Meet John W. Miller, the new president and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He emphasizes that the health of the state depends on the sustainability of its smaller towns. Miller tells Stephanie Hoff the economic challenges ahead aren't just finding workers, but ensuring those workers have a place to call home.

"Affordable housing is actually probably the number one issue that we have in attracting and retaining workers and residents in keeping our rural communities growing," he tells Mid-West Farm Report's Stephanie Hoff. 

The strategy involves "holistic" redevelopment, specifically repurposing iconic, vacant structures like former elementary schools and banks. By providing state grants, the WEDC helps private developers bridge the financial gap that often exists in smaller-market projects.

Meet John W. Miller, the new president and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He emphasizes that the health of the state depends on the sustainability of its smaller towns. Miller tells Stephanie Hoff the economic challenges ahead aren't just finding workers, but ensuring those workers have a place to call home.
"Affordable housing is actually probably the number one issue that we have in attracting and retaining workers and residents in keeping our rural communities growing," he tells Mid-West Farm Report's Stephanie Hoff.&nbsp;
The strategy involves "holistic" redevelopment, specifically repurposing iconic, vacant structures like former elementary schools and banks. By providing state grants, the WEDC helps private developers bridge the financial gap that often exists in smaller-market projects.

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!

Don't Tear It Down! Are Vacant Buildings The Solution For Rural Housing?

A recent USDA report reveals a stark generational divide in agriculture. Of the nearly 350 million acres of rented farmland nationwide, less than 12 percent is owned by anyone under the age of 55. Our guest today says that farmland access and farm transition are two sides of the same coin.

Stephanie Hoff visits with Shelly Rothman, executive director of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project, a nonprofit based in the Upper Fox River Watershed in east-central Wisconsin. They specifically serve Green Lake County and surrounding areas, currently supporting over 40 farms, along with local food businesses and community partners. Shelly says that high land costs make it nearly impossible for new farmers to enter the industry without inheritance. That’s been a primary driver for their new farm transition program. 

To provide resources for farm transitions, Foxhead collaborates with the UW-Madison Division of Extension to use their existing materials and workbooks. Bonnie Warndahl, a farmland access and transition specialist from Renewing the Countryside, has also been a partner of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project. Bonnie is the farmland transition coordinator, and she tells Stephanie what this pilot Farm Transition Program looks like. 

As we wrap up the conversation, Shelly reminded us that farm succession is about so much more than just "handing over the keys" – it’s more complex than that because we’re dealing with a deeply held identity.

Learn more: https://foxheadag.org/

A recent USDA report reveals a stark generational divide in agriculture. Of the nearly 350 million acres of rented farmland nationwide, less than 12 percent is owned by anyone under the age of 55. Our guest today says that farmland access and farm transition are two sides of the same coin.
Stephanie Hoff visits with Shelly Rothman, executive director of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project, a nonprofit based in the Upper Fox River Watershed in east-central Wisconsin. They specifically serve Green Lake County and surrounding areas, currently supporting over 40 farms, along with local food businesses and community partners. Shelly says that high land costs make it nearly impossible for new farmers to enter the industry without inheritance. That&rsquo;s been a primary driver for their new farm transition program.&nbsp;
To provide resources for farm transitions, Foxhead collaborates with the UW-Madison Division of Extension to use their existing materials and workbooks. Bonnie Warndahl, a farmland access and transition specialist from Renewing the Countryside, has also been a partner of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project. Bonnie is the farmland transition coordinator, and she tells Stephanie what this pilot Farm Transition Program looks like.&nbsp;
As we wrap up the conversation, Shelly reminded us that farm succession is about so much more than just "handing over the keys" &ndash; it&rsquo;s more complex than that because we&rsquo;re dealing with a deeply held identity.
Learn more: <a href="https://foxheadag.org/">https://foxheadag.org/</a>

FoxRAP Addresses The Human Side Of Farm Succession

Wolf numbers in Wisconsin continue to grow, increasing concern from livestock owners on depradation.  Jill Welke finds out how Bob Mitchell is working to deal with the conflict.  Mitchell is a member of the WI Cattlemen's Association and also sits on the DNR Wolf Advisory Board.  He explains the science behind how the state looks to manage the wolf population.

High wind advisories are in effect across the state of Wisconsin today through the weekend.  Stu Muck says we'll also have to manage through a mix of precipitation starting Saturday through Monday morning.

On this edition of the Mid-West Ride Along, Pam Jahnke meets patriarch, Ralph Berry, from Berry Farms in Curtiss, WI.  Starting as a dairy that expanded into custom harvesting, Ralph Berry explains the evolution of the equipment he's used to farm his acres and harvest for others.  Schultz's Inter-State Ag, headquartered in Monroe, has been a stalwart partner with Berry Farms.  Jeremy Buchner is a service technician that helps keep things working all around the region.  Although Buchner didn't grow up in agriculture, he's found his passion in helping farms keep rolling.As fewer Wisconsinites come from a farming background, farms must take on the responsibility of educating the public about their operations. 

Ben Jarboe finds out how the Dairy Business Association/Edge Dairy Cooperative engages with town and county officials before they craft limiting ordinances that could stifle agricultural growth.  Erin Tomasik tells Ben Jarboe that they're physically taking farmers with them to key meetings to share what they do daily on the farm, and why.

Wolf numbers in Wisconsin continue to grow, increasing concern from livestock owners on depradation.&nbsp; Jill Welke finds out how Bob Mitchell is working to deal with the conflict.&nbsp; Mitchell is a member of the WI Cattlemen's Association and also sits on the DNR Wolf Advisory Board.&nbsp; He explains the science behind how the state looks to manage the wolf population.
High wind advisories are in effect across the state of Wisconsin today through the weekend.&nbsp; Stu Muck says we'll also have to manage through a mix of precipitation starting Saturday through Monday morning.
On this edition of the Mid-West Ride Along, Pam Jahnke meets patriarch, Ralph Berry, from Berry Farms in Curtiss, WI.&nbsp; Starting as a dairy that expanded into custom harvesting, Ralph Berry explains the evolution of the equipment he's used to farm his acres and harvest for others.&nbsp; Schultz's Inter-State Ag, headquartered in Monroe, has been a stalwart partner with Berry Farms.&nbsp; Jeremy Buchner is a service technician that helps keep things working all around the region.&nbsp; Although Buchner didn't grow up in agriculture, he's found his passion in helping farms keep rolling.As fewer Wisconsinites come from a farming background, farms must take on the responsibility of educating the public about their operations.&nbsp;
Ben Jarboe finds out how the Dairy Business Association/Edge Dairy Cooperative engages with town and county officials before they craft limiting ordinances that could stifle agricultural growth.&nbsp; Erin Tomasik tells Ben Jarboe that they're physically taking farmers with them to key meetings to share what they do daily on the farm, and why.

Delicate Balance Of Wolves And Livestock Plus Another Mid-West Ride Along

As Wisconsin’s potato growers get ready for spring planting, they’re also looking toward their trade associations to promote policy that works for growers, not against them. Mike Wenkel is the COO of the National Potato Council. He tells Stephanie Hoff about his hefty to-do list ahead of the growing season. He’s watching that nutrition definitions are pro-potato; he’s navigating labor reform conversations in Congress; and he’s advocating for market access during a period where we’ve got a big supply of spuds.

As Wisconsin&rsquo;s potato growers get ready for spring planting, they&rsquo;re also looking toward their trade associations to promote policy that works for growers, not against them. Mike Wenkel is the COO of the National Potato Council. He tells Stephanie Hoff about his hefty to-do list ahead of the growing season. He&rsquo;s watching that nutrition definitions are pro-potato; he&rsquo;s navigating labor reform conversations in Congress; and he&rsquo;s advocating for market access during a period where we&rsquo;ve got a big supply of spuds.

Don't Tear It Down! Are Vacant Buildings The Solution For Rural Housing?

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