MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

It's unfortunate, but farm equipment thieves are out there. Theft typically picks up during the harvest season -- the time when you really can't afford to sit idle. Rural Mutual Insurance Agent Craig Kamholz from Green County says you can take steps now to prevent equipment thieves during your busy season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Milwaukee is getting political attention with the Republican National Convention, some Wisconsin farmers are in Washington, D.C., trying to get staff focused on the farm bill.  Don Lutz from Iola is a Wisconsin soybean grower making his case. He says he's focused on crop insurance security levels and new international markets for Wisconsin beans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Heat and humidity in Wisconsin causes more than just discomfort.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Karl Burgi, a hoof health consultant and hoof trimmer with Sure Step Consulting and the Save Cows Network.  Burgi says the structural damage done to cows' hooves because of heat can shorten their lives. From grain to glass is the philosophy at Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo.  Ben Jarboe finds out how th...

Science Fest is gaining momentum in Wisconsin - launching this October.  The title betrays how much agriculture can offer to the Science Fest experience statewide.  Charitee Seebecker extends the challenge with Francesa Long, the Operations Manager for the Wisconsin Science Festival. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to recap the services they're offering people considering an au...

The craftsmanship that goes into leather works and equipment like saddles takes a long time to perfect.  Aubrey Schlimgen talks to Jon Rafel, owner and Founder of Emmet Saddlery in Hustisford Wisconsin. Besides Jon, there are 4 other members of his team which played a crucial role in the making and creating of a saddle for Sydni Mell. Mell became paralyzed in a farming accident in 2022 and was una...

In a time where interest in sustainability is at an all-time high, Driftless Glen Distillery has a unique way to reduce the waste that comes out of the process of distilling whiskey. Nate Mahinski tells us how for the past 10 years they've used their byproducts to feed local livestock.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 As we all know, agriculture has its ups and downs. Maybe the cows got out, the markets went down, or maybe like this year, you've got just enough rain on your farm that you think it's time to open up your own waterpark! Whatever the case may be, family is always there for you. Steven and Rogene Wegner up in Shawano County describe to us a little bit more about their Sesquicentennial farm. They te...

Purdue University researchers have developed a biosensor technology aimed at revolutionizing food safety in agriculture. This innovation stems from a collaboration with the Center for Produce Safety, which sought to create a rapid, user-friendly risk assessment tool for growers of fresh produce, including leafy greens. "Current tests used in the field are slow, lab-based, and require trained perso...

Wisconsin's playing host to one of four regional stockmanship and stewardship events in the U.S.  It'll be in Lancaster and WI Beef Council Executive Director, Tammy Vassen, wants the state's beef producers to take advantage.  She explains what will happen and how growers can get involved .  Paid for by the WI Beef Council. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine if you could indulge in your favorite ice cream on a hot summer day, and not have to worry about it melting and making a mess. Well this could be true thanks to “No-melt ice cream”. Dr. Cameron Wicks is originally from Dallas Texas and started her ice cream journey at Purdue University. Where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in food science. While there Wicks and others came up with a new...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is gearing up for the big event Aug. 13-15 in Chippewa County.  The show will look different though.  Bob Bosold talks to show manager, Anna Maenner and county economic development coordinator, Charlie Walker, about why the group decided to host the show at the grounds of a country music fest. There are a lot of crops in Wisconsin that have been handling the abundant...

It's cherry picking time in Door County.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about this year's crop, why Door County, and how the cherries are used from Jim Seaquist of Seaquist Orchards in Sisters Bay. WI State Fair has announced their 2024 "fair food on a stick".  Pam Jahnke and Stu Muck take a look. The winter wheat crop in WI is getting closer to maturity.  How's the weather impacting the quality, and t...

Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides free planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm families who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster, has officially added Wisconsin to its growing list of service states. Founded in 2005, Farm Rescue has provided vital aid to over 1,100 farm families across nine states. "We have...

Dennis Wilmsmeyer, executive director of America's Central Port in the St. Louis region on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. While he's about 4.5 hours south of Wisconsin, he says grain from Up North gets to his port in a variety of different ways, which is why he says infrastructure along the river is vital to agriculture. No matter what the administration looks like after November, the...

Imagine being able to detect pests on your crops simply by listening to them eat. This groundbreaking concept has become a reality with the introduction of the Insect Eavesdropper, a tool designed to transform pest management in agriculture. UW Entomology Professor Emily Bick, is the co-founder of the Insect Eavesdropper and says by harnessing the power of sound, this sensor offers farmers a new w...

With the growing interest in sustainable practices and local food production, beekeeping has become an essential part of modern agriculture. Recognizing the need for a dedicated event in the region, beekeepers Bill Werning and Doug Kolterman have created the Midwest Honeybee Expo. The expo is set to debut in January of 2025 and will serve as a gathering place for beekeepers of all levels. Co-creat...

If you looking for a fun new way to explore delicious cheese and beer, while also discovering its rich history, look no further than Cheese Passport to Green County. A mobile scavenger hunt with 35 stops that run all over Green County Wisconsin.  Noreen Rueckert is Tourism Director for Green County Tourism and she elaborates on this "scavenger hunt" to help promote green county tourism. She also t...

Allison Jonjak is the outreach cranberry specialist with the Division of Extension. She says growers have had to stay on top of nutrient application and water levels in their marshes with all the rain we've been getting. Luckily, she has a favorable outlook on this year's crop. This is despite pollinator woes. Jonjak explains that cranberries rely on pollinators, such as bees. But the bees need dr...

Seth Olson, conservation agronomist at Alsum Farms, oversees 2,700 acres in Arena and roughly 1,000 acres in Grand Marsh. Right now, he’s scouting the field for the Colorado Potato Beetle and potato blight. He also manages sustainability initiatives on the farm to prevent erosion with all the rainfall we’ve been getting and to meet the standards of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Potato program. Olson...

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is harnessing the power of data insights to boost demand for Wisconsin dairy products nationwide. Suzanne Isige, Director of Market Research for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, joins us for this month’s check in with dairy checkoff to emphasize the significant role that secondary data plays in helping over 260 dairy companies across the state make informed decisions.   See o...

Agriculture isn't just about growing food; it touches everything we eat, wear, and use. From the food on our tables to the clothes we wear and even the fuel in our cars, agriculture plays a crucial role. And this year’s Wisconsin Science Festival, scheduled for October 14-20, will showcase this connection. Francesa Long, the Operations Manager for the Wisconsin Science Festival, says what began as...

Farm Rescue is a non-profit group that's coming to Wisconsin, beginning this month, to offer assistance to families that have suffered a loss, or some type of tragedy that's stopped the farming process.  Jill Welke visits with Dan Erdman, spokesperson for Farm Rescue. Jefferson Co. Fair gets underway today and this year they're dedicating the center of the fair space for special events.  Abby Scho...

Melissa Sanchez is a reporter with ProPublica, an independent, nonprofit news organization, that's been focusing on the challenges immigrant labor is having on Wisconsin dairy operations, and what resources are needed.  She brings their findings to the farm show with Pam Jahnke. North and South Carolina are both struggling with drought conditions while Wisconsin soils remain saturated.  Bob Etheri...

Jeff Decker shares the story of his family farm in Ozaukee County. They are the oldest farm to be recognized this year at the WI State Fair and have been in the same family for 177 years. The original farm house was built in 1847 and is still on the property today where Jeff lives.  He noted that with a railroad track running through the property, they would have people come to the farm to work fo...

Extension Small Grains Specialist Shawn Conley says the harvest window has opened for some Wisconsin winter wheat farmers. He advises growers: "don't dawdle" during dry stretches. We're about 10 days ahead of schedule, allowing farmers to plant soybeans (double-crop beans now eligible for crop insurance.) Conley expects below-average yields, average quality, and average test weights as long as you...