Determination is an unwritten characteristic of anyone involved in agriculture.  The 2026 Groundbreaker award winners, presented by Compeer Financial, exemplify that determination.  The selected winners are Bryanna and Dylan Handel of Barneveld.  There story has taken many turns over the past decade, but they remain determined to pursue their passion for agriculture.  Pam Jahnke listened in.

Bryanna’s plans to establish a farm began at 16 years old when she purchased her first cow and housed it at her grandparents’ farm. She and Dylan established B. Kurt Dairy in 2014 with 16 cows in a rented barn near Verona, Wis., before they purchased their current farmstead from a retiring farmer near Barneveld in 2016. Since then, they’ve been growing their farm, family and community engagement while addressing a severe stray voltage issue.

The stray voltage began in late 2023 and was linked to a nearby substation. It impacted overall herd health and drastically reduced milk production. The Handels enlisted experts and deployed solutions like rewiring and isolating their farm to minimize the impact. During their journey, the Handels encountered other farmers experiencing stray voltage challenges and helped them navigate their situations. They continue their fight as they engage with state and federal organizations to fund a new USDA study focused on better understanding stray voltage. Their goal is to uncover and correct the source cause so other farmers aren’t faced with stray voltage issues in the future.

Meghan Wellnitz-Trejo, financial officer with Compeer Financial, who nominated the Handels, shared that the Handels believe “farming is a calling that provides their children and community a grounded connection to the land and their food sources.” They demonstrate that connection by offering farm camps to area youth and on-farm markets where they invite area farmers to sell their goods.

They also established a farm store in downtown Barneveld to strengthen local food networks. The store is helping 35 area farmers sell their products locally. “It’s really great because you get to see so many businesses thrive off this one idea. All these farmers are gaining income from this store, which is great because as farmers we need that help to get it to the consumer,” Bryanna said.

Compeer Financial presented the Handels with a $5,000 award, as well as $5,000 that the Handels will split between  the Iowa County Technical Rescue Team and Marshall FFA Chapter on their behalf by Compeer.

Dense fog advisory is in effect for most of eastern Wisconsin this morning.  Stu Muck says the moisture will linger through the day with nearly an inch possible.  Fortunately temperatures will stay above average.

The World Champion Cheese hails from the Netherlands for 2026.  The  Beemster Royaal Grand Cru, made by CONO Kaasmakers in Westbeemster, Netherlands, walked away with the title Thursday, scoring 98.68 out of a possible 100.  The cheese features a very sweet, nutty flavor and is very creamy.  The dairy cooperative that makes up CONO Kaasmakers features 400 dairies in northern Holland with approximately 98% grazing their herds.  Wisconsin came away with  45 first-place awards, followed by New York with eight and Vermont with seven. Pam Jahnke shares comments from the cheesemaker in Holland.

There's a new driving force behind the Farm and Industry Short Course at UW-River Falls.  Stephanie Hoff introduces us to Mary Holle.  She's taken the reins as program director.  Mary and her husband operate a 480-acre farm in Baldwin, Wisconsin, where they manage a herd of 50 registered Holsteins.  The 16-week course is specifically designed for the "slow season," running from the last week of October to the second week of March. Students spend roughly 80% of their time at the Mann Valley lab farm, working directly with cows, silages, and industry professionals. While the current curriculum is dairy-focused, there are plans to add business, horticulture, agronomy, and soil science electives by the 2026–27 school year. Mary aims to rebuild the FISC advisory board and restart the agricultural tour to connect current students with successful program graduates. Prospective students can reach out directly to the program via a dedicated email address: fisc@uwrf.edu.