The Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival returns September 25–28, 2025, offering a bigger and more flavorful celebration than ever before. This four-day event showcases Wisconsin’s world-renowned cheesemaking heritage through hands-on activities, exclusive excursions, and unforgettable tasting experiences. Designed for both devoted cheese enthusiasts and curious foodies, the festival highlights the artistry, passion, and innovation of Wisconsin’s award-winning cheesemakers—making it a true cheese lover’s dream.

Beyond the experience, the festival plays a vital role in marketing Wisconsin Dairy. By drawing attention to the state’s unmatched tradition of quality and craftsmanship, it strengthens pride in local dairy, attracts visitors from across the country, and reinforces Wisconsin’s reputation as the leader in cheesemaking.

Marathon county dairy farmer and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board member, Jessica Pralle-Trimner, explains why tickets to this event will be a hot commodity!

The <a href="https://wisconsincheese.com/art-of-cheese">Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival </a>returns September 25&ndash;28, 2025, offering a bigger and more flavorful celebration than ever before. This four-day event showcases Wisconsin&rsquo;s world-renowned cheesemaking heritage through hands-on activities, exclusive excursions, and unforgettable tasting experiences. Designed for both devoted cheese enthusiasts and curious foodies, the festival highlights the artistry, passion, and innovation of Wisconsin&rsquo;s award-winning cheesemakers&mdash;making it a true cheese lover&rsquo;s dream.
Beyond the experience, the festival plays a vital role in marketing <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Wisconsin Dairy.</a> By drawing attention to the state&rsquo;s unmatched tradition of quality and craftsmanship, it strengthens pride in local dairy, attracts visitors from across the country, and reinforces Wisconsin&rsquo;s reputation as the leader in cheesemaking.
Marathon county dairy farmer and <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin</a> board member, Jessica Pralle-Trimner, explains why tickets to this event will be a hot commodity!

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

More than $32 million in dairy farmer generated funds are managed by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW).  Headquartered in Madison, DFW focuses on enhancing the value of all Wisconsin produced dairy products.

Ultimately the goal is to return those dairy invested dollars back to the farm gate.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with farmers and consumers to take them behind the curtain of marketing, analytics, and consumer trends to try and show them the value generated on their behalf.

This program is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Here Comes The WI Art Of Cheese Festival - Jessica Pralle-Trimner

A recent USDA report reveals a stark generational divide in agriculture. Of the nearly 350 million acres of rented farmland nationwide, less than 12 percent is owned by anyone under the age of 55. Our guest today says that farmland access and farm transition are two sides of the same coin.

Stephanie Hoff visits with Shelly Rothman, executive director of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project, a nonprofit based in the Upper Fox River Watershed in east-central Wisconsin. They specifically serve Green Lake County and surrounding areas, currently supporting over 40 farms, along with local food businesses and community partners. Shelly says that high land costs make it nearly impossible for new farmers to enter the industry without inheritance. That’s been a primary driver for their new farm transition program. 

To provide resources for farm transitions, Foxhead collaborates with the UW-Madison Division of Extension to use their existing materials and workbooks. Bonnie Warndahl, a farmland access and transition specialist from Renewing the Countryside, has also been a partner of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project. Bonnie is the farmland transition coordinator, and she tells Stephanie what this pilot Farm Transition Program looks like. 

As we wrap up the conversation, Shelly reminded us that farm succession is about so much more than just "handing over the keys" – it’s more complex than that because we’re dealing with a deeply held identity.

Learn more: https://foxheadag.org/

A recent USDA report reveals a stark generational divide in agriculture. Of the nearly 350 million acres of rented farmland nationwide, less than 12 percent is owned by anyone under the age of 55. Our guest today says that farmland access and farm transition are two sides of the same coin.
Stephanie Hoff visits with Shelly Rothman, executive director of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project, a nonprofit based in the Upper Fox River Watershed in east-central Wisconsin. They specifically serve Green Lake County and surrounding areas, currently supporting over 40 farms, along with local food businesses and community partners. Shelly says that high land costs make it nearly impossible for new farmers to enter the industry without inheritance. That&rsquo;s been a primary driver for their new farm transition program.&nbsp;
To provide resources for farm transitions, Foxhead collaborates with the UW-Madison Division of Extension to use their existing materials and workbooks. Bonnie Warndahl, a farmland access and transition specialist from Renewing the Countryside, has also been a partner of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project. Bonnie is the farmland transition coordinator, and she tells Stephanie what this pilot Farm Transition Program looks like.&nbsp;
As we wrap up the conversation, Shelly reminded us that farm succession is about so much more than just "handing over the keys" &ndash; it&rsquo;s more complex than that because we&rsquo;re dealing with a deeply held identity.
Learn more: <a href="https://foxheadag.org/">https://foxheadag.org/</a>

