The U.S. Department of Agriculture has just launched a federal order that says lactating cows must test negative for the bird flu before they are transported. Specifically, the cows will get tested for Influenza A viruses which include the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The federal order starts on Monday. Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation has the details. 

In the world of sports, there are those who seek the thrill of competition, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to excel. For Brandy Von Holten, a former competitive martial artist with dreams of Olympic glory, the journey took an unexpected turn towards the art of mounted archery.  “Mounted archery found me," she remarks, reflecting on the moment she first tried her hand at shooting from her mule and scored a bullseye. Unwilling to participate in sports with subjective judging, she was drawn to the exhilarating challenge of mounted archery. Hailing from South Texas and later settling in Missouri, Von Holten’s diverse background and tenacious spirit equipped her for this new endeavor. "Mounted archery is for the crazy people looking for something different," she explains. "It's about putting your reins down, running, and shooting." From ground-based competitions to specialty shots, mounted archery offers a range of challenges for enthusiasts.

Shoes are fashionable, whether they're for humans or horses. And There was a time when every community had a blacksmith, and their work was focused on utility.  Today's blacksmith's still focus on utility and function, but there's also a certain art to what they do.  Farriers, the modern-day equivalent of historical blacksmiths, now focus primarily on the craft of horseshoeing. This transition from the all-encompassing role of the blacksmith to the specialized expertise of the farrier marks a significant shift in the industry. Craig Turnka, a seasoned veteran with 40 years of experience in horse shoeing, sheds light on the evolution of blacksmithing.  "The blacksmith was all-encompassing with agriculture, making plows and various tools essential for farming," says Turnka. "But with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the decline of horses as primary beasts of burden, ferriering emerged as a specialized art."

Horses and chickens – it turns out that they complement each other well. So if you have one, you may consider getting the other, says Twain Lockhart. Lockhart is a poultry specialist with Nutrena and gives us insight on how to run your horses and chickens together. He’s also witnessed trends in the poultry industry over the years that he shares with us today. This knowledge has earned him the nickname Mr. Cluck. Lockhart finds himself at other animal agriculture events speaking about chickens. This is because he continues to see growing interest in raising chickens, and he says the birds can complement other farm animals extremely well. 

How often should a farrier come over? Should my horse be sore after a farrier visit? What can I look for in my horse to stay ahead of any health problems? These are some of the common questions that Dean Moshier can answer. Moshier is an accredited farrier with the International Association of Professional Farriers. He operates The Balanced Hoff and Horse, Inc. out of Ohio, but works with the equine industry across the country, including a long-time speaking engagement with the Midwest Horse Fair. He answers your questions in an interview with Mid-West Farm Report.

This is the first episode of a new series that features farm destinations across Wisconsin and highlights the bounty of specialty crops that these farms produce. Over the next several months, we’ll go to strawberry patches, vineyards, cranberry bogs, fields of flowers, and more with the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. Executive Director Sheila Everhart joins us in-studio to remind us that Wisconsin is a powerhouse in producing specialty crops from fruits to vegetables and from evergreens to peonies. These producers have an opportunity to open their farms up to the public to provide a food, recreation, relaxation, or education experience. WATA was awarded a specialty crop block grant to promote these agricultural tourism destinations. This series that we are about to embark on is possible thanks to this funding. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.

With graduation just around the corner, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Agriculture is buzzing with anticipation and celebration as students prepare to embark on their next adventures in the agricultural industry. Amidst the final exams and job interviews, the job market for these grads is looking good. According to Platteville’s School of Agriculture Director, Tera Montgomery, there has been a noticeable trend of interest from both employers and students in the field of Agronomy, as well as in areas related to sustainability practices, particularly in business applications such as carbon credits. The school has also witnessed a rise in students exploring interdisciplinary opportunities by combining agricultural studies with fields like communication, marketing, business, and engineering "The intersection of agriculture with other disciplines is becoming increasingly appealing to our students. We're seeing more engagement from students who want to broaden their skill sets and explore diverse career paths within the agricultural industry."

A big smile comes across my face when I see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile weaving through traffic, how about you? Samantha Benish joins us in-studio. She’s a brand ambassador for Oscar Mayer and drives the Wienermobile across the country. Her official title is Hotdogger, which is a one-year position with the company. She tells us what it takes to drive the hot dog on wheels. 

