MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

One of the largest components to any fair across the state are the food vendors. What better to support than a food vendor with a cause. Many 4-H clubs, FFA and FFA Alumni groups, and community groups run food stands at events like these to help fundraise during the year. I was able to catch up with cream puff and cheese curd extraordinaire and Stoughton FFA Alumni member, Donald Quam, to learn mo...

TJ Kartes with Saddle Butte Ag   is monitoring the extreme weather challenges farmers are facing in the summer of 2021.  From major rain events that have caused flooding in some areas to bone dry drought impacting others - cover crops persist. Kartes also reminds people that face-to-face learning is back in play with summer field days and different learning events too.   See omnystu...

As Americans celebrate with fireworks, parades, stars and stripes this weekend, there’s a very good chance they also will be celebrating with hot dogs.  The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) estimates Americans will eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4th alone, the single biggest hot dog consumption day of the year.  What better way to kick off National Hot Dog Month...

Jeanette Lombardo is the executive director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, a nationwide organization that connects veterans to jobs in agriculture. These jobs range from urban gardening to rural ranching and crop insurance adjusting to drone piloting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Promega just released its most ambitious environmental sustainability goals yet, including cutting emissions by 50 percent by 2030. That is equivalent to taking 4,800 cars off the road or the emissions equivalent of powering 4,000 homes annually. The Madison-based life sciences company won't literally take cars off the road, instead they'll turn to renewable energy to power their energy-intensive...

There's a brand new options when it comes to enjoying Wisconsin's delicious cheese curds.  Enter "Cheddar Curd Crunchers" from Ellsworth Coop Creamery in Western Wisconsin. Paul Bauer, CEO of the creamery says they'd been working on the idea internally for the past couple of years before everything came together.  These freeze dried cheese curds offer consumers a shelf stable product tha...

Gen Z, or people born between 1997 and 2012, have been very influential on the buying trends within the consumer marketplace. They are focusing on, not only that their food tastes good and is good for their bodies, but also how it gets from farm to table. Molly Pelzer, CEO of Midwest Dairy shares some of the research they have done on this topic and how they are working to meet the demand of Gen Z...

If you're planning a wedding or other event this summer, or would just like to send someone flowers to make them smile, Wisconsin's florists are here to help! But you might need to plan ahead and be willing to be flexible, says Tami Gasch, President of the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Florists Association and owner of Brilliont Blooms floral shop in Brillion, Wisconsin. The floral industry in Wi...

Marcy West is the new director of the Office of Rural Prosperity within the WI Economic Development Corporation. West joined Stephanie Hoff at Udder Brothers Creamery where she highlighted the office' support of the dairy farm's ice cream launch. Dairy and meat labeling bills advance at the state capitol.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Amy Penterman, dairy farmer from Thorp and president of the...

Wisconsin strawberry growers have faced really challenging growing conditions this spring.  Some patches were fine - others completely devastated. Scott Schulz talks to Brin Comstock at Comstock Strawberries in Merrill - one devastated strawberry grower. Wisconsin is undertaking the long process of addressing misinformation on labels of both dairy and meat products.  Stephanie Hoff visit...

Huth Polled Hereford's of Oakfield was named the Environmental Stewardship Award recipients at the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Summer Field Tour.  Aaron Zimmerman talks to the two operators that saw pasture promise where others saw only barren ground. If you're a gardener, start looking for those canning supplies you'll be needing this fall.  That's the advice of Heather Quackenboss, UW-Extens...

Going out of state for an internship may be risky, but beneficial. Jessica Schmitt, Editorial Intern at Hoard's Dairyman, is native to Fort Atkinson, Iowa and a student at Iowa State triple majoring in dairy science, agricultural communications, and international agriculture. Coming from a dairy background, she was excited to see  to be surrounded by dairy producers in  Wisconsin for the...

