares more about her farm and how the methane digester works.  ...

Matt Immel walks us through a day in the life of a fair board member. He's a former Wisconsin Association of Fairs leader, and was the fair manager for Fond du Lac County before doing a way with a 'managing' position. Today he proudly serves as treasurer, a role he helped his Grampa with as a teenager. Not only does he talk about the unique logistical challenges urban fair sites have to think abou...

Wisconsin is looking for more youth to get involved in trapping from a natural resources standpoint. Erinn Kiesow-Webb is the assistant furbearer specialist with the Wisconsin DNR. She also works with the Wisconsin State Trappers Association on educational efforts. While there’s no trapping season going on right now – aside from nuisance animals - the outreach efforts are ongoing. She outlines wha...

Honeybees are actually not native to Wisconsin, so there’s a bit of science to help honeybees through the heat waves or the extreme cold we see in the Upper Midwest. Corey Grotte is an urban beekeeper out of Eau Claire. He’s also a part of the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association. He helps beginner beekeepers get started. He tells Mid-West Farm Report how to keep those honeybees healthy. See omn...

Popcorn is the snack that never goes out of style, so it's no surprise that the classic popcorn flavors are what make one local popcorn shop "pop"ular with customers.  Melissa Trecek is the Manager of Retail Brand Strategy for Rural Route 1 Popcorn out of Montfort. She details the history of the business and shares how they keep their customers satisfied as a nationally recognized company. See omn...

Known as the "Oldest Food Fest in the Midwest", Green County Cheese Days has something for everyone! The festival began back in 1914 when there was some leftover cheese made into cheese sandwiches that were handed out for free.  The festival has now expanded to include farm tours, a parade, retail shops, and visitors all the way from Switzerland. Lynn Lokken helps with the farm tours at the event,...

Today's agribusiness are complex. Advanced technology is used on the farm, there are high risks involved in producing food, and ag policy is always circulating in the political sphere. Not only is farming complex work, but farmers are active community members – often seen volunteering at the county fair! The Outstanding Young Farmer Program believes it's essential to recognize farmers for their wo...

Amy Ries, the Director of Agricultural Programs for Envision Greater Fond du Lac County worked with Katie Grinstead of Vir-Clar farms to move the once outside birthing center into the recreation building and create a better agriculture education area. Thus, the Moo-ternity ward and Little Hands On The Farm were born. Amy shares more on what attendees can see and do in this area at the Fond du Lac...

Steam traction engines pop up all across Wisconsin during the summer months as folks flock to antique tractor shows and celebrations. These large, old pieces of machinery are impressive to see in action, but there is hard work and a focus on safety when operating them.  Jeff Bloemers is the Steam School Contact with Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Association. He shares more about what it takes...

Segment - 3 Heidi is back and talks about campfires, dutch ovens and grilling with Rhodes. Learn the easy way to make peach cobbler, skewers, smores and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Segment 1- While Rhodes was started by an inventor, the Farnsworth family got involved by buying one of the bakeries in 1976. Learn how Rhodes continues to invest in technology, products and especially there people! Each year, the company shuts down for a week to celebrate it's employees.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Segment 2 - As Rhodes moves into the fall, it becomes their busy season. They are looking to hire a number of jobs. Join Theresa, Jody and Joel as they share their experience as employees of Rhodes Bake-N-Serv and how Rhodes truly puts their employees first, including Rhodes week.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Processing wool and fiber is a complex task that takes skill and dedication. From the sheep to a knit sweater, the wool must be skirted to remove dirt, washed, carded, spun, and eventually knit. This doesn't even include dyeing and blending in other materials. Carol Wagner is the owner of Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill, and she is well versed in all aspects of fiber processing. She shares more...

The Wisconsin "new" potato crop is on its way to grocery stores soon.  That's the word from Beau Hartline, operations manager with Alsum Foods, Inc.  He talks about the growing season and what people don't know about the harvest. It seems like every business is working hard to recruit new employees. That includes Alcivia Cooperative.  In this edition of the Alicivia Coop Talk, Pam Jahnke visits wi...

Winter wheat harvest is underway across Wisconsin, and that can bring some unexpected risk of fire to equipment, sheds and fields. Allison Lund talks with UW-Extension Farm Safety Specialist, John Shutske, about measures to take before the harvest to protect your crop, your equipment and your staff. Ashley Huhn was at WI Farm Technology Days speaking with farmers about how they do business today v...

There are many hands that join to pull a fair together. One of those key figures is Extension.  Ellen Andrews is the 4-H Youth Development Coordinator with Green County Extension. She shares more about the role that Extension plays at the fair (which can vary by county) and how the folks at Extension work to keep students engaged and learning about agriculture and 4-H all year round. See omnystudi...

The role of Fairest of the Fair extends far beyond the week of the fair. There are many hours of planning and preparation that the Fairest is involved with every step of the way.  Sharlene Swedlund is this years' Green County Fairest of the Fair. She shares more about what inspired her to run for the position and what that behind-the-scenes work looks like.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

The Green County Fair is taking place July 20-24, and one family is being recognized for their many years of involvement with the fair.  The Brewer Family has been showing swine at the Green County Fair for six generations. The family's history with the fair dates back to 1922. This date is important because it also lines up with the construction of the fair's show pavilion.  This year, the fair i...