MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

2024 proved to be a good year for the meat and livestock industry with high prices, high demand, and good exports. Jeff Swenson, the meat and livestock specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, gives an overview of what the year brought to the table. He also says that 2025 looks to remain strong for the industry with high demand. Swenson says that the...

It’s only been a few weeks since state lawmakers were sworn in, but meetings with industry leaders and colleagues have already begun. Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Travis Tranel joins us for our monthly update on the buzz around the Capitol. At the Wisconsin Agriculture Outlook Forum, Tranel says it was refreshing to hear that urban and rural Wisconsin work in tandem to keep the state...

Changes are coming to the dairy economy – we have a new administration and new policies that will impact agriculture, and we have a new milk pricing structure starting in June. How can you best prepare your farm for some of the risk that comes with these changes? Leonard Polzin is a dairy economist with the Division of Extension. He’ll be walking us through the what-ifs of 2025. But fi...

Simple things can play big roles in keeping livestock comfortable and healthy.    Dairy farmers are constantly looking for ways to improve cow comfort, cleanliness, and overall farm efficiency. Charitee Seebecker talks withRenee Schrift, Global Director of Sales for Agricultural Systems at McLanahan Corporation, and shares valuable insights on how sand bedding plays a critical role in ac...

As we kick off 2025, farmers across the country are facing a mix of big challenges and new opportunities. From changes in tax rules to the future of trade, there’s a lot up in the air right now. Through it all, it’s the strength of our farmers—and the policies shaping their work—that will make all the difference. Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Fa...

Recently, the Biden administration passed a new rule to improve transparency within the poultry industry. This new rule in the Packers and Stockyards Act is set to take action on January 1st, 2026. It will allow producers to see information on other producers within the company in the tournament style bracket. The companies use this system to pick what producers they will use. Extension poultry sp...

It wasn't that long ago when the pandemic upended supply chains, and caused real concern with consumers about how they were going to get their food.  The meat processing was also in turmoil trying to get workers to come into the plants.  That's when Michaela Hoffelmeyer was inspired to find out what meat processor owners could, or would, do to help their employees.  Did they know wh...

Farmers and landowners are finding the idea of solar panels on their bare land pretty lucrative from a financial standpoint.  Kelly Wilfert, UW-Extension Law Specialist cautions potential partners to be careful and investigate before the sign any documents.  She explains the potential risks and rewards to Stephanie Hoff. Mild is a good way to describe the weather Wisconsin will bask in t...

Wisconsin’s dairy industry remains a vital part of the state’s agriculture, built on hard work, innovation, and a strong sense of tradition. A new voice on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors is helping share fresh ideas and promote the importance of Wisconsin’s dairy products. Ali Straschinske, a dedicated dairy farmer, is joining us for this month's check-in with...

It may be only January, but students are already preparing their animal exhibits for the fair – lambing, farrowing, and calving season. Dr. Darlene Konkle is the state veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She reminds us of what to be aware of this year when mitigating animal disease outbreaks at home or the fairgrounds. Pictured: Audience listens to...

David Rice of Rice Rodeo Company provides rodeo entertainment for the Upper Midwest. Bull riding is their bread and butter. David tells us what it takes to raise these bucking bulls. He even has his own experience with bull riding.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Times have quickly changed in the agriculture and the business worlds, where now billboards and flyers don't cut it when trying to grow your brand. A trend that has grown with these changes is the use of social media. According to the Premier Co-op quality assurance and communications manager, Allison Young, the use of social media can have a great impact on your business. Young explains how to us...

Picture starting your day with a glass of milk or a splash of cream in your coffee—simple, comforting moments that bring us together. But have you ever stopped to think about how that milk gets from the farm to your fridge? Behind the scenes, a complex pricing system affects the farmers, processors, and supply chains that keep our dairy industry running. Changes are coming that will reshape...

Varying temperatures are coming Wisconsin's way getting up near 40 degrees then dropping to around 0 degrees. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck gives the details. Collin Aardema, a dairy market advisor with EverAg, joins the show to give a look into the dairy markets as we enter into 2025. He says that class 3 milk can expect to stay under 20 and butter is the interesting market to watch moving forward. J...

Green County Highway Commissioner Chris Narveson is leading a unique initiative for snow and ice removal, using cheese brine as a more effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional salt. “We have an agreement with Grande Cheese in Juda. They specially formulate the cheese brine to our exact specifications,” said Narveson. The cheese brine, with a salt content of 22-...

Again this year, Wisconsin's missing out on snow.  Weather forecasters are paying attention, but so are winter tourism locations.  Pam Jahnke visits with Natalie Chin and Austin Holland, two researchers from UW-Stevens Point, that have been interviewing ski lift operators in the state about how their business models and practices have changed with the lack of snow. Wisconsin's getting a...

Global Cow, a dairy exchange program founded over 30 years ago, offers unique international learning experiences on dairy farms. The program brings individuals from around the world to work and learn on U.S. dairy farms for one year. Participants gain hands-on experience, rotating through various areas of farm operations. Jill Stahl-Tyler, owner of Global Cow, explains, “Participants don&rsq...

The Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic has a new home - the Kalahari Resort in WI Dells.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about the venue change from the new executive director of WABA, Grace Howe. Warmer weather is on the way later this week according to Stu Muck. The warmer weather is making ice fishing a challenge this year in Wisconsin.  Ben Jarboe finds out about safety details with Jake Holsc...

From Racine County to Kewaunee County - that's the transition of duties for the WI Fairest of the Fairs program.  The Wisconsin Fair Association's annual convention wrapped up with the announcement of Megan Salentine from Kewaunee County as the 2025 Fairest of the Fairs, and Kelsey Henderson from Racine County says good-bye.  Stephanie Hoff and Charitee Seebecker visit with both young le...

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) unveils the 2025 Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report , offering a forward-thinking analysis of the innovations, flavor trends, and consumer preferences driving the future of the cheese industry. Pam Jahnke visits with Rachel Kerr, vice president of brand marketing, about what the research show.  Kerr says they've found five key consumer insights in the cheese indus...

Starting in 2025, Focus on Energy is offering even greater rewards for improving the efficiency of your facilities. Take advantage of increased incentives when you upgrade your lighting, heating, and cooling systems with select prescriptive energy-saving equipment. These upgrades can significantly reduce your energy costs. Contact your Energy Advisor today to confirm eligible measures and start pl...

Congressman Derrick Van Orden serves Wisconsin’s Third District. He’s also on the House Agriculture Committee. His to-do list in 2025 – reducing input costs, making the agricultural labor process more effective for farmers, and passing the Farm Bill that the House drafted during the last administration.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2nd Wisconsin Beef Leadership Institute . The Beef Leadership Institute is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Beef Council and the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association. It was created with these two organizations to train future champions of Wisconsin’s cattle industry. Those selected to participate will complete a series of educationa...

UW Corn Specialist Hurkat Kuar is 5 months into her new position as Wisconsin's UW-Extension Corn Specialist.  She's a native of India, but she's very happy to be in Wisconsin serving farmers.  She talks to Jill Welke about her goals, initially, for some of her research.  One area she's focused on is silage corn, and she says that Wisconsin farmers have been happy to hear of that di...

The 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected out of a group of 33 talented individuals. And she is Megan Salentine from the Kewaunee County Fair.  Salentine will serve a one-year term, and her responsibilities include appearances at Fairs and events throughout the state, working with media, and promoting the importance of Wisconsin Fairs.  The daughter of Josh and Jenny Salentine...