MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Sustainability is a phrase often used in agriculture and food production.  Definitions of sustainability can differ from one operation to another, however.  Jill Welke visits with Barron County native and farmer, Andy Bensend, about how he approaches the sustainability conversation. Bensend's been involved in multiple boards across the state and nationally that have wrestled with practic...

Biodiesel is growing in the Midwest, and Illinois is a primary example. The folks accelerating biodiesel programs just south of us also want to see Wisconsin expand biodiesel usage. Stephanie Hoff was recently in Illinois and Chicagoland with Clean Fuels Alliance America, looking at the whole chain of biodiesel production from the beans getting dropped off at the plant to riding on a boat on the C...

Now that graduates have crossed the stage, what's next?  Ben Jarboe chats about graduate demand in the agriculture field with Tammy Jensen, president of Agri-Careers recruiting agency.  She says there's been more unemployment in agriculture over the last 12-18 months then normally experienced.  Right now Jensen says graduates are looking for sales and manager jobs but may be left ou...

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin partners with a variety of cheese and dairy companies and food processors. These partners not only incorporate Wisconsin dairy into their products, they also give us a clear shout-out on their packaging through the use of our badge, making it easier for consumers to identify the quality products produced in Wisconsin.  In addition, over 200 cheese brands now fe...

Dan Christensen is the general lab manager at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, providing testing to private veterinarians and working closely with state animal health officials on disease outbreak response, including the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Right now, they’re undergoing the national milk testing surveillance program. He says it took Wisconsin a little longer to get sta...

On the farm, ingenuity is the name of the game. Farmers are self-starters, entrepreneurs, and jacks of all trades. Those attributes are even seen in the marketplace as growers get together to solve problems and bring more value to their businesses. Today, we’re taking a look at how biodiesel got started several decades ago. Tom Verry is the director of outreach and development with Clean Fue...

Some critical information is coming soon from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It could mean the difference between whether a biofuel plant stays open. Paul Winters joins us. He's the director of public affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America. Paul says the renewable fuels industry is waiting for an answer from the EPA on renewable volume obligations or RVOs under the Renewable Fuel Sta...

It's just about county fair season and already livestock's moving around the state.  Remembering biosecurity before you leave the farm is an important message this year.  Jeff Morris, UW-Extension Swine Outreach Specialist visits with Pam Jahnke about the simple measures exhibitors can take to protect not only their animals, but their entire enterprises. Smoke is back in Wisconsin this a...

As weather warms, insects make their way to Wisconsin.  Charitee Seebecker talks with the man keeping his focus on their migration.  P.J. Leisch, UW-Extension Entomologist says that with the extra moisture we've seen, insect levels will likely pick up. Wet weather and smoke are back in the forecast today according to Stu Muck. Now is the time to start thinking through a partial sale or a...

Biodiesel is growing in the Midwest, and Illinois is a primary example. The folks accelerating biodiesel programs just south of us also want to see Wisconsin expand biodiesel usage. Stephanie Hoff was recently in Illinois and Chicagoland with Clean Fuels Alliance America, looking at the whole chain of biodiesel production from the beans getting dropped off at the plant to riding on a boat on the C...

Known for Lake Michigan beaches and urban parks, the Chicago Park District is using ever-higher biodiesel blends to reduce emissions and improve air quality in America's third-largest city. Lawn mowers, beach rakers, truckers, and tree trimmers are operating on blends up to B100 (100 percent biodiesel), achieving up to an 86 percent reduction in carbon emissions. The Chicago Park District estimate...

As the weather warms and lawns begin to green up, many homeowners are eager to fire up the mower and get to work. But before diving into spring lawn care, it’s worth hearing from one of Wisconsin’s top turf experts. Doug Soldat, UW-Extension Turf Specialist, shares timely advice to help ensure your lawn stays healthy from spring through fall—and it all starts with one simple step...