Even though it is often forgotten, sun safety is a very important issue when it comes to outdoor work or activities. Farmers have a significantly high occupational sun exposure, but knowing how to properly protect yourself can help prevent sunburn or even worse, skin cancer. Melissa Ploeckelman, outreach specialist at the National Farm Medicine Center shares some tips to help stay safe in the sun...

DATCP's International Agribusiness Center and Food Export Midwest is organizing a trade mission to Seoul, South Korea on October 18-22. Lisa Stout is an economic development consultant with DATCP's International Agribusiness Center. The department is still hosting virtual trade missions, for example in Japan in November, which gives more flexibility to participants and allows for more attendees. B...

Listening to farmers and sharing their stories is what Pete Curran does! Curran began with reflecting on the phrase, "When I Listened To A Farmer, I Saw..." and now will be releasing his first book. He doesn't come from an agricultural background, but that's more of the reason why he wants to celebrate what others do, especially in agriculture.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Immigrant Essential Workers concluded their march to the state capitol with Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes joining them.  Stephanie Hoff was there when the group finally reached the capitol steps after 90 miles of walking.  She visits with dairy woman Tina Hinchley. Ashley Huhn from Steffes Auction Group updates us on their hiring opportunities. Jonathan Gibbs, farmer from Fox Lake and member o...

UW-Extension specialist Heather Quackenboss says the COVID-19 pandemic was the perfect time for people to get into gardening and preserving. Even the start of the pandemic in Wisconsin fell on the beginning of garden season -- March. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the face of a statewide labor shortage, immigrant essential workers are voicing their role in Wisconsin's economy, including agriculture. This week, immigrant workers and their supporters closed a nine-day, 90-mile march from Milwaukee at the state Capitol. The objective? To pressure President Biden and Congressional Dems to include citizenship for all immigrant essential workers and their fami...

Upham Woods in WI Dells is reopening after the pandemic.  Michelle Stangler visits with camp manager, Justin Hougham, about the improvements that have been made while idle and their planned celebration of their 80th anniversary. WI State Fair is on - but they're making some changes.  Aaron Zimmerman talks with Jen Puente, Chief Marketing Officer for WI State Fair about the adjustments in...

Chris Mayer, Marshfield Clinic, sits on state broadband committee.  Talks with Bob Bosold about the progress being made and the challenge ahead in getting rural broadband out there. Immigrant Essential Workers are wrapping up their march to the Capitol.  Michelle Stangler caught up with Tina Hinchley, Cambridge dairy farmer, who's marching right along with them. Jim Wynn from Cottonwood...

UW-Madison is celebrating the ground breaking ceremony of a $128 million expansion and renovation of the original building that houses the UW-School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as it's hospital.  Dr. Mark Markel, the dean of the school, explains how not only students and campus will benefit, but the entire state of Wisconsin. Huth Polled Herefords was presented with the Wisconsin Cattleme...

This past weekend the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association hosted their annual summer tour. As part of the evening program, they presented a few of their 2021 awards including the Environmental Stewardship Award. Jerry Huth and Josh Scharf, partners in Huth Polled Herefords of Oakfield, Wisconsin were presented with the honor, and after the program, I was able to catch up with them to hear about what...

Greg Hann owns and operates Hann's Christmas Farm in Oregon, just south of Madison.  While most people are not thinking about Christmas at this time of year, Hann is making sure the perfect tree is waiting for you come Nov. 1, when he opens up his 80-acre tree farm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dairy Innovation Hub is wrapping up its fiscal year and making funding decisions for the next one that starts in July. Program manager Maria Woldt says those decisions include 53 new research projects and eight new staff. Woldt also praised the Joint Finance Committee's extension of $7.8 million per year in funding for the hub in the 2021-23 state budget. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

It may be difficult to fill jobs in Wisconsin and agriculture employs many immigrant workers from milking cows to harvesting fruits and vegetables since their roles are essential for the food supply chain. Governor Tony Evers and farmers joined immigrant essential workers in Johnson Creek for a stop on their 90 plus mile march from Milwaukee to Madison.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...