MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says biofuels are important to the agricultural economy because they can address trade gaps. Biofuels also give the U.S. national security, which Skor notes the Trump administration has recognized.  In ethanol news, a summer waiver was approved for E15 nationwide, but Skor argues the U.S. shouldn't have to keep waiting on waivers or special state action to ge...

PFAS, or forever chemicals, have been used in consumer products, like firefighting foam and nonstick cookware, since the 1950s. Now these chemicals are showing up in water and soil. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture represents the ag departments in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. RJ Karney is the senior director of public policy for NASDA. He says the associatio...

According to the Center for Disease Control, rural America's suicide rate has increased 46% between the years 2000 and 2020. This is compared the only 27% increase in their urban counterparts. They also show that farmers are 3.5 times as likely to commit suicide than non-farmers. This has led to many agriculture-based businesses to create programs to help the producers. Christy Seyfert the Preside...

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, or NASDA, advocates for state ag agencies in Washington D.C. One of the things it's pushing for in Congress is for states to get more support to tackle animal disease outbreaks and carry out prevention measures. A primary example is testing milk for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Becky Garrison Warfel is the director of public polic...

As temperatures rise and fields start to green up, the quiet of early spring may not last long. Insects, both familiar and new, are beginning to stir—and what happens next could have a big impact on crops, trees, and even our weekend hikes. State Entomologist PJ Liesch shares what to watch for and when to take action. Already this spring, black cutworm and true armyworm moths have been caugh...

While at NAFB Washington Watch this week, Mid-West Farm Report's Stephanie Hoff moderates a panel with Sarah Black, general manager of Great Lakes Ag Labor Services in Michigan, and Ben Tindall, executive director of Save Family Farming in Washington State, focused on farm labor.  Key points: -Lawmakers won't touch farm labor policies if immigration is attached to it. -H2A is looking for upda...

As temperatures rise, so do the demands on our hardworking farmers. Longer workdays and increased operational costs can put a strain on resources. Focus on Energy is here to lend a helping hand with financial incentives that offset the installation of energy-efficient equipment, ensuring farmers can rely on their equipment when needed most. Today, Kevin Weiler, Focus on Energy Advisor, talks about...

Farmers are still waiting on a 5 year Farm Bill and Wisconsin Senator, Tammy Baldwin, is working on moving it forward.  Baldwin talks to Jill Welke about various bills she's advanced to try and bridge gaps in programs and funding that supports farmers and agribusinesses. Nothing to complain about for this Mother's Day weekend except perhaps the long hours farmers will be spending in the field...

Christine Fossen-Rades, teacher at Menominee Indian School District,  is sparking something powerful in her classroom—curiosity, connection, and a deep respect for tradition. What started with students making tea has quietly grown into a much larger movement, one driven by a simple question and a strong desire to be more self-reliant. These students are taking the lead, planting the see...

Congress was supposed to write an updated Farm Bill in 2023, but it didn't happen. Two, one-year extensions later, and agricultural groups continue to push for the new legislation as farmers operate under a 2018 version. Steve Etka, policy director for the Midwest Dairy Coalition, says there's a lot of talk about splitting the Farm Bill up, and doing some of the work through budget reconciliation...

This week, the National Farmers Union brought farmer members from across the U.S. to Washington to amplify the need for a 5-year Farm Bill.  Stephanie Hoff caught up with the President of the NFU, Rob Larew, and Wisconsin Farmers Union members. Larew says right now the volatility in the farm economy has him concerned. Larew is pushing for Congress to get a strong, five-year Farm Bill passed t...

Kewaunee, Hayward, West Allis and Wausau were the gathering points for the Joint Finance Committees "Road Show", and turnout was strong - especially in Wausau. Wisconsin Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) is the current chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue committee, and a member of the JFC.  He tells Pam Jahnke about some of the programs that were singled out by attendees during...

Wisconsin Senator Pat Testin from the 24th District was getting his hands dirty when he chatted with Pam Jahnke.  As chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee, Testin is focused on staying connected to the people that policy impacts.  He says one of the major areas that he's focused on is funding for the Agriculture Road Improvement Program(ARIP).  Testin says while the...

Curious where the next generation of ag leaders is coming from? Across Wisconsin, high school students are stepping up to explore careers, build connections, and develop leadership skills—many of them through the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council.  From learning about policy to bonding over milk chugging contests, their experiences are as meaningful as they are memorable. One student,...

When it comes to growing Wisconsin agriculture, international trade plays a key role. That’s why Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski is working to expand markets across the globe — especially in regions where demand is growing fast. Romanski recently returned from a trade mission to Thailand and Indonesia. He says this trip is jus...

At McFarland High School, students are getting a hands-on education that goes far beyond the classroom—transforming local trees into high-quality lumber for their woodworking projects. Under the leadership of Steve Pennekamp, Technology and Engineering Teacher, the school’s unique milling program allows students to experience the full process from log to finished product, gaining valua...

Health insurance costs continue to climb for everyone in the U.S.  Farmers and their families can feel an incredible pinch just trying to get qualified for insurance.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about what's happening to provide options and alternatives to farm families from Stephanie Plaster, UW-Extension Outreach Specialist. Beautiful weather ahead this week.  That's the word from S...

The Sauk Prairie FFA’s annual plant sale is back and bursting with color. This year’s sale takes place May 10–11 at the Sauk Prairie High School Jeff Hicken Horticulutral Learning Center and features more than 8,000 plants grown by local students. Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Troy Talford says there’s something for everyone. “We have over 70 different varieties...

The 151st running for the roses happens Saturday in the Kentucky Derby.  Bob Bosold gets a chance to visit with one of the people that will be trackside Saturday.  Brent Dodge is with "Talk Derby To Me" in Louisville.  He explains to Bosold that it's not about odds, it's about the condition of the horse the day it's going to be running. Weather starts improving this weekend both rai...

The transition period is one of the most important times in a dairy cow’s life. It really sets the stage for how well she’ll perform in the lactation ahead. A smooth transition can lead to better milk production, improved reproductive results and overall herd health. And one piece that doesn’t always get enough attention? Gut health. When a cow’s digestive system...

Legislation to incentivize grazing is getting traction in the State Capitol. We’re talking about it today with the Wisconsin Farmers Union. Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White joins us in-studio as the state’s Joint Finance Committee wraps up budget hearings across the state. Michelle tells us what’s likely to garner support either in the state biennium budget or...

Wisconsin Farmers Union members have been vocal about wanting to continue farm programs that have lost federal support this year. Michelle Ramirez-White is the government relations director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. She joins us in-studio with a special focus on the Climate Smart program that's been reevaluated by the Trump administration, and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program that's b...

Insurance policies are all the same, right?  Wrong!  Craig Kamholz, a Rural Mutual agent celebrating 16 years with the company can tell you how different insurance companies and the policies they offer differ vary. Kamholz grew up in rural Green County on his family's dairy operation.  His background makes conversations with farmers, agribusinesses and neighbors very comfortable.&nb...

Recent consumer trends have shown that more people are wanting their food to be locally sourced and organic. This has led to increasing numbers of organic and small farms. With this increase of new farms how do you know you are on the right path to success? Anna Thomas a farm finance specialist with the Food Finance Institute shares the key things you need to keep track of on your farm. She says t...

Imagine earning a paycheck, building a resume, and finding your career path—all before finishing high school. At Reedsburg High School, a growing number of students are doing just that through a hands-on program that’s turning traditional education on its head. Dave Anliker is the Reedsburg High School Youth Apprenticeship Program Advisor. He says this program gives students a jump on...