Today Stephanie Hoff catches up with Maria Woldt, program manager for the UW Dairy Innovation Hub. Every dairy cow in Wisconsin generates approximately $41,500 in economic activity annually, a statistic that underscores the importance of the UW Dairy Innovation Hub's mission. Now in its sixth year, the Hub has funded over 260 projects. While some results are immediate, many are long-term investments that prioritize sustainable growth over quick fixes. In the last fiscal year alone, the Hub trained 310 students (mostly undergraduates) from diverse academic backgrounds ranging from political science to soil science to ignite interest in dairy careers. Researchers at UW-Platteville recently secured a patent for converting cheese whey into biodegradable 3D-printing filament, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The Hub is playing the "long game" by studying how dairy ingredients can be used to treat or prevent non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dementia, and IBS. Despite a volatile dairy economy, the Hub serves as a "bright spot" for farmers by focusing on innovation that benefits the entire supply chain, regardless of farm size or management style.

Temps keep warming around Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says the forecast doesn't hold much snow, which is keeping winter skiers and snowmobilers in place.

Lab grown meat is getting another look at the state capitol.  Pam Jahnke visits with WI Senator Pat Testin about the flurry of activity he's keeping track of.  Testin says he has visited a lab producing lobster in the past.  While not to his taste, Testin says if consumers are going to have lab based meat as an option, labeling is clearly something that must be in place.

The financial distribution of about $11 billion in USDA aid is underway.  Sandy Chalmers, state executive director for USDA's Farm Service Agency offices says operators should watch for a pre-certified document being mailed.  Once that document is certified and returned to FSA, ALL of the money under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will be disbursed.

The market's looking for news these days according to John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend.  All eyes continue to look to South America and their weather patterns. Precious metals became an easy distraction for traders on Monday.