We’re heading to Airy Point Farms in St. Cloud, Wisconsin, where thousands of dahlias burst into bloom each summer. Nicole and Derek Sippel made the leap from six generations of conventional dairying into agricultural tourism -- hosting U-pick flowers, festivals, and community events. Nicole shares the challenges and opportunities of running a direct-to-consumer business, and why Dahlia Days has become a centerpiece for both beauty and community impact. This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.

We&rsquo;re heading to Airy Point Farms in St. Cloud, Wisconsin, where thousands of dahlias burst into bloom each summer. Nicole and Derek Sippel made the leap from six generations of conventional dairying into agricultural tourism -- hosting U-pick flowers, festivals, and community events. Nicole shares the challenges and opportunities of running a direct-to-consumer business, and why Dahlia Days has become a centerpiece for both beauty and community impact. This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at&nbsp;<a href="https://gowiagtourism.com/">https://gowiagtourism.com/</a>.

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

It's time to find your next ag-venture with the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. Hundreds of Wisconsin specialty crop producers are eager to welcome you to their farms for food, recreation, and education. We're introducing you to these destinations courtesy of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. WATA is increasing the demand for and sales of specialty crops and agricultural tourism experiences through the 'Wisconsin, America's Agricultural Tourism Destination' campaign. Learn more at https://gowiagtourism.com/

It's time to find your next ag-venture with the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. Hundreds of Wisconsin specialty crop producers are eager to welcome you to their farms for food, recreation, and education. We're introducing you to these destinations courtesy of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. WATA is increasing the demand for and sales of specialty crops and agricultural tourism experiences through the 'Wisconsin, America's Agricultural Tourism Destination' campaign. Learn more at <a href="https://gowiagtourism.com/">https://gowiagtourism.com/</a>

Exploring Wisconsin Specialty Crops With WATA

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

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

Dahlias Are Blooming In The Dairyland

There may not be any seed in the ground (yet), but Wisconsin is looking at potentially more acres for soybeans this year!

Dr. Shawn Conley, UW-Madison Extension Soybean Specialist says it's a good time to consider entering the 2026 WI Soybean Marketing Board's Yield Contest.  Planning where you want to plant your contest field, the variety you select, seed treatment, fertilizer - are all in the works.  That's ideal if you want to maximize your yield potential.

Conley says every year there's more growers from different areas of the state that engage in the contest.  Of course there's cash prizes for the top winners in various categories, but there's also a treasure trove of information everyone wins.  He says in 2025 there were 3 growers that broke the 100 bushel to the acre average.  Sharing that information is another magnet for growers.

The contest is funded by farmer checkoff dollars through the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.

There may not be any seed in the ground (yet), but Wisconsin is looking at potentially more acres for soybeans this year!
<a href="https://badgercropnetwork.com/just-facts-jack-soybean-planting-date-seeding-rate-seed-treatment-recommendations/">Dr. Shawn Conley,</a> UW-Madison Extension Soybean Specialist says it's a good time to consider entering the 2026 <a href="https://wisoybean.org/wsa/yield-contest/">WI Soybean Marketing Board's Yield Contest</a>.&nbsp; Planning where you want to plant your contest field, the variety you select, seed treatment, fertilizer - are all in the works.&nbsp; That's ideal if you want to maximize your yield potential.
Conley says every year there's more growers from different areas of the state that engage in the contest.&nbsp; Of course there's cash prizes for the top winners in various categories, but there's also a treasure trove of information everyone wins.&nbsp; He says in 2025 there were 3 growers that broke the 100 bushel to the acre average.&nbsp; Sharing that information is another magnet for growers.
The contest is funded by farmer checkoff dollars through the <a href="https://wisoybean.org/wsmb/">Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.</a>

WI Soybean Yield Contest Returns For 2026 - Conley

Madison, Wisconsin becomes the center of the equine world.  The Midwest Horse Fair returns to the Alliant Energy Center this weekend.  Bob Bosold visits with executive director, Terri Giannetti, talks about the varied horse breeds that will be featured, and some of the hands-on learning opportunities they'll offer.  Giannetti says they're using every available inch of space on the grounds for the show.

