MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Master of Science in Design + Innovation program is making a difference through its Design Horizon initiative. Inspired by the Wisconsin Idea, this initiative helps students create solutions that benefit people, animals, and plants across the state. “We’ve expanded our focus to explore how design can support all living things in Wisconsin,&rd...

Rick Roden is one of the dairy farmers that make up the board of directors for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  On his family operation in Washington County, communication is key.  Roden's found out that the messages that Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin creates and uses to promote the state's dairy products are effective, and well received. Roden visits with Pam Jahnke about his fundamental motiv...

Mid-State Technical College will host this year’s Wisconsin Technical College System Ag Day Celebration in conjunction with its annual Farm Tour on Tuesday, March 11. The events will be held in the Marshfield area from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. Exact times vary based on Farm Tour pick-up location. The public is invited to register for a day of exploring the latest technology and agri...

Today’s dairy industry demands grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The 2025 Business Conference presented by the Professional Dairy Producers will deliver two days of world-class programming, leading researchers, experts, and dairy suppliers, and networking opportunities for dairy producers to “dial it in” for success. The conference, March 12-13 at t...

Nothing about succession planning is easy and it’s often difficult to take the next steps in the process – whatever that may mean for you, your family and your farm. Tax implications and legacies are not simple matters to discuss. Join Brooke Didier Starks, estate planning attorney, as she brings a candid, down-to-earth style that will help you get unstuck and move toward creating the...

Two years ago, Wisconsin started expanding its mesonet - a network of weather stations across the state to track valuable forecast and soil data. Chris Kucharik is a professor of plant and agroecosystem sciences at UW-Madison leading the expansion of what's called Wisconet thanks to dollars from the USDA and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. He tells Stephanie Hoff that they plan to have a...

Wisconsin farmers are some of the investors in soy-based firefighting foam.  It's finding great success with fire departments across the United States and right here in Wisconsin as well.  Bob Bosold discusses the product and the process of developing it with Dave Gourlie, Chris Turner and Jason Wiley. A warm up starts our week, but moisture's also coming our way.  That's the start...

Jane Stevens began specializing in herbs in 1981 after earning her Horticulture degree from UW-Madison. In 1987 she began Four Elements Organic Herbals, continuing to grow herbs used for wellbeing. Grown and harvested on her 130-acre farm in the Baraboo Bluff of Wisconsin, products are sold throughout the country. Stevens was featured in the 2025 The Old Farmers Almanac. See omnystudio.com/listene...

It is the time of year when temperatures are starting to rise, and sap is starting to flow from the maple trees. Jim Adamski with the Adamski Sugar Bush out of Antigo says that early indications are that the syrup production for the year will be good. He shares that the only things that would change the sap would be high temperatures and longer days, which neither is currently looking to be an iss...

The folks you rely on to tell you if there’s going to be a snow day at school or flooding in your area get a lot of key information from you. The National Weather Service relies on volunteer weather observers to provide real-time weather data. Tim Halbach is the warning coordination meteorologist for NWS-Milwaukee. He says they’ve got a lot of technology to help them make forecasts, bu...

With rising food prices and uncertainties in the agricultural industry, now is the perfect time to support local farmers by joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A CSA works like a produce subscription box, allowing members to receive a share of a farm’s fresh produce throughout the growing season. "CSA is a win-win model," said Tess Romanski, Communications & Developm...

Recently President Donald Trump has been carrying out his mass deportation plan to stop the spread of fentanyl into the U.S. This is troublesome for farmers though as many use immigrants as their labor force.  Kelly Wilfert, a farm law outreach specialist with extension, gives tips on how to protect your farm and workers if ICE knocks on your door. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Corey Geiger, lead economist in the dairy segment at CoBank, highlights the critical role of Mexico as the United States’ largest dairy trading partner, purchasing 25% of U.S. dairy exports, including 38% of its nonfat dry milk. While Mexican dairy production is growing, it still falls short of meeting domestic demand, keeping U.S. exports strong. However, with concerns about potential tarif...

The Wisconsin Biofuels, Corn Growers, and Soybean Associations hosted a lobby day at the State Capitol this week. Roughly 35 farmers met with over a dozen lawmakers to advance policies that support renewable fuels, such as ethanol. Randy Hughes was among them. He grows corn, soybeans, and specialty crops in Rock County. Two of the items he brought to the table were a SAF production tax credit and...

As the leading financial services provider for agriculture and rural communities in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Compeer's financial advisors understand agriculture, the challenges and the opportunities. Megan Roberts, Principal Quantitative Analyst with Compeer Financial, talks with Pam Jahnke about an upcoming webinar designed to help avoid the potential pitfalls of succession planning on...

The equipment manufacturing industry has been in a tough spot the last few years with low farm incomes and a decrease in demand for new equipment, and it just got even harder with tariffs on aluminum and steel. Kip Eideberg, the Vice President of Government and Industry Relations with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, says that the supply is not the issue, it is the retaliatory tariffs....

The Wisconsin Biofuels Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, and Wisconsin Soybean Association hosted a lobby day at the State Capitol this week. Roughly 35 farmers met with over a dozen lawmakers to advance policies that support renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. Sara Stelter, past president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, advocated on behalf of her diversified farm...

Consumers run into a lot of labels, but there's one that's unique to Wisconsin vegetables that's worth paying attention to. Deana Knuteson is a scientist with the Plant Pathology Department at UW-Madison. She talks to Stephanie Hoff. She's been coordinating the Healthy Grown program for more than two decades. Healthy Grown helps farmers promote their conservation practices with a unique label. It'...

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is sounding the alarm. It sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking Secretary Brooke Rollins to immediately release funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. The program froze this week. The stoppage of nearly $29 million dollars stands to impact 420 dairy businesses nationwide. Hidden Springs Creamery in Westby is one of them....

The highly anticipated U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is set to take place from March 4-6 in Green Bay. This prestigious event brings together cheese makers, judges, and industry professionals from across the country to celebrate excellence in cheese craftsmanship. Eric Vorpahl, Director of Procurement – Bulk Cheese & Risk Management for Masters Gallery Foods, plays a vital role in the...

Pictured: The back window of the new Can-Am Defender features a custom mural of photos from past Racine County Fair memories. Milwaukee PowerSports and Can-Am completed a grant for the Racine County Fair, resulting in the fair receiving a brand-new 2025 Can-Am Defender 6×6 UTV. This donation will help the Racine County Fair ensure that the event runs smoothly and successfully while enhancing...

It looks like the warmer weather will continue today, according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Fair season is one of the favorites for Wisconsinites, and it takes a lot to make sure they are entertaining every year. Charitee Seebecker talks with Jayme Buttke, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, on how they're working to keep fairs relevant for the next generation. The planting...

The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and camaraderie in the cheese industry. Contest Coordinator Kirsten Strohmenger emphasizes the unique spirit of the event, stating, “It’s a competition, but it’s friendly and encouraging. Cheesemakers take pride in their work while supporting one another.&r...

Cabin fever can mean you’re cooped up and looking at all the things you want to change about your home. Early spring is when many people are hunting for contractors for a home renovation. Unfortunately, scams, faulty contracts, and bad relationships can lead to expensive problems between homeowners and contractors. Michelle Reinen is the administrator of Wisconsin’s Division of Trade a...

Jacob Burks, partner at AgMarket. Net, casts a wide net of topics with the Mid-West Farm Report pertinent to farmers today. He says about 75 percent of farmers are currently taking advantage of risk management options ranging from tools through your local elevator to crop insurance to taking advice from your broker. The headlines shaking up prices today include the spread of bird flu, the threat o...