Helping farms understand all the data they can collect on a daily basis can be a little overwhelming.  The good news is that data could hold financial value for the farm.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about how JJ Pagel of Pagel's Ponderosa in Kewaunee County, and agronomist, Carson Dugger keep track. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers are going to make their presence felt with a wide display of agricultural implements the first few days of May on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.  Curt Blades, senior vice president of agriculture explains why. Reaching the last mile in rural Wisconsin with broadband technology is an expensive proposition.  Darren Moser, CEO of Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative tells Stephanie Hoff about the positive stories he's heard, and the value grants have played in reaching that last mile. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, focuses on the big rally on cheese and butter prices in Chicago on Monday, and the latest milk production figures released on Monday.  Only 7 of the 24 major dairy producing states saw milk production go up, and the national dairy herd cow number is down 85,000 head compared to last year.

In Wisconsin agriculture, we talk about every day being Earth Day.  Jill Welke talks about farming practices with Kyle Nilsestuen. He owns Solhjeim Farms in the driftless area of Wisconsin- south of Arcadia. He talked about the conservation practices he uses every day - not just Earth Day. Love is in the air and summer weddings on the way!  If you're planning a wedding at barn event venue - understand that there's a lot of investment going into that facility including insurance.  Carmen Briggin Kutsma, agent with Rural Mutual Insurance in Poynette explains what venue owners need to think about. Charitee Seebecker gives us an update from the Midwest Horse Fair.  The event concluded on Sunday.  She talks To Pam Bounds, one of the coordinators for the "Top Hand Challenge".  This highlights multiple skills that cowboys/cowgirls had to display.  5 different events were involved, and one family made up a large number of the contestants. Cheryl Hartman, lab manager for Fox Valley Quality Control Lab in Kaukauna chats science behind-the-scenes when it comes to milk quality.  This lab is owned by FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative.  Every day Hartman's team is sampling thousands of milk samples taking quality measurements, and also monitoring for food related threats like antibiotics and bacteria.  Paid for by FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative.

Growing up in the agriculture industry, you may have heard the phrases, cowboy up or cowgirl up. But for Amberley Snyder, her will to cowgirl up is stronger than most.  Amberley is a professional barrel racer that turned tragedy into triumph and shows just how resilient the agriculture industry really is. Snyder's love for horses began at a young age, leading her into the world of rodeo. By the time she reached high school, she had already clinched a world all-around title, setting her sights on a professional career in rodeo. However, fate dealt her a devastating blow when she was involved in a rollover truck accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Undeterred by the immense physical and emotional hurdles she faced, Snyder made a triumphant return to the competitive arena just 18 months after her life-altering accident. With a seat belt secured to her saddle, she defied expectations and became the first and only professional paralyzed barrel racer in the United States.

From marketing your agribusiness to doing your schoolwork -- broadband is not a luxury, it's a requirement. Bringing high-speed internet to rural Wisconsin has been a focus at both the state and federal levels, and rural providers want to see it continue. Millions of dollars have trickled down to providers to not just lay the fiber, but get what they call the ‘last mile’ of service to the end user. Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative is one of the providers that has benefited from grant dollars to get internet service into homes. CEO Darren Moser says the grants have been crucial to bridge the broadband gap.

Dust off your boots and grab your cowboy hats because the Midwest Horse Fair is about to get a whole lot wilder as 5 cowboys and 5 cowgirls will compete in the Top Hand Challenge. Pam bound, the competition chair says  A competition of grit, showcasing a range of speed, roping and precision, all for $5,000 in cash. "We took the top five riders, both men and women, who had to qualify for this prestigious event. This year, we're proud to announce an exciting lineup, including a pair of brothers in the top five and a mother-daughter duo competing in the ladies division." The competition takes place at 1:00 PM on April 21at the Showtime Arena, with general admission included with entry to the Midwest Horse Fair.  So, what exactly are these talented competitors facing? The five challenging events include: Breakaway Roping: Riders must rope a calf with a bell collar catch around the neck, with the rope breaking away to stop the time. Pole Bending: Weaving through six poles in the fastest time, with penalties for knocking over any poles. Steer Stopping: Roping the steer with horns and stopping its forward movement. Heeling: Roping one or two hind feet of a steer after it crosses a designated point, with penalties for missing. Barrel Racing: Maneuvering around three barrels in a specified pattern, with precise turns to secure the fastest time.

When you think of the dairy industry, it doesn't take long for people to identify the dairy farm family taking care of the land, the animals, and producing that top quality milk.  You recognize the milk truck/semi that's transporting that milk.  You obviously recognize the end products of that milk - cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.  One element you may not think about is all the quality control measures that are in place to guarantee that you're getting safe, top quality milk to start with. Cheryl Harmon can tell you all about it.  She's been a part of the milk testing quality team at Fox Valley Quality Control Lab in Kaukauna basically since it began.  Harmon now oversees a lab staff that's using highly sophisticated testing to analyze every load of milk that travels from a FarmFirst dairy farm. Listen in as Cheryl explains the volume of testing the handle each day!  It's not just about safety, it's also about quality.  That matters to the dairy farms counting on quality premiums from their processing partners.  Consumers - you should also listen to Cheryl's comments and frustration over antibiotic labeling in the grocery store.  She sets the record straight - in Wisconsin NO MILK contains antibiotics.  It's law, and Cheryl and her team enforce it.

It's been just a year since Wisconsin launched an effort at reaching high school students working to make decisions about what their "next step" might be.  College?  Tech College?  No college?  If you're the first person in your family to consider these options, your questions can outweigh answers.  That's why the College for Rural Wisconsin(CFRW) was created. Headquartered on the UW-Madison campus, CFRW is an outreach service that wants to assist rural school districts that may find themselves short of financing and staff available to counsel students with career questions.  Jennifer Blazek, program director for CFRW, says the goal is to provide resources that might be stretched thin in rural school districts like access to school guidance counselors.  The college is affiliated with 16 other campuses, some private, some public, across the U.S. including Vanderbilt, Yale and the University of Chicago - all part of the STARS College Network.

Jim Versweyvld, UW-Extension Farm Management Specialist says farms need to slow down and think about how they introduce new employees to their farming duties.  Clear communications about duties and policies like cell phone use are key. It's all about the numbers.  The latest Census of Agriculture painted a pretty bleak picture if you looked at the cumulative trend for Wisconsin farms.  Stephanie Hoff tries to get a grasp on the trends with the help of Jeff Hadacheck, ag economist, who explains the influences behind the trends. Curt Larson, President and CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association says they're months away from reopening an idle livestock facility in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Larson says the building was erected back in the 60's and was state-of-the-art at the time.  Now, they're repairing fences and replacing scales.  He said their hope is to have it fully operational by late summer, early fall.  He explains the situation to Pam Jahnke. MMore jobs than graduates!  That's the story for the graduating class at UW-Platteville's ag school this spring.  Charitee Seebecker discusses numbers and high demand areas with Dr. Tera Montgomery.

Whether you're getting married at the farm or your farm is the venue -- put insurance on the to-do list! Carmen Brueggen Katsma is a Rural Mutual Insurance agent out of Poynette. She says she’s seen the wedding barn industry boom in her neck of the woods and she serves a number of them on their insurance needs. She walks us through the basics: the type of insurance you'll need, how to customize the insurance, and common claims.

Vegetable processors across the country are feeling price pressure due to tariffs on steel, according to the Midwest Food Products Association. It's amped up the competition with foreign processors. Wisconsin is one of the top states in the production of the major processing vegetables, notably green peas, snap beans, and potatoes. This year, at least two Wisconsin food processors are closing their doors. MWFPA President Jason Culotta represents food processors in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. He says in 2023, the U.S. became a net food importer for the first time. He says this is a problem because food processors cannot compete with the prices of foreign competitors.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that beauty is turning into a new marketing opportunity for Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association. Curt Larson, President and CEO of Equity Livestock says their acquisition of the former United Livestock Center in Maquoketa, Iowa, is coming along as they focus on replacing scales and updating fences. The facility in Iowa marks the 12th full-service market that Equity Cooperative Livestock is operating around the Midwest - its second in Iowa. The yard was owned by Tom Scheckel for 25 years and operated as a livestock yard for the first 10.  He said he'd been renting the facilities out for the past 15. Larson said he's anticipating having the refurbished facilities ready for business by sometime this fall.

It has been my great pleasure over the course of my farm broadcasting career to visit with Jerry Apps.  If you've had a chance to enjoy Jerry in a lecture, during his broadcasts on Wisconsin Public Television, or through his endless list of written works, you know why I'm a fan.  Jerry resonates Wisconsin - rural Wisconsin at that! I sat down for an extended conversation with my friend.  He admits that he's challenged with mobility these days, but the mind is as sharp as ever.  Apps latest release, "On Farms and Rural Communities: An Agricultural Ethic for the Future" he focuses his thoughts and attentions on recognizing the importance of rural farming communities and building a new agriculture policy for the future. You can see all of Jerry Apps works on his website as well.

Sydney Flick manages her family farm Jazzy Jerseys in Lodi. They milk about 800 cows. She says while 1 billion people will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 this year, it's something she lives every day. “We rely on the land to take care of our family and the cows.” Jazzy Jerseys has reduced water usage by recycling. They use cold water from the well to cool down the milk. That same water is used for the cows and calves. That water eventually ends up in the manure which helps the farm spread the nutrients on the field more evenly. In the field, Jazzy Jerseys utilizes buffer strips to prevent soil erosion and nutrient runoff. Buffer strips are narrow areas of grass that act as a physical barrier between fields, slowing the flow of water. The buffer strips don’t make it easier to farm – it can make things more tedious – but they preserve the soil. 

Decisions are being made today about county fair animals and exhibits you'll see later this summer.  Stephanie Hoff talks with UW-Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, Bernie O'Rourke, about getting started on the right foot and establishing a partnership with your veterinarian early. The College for Rural Wisconsin may not be a name you're familiar with but it's working to raise awareness.  Jennifer Blazek is the program director for College for Rural Wisconsin and tells Pam Jahnke what they're offering rural school districts to help offset financial constraints and lack of ample school counselors to help students make college or tech college decisions. Today is the final day to enter the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship, coming up Saturday in Dodgeville.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Jenna Vondra, Exec. Dir. of the Dodgeville Area Chamber of Commerce.  She says they're expecting at least 70 sandwich entries this year. Fits and jerks.  That phrase might describe what's been going on with cheese prices lately.  Mike North, president of the producer division of EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss.  North says consumers are signaling they'll cook at home more versus eating out.  That has an impact on not only cheese, but also products like cream.

There’s an artistry to making cheese. There’s also an art to sandwich making. And those two things come together at the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Sandwich Championship. Jenna Vondra, Dodgeville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director shares how this event got started and what attendees can expect for this year. The event takes place Saturday, April 20th, at the Lee Memorial Pavilion in Harris Park, Dodgeville. Doors will swing open at 10:45 a.m., kicking off a day filled with cheesy delights and culinary excitement. Admission to the event is just five dollars for individuals aged 16 and older, while children aged 15 and younger can enter free of charge. As an added bonus, general admission ticket holders aged 16 and older will receive discount cards valid at 10 participating businesses in the Dodgeville area, as well as a complimentary cup of soup and bottle of water while supplies last. "We've got a diverse panel of 14 judges, including certified barbecue experts and local food enthusiasts," explains Vondra. "It's all about celebrating the artistry and innovation of grilled cheese."

For those whose primary experience with corn is the butter-drenched corn on the cob variety, it might come as a surprise that other forms of sweet corn are in trouble. There has been an ongoing decline in sweet corn production for frozen and canned products and other processed vegetables. Bill Tracy is the Director of the UW Sweet Corn Program and works directly with processors on projects regarding canned veggies. He says this shift is due to changing consumer preferences.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is impacting more farm animals than poultry. Dairy cows in several states have also contracted the virus, and it has people concerned about the safety of dairy and meat. Adam Brock joins us, Administrator of the Division of Food and Recreational Safety. he says he’s been getting phone calls about whether eggs, milk, and meat are still safe to eat. He says yes, you can eat all of those things thanks to robust food safety measures.

The 2024 Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors wrapped up their convention on Saturday in Madison and it was full of great meat offerings and great hands on learning.  Pam Jahnke talks to Dr. Jeff Sindelar, UW-Extension Meat Specialist, about the state-of-the-art Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Center that helped with hands on learning.  It acts as a shining gem attracting new meat processing talent to the state.  Jake Sailer, outgoing president of WAMP, says there's a lot of exciting developments coming this year including promotion of their "meat map". Greenhouses help people manage around the weather, and that's exactly why Dane County Extension pursued a greenhouse.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Lisa Johnson, UW-Extension Horticulture Specialist, about the new greenhouse and how they're using it. Auctions are still happening at a feverish pitch before farmers are focused full time on planting.  Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group updates Pam Jahnke on the trends they're seeing with equipment and land values.Paid for by Steffes Group. Are consumers changing their buying patterns because of inflation and higher beef prices?  Mike Simone, executive director of research for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, explains how checkoff investments help uncover consumer buying patterns and preferences before they become a problem for producers.  Paid for by Wisconsin Beef Council.

We all have a responsibility to use our resources wisely. And farmers are great examples of how it’s done because they work hard every day to meet the needs of tomorrow. Scott Timm joins us, he comes from a diversified farming operation in Green County and has prioritized environmental sustainability, including cover crops. He was named as one of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 under 35 for his work. He says he doesn’t do it alone – he belongs to a group of farmers that is committed to protecting the soil and the water.

Farmers make up less than 2 percent of the population, yet they are responsible for feeding the world. That’s why preserving natural resources for generations to come is vital in agriculture. For farmers, Earth Day is every day. Brooke Trustem joins us in-studio. She is a 6th generation farmer and works on her family’s dairy farm in Evansville, Larson Acres. She tells us how they've reduced the number of trucks on the road through innovative technology. The family does about 5-10 tours every month: https://larsonacres.com/. World Dairy Expo named the family the 2024 Producer of the Year.

Wisconsin 4-H is asking the state's businesses and agribusinesses to sound off on how 4-H can prepare future employees for their opportunities.  Jill Jorgensen, UW-Extension 4-H Specialist in Green Bay talks with Pam Jahnke about how the survey's constructed and what they hope it accomplishes.  Survey results are being gathered until the end of the month and will be shared once completed. Ashley Hagenow, current Alice in Dairyland, is starting to tally up her miles and her stories.  During the first few days of May, six candidates that want to be the next "Alice" will be going through their final phase of interviews.  Ashley remembers the feeling and shares her memories to date. Graduation is on the horizon for high school students as well as college grads.  The job market is ripe!  That's the word from Dean Mike Orth at UW-River Falls CAFES.  He shares the story with Stephanie Hoff about internships that turn into jobs, and the diversity of opportunities students have to choose from. The latest crop progress report shows 10% of Wisconsin oats planted, 11% of potatoes are in the ground.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke.  The market's monitoring the Iran-Israel situation.  No major issues with current planting pace in the U.S. but analysts are still monitoring what's really going on in Brazil and Argentina.

Jill Jorgensen, WI Youth Development 4-H Animal Science and Agriculture Outreach Specialist in Green Bay is helping spread the word about an important survey underway, gauging employers views on 4-H programming. University Extension 4-H programs from throughout the upper Midwest are conducting the survey on Food, Agriculture, & Related Businesses Workforce Needs. The information gathered in the survey will enhance 4-H initiatives in promoting career pathways in the agriculture, food & forestry career industries with a better understanding of the workforce needs. Ideally Wisconsin will get at least 300 participants with knowledge of their business to complete this study so that we have state level data.  Study results will be available once it is complete. 

Demand for beef has remained strong as consumers repeatedly claim they will continue purchasing beef, both in retail and foodservice settings.  Consumers continue to rank beef as a top source of protein, superior in taste, nutritious, and good for social gatherings and special occasions. At the same time, the beef industry is observing some decline in demand, as retail sales begin to slip in terms of volume of beef sold while prices trend higher.   The National Cattlemen's Beef Association invests beef checkoff dollars to find out about consumer trends and help guide the research, information and promotion they guide.  Mike Simone is the Executive Director of Market Research at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.  He explains decisions consumers are making today about their beef consumption habits.

Wisconsin has more than 500 independent large, medium and small meat processors that dot the state, and Jake Sailer, president of Sailer Meat's in Elmwood, wants all of them involved with the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors (WAMP)! Sailer is the outgoing president of WAMP, excited about what the board has lined up for 2024.  He highlighted some of the new messages they'll be sharing on Discover Wisconsin through the summer.  Sailer says, "I want every meat processor in the state involved in WAMP," because WAMP will help tell their story.  Sailer ways they've created a "meat map" to help guide visitors to the state, or someone investigating new territory, to their local meat processor. Sailer also helped bring the Wisconsin State Fair's Meat Products Competition to their annual meeting for judging and evaluation.  Sailer said it just made sense to let their judges also evaluate WI State Fair entries.  Normally the judging would have taken place at a separate time and separate location.  Sailer says this allows them to help bring more visibility and awareness to the competition from within WAMP, and also save time and energy getting products gathered, classified and judged. Sailer will now hand the reins of WAMP over to incoming president, Danny Geiss from Geiss Meats in Merrill as the new president of the organization.

Coffee to Costa Rica is like milk to Wisconsin.  Bob Bosold visits with tour guide Miquel at Doka Coffee Estate about everything from weather to the best way to brew a cup. The Dane County Farmers Market kicked off its summer season on the Capitol Square Saturday.  Jamie Buegel, Farmers Market Manager, talks about the volume of vendors they have this year, as well as a waiting list for those that want to join the group. Farmers or land owners being approached by solar energy companies for leasing options should tap the brakes before signing.  Stephanie Hoff gets the caution flag from Bill Oemichen, ag attorney and instructor for UW-Madison Extension. Reputation takes a long time to establish but can go away quickly.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Ken Heiman, dairy producer, cheese plant owner and former Dairy Farmer of Wisconsin board member about how much attention goes into protecting Wisconsin's dairy reputation.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

The Dane County Farmers Market is ready to return to the Capitol Square. As the largest producer only farmers market in America, it will be celebrating its 52nd year on the square.  “The Dane County Farmers Market was founded in September of 1972 with just five farmers set up on the Capitol Square,” says Jamie Bugel, Market Manager for the Dane County Farmers Market. “Now, with over 250 producers, it has grown to be a tradition in Madison.” The Dane County Farmers Market returns to the Capitol Square Saturday, April 13 starting at 6:15 a.m. Bugel says vendors will be there until about 1:45 p.m., but if you've got something specific you're shopping for - get there early, while supplies are available. This year, the State Street corner of the Capitol Square – West Mifflin Street and North Carroll Street – will be closed to vehicle traffic each Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. until the end of the market at 1:45 p.m. Customers who use vehicles to pick up large orders from that corner of the Square can do so before 8AM, or arrange an alternative pick up site with the farmer. Through early May, East Mifflin Street will also be closed to vehicle traffic due to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station construction. BRT station construction on West Main Street will also impact traffic, with only one lane available, so she recommends avoiding this area until construction is completed.

The excitement on the UW-Rivers Falls campus is palpable as seniors wrap up their last semester and prepare to accept their diplomas. The news from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is that the job market for these grads is looking good. So good, that students have to weigh the benefits of each job offer carefully before deciding. College Dean Michael Orth tells us where the numbers are trending for agriculture students entering the workforce. We also talked with three graduating seniors about their job-hunting experience and what led them to choose their careers after graduation. Not one of them mentioned the word "salary" or "pay." It was all about how they connected with their future coworkers, their shared values, and how the job can help them transition from student to employee.  In a few weeks, Ben Steffes will hold his degree in animal science. He’s looking forward to working with ABS as a reproductive technician serving farms in Clark County.  Jaiden Miller will take her agricultural business degree to Syngtena following graduation. She’ll be a research associate helping with planting, harvesting, and pollinating plants in research trials. She says she applied for a lot of jobs through online career services, like LinkedIn and Indeed. But in the end, Jaiden decided to go with Syngenta, a company that she interned with. Similar to Ben, she points to the people as the reason why. After earning a degree in agricultural communications, Kendra Jentz is taking a position with Kwik Trip as their campus tour coordinator. She says the personal connection is important for her graduation class because they didn’t get it at the end of their high school careers or the beginning of college due to pandemic restrictions.  CAFES Dean Michael Orth says the unusual pandemic experience and high regard for connection in the workplace set these grads up for success. He says he’s noticed companies looking for these attributes.

There's no better way to understand the dry winter then riding with a barge captain on the Mississippi.  Jim Cheatam is a barge captain with Western River who's also active sharing his stories on social media.  Charitee Seebecker talked with him about current water levels, what's moving on the waterway today, and what worries him about the 2024 season. Wisconsin Senator Joan Ballweg had some home runs and some misses in signed policy this spring.  She recaps fair funding, biofuels initiatives and the Farm & Industry Short Course future with Pam Jahnke. Wisconsin bison owners are trying to raise awareness about their industry.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Melissa Wienkes from the Seymour area.  She explains why bison's becoming a popular choice for consumers looking for lean protein. Pam Jahnke catches up with Volunteer State President of AARP, Leslie Spencer-Herrera.  One of her major areas of interest is consistent, high quality broadband for the entire state.  She says even today, there are huge geographic groups in Wisconsin that are trying to do without.  Spencer-Herrera says that's like asking people to survive without electricity today.  Paid for by AARP of Wisconsin. 

Imagine you're putting together your own engine. You've gone through the process of picking out the best products and start putting them together to build or rebuild your farm truck or tractor. But then you notice that something is off. Now you have to disassemble the engine and start from scratch. Sound familiar? Baril Engine Rebuilding can help solve those issues. Becky Monahan is the Marketing manager and says they help farmers before they even know they need it. 

Wisconsin Senator Joan Ballweg is summing up the work completed at the state house like the springtime sport we're watching - baseball.  In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Ballweg acknowledged there were some successes that crossed the plate like getting additional financial support for the states county fairs, but also missed opportunities due in part, to misunderstanding by Gov. Tony Evers.  Ballweg says a bill designed to protect farms from encroaching local policies limiting farm size was an example.  Ballweg says the bill was misconstrued by the governor to be about animal mistreatment, versus opportunity to expand.  It's an item she intends to readdress next session. Ballweg also noted that there were missed opportunities to support the Farm and Industry Short Course, now at UW-River Falls, but the program will keep moving forward.  She also laments the lack of a supportive signature on revisions to the state's Farmland Preservation Program.  Again, misunderstanding of purpose seemed to be part of the problem.  Ballweg tells Pam Jahnke that the goal of the bill was to allow farms to enroll in the Farmland Preservation Program for actual farmed acres, not ground dedicated to something like a solar project.

Derek Ahl owns and operates Northern Family Farms in Merrillan, WI.  His business focuses on the shrubs and ornamental trees that homeowners are looking for at this time of year.  Jill Welke visits the farm and finds out how the winter impacted their stock, and what customers are looking for this spring. North Carolina has become the seventh state that's detected High Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) in their dairy herd.  Dr. Mike Martin, NC State Veterinarian, says they're investigating to find out more about how this pathogen is being passed. The weather forecast is calling for gusty winds on Friday.  Spring storms can do major damage to farm barns, outbuildings and sheds.  Knowing what to do after the storm can be critical for clean-up and rebuilding efforts.  Chad Smith introduces us to Jeremiah Fairbanks from Morton Buildings on first steps after a storm. WI Sen. Joan Ballweg says county fairs will be getting a little more financial support from the state to pay their exhibitors the premiums they earn.  Ballweg says that will allow fair boards to reinvest in their facilities and programs for the general public. Katie Burgess, broker analyst with EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the cheese market movement on the international scene. 

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is circulating again, but it’s impacting more than birds. Several states have found this strain of bird flu in dairy cows. Wisconsin has not had a case yet this year, but it has a system in place to help prevent the spread of animal disease if it does come into our state. Wisconsin requires anyone with livestock – whether you have three chickens or 3,000 cows – to register where those animals live. It’s called the Premise ID Law. The database is run by the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC). Executive Director Julie Sweney says they require this information because it can be critical in stopping the spread of disease. You can update your premise information at https://wiid.org/

Another episode of Top Chef Wisconsin will air tonight on the Bravo Network.  Stephanie Hoff talks with some of the contestants on their impression of the event and the emphasis on Wisconsin commodities.  She also chats with some of the Wisconsin cheesemakers that made appearances on the show. High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is still making headlines nationwide.  Wisconsin sits in a unique position relative to communicating directly with farms and bird owners about their risks.  It's called the Premise ID and it's managed by the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium.  Their executive director, Julie Sweney, explains what they do and why. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group says they've got 21 more auctions to conduct this month, and then things quiet down for spring planting.  Great time to think ahead on your auction.  Paid for by Steffes Group. Federal Milk Marketing Orders are moving closer to some much needed reforms, hopefully before the fall.  Fellow farm broadcaster, David Geiger, talks to National Milk Producer Federation's economist, Stephen Cain, about what's being talked about most. Vinny Endres is a farm kid that's found his way to helping other farmers - with technology.  Endres talks to Charitee Seebecker about how his unique perspective on getting things done on the farm has helped him fashion answers for other farms and agribusinesses with technology.  

Wisconsin is moving away from carbon-based fuels such as coal, and moving toward renewable energy such as wind and solar. This means there are more opportunities for farmers to add value to their farms with solar arrays. But you’re going to want to proceed with caution. Bill Oemichen joins us in-studio. He’s a professor of law at the UW-Madison Divison of Extension. He says roughly 100 or more solar developers are seeking to do business with Wisconsin farmers to lease land for solar arrays. Bill says it’s important for farmers to think carefully before signing solar agreements. He comes at it with a cautionary lens because these are long-term contracts. He outlines common mistakes that people run into when signing these agreements. See a fact sheet: https://localgovernment.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/12/SolarFactSheetLandownersDec2023.pdf

Blake Foraker joins us. He’s an assistant professor of meat science at Washington State University. His expertise lies in beef on dairy cross animals and how to improve the traits in these cattle to keep their value in the beef market. He says beef on dairy cross animals isn’t new, but they haven’t been this popular until fairly recently.

