MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The Insect Eavesdropper is a revolutionary sensor that identifies pests by listening to them eat. Join UW Entomologist Emily Bick as she explains to Stephanie Hoff how piezoelectric microphones are turning plant vibrations into vital data for farmers and researchers across the globe. From tracking underground rootworms to reducing insecticide use, the technology is changing the future of crop prot...

Sarah Hagenow has dreamt of serving as Alice in Dairyland since she was 10 years old. Now, just 6 months into her journey as the 78th Alice, Sarah has been able to serve as a fierce advocate for Wisconsin agriculture. She tells us about some of the most impactful experiences throughout her reign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm policy, labor shortages, trade disputes, and dairy markets all took center stage in Washington this year. Congressman Derrick Van Orden looks back at what Congress delivered for agriculture in 2025 and previews the fights, fixes, and opportunities he says farmers should be watching closely in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin’s sugar comes primarily from the red river valley. Typically, it’s beet sugar from Minnesota and North Dakota. Luther Markwart is the chairman of the American Sugar Alliance Board and the CEO of American Sugar Beet growers association. He tells us how we’re keeping America sweet with domestic sugar production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agricultural drones have seen explosive growth in recent years, but a new federal ban on foreign-made models could impact what comes next. Jeremy Williams of American Drones explains what the FCC decision really means for farmers, applicators, and the future of drone technology in ag. He says that this ban will only prevent new models from entering the U.S. and that old models will still be able t...

Natalie Breakfield, vice president of research and discovery at NewLeaf Symbiotics, tells Stephanie Hoff how they are leveraging the natural power of pink bacteria to enhance plant health from the inside out. Natalie explains how their science-backed microbial technology works with Mother Nature to provide broad-spectrum defense against insects and fungi while guaranteeing a significant return on...

Today, we explore the emotional and practical complexities of transitioning to assisted living. Mike Pochowski, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, emphasizes the importance of balancing personal independence with safety. He shares with Stephanie Hoff a roadmap for families, including how to navigate difficult conversations and where to find financial resources. Communi...

While many Wisconsinites look to escape the cold this time of year, Green County Tourism is offering a staycation alternative that celebrates the region's rich dairy heritage.  Green County Tourism Director Noreen Rueckert tells Stephanie Hoff the Cheese Passport to Green County is a digital program running now through Feb. 15. It encourages residents and tourists to explore local cheese shop...

What's happening with consumer preferences now that winter is upon us and fresh produce and vegetables from local growers has shrunk?  Kiley Allan talks about it with Nick Novak,   President of the Midwest Food Products Association.  Novak says that keeping consumers' confidence is key in light of questions about ingredients and sources.  He notes that canned and froz...

Farmers can't take their health for granted, but may not realize how many dangers they're exposed to everyday.  Ben Jarboe talks to Dr. Arden Anderson, a Physician and Agricultural Consultant in Kansas City.  Jarboe learns that Anderson has found that farmers are among the highest-risk groups for developing serious illnesses. He says he's found that farmers face elevated rates of cancer,...

With the legislative clock ticking down, Wisconsin State Senator Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point) is officially calling "go time." With only a few weeks remaining in the session, Testin is leading a high-stakes charge to "unshackle" Wisconsin’s hemp producers. He warns that current federal language poses an existential threat that could "literally end the industry nationwide." While other propos...

Stephanie Hoff checks in with Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden, who says a win in the past year was that membership is growing, but that may be due to some of the headwinds that farmers are facing, which is drawing them to advocacy organizations. He says market disruptions, gaps in crop loss compensation, and a stalled Farm Bill are motivations to hit the ground running in 2026. S...

With 2026 being an election year, the window for legislative action in Madison is closing fast. Stephanie Hoff talks about it today with Michelle Ramirez-White, government relations director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. She previews their Farm & Rural Lobby Day on Jan. 14 and the hit list for topics, but first gives us the lay of the land when it comes to the state legislative calendar. ...

Every year, a fleet of farm machinery begins a journey that follows the grain harvest from South to North. But custom harvesting is about more than just cutting wheat or corn. It’s a logistics game. And it involves cutting-edge data, complex labor laws, and a constant battle against the elements. Paul Paplow is the president of U.S. Custom Harvesters. He’s based out of Northwest Iowa,...

As we get started in a new year, we’re continuing our look into risk management and the safety nets that keep farms running. Between shifting weather patterns and record government shutdowns, how stable is your coverage? We talk about it today with Stefanie Wolfe, a regional sales manager with Rural Community Insurance Services, or RCIS. We start with how she’s navigated government del...

Happy New Year's Eve! Mid-West Farm Report takes a trip down memory lane, looking at our most popular stories of 2025. We start with No. 5 -- when a Wisconsin construction company was preparing for tariffs before a March 1 expected deadline. In other news, FSA State Director Sandy Chalmers reviews 2025, including a look toward the rollout of Farmer Bridge Assistance. The Compeer Financial Ag Weath...

The beef-on-dairy revolution is a move that has turned day-old calves from a sale-barn afterthought into thousand-dollar revenue streams. Joining us is Rabobank’s Senior Beef Industry Analyst for North America, Lance Zimmerman. He tells us how and why the U.S. is currently leading the pack in this global trend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lefse is a soft Norwegian flatbread and a cherished traditional holiday food. Stephanie Hoff sat down with Marshall Olson, the owner of Countryside Lefse. He explained the art of crafting delicious lefse. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update had a high emphasis on the abrupt weather changes Wisconsin has seen lately. Stu Muck says we can expect light snow to continue through the middle of the w...

Today, we’re looking at the data behind the headlines. David Widmar, managing partner at Agricultural Economic Insights, breaks down trends in the farm economy to help producers and others in the industry align with the current market conditions. One of the headlines we discuss today: How do data centers or renewable energy arrays fit in the ag landscape? The U.S. agricultural land market is...

Regenerative agriculture has been growing in popularity for some time now and a huge part of this is the use of cover crops. Here to give a look into the growth of the industry is Green Cover Seed Co-Owner Keith Burns. They have noticed firsthand the increase of cover crop integration on US farms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year the beef industry has seen record highs and announcements of importing beef from Argentina. With a lot of changes in 2025 the Wisconsin Cattleman’s Association has had many things to work through. Sam Schwer is on the Board of Directors for the group. He gives a look into their most recent work and insight on some of the top issues they are facing.  See omnystudio.com/listener...

Winter always brings on a new set of challenges with frigid temperatures and icy roads, but unlike many that try to stay inside during these times, farmers need to continue their work in the outdoors. Here to give some tips on how to stay safe during this dangerous time of here is Melissa Ploeckelman  Brown. She is the outreach specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. She says that...

According to ag meteorologist Stu Muck cold weather will persist and may bring some more snow soon. Kiley Allan has a chat with Maddie Dobbs to see how she went from classroom to classroom. She shares her story of becoming an agricultural teacher at Melrose-Mindoro. The record government shutdown closed a lot of things for farmers, but according to National Crop Insurance Services president, Tom Z...

Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources administers a program to award grants for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquiring supplies, equipment, and training related to suppressing forest fires. A new bill in the state Legislature allows SoyFoam to be eligible for grants under the program. Author Sen. Howard Marklein explains what has to happen in 2026 to make it possible. The...

Following the death of a 22-year-old who couldn’t afford a sudden price hike for his asthma medication, state lawmakers are advancing legislation to reform how prescription drugs are priced and managed in Wisconsin. The “Cole’s Act” was inspired by an Appleton man who went to pick up a routine inhaler only to find the price had jumped from $66 to $539. Choosing to pay his r...