Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is pushing a bill that would allow the organization to provide members with a health coverage plan option. Executive Director of Governmental Relations Jason Mugnaini says they aim to reach growers with unique and affordable health insurance that they wouldn’t already be eligible for. Seven other state Farm Bureaus currently operate in this model. The bill asks the state Legislature to exempt Farm Bureau from state insurance regulation to allow the model, offered only by state Farm Bureaus, such as Tennessee and Iowa. Mugnaini says Farm Bureau members in those states have seen premiums up to 60 percent lower than comparable subsidized plans.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is pushing a bill that would allow the organization to provide members with a health coverage plan option. Executive Director of Governmental Relations Jason Mugnaini says they aim to reach growers with unique and affordable health insurance that they wouldn’t already be eligible for. Seven other state Farm Bureaus currently operate in this model. The bill asks the state Legislature to exempt Farm Bureau from state insurance regulation to allow the model, offered only by state Farm Bureaus, such as Tennessee and Iowa. Mugnaini says Farm Bureau members in those states have seen premiums up to 60 percent lower than comparable subsidized plans.

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!

Farm Bureau's Health Care Plan Awaits Committee Votes

As Wisconsin’s open enrollment period for health insurance begins, Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek is encouraging farmers and families across the state to take action. With approximately 312,000 Wisconsin residents uninsured, Houdek stresses the importance of exploring affordable health coverage options now.

"While Wisconsin is fortunate to have a competitive health insurance market, there are still many people without coverage," Houdek said. "This open enrollment period is the perfect time to explore the options available for you and your family."

The open enrollment period for individual and family health insurance runs through January 15. However, to ensure coverage starts on January 1, applications must be submitted by December 15. Houdek urges residents to act sooner rather than later.

As Wisconsin’s open enrollment period for health insurance begins, Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek is encouraging farmers and families across the state to take action. With approximately 312,000 Wisconsin residents uninsured, Houdek stresses the importance of exploring affordable health coverage options now.
"While Wisconsin is fortunate to have a competitive health insurance market, there are still many people without coverage," Houdek said. "This open enrollment period is the perfect time to explore the options available for you and your family."
The open enrollment period for individual and family health insurance runs through January 15. However, to ensure coverage starts on January 1, applications must be submitted by December 15. Houdek urges residents to act sooner rather than later.

Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

What do a high-performance car and a dairy cow have in common? Well, it’s all about the details. A luxury car needs the right road and maintenance to perform at its best. Similarly, dairy cows need proper care, environment, and management to reach their full potential. Chlem Nash, Technical Manager for Novus International, highlights the importance of this connection. Advancements in genetics and nutrition have driven impressive gains in dairy production. Nash believes we must focus on the next step. Improving management and housing will support these powerhouse animals for long-term success.

"In the last 40 years, cows have become genetic powerhouses, producing twice as much milk as they did decades ago," Nash explained. "However, despite these advancements, we’re seeing more health issues, including increased lameness and reduced fertility. It’s like taking a Mercedes-Benz and putting it on a gravel road—it might look good, but it won’t perform well without the proper road and maintenance."

What do a high-performance car and a dairy cow have in common? Well, it’s all about the details. A luxury car needs the right road and maintenance to perform at its best. Similarly, dairy cows need proper care, environment, and management to reach their full potential. Chlem Nash, Technical Manager for Novus International, highlights the importance of this connection. Advancements in genetics and nutrition have driven impressive gains in dairy production. Nash believes we must focus on the next step. Improving management and housing will support these powerhouse animals for long-term success.
"In the last 40 years, cows have become genetic powerhouses, producing twice as much milk as they did decades ago," Nash explained. "However, despite these advancements, we’re seeing more health issues, including increased lameness and reduced fertility. It’s like taking a Mercedes-Benz and putting it on a gravel road—it might look good, but it won’t perform well without the proper road and maintenance."

High-Performance Cows: The Sports Cars of Dairy Farming

Philip Schroeder’s family farm in Sauk County has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, with the original deed tied to the War of 1812. Purchased by his family in 1874, the farm has seen its share of challenges, including a legal battle over a 40-acre parcel in 1923. Throughout the years, the farm has remained a staple of dairy production, with Philip continuing the tradition until his retirement in 2008. Today, the property remains largely unchanged, with the same historic buildings and a focus on preserving the legacy his family has worked hard to maintain for generations. The farm’s sesquicentennial celebration honors both its history and its enduring place in the community.

Philip Schroeder’s family farm in Sauk County has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, with the original deed tied to the War of 1812. Purchased by his family in 1874, the farm has seen its share of challenges, including a legal battle over a 40-acre parcel in 1923. Throughout the years, the farm has remained a staple of dairy production, with Philip continuing the tradition until his retirement in 2008. Today, the property remains largely unchanged, with the same historic buildings and a focus on preserving the legacy his family has worked hard to maintain for generations. The farm’s sesquicentennial celebration honors both its history and its enduring place in the community.

Farm Bureau's Health Care Plan Awaits Committee Votes

In 1 playlist(s)

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips