MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The National 4-H Center is closed and being sold.  Scott Schultz talks to Jennifer Sirangelo who is the President & CEO of the National 4-H Council, about why it's happening and what's next. Ashley Hewin from Steffes Auction Group talks about the importance an auction can play in business development.  It's not always an ending, but sometimes an evolution.  He also highlights a...

There's so much money swirling around because of the pandemic.  Some from the federal scene that's being infused into Wisconsin - but where will it go?  That's the question WI Representative Tony Kurtz of Juneau County wants answered.  Kurtz says there's $3.2 billion coming to Wisconsin from the federal scene with about $500 million targeted for rural broadband by the governor.&nbsp...

Keeping kids safe around an active farm can sound simple but turn into an incredibly difficult task.  Jana Davidson with Progressive Ag talks with Kaitlyn Riley about how quickly situations can change, and how "friends" coming over become your responsibility too. Policy is moving at the state capitol regarding labelling of dairy products just in time for Dairy Day at the Capitol hosted by Dai...

Keeping students attention and finding fresh content in a pandemic is challenging for teachers and parents.  Darlene Arneson with Wisconsin's Ag in the Classroom program is trying to help.  She tells Josh about the recent updating they've done on their teaching resources. A 15 year old girl from Hartford took the bull by the horns last year and created a virtual livestock show as the pan...

World Dairy Expo 2021 will remain in Madison, Wisconsin. The 54th edition of the event is scheduled for Expo’s historic home, the Alliant Energy Center, September 28 – October 2, 2021. This announcement comes after contingency planning and consideration of alternative venues. Katie Schmitt, Communications Manager for World Dairy Expo, explains the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

The Southeast Elite Livestock Expo will happen May 21-22 at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds in Fond du Lac.  Here's the Facebook page with all the details . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Bourassa will be mentoring women new to conservation, or those looking to do the sort of practices she has put into place on her farm - in particular, managed grazing on her fifth-generation Bouressa Family Farm near New London. Her parents were early adopters of managed grazing. Rachel works for Golden Sands RC&D as a grazing specialist, writing grazing plans for new farmers and conduc...

More and more farmers are taking the time and learning to respect what conservation can do on their farms and in their communities.  Matt Oemichen is one of those ambassadors.  Bob Bosold talks about his spring plans.   Millions of dollars are flowing toward Wisconsin in support of infrastructure - but will that support make it to the rural broadband connection problem many face?&nb...

Corey Geiger always knew there was a story there - he just had to be patient to tell it.  Now "On a Wisconsin Family Farm: Historic Tales of Character, Community and Culture" is out and published - and already inspiring more books for the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schevers is the fourth generation on her 100-acre farm, and raises poultry and vegetables, along with renting 3 “glamper” campsites. “My goal, with support and agreement from my mother, sister, and aunt is to transition the entire property into native grasses, pollinator habitat, wildlife corridors, and pond scrapes for waterfowl. The reasoning is to utilize our little ‘blo...

Stephanie raises cattle, hogs and sheep on pasture and hosts terrific Burger Nights at Together Farms in May thru October Thursdays through Saturdays. Their motto is "We’re All In This Together.” They recently diversified into meal kits. COVID was a challenge. They have six campsites. They win a lot of food awards, and they were even featured on Wisconsin Foodie in 2018! https://togeth...

Wisconsin's long been dominate in the dairy industry, but that includes different types of dairy.  Wisconsin's dairy goat industry is thriving.  Randy Adamson, a state dairy goat leader, talks to Josh about elements of the industry that might be overlooked. Farmers and farm workers need to get in line for their covid vaccination.  No one will call you - you need to advocate for your...

Energy generation is a new avenue many farms are looking at, especially solar.  This is also creating a new group of jobs that technical colleges are trying to address.  Scott Schulz talks to Adam Wehling from the Chippewa Valley Tech College. Easter is this weekend and it looks like consumers are going to increase the amount of pork they enjoy.  Josh Scramlin talks with Keri Retall...

