MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Kevin Waring of Persistence Creek Farm in Maryland on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, is a third-generation farmer with a unique story. While his full-time career lies with the Navy and a seafood business, his passion for farming stems from childhood roots in tobacco farming. In 2009, Kevin purchased a 250-acre farm, where he produces crops and runs innovative oyster aquaculture operation...

Abby Schopen is the Events Manger of the Jefferson County Fair and she sat down with us in studio to highlight some exciting new features with the Jefferson County Fair. Those things include a new event called "Heart Of The Park" and a rodeo for entertainment.  Kassidy Hege is the Fair Coordinator and explains her ties to the fair since she was a clover bud, along with the importance of supporting...

If you think back to international headlines this spring, you might remember seeing French farmers riding their tractors, not in the field, but in the streets of Paris. They were protesting the European Union's environmental regulations. France is the No. 1 agricultural producer in the EU. French Embassy Agricultural Counselor Christian Ligeard says the Farm to Fork strategy for agriculture under...

A June 23rd tornado was a direct hit at MacFarlane Pheasant in Janesville.  Bill MacFarlane, owner, updates Pam Jahnke on the reconstruction process and the unique challenges faced trying to confine wild birds in an emergency. Comedian Vanessa Bayer spent a little time on a New York dairy farmer learning first hand how milk gets from the cow to the carton.  NY dairy farmer, Tyler Beck, explains ho...

We’re recognizing Wisconsin farm and homesteads that have been in the same family for more than 100 or 150 years. Today we head to Juneau County, just south of Mauston, to visit with Lee Schnell, the fourth generation on his family’s Sesquicentennial Farm. Lee reflects on a time of living that looks very different from today -- he grew up without credit cards or in-home showers. He even recalls th...

It's crazy to think about what our ancestors did to make ends meet during troubling times when there wasn't technology like phones or cars. These are stories that have been passed down through Wisconsin's farming families. We're bringing you another story from this year’s Century and Sesquicentennial Farm honorees. These families will get an award during the Wisconsin State Fair for farming the sa...

Wisconsin is still on guard for avian influenza in both birds and dairy cattle.  Bob Bosold visits with WI State Veterinarian, Dr. Darlene Konkle, about how the protocols are working now that fair season is rolling around. Some students are starting to pack up for their return, or beginning, or the campus experience.  Aubrey Schlimgen talks to Chelsea Wunnicke and Leslie Rather about how they've i...

Wisconsin producer-led watershed groups are made up of farmers that are testing out new ideas to preserve the land and water for generations to come. But it doesn't stop there. Stephanie Hoff visits with a watershed groups who has extended an invitation to the nonfarm community for collaboration. Heather Gayton joins us in-studio representing the Farmers of the Roche-A-Cri, based in central Wiscon...

Wisconsin is hosting the National Brown Swiss Convention for the first time in more than a decade.  Josh Hushin is the assistant chair of the National Brown Swiss Convention and past president of the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association. He explains some of the show highlights to Stephanie Hoff. Madison is the host location for the National Junior Angus Summer Convention.  Aubrey Schlimgen gets some...

Visiting with families that have farmed the same land for several generations is like taking a step into our state’s history. Jonathan Schaaf in Iowa County is the fourth generation on his family’s Sesquicentennial Farm. He says his great-grandfather bought the land with the intention to mine it. He says lead mines were common in Southwest Wisconsin, which is how Wisconsin became the Badger State....

Heather Gayton is a member of the Farmers of The Roche-A-Cri, one of Wisconsin's 47 producer-led watershed groups. She says they're doing something different this year -- reaching out to other environmental groups outside of agriculture. She says inviting them to meetings and farms has helped them build trust, speak each other's language, and mitigate finger-pointing when it comes to improving wat...

Welcome back as we feature specialty crops across Wisconsin and the farm families who grow them. Today, the cherry harvest takes us to Door County where we visit with Jim Seaquist of Seaquist Orchards. They care for 170,000 trees across 1,300 acres around Sister Bay. They harvest up to 15 million pounds of cherries each year. Jim says agricultural tourism has allowed his family to continue the far...

Barney Creek Livestock, operated by fourth-generation rancher Pete Lannon, is making waves in the agricultural community with their innovative and sustainable ranching practices. Lannon, who began his journey by leasing his parents' ranch, has grown the operation into a thriving enterprise known for its grass-fed beef and unique leasing approach. Pete tells Mid-West Farm Report what it’s been like...

Agriculture is more than a profession; it’s a way of life deeply rooted in tradition, innovation, and resilience. And in Iowa, one farmer's journey from early partnership to modernizing equipment and embracing conservation efforts embodies the true spirit of farming. Loran Steinlage, is the owner of FLOLO farms and he explains how they have overcome health challenges and been able to pass down the...

Abeer Saha sits down with us at the American History Museum in Washington D.C. He’s a curator of engineering and agriculture. Saha's job is to put together exhibits, collect objects, and do research. He says less than 1 percent of artifacts curators collect are put on display… but today, three tractors made the cut and are in an exhibit along with some other agriculture technology. Saha explains t...

While applying late-season nitrogen is around the corner and an excellent opportunity to maximize yield potential, the risk of crop burn can be a challenge. Fred Nichols, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Huma says their technology allows them to provide farmers with a product that is a safe, cost-effective way to apply nitrogen and boost yield.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Taking place this week at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison is the National Angus Junior Show.  Caitlyn Brandt is the Director of events and Junior Activities for the American Angus Association. She is solely in charge of planning of the show and making sure it runs. Brandt explains how many exhibitors and animals will be partaking in the show and events over this holiday week. Along with the e...

Mark McCully is the CEO of the American Angus Association and is attendance at the National Junior Angus Show this week in Madison.  McCully touched on his role with the American Angus Association and how its run. Along with their programs and how they've grown over the past year, and how some new programs have been performing as well. He also talks about the impact of showing/being at the show th...

Jack Dameron is the Chairman of the Junior Angus Association Board. He is originally from Illinois and the 5th generation on his families beef operation.  Attending the University of Illinois helped him prepare for his role of being on the Junior Board. But ultimately hopes he can inspire and leave behind a lasting legacy for other youth in the angus breed to tell their story.  See omnystudio.com/...

Becky Henderson and Mia Beyer are the co-hosts for the National Junior Angus Show taking place at the Alliant Energy Center this week. They both also have roles with the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association.  They talk about what the show all entails for the week and what other events are taking place to help showcase the Angus breed. As well as the beef industry.  See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

In an era where sustainable farming practices and mentorship are more crucial than ever, Brooks Farms stands out as a shining example of dedication and innovation. With a rich legacy and a forward-thinking approach, the Brooks family is not only transforming their land but also inspiring a new generation of farmers.  Ron Brooks, CEO of Brooks Farms, has always had a keen eye for conservation, a pe...

Sweet corn is on the way according to Scott Skelly, 6th generation farmer at Skelly's Farm Market in Janesville.  He gives Stephanie Hoff a growing season update. Bill MacFarlane saw his business model literally blow up, after a F2 tornado hit his pheasant operation directly.  4 of MacFarlane's 15,000 square foot barns were tattered.  More than 100,000 birds were suddenly loose, and feeding system...

A Wisconsin farmer had always envied producers in the West - so he moved.  Steve Rooney is a Wisconsin native who just relocated his ranch from Colorado to Montana.  Bob Bosold visits with him on the challenges and rewards he sees. Ron Brooks from Waupaca, WI, is a Leopold Conservation Award winner who believes seeing is learning.  He takes young farmers up in his plane so they can see the actual...

With all the wet weather Wisconsin farmers have endured, many will be considering tiling for the future.  Charitee Seebecker learns more about the technology from Troy Aalsma, Sales Representative for Kartechner Brothers LLC.If you're hitting the links this weekend, pause and notice the turf.  It's critically important.  Darin Bevard is the director of championship agronomy with the U.S. Golf Asso...

Despite making up 25% of all high school students in Wisconsin, rural students face lower college enrollment rates compared to their non-rural peers. College – 2-year or 4-year – may not be for everyone, but rural students often must navigate planning for after high school without all the information and support they need to determine the best path for them. That’s where the College for Rural Wisc...