MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Things are not going smoothly between the United States and Canada when it comes to dairy policy.  Although the U.S./Mexico/Canada Agreement has been in place for a while, there's constant tugs in different commodities.  Pam Jahnke talks to Shawna Morris, trade specialist with the National Milk Producers Federation.  She explains the latest dispute and why the U.S. needs to stand up...

Just as sure as dandelions appear on your fresh, green lawn - mosquitoes and ticks reappear all across the state of Wisconsin.  Stephanie Hoff talks with the Wisconsin Bug Guy, PJ Leisch - UW Entomologist, on what people who enjoy the outdoors should prepare for. It's the last Wyffels Wednesday with Cooper Humphries.  He tells Pam Jahnke that things are coming along well, and that he's a...

National Farmers Union is voicing its key issues in Washington D.C. that it wants taken care of before the 2023 Farm Bill. Among these: cattle market transparency, consolidation in ag markets and 'right to repair.' Mike Stranz, vice president of advocacy at Farmers Union, breaks these priorities down for Mid-West Farm Report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So far so good - that’s the message from a Barneveld berry grower even after the spring has been touch and go with the weather. He predicts the berry crop will be good this year, as long as there is the right amount of moisture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Original Cream Puff, at almost 100 years old, is still a staple at the Wisconsin State Fair. So much so that Tim Gill says they serve 350,000-400,000 during those 11 days every summer, and have begun offering them periodically throughout the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fair season is fast approaching and with it comes the memories of past fairs. Everyone has a fair story, what’s yours? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America’s largest pheasant farm is ramping up its biosecurity measures to help prevent their flock from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin Meat Goat Association was formed last year with the goal of educating the state's meat goat producers and providing them with resources and a network. Now, a year later, there have been some changes to the organization, but the goal remains the same.  Mike Egan, President of the WMGA, shares what the organization has planned for this summer and how they strive to work with Wisco...

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Agriculturist Committee, in partnership with Insight FS, is excited to announce the WFBF 35 Under 35 recognition program for YFA members. This program will recognize and celebrate the creativity and innovation of young farmers and agriculturists who are preserving agriculture through leadership in environmental, social and economic activities. Rachel Gerbit...

Sometimes a pet project turns into a passion project - and can turn into a business.  That's the story Jill Welke brings us from the Fairchild area.  A simple flower border of a garden has now turned into a full blown flower shop! Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group gives us the latest wrap up on some major grain elevator properties that were sold in the last week. John Hineberg with Tota...

Brix Cider, a family owned restaurant and cidery in Mt. Horeb, is known for their unique ciders and farm to table menu - both of which change on a regular basis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The animal feed and pet food industry has done well over the past few years and is looking for more market access for products. This is according to Mallory Gaines, the director of market access and trade policy at the American Feed Industry Association. She tells Mid-West Farm Report what’s top of mind for the organization as we get into the growing season. She also talks about how the AFIA...

June Dairy Month calls for breakfast events that showcase Wisconsin dairy and other agricultural products. The Wisconsin Dells FFA Alumni is hosting their first annual Farm-To-Fork Breakfast with a focus on educating Dells visitors and locals alike about Wisconsin agriculture.  The breakfast will be held on Saturday, June 4th, from 7 am - 12 pm at Bowman Park. The cost of the breakfast is $10...

Changing climate, severe weather, food security, food waste... These are all factors that go into researching and developing food for the future. Janae Brady leads government affairs with the American Seed Trade Association. She says biotechnology, such as gene editing, serves a great purpose in achieving food goals -- but it's a technology that's not accepted in some parts of the world, creating...

It's probably not on your mind - but maybe it should be.  How much energy will your home or farm consumer this winter?  That's what Les Lee, Alcivia Energy Sales Manager, would like you to consider. Bob Bosold visits with Lee about the meteoric rise that all energy prices have been seeing because of world tensions and demand. He says while the future is cloudy and no one can forecast wha...

Wisconsin rural residents should know what resources are available to them and high speed, broadband, internet access.  Helen Marks Dicks, Associate State Director State Advocacy for AARP Wisconsin says there's cost sharing, free speed tests and other resources available that people should be using. Remember, AARP Wisconsin can give you access to a lot of resources, even if you're not a...

Ag Retailers Association President and CEO Darren Coppock says ag retailers nationwide have had an interesting year, to say the least. It's been challenging to secure technology components from China, get fertilizer to the right place, and use the railroad as a transportation medium. He notes there has been quick fixes, but in reality, real solutions will take time. Coppock says a lot of work need...

A complex market environment: fertilizer. Today's fertilizer market is volatile -- so how can growers get the most out of their fertilizer program on the farm to reduce input costs? That's the question Mid-West Farm Report explores with The Fertilizer Institute President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As usual, not every farm is getting the weather they'd like in Wisconsin.  Cooper Humphries, sales manager with Wyffes Hybrids says that most of his clients in the Dodge and Columbia county areas are sitting in a pretty good position, with most corn in the ground. Humphries says that now he's circling back with clients to double check planting population and overall stand condition.  Tha...

American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Constance Cullman says the feed industry is dealing with inflation and supply chain challenges... but are working hard to try to keep those feed prices in line and maintain good quality. She says the U.S. doesn't get a lot of feed products from the Ukraine region, but they do see challenges in the supply chain that existed before the war, includ...

Green County’s Breakfast on the Farm is the first of many dairy breakfasts in Wisconsin, which will be taking place from 6-10am on May 28th at Sunset Ridge Dairy Farm in Monticello. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more attention is being paid to biofuels and the fuel combinations available to consumers. Stephanie Hoff visits with Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, about policy development in D.C. and how it could impact consumers' pocketbooks. Read another recent story on the ethanol conversation: https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2022/05/08/ethanol-up-for-debate/ See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Wisconsin potato growers have just about wrapped up planting season, and many may be looking ahead towards potential pests and diseases this growing season. One disease that makes an appearance every summer is late blight. Dr. Amanda Gevens, the Chair of the Department of Plant Pathology at UW-Madison, as well as a Professor in that department and an Extension Specialist in Plant Pathology, shares...

June Dairy Month calls for a celebration of Wisconsin's many wonderful dairy farmers and their top-notch products. But there are some families who may not have the opportunity to enjoy Wisconsin dairy products all that often.  Kris Tazelaar, Director of Marketing and Communications for Second Harvest Foodbank, explains how one can give back to their community and connect families to Wisconsin...

Summer is just about here and school is almost out for the year. However, with children out of school for the summer, food banks work to ensure they're prepared to provide those children and their families with food throughout the summer months. Stephanie Jung Dorfman, Executive Director of Feeding Wisconsin, works to ensure that Wisconsin's six Feeding America member food banks are ready to keep...