MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Imagine transforming unproductive land into thriving, profitable spaces while also supporting wildlife and the environment. It’s not just about farming better—it’s about making every acre count. Anna Karels, Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist for Pheasants Forever says whether you’re a farmer or a landowner, innovative conservation practices can boost your bottom line and create lasting bene...

In recent years the mental health of farmers has come to the forefront of the agriculture industry. This has led to the National Farm Medical Center, partnered with Marshfield health system to look at how the kids that grow up on these farms are affected in regard to mental health. Scott Heiberger the Communications Manager for the Farm Medical Center speaks to what they have found in their resear...

It’s already started – the back-and-forth weather in a Wisconsin winter that could bring balmy humidity one day and ice the next. The question we’re asking today is how can the environment where you keep your young animals better help you protect them from diseases when we get temperature swings? Eric Rooker with Dairy Doctors works with dairy calves in east central Wisconsin - his customer’s herd...

Sitting down for a hot meal with loved ones is a luxury that most of us have every day. But for Wisconsin’s rural seniors who may be homebound, isolated, and unable to prepare their own food… the story is different. Ronda James is 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...

With new USDA regulations requiring electronic I.D. ear tags for some cattle, it has led to some farmers looking for the best option. There is a tag that was created that meets these standards and even detects signs of sickness in cattle before it occurs. The tag can also detect when a cow is in heat and sends an alert to your phone. Gerard Griffioen, the owner of CowManager explains what gave him...

How does the price of your favorite pork chop connect to state laws, federal policies, and global trade? The ripple effects of legislation, market trends, and workforce challenges shape not just the agriculture industry but also what ends up on your plate. The National Pork Producers Council is tackling these issues head-on.  Vice President for Domestic policy, Chase Adams joins Pam Jahnke to high...

Imagine an advisor available day or night, ready to tackle your toughest farming challenges. Farmer Business Network (FBN) is making this vision a reality with "Norm," an AI tool designed to deliver instant, expert advice tailored to your farm. FBN CEO Charles Baron joins Pam Jahnke to explain how they’re harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and helping farmers work smarter, solve probl...

All the assistants here at the Mid-West Farm Report -- Stephanie Hoff, Charitee Seebecker, and Ben Jarboe -- sold fruit boxes as FFA members as part of their annual fundraiser. MyFruitSale.com operates one of the fundraising platforms for these famous FFA Fruit Sale Fundraisers, and they’ve been doing it since the 1980s. President Matt Johnson says this is a tradition that’s been going on even lon...

Sheep have been part of Wisconsin agriculture since our state’s beginning. In the 1800s, Wisconsin was actually the second-largest producer of sheep in the nation. While we’ve fallen in rankings since then, Wisconsin has room for more of these wooly ruminants. Peter Orwick is the executive director of the American Sheep Industry Association. He tells us about some of the opportunities and hurdles...

Independence is one of the attributes of propane fuel. The Propane Education Research Council says propane gives production agriculture more power over energy costs and needs. New avenues for propane are coming down the pipeline in 2025 for the farm, specifically. Director of Agriculture Business Development Mike Newland says new research and propane technology includes flame weeding, soil steamin...

Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association will be keeping an eye on cabinet developments with the Trump Administration.  He tells Stephanie Hoff that aside from the Farm Bill, other issues like WOTUS will likely be addressed. Winter weather advisories are in effect for most of Wisconsin this morning.  Stu Muck breaks down the wintery mix facing drivers today. More than 50% of the g...

Wisconsin's been making inroads on international business, thanks in part to grant money from the WI Ag Export Council.  Jill Welke gets the update from Kaitlyn Kessler from the WI Beef Council on how things are progressing. Snow on the way this week according to Stu Muck our ag meteorologist. Professional Dairy Producers are making grant monies available to dairies across the state to pursue more...

There's no doubt that 2025 is going to present all forms of agriculture some challenges. That's why Compeer Financials stressing partnerships, and leaning in on expertise in areas where you have questions. Pam Jahnke visits with Compeer CEO, Jase Wagner, during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention. Wagner explains key areas they're watching post-election ranging from appointmen...

Wisconsin agriculture is more than just numbers—it’s about hard work, community, and innovation. From family farms to growing global exports, it’s clear that our state’s farmers and producers are making a big impact. Senator Joan Ballweg joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the exciting progress in agriculture, the people driving it, and what’s next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The data this year proves that countries around the globe want more red meat from the United States. Dan Halstrom is the president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He says export numbers for pork and beef have been inching up to a near-record. When asked about potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, Halstrom is optimistic. He says the USMCA from Trump's first term has...

The Propane Education Research Council has the Propane Farm Incentive Program where producers get money back when they purchase categories of equipment for the farm. When there's a natural disaster, the industry steps up and doubles that farm incentive for people impacted. For example, chicken barns that were destroyed in the hurricanes this fall, can get double incentives when they replace the he...

Farmers evaluating corn silage now have an updated and more precise tool to guide their decisions. The MILK Index, developed at the University of Wisconsin nearly 30 years ago, recently underwent a significant update to better reflect modern dairy farming needs. “The MILK Index provides one comprehensive value that predicts how a given corn silage can support milk production,” explained Luiz Ferra...

Mick Homb, General Manager for FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative , is logging plenty of miles right now - meeting with dairy operators across the Midwest at district meetings.  In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Homb highlights the importance of these interactions on plans for the future. Homb's says he's keeping a close eye on important details following USDA's release of revision plans for Federal Mil...

The agriculture world is always changing, and this goes for the inputs as well. Chad Staudinger, the Northern Region Agronomist for Dairyland Seed, explains some of the new and exciting traits they are rolling out. As well as some tips for farmers as they look back on 2024 and move into 2025 preparations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While turkey is king over the Thanksgiving holiday, there’s a growing opportunity for other meats to take some of the spotlight. According to economists at CoBank, some consumers have moved away from preparing a whole turkey for Thanksgiving, and ham is capturing a larger share of protein purchases. So today, we ask the butcher what the best options are for preparing ham for the holiday table. Nic...

Wisconsin agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state's economy, despite facing challenges in 2024. Dr. Steve Deller and Jeff Hadachek, economists with the University of Wisconsin, have released their latest study, The Contribution of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy,   highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities as the state moves toward 2025 Hadachek, in his first year with UW Exte...

Thanksgiving is the culmination of a lot of work by turkey growers across the country, but primarily the midwest.  Ben Jarboe finds out how avian influenza, changing consumer tastes, and overall economics are impacting the industry.  Ashley Kohl with the MN turkey growers says there will be plenty of birds available this year. Wet and windy today according to Stu Muck, ag meteorologist. Two UW-Mad...

Wisconsin dairy farmers truly care about their animals and the land they work on, focusing on sustainable practices to produce high-quality products. They’re dedicated to keeping their cows healthy and protecting the environment, all while maintaining strong family traditions.  For this month’s check-in with Dairy Checkoff, we’re joined by Laura Raatz, owner of Wagner Farms. As a fifth-generation,...

Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, says former New York congressman Lee Zeldin doesn't have the best track record with biofuel. Now that President-elect Donald Trump has tapped him to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will that change? Geoff says the EPA touches ethanol almost every day, and he feels economic and political dynamics have changed in ethanol's favor. Th...

Dr. Shawn Conley, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist , can really identify with farms that struggled under odd growing conditions in 2024.  Conley's own research plots statewide were hit with the same wet conditions that limited spring planting and overall plant development.  Still, there's something to be learned even in a challenging year. Conley visits with Pam Jahnke about some of the unique take...