MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Drought conditions in several regions set the stage for an uncertain start to the growing season. However, corn acres surged accompanied by yields that pleasantly surprised farmers and experts alike. This is according to Dekalb Brand Manager, Jamie Horton. Horton explains how Dekalb products help farmers and what’s ahead for 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk a lot about row crops this time of year as the harvest wraps up in Wisconsin, but today we’re featuring a specialty crop that really shines this time of year – Christmas trees. Wisconsin is a top producing state when it comes to Christmas trees. Greg Hann is the second generation at Hann's Christmas Farm in Oregon, Wisconsin. He says customers can look forward to an excellent crop despite...

On a Tuesday morning, market advisor John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins us live with an update on how the grain market is navigating recent developments in the corn and soybean harvest. Extra bushels of corn make prices sluggish as it looks for a market. And weather factors in South America result in a soybean rally during a critical shipping season. But first, we hear how...

Managing disease pressure is top of mind for farmers. But growers face the challenge of trying to predict and prepare for the unknown that is ahead. That’s where BASF fungicides come in. Kim Tutor, technical marketing manager at BASF says it isn't about whether to use fungicides or not but rather when to use them. She explains more about what she saw this growing season and how BASF fungicides hel...

Bob Bosold visits with Eric Rygg, president and CEO of Huntsinger Farms in Eau Claire, the world's largest producer of horseradish. The farm recently hosted EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Rygg says the sustainability practices on the farm are what attracted the EPA, such as their solar array, water retention ponds, cover crops, and precision technology. Beef on dairy – farmers have been interest...

The state is taking interest in carbon credits and how to help farmers looking to get into the carbon market. This is one of the topics brought up in our regular conversation with Rep. Travis Tranel, chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee. He says a bill they're working on would create a carbon calculator for farmers, similar to a 'Kelley Blue Book" for carbon credits and conservation practic...

Picture this: you, your firearm, and the challenge of a lifetime as you embark on a quest to bag the big one—no, scratch that—the colossal thirty-point buck and you’re the lucky hunter that harvests this legendary buck. But now what? Do you send it off to the processor after many photos to brag to your friends? Well why not process the deer yourself. Processing your own deer, from field to table,...

Trapping is a time honored tradition in Wisconsin. Our state is home to many different fur bearing species that trappers have been harvesting for their pelts for generations. While it may not be as popular as hunting, there are still a number of people who take to the woods and rivers every year. Erinn Kiesow-Webb is a furbearer specialist with the DNR and shares an update on the trapping season a...

After the weather related challenges Wisconsin farmers faced, many of them are wondering how they got the yields they did!  The obvious answer - genetics. Branden Furseth is the regional agronomist with Dairyland Seeds, and he says without the innovative genetics farmers are working with today, the harvest this year would have been much slimmer. Furseth says while yields were still variable, it sh...

Farmers face many challenges, including unpredictable weather, pests, and market fluctuations. To help handle these, farmers turn to their local crop insurance agents for help. Jenny Brown,  Multi-Peril Specialist Team Leader for Rural Mutual Insurance says delays in harvest schedules and the looming December 10th deadline for the end of insurance coverage are some of the biggest concerns she’s he...

With the approach of the holiday season, online fraud and scamming obstacles make shopping more and more problematic.  Courtney Anclam, Senior Program Specialist - AARP Wisconsin , says even end of year giving plans need to be monitored. AARP has a wealth of resources available for everyone to make sure they're shopping safely, and giving to truly worthy organizations and association.  Anclam says...

When the cold weather hits, and football is on TV, the holiday gatherings kick into high gear… that’s when consumers are smothering everything in cheese, making it a busy time of year for cheese processors. Pine River Pre-Pack President Ian Behm says between the FFA fruit boxes, flavor innovation, and the holidays… the cheese plant in Newton is in its prime time. They are also celebrating their 60...

Harvest is the time of year where insurance agents see more equipment theft claims. It’s impossible to lock-down the whole farm, but you can take steps to prevent theft by locking up buildings and taking the keys out of equipment. These are among the tips from Craig Kamholz, a Rural Mutual Insurance agent in Green County. His advice -- don't make it easy for thieves. He says equipment theft is mor...

What comes next for FFA members once they’ve hung up their Blue and Gold corduroy jacket? For anyone who was deeply impacted by the organization, there is opportunity to give back and stay connected through the FFA Alumni and Supporters organization. Allie Ellis is the Director of the Alumni and Supporters for the National FFA organization. She dives into what the National organization is doing to...

When winter rolls around, bears hibernate and birds fly south, but what about the bees? Like every other creature on earth, bees have their own unique ways of coping with cold temperatures during the winter season. One way bees prepare for the winter is by gathering a winter reserve of honey.  “In Wisconsin, bees need a minimum of 60 pounds of extra food in order to survive the winter,” explains T...

Jen Pino-Gallagher, director of food and agribusiness practice at M3 Insurance, has seen cyber attack claims jump in the last six weeks among agribusinesses. She says Google and Amazon were able to recently fight off the largest cyber attacks they've ever seen. She says farmers shouldn't feel that they are overlooked. Cyber criminals see farms as low hanging fruit for easy financial gain. She advi...

Connecting consumers to their food sources is more important than ever. The state legislature recognizes that and, in an effort to support farmers and healthy food for consumers, introduced several bills. State Senator Brad Pfaff spearheaded these initiatives to connect farmers to consumers and open up opportunities for everyone to enjoy Wisconsin made products. Senator Pfaff shares more about wha...

Starting a new farm comes with many challenges and uncertainties. But one key factor to being successful is having solid financial numbers. It’s important to understand your cost of operation, know your inputs, and set realistic yield expectations. By having solid financial numbers and projections, you can make informed decisions that pave the way for your farming success. Kevin Plante, Senior Agr...

To minimize ecological impacts of herbicides on endangered species and their habitats, EPA is proposing an Herbicide Strategy. This strategy aims to minimize erosion and runoff risk of herbicide. It would require on herbicide labels that growers gain 'efficacy points' by implement certain conservation practices. About 1,500 farmers from across the country have come together to tell EPA that their...

He's estimating more than 70% of his corn fields have been harvested.  That's the word from Dave Rolli, Regional Manager for Wyffels Hybrids. Rolli says that he's been very impressed with yields, despite the dry weather.  He notes that the number one question he's fielding from growers is WHY is the corn performing so well despite the weather.  Rolli shares a few bullet points that his agronomy te...

There's a new facing serving 4-H families across the United States.  Jill Bramble took over as president and CEO of the National 4-H Foundation in October.  Jill Welke finds out more about this multi-generation 4-H supporter and where she sees the challenges and opportunities for the foundation going forward. While farmers are focused on the harvest, thieves are focused on them!  Craig Kamholz of...

The Mississippi is just as important as any interstate highway when it comes to transportation.  Bob Bosold visits with LaCrosse Mayor, Mitch Reynolds, about discussion of funneling the valuable water that makes up the Mississippi to areas of the southwest.  Is this possible?  Legal?  The mayor explains what discussions are underway and why farmers and agribusinesses should be monitoring the situa...

Being a new farmer trying to start out can be scary. From the investment, market volatility, land prices, and even trying to live up to what others are doing. There are many organizations working hard to provide support and resources to help new and younger farmers succeed. However, for a young farmer, figuring out where to begin can be stressful. With limited time and resources, the question beco...

The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat in their care. One of the four finalists, Joe Hovel, is a woodland owner who manage...

Mark Noll describes his farm in the Driftless Region as a slice of heaven. But it didn’t get to be that way overnight. Noll’s Dairy Farm in Buffalo County has worked the land for generations to make sure that the soil stays in place, the oak trees grow tall, and the wildlife have a place to call home.  The farm is one of four finalists selected for the 2023 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Gi...