Rural properties are red hot these days as more people seek their "space" in light of covid.  Josh Scramlin visits with staff from Whitetail Properties on how to stage your rural properties for the most value. There's a new leader at the U.S. Dairy Export Council and she's bullish on what's developing with China and the U.S. dairy industry.  Pam introduces you to Krysta Harden and what s...

Most county fairs in 2020 found themselves having to cancel or scale things back due to the pandemic. What does 2021 behold for fairs as summer gets closer? Jayme Buttke, Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs chats with Josh Scramlin. Wisconsin Farm Burea Federation held their annual Ag Day at the Capitol yesterday. While it was a virtual event, Karen Gefvert of WFBF says she b...

Ag Economist Dan Basse, President of AgResource, analyzes the big things to watch for as 2021 clicks along with Pam Jahnke. From china to dairy, they cover it all. The Dane County Farmers Market is looking to get back to the Capitol Square in downtown Madison sometime in 2021. Josh Scramlin visits with the market manager, Sarah Elliot, to talk about their plans for this season. Angie Horkan of the...

Wisconsin is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, and it might be even more diverse than you think. Pam Jahnke brings you the latest regarding a podcast that examines rare crops in The Badger State. Nick Levendoski of Sunnyside Hatchery in Beaver Dam says that people are once again buying chicks for backyard birding. Pam Jahnke talks with Levendoski about how 2021 will comp...

There's a new group in Wisconsin looking to promote environmental stewardship. Scott Schutlz catches up with Kriss Marion to talk about Wisconsin Women in Conservation. Students on our ag campuses are doing their best to connect with producers and fellow students as they attend school during the pandemic. Pam Jahnke reports. The dairy goat industry in Wisconsin continues to grow and flourish. Josh...

Karen Gefvert, Executive Director of Governmental Relations for WFBF, joins Josh Scramlin to preview 2021's Ag Day at the Capitol. Even though this year's event will look different, Gefvert says it's more important than ever before for producers to speak with lawmakers. Wisconsin has a new state director for the Make It With Wool program. Josh Scramlin catches up with Becky Mehringer of Dane Count...

Commodity Classic, in partnership with the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, has produced a powerful podcast program dealing with farm stress and mental health. The program entitled “Mental Health on the Farm” features four panelists, each with a unique and personal perspective on the issue. The program panelists include: Ted Matthews , a rural mental health professional from...

Backyard birding has become very popular in light of the pandemic.  Any community that allows chickens, ducks, turkeys is helping drive business for Sunnyside Hatchery in Beaver Dam.  Nick Levondowski explains what's happening to Pam. Wisconsin Farm Discovery Center is hoping people will start returning to their educational space this spring.  Abigail Martin, program director for th...

Things are still up in the air in Washington DC.  Bob Bosold talks to WI Congressman, Ron Kind, about trying to conduct business in a war zone, and what agriculture needs to monitor as far as policy advancing. Defend your Yield - Pioneer representative, Scott Rowntree, focuses in on tar spot in front of the Pioneer Agronomy Hour broadcast on Tuesday.  What technology do you need to emplo...

It could be one of the best years ever for Wisconsin maple syrup producers.  Josh Scramlin visits with the executive director of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association on things are going and what you don't know about maple syrup production. March 15th is the deadline for crop insurance decisions this year.  Compeer Financials' Lucas Conmey says you've got plenty of options - bu...

Eleven farmers have intensively planted cover crops in Minnesota’s Rice Creek watershed since 2018 and are now seeing improved stream health, fish habitat, water quality, and farm profits as a result. Specifically, monitoring of Rice Creek and the watershed shows that cover crops on 27% of tillable acres are keeping 9000 pounds of nitrate and 200,000 pounds of sediment out of the creek every...

Minnesota Milk Producers are working on trying to focus kids beverage selection on milk or water when they are at fast food restaurants.  Kaitlyn Riley talks with Lucas Sjostrum about their plans. The ball's back in World Dairy Expo's court on whether they stay or go for 2021.  Dane County Executive Director, Joe Parisi, presented them with a ten year option to stay in Madison with no co...