In the previous administration, NRCS offices were already short of staff. Now, we're hearing that further staff cuts are underway as the administration works to "rightsize" the government. Does NRCS have the staff to provide the service needed to administer programs? Chief Aubrey Bettencourt argues that investments in broadband and technology will help streamline NRCS, retain employees, and make the processes easier for farmers and agents. 

This Washington Watch news update is brought to you by the Wisconsin Soybean Association, dedicated to ensuring policies are in place for the future of soybean farmers.

In the previous administration, NRCS offices were already short of staff. Now, we're hearing that further staff cuts are underway as the administration works to "rightsize" the government. Does NRCS have the staff to provide the service needed to administer programs? Chief Aubrey Bettencourt argues that investments in broadband and technology will help streamline NRCS, retain employees, and make the processes easier for farmers and agents.&nbsp;
This Washington Watch news update is brought to you by the Wisconsin Soybean Association, dedicated to ensuring policies are in place for the future of soybean farmers.

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

The Mid-West Farm Report headed to Washington DC for Washington Watch 2025. Find the fill coverage and all the stories here. Coverage brought you by Wisconsin Soybean Association

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwestFarmReport?__cft__[0]=AZV698wsaBN52Ip8oX3kVn91zkGg3rRY2zyTg0FK5GpZMGiQsR4BgppQwQj8er7CEhLosGKHONChxfCICu4WRXz78AJbX7AkEv7iBS8QF0vMDLFLtRn0C-T4uCxafNy0oAo5YWj7qkmxP8YQyTGhkMeRcpja7rA7Rbk-7ag33V3vBhFna5GM1wyeYdNXVL2Q-n322wLwOrJ1CquJwZQibgNf&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Mid-West Farm Report</a> headed to Washington DC for Washington Watch 2025. Find the fill coverage and all the stories here. Coverage&nbsp;<a></a>brought you by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WISoyAssociation?__cft__[0]=AZV698wsaBN52Ip8oX3kVn91zkGg3rRY2zyTg0FK5GpZMGiQsR4BgppQwQj8er7CEhLosGKHONChxfCICu4WRXz78AJbX7AkEv7iBS8QF0vMDLFLtRn0C-T4uCxafNy0oAo5YWj7qkmxP8YQyTGhkMeRcpja7rA7Rbk-7ag33V3vBhFna5GM1wyeYdNXVL2Q-n322wLwOrJ1CquJwZQibgNf&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wisconsin Soybean Association</a>

Washington Watch 2025

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

NRCS Chief Shares Vision To "Go Mobile"

Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.

Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.

The High School "Escape Room" That’s Changing How We See Dairy

A broad coalition of agribusinesses and hunger relief groups today urged Wisconsin lawmakers to address an urgent need for $69.2 million in FoodShare funding, in the wake of federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which shifted 75 percent of administrative costs to states. Wisconsin must take action now before the end of the legislative session or face the potential for penalties of up to $205 million and put benefits at risk.

FoodShare is a critical economic engine for Wisconsin’s food and agricultural sector. Each year, Wisconsin FoodShare participants redeem well over $1 billion in federally funded benefits at grocery retailers across the state.

“FoodShare is more than nutrition assistance,” says Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Senior Director of Programs & Policy. “Hundreds of millions of federal FoodShare dollars are used to purchase Wisconsin-grown and Wisconsin-made foods each year, supporting farms, manufacturing businesses, and jobs in every part of our state. Providing stability for FoodShare provides stability for Wisconsin agriculture, as well.”

With the final days of the legislative session rapidly approaching, timely action is critical to avoid compliance risks and ensure continuity of essential services for Wisconsin residents, she tells Stephanie Hoff in an interview.
 
Other agriculture organizations that support the funding request include Cooperative Network, Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin Pork Association, and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. Additionally, 165 organizations signed on to a letter to the Wisconsin State Legislature in support of the funding request.

A broad coalition of agribusinesses and hunger relief groups today urged Wisconsin lawmakers to address an urgent need for $69.2 million in FoodShare funding, in the wake of federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which shifted 75 percent of administrative costs to states. Wisconsin must take action now before the end of the legislative session or face the potential for penalties of up to $205 million and put benefits at risk. FoodShare is a critical economic engine for Wisconsin&rsquo;s food and agricultural sector. Each year, Wisconsin FoodShare participants redeem well over $1 billion in federally funded benefits at grocery retailers across the state. &ldquo;FoodShare is more than nutrition assistance,&rdquo; says Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Senior Director of Programs &amp; Policy. &ldquo;Hundreds of millions of federal FoodShare dollars are used to purchase Wisconsin-grown and Wisconsin-made foods each year, supporting farms, manufacturing businesses, and jobs in every part of our state. Providing stability for FoodShare provides stability for Wisconsin agriculture, as well.&rdquo; With the final days of the legislative session rapidly approaching, timely action is critical to avoid compliance risks and ensure continuity of essential services for Wisconsin residents, she tells Stephanie Hoff in an interview. &nbsp; Other agriculture organizations that support the funding request include Cooperative Network, Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin Pork Association, and Wisconsin Potato &amp; Vegetable Growers Association. Additionally, 165 organizations signed on to a letter to the Wisconsin State Legislature in support of the funding request.

Wisconsin Agriculture Calls For Action To Support FoodShare

For decades, dairy farmers have been the quiet leaders of sustainability, constantly fine-tuning their operations to be more efficient. But historically, that progress hasn't always translated into a line item on the balance sheet. Jennifer Block, director of value chain partnerships with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, discusses EmPower+, a new, farmer-led initiative designed to turn on-farm data into real marketplace value. She tells Stephanie Hoff what’s happening in the market landscape today that has Edge focused on sustainability and carbon emissions across the whole supply chain.

For decades, dairy farmers have been the quiet leaders of sustainability, constantly fine-tuning their operations to be more efficient. But historically, that progress hasn't always translated into a line item on the balance sheet. Jennifer Block, director of value chain partnerships with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, discusses EmPower+, a new, farmer-led initiative designed to turn on-farm data into real marketplace value. She tells Stephanie Hoff what&rsquo;s happening in the market landscape today that has Edge focused on sustainability and carbon emissions across the whole supply chain.

NRCS Chief Shares Vision To "Go Mobile"

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