MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

He may be a new face at Farm First Dairy Cooperative, but he's no stranger to dairy or Wisconsin agriculture.  Jeff Ditzenberger recently joined FarmFirst as their new communications director.  Ditzenberger sat down to visit with Pam Jahnke about some of his early encounters with FarmFirst members at district meetings, and what he's looking forward to during the annual meeting in Februar...

Less than a year ago, the state of Wisconsin updated requirements for farm worker housing inspections. Kathryn Mueller is the migrant and seasonal farmworker program section chief with the state Department of Workforce Development. She reminds producers about the laws they need to follow if they oversee what are called "migrant labor camps." There are about 285 camps that are certified every year...

These conversation's aren't necessarily comfortable, but they're essential if you're going to have your estate pass to the right hands, in a timely way.  Susan Brugger and Nicole Steinbach, two Rural Mutual agents in Boscobel have been involved in these discussions for years.  While the subject may be difficult to bring up, consequences of not bringing it up at all are really sad. Pam Ja...

If there’s an emergency on the farm, such as a fire, do your employees know who to call and the directions to give the first responders? Bethany Alcauter is the director of research and public health programs for the National Center for Farmworker Health. She tells us that there are a few key cultural barriers that make it hard for emergency services to respond to issues at either the farm o...

This weekend the Wisconsin Farmers Union gathers together in WI Dells for their annual convention.  The group has a lot to celebrate after the recent opening of "Market on River", their restaurant operating in their new state headquarters in downtown Chippewa Falls.  Jill Welke talks with Kirsten Slaughter and Tara Greiman. Bitterly cold today for Wisconsinites, but quick improvements to...

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is in the process of creating a new strategic plan - the objectives that will guide the organization over the next several years. And they’ve got more voices to include in it after reaching a recent membership record. CAO Bradley Uken has been serving WFBF for about two years after a two-decade career in the Illinois Farm Bureau. Before we talk about how the...

The Wisconsin State Capitol Christmas tree has been a tradition since the early 1900s - and every year, it requires someone to visit the Northwoods to find the perfect Balsam fir. Darrin Smith, superintendent of the building grounds at the State Capitol, has been in charge of picking the tree since 2017. He says it takes a team of more than 50 people to make it all happen between harvesting, hauli...

The 2024 Wisconsin gun/deer hunting season went better than average!  Stephanie Hoff breaks down the final harvest numbers and trends with Jeff Pritzl, DNR Deer Program Specialist. Snow returns to the forecast says Stu Muck, ag meteorologist. We've already seen autonomous cars and trucks, and a few man-less tractors, but there's more coming.  Brian Luck, UW-Extension Ag Engineer, tells B...

There's no doubt that farms will need to employ all types of risk management plans for 2025.  When it comes to crop insurance, there's been some very recent changes that farming operations need to learn about to open up new options.  Cole Patrick, Compeer director of insurance strategies, says specific changes to Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option(ECO) may de...

When it comes to finding internships in agriculture, the opportunities are as diverse as the field itself, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Tera Montgomery, Director of the School of Agriculture at UW-Platteville, notes that the internship process can vary significantly based on students’ individual goals and the type of employer they’re targeting. Given the wide ra...

Tyler Wenzlaff is the director of national affairs with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. He tells Mid-West Farm Report that there are just not enough calendar days left for Congress to pass the long-awaited Farm Bill (it was supposed to be done in 2023). Tyler explains the consequences for agriculture if Congress doesn't make an extension. He also says that the majority of the hold up on this...

Jacob and Eliza Bobolz were selected as the winners of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturists Farming for the Future Award at the organization’s 105th Annual Meeting and YFA Conference on December 8. Jacob and Eliza Bobolz farm in rural Janesville. They raise Simmental beef cattle, corn, soybeans and hay. In addition, Jacob farms with his parents, Loren and Jan Bobolz....

