World War II, Great Depression, recessions, electricity, rations... these are all historical events in Wisconsin that family farms have lived through. This year, about 100 farms are still in the same family today to tell the story of early life. Jim Mealy, age 95, is the third generation on his family's Century Farm in Racine County. His son and daughter-in-law Bill and Tammy Mealy are operating the farm today. Jim tells Mid-West Farm Report about the early years and what it means to see his family get recognized by the state of Wisconsin. 

World War II, Great Depression, recessions, electricity, rations... these are all historical events in Wisconsin that family farms have lived through. This year, about 100 farms are still in the same family today to tell the story of early life. Jim Mealy, age 95, is the third generation on his family's Century Farm in Racine County. His son and daughter-in-law Bill and Tammy Mealy are operating the farm today. Jim tells Mid-West Farm Report about the early years and what it means to see his family get recognized by the state of 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.

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

.In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair, the Mid-West Farm report is highlighting Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award winners. 

.In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair, the Mid-West Farm report is highlighting Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award winners.

Wisconsin Century & Sesquicentennial Farm Salute

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

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

Jim Mealy - Racine County Century Farm

The agriculture industry continues to press the current administration on bolstering trade agreements. We hear from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that work is underway to build export relationships. Most recently, the U.S. hosted one of its largest trade missions ever to India. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely says India is a huge opportunity. Some of the commodities that India has reduced tariffs on since last summer have been chickpeas, apples, frozen turkey, and cranberries, just to name a few.

In other news, Whitely says they’ve been focused on boosting China’s participation in cheese purchases.

There’s positive news for Wisconsin specialty crops, as well, such as potatoes and beans. Whitely says there are huge changes in demographics and purchasing power underway in countries we haven’t been targeting before, such as in Africa.

The agriculture industry continues to press the current administration on bolstering trade agreements. We hear from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that work is underway to build export relationships. Most recently, the U.S. hosted one of its largest trade missions ever to India. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely says India is a huge opportunity. Some of the commodities that India has reduced tariffs on since last summer have been chickpeas, apples, frozen turkey, and cranberries, just to name a few.
In other news, Whitely says they’ve been focused on boosting China’s participation in cheese purchases.
There’s positive news for Wisconsin specialty crops, as well, such as potatoes and beans. Whitely says there are huge changes in demographics and purchasing power underway in countries we haven’t been targeting before, such as in Africa.

USDA's Foreign Ag Service Says They're Working On It

The National Pork Producers Council reminds us that international trade is crucial for pig farmers here in the U.S. Trachelle Carr leads international affairs with the organization. She says they’ve had some wins in 2023 when it comes to trade, but they’ve been lacking support from the federal government to pursue trade deals.

The National Pork Producers Council reminds us that international trade is crucial for pig farmers here in the U.S. Trachelle Carr leads international affairs with the organization. She says they’ve had some wins in 2023 when it comes to trade, but they’ve been lacking support from the federal government to pursue trade deals.

Pork Makes International Gains, But Lacks Support From D.C.

The push to restore the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has taken center stage as a top priority for ethanol producers, corn growers, and advocates of a cleaner, greener economy. Enacted by Congress in 2005 and updated in 2007, the RFS stands as the bedrock law facilitating access to the marketplace for ethanol producers, driving growth not only in ethanol but also in the rural economy and corn production across the nation.

"The RFS is not just a law; it's a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future," says Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy,, a leading advocate for biofuels. "It sets targets for increasing the use of renewable fuels annually and mandates oil refiners to blend gasoline with renewable fuels like ethanol."

However, despite its critical role, challenges persist, primarily stemming from the oil refining sector and environmental opposition. Historically, oil refiners have resisted the RFS, viewing it as a threat to their market share. Yet, with advancements in renewable diesel and changing perspectives within the industry, this resistance is beginning to wane.

"Many integrated refineries are now recognizing the potential of renewable fuels to maintain low carbon liquid fuels,” Skor explains. “This shift in perspective signifies a growing acceptance of the RFS as a driver of positive change."

The push to restore the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has taken center stage as a top priority for ethanol producers, corn growers, and advocates of a cleaner, greener economy. Enacted by Congress in 2005 and updated in 2007, the RFS stands as the bedrock law facilitating access to the marketplace for ethanol producers, driving growth not only in ethanol but also in the rural economy and corn production across the nation.
"The RFS is not just a law; it's a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future," says Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy,, a leading advocate for biofuels. "It sets targets for increasing the use of renewable fuels annually and mandates oil refiners to blend gasoline with renewable fuels like ethanol."
However, despite its critical role, challenges persist, primarily stemming from the oil refining sector and environmental opposition. Historically, oil refiners have resisted the RFS, viewing it as a threat to their market share. Yet, with advancements in renewable diesel and changing perspectives within the industry, this resistance is beginning to wane.
"Many integrated refineries are now recognizing the potential of renewable fuels to maintain low carbon liquid fuels,” Skor explains. “This shift in perspective signifies a growing acceptance of the RFS as a driver of positive change."

Jim Mealy - Racine County Century Farm

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