As the Wisconsin landscape finally begins to wake up, our local beekeepers are gearing up for a busy season ahead. From hives returning home after a winter down south to the first blooms of spring, there is a lot to track in the world of pollinators. Brooke Nikkila-Sommerfeldt is the Wisconsin State Apiarist and Apiary Program Coordinator. She tells Stephanie Hoff that the state offers free statewide inspections and diagnostics to help keep colonies thriving. Just reach out to the Wisconsin Apiary Program. Brooke also tells us what she knows about bee movement this time of year, especially for honeybees coming back to Wisconsin after working the winter elsewhere.

As the Wisconsin landscape finally begins to wake up, our local beekeepers are gearing up for a busy season ahead. From hives returning home after a winter down south to the first blooms of spring, there is a lot to track in the world of pollinators. Brooke Nikkila-Sommerfeldt is the Wisconsin State Apiarist and Apiary Program Coordinator. She tells Stephanie Hoff that the state offers free statewide inspections and diagnostics to help keep colonies thriving. Just reach out to the Wisconsin Apiary Program. Brooke also tells us what she knows about bee movement this time of year, especially for honeybees coming back to Wisconsin after working the winter elsewhere.

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!

Honeybee Homecoming & Hive Health

From the northern end of the world's longest barn, Bob Bosold shares tales from his trails out West, including what it takes to manage the mule concession in the Grand Canyon. John Berry says these mules not only bring people to the bottom of the canyon, but also provisions for the restaurant and cabin accommodations -- there's really no other way to get down there!

Although it may be dreary this morning across Wisconsin, the sun is supposed to peek through this afternoon, according to the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update.

Are you a commercial or hobbyist grape grower? Plant pathologist Leslie Holland tells Ben Jarboe about the critical need for Wisconsin grape growers to use strategic fungicides with precise timing to combat a resurgence of black rot and downy mildew.

Farm Director Pam Jahnke catches up with The Steffes Group before a big equipment auction today, brought to you courtesy of The Steffes Group.

Alice in Dairyland Sarah Hagenow explains to Kiley Allan how Marathon County’s unique soil and climate produce high-quality ginseng with a potent concentration of ginsenosides. This root is increasingly prized for its distinct bittersweet flavor and immune-boosting properties.

From the northern end of the world's longest barn, Bob Bosold shares tales from his trails out West, including what it takes to manage the mule concession in the Grand Canyon. John Berry says these mules not only bring people to the bottom of the canyon, but also provisions for the restaurant and cabin accommodations -- there's really no other way to get down there! Although it may be dreary this morning across Wisconsin, the sun is supposed to peek through this afternoon, according to the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update. Are you a commercial or hobbyist grape grower? Plant pathologist Leslie Holland tells Ben Jarboe about the critical need for Wisconsin grape growers to use strategic fungicides with precise timing to combat a resurgence of black rot and downy mildew. Farm Director Pam Jahnke catches up with The Steffes Group before a big equipment auction today, brought to you courtesy of The Steffes Group. Alice in Dairyland Sarah Hagenow explains to Kiley Allan how Marathon County&rsquo;s unique soil and climate produce high-quality ginseng with a potent concentration of ginsenosides. This root is increasingly prized for its distinct bittersweet flavor and immune-boosting properties.

This Morning We Talk Mules, Mildew & Marathon County Ginseng

It won't be long before Wisconsin roadways will have some large, heavy equipment heading to the fields.  Safety has to be a paramount concern for the farmers operating it, and the drivers sharing the road.  Kiley Allan gets a refresher course on what to remember from WI State Trooper.

Warmer temps are coming to Wisconsin from Canada.  Stu Muck says there's still a chance for rain in the forecast, and for people farther north - possible snow again.

