MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

As spring unfolds across Wisconsin, mushroom enthusiasts and farmers alike are buzzing with excitement over what promises to be an exceptional season for morel mushrooms. The combination of timely rainfall and late spring snowfalls has set the stage for a bountiful harvest. That’s according to morel mushroom buyer Tom Nondorf. "With the rainfall and weather we've been having, it's really helped ke...

India could be the next big market for Wisconsin ginseng.  Kirk Baumann from Baumann Ginseng in Wausau just returned from a USDA trade mission to India.  He says there's some similarities between India and China - Wisconsin's number one market.  India also views ginseng as medicinal, but also incorporates it into teas and beverages.  Baumann says it'll take time, but he thinks there's opportunity...

The agriculture industry continues to press the current administration on bolstering trade agreements. We hear from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that work is underway to build export relationships. Most recently, the U.S. hosted one of its largest trade missions ever to India. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely says India is a huge opportunity. Some of the commodities...

The National Pork Producers Council reminds us that international trade is crucial for pig farmers here in the U.S. Trachelle Carr leads international affairs with the organization. She says they’ve had some wins in 2023 when it comes to trade, but they’ve been lacking support from the federal government to pursue trade deals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The push to restore the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has taken center stage as a top priority for ethanol producers, corn growers, and advocates of a cleaner, greener economy. Enacted by Congress in 2005 and updated in 2007, the RFS stands as the bedrock law facilitating access to the marketplace for ethanol producers, driving growth not only in ethanol but also in the rural economy and corn prod...

Have you ever wondered how plants would grow when they’re not on Earth? In space, growing plants could be important for food, oxygen and even astronauts' psychological well-being – but growing anything beyond Earth is more difficult than it might seem. Science departments in Wisconsin have been sending tomatoes, lettuce and cotton into orbit for a few years now. And UW-Madison Professor and botani...

Tastier salad greens and heat-resistant cattle. These are products of genetic engineering that can help our food system be more efficient and sustainable, says Beth Ellikidis, vice president of agriculture and environment with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. BIO represents about 1,000 stakeholders in genetic engineering, including companies, states, and colleges that dabble in everythin...

Wisconsin county fairs may look vibrant from the outside, but they're struggling to find carnivals for entertainment.  Jayke Buttke, Executive Director of the WI Fair Association says that between 2016-2023 50% of the carnival companies closed.  Now they're working on legislation to try and help that segment of entertainment find the employees they need.  Jill Welke visits with Buttke. Labor's a b...

Today, many farmers are discovering new ways to showcase their produce and connect with consumers. From traditional farm stands to online marketplaces, and everything in between, the integration of value-added products stands out. But this can be a hard path to navigate and know what market strategy is best for you. Paul Dietmann, director of Emerging Markets at Compeer Financial says it doesn’t h...

Wisconsin's home to both farmed and wild elk.  Bob Bosold visits with Bill Knutson, an elk rancher in Holmen, about the market for the animals and the care they take. Brad Rippey, Chief Meteorologist at USDA, says we're seeing a pattern change in weather from El Nino to La Nina. He explains what that means for farmers. The 77th Alice in Dairyland is Halei Heinzel from Oconomowoc.  Carrie Mess was...

The 2023 Farm Bill drum has been beating for a while now as the deadline for this legislation has been delayed, and the timeline for when it will pass through Congress is still a question. Mike Stranz joins us. He’s the vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union, working on the Hill, but his roots are in northeast Wisconsin where he grew up. He gives us an update on how the Farmers...

Wisconsin corn farmers are disappointed by a U.S. Department of Treasury decision that will limit ethanol’s contribution to low-carbon jet fuel. The update says that corn-based ethanol must be grown with additional on-farm conservation practices to apply for tax credits. But Sustainable Aviation Fuel producer Gevo says the industry is still ready to grow and can try to meet farmers where they’re a...

Wisconsin agriculture is watching policy development in Washington, D.C. with a Farm Bill on the horizon. Senator Tammy Baldwin says she’d focused on efforts to address pressing agricultural challenges and prioritize farmer well-being. Amidst the current agricultural landscape, one pressing issue commanding attention is the threat of avian flu, posing risks to dairy herds nationwide. While Wiscons...

We continue our focus on college graduates on our ag campuses across the state.  Stephanie Hoff checks in on UW-River Falls and the job outlook for graduates there with CAFES Dean Dr. Mike Orth, as well as students in the job market. Wisconsin ginseng growers may be some of the biggest growers in the world, but they battle more than Mother Nature.  Kirk Baumann from Baumann Ginseng in Wausau expla...

Brad Rippey is the U.S. Analyst and Drought Monitor Author for the National Agricultural Statistics Service. He says the weather pattern is in a transition period right now moving from El Nino to La Nina. This could mean we could lose moisture over the next month. It also has negative implications for South America's next crop cycle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service recognizes that they are short on staff and trying to rebuild their workforce. NRCS has a 3,000 field-office network that helps farmers and private forest landowners carry out voluntary conservation activities on their operations. But like many other industries, they’ve felt the competition when recruiting skilled employees. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says on...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack tells Mid-West Farm Report the loss of milk has been minimal in cows with bird flu. He says it's a complex issue to provide compensation for lost milk due to H5N1 -- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza -- in dairy cattle. He says he's interested to see if the virus has any long-term effects on milk production in infected cows. This data may determine if USDA impleme...

Lawmakers are one step closer to removing the gray wolf from the endangered species list as the “Trust the Science Act” has passed the House of Representatives. Bill co-sponsor Congressman Tom Tiffany says this marks a crucial step towards addressing long standing challenges faced by farmers, hunters, and rural residents across the nation. Wolves are currently considered threatened in Minnesota an...

Rural internet providers are working diligently to install that last mile of broadband, says Garin Mayer, CEO and general manager of Vernon Communications Cooperative.  He defines the last mile as bringing fiber right to your doorstep. In the past six years, VCC has gotten nearly $14 million in grants to bring fiber to about 4,000 rural locations. The projects totaled nearly $23 million. But Mayer...

The University of Arkansas released a study this week that shows pesticides advance sustainable agriculture. CropLife America, a trade organization for the organic and inorganic pesticide industry, commissioned the work. Pesticides allow farmers to protect their crops from insects, weeds, and diseases. Communications lead Genevieve O'Sullivan says the study modeled 40 typical farms for corn, soybe...

Weather's not making it easy to control cover crops that were supposed to be dead! Dean Ebert with Helena Agri in West Bend has been in the sprayer cab a few days this week.  It's obvious, the mild winter Wisconsin experienced has turned into a surprise with vibrant cover crops that don't want to give up. Ebert talks with Pam Jahnke about how they're approaching these unique challenges, plus focus...

It's almost graduation for a lot of college students on ag campuses across the state.  Charitee Seebecker visits with UW-Platteville School of Agriculture Director, Tera Montgomery. There's no lack of jobs for graduates, but their priorities are interesting when accepting a position. A small bar/grill in Oneida County has captured the inaugural Wisconsin's Best Beef Burger title.  Pickle's Bar &am...

Dr. Shawn Conley's got some reminders for Wisconsin soybean growers heading to the fields.  From chemical combinations to placement of seed - it's all going to matter this year. Conley also shares some of the ongoing and upcoming field research he and his team will be conducting this year.  Much of the funding for Conley's research comes from the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and soybean check...

Veterinarians play a critical role with county fair functions and the relationship with exhibitors.   Jill Welke visits with Dr. Meg Mueller, a fair veterinarian, about how she helps exhibitors comply. Plants in space!  It's happening thanks to researchers on the UW-Madison campus.  Simon Gilroy, botanist on campus, has been coordinating projects with NASA that should help answer questions about p...

Today, kids have so many opportunities on how they want to spend their summer, simple things like 4-H Camp can be overlooked.  Marie Witzel, Dodge County 4-H Extension Agent knows how hectic it can be, but she takes time with Pam Jahnke to explain the benefits she sees uniquely provided through 4-H Camp. Wisconsin offers many different options, dependent on the campers age, interests and schedule....