Bruce Peterson explains the over 150 years of history of Fair Oaks Farm in Fon du Lac County. He says that surviving through the 80's and watching the community come together to help each other after terrible events are some of the fondest memories that he has.

Bruce Peterson explains the over 150 years of history of Fair Oaks Farm in Fon du Lac County. He says that surviving through the 80's and watching the community come together to help each other after terrible events are some of the fondest memories that he has.

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

.In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair, the Mid-West Farm report is highlighting Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award winners. 

.In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair, the Mid-West Farm report is highlighting Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award winners.

Wisconsin Century & Sesquicentennial Farm Salute

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

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

Bruce Peterson Fair Oaks Farm- Fon du Lac County Century and Sesquicentennial Farm

If you can recall old Christmas movies, imagine Santa’s curly white beard. That was likely made from Leicester Longwool fleece. The Leicester Longwools are a rare, heritage breed of sheep. This year, they took center stage at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival with their card grading event. Aby Breed chaired the event. She says this evaluation is important for breeders to learn how to keep those true Leicester Longwool traits in their flock.

If you can recall old Christmas movies, imagine Santa’s curly white beard. That was likely made from Leicester Longwool fleece. The Leicester Longwools are a rare, heritage breed of sheep. This year, they took center stage at the Wisconsin Sheep &amp; Wool Festival with their card grading event. Aby Breed chaired the event. She says this evaluation is important for breeders to learn how to keep those true Leicester Longwool traits in their flock.

Shiny Sheep With Long Hair -- A Special Feature This Year

Rick Zemlicka’s family sesquicentennial farm in Iowa County, has been a cornerstone of his heritage since his great-great-grandfather purchased the original 80 acres in 1874. Arriving from Bohemia with his parents in 1860, his ancestor expanded the farm to 320 acres over the years. The original farmstead included basic buildings and facilities for a modest mixed operation with cows, pigs, chickens, and a large garden. Despite facing significant challenges, including the tragic loss of his great-great-grandfather’s oldest son in 1895 and hardships during the Great Depression, the farm has persevered. Rick’s great-grandfather rebuilt the barn and house in the early 1920s, and these structures still stand today. Rick reflects fondly on childhood memories, such as playing near his father’s plowing and enjoying time with cousins in the creeks. The farm remains a vital part of his life, and he hopes it will continue to be passed down to future generations.

Rick Zemlicka’s family sesquicentennial farm in Iowa County, has been a cornerstone of his heritage since his great-great-grandfather purchased the original 80 acres in 1874. Arriving from Bohemia with his parents in 1860, his ancestor expanded the farm to 320 acres over the years. The original farmstead included basic buildings and facilities for a modest mixed operation with cows, pigs, chickens, and a large garden. Despite facing significant challenges, including the tragic loss of his great-great-grandfather’s oldest son in 1895 and hardships during the Great Depression, the farm has persevered. Rick’s great-grandfather rebuilt the barn and house in the early 1920s, and these structures still stand today. Rick reflects fondly on childhood memories, such as playing near his father’s plowing and enjoying time with cousins in the creeks. The farm remains a vital part of his life, and he hopes it will continue to be passed down to future generations.

Rick Zemlicka - Iowa County Sesquicentennial Farm

With the fall semester starting, UW-River Falls’ College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is ready for another year of hands-on education, shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Even though enrollment hasn’t changed much, CAFES Dean Mike Orth shares that interest in important agriculture programs is picking up.

"Our companion animal science program, which is relatively new, has really surged in popularity, especially among pre-vet students," Orth stated.

The university’s equine science program is also thriving, as it remains the only one in Wisconsin with its own equine farm. "The program, particularly our ranch horse initiative, has gained significant interest nationwide," added Orth. "It’s a field that continues to grow in popularity, especially in regions where equestrian activities are integral to the community."

While most agricultural majors have remained stable, there has been a slight downturn in the agricultural economics field. However, Orth noted the college's commitment to adapting its programs to meet industry demands. One example is the introduction of an environmental engineering program, which, though small, is seeing consistent growth. "We also recently approved a new community and environmental planning major, which is generating a lot of excitement," Orth shared.

With the fall semester starting, UW-River Falls’ College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is ready for another year of hands-on education, shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Even though enrollment hasn’t changed much, CAFES Dean Mike Orth shares that interest in important agriculture programs is picking up.
"Our companion animal science program, which is relatively new, has really surged in popularity, especially among pre-vet students," Orth stated.
The university’s equine science program is also thriving, as it remains the only one in Wisconsin with its own equine farm. "The program, particularly our ranch horse initiative, has gained significant interest nationwide," added Orth. "It’s a field that continues to grow in popularity, especially in regions where equestrian activities are integral to the community."
While most agricultural majors have remained stable, there has been a slight downturn in the agricultural economics field. However, Orth noted the college's commitment to adapting its programs to meet industry demands. One example is the introduction of an environmental engineering program, which, though small, is seeing consistent growth. "We also recently approved a new community and environmental planning major, which is generating a lot of excitement," Orth shared.

Bruce Peterson Fair Oaks Farm- Fon du Lac County Century and Sesquicentennial Farm

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