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 of a changing agricultural landscape.

After graduating from St. John&rsquo;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&rsquo;s 1900 acre, 100 head dairy farm, but that didn&rsquo;t mean things were easy. Rusty reminds us of the importance of resilience in the face of a changing agricultural landscape.

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!

A Retired Farmer's Advice To Today's Farmer

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 record, the thought of getting targeted by immigration officials keeps Ashley Zwald up at night, Pam Jahnke reports.

The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for a beautiful day before April showers and cooler temperatures arrive mid-week.

The "BeSure!" campaign by Bayer promotes best management practices for treating seeds with neonicotinoids to protect pollinators. It advises farmers on handling treated seeds, minimizing dust, and protecting flowering habitats. Pam Jahnke gets the details from Lillian Brzostowski.

Austin Gellings, senior director of agriculture at AEM, says due to tight margins, farmers are choosing to buy used equipment instead of new machinery. This shift is pushing manufacturers to explore new ways to stay competitive and support farmers’ needs, he tells Ben Jarboe. One key strategy is developing retrofit technologies that allow farmers to upgrade older equipment instead of replacing it.

Rusty Volk highlights the financial shifts of the late 70s and early 80s, that forced many, including himself, to exit the industry. His tells Kiley Allan his primary advice for modern farmers facing turbulence is to look 15 years ahead rather than dwelling on the past. He calls for support of youth education in agriculture to ensure the future of the industry.

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 record, the thought of getting targeted by immigration officials keeps Ashley Zwald up at night, Pam Jahnke reports.
The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for a beautiful day before April showers and cooler temperatures arrive mid-week.
The "BeSure!" campaign by Bayer promotes best management practices for treating seeds with neonicotinoids to protect pollinators. It advises farmers on handling treated seeds, minimizing dust, and protecting flowering habitats. Pam Jahnke gets the details from Lillian Brzostowski.
Austin Gellings, senior director of agriculture at AEM, says due to tight margins, farmers are choosing to buy used equipment instead of new machinery. This shift is pushing manufacturers to explore new ways to stay competitive and support farmers&rsquo; needs, he tells Ben Jarboe. One key strategy is developing retrofit technologies that allow farmers to upgrade older equipment instead of replacing it.
Rusty Volk highlights the financial shifts of the late 70s and early 80s, that forced many, including himself, to exit the industry. His tells Kiley Allan his primary advice for modern farmers facing turbulence is to look 15 years ahead rather than dwelling on the past. He calls for support of youth education in agriculture to ensure the future of the industry.

Nurturing, Adapting & Educating To Continue Strong Ag Industry

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.

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.

Weather Confuses Humans and Fish & Airbrushed Custom Lures

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 the dairy industry has shifted its perspective on calves, moving from seeing them as future earners to recognizing them as the immediate, high-value "future of the farm." 
Julie Schroeder, Co-Founder of Sheboygan and Fond du Lac County REKO Rings, explains how the online farmer's markets that allow consumers to access local food year-round. She tells Kiley Allan the system operates through private Facebook groups where local farmers and small businesses post their weekly availability; customers order by commenting directly on posts and prepaying the vendor. Unlike traditional markets that require hours of setup and uncertain sales, REKO rings feature a 30-minute drive-through pickup window where farmers only bring items that are already sold.

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&rsquo;ll enjoy a warm front. Veterinarian Kendra Wells with Valley Veterinary Clinic tells Stephanie Hoff that the dairy industry has shifted its perspective on calves, moving from seeing them as future earners to recognizing them as the immediate, high-value "future of the farm."&nbsp; Julie Schroeder, Co-Founder of Sheboygan and Fond du Lac County REKO Rings, explains how the online farmer's markets that allow consumers to access local food year-round. She tells Kiley Allan the system operates through private Facebook groups where local farmers and small businesses post their weekly availability; customers order by commenting directly on posts and prepaying the vendor. Unlike traditional markets that require hours of setup and uncertain sales, REKO rings feature a 30-minute drive-through pickup window where farmers only bring items that are already sold.

A Retired Farmer's Advice To Today's Farmer

In 1 playlist(s)

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips