MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Bees. Without them we wouldn’t have the over 125 crops we like to consume here in the U.S. Allison Hager is the 2023 American Honey Princess and has spent her year traveling the nation to help educate others about the importance of these busy bees. She says her passion for the industry started at the young age of 13. As we head into the winter months, beekeepers are stocking up on food for the bee...

It's not uncommon to come across a slow-moving tractor or harvester that’s slowing up traffic this time of year. The frustration you may have of being stuck behind them when you’re in a hurry can lead to being impatient and, in some cases, reckless behavior.  The question arises: is there really a problem with this situation? The simple answer is yes. In today's fast-paced world, everyone seems to...

Investments in rural America are desperately needed to support the people who feed our entire country and world. President Biden announced Wednesday in Minnesota 5 billion dollars will be invested in various rural initiatives across the country. USDA Deputy Secretary Xochital Torres Small visited West Star Farm in Cottage Grove where she announced 19.5 million dollars in funding for rural Wisconsi...

The Dairy Summit is coming Nov. 15 at UW-Platteville, an opportunity to learn about the latest research projects happening through the UW Dairy Innovation Hub. Chris Wilson will be there talking about his experience working with UW-Platteville on virtual grazing methods. They rotationally and intensively graze their 500 cattle across 900 acres. And moving those electric fences around EVERY DAY is...

As if the harvest isn't enough pressure on Wisconsin farmers, how about trying to find a babysitter or day care so you can stay involved in the harvest.  That's a big problem. Nate Zimdars finds out more with Lauren Langworthy, a farmer in Northwestern Wisconsin with a full time off farm job and a young daughter. She speaks of the challenges that her and many other farm parents face in finding chi...

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. Valerie Dantoin of Full Circle Farm in Seymour is one of the four fi...

Investment in rural America has been a continuous conversation among farmers and other rural residents as more people continue to move to the suburbs and urban areas. Rural communities feel left behind by the government. That reality is why the Biden Administration has announced an Investing in Rural America series of events in which the President will be traveling across rural parts of the countr...

If you’re in Wisconsin, you’ve probably heard of a wedding barn or event barn. These are barns on private land that a farmer rents out to a private event, such as a wedding or a family reunion. Wedding barns have been legally operating in Wisconsin for over 40 years, according to the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. However, there are a few bills circulating the state Senate that could...

While the National FFA Convention unfolds in Indianapolis, membership in the youth organization is nearing 1 million.  Nate Zimdars talks with elementary school teach, Emma Huber, from Portage.  She's one of the first teachers capitalizing on FFA membership now opened to 6th graders! The 96th National FFA Convention isn't just about competition, it's also about conducting business.  Jill Welke tal...

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative will get up to $50 million from the USDA for the initiative through USDA’s new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The initiative aims to help farmers implement sustainability projects that reduce their carbon footprint, document the improvements and demonstrate value in the supply chain. Edge is spearheading the project ― Farmer-led Climate Smart Comm...

Why are diesel prices high? Well, several plants closed during COVID, and they haven't opened back up because they were dilapidated anyway. The push for EVs and high interest rates have also brought hesitancy to the industry for opening new refineries. Refining delays happen due to labor strains and some lingering supply chain problems for machinery parts. If you can hold off until December/Januar...

It is a lot to juggle the responsibilities of running a farm, working off farm, and being a parent all at the same time, yet this is what many farm families are doing across Wisconsin day in and day out. Lauren Langworthy is a farmer in Northwestern Wisconsin with a full time off farm job and a young daughter. She speaks of the challenges that her and many other farm parents face in finding child...

The University of WIsconsin - River Falls is continuing to develop its agricultural education facilities. River Falls College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) just opened the brand new Wuetrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence. This center will provide state of the art technology and education for students pursuing careers in dairy. Bob Bosold speaks with CAFES D...

The cranberry is a little, red, tart fruit with a big punch, and Wisconsin produces more of this berry than any other state in the U.S. David Bartling, owner of Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Company says they finished harvest two weeks ago and he’s happy with their yields. “We have just under 200 acres and produce an average of nine thousand pounds of cranberries per day during harvest and this...

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has their Annual Meeting every year in December. This year will be their 104th Annual Meeting. This is an opportunity for Farm Bureau members from all across the state to network and vote on policy that shapes the organization. At the same time, the Young Farmers and Agriculturalists also have their Annual Conference. They too have the opportunity to network an...

You might not be as crazy as you think. That noise you hear in your walls and attic that sounds like a bear cub, could actually be a mouse, bat, raccoon or squirrel. For many homeowners, the changing seasons bring with them a common concern – unwanted house guests in the form of insects, rodents, and other critters. These animals often seek shelter from the cold or a place to nest, and they can be...

Organic agriculture has a rich history in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is currently ranked #2 in the nation for organic farms with 1,455 which is 8% of the nation's total. Because of organic agriculture's widespread presence in our state, our elected officials are paying attention to what those farmers need to be successful. Senator Tammy Baldwin has introduced two legislative packages to support organic...

The Dairy Summit is coming Nov. 15 at UW-Platteville, an opportunity to learn about the latest research projects happening through the UW Dairy Innovation Hub. Chris Wilson will be there talking about his experience working with UW-Platteville on virtual grazing methods. They rotationally and intensively graze their 500 cattle across 900 acres. And moving those electric fences around EVERY DAY is...

With rain comes mud. With mud comes dirty tires and the risk of a fine if you track debris onto the road. Lieutenant Bill Berger with the Wisconsin State Patrol reminds us that leaving mud and manure on the road is against the law. He has some strategies for getting mud off those tires before you get on the roadway. The fine is $200.50. It's common that farmers will try to remove mud or manure fro...

Wisconsin ginseng growers are getting ready for their first trade mission trip to China since the pandemic.  Charitee Seebecker visits with Jackie Fett, executive director of the WI Ginseng Growers, about China's version of Valentine's Day that might turn into a super sale opportunity for WI. The tricky weather Wisconsin will be maneuvering through the weekend is causing concerns for anyone managi...

Women’s experience within the dairy industry is very unique. As a way to bring together women of all backgrounds in dairy, the Dairy Girl Network was created. The organization connects women to develop personally and professionally to continue moving dairy forward. The organization is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary. Amanda Borkowski is the partnership lead with Dairy Girl Network. She speaks...

Mayo Clinic. Mr. Beast. And the Dairy Industry. These are probably not something you’d normally say in the same sentence. So how do they go together you may ask? Well Dairy farmers pay 15 cents for every hundred pounds of milk they sell. These are called dairy checkoff dollars and are used to promote the dairy industry. Becky Levzow, Dairy Management Inc Vice Chair says this money is what brings t...

It looks like a laboratory, but with a humid, earthy smell. It's a sterile environment, but there's fungus growing everywhere -- in jars, in bags -- and that's exactly what's supposed to happen! Growing mushrooms is a totally different kind of farming than what you’d normally think of here in Wisconsin. Andrew Griffin’s story of how he got to growing mushrooms is just as unique. He’s a Wisconsin n...

Finding affordable child care is a challenge across Wisconsin, even more so in rural areas. There are many places where there are more children than what a child care provider can support. The struggle facing parents, employers, and communities because of the lack of child care and high costs is overwhelming. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is on the frontlines supporting provide...

The fall and winter months usually bring the cold and flu season. We all know how miserable those days can be. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could know we're getting sick before it becomes full on coughing, runny nose, and surviving strictly on Nyquil? Just like it would be nice to have early warnings of if we’re sick, it’s also helpful to have that early detection in our cows. Michael Goeldi, head of...