MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The name Charlie Berens may not strike a note with you - but the phrase "Manitowoc Minute" probably will!  This morning on the WI Farm Report Radio Network, WI Farm Technology Days being hosted by Jefferson County, announced that Berens and his "Manitowoc Minute" will be making a special appearance on Wed., July 24th during their FTD "Block Party" from 3-7 p.m.  Berens says he'll be perf...

Wisconsin has launched a pilot program to pair veterans with Wisconsin farmers to ease them back into civilian life.  Denise Chapin, Therapeutic and Supported Employment Services program manager at the Madison VA, says veterans can face daunting challenges trying to get back into the work world. The pilot program is looking for both veterans interested in agriculture and farmers that want to...

The global dairy picture brightened a bit this week with a narrowly traded transaction in cheddar cheese.  That's according to Mike North with Commodity Risk Management Group in Platteville. Meanwhile the Wisconsin Farmers Union continues to try and build support for their "Dairy Together" campaign - Darin VonRuden, WFU president provides an update. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

In Wisconsin, we tend to grill year round - but for many Memorial weekend ushers in the true grilling season.  That's why the WI Beef Council's happy to promote May As Beef Month!  Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the WI Beef Council , explains were producers and consumers can turn if they want to find out more about beef, Wisconsin producers - and great recipes. Hemp was center stag...

Wisconsin's not the only state struggling to get crops planted.  Bryce Knorr, commodity specialist with Farm Futures, joins Pam live with the latest update on news influencing the markets. Wisconsin milk production remains flat for the month of April and the 90th Wisconsin State FFA Convention is on it's way back to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Bob Nack, Big Game Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is ready to enlist the help of more Wisconsinites in monitoring the states white-tailed deer herd.  DMAP, Deer Management Assistance Program, is an option for land owners to partner with the DNR and get some advice on how to handle their individual deer situations. Reba McClone has an update on Wisconsin grape gr...

The 90th Wisconsin State FFA Convention rolls into Madison on June 11-13.  Wisconsin's Executive Director of the FFA says numbers are looking good, but teacher shortage persist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Scramlin spent some time finding out how the early season production's looking for farmers market vendors. Bryce Knorr, commodity specialist, says weather's back on the front burner for influence in the marketplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes it's hard to really notice the impact that tariffs around the world are having on businesses here in Wisconsin.  Neal Kemmet, President and CEO of ACE Ethanol in Stanley, and Fox River Valley Ethanol in Oshkosh.  Tariffs and E15 regulations weigh heavy on their bottom line. And Howard Marklein, WI State Senator, says there's two pieces of policy he's working on now.  One i...

The State of Wisconsin has long struggled with the threat of Gypsy Moths. But, as the moths are finally under control another growing pest population threatens the state. Josh Scramlin reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While convention grain markets have been on a rollercoaster ride - organic grain producers with a target for the feed or food market have been insulated to a degree from the upset. Jessie Bovay, Director of Business Development with Mercaris shares their latest survey. Organic Producer’s Report May 7, 2019 Contact us at mercaris@mercaris.com or (312) 423-1875 U.S. Organic Feed Grade Commodit...

Slower than expected planting progress - just one of the stories today. Wisconsin growers are trying to make up for lost time - but that means you could be following farm equipment on the way to and from work.  With all the technology we've got in our vehicles like back up cameras and lane guidance - what about that technology in farm equipment.  Josh Scramlin's got an update. See omnyst...

This is the time of year when you can truly find out where your food's coming from through Community Supported Agriculture farms all around Wisconsin.  The CSA Coalition, headquartered in Madison, coordinates those partnerships. Go to csacoalition to find a farm you can engage with near you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a field of 5, Abigail Martin of Milton was named the 72 Alice in Dairyland in front of a packed house Saturday evening in Monroe. Larry Clark, owner and operator of Lodi Sausage, has been in the meat processing industry his entire career.  As a 2019 inductee to Wisconsin Meat Processors Hall of Fame, he shares his insights into what's changed and where he sees the industry moving. See om...

When Wisconsin Farm Technology rolls into Jefferson County July 23-25, there will be plenty of "firsts".  For the first time, there will be a beer and wine tasting opportunity, extended show hours for those have to work "off farm" jobs, and a first Ag Careers Day! Pete Curran, one of the volunteers making the show happen, explained the reasons why they think an Ag Career Day is appropriate. S...

Mexico is Wisconsin's third largest market for agricultural goods.  That's why Wisconsin Ag Secretary, Brad Pfaff, along with about a dozen Wisconsin companies made the trip to one of their largest dairy trade shows.  Pfaff tells Pam Jahnke that there's plenty of interest and demand for Wisconsin products there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Focusing on the environment, their cows and their community - that's been the key to Majestic Crossing Dairy of Sheboygan Falls.  They were selected as one of three dairies in the nation for the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy’s eighth annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's very rare to find a brand new car that doesn't have a backup camera or a blind spot sensor- but in farm equipment it's rare to find any tech safeguards at all. Because of this more accidents are occurring on roadways and farmers are forced to take extra precautions themselves. Josh Scramlin talks with Cheryl Skjolaas, Ag Safety and Health Specialist at the Division of Extension at UW-Madison,...

Josh Scramlin stops by Kopke's Greenhouse in Oregon, Wisconsin to chat with Kopke co-owner Josh Smith about the busy Mother's Day weekend ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And a lot of Wisconsin agribusinesses want to make it a success.  Josh Scramlin visited with Kopke's Greenhouse.  Mother's Day is one of the busiest days in the year for Wisconsin's flower growers.  He finds out how they're handling it. May is Beef Month - and Wisconsin's ready to celebrate!  Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the WI Beef Council, talks about the upcoming Cat...

Kathy Glass, microbiologist with the Food Research Institute in Madison, says consumers desire for "clean labels" and food safety don't always mix.  She was recently inducted into Wisconsin's Meat Industry Hall of Fame and discussed the challenges of keeping the two sides happy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Joe Lauer, UW-Extension Corn Specialist, says the gloves are coming off when it comes to planting corn.  Lauer says whether you're in the north, or the south, we're behind.  The only thing that should be keeping farmers out of the field is soft, wet conditions.  That he says, is a problem that will haunt you the rest of the growing season if you rush. Marianne Smukowski and Joan...

Mike North, Commodity Risk Management Group, says the loss of cows is starting to change the way milk is moving across the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands showed up for the "Day without Latinos" rally in Madison on Wednesday.  Our own Reba McClone was among the attendees as they chanted "Drivers Licenses For All". Meanwhile many rural communities are questioning their future in light of difficult economic times for Wisconsin agriculture.  How do they deal with change - that can be a big factor in the success of their re-invention...

Dairy farmers may not be able to sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage program under the 2018 Farm Bill - but they can do a little planning now! Dr. Mark Stephenson, Center for Dairy Profitability, explains some of the options they can choose from. Jim Mulhern from National Milk Producers Federation is also encouraging dairies to evaluate their options under the new Farm Bill. See omnystudio.com/l...