Farm policy, labor shortages, trade disputes, and dairy markets all took center stage in Washington this year. Congressman Derrick Van Orden looks back at what Congress delivered for agriculture in 2025 and previews the fights, fixes, and opportunities he says farmers should be watching closely in 2026.

Farm policy, labor shortages, trade disputes, and dairy markets all took center stage in Washington this year. Congressman Derrick Van Orden looks back at what Congress delivered for agriculture in 2025 and previews the fights, fixes, and opportunities he says farmers should be watching closely in 2026.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

2026 Ag Policy Goals From The Inside

Chelsea Weadge explains how Organic Valley balances seasonal milk fluctuations caused by cows moving off pasture during the winter months. Unlike the conventional market, the cooperative doesn't compete on volume. It maintains its premium pricing by focusing on consumer values. Looking ahead to 2026, the brand is leveraging new grants to modernize its Wisconsin processing plant with a focus on sustainable packaging and high-protein product innovations.

Chelsea Weadge explains how Organic Valley balances seasonal milk fluctuations caused by cows moving off pasture during the winter months. Unlike the conventional market, the cooperative doesn't compete on volume. It maintains its premium pricing by focusing on consumer values. Looking ahead to 2026, the brand is leveraging new grants to modernize its Wisconsin processing plant with a focus on sustainable packaging and high-protein product innovations.

Navigating The Organic Butter Supply Chain

As the average age of farmers continues to rise, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are becoming a growing concern in rural and agricultural communities. Dr. Julie Bobitt an Assistant Professor at the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at the University of Illinois Chicago explains the early warning signs of dementia, how the disease can impact farm safety, and when families may need to reconsider a loved one’s role in daily farm work. She also gives a look into their free Farm Families Coping With Dementia program to help caregivers navigate these trying times.

As the average age of farmers continues to rise, dementia and Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease are becoming a growing concern in rural and agricultural communities. Dr. Julie Bobitt an Assistant Professor at the&nbsp;Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at&nbsp;the University of Illinois Chicago explains the early warning signs of dementia, how the disease can impact farm safety, and when families may need to reconsider a loved one&rsquo;s role in daily farm work. She also gives a look into their free Farm Families Coping With Dementia program to help caregivers navigate these trying times.

How To Cope When Memory Loss Meets Farm Life

Don't let hopes dim on the possibility of getting a Farm Bill done.  That's the encouragement from National Farmers Union President, Rod Larew.  He talks with Bob Bosold about the inches they're gaining in Washington, D.C., and how critical it is that farmer growers continue to voice their needs.

We hit the peak today as far as warm temperatures are concerned.  Stu Muck says from here on out, temps drop and snow starts moving back in.

Consumers vote with their dollars, and they're continuing to vote in the positive for organics.  Wisconsin's a big player in that arena according to Katrina Becker, owner of Cattail Organics and a member of Wisconsin’s Organic Advisory Board.  Ben Jarboe learns that there's a federal bill under consideration that would help shore up and grow the "middle section of agriculture" to maintain and grow that market share.

Farmers' voices DO matter in policy development.  WA Representative and farmer, Dan Newhouse, says that they are making a difference in helping to craft many different policy items in D.C. and he hopes they'll continue to spend time reaching out to elected officials.

There is little good news on the horizon for Wisconsin dairy operators regardless of size.  Matt Tranel, dairy analyst with EverAg explains what the latest news is influencing dairy - which includes the latest global dairy trade direction and new dietary guidelines announced.

Don't let hopes dim on the possibility of getting a Farm Bill done.&nbsp; That's the encouragement from National Farmers Union President, Rod Larew.&nbsp; He talks with Bob Bosold about the inches they're gaining in Washington, D.C., and how critical it is that farmer growers continue to voice their needs. We hit the peak today as far as warm temperatures are concerned.&nbsp; Stu Muck says from here on out, temps drop and snow starts moving back in. Consumers vote with their dollars, and they're continuing to vote in the positive for organics.&nbsp; Wisconsin's a big player in that arena according to Katrina Becker, owner of&nbsp;Cattail Organics&nbsp;and a member of Wisconsin&rsquo;s&nbsp;Organic Advisory Board.&nbsp; Ben Jarboe learns that there's a federal bill under consideration that would help shore up and grow the "middle section of agriculture" to maintain and grow that market share. Farmers' voices DO matter in policy development.&nbsp; WA Representative and farmer, Dan Newhouse, says that they are making a difference in helping to craft many different policy items in D.C. and he hopes they'll continue to spend time reaching out to elected officials.
There is little good news on the horizon for Wisconsin dairy operators regardless of size.&nbsp; Matt Tranel, dairy analyst with EverAg explains what the latest news is influencing dairy - which includes the latest global dairy trade direction and new dietary guidelines announced.

2026 Ag Policy Goals From The Inside

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