As snow begins to accumulate this winter, farm building safety and maintenance are integral in preventing total roof collapse, says David Bohnhoff.

As snow begins to accumulate this winter, farm building safety and maintenance are integral in preventing total roof collapse, says David Bohnhoff.

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!

Keep Your Buildings Safe This Winter

Bison ranching has a rich history in Wisconsin, and farms like Bluestem Bison, LLC exemplify the industry's success. Located in Fond du Lac County, Bluestem Bison raises bison and operates a thriving meat business. The farm processes about 12 animals annually, ensuring a steady supply of premium bison meat. With approximately 38 bison currently roaming their 100-acre pasture, the operation is a testament to the careful balance of sustainable land use and animal care.

"Bison are incredibly resilient and require minimal intervention," said Patrick Ries, owner of Bluestem Bison and a member of the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association Board. "We focus on providing food, water, and a healthy environment for the herd."

Bison meat is growing in popularity due to its unique qualities. It contains fewer calories than chicken, less fat than turkey, and more protein than beef, making it a heart-healthy option. Moreover, Wisconsin bison producers prioritize raising animals without growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics, ensuring a clean, sustainable product.

The Wisconsin bison industry is on the rise. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the state is home to 6,754 bison across 83 farms, ranking ninth nationally for total bison and fifth for the number of farms. On a national scale, demand for bison meat continues to grow, creating opportunities for producers.

Bison ranching has a rich history in Wisconsin, and farms like Bluestem Bison, LLC exemplify the industry's success. Located in Fond du Lac County, Bluestem Bison raises bison and operates a thriving meat business. The farm processes about 12 animals annually, ensuring a steady supply of premium bison meat. With approximately 38 bison currently roaming their 100-acre pasture, the operation is a testament to the careful balance of sustainable land use and animal care.
"Bison are incredibly resilient and require minimal intervention," said Patrick Ries, owner of Bluestem Bison and a member of the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association Board. "We focus on providing food, water, and a healthy environment for the herd."
Bison meat is growing in popularity due to its unique qualities. It contains fewer calories than chicken, less fat than turkey, and more protein than beef, making it a heart-healthy option. Moreover, Wisconsin bison producers prioritize raising animals without growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics, ensuring a clean, sustainable product.
The Wisconsin bison industry is on the rise. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the state is home to 6,754 bison across 83 farms, ranking ninth nationally for total bison and fifth for the number of farms. On a national scale, demand for bison meat continues to grow, creating opportunities for producers.

Bison Meat Makes Its Mark in Wisconsin

Steve Bailie, Branch Manager for Helena Agri in Monroe, has been busy with his staff combing through combine harvest records for the past few weeks.  He says some farms have been surprised by the end result of what had been a challenging growing season.  With those surprises, though, comes questions about what nutrients were pulled from those fields and need to be replaced in 2025.

Bailie is like many in agriculture, anxious about what might happen with fertilizer supplies and prices in the new calendar year.  He's encouraging all farms to work with their vendors on locking in prices and volumes as soon as you can.  Bailie's also reminding growers about the package effect that Helena Agri offers to any operation.

Bailie says his tech team is still grid soil sampling to get precise rates on where that fertilizer has to go.  They're also evaluating each hybrid for every field to make sure resources aren't wasted.  Bailie uses the analogy of managing your herd.  Some of your animals are going to be top end milk producers.  Others may not be top end milk producers, but the produce fantastic calves.  Knowing what strengths and challenges every field faces helps manage resources and traits efficiently.

Steve Bailie, Branch Manager for <a href="https://helenaagri.com/">Helena Agri </a>in Monroe, has been busy with his staff combing through combine harvest records for the past few weeks.  He says some farms have been surprised by the end result of what had been a challenging growing season.  With those surprises, though, comes questions about what nutrients were pulled from those fields and need to be replaced in 2025.
Bailie is like many in agriculture, anxious about what might happen with fertilizer supplies and prices in the new calendar year.  He's encouraging all farms to work with their vendors on locking in prices and volumes as soon as you can.  Bailie's also reminding growers about the package effect that <a href="https://helenaagri.com/">Helena Agri</a> offers to any operation.
Bailie says his tech team is still grid soil sampling to get precise rates on where that fertilizer has to go.  They're also evaluating each hybrid for every field to make sure resources aren't wasted.  Bailie uses the analogy of managing your herd.  Some of your animals are going to be top end milk producers.  Others may not be top end milk producers, but the produce fantastic calves.  Knowing what strengths and challenges every field faces helps manage resources and traits efficiently.

Keep An Eye On Fertilizer - Steve Bailie - Helena

Preliminary figures show hunters registered 189,622 deer during the 2024 gun deer season, including 89,787 antlered and 99,835 antlerless deer. Compared to 2023, the gun season harvest total is up 5.2% statewide, with the antlered harvest up 3.6% and the antlerless harvest up 6.6%. Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl has the details.

Preliminary figures show hunters registered 189,622 deer during the 2024 gun deer season, including 89,787 antlered and 99,835 antlerless deer. Compared to 2023, the gun season harvest total is up 5.2% statewide, with the antlered harvest up 3.6% and the antlerless harvest up 6.6%. Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl has the details.

Keep Your Buildings Safe This Winter

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MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

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