MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

There are many dangers associated with farming, but most can be avoided through regular prevention methods. One such danger is farm machinery fires. Fires can arise from crop residue, wiring, rodents - you name it. But there are measures farmers can take now to avoid them.  John Shutske is a Farm Health & Safety Specialist with UW-Extension and a Professor in Biological Systems Engineering. He...

Could the future of agriculture be completely autonomous? One French company has been working to develop autonomous farm equipment to help small-scale farmers save time and money. Christian Melendez is the Director of Sales North America for Naio Technologies. He shares more about their electric, robotic farm equipment that features RTK navigation to allow each piece to be fully autonomous.  See o...

Solar projects have began popping up all across the state in an effort to create more renewable energy. Typically, these are larger projects. However, one cooperative is aiming to include investors in small-scale projects across Wisconsin. Cory Neeley is the Director of Solar Share Wisconsin Cooperative. He shares more about how folks from anywhere in the state can become member investors and have...

This year's Wisconsin Farm Technology Days features a farm tour that brings visitors up close to all aspects of the host farm. One of the unique parts of the tour features brand new robotic milkers. Dennis Roehl of Roehl Acres in Loyal is one of the hosts for this year's show in Clark County. He shares more about his transition to robotic milkers and what it means to him to be able to share that w...

One key feature of this year's Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is farm safety. The National Farm Medicine Center has worked to show visitors accident simulations, rescue operations, and prevention measures.  Melissa Ploeckelman is the Outreach Specialist for the National Farm Medicine Center. She shares more about the tractor rollover simulator at Farm Tech Days and explains how a Roll Over Protect...

Grain engulfment can happen in an instant. However, there are ways that farmers can prevent that situation and stay safe. There are also rescue operations in place that require yearly training refreshers.  Randy Younker is a member of Central Fire and the National Farm Medicine Center. He helped to lead the rescue demonstrations at Farm Technology Days, and he shares more about what grain engulfme...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days saw visits from many key figures from across the state. One of those visitors was Governor Tony Evers.  Gov. Evers helped to open the show in Clark County on July 12th. He shares an update on some of the states pressing agricultural issues. What's top of mind? Funding for meat processors, internet access for rural communities, and road and bridge construction. See om...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days showcases new technology, processes, and ideas from all corners of the ag industry. One of the features of this year's show is the UW-Extension Education display. Richard Halopka is a Senior Outreach Specialist for UW-Madison Division of Extension in Clark County and oversees the Extension display. He shares more about the alternative crop exhibit that is being showc...

Tractor safety courses have been going strong through the summer months, but the program has seen some changes. Heidi Johnson is the Agriculture Institute Director with UW-Extension. She tells Allison Lund what the tractor safety program looks like now and where they hope to see it in the future.  Nineteen businesses got a DATCP Dairy Processor Grants that totaled $400,000. One of these recipients...

Don’t miss the signs of disease in your herd, flock or field. Professor Julie Smith joins us from University of Vermont’s Department of Animal and Veterinary Science. She also leads a multi-state biosecurity ag research project. She gives us tips on what to watch out for, beginning with your cropland. She says if you see any of the "5Ds," call an agronomist, extension agent or plant diagnostic lab...

Wisconsin Farmers Union is getting ready to move to a new office location.  Bob Bosold talks to executive director, Julie Bomar about that project and also about farmer-led watershed groups doing good work around the state. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days begins tomorrow in Clark County.  One feature that's unique to this year's show is a 10 horse, pyramid hitch.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Dan Meyer...

It's a staple of county fair and festival events. Horse pulling.  It's also a sport that requires time, patience and a financial investment.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Les Vold from the WI Horsepullers Association about behind-the-scenes details of training a team for competitive pulling. Speaking of horses, this weekend a therapeutic riding stable will be hosting an event introducing some new ho...

Sometime around mid-August, you should start seeing the first of Wisconsin's 2022 potato crop showing up at grocery stores and farmers markets all across the state.  That's the estimation of Beau Hartline, operations manager for Alsum Farms, Inc. Hartline says they'll begin harvest their "new" potatoes for the fresh market, and continue with harvest operations as weather allows, right into October...

It’s a busy time of year for agricultural aviators – but it’s gotten off to a rocky start nationwide between weather and fuel prices. Jim Perrin of Bancroft, Wisconsin has been an ag aviator since the early 90s. He operates three airplanes in the central sands region of the state. He also leads the National Agricultural Aviation Association. He says safety is the largest priority for NAAA -- recru...

Most people have the goal of retiring in the home the live in.  In rural farm houses, that may be easier said than done. Abe Degnan with Degnan Design-Build-Remodel in DeForest is a past president of the Wisconsin Home Builders Association, and one of only a handful of Certified Aging in Place Specialists in Wisconsin that can help walk people through making their current living space friendly for...

It seems like the "help wanted" sign is out everywhere these days - but that doesn't always include opportunities in the rural communities. Monica Brantner is the Human Resource Manager at Alcivia Coop, and she's got plenty of unique job opportunities available across the state.  Brantner reminds job seekers that aside from great benefits, there's also an element of committment to community involv...

When you order that burger, or that special coffee blend - the flavors you enjoy may be in part, work done by Kerry Ingredients North America! Scott Glennon, vice president of taste (North America) for the Kerry Group in Beloit, holds some of the responsibility for giving consumers the tastes they want - and developing new flavor profiles you'll be enjoying in the future. Glennon says that from th...

From finance in Nashville to culinary arts for Cirque du Soleil to head chef in Manhattan… to meat processing in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Master Meat Crafter Shaun Edwards had a unique journey to his profession today at Jones Meat Market. He says he never thought he’d become a meat processor when he started his career. But today he encourages other culinary students to get involved in meat proces...

Master Meat Crafter Phil Schmidt got his start in meat processing at age 17. Today he’s been co-operating his own butchery called The Meat Block in Greenville, Wisconsin for more than 20 years. He attributes business growth and success in part to the Master Meat Crafters program through UW Extension. Schmidt says he HAD to be a part of the Master Meat Crafter program no matter what the cost after...

Taste.  It's something you experience, but may not think about when it comes to ingredients.  Scott Glennon, Vice President of Taste for Kerry Ingredient North America, thinks about it all the time.  How it's changing.  What consumers want.  How do you get it.  He speaks with Pam Jahnke about how tastes are evolving. Josh Grunnet with Alcivia Coop talks to Bob Bosold about the volatility that farm...

The state's largest outdoor agricultural event is happening next week.  Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a big show, with a big budget required.  Stephanie Hoff talks with Jim Mills Brand from Clark County on how they managed to raise the $2.7 million in support of the show, and the community. Steffes Group auctioneers will be at WI Farm Technology Days next week.  Pam Jahnke talks Ashley Huhn ab...

Face to face learning can't be replaced - especially in agriculture.  It was missed during the pandemic.  Bob Bosold talks with Jill Jorgenson, one of the coordinator's for Area Animal Science Days.  These events allow kids from all types of backgrounds to get brushed up on handling their animals. WI Farm Technology Days is a week away.  Pam Jahnke visits with Chuck Reith, executive director for C...

Master Meat Crafter is another distinguished title that Wisconsin offers to select food processors. To become a Master, you need experience and an education from the UW System. Jake Sailer was in the first cohort of students to go through the process in 2010. Jake is the fifth generation to operate Sailer's Food Market and Meat Processors in Elmwood. The family is celebrating 99 years of business...

Many ag education programs find it valuable to incorporate a greenhouse into their classes and find a way to produce fresh goods for the community. For one Wisconsin high school, this goal became a reality.  Lake Mills High School recently saw the completion of a brand new greenhouse for the district. Luke Wiedenfeld is the Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Lake Mills, and he shares more about the new...

When Clark County last hosted Farm Technology Days in 2005, a new feature at the show was the Meyer Farms 10-Horse Belgian Pyramid Hitch. It was a hit! Since then, the hitch has been featured at several Farm Technology Days, most recently at Wood County in 2018. Danny Meyer chairs the equine committee for this year's show in Loyal. He tells us what show goers can look forward to in the equine tent...