Wisconsin's picking itself up after a nasty set of storms overnight.  Stu Muck recaps some of the reports, and tells us about more wet weather on the way.

It's a Wyffels Wednesday with Brent Tharp, technical products manager for Wyffels Hybrids.  Ben Jarboe discusses planting progress so far in the corn belt, and the wet conditions being faced.  Tharp says patience will pay off.  He's advising not to make any missteps this spring given the cost of seed and fertilizer.  Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.

The American Farm Bureau has released a nationwide survey on fertilizer prices and how farms are dealing with the expense.  Pam Jahnke reports that 70% of the more than 5,000 respondents said they won't be able to afford all the fertilizer they need for this growing season.

The Wisconsin Beef Council sponsored the Best Beef Entree award at the recent Wisconsin ProStart Invitational, inspiring the next generation of culinary leaders. Brady Weiland, a beef and dairy producer from Columbus, tells Stephanie Hoff about the experience as a judge, and tasting the creative ways that students prepared decadent beef dishes. He also gives us a firsthand look at why representing the dairy perspective on the state checkoff board is vital for the entire beef industry's success. Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association.

Madison, Wisconsin becomes the center of the equine world.&nbsp; The Midwest Horse Fair returns to the Alliant Energy Center this weekend.&nbsp; Bob Bosold visits with executive director, Terri Giannetti, talks about the varied horse breeds that will be featured, and some of the hands-on learning opportunities they'll offer.&nbsp; Giannetti says they're using every available inch of space on the grounds for the show.
Wisconsin's picking itself up after a nasty set of storms overnight.&nbsp; Stu Muck recaps some of the reports, and tells us about more wet weather on the way.
It's a Wyffels Wednesday with Brent Tharp, technical products manager for Wyffels Hybrids.&nbsp; Ben Jarboe discusses planting progress so far in the corn belt, and the wet conditions being faced.&nbsp; Tharp says patience will pay off.&nbsp; He's advising not to make any missteps this spring given the cost of seed and fertilizer.&nbsp; Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.
The American Farm Bureau has released a nationwide survey on fertilizer prices and how farms are dealing with the expense.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke reports that 70% of the more than 5,000 respondents said they won't be able to afford all the fertilizer they need for this growing season.
The Wisconsin Beef Council sponsored the Best Beef Entree award at the recent Wisconsin ProStart Invitational, inspiring the next generation of culinary leaders. Brady Weiland, a beef and dairy producer from Columbus, tells Stephanie Hoff about the experience as a judge, and tasting the creative ways that students prepared decadent beef dishes. He also gives us a firsthand look at why representing the dairy perspective on the state checkoff board is vital for the entire beef industry's success. Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association.

Midwest Horse Fair Is Coming And Beef Producers Help Future Chefs

Pictured: Steve with his family.

During Steve Van Lannen's 30 plus years in the meat industry, he ran packing companies in six states but spent most of his career in Wisconsin, most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group. Through innovation and forward thinking his leadership brought growth and diversity to the companies he worked for. An advocate of education, he mentored employees and students at the high school and collegiate level. He tells Stephanie Hoff about the journey to the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame.

Pictured: Steve with his family.
During Steve Van Lannen's 30 plus years in the meat industry, he ran packing companies in six states but spent most of his career in Wisconsin, most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group. Through innovation and forward thinking his leadership brought growth and diversity to the companies he worked for. An advocate of education, he mentored employees and students at the high school and collegiate level. He tells Stephanie Hoff about the journey to the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame.

Dahlias Are Blooming In The Dairyland

Exploring Wisconsin Specialty Crops With WATA

In 2 playlist(s)

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips