Autonomous machinery has been in the works for years and is currently being used on dairies and mowers. Brian Luck, an associate professor of Biological Systems Engineering for UW- Madison, says that he expects to see autonomous tractors in the fields in the next 3-5 years. He gives a look into what is currently happening in that space and why the idea of more farmers using them is becoming more real.

Autonomous machinery has been in the works for years and is currently being used on dairies and mowers. Brian Luck, an associate professor of Biological Systems Engineering for UW- Madison, says that he expects to see autonomous tractors in the fields in the next 3-5 years. He gives a look into what is currently happening in that space and why the idea of more farmers using them is becoming more real.

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!

Autonomous Tractors Are Coming Soon

Farms and agribusinesses need to stay engaged in conversations.  Not just on the state or national scene, but locally.  Erin Tomasik, community relations manager, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, says there's a growing need to mobilize member farmers at the local level to ensure agricultural policies remain fair, as many local government officials now lack personal backgrounds in farming. Organizations like the Dairy Business Association are focusing on "boots on the ground" strategies to counter misunderstandings regarding manure hauling, road weight limits, and water quality. Local boards are increasingly discussing ordinances and moratoriums targeting Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), often driven by a fear that they have no say in how large-scale farms operate. Groups such as GROWW (Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin) and Midwest Environmental Advocates are providing frameworks to local activists to push for stricter agricultural regulations. While the entire western side of Wisconsin is feeling the pressure—partially due to urban sprawl from Minneapolis—specific areas like St. Croix, Pierce, Crawford, and Portage counties are seeing intense debates.


A little light snow is drifting across the state this morning.  Stu Muck says we'll see wind chills return to our forecasts, but there is a tick up in temperatures expected next week.

So what does the weather prediction model look like for the growing season of 2026?  Ben Jarboe poses that question to Alex Harrington, Chief Meteorologist with WISC-TV in Madison.  Harrington says forecast the whole growing season might be a little premature, but he does say that current modeling points to a wet spring for planting.


Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is encouraging teachers to apply for a grant that could land them a $5,000 hydroponics system.  The goal is to focus on STEM learning skills and hands on experiences in the classroom.  Pam Jahnke explains.


What does halal and kosher really mean?  It's not just marketing, it's a practice focused on specific ethnicities and religious practices.  Abdullah Hussaini is the junior vice president of marketing and a commodity broker with Equity Cooperative Livestock.  He's also a lamb producer himself.  He says as the ethnic make up of Wisconsin and the nation as a whole changes, these niche markets are exploding with opportunity for lamb - IF you know the calendar and how to grow for it.

Farms and agribusinesses need to stay engaged in conversations.&nbsp; Not just on the state or national scene, but locally.&nbsp; Erin Tomasik, community relations manager, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, says there's a growing need to mobilize member farmers at the local level to ensure agricultural policies remain fair, as many local government officials now lack personal backgrounds in farming. Organizations like the Dairy Business Association are focusing on "boots on the ground" strategies to counter misunderstandings regarding manure hauling, road weight limits, and water quality. Local boards are increasingly discussing ordinances and moratoriums targeting Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), often driven by a fear that they have no say in how large-scale farms operate. Groups such as GROWW (Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin) and Midwest Environmental Advocates are providing frameworks to local activists to push for stricter agricultural regulations.&nbsp;While the entire western side of Wisconsin is feeling the pressure&mdash;partially due to urban sprawl from Minneapolis&mdash;specific areas like St. Croix, Pierce, Crawford, and Portage counties are seeing intense debates.
 A little light snow is drifting across the state this morning.&nbsp; Stu Muck says we'll see wind chills return to our forecasts, but there is a tick up in temperatures expected next week.
So what does the weather prediction model look like for the growing season of 2026?&nbsp; Ben Jarboe poses that question to Alex Harrington, Chief Meteorologist with WISC-TV in Madison.&nbsp; Harrington says forecast the whole growing season might be a little premature, but he does say that current modeling points to a wet spring for planting.
 Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is encouraging teachers to apply for a grant that could land them a $5,000 hydroponics system.&nbsp; The goal is to focus on STEM learning skills and hands on experiences in the classroom.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke explains.
 What does halal and kosher really mean?&nbsp; It's not just marketing, it's a practice focused on specific ethnicities and religious practices.&nbsp; Abdullah Hussaini is the junior vice president of marketing and a commodity broker with Equity Cooperative Livestock.&nbsp; He's also a lamb producer himself.&nbsp; He says as the ethnic make up of Wisconsin and the nation as a whole changes, these niche markets are exploding with opportunity for lamb - IF you know the calendar and how to grow for it.

Why Farmers Should Know What Halal And Kosher Mean To Their Markets

For many dairy operators in the state - community is critical.  From community involvement to conservation practices on the farm, it's all connected.  In Wisconsin, 99% of dairy farms are family-owned like David Bangert's dairy operation in Clark County.  His commitment to his community stretch beyond the farm gate.

Bangert believes that in Wisconsin, the WIAA reaches people in a way that really matters. High school sports are the heartbeat of so many Wisconsin communities — whether you live in a rural town or a larger city. Through the WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with tens of thousands of student-athletes, their families, and fans across hundreds of schools statewide. It starts early in the season with sponsored event programs and culminates with the state tournaments. That’s a huge opportunity to remind people that dairy farmers live in these same communities and care about the kids, and their futures. Milk is the official beverage of the WIAA.

Bangert tells Pam Jahnke that he feels confident about the investment being made by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin with the WIAA because it stretches beyond the spot.  Bangert says the WIAA promotes teamwork, leadership, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle, which align perfectly with the dairy community. Milk and dairy foods support growing bodies, strong bones, and active lives. When young athletes see dairy supporting their sports and schools, it reinforces dairy as a natural part of health and performance. Which he firmly believe as a dad, a youth basketball coach, and a dairy farmer.

Find out more about the partnerships paying dividends at wisconsindairy.org.

For many dairy operators in the state - community is critical.&nbsp; From community involvement to conservation practices on the farm, it's all connected.&nbsp; In Wisconsin, 99% of dairy farms are family-owned like David Bangert's dairy operation in Clark County.&nbsp; His commitment to his community stretch beyond the farm gate.
Bangert believes that in Wisconsin, the WIAA reaches people in a way that really matters. High school sports are the heartbeat of so many Wisconsin communities &mdash; whether you live in a rural town or a larger city. Through the WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with tens of thousands of student-athletes, their families, and fans across hundreds of schools statewide. It starts early in the season with sponsored event programs and culminates with the state tournaments. That&rsquo;s a huge opportunity to remind people that dairy farmers live in these same communities and care about the kids, and their futures. Milk is the official beverage of the WIAA.
Bangert tells Pam Jahnke that he feels confident about the investment being made by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin with the WIAA because it stretches beyond the spot.&nbsp; Bangert says the WIAA promotes teamwork, leadership, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle, which align perfectly with the dairy community. Milk and dairy foods support growing bodies, strong bones, and active lives. When young athletes see dairy supporting their sports and schools, it reinforces dairy as a natural part of health and performance. Which he firmly believe as a dad, a youth basketball coach, and a dairy farmer.
Find out more about the partnerships paying dividends at <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Checkoff-at-Work/Promotions">wisconsindairy.org.</a>

Partnerships That Pay - The WIAA And Dairy Farmers of WI - David Bangert

After retiring from professional basketball at age 35, Marcus Landry traded his sneakers for soil to build a multi-species farm, Beulah Family Homestead, near East Troy. He tells Stephanie Hoff about the "all or nothing" mindset that led him to expand from a suburban backyard to a 20-acre homestead (and growing) featuring everything from Highland cattle to Clydesdales. More than just a farm, Marcus also tells Mid-West Farm Report about how his 4-H programs and basketball camps are providing inner-city youth with a holistic path toward entrepreneurship, education, and a better life. And yes, he did use his wife's Cadillac Escalade to haul not just chickens, but sheep!

After retiring from professional basketball at age 35, Marcus Landry traded his sneakers for soil to build a multi-species farm, Beulah Family Homestead, near East Troy. He tells Stephanie Hoff about the "all or nothing" mindset that led him to expand from a suburban backyard to a 20-acre homestead (and growing) featuring everything from Highland cattle to Clydesdales. More than just a farm, Marcus also tells Mid-West Farm Report about how his 4-H programs and basketball camps are providing inner-city youth with a holistic path toward entrepreneurship, education, and a better life. And yes, he did use his wife's Cadillac Escalade to haul not just chickens, but sheep!

Autonomous Tractors Are Coming Soon

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