When Clark County last hosted Farm Technology Days in 2005, a new feature at the show was the Meyer Farms 10-Horse Belgian Pyramid Hitch. It was a hit! Since then, the hitch has been featured at several Farm Technology Days, most recently at Wood County in 2018. Danny Meyer chairs the equine committee for this year's show in Loyal. He tells us what show goers can look forward to in the equine tent, and how that pyramid hitch works.

Organic Valley has launched its program to reach carbon neutrality through a new carbon insetting program. With the help of key partners and consumers, the cooperative of organic family farms plans to work towards a carbon-neutral food system through a carbon insetting program that will incentivize and assist Organic Valley farmers with implementing regenerative, climate-smart farming practices. Director of Sustainability Nicole Rakobitsch shares more. 

Grab the bug spray! State Entomologist, coined 'Wisconsin Bug Guy', PJ Liesch gives us a look at a tick that can make you allergic to meat if it bites you. It's called the Lone Star tick. Wisconsin has seen six deaths this year due to ATV/UTV accidents. Ahead of the holiday weekend, Lt. Bob Kneeland, DNR Recreation Warden Supervisor, explains how his team handles ATV/UTV crashes and shares how riders can stay safe on the road alongside cars.  What kind of flowers are you seeing at your summer weddings and parties? Flower producers in Central and South America, Africa and western Europe are facing unique weather conditions, putting a pinch on some varieties of flowers. This is according to Tami Gasch of Brillion Blooms and president of the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florists Association. County fair season is upon us! And poultry is now allowed to be there, too. But that doesn’t mean everything will immediately return back to normal. Taylor Schaefer gives us the story.

Tractor safety courses have been going strong through the summer months, but the program has seen some changes.  Heidi Johnson is the Agriculture Institute Director with UW-Extension. She shares what the tractor safety program looks like now and where they hope to see it in the future. 

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a show to showcase advancements in the agriculture industry and talk with folks from all across the state. However, this year's show has stepped beyond that and added a country music festival.  Kristin Smith is in charge of coordinating Farm Tech Fest 2022, a one-night festival that will be taking place on July 13 - right in the middle of Farm Tech Days. She shares how that festival became a reality and what obstacles they've faced along the way.

The Babcock Hall Dairy Plant renovation and Center for Dairy Research addition broke ground in 2019 -- the expected end-date of construction has been fluid. Today, the anticipated completion date is early 2023, according to plant manager Casey Whyte. He says certain obstacles have been holding construction back, such as a shortage of freezer doors. Meanwhile, the production of cheese and ice cream continues at industry partners, including Madison Chocolate Shoppe, Edelweiss Creamery and Chalet Cheese Co-Op. Milk bottling has stopped until the plant is completed.

As Wisconsin Farm Technology Days moves from county to county each year, each county finds a way to incorporate its corner of the ag industry. Clark County, the host of this year's Farm Tech Days, is no exception. Chuck Reith is the Executive Chair for Clark County Farm Tech Days. He shares how they plan to incorporate different aspects of the ag industry from across the county so that they can embody the theme "Where Tradition and Technology Meet". 

It takes commitment to grow pumpkins weight 1,000+ lbs. Brandon grower Tom Montsma says it takes an hour per day per plant from April to September. He's trying to grow three this year. Growers are wrapping up pollination season, which has to be done by hand. And Tom is seeing success in his garden. Twenty days after pollination is when the pumpkins will start putting on roughly 40 lbs per day. That's a big snack for rodents! Tom says growers have extensive regimes to keep away pests, weeds and disease. Some even circle their pumpkins with mouse traps to keep away vermin. In this heat, Tom put out irrigation to cool the plant down. Sometimes frozen water jugs on the soil will do the trick.

What can cover crops do for you? We get the word from the northern end of the world's longest barn in Eau Claire. Troy Salzer, a University of Minnesota Extension specialist, points out that covers are a valuable resource for farms with livestock. Low-hanging fruit would be planting covers in cow yards to collect nutrients and provide feed. Soybeans are looking good -- and the first flowering stage is upon us. That means you'll need to be aware of your deadline for applying herbicides, according to John Gaska, a research specialist with UW. The update is brought to you courtesy of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board. Know your 2023 margins and be prepared, says Ryan Yonkman with ever.ag. Dairy producers are seeing good times now, but that may change with rising grain prices come Q4 of '22. 

Erin Silva, an associate professor and extension specialist in the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, was recently selected as the first recipient of the Clif Bar Endowed Chair in Organic Agriculture and Outreach.

Just like you don't have to live on a farm to be involved in 4H and FFA, you don't need to have access to a farm to show animals at the fair. Rabbits can be a low-cost, low-space project for students to get involved in their local fair scene. Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Association President Barb Semb says there are over 50 breeds to choose from, starting as low as $10 a bunny. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins us with news that used tractors are coming at a premium due to high demand and overall inflation. That's not stopping buyers from getting the equipment they need. If you're in the market to sell to the highest bidder, call Steffes Group. Managing the business side of farm transitions is often easier than managing the people side, according to Monica Kramer McConkey. She consults farm families on the relationship and social aspects they go through during a farm transition. She recalls her family's farm transition as fairly smooth, but not all families are so lucky.

There were 19 recipients of the DATCP Dairy Processor Grants that totaled $400,000. One of these recipients is a micro-dairy with big plans. Tammy Fritsch is the Plant Manager and Owner of Two Guernsey Girls Creamery in Freedom. She shares more about the micro-dairy and creamery while sharing her plans for the Dairy Processor Grant dollars. 

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative recently announced its priorities for reforming the federal milk pricing system.

Wisconsin cheese is famous far and wide for its variety and authentic taste. The dairy state happened to be the perfect landing spot for one cheesemaker from Mexico City. Ricardo Gutierrez is a Co-Owner of Door Artisan Creamery. He shares more about the business and his journey from Mexico City to Wisconsin as a cheesemaker. 

Pam Jahnke and Wisconsin Farm Technology Days General Manager Arnie Jennerman chat the upcoming show in Clark County. The show is never in the same location, and that comes with challenges -- a new location means new parking, lodging, and utility plans. The changing farm economy also means no year is the same when it comes to securing equipment or food donations. The enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act sets in motion a series of new rules and regulations regarding ocean carrier practices that the Federal Maritime Commission must implement over the course of the next year. U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Krysta Harden says last year, shipping challenges resulted in over $1.5 billion in increased export costs and lost opportunities.  With temps nearing 90 this week, Allison Lund shares a quick update with Ready Wisconsin on how to tell if you're experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing in West Bend lays out the various pressures on today's markets -- declining crop conditions, recession conversations, and the stocks and acres reports coming out of USDA on Thursday.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days travels around the state each year, meaning that each show is unique.

Dogs are known for being man's best friend, but they also can be hard-working counterparts when it comes to farm work. Working dogs play a key role on many farms in helping to manage livestock. Lori Perry is the President of the Wisconsin Working Stock Dog Association. She outlines what a working dog does and shares more about the trials that they can compete in during the summer months. 

Bob Bosold talks with National FFA CEO Scott Stump. The U.S. has a total of about three-quarters of a million members. Stump says the largest challenge facing FFA is a teacher shortage. Campaigns to expand ag educators have been disrupted by COVID. We meet the 2022 Cattlemen of the Year, Steve Springer of Iowa County. Springer is a third-generation beef farmer who has been in the business for over 40 years. LaGranders Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin is proud to be the sole supplier of Culver's cheese curds that are now touring the country. Ryan LaGrander shares more about the goodness that goes into those curds. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research are celebrating USDA’s direction of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance. The additional $20 million in DBIA funding will support an expansion of the program’s service area, explains WCMA Communications Director Grace Atherton.

The Roehl family of Loyal, WI will soon welcome thousands of guests to their registered dairy farm and event venue for the 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.

Even when not in session, Senator Joan Ballweg is busy in the community at dairy breakfasts, fairs, and the upcoming 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days show. 

It can be easy to get caught up in life and stressed out, but one option for unwinding and managing mental health involves small four-legged friends: goats!  Abigail Lippmann is the owner of Oak Hollow Acres and Serenity Soap Works. She shares more about the goat therapy sessions that her farm offers. 

The Wisconsin berry season is well underway, and growers are finding unique ways to stretch their season and get ahold of supplies. 

Small things that have a big impact continue to be the focus of Wisconsin ag educators as they transition to in-person events following the pandemic. 

Farm Director Pam Jahnke catches up with Roger King, president of the Wisconsin Ag Educators Association. King says community support for ag education was a key factor in getting both teachers and students through the pandemic, but challenges such as teacher shortages remain.  Potato condition is looking good in Wisconsin -- 94 percent good to excellent, but growers should be aware of potential crop problems. Allison Lund gives a potato blight update with UW specialist Amanda Gevens. Compeer Financial is accepting nominations for the 2023 GroundBreaker of the Year Award. The deadline to enter is August 31. The award recognizes young, beginning and small farmers who have an unparalleled passion for agriculture and who are making a positive impact in the agriculture industry. Cullen Kennedy shares more in a paid program.

The USDA has made a significant investment in the region’s dairy industry. The department directed $20 million dollars to the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin authored the bill in creating this Innovation program. She tells Mid-West Farm Report that the funding is a signal that the Innovation Initiatives across the country are working. She also shares her optimism that a bill will pass soon that would extend school lunch into the summer and beyond due to the ongoing pandemic concerns.

Sometimes, the best therapeutic outlet can be found outside chomping on hay. We're talking horses! Their hard-working nature and calm demeanor gives them the opportunity to serve as a companion in assisting people of all capabilities in achieving their goals.  Lauren Cnare, Executive Director of Three Gaits Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, shares more about the therapeutic riding lessons that Three Gaits offers. She also highlights the awesome horses that are a part of the program. 

Prices of calves, fertilizer, feed and more continue to rise - all while the US beef herd fell 2% from ‘21-’22. Troy Salzer, University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Ag production systems, says these price increases are not expected to change any time soon. Farmers instead need to implement better management strategies to help increase their profitability.

Mace Thornton, director of United Soybean Board communications and marketing, tells Mid-West Farm Report about the key priorities for soy checkoff dollars. The quick hits: domestic infrastructure, international markets and programs that support the fuel AND food soybean markets.

Steve Springer, the 2022 Cattlemen of the Year, is a third-generation beef farmer who has been in the business for over 40 years. He currently serves on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) after his nomination from the WCA. He is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, WCA, and Iowa County Cattlemen’s Association. 

The president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association was in Wisconsin for a summer farm tour.  Jill Welke visits with Don Schiefelbein about policy being developed in D.C. that needs to be monitored for its potential impact on beef production. Jim Dell is president and CEO of Alcivia Cooperative.  He visits with Pam on how the growing season's been handled by the Alcivia team and what marketing opportunities farms should be looking at.  Part of the Paid Alcivia Coop Talk series. Zach Bower with EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to rehash the May milk production figures.  As water supplies continue to dwindle in the west/southwest, more cows are going to slaughter and dairies in general are shutting down

Don Schiefelbein, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President, was in attendance at the second stop in Clear Lake for the Cattlemen’s Education Series. He shares more about the policy NCBA is watching in DC, including the Securities and Exchange Commission’s interest in tracking carbon emissions through the food chain all the way back to producers. 

