While the buzz has largely been on the national scene with department cuts and program elimination, here in Wisconsin work is quietly ongoing to craft budget plans and programs.  Ben Jarboe gets an update on one senator's perspective and objectives. Senator Brad Pfaff grew up in agriculture and was temporary Secretary of Agriculture at WDATCP.  He explains to Jarboe what his targets are for agriculture policy and programs moving forward with big emphasis on rural healthcare and more domestic use of products.

We've got a little bit of everything coming to Wisconsin weatherwise this week.  Stu Muck breaks down what clothes you'll need to stay warm.

Sandy Madland is a first generation dairy farmer that shares her voice on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board of directors.  Madland farms outside of Lyndon Station but grew up in the West Allis area - removed from agriculture.  She tells Charitee Seebecker about the ongoing programs farmers and consumers may notice that elevate awareness of Wisconsin dairy including the current campaign with the WIAA sporting events.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Most of us plan and look forward to retirement, but that may not be the case for farmers.  Their identity is tied with the farm, the livestock, the daily tasks they perform and it can be tough to decouple from all that.  Stephanie Hoff takes a closer look at how to deal with those challenges, and what options might work with University of Missouri Extension Farm Transition Specialist Wesley Tucker.  Tucker was a guest at the Professional Dairy Producers annual business meeting in Madison.  He says he helps explain ways individuals can maintain their identity as a farmer after "retirement" by transitioning to a role as an advisor/coach/mentor. They may even have more value in this position than when they were calling the shots. It's rare for a farmer to be able to let go of the farm completely. From a mental health standpoint, they need to have a sense of purpose with the farm.