The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection awarded nine projects funding for the 2025 Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program. These grants aim to find and fine-tune methods that optimize commercial nitrogen applied to farm fields, protecting soil and water.

Ted Hoffman, an independent crop consultant with InDepth Agronomy, received a second grant this year. Last year, he got a grant with Golden E Dairy in Southeastern Wisconsin. He tells us about why the projects are significant and what they can learn with the newfound information.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection awarded nine projects funding for the 2025 Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program. These grants aim to find and fine-tune methods that optimize commercial nitrogen applied to farm fields, protecting soil and water.
Ted Hoffman, an independent crop consultant with InDepth Agronomy, received a second grant this year. Last year, he got a grant with Golden E Dairy in Southeastern Wisconsin. He tells us about why the projects are significant and what they can learn with the newfound information.

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!

Nitrogen Optimization Grants Allow For Innovative, On-Farm Solutions

Ever wondered how your backyard rain gauge could help improve weather forecasts and even assist farmers? The National Weather Service is calling on Wisconsin residents to join the CoCoRaHS Network (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network) through their Rain Gauge Rally.

This volunteer network of dedicated weather watchers records rainfall, snowfall, and drought conditions right from their own backyards. Whether you're a farmer, teacher, or just fascinated by the weather, your observations can make a big impact.

Michelle Margraf, Observation Program Leader with the National Weather Service, says Wisconsin volunteers are already playing a key role — and now there’s a friendly rivalry with Minnesota to recruit even more observers. Your reports could be the difference-maker!

Currently, about 26,000 CoCoRaHS observers share data nationwide, including several hundred in Wisconsin. However, more volunteers are needed, particularly in rural areas. Central and northern Wisconsin, including regions between Stevens Point and Eau Claire, as well as north of Wausau, have a greater need for participants.

To join the network, visit www.cocorahs.org.

Ever wondered how your backyard rain gauge could help improve weather forecasts and even assist farmers? The National Weather Service is calling on Wisconsin residents to join the CoCoRaHS Network (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network) through their Rain Gauge Rally.
This volunteer network of dedicated weather watchers records rainfall, snowfall, and drought conditions right from their own backyards. Whether you're a farmer, teacher, or just fascinated by the weather, your observations can make a big impact.
Michelle Margraf, Observation Program Leader with the National Weather Service, says Wisconsin volunteers are already playing a key role &mdash; and now there&rsquo;s a friendly rivalry with Minnesota to recruit even more observers. Your reports could be the difference-maker!
Currently, about 26,000 CoCoRaHS observers share data nationwide, including several hundred in Wisconsin. However, more volunteers are needed, particularly in rural areas. Central and northern Wisconsin, including regions between Stevens Point and Eau Claire, as well as north of Wausau, have a greater need for participants.
To join the network, visit <a href="http://www.cocorahs.org">www.cocorahs.org</a>.

Rain or Snow, Your Reports Help Wisconsin Grow - Join CoCoRaHs Today

Farmers and organizations across the country are feeling uncertain about government contracts tied to USDA programs like EQIP, CSP, and REAP. With funding frozen and contract decisions unclear, producers are left wondering what to do next.

"We've been getting a lot of questions from farmers who already started projects or hired contractors," said Rachel Armstrong, Executive Director and Attorney with Farm Commons. "Many are worried they won’t get reimbursed as promised."

Farm Commons is working to help farmers understand their legal options. Armstrong emphasized that communication is key. "The first step is to call your USDA contact and ask for an update," she advised. "It's important to document that conversation."

For more information and access to legal resources, visit Farm Commons' website.

Farmers and organizations across the country are feeling uncertain about government contracts tied to USDA programs like EQIP, CSP, and REAP. With funding frozen and contract decisions unclear, producers are left wondering what to do next.
"We've been getting a lot of questions from farmers who already started projects or hired contractors," said Rachel Armstrong, Executive Director and Attorney with Farm Commons. "Many are worried they won&rsquo;t get reimbursed as promised."
Farm Commons is working to help farmers understand their legal options. Armstrong emphasized that communication is key. "The first step is to call your USDA contact and ask for an update," she advised. "It's important to document that conversation."
For more information and access to legal resources, visit <a href="https://farmcommons.org/pathway/my-eqip-funding-is-frozen-what-should-i-do/?mc_cid=2a18912cc4&amp;mc_eid=c86ba17714">Farm Commons' website</a>.

Facing a Funding Freeze? Farm Commons Has Resources

Jon Goetz has been recognized as a 2025 GroundBreaker of the Year Honorable Mention by Compeer Financial. Each year, Compeer Financial celebrates young, beginning, and small farmers for their dedication to agriculture and their community.

Goetz's farming journey started with his grandfather's land, which sparked his lifelong interest in agriculture. "My grandpa purchased the farm off his parents," he explained. "That inspired me, but I’ve always enjoyed being on the farm."

While studying engineering in college, Goetz started a hobby farm on a small portion of the family land. "It snowballed from there," he said. "I went from being an engineering student to an engineer, and now to a full-time farmer and coach."

Jon Goetz has been recognized as a 2025 GroundBreaker of the Year Honorable Mention by Compeer Financial. Each year, Compeer Financial celebrates young, beginning, and small farmers for their dedication to agriculture and their community.
Goetz's farming journey started with his grandfather's land, which sparked his lifelong interest in agriculture. "My grandpa purchased the farm off his parents," he explained. "That inspired me, but I&rsquo;ve always enjoyed being on the farm."
While studying engineering in college, Goetz started a hobby farm on a small portion of the family land. "It snowballed from there," he said. "I went from being an engineering student to an engineer, and now to a full-time farmer and coach."

Nitrogen Optimization Grants Allow For Innovative, On-Farm Solutions

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