MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Heather Quakenboss, Extension Human Development & Relationships Educator, Canning is a great way to preserve food and provide a taste of summer all year long. However, there are some safety precautions to take into consideration. Quakenboss walks us through the importance of using the proper equipment and safe recipes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin’s wine grape harvest is underway, and at Bailey’s Run Vineyard in New Glarus, manager Aimee Arrigoni is watching the weather closely. She oversees six acres and 3,000 vines. The early Edelweiss has already been picked, but later-ripening reds are still waiting on September warmth. Recent swings between hot and unusually cool temperatures have stalled sugar levels, raising the...

Nestled in the countryside between Oshkosh, Ripon, and Berlin, Petals & Plows is more than just a farm; it’s an experience. Operated by Wade and Haley Kaufman's family, this multi-generational farm comes alive each season with opportunities for visitors to connect with Wisconsin agriculture. The greenhouse bursts with vibrant life in spring, and by autumn, the farm transforms into a dest...

Federal Milk Marketing Orders set the rules for how milk is priced across the country, shaping returns for farmers, processors, and ultimately consumers. A historic update took effect June 1, and now that we’ve been under the revised system for a few months, what has it meant for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers? Mike Brown, vice president for dairy market intelligence at T.C. Jacoby & Co...

As we move later in the growing season the weather has been a bit unusual compared to what we have seen in recent years with good amounts of rain. Although this helps soybeans grow, it also allows one of their diseases to grow. That being white mold. Research is ongoing to figure out the best way to deal with this fungus using biological control agents. Damon Smith, a professor in plant pathology,...

For many farmers in the state of Wisconsin Custom operators are necessary for their operation whether it be for tilling, manure spreading, or harvest. With the last of that list coming up soon Jeremy Heim a board member for the Wisconsin Custom Operators is here to share what can be expected from custom operators this fall, as well as a look into the current custom operator's world in regard to ra...

Fall is approaching and it provides a great opportunity to do many things whether that's hiking, pumpkin picking, or composting. Statewide horticulture specialist Bruce Spangenberg is here to share more about the process of what happens during composting as well as the two main methods one can use to create this highly organic material. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harvest is right around the corner and across the state farmers are prepping which for some includes some purchases of machinery. Current trends show a higher demand for used equipment. Matt and Jim Gavin, the owners of Gavin Bros Auctions out of Reedsburg are here to share a deeper look into what trends they are seeing at auctions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warmer temperatures are coming to Wisconsin, and they may bring rain with them. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck gives the details. Kiley Allan has a conversation with Heather Quackenboss on the safety measures that you should be sure to take while canning your produce. She says that this process what started by Napoleon. Pam Jahnke talks with Equity Livestock’s president and CEO Curt Larson on wha...

DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski talks to Farm Director Pam Jahnke about the proposed changes to ATCP 10 and ATCP 12 to increase fees for livestock auction markets, dealers, and truckers. The public comment period starts Sep. 11. The rulemaking process can take up to 2.5 years. Romanski says there hasn't been a fee increase since 2008-2009. The fees bring revenue to support essential services, such...

The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is proposing changes to ATCP 10 and ATCP 12. These are fee increases for livestock auction markets, dealers, and truckers. Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales CEO Curt Larson comments on the proposed changes with Farm Director Pam Jahnke. He says the only way to collect these fee increases will be to pass them on to the farmers, whi...

Farmers are gearing up for the harvest, and that means it’s go-time for equipment prep. For some, that includes picking up used machinery at auction. Matt and Jim Gavin of Gavin Bros Auctions in Reedsburg tell Ben Jarboe that demand is strong and prices have held steady. More farmers are focusing less on brand loyalty and more on value. Today's Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for a...

Excitement is building as we approach a busy harvest season.  Angela Bunker, Senior Loss Control Specialist with American Family Insurance, says that preparedness is crucial for a safe and effective harvest. She helps us determine what precautions to take and how to explain the importance of farm safety to children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheep cheese is great in everything from mac and cheese to charcuterie! Karen Nielsen, the Organizational Manager of the Sheep Dairy Association of Wisconsin, shares the health and flavor benefits of sheep cheese. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Gumz of Gumz Farms has had the opportunity to host many different groups at their operation. Recently, Gumz Farms and DATCP welcomed the Minister of Agriculture from Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. The group was very interested in technology and soil on the farm. He shares why Gumz Farms feels it is important to host groups. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dairy Business Association promoted Chad Zuleger to executive director. Having nearly seven years of experience at DBA, Zuleger is dedicated to advocating for the state’s dairy community. As executive director, Zuleger will continue to lead DBA’s efforts in the state capitol. He will also direct DBA’s government affairs strategy, guiding public policy and messaging and foster...

Bob Bosold discusses the unique challenges of farming in The Last Frontier with Scott Muckrage, an Alaskan beef producer. Stu Muck and Stephanie Hoff swap rainfall reports before the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update that calls for lower, but comfortable, weekend temperatures. Kiley Allan helps tell the story of Pleasant Sauces with Mike and Sharon Pleasant. This small food business is seeing su...

Mike Pleasant wasn’t very excited when the barbecue sauce he wanted wasn’t available in the marketplace. That's when he took matters into his own hands, and started making his own barbecue sauce. After numerous batches, the final recipe received a stamp of approval from a panel of taste testing friends. Mike and his wife Sharon began bottling the sauce and selling it to customers. Shar...

Brent Seiser is the Owner Manager at Sunrise Orchards in Gays Mills. He says this year's apple harvest is going well. Although frost can cause troubles, he thinks their harvest will not be greatly impacted. He also tells us about the cider press they have at their operation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summers Christmas tree farm is operated by Bill and Judy Summers. During the summer months, ideal weather is crucial for Christmas tree development. He also tells us about the pest and weed control required to grow the best holiday staple.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An average to good yield is expected from this year's ginseng crop. Robert Kaldunski is the President of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin. He says that the weather has not been ideal this season, and the crops have had to overcome challenges.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westby Cooperative Creamery, Wisconsin’s only cottage cheese manufacturer, is investing $14.1 million to modernize its Westby facility. The expansion will add new vats, tanks, silos, and upgraded equipment to improve efficiency, safety, and product consistency while easing strain on employees. Emily Bialkowski says the project will meet surging consumer demand for cottage cheese, which has s...

The growing season's been going fairly well for vegetable growers in the state, but that can change quickly.   Some tomato and potato growers have seen early blight in their crops.  The fungus can lay waste to entire fields.  Kiley Allan speaks with Amanda Gevens, professor and Extension Specialist in Potato and Vegetable Pathology.  Gevens says growers need...

The recreational land market in Wisconsin and Minnesota is booming, with demand driven by buyers from nearby cities seeking weekend getaways or future residences, says Weiss Realty’s Chad Garteski. Prices have nearly tripled in five years, with Buffalo County hunting land reaching $8,000–$10,000 per acre. Many buyers, often professionals reinvesting business proceeds, view land as both...

The Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival returns September 25–28, 2025, offering a bigger and more flavorful celebration than ever before. This four-day event showcases Wisconsin’s world-renowned cheesemaking heritage through hands-on activities, exclusive excursions, and unforgettable tasting experiences. Designed for both devoted cheese enthusiasts and curious foodies, the festival highl...