MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Dementia is tragic for any family that has to deal with it, but if you're - in the rural community - there's more.  If you're a farm family dealing with a loved one that's suffering with dementia or Alzheimher's, you're really on your own.  Ben Jarboe talks about it with Dr. Julie Bobitt,  Assistant Professor Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at University of Illin...

Meet John W. Miller, the new president and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He emphasizes that the health of the state depends on the sustainability of its smaller towns. Miller tells Stephanie Hoff the economic challenges ahead aren't just finding workers, but ensuring those workers have a place to call home. "Affordable housing is actually probably the number one issue that we hav...

As the agricultural landscape faces shifting federal priorities, the Grassland 2.0 project is pivoting toward private partnerships and innovative tools to demonstrate that grazing is a profitable practice. Central to this effort is the Heifer Grazing Compass, a digital tool designed to help dairy producers calculate the benefits of transition. By keeping heifers on pasture rather than shipping the...

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legitimacy of widespread emergency tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in 2025. This decision will determine whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act continues to grant the executive branch authority over global trade. "This is extremely important for us in dairy because Mexico is number one -- number one for the cheese market --...

When consumers walk the aisles of the grocery store, they’re met with countless options. The items they choose to purchase are impacted by a multitude of reasons. Charlie Arnot is the CEO at the Center for Food Integrity and a recognized thought leader in food and agriculture. He explains some of the factors that influence purchases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cold and slick days are ahead according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. He reminds listeners to dress appropriately for the weather and stay safe while driving. When people are walking through the grocery store they are faced with many options. Kiley Allan talks with Charlie Arnot, the CEO at the Center for Food Integrity, to give insight into why consumers will pick certain items. He says farmers s...

The final evening of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention holds anticipation, excitement and celebration. This year the crown was handed over to Kaelie Billingsley. She hails from Kenosha County Fair. She shares her reaction moments after coronation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin dairy farmer Carolyn Alsteen joins the show to discuss the Born to Dairy campaign, a vibrant celebration of the grit, humor, and creativity that defines America’s Dairyland. Discover how Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is putting checkoff dollars to work, using unique personas to bridge the gap with consumers, and highlighting the authentic stories behind your favorite milk, cheese, and...

For 25 years, Focus on Energy has helped farmers choose energy-saving equipment that lowers costs and delivers long‑term value. This year, continue improving your farm with solutions backed by decades of savings. Increased Rebates in 2026 Focus on Energy is continuing to offer greater rewards for improving the efficiency of your facilities. Take advantage of 25%-30% higher rebates when you upgrade...

The Assembly Agriculture Committee has passed three bills out of committee – one that ensures timely repair and replacement of critical farm equipment, another that improves labeling standards for fertilizers and soil additives, and finally a bill that protects farmland from ownership by foreign adversaries. Stephanie Hoff gets the details from Vice Chair Representative Clint Moses. AB30 --...

In an effort to streamline Wisconsin’s agricultural resources, REAP Food Group has announced a partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union to expand the reach of the Farm Fresh Atlas. The collaboration comes as the atlas prepares for its landmark 25th-anniversary publication in 2026. Aidan Coffin Ness, director of the Farm Fresh Atlas at REAP Food Group, tells Stephanie Hoff that the program st...

Large portions of what would normally be a Farm Bill have already been included in the "Big Beautiful Bill".  That's part of the update from Congressman Derrick VanOrden.  The western Wisconsin representative tells Ben Jarboe about several components designed to protect food safety elements, animal health, and international competition. The last of the snow may be gone around most of Wis...

With the average consumer of pork increasing in age, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Checkoff are taking a closer look at the younger consumer. Recently, they developed a new consumer campaign entitled, Taste What Pork Can Do . The campaign aims to shift a decades-old mindset that pork's only place is the centerpiece of the plate. Neal Hull, Director of Domestic Market Development at...

As the weather gets colder, people bundle up with more layers of warm clothing, livestock also needs to stay warm as well. In the winter, producers pull out things like heaters and heat lamps, but it is important to also keep a few safety tips in mind. Michael Wos is the Executive Director of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation. He tells us how to best prevent barn fir...

As the Director of Production Environmental Policy at the International Fresh Produce Association, Sarah Neagu-Reid is focused on several things. On any given day, she can be found working on a project that focuses on crop protection, organic legislation and regulations, the Farm Bill, economic assistance, and something we hear more and more about, the importance of labor. See omnystudio.com/liste...

While the state has faced significant mill closures in recent years, Wisconsin Paper Council President Scott Suder highlights how $500 million investments in new facilities and a robust supply chain are stabilizing the local economy. The conversation with Stephanie Hoff addresses common misconceptions about the industry, emphasizing that modern papermaking is high-tech, environmentally sustainable...

 Regenerative agriculture is a term we are hearing more and more from Washington, D.C. Kiley Allan talks to a fifth-generation farmer, Rick Clark, who has been on a regenerative journey for 17 years. He says the biggest benefit has come in the form of healthier soil. So you got snow this weekend? Today's Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for balmy temperatures and rain to take it all...

This edition of the Mid-West Ride Along takes us to the Agronomic Research Center in Malta, IL where Syngenta is crafting the next wave of in-field technology that farmers will be looking for in corn rootworm defense. Pam Jahnke gets a lab tour, and some background on how long it takes to develop a product like DuraStak before it ever makes it to a farmers field.  Brad Bernhard is an Agronomi...

Think of your cheese going through TSA before it gets to you -- metal detectors, X-rays... and the careful eyes of the farmer, processor, and the dairy sanitation specialists with the state of Wisconsin. But sometimes, issues still happen. Stephanie Hoff is getting a look at the recall process today with Elsie Lundquist. She’s one of about 20 dairy sanitarians with the Department of Agricult...

Nobody in Wisconsin's dairy community can deny - it is tough right now.  Milk prices are low, margins are tight, and there’s a lot of frustration out there. How does Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin view the year farmers just lived through? That's where the conversation starts with Pam Jahnke and Ben Miller, Vice President of Industry Relations who's recently been named Chief Operating Office...

Rep. Clint Moses, vice chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and supporter of AB 488, says the bill introduces a legislative fix that allows first responders to use state funds to purchase eco-friendly, soybean-based fire suppressants. The initiative supports local farmers and protects firefighters by replacing PFAS chemicals with a safer alternative that works with existing department equip...

Chelsea Weadge explains how Organic Valley balances seasonal milk fluctuations caused by cows moving off pasture during the winter months. Unlike the conventional market, the cooperative doesn't compete on volume. It maintains its premium pricing by focusing on consumer values. Looking ahead to 2026, the brand is leveraging new grants to modernize its Wisconsin processing plant with a focus on sus...

As the average age of farmers continues to rise, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are becoming a growing concern in rural and agricultural communities. Dr. Julie Bobitt an Assistant Professor at the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at the University of Illinois Chicago explains the early warning signs of dementia, how the disease can impact farm safety, and when...

Don't let hopes dim on the possibility of getting a Farm Bill done.  That's the encouragement from National Farmers Union President, Rod Larew.  He talks with Bob Bosold about the inches they're gaining in Washington, D.C., and how critical it is that farmer growers continue to voice their needs. We hit the peak today as far as warm temperatures are concerned.  Stu Muck says from he...

It's "go time" at the state capitol for policy and policymakers.  Pam Jahnke chats with Sen. Pat Testin, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee.  Testin is spearheading efforts to try and protect the state's hemp industry from a federal mandate that could end the entire industry by the end of the year.  He's got a public hearing slated for Thursday. Another foggy star...