MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Organic Valley has launched its program to reach carbon neutrality through a new carbon insetting program. With the help of key partners and consumers, the cooperative of organic family farms plans to work towards a carbon-neutral food system through a carbon insetting program that will incentivize and assist Organic Valley farmers with implementing regenerative, climate-smart farming practices. D...

Grab the bug spray! State Entomologist, coined 'Wisconsin Bug Guy', PJ Liesch gives us a look at a tick that can make you allergic to meat if it bites you. It's called the Lone Star tick. Wisconsin has seen six deaths this year due to ATV/UTV accidents. Ahead of the holiday weekend, Lt. Bob Kneeland, DNR Recreation Warden Supervisor, explains how his team handles ATV/UTV crashes and shares how rid...

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 shares what the tractor safety program looks like now and where they hope to see it in the future.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a show to showcase advancements in the agriculture industry and talk with folks from all across the state. However, this year's show has stepped beyond that and added a country music festival.  Kristin Smith is in charge of coordinating Farm Tech Fest 2022, a one-night festival that will be taking place on July 13 - right in the middle of Farm Tech Days. She share...

The Babcock Hall Dairy Plant renovation and Center for Dairy Research addition broke ground in 2019 -- the expected end-date of construction has been fluid. Today, the anticipated completion date is early 2023, according to plant manager Casey Whyte. He says certain obstacles have been holding construction back, such as a shortage of freezer doors. Meanwhile, the production of cheese and ice cream...

As Wisconsin Farm Technology Days moves from county to county each year, each county finds a way to incorporate its corner of the ag industry. Clark County, the host of this year's Farm Tech Days, is no exception. Chuck Reith is the Executive Chair for Clark County Farm Tech Days. He shares how they plan to incorporate different aspects of the ag industry from across the county so that they can em...

It takes commitment to grow pumpkins weight 1,000+ lbs. Brandon grower Tom Montsma says it takes an hour per day per plant from April to September. He's trying to grow three this year. Growers are wrapping up pollination season, which has to be done by hand. And Tom is seeing success in his garden. Twenty days after pollination is when the pumpkins will start putting on roughly 40 lbs per day. Tha...

What can cover crops do for you? We get the word from the northern end of the world's longest barn in Eau Claire. Troy Salzer, a University of Minnesota Extension specialist, points out that covers are a valuable resource for farms with livestock. Low-hanging fruit would be planting covers in cow yards to collect nutrients and provide feed. Soybeans are looking good -- and the first flowering stag...

Erin Silva, an associate professor and extension specialist in the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, was recently selected as the first recipient of the Clif Bar Endowed Chair in Organic Agriculture and Outreach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just like you don't have to live on a farm to be involved in 4H and FFA, you don't need to have access to a farm to show animals at the fair. Rabbits can be a low-cost, low-space project for students to get involved in their local fair scene. Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Association President Barb Semb says there are over 50 breeds to choose from, starting as low as $10 a bunny. Ashley Huhn fro...

There were 19 recipients of the DATCP Dairy Processor Grants that totaled $400,000. One of these recipients is a micro-dairy with big plans. Tammy Fritsch is the Plant Manager and Owner of Two Guernsey Girls Creamery in Freedom. She shares more about the micro-dairy and creamery while sharing her plans for the Dairy Processor Grant dollars.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative recently announced its priorities for reforming the federal milk pricing system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin cheese is famous far and wide for its variety and authentic taste. The dairy state happened to be the perfect landing spot for one cheesemaker from Mexico City. Ricardo Gutierrez is a Co-Owner of Door Artisan Creamery. He shares more about the business and his journey from Mexico City to Wisconsin as a cheesemaker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam Jahnke and Wisconsin Farm Technology Days General Manager Arnie Jennerman chat the upcoming show in Clark County. The show is never in the same location, and that comes with challenges -- a new location means new parking, lodging, and utility plans. The changing farm economy also means no year is the same when it comes to securing equipment or food donations. The enactment of the Ocean Shippin...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days travels around the state each year, meaning that each show is unique. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dogs are known for being man's best friend, but they also can be hard-working counterparts when it comes to farm work. Working dogs play a key role on many farms in helping to manage livestock. Lori Perry is the President of the Wisconsin Working Stock Dog Association. She outlines what a working dog does and shares more about the trials that they can compete in during the summer months.  See omny...

Bob Bosold talks with National FFA CEO Scott Stump. The U.S. has a total of about three-quarters of a million members. Stump says the largest challenge facing FFA is a teacher shortage. Campaigns to expand ag educators have been disrupted by COVID. We meet the 2022 Cattlemen of the Year, Steve Springer of Iowa County. Springer is a third-generation beef farmer who has been in the business for over...

The Roehl family of Loyal, WI will soon welcome thousands of guests to their registered dairy farm and event venue for the 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even when not in session, Senator Joan Ballweg is busy in the community at dairy breakfasts, fairs, and the upcoming 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days show.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be easy to get caught up in life and stressed out, but one option for unwinding and managing mental health involves small four-legged friends: goats!  Abigail Lippmann is the owner of Oak Hollow Acres and Serenity Soap Works. She shares more about the goat therapy sessions that her farm offers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin berry season is well underway, and growers are finding unique ways to stretch their season and get ahold of supplies.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small things that have a big impact continue to be the focus of Wisconsin ag educators as they transition to in-person events following the pandemic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm Director Pam Jahnke catches up with Roger King, president of the Wisconsin Ag Educators Association. King says community support for ag education was a key factor in getting both teachers and students through the pandemic, but challenges such as teacher shortages remain.  Potato condition is looking good in Wisconsin -- 94 percent good to excellent, but growers should be aware of potential cr...

The USDA has made a significant investment in the region’s dairy industry. The department directed $20 million dollars to the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin authored the bill in creating this Innovation program. She tells Mid-West Farm Report that the funding is a signal that the Innovation Initiatives across the country are working. She also shares her optimism tha...

Sometimes, the best therapeutic outlet can be found outside chomping on hay. We're talking horses! Their hard-working nature and calm demeanor gives them the opportunity to serve as a companion in assisting people of all capabilities in achieving their goals.  Lauren Cnare, Executive Director of Three Gaits Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, shares more about the therapeutic riding lessons that Thre...