MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Dairying takes a lot of skill from herd management to mechanics. For Matthew Fischer, the future of his family farm in Owen depends on a different skill set: leadership. Right now, Matthew is balancing his goal to expand the family business, Henar Acres Dairy, with his career as an educational leadership consultant for the agricultural fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. But even as a professional in the leadership business, Matthew tells Stephanie Hoff that he has turned to the Professional Dairy Producers' Cornerstone Dairy Academy to sharpen his vision for the next century of his family farm.

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is keeping a close eye on highly pathogenic avian influenza. Dr. Heather Roney is the program veterinarian with DATCP's Division of Animal Health. She tells us the current state of the disease in Wisconsin poultry flocks and dairy herds.

Whether she's talking to a crowd of people or working behind the scenes for agriculture, Kim Bremmer can wear any number of hats. The recently elected president of American Agri-Women tells us about her agriculture advocacy journey. She mentions that with busy schedules, we must find the communication avenues we are most interested in and invest our time there.

Temperatures are warming up and open water season is here for some. Trevor from OPS Experiences gives a look at how ice fishing went in the southeastern part of the state and some considerations for the early spring season. Host Ben Jarboe and him also talk about cheating in fishing tournaments and what it does to the fisheries. Stephen Manke the General Manager at Don's Marine in Lodi shares some things you should look for when you're buying a boat.

A recent USDA report reveals a stark generational divide in agriculture. Of the nearly 350 million acres of rented farmland nationwide, less than 12 percent is owned by anyone under the age of 55. Our guest today says that farmland access and farm transition are two sides of the same coin. Stephanie Hoff visits with Shelly Rothman, executive director of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project, a nonprofit based in the Upper Fox River Watershed in east-central Wisconsin. They specifically serve Green Lake County and surrounding areas, currently supporting over 40 farms, along with local food businesses and community partners. Shelly says that high land costs make it nearly impossible for new farmers to enter the industry without inheritance. That’s been a primary driver for their new farm transition program.  To provide resources for farm transitions, Foxhead collaborates with the UW-Madison Division of Extension to use their existing materials and workbooks. Bonnie Warndahl, a farmland access and transition specialist from Renewing the Countryside, has also been a partner of the Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project. Bonnie is the farmland transition coordinator, and she tells Stephanie what this pilot Farm Transition Program looks like.  As we wrap up the conversation, Shelly reminded us that farm succession is about so much more than just "handing over the keys" – it’s more complex than that because we’re dealing with a deeply held identity. Learn more: https://foxheadag.org/

Wolf numbers in Wisconsin continue to grow, increasing concern from livestock owners on depradation.  Jill Welke finds out how Bob Mitchell is working to deal with the conflict.  Mitchell is a member of the WI Cattlemen's Association and also sits on the DNR Wolf Advisory Board.  He explains the science behind how the state looks to manage the wolf population. High wind advisories are in effect across the state of Wisconsin today through the weekend.  Stu Muck says we'll also have to manage through a mix of precipitation starting Saturday through Monday morning. On this edition of the Mid-West Ride Along, Pam Jahnke meets patriarch, Ralph Berry, from Berry Farms in Curtiss, WI.  Starting as a dairy that expanded into custom harvesting, Ralph Berry explains the evolution of the equipment he's used to farm his acres and harvest for others.  Schultz's Inter-State Ag, headquartered in Monroe, has been a stalwart partner with Berry Farms.  Jeremy Buchner is a service technician that helps keep things working all around the region.  Although Buchner didn't grow up in agriculture, he's found his passion in helping farms keep rolling.As fewer Wisconsinites come from a farming background, farms must take on the responsibility of educating the public about their operations.  Ben Jarboe finds out how the Dairy Business Association/Edge Dairy Cooperative engages with town and county officials before they craft limiting ordinances that could stifle agricultural growth.  Erin Tomasik tells Ben Jarboe that they're physically taking farmers with them to key meetings to share what they do daily on the farm, and why.

As Wisconsin’s potato growers get ready for spring planting, they’re also looking toward their trade associations to promote policy that works for growers, not against them. Mike Wenkel is the COO of the National Potato Council. He tells Stephanie Hoff about his hefty to-do list ahead of the growing season. He’s watching that nutrition definitions are pro-potato; he’s navigating labor reform conversations in Congress; and he’s advocating for market access during a period where we’ve got a big supply of spuds.

