MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

HPAI H5N1 or as many know it, the Bird Flu. This virus is well known within the agriculture industry for its impact on poultry and the ability to spread to Dairy cattle. Recently here in Wisconsin we have seen positive cases in both commercial and backyard flocks. That begs the question does the action plan by DATCP look different for positive cases in these drastically different sized flocks? The...

In Elkhorn, Wisconsin, technology is meeting tradition at Hurtgenlea Holsteins. Adam Hurtgen and his fiancée farm alongside his parents, managing 100 acres and 300 dairy cattle, all with the help of cutting-edge tools like robotic milkers and a new farm application that tracks data straight from inside the cows themselves. The results? A healthier herd, a more efficient operation, and a gli...

When it comes to conservation, the Brattset Family Farm doesn’t just talk the talk - they graze! In Jefferson County, this mother-daughter duo, Weenonah Brattset and Kirsten Jurcek, have been rotationally grazing beef cattle since 2005. The entire family has transitioned the farm into a thriving ecosystem of healthy soil, clean water, and biodiversity. Their efforts to integrate cropland int...

Thomas Montsma is from Brandon, WI and has been growing competitive giant pumpkins for over a decade. The giant pumpkin growers are working towards growing a pumpkin that weighs 3000 pounds. Growing these pumpkins requires a lot of tender loving care (TLC). Thomas tells us about the pests, disease pressures and logistics to grow these giant pumpkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

The state is moving through harvest, with many getting started on corn. With the soybeans about wrapped up it is a good time to see how the industry is doing when it comes to storage, transportation and quality. Dylan Beaver a Regional Agronomy Sales Director out of south-central Wisconsin says that due to the amount of soybeans in storage, finding space for the corn may become an issue.  See...

Wisconsin potato growers are battling both uncooperative weather and tough market conditions this fall. Prolonged heat delayed harvest across the Midwest, forcing farmers to work overnight to protect crop quality, while the frost now threatens what’s left in the ground. Despite decent yields, prices have fallen under pressure from oversupply and reduced demand. Alsum Farms Manager Ryan Walth...

With rain events popping up across Wisconsin, the corn harvest has slowed just a little.  Cooper Humphries, Wyffels District Sales Manager, says the plots he's been able to evaluate so far are performing well - especially the early season varieties. Despite an onslaught of disease pressure this year, corn remains standing.  Humphries also reminds growers that their website is acting as a...

Wisconsin has four outstanding finalists for the annual Leopold Conservation award.  Jill Welke introduces us to one.  Andy Bensend has been practicing no-till for decades on his farmland in Barron County.  Bensend says he's always looking for new ways to suppress weeds while disturbing the soil very little across his 3,800 acres.  One of his advisors is actually a giant pumpki...

The Farmers for Free Trade motorcade passed through Wisconsin last week.  The grassroots campaign is trying to focus attention at the economic damage being done to America's farmers with the loss of international markets.  Brian Kuehl is the executive director of FFFT and tells Bob Bosold it's not just about lost markets, it's also about retaliatory counter measures that impact thin...

The Master Meat Crafter Program at the University of Wisconsin’s Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery is one of the most prestigious training opportunities in the meat industry. Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 class, due November 15. This two-year, hands-on program offers an in-depth education in meat science, food safety, and processing principles, giving particip...

Diseases have always been one of the biggest worries for cattle producers and the recent H5N1 outbreak has shown where some of the holes were in preparations for disease control, but it also provided a great learning experience for next time. Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, a veterinarian and owner of Preventalytics, is here to share some of what was learned through the bird flu outbreaks. She also gi...

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when fed in a known or adequate amount, can serve benefit to the host. While no feed additive will replace good management, probiotics can be a great addition to a dairy producer's toolbox. Ryan Royer, a Veterinarian and Technical Services Manager at Novonesis, tells us why they subscribe to feeding every animal probiotics, everyday. See omnystudio.com/list...

It's time for a rock and roll celebration of our earth! Melissa Reusche is the Communications Specialist at Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. She tells us exciting details of this year's Wisconsin Science Festival. It takes place October 16-26, and includes events for the whole family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the pastures of Waupaca County to leadership tables across Wisconsin, Rachel Bouressa wears many hats. She’s a beef farmer, an agriculture advocate, and a conservation coach. On her family’s farm near Royalton, she practices rotational grazing and works to help other farmers overcome the challenges of starting their own conservation journey. She shares what it takes to make conser...

With the beginning of the school year, harvest and regular commutes to work, schedules, and roadways, are busy this time of year. Kevin Erb, a Manure Management Specialist with UW-Madison Extension, tells us about some crucial safety tips and items to keep in mind when deciding what time of year to spread manure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1951, FFA looked different. Women were not yet allowed to join the organization. The Brandon FFA Chapter voted Lois Lawson to be their Chapter Sweetheart. She was one of 12 girls in her high school graduating class of 25 students. She recalls her memory of being chosen as the Chapter Sweetheart and activities the FFA chapter pursued. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks to be a great weekend for tailgating as Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck says the temperatures will get up to the mid 70's, before dropping down to the 50's early next week. The U.S. soybean industry still hasn't seen any buys coming out of China, but the United Soybean Marketing Board is looking for new markets. Stephanie Hoff talks with the Director of the group Nancy Kavazanijan about their r...

There's a new group of trusted advisors that's been established to help dairy operators find and utilize some risk management tools for both milk, and the beef on dairy element of their farms. Matt Ramsey is the Livestock Services Manager with Purina Animal Nutrition and Land O'Lakes, Inc. Risk Management .  He talks with Pam Jahnke about why this team was created and where they focus their e...

Wisconsin cheese is making its mark on the global stage. In just a few years, the number of state cheesemakers exporting their products has grown from nine to more than 30, reaching over 50 countries in 2025. DFW Board Member Mark Crave says through trade shows, retail programs, and international buyer missions, Wisconsin’s dairy checkoff is building strong connections with importers from As...

Some call it October, but in agriculture, it’s Porktober. Although summer and prime grilling season has come to an end, it’s still the perfect time of year to enjoy pork.  Keri Retallick, the Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Pork Association, tells us why we spend the month of October celebrating the pork industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many college students, putting food on the table is a real challenge. At Madison College, nearly 1,600 students turned to the campus food pantry last year, which distributed more than 20,000 pounds of food and supplies. Now, the college is expanding its support with a brand-new pantry space. It’s a major upgrade from the old 14-by-14 closet. The new area spans roughly two classrooms, wit...

Wisconsin agriculture - agriculture and food production in general - doesn't work without workers.  Wisconsin Congressman, Derrick Van Orden, has been spending time gathering stories that exemplify why foreign born workers remain a critical cog in getting things done.  He says the message to him has been clear.  Now Congress has to get things done when it comes to a legal system tha...

A Wisconsin native was recognized with special honors during World Dairy Expo.   Jim Mulhern, Former President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation delivered numerous positive results for America’s diligent dairy farmers by working behind the scenes to have conversations explaining many of dairy’s dynamic and deep issues to elected leaders and policymakers. His work ha...

Tyler Witt joins us from Shearwell Data. Tyler is based in Nebraska, where his family runs a ranch in the Sandhills region. Nebraska was one of the latest states to detect a highly pathogenic avian influenza case in dairy cattle. We’ve also got new world screwworm knocking on the door, detected just 70 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. How does the threat of disease underline the need f...

With the government shutdown, we are missing out on the crop progress reports from USDA, but luckily, we can check in with local elevators on how the harvest is coming along. We’re checking in with grain merchandiser Alex Beaver out of southeast and south central Wisconsin. He tells us not just how the crop is looking coming in, but where it’s going with China boycotting beans. First,...