Wisconsin has seen an increase in ATV and UTV crashes, with 6 fatalities already this year. With these incidents comes a process for managing the situation and preventing further crashes.  Lt. Bob Kneeland, Recreation Warden Supervisor with Wisconsin DNR, explains how his team handles ATV/UTV crashes and shares how riders can stay safe on the road alongside cars. 

The order that prohibited the movement of poultry to all live events to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been lifted by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. That doesn’t mean everything will immediately return back to normal, though. 

Culvers is on the road. They’ve started their cheese curd tour across the U.S. stopping in 17 cities. And for folks who may not know, those curds are coming from the heart of America’s Dairyland in eastern Chippewa County. LaGranders Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin is proud to be the sole supplier of Culver's cheese curds that are now touring the country. Ryan LaGrander shares more about the goodness that goes into those curds.

With well over 2,000 different breeds and styles of birds, there are endless color, size, and beauty options for exhibition poultry exhibitors.

The roller coaster ride that's overtaken the stock market can make you sick - especially if funds you're depending on for retirement are upended.  Amber Miller, AARP Assoc. State Director of Community Outreach in Wisconsin shares some tools that might help give you direction. Check out the AARP Money Map.  An online resource that can help you get control and direction on your financial future.

Wisconsinites aren't the only ones facing summer storms -- flower producers in Central and South America, Africa and western Europe are also facing unique weather conditions, putting a pinch on some varieties of flowers. This is according to Tami Gasch of Brillion Blooms and president of the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florists Association. This is just one supply chain issue local florists are facing. The price of fuel and general inflation has caused florists to have to push prices up. Gasch says many florists have found themselves doing things the old-fashioned way -- using wire and floral tape to make corsages versus floral glue due to shortages.

The first cutting of alfalfa was reported at 84 percent complete, a week behind last year and a day behind the five-year average. The second cutting was 1 percent complete. All hay condition was reported 82 percent good to excellent condition, up 1 percentage point from last week. Clark County Extension Senior Outreach Specialist Richard Halopka gives Mid-West Farm Report a forage update, including how hay supply and prices are looking. He warns you may see hay condition fall in next week's USDA Crop Condition report due to the heat wave we're experiencing.

Ag Cooperative and food powerhouse, Land O'Lakes, has been present in the dairy showcase at grocery stores for a long time - but they're making a new push with shredded cheese and cubed chunks. Pam Jahnke visits with Heather Anfang, VP of U.S. Dairy Foods at Land O'Lakes about the label and the story behind it. John Hineberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, explains recent drops in dairy cheese prices and the volatility behind it.

It's not difficult to find cheese buying opportunities in Wisconsin, but this one's unique.  Jill Welke talks to the founders of "Cheese Brothers".  A unique cheese buying experience in Northwest Wisconsin. Career opportunities and educational options. That's what the 2022 Wisconsin State FFA Convention was all about, and Allison Lund found a special area trying to draw attention.  Logan Wells is a past state FFA officer himself, and is now recruiting members to consider a career in the forestry and wood products industry.  He's with the Technical College System in Wisconsin and explains what's out there. Fair season is just around the corner, but many kids that want to exhibit poultry are still under restrictions because of avian influenza.  Taylor Schaefer talks to Dr. Ron Kean from the UW-Madison Poultry Science Dept. about the restrictions and what it means to those families and fairs.

Summer months bring about warm weather and severe weather incidents across Wisconsin. Although the weather is unpredictable, there are ways that people can prepare for those events and stay safe.  Andrew Beckett, Public Information Officer for Wisconsin Emergency Management in the Ready Wisconsin Campaign, outlines how to stay safe in high temperatures and severe weather situations this summer. 

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research are celebrating USDA’s direction of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance. The additional $20 million in DBIA funding will support an expansion of the program’s service area to include Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio. Currently, the program covers Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, explains WCMA Communications Director Grace Atherton. 

