MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Jaworski Farm features a story of resilience. Christopher Jaworski and Helen Tucholski tell the story of 120 acres in Oconto County. The farm's barn has seen numerous new beginnings, the most recent of which was a wedding. With the help of Compeer Financial, the Mid-West Farm Report is recognizing farms that have been with families for over 100 years.  Pictured: An aerial photo of the farm. I...

Bohn Farms currently hosts a small beef herd in Dane County. Dave Bohn and Vivian Lehman recall the where the farm's story begins. With the help of Compeer Financial, the Mid-West Farm Report is recognizing farms that have been with families for over 100 years.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick Bangart takes us for a trip down memory lane as he tells the story of Bangart Farms LLC. He tells us how this farm in Marathon County has withstood the test of time. With the help of Compeer Financial, the Mid-West Farm Report is recognizing farms that have been with families for over 100 years.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drive for perfection fueled by hard work and a dedication to the craft has kept Smith Acres strong. Frank Smith of Vernon County now has 30 head of beef cattle. He tells us how the operation began over 100 years ago. With the help of Compeer Financial, the Mid-West Farm Report is recognizing farms that have been with families for over 100 years.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

An operation hosting community and hard work calls Door County home. Ann Schranz brings us the story of 40 acres in Door County, formerly known as Hendricks Orchard. With the help of Compeer Financial, the Mid-West Farm Report is recognizing farms that have been with families for over 100 years.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's Dairyland is just the place for the Secret Swamp Farm! The wetland grows crops to support the dairy industry. John Kriedeman shares the story of Secret Swamp Farm. The farm is 100 acres, 30 of which, are tillable. With the help of Compeer Financial, the Mid-West Farm Report is recognizing farms that have been with families for over 100 years.  See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

It's a real pain in the neck when your body's check engine light comes on and slows down farmwork. Dr. Jay Makovec, part owner at Belleville Chiropractic and Wellness Center, grew up on his family's farm in Muscoda. He understands, firsthand, the hard work and dedication farmers pour into their livelihoods. He helps get you back on track. Dr. Jay walks us through common pain points farmers experie...

Eighteen Wisconsin Farmers Union members joined 250 other members around the country to talk farm issues in Washington, D.C. President Darin Von Ruden tells Bob Bosold the conversations were somewhat fruitful.   It's the first day of fall! Stu Muck says tractors and choppers are likely to be rolling again this week despite a few rain chances. Rainfall reporters share what's in their rain gaug...

At Honeymoon Acres in New Holstein, the greenhouse is more than a place for plants; it’s a story of family, hard work, and a dream that quite literally grew from the ground up. Joe and Marci McShaw started their business more than 40 years ago with just $5 and a single 1,000-square-foot greenhouse. Today, Honeymoon Acres has blossomed into what many call “plant heaven,” drawing v...

A school's nutrition department runs like a self-sustained business, covering everything from food and labor to equipment repairs and benefits without support from the district’s general fund, explains Stacy Nelson, food and nutrition director with the School District of the Menomonie Area. Each meal served generates between $0.50 and $4.70 through federal and state reimbursements, making pa...

If you're trying to enjoy the home stretch of summer with outdoor activities - be careful.  Ticks are still out there and their populations are big.  Kiley Allan chats with Kurt Avery.  He's the Founder and Owner of Sawyer Products. He  estimates that 500,000 people will get Lyme Disease this year. Kurt shares tips and tricks to avoid ticks. Good news for us! Man...

Livestock market operators in Wisconsin are pushing back against a proposed fee increase by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, calling it "excessive" with hikes as high as 1700 percent. Jim Matthes of Matthes Farms Auction Market in Viola says his family's small business can't absorb the cost and would be forced to raise commissions, passing the burden onto farmers and c...