Rural citizens can't take for granted "meals on wheels".  Funding levels are low and volunteers tough to find in rural Wisconsin.  So says Ronda James, the nutrition program director at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Central Wisconsin. They serve Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, and Wood counties with the Meals on Wheels program. Just last year, their small team and 350+ volunte...

The president of the National Pork Producers Council says grassroots phone calls, emails and visits are critical to try and bring a Farm Bill through this lame duck session.  Lori Stevermer, president of NPPC, says it's frustrating that farmers and food organization's nationwide are still waiting on this critical legislation.  She expresses her thoughts with Bob Bosold. Unseasonably warm...

While beef, pork, and chicken are the usual stars in grocery aisles, farmer Leslie Svacina of Cylon Rolling Acres is making a strong case for goat meat. Based in Deer Park, Wisconsin, Leslie and her husband are transforming perceptions about this lesser-known protein through hard work, innovation, and a focus on meeting diverse consumer needs. “I noticed a significant gap in the market,” Leslie sh...

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention wraps up today after the business meeting. Today, delegates are gathered to discuss and vote on policy proposals for the year. President Brad Olson recaps his first year as president and what he anticipates will be top priorities in 2025. His wins for the year: getting mental health advocacy out to milk truckers and policemen, and throwing o...

Wen Carter with AMVAC says farmers can rely on INDEX Liquid At-Plant Insecticide to defend against the costly effects of corn rootworm and keep corn standing tall. INDEX can work in tandem with BioWake Prime, which performed well in its first year of commercial availability.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clean water will be a part of the conversation on the Hill in 2025 as agricultural groups look for the new Congress and Trump administration to review cumbersome regulations. Courtney Briggs is the senior director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation. The top of her hit list includes protecting farmers from government overreach with the Waters of the United States and fro...

As herbicide-resistant weeds spread, Syngenta is continuously enhancing its corn herbicide portfolio to meet Wisconsin growers' needs today and in the future. Shawn Hock, product lead with corn herbicides, tells Mid-West Farm Report what they have in store for 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation invites supporters to spread holiday cheer through unique giving opportunities that celebrate cherished memories of the Wisconsin State Fair. From commemorative benches to festive ornaments, there are many ways to give back while honoring traditions. Anna Zeck, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation, shared, “We are incredibly gratef...

Farmers across Wisconsin are encouraged to join a robust conversation on conservation practices and soil health at the 3rd Annual Soil Health Workshop and Rock River Resiliency Event on Tuesday, December 10. Hosted by the Rock River Regenerative Grazers and local watershed groups, the event provides a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and sharing solutions to build agricultural resilience...

Being a livestock owner has always been difficult and over the years has been harder due to animal rights activists. Although the numbers of events of these groups have not changed much, the severity of their tactics has. Emily Ellis the Communications Manager with the Animal Agriculture Alliance explains how more extreme cases are showing up with activists breaking onto farms and releasing animal...

The American Angus Association held their convention in Fort Worth Texas recently held their convention where one Wisconsin farmer took home the Young Angus Breeder Of The Year. Cody Quam of the Marda Angus farm in Lodi won this pristine honor. He explains what led up to winning this award and what it means to him and his family. He also gives a look as to why they do this work and what they hope...

Pheasants Forever is trying to engage with farmers and landowners to acquire more partners to provide habitat for the birds.  Charitee Seebecker finds out about the benefits with Anna Karels from Pheasants Forever. Huge improvement coming for weekend weather.  Stu Muck, ag meteorologist, delivers the details. Steve Bailie, Branch Manager with Helena Agri in Monroe, wraps up the growing season with...

The 2025 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum is set to bring fresh insights and dynamic conversations to Wisconsin’s agricultural community. Hosted by the Renk Agribusiness Institute, the forum will take place on Tuesday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Varsity Hall at Union South, UW–Madison. The event’s theme, “Wisconsin Agriculture Under a Second Trump Presidency,” reflects timely...