As you drive the rural roads of Wisconsin, and note all the farms that populate that space - you should know that most of them are not generating enough money to stay afloat without off farm income.  That's the conclusion of a survey done by Dr. Steve Deller, Professor and Community Development Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics on the UW-Madison campus. He explains the results to Pam Jahnke. The 2022 Wisconsin State FFA Convention is looking to break records with attendance this year!  Pam Jahnke talks to Cheryl Zimmerma, executive director of the Wisconsin FFA Association. Continuing with more conversation from the State FFA Convenion, Pam Jahnke visits with Abi Quinlan, executive director of the WI FFA Foundation.  While new to the position, Quinlan is very familiar with Wisconsin FFA and has some lofty goals for 2023.  

Innovation is key to any business, but especially food related products.  Taylor Schaefer talks with Anna Landmark or Landmark Creamery, about how they're focused on diverse products using cow and sheep milk. The 93rd WI State FFA Convention drew to a close Thursday with the announcement of the new state FFA president.  Allison Lund chats with Casey Denk of the Mondovi FFA - the new state president. Farmers worry about more than the weather and markets.  Taylor Schaefer talks to Florence Becot of the National Farm Medicine Center, about survey results asking farmers what they worry about.  Top of mind - medical expenses. 

With temperatures in the danger zone this week, Wisconsin farmers need to take care of their livestock - and themselves.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Melissa Ploeckelman from the National Farm Medicine Center about what's at risk if you skip safeguards. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group tells Pam Jahnke that the auction business is as red hot as the weather.  They're so busy, they're actually publishing two auction catalogs just for this summer's business. Allison Lund catches up with Wisconsin native, and current National FFA Vice President, Cortney Zimmerman at the 93rd Wisconsin State FFA Convention.  She shares her experiences, so far, as a national officer and what it feels like to come "home".

It may not be the state's largest crop, but it does draw attention.  Wisconsin's cherry producers say things are off to a relatively normal start.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Carrie Lautenbach-Viste, Lautenbach's Orchard in Door County about the crop. The 93rd Wisconsin State FFA Convention officially begins today at the Alliant Energy Center.  Allison Lund got a jump on activities, visiting with Katie Zimmer, State FFA Vice President from the Flambeau Chapter.  She's one of the state officer's that's organized the day of service project this year.  It's different, but still designed to help the community. Heat is definitely the topic of conversation in the marketplace this week.  John Hineberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss what the newsmakers are today.

Trade policy is a difficult field to work in, especially if you don't visit or get to know the other trade partners involved.  Bob Bosold talks with WI Cong. Ron Kind about a recent trip he made to the European Union to investigate what trade options might be up for discussion. Pam Jahnke talks with Allison Demmer from Culver's about their 17 city food truck tour that will feature Wisconsin cheese curds.  The "Taste of Delicious" food truck tour.June Dairy Month is one of the most important month's of the year for Wisconsin dairy.  Pam Jahnke talks to Lisa Ramatowski, direct channel specialist with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  She explains how they partner with food retailers to promote the Proudly Wisconsin badge - including Culver's.

U.S. Dairy Export Council is applauding the signing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act by President Biden. The enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act sets in motion a series of new rules and regulations regarding ocean carrier practices that the Federal Maritime Commission must implement over the course of the next year. U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Krysta Harden says last year, shipping challenges resulted in over $1.5 billion in increased export costs and lost opportunities.

FL Morris, a hemp grower from Monroe and co-founder of the South Central Hemp Cooperative, is optimistic about the hemp sampling transition from DATCP to USDA. She says a USDA-ran program means there will be more samplers (because the private sector is now involved) and less cost. Meanwhile, Scott Battuello of SwampBuck Farms in Montello is more cautious. He says while lower cost and more samplers are a good thing, a USDA program means there are more players involved and more room for error. Since growers have just begun the process of reaching out to their FSA office, time will tell how smooth the transition will be, he says.

McCain Foods, a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products, set a goal to implement regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of its potato acreage worldwide by 2030.