MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

As outdoor activities pick up this season, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to stay alert for signs of feral hogs. Jeff Morris, University Extension Swine Specialist, emphasizes the importance of being aware of this invasive species while enjoying the outdoors, whether making firewood or preparing for hunting. Although feral hogs are not a common concern in Wisconsin, Morris points out that cert...

  Why is it so important to continue building trust and sharing stories of sustainable dairy farm practices in Wisconsin dairy? Lisa Ramatowski, vice president of sustainability and export marketing at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says sustainability is not simply a global trend, it’s a lasting commitment that’s changing behaviors right here at home. Roughly 43% of Midwestern consumers report a will...

Wyffels Hybrids have had an outstanding year performing in the challenge weather that was presented.  Luke Bird, District Sales Manager in Southeast Wisconsin, is proud of not only the yield numbers they've posted against competition, but also the story he shares about the company. Bird says the fact that Wyffels is a U.S. Farm Family owned and operated company, was a difference maker when he join...

Before the temperatures dip, you’ll want to make sure your electric system can handle everything you throw at it this winter, from your holiday decorations to heated waterers for your livestock. Electrician Aaron Robarge with All Comfort Services says electricity usage surges in the winter. Hey says cost savings are possible this year. Consider calling a professional to make sure your farm and hom...

This year has brought on a hard-hitting harvest with close to record yields leading to an increase in production of ethanol. Erik Huschitt, the CEO of Badger State Ethanol, explains that with the influx of corn and a poor export market people are looking for a place to take the grain. This has led to the ethanol plants. The ethanol industry has been crushing record amounts of corn and has helped d...

Wisconsin's been making progress in expanding international business for the ag community.  Chad Vincent currently chairs with WI Ag Export Council. Created in 2021, Vincent says Wisconsin's finding opportunity in unique markets that suit the states unique agriculture expertise.  He explains it to Bob Bosold. November arrived in cold, wet and windy style. It looks like more wet weather's on the wa...

Transportation funding will be a critical issue for Wisconsin agriculture going forward.  One successful project already seeing results is  the Agriculture Road Improvement Program.  Charitee Seebecker gets an update from DOT Deputy Secretary, Joel Nilsesteun. It's going to be a rainy and windy election day.  Stu Muck, ag meteorologist gives us some rainfall totals so far. There's a lot of motivat...

It’s Election Day 2024. Wisconsin farm groups are reminding us that agriculture’s voice matters at the polls, especially in our Battleground State. Jason Mugnaini joins us. He’s the executive director of governmental relations with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Jason says this is the day of the year when a ballot can protect the livelihoods of people who work in agriculture. He says you ca...

Wisconsin is experiencing a renewed enthusiasm for pork production, driven by young families and youth eager to explore agriculture. Jeff Morris, University Extension Swine Specialist says this growing trend is not just about participation in fairs but extends into broader educational efforts and year-round farm projects. Despite past market challenges, the number of hogs shown at county fairs rem...

The Manure Tracker app allows you to count and record manure applications on a field by field basis. It uses the GPS already in your phone. It was developed through UW Dairy Innovation Hub funds. Division of Extension Specialist Chris Clark of Northeast Wisconsin has the details. She says this free smartphone app can help custom operators, farmers, and nutrient management plan writers. Each manure...

More grant opportunities are available for dairy producers through the Professional Dairy Producers' Your Farm-Your Footprint sustainability initiative. It's on a first-come, first-served basis. A select group of dairy producers can receive grants of $9,750 per farm, covering up to 2,500 acres. The grants are available to the first 100 dairy farms who register for the program which opens today, No...

Melanie Miller, a widely recognized leader in Wisconsin’s 4-H community, has achieved a significant milestone in her career: induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place in Boise, Idaho, where Miller joined 15 others in the class of 2024. Known for her dedication and contributions, Miller's impact has resonated with youth, families, and educators across Wisconsin...

