MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Farm safety is always top of mind, and now there is another opportunity to learn more about safety resources, attend training sessions, and get rewarded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm Technology Days visitors have a lot to look forward to, including the new food options that will be available during the 2022 show.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost is the largest barrier to getting the next generation involved in horse pulling -- the animal, the space, the equipment, and the tack make running horses an expensive hobby. Wisconsin Horse Pullers Association Board Member Les Vold says family tradition is what keeps it alive. The association is also exploring ways to get more people involved, including lowering membership fees. His associati...

The 93rd Annual Wisconsin State FFA Convention and Expo kicked off on Monday, June 13th at Alliant Energy Center. As always, the first day of the convention is known as the “Day of Service”. However, this year’s service project may look different than the projects at past conventions. Katie Zimmer, Wisconsin State FFA Vice President, details what this year’s service project...

County fair season in Wisconsin officially kicks off on June 22nd at the Elroy County Fair, but the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) still remains for poultry producers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer months bring along high electricity bills for the household, but farmers also face energy usage spikes to keep their operations running smoothly during the summer. However, high energy use is a reality year-round for farmers.  Scott Sanford, Emeritus Extension Ag Engineer at UW-Madison, details everything that consumes energy in a typical farming operation. He shares how that usage is...

Landmark Creamery, founded in 2014, offers an array of sheep milk and pasture-grazed cow milk products at their store in Paoli. They are a recent recipient of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Dairy Processor Grant, and have also received a grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re getting another look at what the hemp crop looks like in Wisconsin so far this year. Scott Battuelo is the founder of SwampBuck Farms in Montello. He grows over 1,100 hemp plants spanning two acres. He’s just moved his plants from the greenhouse to the ground beginning June 9th.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a dangerous profession where income is not always guaranteed, a recent study found that the majority of farm families are worried about major medical expenses - more specifically, how medical debts could threaten their farm businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's warm out, which means it's time to roll out the ATVs and UTVs to get out and enjoy Wisconsin's ATV trails and routes. Before going out, it's important to prepare for a safe ride and know how to safely operate on the road.  Lt. Martin Stone, Conservation Warden and Off Highway Vehicle Administrator with Wisconsin DNR, details ATV/UTV use in the state and explains how to stay safe.  S...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days focuses on new equipment, technology, and practices in the agriculture industry. However, Clark County Farm Tech Days will have a display showcasing antique machinery and equipment.  Roger Erickson, Co-Chair of the Heritage Equipment Display, shares what will be included in the display this year.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McCain Foods is invested in Wisconsin agriculture and food production.  Pam Jahnke talks to Jess Newman a Senior Director of Agriculture & Sustainability for the company.  McCain's is expanding the Plover food production facility, and finding Wisconsin farmers are engaged and excited about Regenerative Agriculture and finding premiums in practices. Bob Bosold visits with Les Lee, Ene...

The Stoughton Junior Fair is remodeling their beef facilities in anticipation of a large volume of beef exhibitors this summer. In addition to an improved beef barn, the Stoughton Fair has some exciting talent slated for nightly entertainment, with the return of a concert this year.  Chris Quam, Stoughton Fair President, details the beef barn renovations and shares more about the activities p...

This year's Farm Technology Days collector toy will be a chopper box -- two of them! In line with the Clark County Tech Days' theme -- 'where tradition and technology meet" -- the 1/64th scale Meyer’s 8126RT Forage Box Set includes a forage trailer and truck-mounted box. The boxes reflect Clark County-based Meyer Manufacturing Corporation. Event hospitality chair Sharon Rogers says this toy...

"Where Tradition and Technology Meet" is the theme for this year's Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Clark County. The Education and Extension aspect of Farm Tech Days is working to embody that theme at this year's show.  Richard Halopka, Senior Outreach Specialist for UW-Madison Division of Extension in Clark County, is overseeing the Education and Extension elements of Farm Technology Days....

When you’re walking around Tent City at Farm Technology Days, take some time to appreciate just how much money it takes to operate a show of that caliber. Jim Mild Brand co-chairs the Fund Development Committee for the 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Clark County. The show will be in Loyal on July 12-14 -- the same days as when it was last in Clark County in 2005. Jim says the price t...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is not only an opportunity for attendees to learn about new machinery and equipment, but it is also the perfect event for youth to dive into the agriculture industry.  Cindy Kolzow, Chair of the Youth Tent at Farm Tech Days, shares more about the activities and areas of focus that are planned for young attendees.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

The Great Lakes have always been an artery for transportation, but now Wisconsin agriculture's re-evaluating the value of movement product to the world's marketplace.  Bob Bosold talks to Charles Wachsmuth, VP of Chippewa Valley Bean, about how they've already started re-opening shipping channels on the Great Lakes. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group talks to Pam Jahnke about a recent auction...

Farm Technology Days are a month away, and this year's program will feature field demonstrations. Ron Zygarlicke, the Field Demo Chair, shares what the field demos will include and what components will be brand new to this year's Farm Tech Days.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 93rd Wisconsin FFA Convention is happening in Madison beginning next week!  Pam Jahnke visits with Ben Styer, President of the WI FFA Association about what it's been like to re-engage with chapters face-to-face, some, for the very first time! The art of listening.  It's not something to be taken for granted.  The Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative has launched a listening proje...

This year's Adopt A Calf project is complete.  The partnership with dairy farmers and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, follows the growth of a dairy calf on a Wisconsin farm.  Jill Welke revisits that project with cooperating dairy farmer Pam Selz-Pralle in Humbird. MOSES went through a name change over the weekend.  The Midwest Organic Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is now offici...

In the summer, farmers are go, go, go. But before you walk out the door, put on that sunscreen and the wide-brimmed hat. Skin cancer is no joke with one in five Americans experiencing a form of skin cancer. And if you think taking a break in the shade is time wasted... imagine the time spent at the hospital if you do develop cancer or have a heat stroke. Monitor your body -- strange moles, blurred...

So far so good in the cherry orchard, according to Carrie Lautenbach Viste, co-owner of Lautenbach's Orchard in Fish Creek. She says there's been no frost issues and none in the forecast thanks to lake winds. The heat wave in mid-May had the cherries blossoming overnight. Harvest is expected to begin around July 20 -- roughly 60 days after the blossom. In June, they have 'June drop' which is natur...

Growing hemp is labor intensive from start to finish -- FL Morris of Monroe starts her seeds in a greenhouse, and has to continue moving the plant to larger containers to prevent 'root binding.' Root binding means the roots won't grow larger, stunting the plant's growth. With a cooler than average spring this year, Morris had to heat her plant trays, which is energy-intensive.  See omnystudio...

A Monroe hemp grower says there's still an oversupply of hemp in the market. But she's taken the steps to try to add value back to her plants. FL Morris operates a 40-acre diversified farming operation just north of Monroe. There she raises livestock, vegetables and hemp. But the size of her certified organic CBD hemp garden has been progressively decreasing from 1,000 plants to 40. Morris is also...