FoxRAP Addresses The Human Side Of Farm Succession

Wolf numbers in Wisconsin continue to grow, increasing concern from livestock owners on depradation.  Jill Welke finds out how Bob Mitchell is working to deal with the conflict.  Mitchell is a member of the WI Cattlemen's Association and also sits on the DNR Wolf Advisory Board.  He explains the science behind how the state looks to manage the wolf population.

High wind advisories are in effect across the state of Wisconsin today through the weekend.  Stu Muck says we'll also have to manage through a mix of precipitation starting Saturday through Monday morning.

On this edition of the Mid-West Ride Along, Pam Jahnke meets patriarch, Ralph Berry, from Berry Farms in Curtiss, WI.  Starting as a dairy that expanded into custom harvesting, Ralph Berry explains the evolution of the equipment he's used to farm his acres and harvest for others.  Schultz's Inter-State Ag, headquartered in Monroe, has been a stalwart partner with Berry Farms.  Jeremy Buchner is a service technician that helps keep things working all around the region.  Although Buchner didn't grow up in agriculture, he's found his passion in helping farms keep rolling.As fewer Wisconsinites come from a farming background, farms must take on the responsibility of educating the public about their operations. 

Ben Jarboe finds out how the Dairy Business Association/Edge Dairy Cooperative engages with town and county officials before they craft limiting ordinances that could stifle agricultural growth.  Erin Tomasik tells Ben Jarboe that they're physically taking farmers with them to key meetings to share what they do daily on the farm, and why.

Wolf numbers in Wisconsin continue to grow, increasing concern from livestock owners on depradation.&nbsp; Jill Welke finds out how Bob Mitchell is working to deal with the conflict.&nbsp; Mitchell is a member of the WI Cattlemen's Association and also sits on the DNR Wolf Advisory Board.&nbsp; He explains the science behind how the state looks to manage the wolf population.
High wind advisories are in effect across the state of Wisconsin today through the weekend.&nbsp; Stu Muck says we'll also have to manage through a mix of precipitation starting Saturday through Monday morning.
On this edition of the Mid-West Ride Along, Pam Jahnke meets patriarch, Ralph Berry, from Berry Farms in Curtiss, WI.&nbsp; Starting as a dairy that expanded into custom harvesting, Ralph Berry explains the evolution of the equipment he's used to farm his acres and harvest for others.&nbsp; Schultz's Inter-State Ag, headquartered in Monroe, has been a stalwart partner with Berry Farms.&nbsp; Jeremy Buchner is a service technician that helps keep things working all around the region.&nbsp; Although Buchner didn't grow up in agriculture, he's found his passion in helping farms keep rolling.As fewer Wisconsinites come from a farming background, farms must take on the responsibility of educating the public about their operations.&nbsp;
Ben Jarboe finds out how the Dairy Business Association/Edge Dairy Cooperative engages with town and county officials before they craft limiting ordinances that could stifle agricultural growth.&nbsp; Erin Tomasik tells Ben Jarboe that they're physically taking farmers with them to key meetings to share what they do daily on the farm, and why.

Delicate Balance Of Wolves And Livestock Plus Another Mid-West Ride Along

As Wisconsin’s potato growers get ready for spring planting, they’re also looking toward their trade associations to promote policy that works for growers, not against them. Mike Wenkel is the COO of the National Potato Council. He tells Stephanie Hoff about his hefty to-do list ahead of the growing season. He’s watching that nutrition definitions are pro-potato; he’s navigating labor reform conversations in Congress; and he’s advocating for market access during a period where we’ve got a big supply of spuds.

As Wisconsin&rsquo;s potato growers get ready for spring planting, they&rsquo;re also looking toward their trade associations to promote policy that works for growers, not against them. Mike Wenkel is the COO of the National Potato Council. He tells Stephanie Hoff about his hefty to-do list ahead of the growing season. He&rsquo;s watching that nutrition definitions are pro-potato; he&rsquo;s navigating labor reform conversations in Congress; and he&rsquo;s advocating for market access during a period where we&rsquo;ve got a big supply of spuds.

Here Comes The WI Art Of Cheese Festival - Jessica Pralle-Trimner

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