MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Hot, humid weather may be tough on people but it's just what the doctor ordered for corn and soybean fields.  Wisconsin farmers feeling a little more confident about the crops. Farm Aid is headed to Wisconsin and we've got details. Bryce Knorr updates us on what the markets talking about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the newly signed Wisconsin state budget includes more money for staff at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - the hemp program specifically needs assistance! Pam talks with DATCP Deputy Secretary, Randy Romanski, about the budget.  Then she talks with DATCP Administrator, Brian Kuhn, about how hemp producers in the state struggle with Wisconsin's weat...

Wisconsin weather has improved the attitude of some farmers.  Their confidence levels went up  in both corn and beans went up this week. Cover crop seed shortage is creating anxiety for a lot of farmers already stressed.  Jack Kaltenberg of PIP Seeds breaks it down. Bryce Knorr highlights some news the markets talking about heading into a holiday break. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Visit with any one of the 12 potential cheese buyers in Wisconsin from the Middle East last week and you'll be reminded of elements we probably take for granted living here.  Wisconsin cheese is fantastic!  Our farmers and cheesemakers do an amazing job producing a pure, fresh, safe product.  Oh, and Wisconsin's pretty beautiful too. That's what conversation was like with Chef Manal...

There are still so many decisions farms are trying to make on managing unplanted fields.  Josh Scramlin talks with agents from Rural Mutual Insurance on things they need to think through. Dr. Shawn Conley, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist is on that same track.  Wisconsin farmers can consider using corn and soybeans as an official cover crop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

They've got the jitters this morning in Chicago.  Wicked weather forecast for all of the Midwest over the next few days coupled with the G20 Summit and a USDA report out tomorrow gives marketers a lot to think about.  Bryce Knorr tells us more. And despite the poor economics in farming - demand for some farm equipment remains robust according to Curt Blades from the Association of Equipm...

Jefferson County is ramping up activities surrounding WI Farm Technology Days 2019, July 23-25 at the Walters Grain Farm in Milford Township.  Tuesday was Media Day with a preview of what to expect.  Lavern Georgson, Jefferson County Ag Agent and Brad and Kristi Walter, focused on some areas they think non-farm attendees will enjoy during the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

It's a trend that continues to grow - consumers interest in enjoying a meal on the farm that helped produce that meal.  Reba visits with Rachel Armstrong of Farm Common about why this has turned into such a value-added proposition for farms that accept the challenge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feels like everything's going against Wisconsin Ginseng growers!  Weather's been lousy, and they're sitting on unsold inventory of the root from last year because of the continued trade war with China.  Dave Schumacher, vice president of the Wisconsin Ginseng Board, visits with Pam about the situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Senator Howard Marklein runs down some of the key issues they're trying to address in the state budget, including bridge and road repair. And when the end of the month arrives - so too does the official retirement of Chuck Adami, CEO of Equity Livestock Sales Association.  Pam had a chance to visit with him about the milestone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not just an agriculture issue - it's an EVERYBODY issue when it comes to Wisconsin's waters.  Next week Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin is hosting two "Water Matters" tours to engage with municipalities, towns and county officials, other farmers and interested neighbors on what's happening with conservation efforts at the farm gate.  Shelly Mayer, Exec. Director of PDPW, j...

It's been a long time coming - the Dairy Margin Coverage program for Wisconsin dairy farmers.  Finally, enrollment has opened according to Sandy Chalmers, Executive Director of Wisconsin's Farm Service Agency offices. Wisconsin cattlemen from across the region will be headed to the Viroqua area on Saturday for the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Summer Tour.  Josh Scramlin talks with Brady Zuck ab...

Wisconsin's one of 7 states that have yet to hit the 90% mark when it comes to corn planting.  For most Wisconsin operators - that window has now closed. Bryce Knorr, Farm Futures analyst, gives an update on the markets take on the latest numbers. Farm women need to take control of the farm finances and personal finance habits.  Amy Crowe, Financial Education Specialist with Summit Credi...

Dr. Lyric Bartholomay is a researcher at the UW-School of Veterinary Medicine that's keeping an eye on insects and what they can do to both man and beast!  Now, a new app's been developed to help protect you and give researchers more information on the types of ticks Wisconsin's home to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're a little delayed - but the crop still looks good.  That's according to Laura Skelly from Skelly Farm Market in Janesville.  She's estimating their picking will begin some time next week, about 7-10 days delayed. Energy is the topic of conversation in the market this morning according to Bryce Knorr with Farm Futures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam, Josh and Reba joined the Wisconsin Beef Council in a preview of Madison Burger Week, June 6-13.  There's 38 restaurants around Dane County participating this year - and the Farm Team sampled 5.  Details with Angie Horkan from WI Beef Council and Chef Adam from DLux. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The numbers are still big.  Acres unplanted as of Sunday are catching the attention of the marketplace.  Bryce Knorr with Farm Futures breaks things down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Pork Expo was supposed to be happening this week in Des Moines, Iowa. But, it was cancelled as extra precautions are being taken to stop the potential spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). Josh Scramlin spoke with Kerri Retallick, Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Pork Association, about the recent conversation regarding ASF. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Potosi Brewery is an operation unlike any other for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, all proceeds from their brews go to charity. Secondly, the inclusion of Wisconsin agriculture in their brewing process is incredibly impressive. Josh Scramlin visited the brewery and got a grand tour of the facilities from Dave Fritz, volunteer president of the Potosi Foundation. They talked about the...

Ryan Kuster is a Wisconsin farmer unlike any other. Why so? The Potosi native is the creator and star of "How Farms Work," a YouTube channel with 65 million page views. Josh Scramlin recently visited with Ryan on his family farm to talk about his story, the future of his career, and the importance of social media in farming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conference is sponsored by CFMEC together with the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialists (NAFBAS) and the National Farm & Ranch Business Management Educators Association (NFRBMEA). This conference provides an opportunity for you to showcase successful educational programs, resources, and approaches that others may be able to use in their work with agricultural audience...

The graduating class of 2019 at the UW-Vet School has a lot of practicing vets staying in state.  Kendra Hodge and Tyler Mack are just two that have found practices here. Reba McClone brings us a story about how Madison's focused in on helping home owners manage their water consumption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Scramlin took a drive to the small community of Potosi to learn the story of how the community pulled together to save that brewery. Wisconsin hemp is getting a lot of attention - but is the market all that viable?  Bankers were talking about it this week in Madison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With water quality on top of his priorities list, Governor Tony Evers spent some time at Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee looking at practices and technologies farms are using to keep nutrients on the farm. Dr. Damon Smith, UW Plant Pathologist, reminds soybean growers about existing apps they might want to download on their smart phones for this growing season.  Courtesy of the WI Soybean Marketin...

Trying to take our focus off of the wet weather and instead focus on good news from WI Farm Technology Days, hosted by Jefferson County this July 23-25.  Show organizers have announced that Charlie Berens, originator of the "Manitowoc Minute", will be making a special appearance on Wednesday of the show.  We had a chance to visit with Charlie and talk more about how it all started. Bryce...