Soil health remains a top-of-mind concern for farmers. With spring planting season just ahead, it’s important to take proper steps before and after planting to better control weeds.  Rodrigo Werle, UW-Extension Cropping Systems Weed Specialist, says recent snow and rain has helped soil moisture improve which will help farmers manage their weeds in the long-term. “According to the latest drought monitor released on April 4th, significant improvements have been observed in the southeast region of the state, where drought conditions have been alleviated.” While some areas continue to grapple with abnormally dry conditions, the recent moisture has been welcomed by growers across the state. The increased precipitation is expected to bolster soil moisture levels, providing a favorable environment for crop growth and development.

Agriculture has increasingly relied more and more on automation to improve safety, production, and quality. Regardless of the final product,  many growers, processors, and transporters use automated equipment or rely on support and utility systems. Vinny Endres is the president of Bitmasked Automation and uses his personal farm experience to help farms of all sizes reach their goals with automation.

Wisconsin apple growers are still on high alert over weather conditions that might jeopardize their crop.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Steve Louis from Oakwood Fruit Farm in Richland Center about what he's observing, and how he's preparing for what could be a dry spring. New technology is allowing farms to try and remove some of the punch neighbors experience as they're handling manure.  Strong Microbials is a company that sells live bacteria and enzymes that re-digest animal waste to reduce clumping and stop the smell. Renee Kusilek is the director of plant and animal health at Strong Microbials. She explains the technology. 4-H Camp - just saying the words can conjure up memories for people that have participated in a camp.  Now, post-pandemic, 4-H programmers and counselors are taking a little different approach to their campers mental health.  Pam Jahnke visits with Marie Witzel, Dodge County 4-H Extension Youth Specialist, about today's camp's and the mindful programming they are creating. Social media chatter over High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) has slowed and that's helped dairy to rebound. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend focuses on the quick runup we've seen in the price of cheese and butter.  He also updates us on South America's weather and how consumers continue to vote with their pocketbook on beef.

University Extension 4-H programs from throughout the upper Midwest are conducting a survey on Food, Agriculture, & Related Businesses Workforce Needs.  The information they gather in the survey will enhance 4-H initiatives in promoting career pathways in the agriculture, food & forestry career industries with a better understanding of the workforce needs. Pam Jahnke talks to Jill Jorgenson, WI Youth Development 4-H Animal Science and Agriculture Outreach Specialist with UW- Extension says they're looking for at least 300 participants with knowledge of their business to complete the study.  That will make sure that Wisconsin has state level information to work from. She say study results will be available once it is complete.   

Melissa Wienkes is the second generation on her family bison farm in Seymour, raising over 100 head. She’s also active in the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association, actively promoting and preserving the American bison in Wisconsin. Maybe you’ve had a bison burger from the association’s famous food truck. Melissa says you can check out your local bison producer for even more cuts and products. WBPA recently launched a new website wisconsinbison.com for producers and consumers to learn more about the industry. 

Agriculture exists everywhere in the world - but it can look different than Wisconsin.  Bob Bosold visits with Oscar Vargas, an agriculture guide in Costa Rica, about their labor force and the type of agriculture you'll see there. Today's solar eclipse could cause animals around the farm to act a little odd today, at least for the few minutes the eclipse occurs.  Beekeepers around the country are trying to monitor their hive activity with beedar.  Wayne Steiglman, a hobby beekeeper in Brown County, is one of those waiting to see what the bees do. The Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association(WBIA) had a big sale Saturday in Platteville, and online.  Allan Arndt, president of WBIA, says marketing of bulls today has changed. With spring planting just around the corner, our farm partners in the form of labor become increasingly important.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Linda Swindling, a professional negotiator that helps farms concentrate on keeping their employees, and keeping them happy too. Wisconsin's success as America's Dairyland takes a collective effort.  Pam Jahnke talks to Ken Heiman, owner and operator of Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield about how the Center for Dairy Research helps propel Wisconsin's dairy industry forward.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

As the weather starts to warm up, dairy producers face the looming challenge of heat stress in their dairy herds. With temperatures rising earlier than usual, the need to manage the heat becomes increasingly urgent. Heat stress poses a considerable risk to the health, well-being and production of dairy cows. As we approach the summer months, it’s critical to have prevention and control strategies in place to mitigate its impact.  Dr. Stuart Rymph, technical support dairy nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, joins Pam Jahnke to share prevention and control strategies to help producers prepare for the warm weather ahead.