The DeLong Company recently expanded with an 800,000-bushel capacity and technological upgrades, allowing vessels to reach markets in Europe faster than ever before. General Manager Doug Kloepping tells Stephanie Hoff that increasing maritime efficiency is a rising tide for the local economy.

The DeLong Company recently expanded with an 800,000-bushel capacity and technological upgrades, allowing vessels to reach markets in Europe faster than ever before. General Manager Doug Kloepping tells Stephanie Hoff that increasing maritime efficiency is a rising tide for the local economy.

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!

Full Steam Ahead At DeLong's Maritime Facility

A tool that dairy farmers have relied on for decades is changing. At the Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference, March 4-5 in Madison, Tom Zwald is going to talk about how to navigate a major industry shift -- the disappearance of BMR corn. BMR corn, or brown midrib corn, is a variety of corn for silage. Tom tells Stephanie Hoff that his family farm, Bomaz Farms in Hammond, has found high-quality alternatives that don’t sacrifice milk production. This boots-on-the-ground experience sharing is one of the reasons Tom has attended the PDP Business Conference since he was a college student.

A tool that dairy farmers have relied on for decades is changing. At the Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference, March 4-5 in Madison, Tom Zwald is going to talk about how to navigate a major industry shift -- the disappearance of BMR corn. BMR corn, or brown midrib corn, is a variety of corn for silage. Tom tells Stephanie Hoff that his family farm, Bomaz Farms in Hammond, has found high-quality alternatives that don&rsquo;t sacrifice milk production. This boots-on-the-ground experience sharing is one of the reasons Tom has attended the PDP Business Conference since he was a college student.

PDP Conference To Explore Life After BMR Corn

The humble potato is getting a makeover as culinary experts work to move the vegetable from a simple side dish to the center of the plate. 

At the "Spud Lab" in Denver, RJ Harvey, Culinary Director for Potatoes USA, is leading a movement to transform how major food brands, universities, and even the medical community view the potato.

He tells Stephanie Hoff that the Spud Lab has identified key functional benefits of potatoes that go beyond flavor. In baked goods, potatoes are proven to improve moisture retention and shelf life, while in savory applications, they serve as "allergen solves." For example, potatoes provide creaminess without dairy or thicken soups without flour (gluten).

More above normal temps on the way today, bringing with it a few showers.  Stu Muck says that will help draw out any frost that may remain in some soils across the state.

A junior from Waunakee High School has become the 2026 WI FFA Auctioneer Champion.  Junie Kierce won this year’s competition and started well in advance preparing.  Kierce tells Ben Jarboe that her activity in public speaking helped out, but that the mentorship from an actual auctioneer was key.  Kierce was paired with Jenny Gehl, a professional auctioneer from SE Wisconsin.  Some of the challenge areas for Kierce were the actual items she had to sell.  She says not knowing what something was used for could've been a big obstacle if it weren't for the support and knowledge of other auctioneers.  Now with the win, she earned the opportunity to attend auctioneering school or compete at the International Junior Auctioneers Championship.

A 3-day weekend didn't improve the attitude of traders apparently.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for an update.  One area that he's monitoring is the run up in soybean oil.  From food to fuel, that commodity is finding many avenues of use.

The humble potato is getting a makeover as culinary experts work to move the vegetable from a simple side dish to the center of the plate.&nbsp; At the "Spud Lab" in Denver, RJ Harvey, Culinary Director for Potatoes USA, is leading a movement to transform how major food brands, universities, and even the medical community view the potato. He tells Stephanie Hoff that the Spud Lab has identified key functional benefits of potatoes that go beyond flavor. In baked goods, potatoes are proven to improve moisture retention and shelf life, while in savory applications, they serve as "allergen solves." For example, potatoes provide creaminess without dairy or thicken soups without flour (gluten). More above normal temps on the way today, bringing with it a few showers.&nbsp; Stu Muck says that will help draw out any frost that may remain in some soils across the state. A junior from Waunakee High School has become the 2026 WI FFA Auctioneer Champion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Junie Kierce won this year&rsquo;s competition and started well in advance preparing.&nbsp; Kierce tells Ben Jarboe that her activity in public speaking helped out, but that the mentorship from an actual auctioneer was key.&nbsp; Kierce was paired with Jenny Gehl, a professional auctioneer from SE Wisconsin.&nbsp; Some of the challenge areas for Kierce were the actual items she had to sell.&nbsp; She says not knowing what something was used for could've been a big obstacle if it weren't for the support and knowledge of other auctioneers.&nbsp; Now with the win, she earned the opportunity to attend auctioneering school or compete at the International Junior Auctioneers Championship. A 3-day weekend didn't improve the attitude of traders apparently.&nbsp; John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for an update.&nbsp; One area that he's monitoring is the run up in soybean oil.&nbsp; From food to fuel, that commodity is finding many avenues of use.

Chef Finds Passion In Potatoes And Soy Oil Rally Is Interesting - Heinberg

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.

Full Steam Ahead At DeLong's Maritime Facility

In 1 playlist(s)

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips