MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The Wisconsin State Fair is right around the corner, and there are a few things you need to know before and you go. Tess Kerksen, the Director of Marketing and Communications with the Wisconsin State Fair, has the admission and parking details. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. David Kohl is a Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics Virginia Tech. He tells us about the changes in land values we have seen in recent history and what we can learn from them. He predicts what changes we can anticipate from the growing trends of artificial intelligence and women involvement in agricultural business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

A large staff is required to successfully host an event as big as the Wisconsin State Fair. Samantha Dennis is the Chief Organizational Development Officer for the State Fair. She tells us about the scope of their staff and what they look for when hiring seasonal workers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosting weddings on the farm is a strategy to diversify income and protect growers from market volatility. But "wedding barns" have been limited by updated alcohol policies. Jean Bahn of Farmview Event Barn in Berlin updates Mid-West Farm Report on the lawsuit fighting the new rules. Jean says 2026 weddings are in jeopardy. A cool front is on its way, says ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Where doe...

For Sandy Kumbier, the farm is more than land -- it’s a legacy built on hard work, deep roots, and unforgettable moments. Her great-great-grandfather, August Ferdinand Kumbier, purchased the Winnebago County farm in 1875 for $5,000 after immigrating from Germany. Generations later, Sandy recalls riding with her dad to the mill, unloading oats and corn, then sharing a bottle of Coke from the...

The Crossman family farm has been a cornerstone of legacy and love since 1925, when Walter R. Crossman first purchased the land. His son Bud joined him at 18, later expanding the operation with his wife, Sandy, to support their growing family. From remodeling the barn to boosting genetics with registered Brown Swiss, Bud was always innovating. Their dedication paid off when their daughter’s...

The sixth generation will be taking over the farm after David Massey steps down. Melanie Markhardt's son hopes to continue raising crops and beef cattle as they are doing now. Challenges that David Massey can recall are drought years and getting enough feed for their livestock. He also recalls the biggest change that they experienced was all the technology in the dairy industry, including the surg...

Joe Seltzner’s farm has seen four decades of transformation, rooted in family legacy and shaped by change. In 1980, his father started farming the land with little more than a barn, a house, and a few tractors. He sold it to Joe and his wife two decades later. Since then, the house has been expanded four times, a new one built nearby, and nearly every original building is gone. What was once...

Howard Gust's family story began in Germany. His great-grandfather's uncle moved to Dane County in the 1900s, purchasing the family farm in 1916. After this uncle passed away, Howard's great-grandfather, Rudolph, purchased the farm. Rudolph had also come from Germany to the United States at just 6 years old. Howard's grandparents, Ralph and Ethel Gust, moved to the farm in 1929. Electricity came t...

Bob Smith grew up with four brothers, leading them to name the farm Foursome Acres. Bob's brothers have since passed the farm duties off to just him. He recalls the type of farm chores they did as boys, and how the farm has changed over time. In 1980, the barn suffered a fire. Bob still farms today -- the cows are gone, but the crops remain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Bosold catches up with Darin Von Ruden following Wisconsin Farmers Union's summer meeting. The new Market on River is already proving to be a valuable asset. Von Ruden says Farmers Union Industries as a whole is having a profitable year. WFU continues to be vocal in Madison and Washington, D.C. to keep agriculture at the forefront of policymaking. Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update warns that...

Independence Day has passed which usually means the meat industry goes into a lull, but this year there is an interesting phenomenon taking place. Jeff Swenson the Meat and Livestock Specialist with DATCP is here to give an inside look into why the meat markets are holding strong when it comes to beef and pork as well as how the recent new tariffs may impact the US producers. He says that lamb is...

For 101 years one treat has been a staple for the Wisconsin State Fair. This being the Cream Puff. Now new advancements will allow them to make more of these sweet treats than ever before. Lisa Immel, the Chief Programs Officer for the Fair, is a bit of an expert on this magnificent dessert. She is here to give an inside look at how the new bakery will make the sky the limit for the time honored t...

Aphids are a common concern in soybean operations. Ron Geis is a Market Development Specialist with Corteva Agriscience. He tells us how they have changed throughout the years, and what we can do to stop them. He also tells us about the corn crops' #1 public enemy - corn rootworm.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin State Fair Park CEO Shari Black tells Mid-West Farm Report about new renovations in Ag Village that will make the livestock barns more accessible and noticeable for fair audiences. She reminds fairgoers to check out the Wisconsin Products Pavilion to treat themselves to local sweets and fair foods while learning about the state's agriculture industry. Finally, stay tuned for upcoming ren...

“I’m really proud of the incredible work Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship has done since its founding in 2010,” says Joe Tomandl, a fourth-generation dairy farmer in central Wisconsin. “Dairy Grazing Alliance expands on this work in order to grow the sector as a whole. “ Tomandl is the founder of Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship and Dairy Grazing Alliance. “As consumer...

County fairs continue around Wisconsin regardless of the weather.  Kiley Allan visits with UW-Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, Bernie O’Rourke.  She explains the best practices to keep livestock calm at fairs. With so many variables at the fair, exhibitors must take the time at home to properly desensitize their livestock to different noises and experiences. The proper underst...

It’s county fair season in Wisconsin. It's the time for communities to come together and celebrate agriculture, tradition, and fun. But it’s not without its challenges. Fair organizers are always keeping an eye on the sky. Thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and extreme heat can turn months of planning on its head. Today we’re getting a county fair update from Jayme Buttke, the exec...

When you think of the county fair, you might picture carnival rides, fried food, and blue ribbons. But what about bringing home a freezer full of meat? When you head to the county fair, you can support young producers and stock up on beef, pork, or lamb. Andy Geiss joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss the possibilities.  Geiss operates Geiss Meat Service in Merrill. He's also the president of the...

When temperatures rise we often think of how our livestock will be affected, but we tend to forget about the ones who put the food on our tables. When heat strikes it is important for farmers to be taking care of themselves to prevent injury or harm.  Melissa Ploeckelman Brown is the Outreach Specialist for the National Farm Medicine Center and talks about the best prevention tactics to keep...

Where does the mint in your toothpaste and chewing gum come from? Believe it or not -- Wisconsin! At Still Harvest Farm in Rock County, partners Trip Downing and DJ Waller are growing and processing peppermint just south of Janesville. The harvest is underway now, keeping them busy during the typically quieter summer months between corn and soybean seasons. They say diving into a specialty crop ha...

At Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, field demonstrations draw crowds and turn heads. After all, Farm Tech Days is one of the few places you can see the latest in agriculture equipment in action. While these demos make a great show, they’ll also be a part of decision-making for producers looking to invest in new technology. Don Zietlow is leading the effort to put together field demonstrations...

When the school bell rings for 2025-26, classrooms everywhere will have a chance to learn more about the fantastic care dairy farms give to their calves!  It's the "Adopt-A-Cow" program and it's free!  Tasha Schleis, dairy farmer in Kewaunee County and board member of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin , participated last year as a host.  Schlies says it was a great experience that helped h...

The 2025 Wisconsin Farm Tech Days will once again be held at Clinton Farms in Bear Creek. This will be the third time the farm has hosted and this year the event will include some new transportation features. Now attendees will have the option to fly their planes into the Clintonville airport to avoid traffic. Jim Kerns a Farm Tech Days committee member, retired farmer, and pilot spearheaded this...

Farms are diligently working on harvesting the hay and forages they'll need for the winter, but there have been some challenges.  Kiley Allan chats with Mark Renz, professor and extension specialist with UW-Madison.  He says that weed management is critical to maintaining a good stand.  He also notes that he's receiving more reports of herbicide carryover from previous crops th...