Today's modern farming operation may not be able to do everything on their own.  Machinery expense, labor availability and skill set may be some of the motivation for farms to hire a specialist.  Ben Jarboe finds out about how the Wisconsin custom operators are doing heading into the harvest.  Jeremy Heim a board member for the Wisconsin Custom Operators, discusses the trends he's s...

A new proposal in the state legislature is aimed at the future of Wisconsin farming. The bill would require the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to launch a farmland link program through its Farm Center. The idea is to connect landowners and retiring farmers with beginning farmers looking for agricultural ground. The bill’s author, Representative Clint Moses, says the...

Kurt Avery is the Founder and Owner of Sawyer Products. Ticks are a common pest to come across during outdoor activities. It is estimated that 500,000 people will get Lyme Disease this year. Kurt shares tips and tricks to avoid ticks. Good news for us! Many of his tips also work for repelling mosquitos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin beef producers check-off dollars are at work with some fun and important activities. Wisconsin has a new way to celebrate one of its most iconic dining traditions. The Wisconsin Beef Council, in partnership with Gather Wisconsin, has launched the Prime Rib Trail — a statewide guide to supper clubs and restaurants serving this timeless cut of beef. The trail highlights favorites acr...

Musk ox are not something you see much of in the lower 48, but it's turned into a cottage industry for a farm in Palmer, Alaska.  Bob Bosold visits with the farm education manager, Dani Biersticker at these unique animals, and the unique hair that turns into fabulous clothing. Heat definitely returns to Wisconsin this week.  Stu Muck says we'll actually be above average on temperatures t...

There's a dust up between the WI Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection and the states livestock marketing yards, dealers and truckers.  The challenge is over proposed increases on fees charged to these agribusinesses for licenses granted and oversight of their activities.  Pam Jahnke finds out about the conflict from Curt Larson, President and CEO of the Equity Livestock Cooper...

A livestock farm turned Christmas tree and maple syrup operation isn’t a story you hear everyday. In the late 90s, Dave Cook transitioned his family’s cattle and hog operation to a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Dave Cook is the Owner and Operator of Cooks’ Woods. He tells us how he began making maple syrup and the success his business has seen from enrollment in the Somethi...

The President of the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association, Tressa Lacy, has a small herd of Red Angus cattle with her husband in Rio, Wisconsin. Recently, she participated in a public hearing held by DATCP about proposed rules that would raise fees on local sale barns by as much as 1,700 percent. She tells us about her experience and concern for cattle producers. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

Sustainability is something that farmers strive for and has even led to them creating groups with the common goal of keeping the waterways clean and conserving their land. One of these groups is the Yahara Pride Farms. Jeff Endres is the president of the Yahara Pride Farms committee. He shares what their group of 77 farmers are doing to better the environment and how their Cost Share program has a...

The recent worker strike at a Monroe cheesemaker highlights a larger issue regarding immigration, according to Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer.  Last month, workers at W&W Dairy went on strike after new ownership required employees to verify their immigration status through E-Verify. Umhoefer explains that E-Verify is a national program required for da...

From the roots to the leaves to the seeds, Wisconsin soybeans are American made.  And that’s exactly what Wisconsin United Soybean Board (USB) Director Tony Mellenthin was emphasizing that when a Korean trade team visited his farm recently.  Jill Welke talks with him about the sustainability message he shared, as well as the technology piece that's critical in today's farming...

Agriculture plays a part in everything we do. Recently, I was surprised to learn that agriculture even has a role in tattoo art. Graham Cassellius joins us from his 34-acre farm named Cassell Hollow Farm in Vernon County. When he bought the farm more than a decade ago, he inherited about 3,500 hazelnut trees. It took a few years for him to decide that it was time to start making something with tho...

Wisconsin farmers are facing several key updates in crop insurance and risk management this fall, says USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Patricia Swanson. There's a Sep. 30 deadline looming for fall-planted crops and new provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill. This includes extending the “beginning farmer and rancher” premium discounts from five to 10 years. Producers are...