MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

U-Pick events are underway in southern Wisconsin as everyone flocks to those June strawberries. Scott Skelly of Skelly's Farm Market in Janesville is feeling good now that we have several dry days ahead of us. As we talked, people were picking strawberries and the bakery on the farm just got done with a batch of strawberry donuts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joel Nilsesteun believes that farmers across Wisconsin really got the message.  If you don't like your local roads or bridges - the Agricultural Road Improvement Program(ARIP) may help. Nilsesteun, Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), says the number of applications received shows that the program was needed, and farmers responded.  During the first ro...

13,000 pages, and he quit counting.  There must have been times when Dr. Dennis Hancock, current director of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Facility in Prairie du Sac, questioned whether the dream would become a reality.  Well, on Monday, June 10th, ground was officially broken to begin the project. Hancock traced the history of the project dating back to former Wisconsin Senator, Herb Kohl.  He a...

In Wisconsin, kids as young as 12 and 13 are legally able to operate farm equipment on roadways with proper training. Is that wise today?  Pam Jahnke talks with John Shutske, UW-Extension Farm Safety Specialist, about why he's starting this conversation and what trends he's worried will impact families across the country. Scott Skelly from Skelly's Market in Janesville says the strawberries are be...

Today is the beginning of the 95th annual WI State FFA Convention. Aubrey Schlimgen gets a brief update on what officer team members are expecting.  She chats with two of the 11 team members, Julia Lenz and Parker Litterick. A 60 year old construction worker was told by his doctor to find an "easier" profession.  So he started a vineyard.  He did some internships and went to college to focus on an...

According to the latest Wisconsin 4-H impact report, membership has grown to more than 26,000 students -- an 8 percent jump year-over-year. It’s not a new record, but it’s the start to a pathway of growth. Jessica Jens joins us in-studio. She's the Wisconsin 4-H State Program Leader with UW-Madison’s Division of Extension. She says there have been several new programs to help grow 4-H membership i...

Farmers across the region are experiencing notable improvements in the supply of agricultural tires, with the situation markedly better than previous years.  "Overall, the supply chain has increased significantly and is much better than what it was before," stated Kevin Beyer, Commercial Farm Advisor at Schierl Tire and Service. "There are still a few particular tires that might face deficits or p...

There’s a new face at the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association headquarters in Wisconsin Rapids as Grant Holley has joined the association staff as the new Executive Director. With a rich background in agriculture, education, and science, Holley brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the cranberry industry. Holley, formerly a professor at North Carolina State University, sha...

Even if you’re procrastinating your June Dairy Month celebrations, there’s a breakfast for you. The 35th annual Waushara County June Dairy Breakfast is on the last day of June – Sunday, the 30th -- at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station. While the dairy breakfast is not at a dairy farm, it will be a great celebration of Wisconsin agriculture featuring door prizes, live music, and local food....

The National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance is working with AgriLogic Consulting on a new alfalfa revenue crop insurance product. USDA's Risk Management Agency Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board recently approved the concept to move into the development phase. As part of this phase, AgriLogic and NAFA are hosting a listening session for farmers and industry members to learn about the revenue pr...

Wisconsin's tractor pulling season is about to unfold and Kurt Afdahl - President of Wisconsin Tractor Pullers Association - is ready to go.  He explains to Charitee Seebecker membership trends, competition challenges and changing demographics impacting the sport. Dr. Darlene Konkel, state veterinarian, explains resources that are available to Wisconsin dairy operators who want to enhance their bi...

The Wisconsin State FFA Convention is on the way!  Jill Welke talks with WI State FFA President, Mary Schrieber and State Sentinel, Brooke Wittrock, about the big event. Summer brings new challenges to state food banks.  Stephanie Hoff talks with Jackie Anderson the new executive director at Feeding Wisconsin.  With school out, many families turn to their local food pantry for assistance.  Wiscons...

