Tyler Witt joins us from Shearwell Data. Tyler is based in Nebraska, where his family runs a ranch in the Sandhills region. Nebraska was one of the latest states to detect a highly pathogenic avian influenza case in dairy cattle. We’ve also got new world screwworm knocking on the door, detected just 70 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. How does the threat of disease underline the need for animal identification and EASE of animal identification?

Tyler Witt joins us from Shearwell Data. Tyler is based in Nebraska, where his family runs a ranch in the Sandhills region. Nebraska was one of the latest states to detect a highly pathogenic avian influenza case in dairy cattle. We&rsquo;ve also got new world screwworm knocking on the door, detected just 70 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. How does the threat of disease underline the need for animal identification and EASE of animal identification?

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!

Ease Of Animal ID Can Make A Difference

The Wisconsin Honey Producers Association launched its Youth Scholar Program in 2020 to recruit younger beekeepers into an aging industry by providing 12–18-year-olds with equipment, bees, and a two-year mentor they can retain after completing program requirements. The association now has 18 graduates, with more applicants seeking spots for next year, explains board member Stephanie Slater. Beekeeping’s physical demands and its traditionally generational nature contribute to the shortage of young producers, making the program’s role more critical. Graduates have stayed involved through continued beekeeping, event presentations, and even participation in the Wisconsin Honey Queen program.

The Wisconsin Honey Producers Association launched its Youth Scholar Program in 2020 to recruit younger beekeepers into an aging industry by providing 12&ndash;18-year-olds with equipment, bees, and a two-year mentor they can retain after completing program requirements. The association now has 18 graduates, with more applicants seeking spots for next year, explains board member Stephanie Slater. Beekeeping&rsquo;s physical demands and its traditionally generational nature contribute to the shortage of young producers, making the program&rsquo;s role more critical. Graduates have stayed involved through continued beekeeping, event presentations, and even participation in the Wisconsin Honey Queen program.

Wisconsin Honey Producers Continue Youth Investment

Policy discussions, such as "Make America Healthy Again," and consumer trends, such as the "clean label" movement, are dominant forces in the food industry. The meat sector is actively responding, according to Division of Extension meat specialist Jeff Sindelar.

Sindelar says the movement is particularly relevant to the meat industry because the product naturally starts as a whole food. 

"I think that the meat industry fits really well in that movement because meat itself comes from animals," he said. Cuts like steaks and pork chops "have very little processing."

Policy discussions, such as "Make America Healthy Again," and consumer trends, such as the "clean label" movement, are dominant forces in the food industry. The meat sector is actively responding, according to Division of Extension meat specialist Jeff Sindelar.
Sindelar says the movement is particularly relevant to the meat industry because the product naturally starts as a whole food.&nbsp;
"I think that the meat industry fits really well in that movement because meat itself comes from animals," he said. Cuts like steaks and pork chops "have very little processing."

How Does Meat Fit Into MAHA?

Today, we head to Aissen Tree Farm, a family operation rooted in Kewaunee County since 1988. For 36 years, Jeff Aissen and his family have grown hand-tended Christmas trees across 70 acres of rolling hills just south of Luxemburg. Their choose-and-cut farm is known for its handcrafted wreaths and greens, a full Christmas gift shop, and a holiday experience that blends tradition with comfort. Visitors can browse 40 themed trees and more than 7,000 ornaments, sip complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider, and let the kids explore a life-size gingerbread playhouse. If you haven’t experienced a real Christmas tree farm, this season is the time to do it. The fragrance, the tradition, and the memories you make can’t be replicated. Agricultural tourism is more than a day trip. It’s a powerful, viable business model for farms across Wisconsin. Learn more at gowiagtourism.com. 

Today, we head to Aissen Tree Farm, a family operation rooted in Kewaunee County since 1988. For 36 years, Jeff Aissen and his family have grown hand-tended Christmas trees across 70 acres of rolling hills just south of Luxemburg. Their choose-and-cut farm is known for its handcrafted wreaths and greens, a full Christmas gift shop, and a holiday experience that blends tradition with comfort. Visitors can browse 40 themed trees and more than 7,000 ornaments, sip complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider, and let the kids explore a life-size gingerbread playhouse. If you haven&rsquo;t experienced a real Christmas tree farm, this season is the time to do it. The fragrance, the tradition, and the memories you make can&rsquo;t be replicated. Agricultural tourism is more than a day trip. It&rsquo;s a powerful, viable business model for farms across Wisconsin. Learn more at gowiagtourism.com.&nbsp;

Ease Of Animal ID Can Make A Difference

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