Farmers are preparing to head to the fields for spring planting.  Once that seed is out of the bag and in the ground - they're committed.  But what happens if their agribusiness partner, which was going to buy that product closes or goes bankrupt before the harvest?  What's their recourse?  Stephanie Hoff talks with Randy Fleishauer of Plover River Farms, Stevens Point.  He currently sits on DATCP's Producer Security Council which is designed to deal with that dilemma, if it happens.  Fleishauer says losing a specialty crop processor disrupts the essential rotation needed for potatoes; without a "place to go" with secondary crops, growers cannot maintain soil health or yield. Unlike row crops like corn or soybeans, canning crops are "timely" and cannot be stored on-farm. If a processor can’t take them, the crop is often disced back into the dirt or sold as cattle feed. And potato growers have limited on-farm storage.  A shift in crop types forces local fertilizer and equipment suppliers to pivot their entire inventory, often driving up costs for the grower due to last-minute supply chain demands.  Fleishauer site the Del Monte bankruptcy last summer as an example of when this council comes into play.

The first crop progress report for 2026 was released on Monday.  Pam Jahnke reports that moisture situations look adequate statewide.  Only about 2% of oats have been seeded so far.

Corn and soybeans have decoupled from the Iran War in the marketplace.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says that's lessened the swings on prices.  Triggers are still out there with crude oil until June, when there appears to be a "break".  Heinberg also notes that live cattle prices continue to climb.  Drier conditions in the west put critical grazing land in question for many cow/calf operators.

It won't be long before Wisconsin roadways will have some large, heavy equipment heading to the fields.&nbsp; Safety has to be a paramount concern for the farmers operating it, and the drivers sharing the road.&nbsp; Kiley Allan gets a refresher course on what to remember from WI State Trooper.
Warmer temps are coming to Wisconsin from Canada.&nbsp; Stu Muck says there's still a chance for rain in the forecast, and for people farther north - possible snow again.
Farmers are preparing to head to the fields for spring planting.&nbsp; Once that seed is out of the bag and in the ground - they're committed.&nbsp; But what happens if their agribusiness partner, which was going to buy that product closes or goes bankrupt before the harvest?&nbsp; What's their recourse?&nbsp; Stephanie Hoff talks with Randy Fleishauer of Plover River Farms, Stevens Point.&nbsp; He currently sits on DATCP's Producer Security Council which is designed to deal with that dilemma, if it happens.&nbsp; Fleishauer says losing a specialty crop processor disrupts the essential rotation needed for potatoes; without a "place to go" with secondary crops, growers cannot maintain soil health or yield. Unlike row crops like corn or soybeans, canning crops are "timely" and cannot be stored on-farm. If a processor can&rsquo;t take them, the crop is often disced back into the dirt or sold as cattle feed. And potato growers have limited on-farm storage.&nbsp;&nbsp;A shift in crop types forces local fertilizer and equipment suppliers to pivot their entire inventory, often driving up costs for the grower due to last-minute supply chain demands.&nbsp; Fleishauer site the Del Monte bankruptcy last summer as an example of when this council comes into play.
The first crop progress report for 2026 was released on Monday.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke reports that moisture situations look adequate statewide.&nbsp; Only about 2% of oats have been seeded so far.
Corn and soybeans have decoupled from the Iran War in the marketplace.&nbsp; John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says that's lessened the swings on prices.&nbsp; Triggers are still out there with crude oil until June, when there appears to be a "break".&nbsp; Heinberg also notes that live cattle prices continue to climb.&nbsp; Drier conditions in the west put critical grazing land in question for many cow/calf operators.

Corn & Beans Decouple From War - Heinberg

Jan Prins a dairy broker from EverAg talks about how National and International happenings are affecting the markets. He says the Iran conflict is affecting butter the most due to inability to transport products through the Strait of Hormuz.

Jan Prins a dairy broker from EverAg talks about how National and International happenings are affecting the markets. He says the Iran conflict is affecting butter the most due to inability to transport products through the Strait of Hormuz.

Honeybee Homecoming & Hive Health

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