Inspiring young minds about their future role in agriculture and food production is part of the motivation behind the World Food Prize.   Kara Henderlight is the Student Outreach Coordinator for CALS that's coordinating their outreach for the World Food Prize and Wisconsin Youth Institute.  She explains what it is and why youth should give it a look. Windy!  Dangerously windy!  Stu Muck says Wisconsin is already populated with high wind advisories and soon it will involve mixed precipitation. Potato chips, french fries or a big baked spud.  If you see it today, be reminded that the Wisconsin potato producer that put it there is losing money.  Stephanie Hoff tells us that Mike Weinkle, COO of the National Potato Council is on the job to try and change that trend.  Weinkle says they're working on everything from nutrition labeling issues to market access to help better those spud prices.  Stephanie Hoff reports. While the war in Iran rages, connecting the dots on disruptions in dairy marketing continues.  Bryce Windecker, dairyman himself and dairy analyst with EverAg says that the Middle East has turned into a bigger and brighter dairy market than ever before - until the war.  Windecker says that the Saudia Arabia had been capitalizing on U.S.  prices and purchasing a lot of butter and cheese.  Now that dairy product is having a difficult time finding its way to the buyer.  As prices go down, he says other major marketplaces like Mexico are moving their buying chairs to cheaper competitors versus the U.S.

Marathon county is excited to host the "Alice in Dairyland" finals for the first time in decades.  The county has been part of the educational experience for the current Alice, Sarah Hagenow, for the past year.  Pam Jahnke sits down to visit with Julie Bohr, finance committee chair for Marathon county, and Hagenow about what's unique they have to offer. Windy and wet.  Those two words sum up what Wisconsinites can expect today.  On Tuesday Racine picked up more than an inch of rain.  Exceptionally high amount compared to the rest of the state. Catalogs are out and interest is high for good used equipment as producers get ready for spring.  Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group just returned from a large construction equipment convention in Las Vegas and says their data showed a lot of farmers from the Midwest were in attendance.  Paid for by the Steffes Group. Technology is all around in food and fiber production.  Kiley Allan hears from a cheesemaker in central Wisconsin that says he's wrapping his arms around technology within his cheese plant, but not losing focus on the people behind the process.

For the Immel Family, the Fond Du Lac County fair is more than just a fair. For 4 generations, the family has served in numerous coordination roles and find great enjoyment in giving to the community that helped to shape their passions. Pat and her grandson Saywer tell us how their fair story began.

The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program has been impacting people’s lives for over 60 years. Throughout the years, the sisterhood of the Fairests has remained a place where young women grow in confidence, poise and public speaking. But the community goes beyond the girls themselves. Nicole Nohl-Ress & Kevin C. Ress described themselves to me as Fairest of the Fair enthusiasts. They take joy in seeing the development the program instills in those who participate and enjoy giving back to it. Creativity and charity took over as they made a logo for the program and gave this year’s contestants a keepsake

It takes a village to make a fair run and often the ringleaders are those on the fair boards. Melody Thiel is a new board member with the Calumet County Agricultural Association Board of Directors. Although she's only been in her role for a little under a year, Melody is no stranger to the fair. She tells Kiley Allan about her experience thus far.

When a person spends over a decade critiquing and analyzing cheese, it becomes second nature, as if it's a language you've been speaking since birth. Russell Smith recently judged at this year's World Championship Cheese Contest, an event that he's been judging at since 2012. He says that no matter your native language, the best cheeses speak to you.

When people describe leadership training, it can encompass any number of theories and strategies to help understand the best ways to inspire a group of people with the goal to work together for a common cause. Fred Lohman is a supervisor as a cheese plant in Wisconsin and tells us what it means to lead ourselves before leading others.

Coming off the success at the World Championship Cheese Contest, Dave Buholzer of Klondike Cheese tells Stephanie Hoff about his family's 100-year journey. From milk cans in 1925 to its current status as a world-class, multi-generational powerhouse, Klondike is an example of how cheesemaking has evolved. Buholzer discusses the evolution of dairy technology, the strategic shifts in cheesemaking to meet modern consumer demands, and the unique dynamics of running a successful business with siblings and cousins.

