With low commodity prices and constricted global markets, farmers are under a lot of stress.  John Shutske, Professor and Extension Specialist: Safety Engineering & Agricultural Health, UW-Madison says it's important to remember your mental health resources.  He tells Kiley Allan that high levels of stress are being driven by chaotic trade policies and market unknowns, compounded by a "work harder" agricultural stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.  Waking up in the early morning with racing thoughts is the primary red flag that professional medical intervention is needed. He explains that stress-induced cortisol affects the brain's frontal lobe, leading to poor communication and childish behavior, which can result in a vicious cycle of bad business decisions.

Wisconsin could hit the 60's today - not what you'd expect on February 16th.  Stu Muck says this balmy, mild weather will be the story for most of the week.


Farmers got an early Valentines present on Friday when Glenn "GT" Thompson announced the release of the 2026 Farm Bill.  He's got it on a fast track, with mark up scheduled for February 23rd.  Pam Jahnke visit with Perry Aasness, vice president of legislative affairs for Compeer Financial on what this version contains. Some of the highlights include "fixing" Proposition 12, addressing farm labor needs and programs supporting them, plus creating new partnerships that can help rural infrastructure including things like child care.


Junie Kierce is the state champion of the 2nd annual WI Auctioneering challenge.  She says she only knew about auctioneering after watching shows like "Storage Wars".  Now, she's completed a mentorship with auctioneer, Jenny Gehl, and has become engaged in the profession.


Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production. 

With low commodity prices and constricted global markets, farmers are under a lot of stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;John&nbsp;Shutske, Professor and Extension Specialist: Safety Engineering &amp; Agricultural Health, UW-Madison says it's important to remember your mental health resources.&nbsp; He tells Kiley Allan that high levels of stress are being driven by chaotic trade policies and market unknowns, compounded by a "work harder" agricultural stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Waking up in the early morning with racing thoughts is the primary red flag that professional medical intervention is needed. He explains that stress-induced cortisol affects the brain's frontal lobe, leading to poor communication and childish behavior, which can result in a vicious cycle of bad business decisions. Wisconsin could hit the 60's today - not what you'd expect on February 16th.&nbsp; Stu Muck says this balmy, mild weather will be the story for most of the week.
 Farmers got an early Valentines present on Friday when Glenn "GT" Thompson announced the release of the 2026 Farm Bill.&nbsp; He's got it on a fast track, with mark up scheduled for February 23rd.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke visit with Perry Aasness, vice president of legislative affairs for Compeer Financial on what this version contains. Some of the highlights include "fixing" Proposition 12, addressing farm labor needs and programs supporting them, plus creating new partnerships that can help rural infrastructure including things like child care.
 Junie Kierce is the state champion of the 2nd annual WI Auctioneering challenge.&nbsp; She says she only knew about auctioneering after watching shows like "Storage Wars".&nbsp; Now, she's completed a mentorship with auctioneer, Jenny Gehl, and has become engaged in the profession.
 Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.

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!