MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

On a Tuesday morning, we hear from Sen. Patrick Testin at the State Capitol. He's the new chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee. He shares his excitement for the success of the ARIP program and producer-led watershed groups. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has a mild forecast for us this week. "Little clippers" won't add too much excitement. Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke catches up with...

As industries across the nation brace for potential new tariffs on March 1, Cleary Building Corp. is already feeling the effects of existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. Sean Cleary, owner and operator of Cleary Building Corp., emphasizes that these trade policies are impacting material costs and business operations. “By election day, we knew tariffs were going to be a factor,” Clear...

It has been a whirlwind of a first couple months for new Midwest Food Products Association president Nick Novak. He says that he has spent most of the time visiting with manufacturers and producers within the industry to hear their biggest concerns. Top of mind for the industry is labor shortage that all of agriculture is experiencing. Although, Novak was surprised to hear it is not due to the mas...

Wisconsin legislators are getting set to create a new budget for the next 2 years with a large focus on agriculture. Senator Brad Pfaff, of District 32, shares his big points for the future of Wisconsin agriculture. His biggest point being more accessible rural healthcare. In the next budget he would like to see more allocations for rural EMS services as well as more training programs to promote t...

Prepare for the 2025 growing season with exclusive insights from Eric Snodgrass, senior atmospheric scientist at Conduit Ag on February 27. This one-hour virtual event will provide the weather forecast you need to plan your farm’s risk management strategy with confidence.  Pam Jahnke visits with Cole Patrick, Director of Insurance Strategies, Compeer Financial , about the important deci...

The president of the Wisconsin FFA Association's been busy this week celebrating National FFA Week.  Jill Welke caught up with Jescey Thompson and found out how the officer team has mobilized and what they're targeting in 2025. Improving weather beginning tomorrow.  That's the promise from Stu Muck. Wisconsin is still working out testing details to monitor HPAI in the dairy population.&n...

The governor released his executive budget on Tuesday night.  State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jill Underly, survived a primary on Tuesday and also reacted to some budget plans.  She tells Stephanie Hoff that she's advocating for a $60 million investment in Career and Technical Education programs also known as CTEs. Wisconsin is one of six states that doesn't have ongoing fund...

Wisconsin is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its dairy industry while addressing concerns about H5N1 testing. The state's unique dairy landscape, with more dairy farms and processors than most states, required a tailored approach to testing silos and milk supplies. "We worked with federal and state partners to create a system that works for everyone," said Wisconsin Secretary of Agr...

Senator Patrick Testin of the 24th Senate District has been appointed the new chair of the Agriculture and Revenue Committee. Although he does not have an agriculture background, he explains that he grew up in an ag-heavy community, so he understands how important it is to the Wisconsin economy. He shares his excitement for the success of the ARIP program as well as the Producer-Led Watershed prog...

Getting the most out of what you plant is always at the top of mind for farmers, and some help comes from an unlikely source. This being fish manure. Tom Fox the Chief Development Officer at Fish Head Farms shares how their product Fish Sh!t harnesses the waste of our aquatic friends to create a microbiome around the roots. Fox explains that they use various species of tilapia that each have diffe...

Current high school juniors can now apply for the next Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will accept applications until March 31. The council meets virtually each month during the school year. Members listen to presentations, engage in discussions, and connect with agriculture professionals. Current juniors who will be senio...

We're in the beginning of the biennial session which means state lawmakers are working on a new state budget into the summer months. Sen. Howard Marklein co-chairs the Joint Finance Committee, which is in charge of reviewing and modifying the governor's state budget proposal. The committee also reviews all bills that relate to taxes, revenue, or appropriating money. Senator Marklein says he is con...

Yesterday was FFA Day On the Hill, and this gave students the opportunity to speak with their legislators about current agriculture issues. Logan Sorg, Lane Albers, and Sophie Sonday speak on their main topics that they brought up in the meetings. These included mental health resources for farmers, rising input costs, and spreading agriculture awareness. They also say that they enjoyed getting the...

Hill Valley Dairy, a family-run cheese company from East Troy, Wisconsin, is bringing its farm-to-table experience to Milwaukee with their newest cheese bar. Located in the Walker's Point neighborhood, the cheese bar offers a unique space for people to gather, learn, and enjoy high-quality, locally made cheeses. Founder and cheesemaker Ron Henningfield grew up on a dairy farm and always felt a dee...

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Division of Extension Dean and Director Karl Martin tells Stephanie Hoff that Extension has lost about 20 percent of its staff in the past decade. He points to funding challenges as the reason for the loss of agents. Most recently, Iowa County has had to cut Extension funding. Martin says this is often because essential services, such as EMS, take precedence in a county's small budget. To reverse...

State Superintendent Jill Underly is requesting $60 million in the state budget for Career and Technical Education programs in public schools - aka CTE. Wisconsin is one of six states that doesn't have ongoing funding dedicated to CTE. The budget request would also fund each of the state's six Career and Technical Student Organizations, including FFA. Dr. Underly says she sees the value in ag educ...

Despite the cold, more than 200 Wisconsin FFA members made the trek to the State Capitol with the task of advocating for agriculture education -- specifically $60 million in the state budget that helps support Career and Technical Education or CTEs. Joshua Capodarco is the ag teacher and FFA advisor at Sun Prairie East High School. East and Sun Prairie West each have about 300 FFA students. They b...

Wisconsin snowmobile owners, trail operators, and local businesses are thrilled with the snow and the promising season ahead. Sam Landes, Director of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC), shared insights on the organization's vital role in maintaining the state’s extensive snowmobile trail system. The AWSC, nearing its 60th year, supports nearly 600 clubs and manages about 25...

It's National FFA Week and Wisconsin chapters will be celebrating in fine fashion.  Jill Welke was a part of the crowd at the 2025 Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters state convention in Stevens Point.  She caught up with Wisconsinite Mary Schreiber who is currently serving as a National FFA Regional Vice President.  Schreiber, who hails from East Troy, said it's been a busy few mon...

Evan Schrauth has wanted to farm since he was two years old.  Today - he is, but not after more than a few setbacks and challenges. Evan, and his wife Taylor, were recognized by Compeer Financial during their GroundBreaker 2025 forum in Rockford, IL.  Their mixed breed herd of Guernsey and Holstein dairy cattle make up the foundation that Evan is building on for their future.  Durin...

No one wants to open their mailbox and find a swarm of bees, but for those passionate about beekeeping, that’s exactly what they’ll be hoping for soon. With the new year underway, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is helping beekeepers prepare for spring with their live honeybee orders for the 2025 season. Ordering early ensures bees will be ready to pollinate gardens, support crops, prod...

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'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's been noticed by one of the...

In recent weeks eggs have been top of mind for the food industry as well as consumers. What many may not think of is how it affects restaurants. Susan Quam the Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association explains how low supply and high prices are causing restaurants to raise their own prices. She explains that in some cases restaurants are putting specials on other food items...

Welcome back as we explore stories of innovation and tradition in Wisconsin’s specialty crop sector. Today we’re heading to Retzer Family Farm near Fond du Lac. On the farm, you’ll find Ledgerock Distillery, where the Retzer family is producing craft spirits with their grain – think bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Bryce Retzer says inviting people to the farm to enjoy the...