"Turn it Up" is the theme for the 2025 Wisconsin State FFA Convention.  Thousands of members will gather at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.  Jill Welke talks to WI State FFA President, Jescey Thompson, about planned convention highlights and the overall mood of the convention.  Thompson says he was always raised to believe that "success breeds success", and thinks that's part...

Technology is often something talked about in production agriculture, but you might be surprised at what levels. Karen St. Germain is the Director of Earth Science at NASA.  She shares with Ben Jarboe the work they do to support US farmers and says they are looking for more farmers to work with to further their research. Smoke alert for Wisconsin!  Stu Muck says there's an air quality ad...

Right now Wisconsin dairy operators are enjoying a pretty healthy milk check.  Will that be the case later this year?  Bob Bosold discusses the dairy price outlook with Leonard Polzin,  Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist at UW-River Falls. Hot weather on the way today with some measurable rain.  That's the outlook from Stu Muck. A new food company is on its way to Jef...

Scott Alsum at Alsum Sweet Corn in Randolph catches up with Stephanie Hoff at the Dane County Farmers Market. He says it's too early for fresh sweet corn -- his crop will be ready in July. But for the past several years, he's been providing frozen sweet corn for the first few months of the farmers market season. It's one example of how consumers can access local produce even when the growing seaso...

Ants in the muffins meant they had to ask the sheriff to deliver all the donuts he could find! Bob and Nancy Faith recall memories from their experience hosting the first-ever Green County Breakfast on the Farm 45 years ago. They started a few traditions as trailblazers, which are unique to the Green County breakfast: coffee cake instead of pancakes, and strawberries served on the ice cream. See o...

Mike Brown serves as the vice president for dairy market intelligence at T. C. Jacoby & Company, Inc. He's an expert on milk pricing policy who has worked for both farmer-owned cooperatives and proprietary businesses for nearly four decades. Throughout his career, he has been a big proponent of university research. Mike says university research has provided him with the facts and tools to be c...

UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean Glenda Gillaspy talks to Mid-West Farm Report about the work stoppages and funding freezes going on in research within CALS. She says she's looking for guidance on why certain research gets flagged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In other news, the college is expecting its largest class in the fall after introducing new majors to bet...

Something as simple as the name of a food can be a trade barrier for U.S. dairy. Shawna Morris is the executive vice president for trade policy and global affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. She says there are quite a few unfair trade policies that the European Union forces on the United States. Geographical Indications are an example -- GIs are a...

The soybean industry has been working diligently to make sure all the soybeans grown in the U.S. have a place to go and the united soybean board has been a large part of this. Mary Stewart works with the Health and Nutrition demand side of the United Soybean Board to gives a look into the health benefits soybeans have as well as the work USB is doing to find new markets for these soybeans. She say...

The soybean industry has been working diligently to make sure all the soybeans grown in the U.S. have a place to go and the united soybean board has been a large part of this. Pat Giberson a Director with the United Soybean Board shares some unique things that soybeans are a part of as well as their work to make the Mississippi River deeper to allow for larger loads. He says soybeans are in nearly...

John Deere enthusiasts and tractor lovers from around the globe are going to be headed to Washington County in June.  Co-chair Dan Guden of Athens, WI invites you to the Classic Green Reunion June 12-14 at the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center in West Bend. This family-friendly event will feature over 1,000 tractors, implements, engines, toys, and memorabilia exhibits. Admis...

So far 19 agriculture education programs in Wisconsin are planning for teacher changes next school year.  That's the word from Sally Ladsten, Education Counselor with the Department of Public Instruction.  She oversees agriculture, food and natural resource programs and acts as the Wisconsin State FFA Advisor.  She calls this time of year "crazy" in a conversation with Pam Jahnke.&n...

The U.S. dairy industry took a milestone step to further collaborations with Indonesia. Shawna Morris is the executive vice president for trade policy and global affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. These are two of several organizations that signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia that could result in more dairy exports for U.S. produce...