MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

 I scream, you scream, we all scream for 50 years of Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Marketing Manager at Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Shannon Simon, celebrates the anniversary by taking us back to the beginning and tells us about the company's history that is as rich as the ice cream they serve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are right in the thick of the spring confectionery season, but if you’ve noticed your favorite Easter basket treats look a little different this year, or cost a little more, you're not alone.  Billy Roberts, Senior Analyst of Food and Beverage with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division, tells Stephanie Hoff that in a world of volatile cocoa prices, the candy aisle landscape is c...

One of Wisconsin's most well known dairy businesses is celebrating a big milestone in 2026. Kiley Allan gets the review of the last 50 years of Cedar Crest Ice Cream with Shannon Simon, their Marketing Manager. Rain is here and looks to hang around for the next couple of days according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. He also says to watch out for ice during travels. This April rain provides a good c...

Manure management is a standard part of Wisconsin farm life, but as operations grow and liquid storage systems become more common, the risks associated with manure pits are trending upward. This is according to UW-Madison Professor and Division of Extension Specialist Rebecca Larson. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a new hand, here are five critical safety tips to keep in mind before y...

 When a program has been honed and developed for nearly 70 years, real success can happen. That's exactly what the Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association has experienced with their sale. Alan Arndt sat down with Kiley Allan. He's the Wisconsin Beef Improvement President, Simental Director and a longtime consigner at the sale. He tells us about the sale's rich history and what consignors and b...

If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. We’ve all seen a day start with a frost and end with a sunburn. But here’s the thing -- while the atmosphere is unpredictable, our ability to track it shouldn't be. No matter what curveballs the sky throws at us, you can be a part of this historic weather story. You see things a satellite can’t. You know that the rain g...

Intercompatibility and speed are essential for farmers to have with their equipment, and with the labor shortage getting worse each year, producers need to be able to work faster with less hands. Ben Jarboe talks with Dave Smarts, the team leader for the Agricultural Electronics Foundation's High Speed Isobust Research, to see how they are working to make equipment computers 4,000 times faster. To...

Rain looks like it will be here to stay for a few days according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. Warmer weather gives the feeling of summer right around the corner and one staple of the summer is bees. Jill Welke chats with Galen Klisiewicz, the Director of the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers, to see why it has been a bit tough in recent times. Farmers are constantly looking to get the most out of their...

After graduating from St. John’s University, a North Dakotan farm boy found himself returning to the family operation at an interesting time in the farming community. In the late 1970s, Rusty Volk was excited bring his new bride back to the family’s 1900 acre, 100 head dairy farm, but that didn’t mean things were easy. Rusty reminds us of the importance of resilience in the face...

John Haag of Haag Dairy in Dane tells Stephanie Hoff about the mutual benefits of hosting Girl Scouts on the farm. Stephanie was one of the 11 workshop presenters on Saturday as the troops earned their dairy patch. Bomaz Farms in Hammond relies on immigrant labor to help the family care for 1,500 cows 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even though their employees are E-Verified and have no criminal...

Host Ben Jarboe gives a look at what has been working for him recently fishing and Pat Hasburgh joins the show to share what he has been hearing and provides regulation insights. Brian Cordel with Clint's Custom Baits joins the show to explain how their basement lure making operation can make some of the most unique baits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Milligan with the Agricultural Electronics Foundation tells Ben Jarboe the group started due to different interpretations of a new rule and has continued to allow for compatibility for all tractors and implements. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update says after snow chances, we’ll enjoy a warm front. Veterinarian Kendra Wells with Valley Veterinary Clinic tells Stephanie Hoff that th...

During the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update, Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck says we can expect a few rain showers before we see warmer weather. Stephanie Hoff visits with two council graduates today about how this program is a backstage pass to the world of ag policy and career networking. Mary Schrieber and Jescey Thompson are both now college students after successful stints in the FFA. Mary, orig...

Yesterday was an exciting day for the Fitchburg Fire Department, as the Wisconsin Soybean Program donated a bunch of soy foam. This is meant to be an environmentally safe way to fight fires. Jonathan Gibbs, a Farmer Director for the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, shares how it all came together and why the soy foam is so important. Scott Sarver the fire chief and emergency manager for the Fitc...

The 64th WPS Farm Show at the EAA grounds has seen a strong turnout of visitors and exhibitors, serving as a vital "reunion" for the agribusiness community. Spokesman Matt Cullen highlights the event's success with Stephanie Hoff! Today is the final day, and it includes free admission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiley Allan visits with Extension Conservation and Nutrient Specialist Kevin Erb about manure handling safety. Did you know over half of manure-handling accidents occur on the road? More than half of those accidents happen at intersections because of speed, taking corners too sharply, or failing to account for the liquid sloshing in the tank. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck says showers and a cool front...

Stu Muck says we can expect moderate temperatures that fluctuate throughout the week. With current events affecting prices, farm inputs are seemingly on the rise. Pam Jahnke gets a 2026 financial forecast from Bill Moore. Insurance can be complicated to navigate, but it's a necessary part of doing business with both traditional equipment, as well as new technology. Stephanie Hoff sits down with in...

Mother Nature has been a little indecisive. Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck tells us what's in store this week. Bob Bosold joins us this morning from Eau Claire. He talks with a dairy farmer and experts about the new technology in milking barns. Stephanie Hoff learns more about the history of Klondike Cheese from Dave Buholzer. Ben Jarboe joins Dr. John Goeser to learn about considerations farmers shoul...

Farmer's markets are a great place to get fresh and local foods during the spring and summertime, but in the winter, there's fewer options. Well, thanks to the internet and a can-do attitude from local farmers, that's changing. REKO rings provide an online farmer's market option. Julie Schroeder is the co-founder of the Fond du Lac and Sheboygan County REKO rings. She explains how they work. See o...

The last 30 years has presented a loss of grasslands and habitat as a whole across America, and we're seeing the effects right here at home in Wisconsin. An organization called Pheasants Forever is dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. So while pheasants is in their name, the habitat that they encourage benefits all wildlife. Johnny Behrendt is the Precision Ag Conservation Specialist with P...

Livestock identification plays a crucial role in the tracking of active livestock diseases, but it's also important in keeping our food system safe. Matt Crimmins is the Procurement Coordinator for Johnsonville Sausage and a recently retired Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium board member. He explains how livestock identification plays an important role in his everyday duties. See omnys...

In Wisconsin, dairy farmers are always trying to get the most milk out of their cattle, and one of the big ways they are able to do that is through the nutrition and the feed they give them. Dr. John Goeser, a dairy nutrition and management consultant with Progressive Dairy Solutions, gives a look at what the current hay supply is like and how corn silage because a bigger part of cattle's diet. Se...

Wisconsin dairy operators are trying to find their way to profitability through 2026, but it's complicated.  Stephanie Hoff asks some tough questions of Leonard Polzin, Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Division   of Extension. While  specific data is often private, the IDFA estimates roughly $11 billion  in capital expenditures across 50 projec...

Building healthier soils requires trial and error, and sometimes uncovers side effects. While no-till and cover cropping offer immense benefits to soil heath and water quality, they also create the perfect habitat for slugs. Dane Elmquist, a conservation cropping specialist with the Division of Extension, tells Stephanie Hoff why slugs have become a headline item in his research. You can get invol...

Braunschweiger, landjägers, and Berkshire hams -- it's enough to make your mouth water! These are a sample of the premium meats you can get for the Easter holiday at Bavaria Sausage. Scott Stowell tells Stephanie Hoff why their "old-world" recipes have remained a Wisconsin staple for over 60 years. From creamy, marbled hams to artisan pâté, authentic meats turn a simple Easter di...