Wisconsin’s love for cheese is set to shine once again as the highly anticipated "Cheese, Fair Off the Square" event returns to Madison. With an expanded lineup of cheesemakers and a new location, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better, drawing thousands of cheese enthusiasts from across the region. Rachel Kerr, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joins us for this month’s check in with dairy checkoff to share the excitement and details behind this unique celebration of the  the rich flavors and artistry that define Wisconsin cheese.

Wisconsin’s love for cheese is set to shine once again as the highly anticipated "Cheese, Fair Off the Square" event returns to Madison. With an expanded lineup of cheesemakers and a new location, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better, drawing thousands of cheese enthusiasts from across the region. Rachel Kerr, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joins us for this month’s check in with dairy checkoff to share the excitement and details behind this unique celebration of the  the rich flavors and artistry that define Wisconsin cheese.

More than $32 million in dairy farmer generated funds are managed by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW).  Headquartered in Madison, DFW focuses on enhancing the value of all Wisconsin produced dairy products.

Ultimately the goal is to return those dairy invested dollars back to the farm gate.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with farmers and consumers to take them behind the curtain of marketing, analytics, and consumer trends to try and show them the value generated on their behalf.

This program is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Dairy Farmers of 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.

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!

Cheese Fair Off the Square: A Taste of Wisconsin -Rachel Kerr

As outdoor activities pick up this season, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to stay alert for signs of feral hogs. Jeff Morris, University Extension Swine Specialist, emphasizes the importance of being aware of this invasive species while enjoying the outdoors, whether making firewood or preparing for hunting. Although feral hogs are not a common concern in Wisconsin, Morris points out that certain areas, particularly in the northern counties, may require attention.

While Wisconsin has largely avoided significant issues with feral hogs, Morris warns that these animals pose a real threat, especially in southern states like Texas and Oklahoma. Known for causing extensive damage to crops, land, and property, feral hogs also spread diseases between farms. Morris urges residents to watch for signs of damage, including torn-up soil and destroyed fencing, and to be mindful of any standing corn that may be knocked down. The feral hog population in the U.S. continues to grow, with an estimated six million hogs causing $2.5 billion in annual damage.

As outdoor activities pick up this season, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to stay alert for signs of feral hogs. Jeff Morris, University Extension Swine Specialist, emphasizes the importance of being aware of this invasive species while enjoying the outdoors, whether making firewood or preparing for hunting. Although feral hogs are not a common concern in Wisconsin, Morris points out that certain areas, particularly in the northern counties, may require attention.
While Wisconsin has largely avoided significant issues with feral hogs, Morris warns that these animals pose a real threat, especially in southern states like Texas and Oklahoma. Known for causing extensive damage to crops, land, and property, feral hogs also spread diseases between farms. Morris urges residents to watch for signs of damage, including torn-up soil and destroyed fencing, and to be mindful of any standing corn that may be knocked down. The feral hog population in the U.S. continues to grow, with an estimated six million hogs causing $2.5 billion in annual damage.

The Other Side of Swine: Feral Hogs on the Move

Why is it so important to continue building trust and sharing stories of sustainable dairy farm practices in Wisconsin dairy?

Lisa Ramatowski, vice president of sustainability and export marketing at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says sustainability is not simply a global trend, it’s a lasting commitment that’s changing behaviors right here at home.

Roughly 43% of Midwestern consumers report a willingness to pay more for sustainably sourced food. This is good news for Wisconsin dairy farmers because they're using sustainable practices everyday! Sustainability is simply taking care of the land you love, the community you belong to and the animals you care about.

Research shows consumers' trust in the dairy industry and dairy farmers remains positive and stable. Many Wisconsin residents trust dairy farmers to provide nutritious, safe products, care about the environment and practice humane animal treatment.

Farmers telling their stories directly to consumers helps build connections and maintain consumer trust in dairy as we’ve seen from internal data where 90% of Wisconsinites trust dairy farmers to provide safe and nutritious dairy products.

It doesn't end there!  Additional research has confirmed a few more things about what today's consumers are thinking!  DFW conducted WI consumer research and this research confirmed 2 things. 1. Wisconsinites are proud of their Wisconsin dairy farmers and industry and trust WI dairy farmers 2. And they want to hear what WI dairy farmers are doing on farms, from their voices, on the sustainability practices they’ve implemented on their farms for generations.

For farm families that want to tell their story - Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is ready to help!  Simple examples of common sustainability practices could be:
* Reusing water to chill milk and water cows and crops 
* Balancing cows’ diets with byproducts, such as cotton seeds and brewers’ grains 
* Rotating crops, Planting cover crops, Reducing tillage 
* Creating buffer strips 
* Growing pollinator plots 
* Selecting less water-intensive crops and reducing the use of fertilizers 
* Developing nutrient management programs 
* Providing stable employment with training and advancement opportunities in your local community.

Find resources and sustainability stories now at Wisconsin Dairy.

Why is it so important to continue building trust and sharing stories of sustainable dairy farm practices in Wisconsin dairy?
Lisa Ramatowski, vice president of sustainability and export marketing at <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin </a>says sustainability is not simply a global trend, it’s a lasting commitment that’s changing behaviors right here at home.
Roughly 43% of Midwestern consumers report a willingness to pay more for sustainably sourced food. This is good news for Wisconsin dairy farmers because they're using sustainable practices everyday! Sustainability is simply taking care of the land you love, the community you belong to and the animals you care about.
Research shows consumers' trust in the dairy industry and dairy farmers remains positive and stable. Many Wisconsin residents trust dairy farmers to provide nutritious, safe products, care about the environment and practice humane animal treatment.
Farmers telling their stories directly to consumers helps build connections and maintain consumer trust in dairy as we’ve seen from internal data where 90% of Wisconsinites trust dairy farmers to provide safe and nutritious dairy products.
It doesn't end there!  Additional research has confirmed a few more things about what today's consumers are thinking!  <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">DFW</a> conducted WI consumer research and this research confirmed 2 things. 1. Wisconsinites are proud of their Wisconsin dairy farmers and industry and trust WI dairy farmers 2. And they want to hear what WI dairy farmers are doing on farms, from their voices, on the sustainability practices they’ve implemented on their farms for generations.
For farm families that want to tell their story - <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin</a> is ready to help!  Simple examples of common sustainability practices could be: * Reusing water to chill milk and water cows and crops * Balancing cows’ diets with byproducts, such as cotton seeds and brewers’ grains * Rotating crops, Planting cover crops, Reducing tillage * Creating buffer strips * Growing pollinator plots * Selecting less water-intensive crops and reducing the use of fertilizers * Developing nutrient management programs * Providing stable employment with training and advancement opportunities in your local community.
Find resources and sustainability stories now at <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Wisconsin Dairy.</a>

Sustainability Stories Matter To Buyers Domestically And Abroad - Lisa Ramatowski

Wyffels Hybrids have had an outstanding year performing in the challenge weather that was presented.  Luke Bird, District Sales Manager in Southeast Wisconsin, is proud of not only the yield numbers they've posted against competition, but also the story he shares about the company.

Bird says the fact that Wyffels is a U.S. Farm Family owned and operated company, was a difference maker when he joined the team.

<a href="https://www.wyffels.com/">Wyffels Hybrids</a> have had an outstanding year performing in the challenge weather that was presented.  Luke Bird, District Sales Manager in Southeast Wisconsin, is proud of not only the yield numbers they've posted against competition, but also the story he shares about the company.
Bird says the fact that <a href="https://www.wyffels.com/">Wyffels</a> is a U.S. Farm Family owned and operated company, was a difference maker when he joined the team.

Cheese Fair Off the Square: A Taste of Wisconsin -Rachel Kerr

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