Wisconsin has adopted a waiver suspension on testing for Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome(PRRS) as well as Porcine Epidemic Virus (PEDv) in the states hog population. The waiver brings some relief to the states pork producers after uncertainty on how far a proposed rule revision would advance.  The draft rule was approved by the DATCP Board on January 29th, and by the Governor on February 6th. It was submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau on February 19 for further action. However, before the rule can become final, it must complete a legislative review and be published in the register. That process can take several weeks, sometimes months.  That's where the state's pork industry got nervous about not seeing the measure adopted. “With spring movements and show pig exhibitions coming up quickly, WPA’s ask to WDATCP was to waive the current PRRS and PEDv testing requirements while we wait for final publication of the rule in order to reduce the economic burden associated with the testing,” stated Keri Retallick, Executive Vice President. Curt Larson, president and CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association tells Pam Jahnke that it will make marketing of hogs in the state much less complicated.  Larson said that because of the requirement, they were forced to create two separate auction systems.  One for hogs that were going to the meat market, and the other for hogs that were going back to the farm as replacements or for further feeding.   Larson says that the rule also put Wisconsin pork producers at a disadvantage since surrounding states never implemented testing requirements for their producers. “Our thanks to State Veterinarian Dr. Konkle for her willingness to accept the waiver and listen to our producers in an effort to reduce burdensome testing that did not advance the intent of the rule to enhance swine health,” said Retallick. “WPA will continue to work closely with producers, veterinarians, and industry partners to safeguard herd health while supporting Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.” The waiver, effective immediately, will remain in effect until the final rule is published. Wisconsin’s pork producers are encouraged to maintain strong biosecurity measures and promptly report any suspected cases of PRRS or PEDv to their herd veterinarian.

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance or DBIA gives out grants every year to businesses within the dairy industry to help them start, grow, and renovate. One of the more unique recipients makes vodka using sheep whey. Scott Kring, a co-owner of Birch Point Distillery in Westby, shares how this process works and what the grant was used for at their facility.

Beef plants across the country have been closing, and this is due to a multitude of reasons. One of these reasons is the historically low number of cattle within the US. Brenda Boetel, the department chair and professor of agricultural economics at UW-River Falls, shares a more in depth look at these closures and why Argentine imports of beef may not necessarily be bad.

Dr. Tera Montgomery, Director at the School of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Platteville says they've got a lot to offer students and industry.  In her conversation with Kiley Allan, Montgomery says campus offers seven majors, including animal science and ag-business. Enrollment is rising due to Wisconsin’s direct admission policy and a growing student interest in precision technology, water stewardship, and manure management. Central to the curriculum is hands-on learning, primarily through the 430-acre Pioneer Farm. Students engage in crop production, agroecology research, and livestock management (beef, dairy, and swine), supplemented by specialized campus labs in food technology and anatomy. The program caters to both students from farming backgrounds and those without farm experience, ensuring they gain the "on-farm" credibility required by industry employers.   That gorgeous weather on Monday set records in Madison, LaCrosse and Milwaukee.  Now it's a memory.  Stu Muck says we've got cooler, wet weather moving in as soon as this afternoon.  That St. Patrick's Day pub crawl could be wet too. AI is finding more inroads to Wisconsin dairies.  Technology has always been a part of day-to-day operations, but now it's looking different.  Ben Jarboe gets some perspective from Dr. Jeffery Bewley, Executive director of genetics and innovation for Holstein Association USA.  He says the language models that AI offers are very farmer friendly.  Advanced computing abilities for farm data, images and video are driving some of the latest tools.  Bewley says while all the technology is great, it does have limitations.  Bewley says it requires broadband strength, computer power and reliability.  That brings ripples in community conversations about things like data centers.  Bewley says while all of the advancements are wonderful, they won't likely replace all the human elements needed to handle animals and changing conditions. Markets continue to have a laser focus on what's happen in the Middle East.  Petroleum and fertilizer are the two big items agriculture's following.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend broadens our perspective on what else is being impacted.  It looks like the cattle market is making some downward moves motivated by higher corn prices.  Everything isn't clear yet - but it's something cattle producers should keep an eye on.

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.

Stephanie Hoff sits down with Alison Pfau, a bilingual regional dairy educator, and Trisha Wagner, Farm Management Program manager, to explore the launch of the Forward Farm Safety Toolbox. This is a research-based initiative designed to help farmers lead their own interactive safety discussions. The program moves away from traditional classroom lectures toward practical, bilingual modules that address unique on-farm hazards. These tools not only improve workplace safety but also serve as a vital strategy for increasing employee engagement and retention: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/forward-farm-safety-toolbox/

Wisconsin dairy farmer and DFW Board Member Annaliese Wegner shares how everyday farm management translates into impactful industry leadership. She explores how the farmer-led checkoff creates unity among over 5,000 diverse operations to build global demand and protect consumer trust. Whether milking 30 cows or 3,000, Annaliese encourages all producers to lend their perspective to ensure a strong future for the next generation.

Beef is back in the center of the plate thanks to the new Dietary Guidelines that influence all food programs funded by the government, explains J. Garrett Edmonds, senior director of government affairs with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. But how can beef producers keep that momentum going? Edmonds talks to Bob Bosold.  A beautiful day on the horizon with near-record highs. But what goes up must come down, forecasts Stu Muck in the Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update.  You can see that wild birds are on the move, which brings risks to poultry producers. We’ve seen, just ahead of the weekend, more highly pathogenic avian influenza cases on poultry farms in Jefferson and Walworth Counties, bringing the 2026 case count to four. Migratory Bird Management has a humane method to keep wild birds away from livestock, trading a scarecrow for a light show. Wisconsin’s Farm Service Agency Executive Director Sandy Chalmers tells Ben Jarboe how farmers can sign up for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program to recover losses caused by trade retaliation and inflation. Congratulations to the 79th Alice in Dairyland top candidates: Faith Baerwolf, Kelly Herness, Gabrielle Huitema, Jessica Moor, Anastasia Poull, and Michelle Stangler. Pam Jahnke was there for the announcement. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board member Sandy Madland from Lyndel Dairy, LLC in Lyndon Station, is focused on encouraging other dairy operators to step up and join the board in the next round of elections.

Stephanie Hoff visits with the new FISC Program Director Mary Holle, who dairies in Baldwin. FISC is a 16-week course specifically designed for the "slow season," running from the last week of October to the second week of March. Students spend roughly 80 percent 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. Prospective students can reach out directly to the program via a dedicated email address: fisc@uwrf.edu.

Veterinarian Kendra Wells with Valley Veterinary Clinic tells Stephanie Hoff that the dairy industry has shifted its perspective on calves, moving from seeing them as future earners to recognizing them as the immediate, high-value "future of the farm." Due to the use of sexed semen and beef semen, farms are raising fewer replacement heifers, meaning each individual calf must be of higher quality than in the past. Veterinarians are increasingly using lung ultrasounds to detect pneumonia lesions early, as calves are prey animals that instinctively hide symptoms of illness until they are severe.

Wisconsin's dairy industry is thriving and always changing.  Looking for the "next big thing".  Some dairy sheep owners in western Wisconsin hope the next big thing is vodka.  From sheep whey.  Ben Jarboe gets the story from Scott Kring, Co-owner of Birch Point Distillery in Westby.  Thanks to a grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), Birch Point Distillery is producing vodka made from sheep whey. Co-owner Scott Cream said the idea came after connecting with Hidden Springs Creamery, a local sheep dairy cheese producer. Traditional distilling uses grains for fermentation, while whey distillation relies on lactose from leftover whey. The whey is first ultrafiltered to remove proteins and fats, leaving a lactose solution. That solution is then concentrated because the natural sugar levels are too low for fermentation. Lactase is added to break lactose into sugars the yeast can ferment. The DBIA grant helped pay for specialized equipment, including a filtration skid not typically used by traditional distillers. Demand for the sheep-whey vodka has grown enough that the distillery now sources whey from more than one sheep dairy. Rain gauges start coming into play beginning today with light showers.  Stu Muck says the more measureable amounts will come in Friday's forecast, but temperatures remain above average. Data centers remain in the news for many rural communities in Wisconsin.  Sunday, the community of Potosi will act as the gathering spot to learn more about a potential data center in nearby Cassville.  Next Tuesday, citizens are asked to join the informational confirmation in Juneau about the progress of a data center in Beaver Dam.  This trend is not likely to stop according to Jason Valerius, executive director, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission.  He tells Stephanie Hoff that the tools most communities have in place to battle proposed data centers are weak.  With population surges in areas like Dane County, the Fox Valley, Eau Claire, LaCrosse and SE WI, land is the critical element of the equation.  Farms want to hang on to it, but can't fight the high prices that data centers are offering.  Valerius says once that land is dedicated to a data center - it'll always be an urban form.  Some communities have been able to fight back. Dairy markets are anxious like the rest of commodities over the US-Israel-Iran war.  Jan Prins, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to highlight what products are moving where.  The constriction in transportation has forced some buyers to bring product forward for delivery.  Will that create a vacuum in the marketplace later this year?

UW-Badger standout and NFL Hall of Famer, Joe Thomas, has turned farmer in southwest Wisconsin.  Stephanie Hoff finds out what lured the offensive lineman to transition from field battles on turf, to field battles on pasture.  Thomas is using his halloffamebeef.com product to elevate awareness and raise funds for Blood Cancer United and the "Big Climb" event at Camp Randall May 16th. Sunshine returns to Wisconsin today along with warmer temps.  Stu Muck also reminds us to take a look at the full moon this morning if you're up in time. Market prices on good used equipment remain robust according to Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group.  He tells Pam Jahnke that they're finalizing preparation for their spring catalog and it's full!  Paid for by Steffes Group. "B" Teamers are busy at World Champion Cheese.  The event kicked off yesterday at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, and it required many hands to make light work.  One of those "B" team volunteers is Jeremy Houston.  He explains all the daily duties that they must get done to keep judges moving and wheels, literally, turning at the event. Kiley Allan got her first taste of the World Cheese event Wednesday speaking with judging veteran, Pam Hodgson.  Hodgson is one of 2 female Master Cheesemakers in the world, with her work home at Sartori.  Hodgson explains why she enjoys being part of the cheesemaking industry.  She says it may seem like an individual endeavor, but in reality it's a team approach that wins.

Stephanie Hoff learns all about labneh at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison. Expert judge Aileen Kacvinsky discusses the debut of labneh, a versatile Middle Eastern-style cultured dairy product that balances the texture of sour cream with the tang of yogurt. The conversation highlights the global flavor trends influencing U.S. production.

As cities like Madison, or counties like Dane, expand at record rates, we’re faced with a puzzle: how do we house a booming population without paving over the farmland that defines our state? Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Jason Valerius tells Stephanie Hoff that his job is to focus on water quality and land use, which come together to require conversations about the relationship between ag and urban areas. It starts with a look at how the population is changing in Dane County. He has statistics.

It’s election time for the 9 open districts for the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors, so it’s a great time to talk about farmer leadership and their voice. Today, we learn the story of Sandy Madland, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Director.  Madland was elected to represent Adams, Juneau, and Monroe counties. As a Director, she helps represent farmers, guide how checkoff dollars are stewarded, and make long-term decisions that support demand for Wisconsin dairy. Madland's story is like many others in Wisconsin.  Their family operation in Lyndon Station involves 500 registered Holsteins, and their two sons.  Madland's involvement in the boys 4-H projects helped elevate her to county dairy activities, which fed her curiosity about Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Are you ready to step up and be a voice for fellow dairy operators?  Madland believes that Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is your checkoff and your voice. Farmer leadership is how we keep Wisconsin dairy strong for the next generation. She says if the DFW Board is not an option, consider running for a leadership position at the county level. Ask questions, bring your voice and advocate for Wisconsin dairy!  

Jeff Endres, chair of Yahara Pride Watershed, tells Stephanie Hoff about the critical role of farmer-led conservation. This is the 2026 cost-share sign-up period for Yahara Pride Farms. Established over a decade ago to address water quality in the Madison chain of lakes watershed, the group has grown from a dozen initial farms to a network of 80 participating operations. 

Today marks the beginning of the World Champion Cheese event at Monona Terrace Convention Center in downtown Madison.  With more than 3,300 entries from around the world and 56 world class judges ready to go - it draws a crowd.  One person that's witnessed the excitement first hand is Steve Stettler.  Stettler is a Master Cheesemaker himself and owner/operator of Decatur Dairy in Brodhead.  He says it's been fun to watch the event grow in size and overall appeal.  He thinks Wisconsin is the ideal place to host this gathering of the world's greatest cheesemakers.  He takes Pam Jahnke behind the curtains with show details. Get those rain gauges out!  Stu Muck says today will bring a little precipitation around the state, but more measurable rain is expected by late this week. Rain, sleet, snow - it's not really going to stop farms from handling some spring clean-up.  Ben Jarboe listens in as a member of Pennisula Pride Farms watershed explains how calculated they are on manure management in spring.  Barry Bubolz works with NRCS demonstration farms in Door County.  He says farming along the lakeshore is different then other areas of the state, and that has to be respected by the farms managing nutrients and changing weather. Markets are being whiplashed again this morning in response to the US-Israel-Iran war.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, emphasizes the areas that farms and agriculture are monitoring.  Crude oil will drive headlines.  Heinberg also advises that growers know where your fertilizer is and make sure you're going to get it.  Plus, soybeans and wheat catch a rally.  Be sure and capitalize on it.

Consumers continue to buy beef despite escalated prices.  Unfortunately, those prices don't reflect the profit level at the farm or processing level.  Ben Jarboe finds out why beef processing facilities are closing with these high beef prices.  Dr. Brenda Boetel, ag economist from UW-River Falls, explains the dynamics of what's happening. Nice day today but watch out for the commute tomorrow morning.  Stu Muck says that Wisconsin's beginning to see some springlike weather patterns that include milder temperatures and rain.  Sometimes freezing rain.Time for another Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along!  Where we investigate the technology and innovations Wisconsin farms are using or experimenting with.  Today we travel to Curtiss, Wisconsin to chat with Kathy Berry from Berry Farms.  Looking her in the eye is a critical component of doing business for Kathy.  When her dad, Ralph, and she decided it was time to expand - that was the deal breaker.  Look her in the eye and acknowledge she's a decision maker.  The folks at Schultz's Inter-State Ag "got it".  They began a partnership at a meeting during WI Farm Technology Days, and it continues today.  Pam Jahnke visits with Kathy Berry about the project's origin and future direction.  She also talks with Tim Schultz, owner and operator of Schultz's Inter-State Ag about their history, and how technology is changing.  Providing growers like Kathy a modicum of time management and improved quality of life.  Paid for by Schultz's Inter-State Ag. Financial markets are taking a dive pre-open this morning after the upheaval in Iran over the weekend.  On the other side, right now, commodities are remaining firm.Do you have a college student that's thinking about "taking the summer off"?  Could be a bad move.  Not having an internship experience can be a deal breaker from some employers perspective.  Stephanie Hoff learns that 4 out 5 employers today prefer candidates that have some real-world, hands on experience.  NaCole Johnson, global talent acquisition specialist with URUS says that even candidates without a farming background can make up some space with internships.

Through paper and fiber, the state remains a powerhouse of productivity.  Wisconsin maintains its position as the #1 paper producer in the U.S., bolstered by two new $500 million mills recently constructed in the Green Bay area by Green Bay Packaging and Georgia Pacific. Beyond direct mill jobs, the industry supports a massive supply chain where every single papermaking job creates between one and six additional jobs in the community. While the industry has suffered painful mill closures over the last 15 years (such as in Wisconsin Rapids), recent expansions and state support in Northwest Wisconsin have helped stabilize the sector and provide new pathways for displaced workers. Stephanie Hoff gets all the details from Scott Suder, president of the WI Paper Council. Enjoy the warm up today before snow returns to Wisconsin tomorrow.  Stu Muck says that while there could be an accumulation of snow here, there will be larger amounts in the eastern U.S. Difficult weather in Wisconsin plus challenging market conditions can really wear dairy producers down.  Why not try and fire-up again at the Professional Dairy Producers of WI annual business meeting next week.  Kiley Allan gets a preview from their executive director, Shelly Mayer.  Remember, through a partnership with the Mid-West Farm Report, first time attendees are being offered free registeration through the end of the day Friday, 2/27.  Just text your name and email address to 877-301-3276. The small community of Plover leaned on neighbors to host the visit of Vice President J.D. Vance on Thursday.  Stephanie Hoff was there.  While there was plenty of policy discussion, she focuses on how the small rural community pooled its resources to pull off a coordinated visit to their neighborhood.

Former NFL pro turned farmer Joe Thomas joins Stephanie Hoff in-studio to talk about his journey into Hall of Fame Beef and Hall of Fame Meats, a farm-to-table business in Southwest Wisconsin dedicated to regenerative agriculture and high-quality nutrition. Learn how Blood Cancer United's "Big Climb" at Camp Randall Stadium is bringing people together to fight blood cancer through a team-based stair-climbing challenge. Fueling up with Hall of Fame beef jerky donates $5 per pack to the cause. Learn more: https://halloffamemeats.com/ and https://pages.lls.org/bigclimb/wi/bigclimbwisconsin26 

The Wisconsin Fishing Expo is here and it gives a good opportunity to try out new baits in Madison. Host Ben Jarboe talks with Pat Hasburgh about what's happening on the ice and in the water for the area. A new beer has been created to show culture of Wisconsin fishing. Paul "Coot" Williams joins the show to share his story of getting a beer by fishermen for fishermen.

This week was historic for Plover, Wisconsin. On Thursday, for the first time ever, a sitting Vice President made the trip to the village in central Wisconsin. Stephanie Hoff was there in the press pool as JD Vance toured a local manufacturing facility. While the speech was meant to rally voters for the upcoming Congressional and Wisconsin gubernatorial races, the rhetoric hit on familiar national notes – ones we heard during the President’s State of the Union address, like tax-free tips, drug pricing, and falling crime rates. But when the floor opened for questions, media outlets wanted to discuss rural infrastructure topics like health care, agriculture, and data centers. Stephanie asked the VPOTUS if this administration is prioritizing the trade deals Wisconsin farmers need.

Professional Dairy Producers’ Business conference has a slated agenda with 40 speakers in over 50 sessions. A convention undertaking of that size, requires a coordinated leadership board and conference committee to lean a close listening ear to their fellow producers. Shelly Mayer is the executive director of the organization. She tells me that they consider what is presently happening in the industry when planning the conference.

Plover Village Administrator Steve Kunst and Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker pull back the curtain with Stephanie Hoff on the logistics required to host Vice President JD Vance in Plover with less than a week’s notice. The conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes coordination between local public works, the Secret Service, and neighboring law enforcement agencies to ensure a historic, safe event for central Wisconsin.

National FFA Week highlights the blue and gold for a week.  It's up to Emma Slavens, National FFA Alumni & Supporter to help keep that enthusiasm bubbling year round.  She visits with Jill Welke at the WI FFA Alumni's State Convention about how growing that supporter base has changed, and what messages they're offering in 2026. Warmer weather for the southern portion of Wisconsin today, while north of highway 29 can expect snow.  Stu Muck says the snow will become more widespread by the weekend. Farmer led watershed groups now dot the state from corner to corner.  One of the earliest groups formed was the Yahara Pride Farms watershed in south central Wisconsin.  Jeff Endres is a Waunakee dairy operator and the chair of the Yahara Pride Farms group.  He tells Stephanie Hoff that he's proud of how they've grown their on-farm demonstrations from 10-12 farms, to now involving close to 80 in real-world demonstrations of how conservation plans work.  One troubling issue for this particular group is how big an influence the non-farm surrounding community plays in their nutrient planning.  Endres acknowledges that as the population in Dane County grows, finding measurable results from their on farm practicies gets skewed. Cheese and butter prices continue to climb in Chicago, and there are a few motivators that may keep that trend in place.  Pam Jahnke is joined by Matt Tranel, dairy analyst from EverAg to discuss how federal purchases through USDA, as well as a robust export market are keeping cheese and butter opportunities bright.

This year's annual Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference looks to hit on some hard topics. Dr. David Kohl a Professor Emeritus of Ag Finance and Small Business Management at Virginia Tech, will speak on building a resilient dairy business. He gives a sneak peek at what can be expected. Mid-West Farm Report and PDP share a commitment to advancing dairy producers and supporting strong farm businesses. As part of that partnership, Mid-West Farm Report is extending a limited number of producer registrations to the Business Conference to first-time attendees. If you’ve never attended, this opportunity was designed with you in mind! Just text your name and email address to 877-301-3276.

A leveling off of temperatures is expected to come soon but not before lower than normal temperatures pop in for the weekend according Ben Jarboe's conversation with ag meteorologist Stu Muck. The winter has been a cold one across the US causing the waterways to lock up with ice. Kiley Allan talks with barge captain Jimmy "JRock" Cheatham to learn how they navigate the icy waters in order to keep the world moving. With it being National FFA Week we are looking into some great things Wisconsin members have done. Stephanie Hoff has a chat with former state FFA officer Tyson Gehrke from Fennimore to see how his recent trip to Spain has changed the outlook of his future. Last night the State Of The Union was given by President Trump and one member from the Wisconsin agricultural community was in attendance. Stephanie Hoff gets the scoop with president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, Doug Rebout, and Congressman Mark Pocan. They share what the process was to get Doug to the speech and why it was important for a member of the agriculture community to be there. Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke is joined by Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group to get some insight on what is happening with Wisconsin auctions. He says land is one of the top things being auctioned off this spring.

Ahead of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, Stephanie Hoff catches up with Doug Rebout, a Wisconsin crop farmer and president of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, who was invited to the speech by Congressman Mark Pocan, also on the call. Pocan tells us why he wanted an agriculture representative at the SOTU -- to amplify the real-world impact of "tariff taxes." Rebout hopes to hear that trade negotiations are underway.

When we think about time on the water in the midst of a Wisconsin winter, we think much more about ice fishing than we do about taking the boat out on the lake. But that's not quite the case for Jimmy "JRock" Cheatham. He's a pilot barge captain that moves many agricultural products along the river. He tells us that winter conditions can slow movement, but it's vital that they keep America moving.

Who would have thought a combination of FFA and dairy cattle would take students overseas to  Scotland? Cate Ehle, Ella Sannes, Ana Mikkelson, Anneka Christensen will take the trip with their advisor, Samantha White, to Edinburgh, Scotland for the Royal Highland Show. There, they will compete in the dairy judging competition. They earned their invitation after competing in the 2025 World Dairy Expo FFA judging competition. The ladies sat down to tell Kiley Allan a little bit about what they're looking for.

It seems like every year there's a new disease infecting our crops here in Wisconsin and most recently for corn we've been seeing an increase in southern rust. Ashley Madson, a technical agronomist with Bayer, is here to share a bit of the history of this disease within Wisconsin and some tips for the 2026 season on choosing the right seed and best input management.