Just as a beef calf and a dairy calf have different development needs, so do beef on dairy cross calves. This is the word from Laurence Williams who works in Dairy Beef Cross Development with Purina. Laurence walks us through the latest research findings on how to best care for dairy beef cross animals so that they reach their full potential. He says nearly all Wisconsin dairy farms are engaged in...

If your forage quality isn’t up to snuff, mycotoxins could pose some issues for your herd. Joel Pankowski is the associate director for field technical services for Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition. He says while you can’t see mycotoxins, they could prevent your animals from reaching their full potential and cost the farm.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year has brought a lot of grief for Wisconsin grain farmers and unfortunately it looks like it may not get better soon. Paul Mitchell the director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute at UW-Madison explains how a lot of things are working against grain farmers leading to net negative incomes for the year. The low prices and rising input costs are looking to continue into 2025 and there is no si...

As fall settles in, Wisconsin's tiny "trick-or-treaters" are showing up early—only these unexpected guests aren’t interested in candy! From colorful Asian lady beetles to sneaky boxelder bugs, insects across the state are on the move, seeking cozy winter hideaways in our homes and barns. Wisconsin state entomologist PJ Liesch shares his expert tips on how to keep these persistent pests outside whe...

Questions about how much fertilizer was actually used by the crop this year are popping up.  Dean Ebert, market manager in West Bend for Helena Agri , is working hard to get answers. Ebert tells Pam Jahnke that they're deploying their technology services to help with data collection, analysis and recommendations, field by field - grid by grid.  He says the world marketplace is only going to get mo...

Rural Mutual Insurance and Badger Mutual Insurance are joining forces through an affiliation designed to strengthen service offerings and extend their reach in Wisconsin and beyond. Dan Merk, Rural Mutual Insurance Executive Vice President and CEO says this partnership allows both companies to maintain their independence while benefiting from shared resources and expertise. He says the big reason...

Happy Halloween.  In recognition of the event, Ben Jarboe brings us an update on Wisconsin's bat population across the state.  Some of our bats have battled illness, and all have battled misunderstandings about what they do and why they hang around.  He gets the correct information from Jennifer Redell conservation biologist/cave and mine specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resourc...

Tailgaters and brat fans of Wisconsin, rejoice! One of the world’s leading sauerkraut producers is bringing a fresh spin on a local favorite. Flanagan Farms is owned by Fermented Food Holdings, which will be investing $13 million to expand manufacturing in Bear Creek and move its corporate headquarters to Madison. CEO Jorge Azevedo says the expansion will create 60 high-paying jobs and support Wis...

It might be your shot to get that 30-point buck this year! The mild winter in 2023-2024 allowed for better fawn development, higher deer populations, and great antler development, says Wisconsin's Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl. The dry conditions this fall will allow hunters to access the low areas that deer typically hang out in. It also has sped up the grain harvest, which means deer will...

Bats are a very important part of our ecosystem here in the Midwest and even help our farmers. Jennifer Redell, a Cave & Mine Specialist with the Wisconsin DNR, explains what the different species of bats found in Wisconsin are, as well as how White-nose syndrome has affected the population. She also explains why we should keep them around, and what to do if one of these winged friends makes i...

Special Agent Scott Mahloch of Milwaukee says the FBI pays careful attention to the many facets of the food supply chain, from technology to animals, that are at risk for attack. The FBI wants to get the word out that there are a lot of vulnerabilities within agriculture. This means there's room for an attack on our food supply from when a calf is born on the farm to when it ends up on the plate a...

Even in a weather challenged year like 2024, plant breeders can learn something.  As the field data pours in, Dr. Brent Tharp, Technical Product Manager with Wyffels Hybrids is evaluating performance. Tharp says despite the wet conditions that spring planting confronted, tried and true Wyffels Hybrids are proving their worth this fall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick Adamski and Valerie Dantoin, the hardworking farmers at Full Circle Farm in Shawano County, have been named finalists for the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Their family farm, which has been around for over a century, shows a strong commitment to sustainable farming through creative conservation practices. Rick and Valerie talk with Charitee Seebecker about how they manage grazing and...