Jerry Apps is the author of "Meet Me on The Midway" a book about the  history of Wisconsin Fairs. Charitee Seebecker had the chance to talk with Apps at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention about his experiences and how much the fair industry has changed from its earliest incarnations of livestock exhibits to where it is today. 

Jerry Apps is the author of "Meet Me on The Midway" a book about the  history of Wisconsin Fairs. Charitee Seebecker had the chance to talk with Apps at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention about his experiences and how much the fair industry has changed from its earliest incarnations of livestock exhibits to where it is today.

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!

"Meet Me On The Midway"

The Wisconsin Beef Council presented Feeding Wisconsin with a $1,175
donation. This donation is the result of a fundraiser hosted by the Wisconsin Beef Council to purchase beef for families in need, says communications director Kaitlyn Kesler. For two weeks, WBC sold t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and sweatshirts that featured beef cuts with the text, “You can’t live a full life on an empty stomach.” In total, the organization sold 235 shirts across the state. Feeding Wisconsin is the statewide association of the Feeding America food banks that sources, warehouses, and provides food to more than 1,000 local food programs throughout Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Beef Council has a longstanding partnership with Feeding Wisconsin having donated $7,000 to the organization from previous efforts.

The Wisconsin Beef Council presented Feeding Wisconsin with a $1,175 donation. This donation is the result of a fundraiser hosted by the Wisconsin Beef Council to purchase beef for families in need, says communications director Kaitlyn Kesler. For two weeks, WBC sold t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and sweatshirts that featured beef cuts with the text, “You can’t live a full life on an empty stomach.” In total, the organization sold 235 shirts across the state. Feeding Wisconsin is the statewide association of the Feeding America food banks that sources, warehouses, and provides food to more than 1,000 local food programs throughout Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Beef Council has a longstanding partnership with Feeding Wisconsin having donated $7,000 to the organization from previous efforts.

Local Food Pantries Receive $1,175 To Buy Beef

Warner Park, home to the Madison Mallards and the newly established Madison Night Mares, has undergone a significant transformation, ensuring an enhanced experience for players and fans alike. Under the meticulous care of the Director of Operations, Will Kenne, the park's new artificial turf and innovative field management practices are set to improve local baseball and softball events.

Raised in Central Iowa, Kenne began his journey in field management as a high school student prepping baseball and softball fields. “I started with a summer job, working hard on a complex of eight different fields,” he recalls. This initial exposure sparked a passion that led him to pursue further opportunities in the field.

His educational journey took him to the University of Iowa, where he managed the baseball team and honed his turf maintenance skills. “Maintaining turf at Iowa, especially given the challenges of early spring games, was a learning curve. It's different from grass and dirt but equally demanding,” he explains.

The decision to transition to artificial turf at Warner Park was driven by practicality and versatility. “The main reason was to accommodate our new softball team and to allow flexibility for different age groups and event types,” he states. “The artificial turf enables quick adjustments of base paths and the use of a portable youth mound and outfield fence, enhancing the park’s adaptability.”

Warner Park, home to the Madison Mallards and the newly established Madison Night Mares, has undergone a significant transformation, ensuring an enhanced experience for players and fans alike. Under the meticulous care of the Director of Operations, Will Kenne, the park's new artificial turf and innovative field management practices are set to improve local baseball and softball events.
Raised in Central Iowa, Kenne began his journey in field management as a high school student prepping baseball and softball fields. “I started with a summer job, working hard on a complex of eight different fields,” he recalls. This initial exposure sparked a passion that led him to pursue further opportunities in the field.
His educational journey took him to the University of Iowa, where he managed the baseball team and honed his turf maintenance skills. “Maintaining turf at Iowa, especially given the challenges of early spring games, was a learning curve. It's different from grass and dirt but equally demanding,” he explains.
The decision to transition to artificial turf at Warner Park was driven by practicality and versatility. “The main reason was to accommodate our new softball team and to allow flexibility for different age groups and event types,” he states. “The artificial turf enables quick adjustments of base paths and the use of a portable youth mound and outfield fence, enhancing the park’s adaptability.”

From Grass to Turf: Enhancing the Game Experience for the Mallards

Scott Stump, has been appointed to the National FFA’s National Work Readiness Council. What does that mean for our future farmers? Jill Welke has the story.

This is the first year in history that games will be played on artificial turf and not natural grass at the duck pond for the Madison Mallards. Will Kenne, Director of Operations of the Madison Mallards explains what his duties look like now compared to past years.

Strawberry season is nearly ripe for the picking, but the rain can lead to problems even for the most perfect berries. John Jolivette of Jolivette Family Farms in West Salem expects to start picking strawberries within the week. On the other side of the state in Mayville, the story is similar with the early strawberry crop. Stephanie Hoff has the details.

Financial elements play a significant role in shaping the economic landscape, and Bill Moore, chief Risk Officer with Compeer Financial shares his expert analysis on how fluctuating interest rates and inflation are influencing the agricultural sector and what it means for the future. Paid for by Compeer Financial.

Scott Stump, has been appointed to the National FFA’s National Work Readiness Council. What does that mean for our future farmers? Jill Welke has the story.
This is the first year in history that games will be played on artificial turf and not natural grass at the duck pond for the Madison Mallards. Will Kenne, Director of Operations of the Madison Mallards explains what his duties look like now compared to past years.
Strawberry season is nearly ripe for the picking, but the rain can lead to problems even for the most perfect berries. John Jolivette of Jolivette Family Farms in West Salem expects to start picking strawberries within the week. On the other side of the state in Mayville, the story is similar with the early strawberry crop. Stephanie Hoff has the details.
Financial elements play a significant role in shaping the economic landscape, and Bill Moore, chief Risk Officer with Compeer Financial shares his expert analysis on how fluctuating interest rates and inflation are influencing the agricultural sector and what it means for the future. Paid for by Compeer Financial.

"Meet Me On The Midway"

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