The 46th annual meeting of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni brought historic high marks for membership.  Pam Jahnke discusses the accomplishments and what's ahead with Tari Costello, executive director of the group.  Costello says they've gained 2,000 more members in the past year, as well as 10 new alumni chapters statewide.  Nick Lowe is pleased to see the numbers.  Lowe is a life-long member of the Stoughton FFA and Stoughton FFA Alumni.  He explains how his parents helped inspire his engagement with FFA, and how he elevated his activities to the state level. Another blustery day for Wisconsin with winds whipping up to 35 miles per hour.  Stu Muck says the winds should settle down later this week but not before some lumpy precipitation moves through. The Mid-West Farm Report has partnered with the Professional Dairy Producers for their annual business conference coming up March 4-5.  Ben Jarboe highlights some of the top shelf conversations that will be offered, including Dr. David Kohl.  Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Ag Finance and Small Business Management at Virginia Tech, will speak on building a resilient dairy business. Resilient, nimble dairy operations often have three to six different revenue streams. Kohl says diversification strategies discussed will include value-added creameries, agritourism, special events, cattle genetics sales, methane digesters, and consulting services.  First time attendees could score free admission courtesy of the Mid-West Farm Report.  Just text your name and email address to 877-301-3276.  Valued at more than $400!Markets are still trying to figure out what the tariff conversations mean for agriculture.  With the Supreme Court denying President Trump's tariff's, but then the president deploying another round of tariffs under a different measure - everyone's confused.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, tries to sort through what we know now.  Also, beef consumption remains well supported by consumers despite higher prices.

Wisconsin FFA alum Tyson Gehrke tells Stephanie Hoff about his eye-opening journey through Spain as part of the National FFA’s International Leadership Seminar. From trading Southwest Wisconsin’s cornfields for endless groves of citrus and olives to navigating the European Union’s strict agricultural regulations, Tyson explains how stepping outside his comfort zone redefined his view of global farming. Now a student at Iowa State, he reveals how traveling abroad is shaping his future career in agribusiness.

  The Wisconsin FFA held its second annual FFA auctioneering competition, with Junie Kierce, a junior at Waunakee High School, capturing first place. Kierce visits with Ben Jarboe about how she happened upon the competition, and prepared for the event.  Junie looked for a mentor to sharpen her skills and connected with fundraising auctioneer Jenny Gale of North Prairie. Training began with mastering numbers—counting forward and backward, working in quarters and hundreds—to build a strong foundation. Tongue twisters were a major part of practice to develop rhythm, clarity, and speed before refining an auction chant. Once comfortable with cadence and numbers, Junie worked on incorporating filler words and creating a smooth chant. Beyond the chant, mentoring also focused on salesmanship, knowing the items, stage presence, and overcoming stage fright. The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association promotes the competition to introduce FFA students to career opportunities in the auction industry. Be grateful you're not in New York City today!  Stu Muck says the wild winter weather they're dealing with on the East Coast won't make its presence felt in WI, but our temps will stay cold. Farmers aren't the only ones who pay close attention to the weather for their occupations.  So do riverboat captains.  Kiley Allan catches up with Jimmy “JRock” Cheatham, Pilot Barge Captain on the Mississippi River.  While navigation continues, heavy river ice can cut travel speeds in half and requires square barge configurations to prevent ice from packing into gaps and hindering steering. To navigate treacherous winter conditions and lower water levels caused by ongoing droughts, captains must reduce tow sizes—sometimes from 42+ barges down to 25—which directly impacts corporate profitability. Congratulations to Bryanna and Dylan Handel of Barneveld.  They've been named the 2026 Compeer Financial Groundbreakers of the Year.  Pam Jahnke explains their farming operation. Wisconsin FFA Alumni have some big plans for 2026!  Tari Costello, executive director of the group, explains that they have 2,000 more members this year compared to last, with 10 new chapters added to the roster.  Costello says the group is undertaking an effort to launch FFA license plates for the state.  Once they've secured all the financial support needed, as well as necessary signatures to begin, they estimate that $25 of each license plate sold would end up benefitting FFA in Wisconsin.  She explains the plan to Pam Jahnke.

NaCole Johnson, global talent acquisition specialist at URUS, and Stephanie Hoff discuss the shift toward hiring for passion, adaptability, and data fluency. Hands-on internships are preparing Gen Z to tackle global challenges in sustainability and food security. A mission-driven mindset is the new gold standard for the next generation of agricultural leaders.