Wisconsin does not have a case of HPAI in dairy cows, but producers are still eligible for money to help defend their farms from the virus. Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle outlines what's available. Find more information about the reimbursement opportunities through USDA: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/05/23/usda-expands-support-producers-stop-spread-h5n1-dairy-catt...

Chuck Star who is one of the team members with Emmet Saddlery talks about his role with constructing a saddle. Along with taking us through the challenges and successes of a project. One project in particular, recently became one of their most proud moments.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the weather continues to throw a wrench in planting, one important thing to remember is that farmers persevere and have been through tough times before. Brian Madigan, Country Visions Cooperative Vice President of Agronomy, has nearly three decades of experience that has equipped him with invaluable insights and expertise to help support farmers through these tough times. He shared his perspect...

Jon Rafel is the owner and founder of Emmet Saddlery. He gives us the history and what all takes place with their custom Leatherwork. Jon and his team work to repair, clean, and build saddles, while also dabbling in crafting other leather goods.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeding Wisconsin is a network of food banks that provides emergency food to more than 1,000 food pantries in all 72 counties. The organization is heading to Washington D.C. this week to tell lawmakers how they’re making a difference in the community. Jackie Anderson, the new executive director, is among the group. She says monetary support can go a long way in tackling hunger in Wisconsin. She's...

In the rich agricultural region of southeast Wisconsin, you’ll come across a unique specialty crop with an unmistakable fragrance. Lavender. You may think of lavender as an ingredient in soaps, sachets, or perfumes. But the field we’re visiting today is full of lavender for you to consume. At Lavender Near Me in Whitewater, Amy Curtis describes what culinary lavender is used for and how it's grown...

The UW Fruit Team is getting more calls and emails this year than they did last year, and that’s because of how much rain we’ve been getting in comparison to last year’s drought. Wisconsin apples, grapes, strawberries, and cherries run into disease issues with moisture and humidity. Plant pathologist Leslie Holland with UW Extension says some apple and cherry growers are experiencing powdery milde...

Local dairy breakfasts and events have been a summertime centerpiece of Wisconsin dairy communities and culture since the first June Dairy Month in 1937. They are a great way for the whole family to support Wisconsin dairy while celebrating the farms and the dedicated families that keep them running. Columbia County is hosting its Moo-Day Brunch on June 15th at Fifth Generation Homestead which let...

NASA and agriculture may not seem to go together, but in reality, NASA's been a part of agriculture for decades.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Brad Doorn, NASA Agriculture Lead.  He explains the data and information they gather to help USDA forecast crop production around the world. Julia Lenz, State FFA Vice President from Markesan, talks to Aubrey Schlimgen about the upcoming 95th State FFA Conve...

Science, technology, engineering, and math. While you did not hear agriculture in that lineup, agriculture includes all of those things. And this year, the rest of the state will find that out as well. We're excited to announce that the upcoming Wisconsin Science Festival, October 14-20, is all about agriculture this year. Samantha Mulrooney is the Wisconsin Science Festival director. She says thi...

Creamery Creek Farm outside of LaCrosse is getting ready to host this year's farm to table dining experience.  Pam Jahnke talks to Louisa Peterson, one of the family members operating Creamery Creek and coordinating with another farm to host the guests. Randy Welch with Forage Genetics explains that Wisconsin's hay crop is at risk with infestations of alfalfa weevil. Wet weather is NOT what Wiscon...

The Wisconsin Beef Council presented Feeding Wisconsin with a $1,175 donation. This donation is the result of a fundraiser hosted by the Wisconsin Beef Council to purchase beef for families in need, says communications director Kaitlyn Kesler. For two weeks, WBC sold t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and sweatshirts that featured beef cuts with the text, “You can’t live a full life on an empty stom...

Warner Park, home to the Madison Mallards and the newly established Madison Night Mares, has undergone a significant transformation, ensuring an enhanced experience for players and fans alike. Under the meticulous care of the Director of Operations, Will Kenne, the park's new artificial turf and innovative field management practices are set to improve local baseball and softball events. Raised in...