House Finishes The Farm Bill And Friday Fish Costs Escalate By 150%Wisconsin green thumbs are waking up this spring! New varities, plenty of questions and a lot of ambition. Kiley Allan finds out what's happening with Scott Trudell. He works at the Plant Desk for The Bruce Company. While spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are hardy enough to survive fluctuating temperatures, deciduous shrubs (such as lilacs and crab apples) are more vulnerable. If temperatures drop below the mid-20s, these should be covered with blankets or row covers to prevent damage. Greenhouse inventory is arriving earlier than usual this year, featuring cold-tolerant flowers like pansies, sweet alyssum, and the increasingly popular hellebores. There is a growing trend toward vegetable gardening, particularly with new disease-resistant varieties specifically bred for container growing, making gardening accessible for those in apartments or condos. Plants raised in a greenhouse are "soft" and should not be planted immediately. They require a week-long transition period, starting in the shade and gradually moving to direct sun to, adjust to the wind and temperature changes. Scott notes a rise in backyard greenhouses, ranging from permanent structures to temporary "tent" models, which allow enthusiasts to start their planting season several weeks early.
Frosty start again this morning for Wisconsin. Stu Muck says the frost/freeze warnings will stick around through Saturday morning at least. Daytime highs will get back to "normal" temps with a chance of more rain next week.
Despite cool, wet conditions Wisconsin potato growers have been moving. Ben Jarboe gets an industry update from Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director of WPVGA. Wisconsin potato planting is slightly delayed but not as bad as initially feared. Growers typically begin planting around April 10–15, but this year most started closer to April 20 due to wet conditions. Cold temperatures haven’t been a major issue—excess moisture in the fields has been the primary challenge. Many farms report being about five days behind schedule but expect to catch up quickly. Large operations can plant up to 150 acres per day, helping them stay on track despite delays. Farmers avoid planting in low or waterlogged areas to prevent disease and crop loss. Sandy soils in Central Wisconsin allow fields to dry quickly—often within 24 hours after rain. Northern regions like Antigo, with heavier soils, experience longer drying times and later planting windows, often starting in May. Some northern growers may plant as late as early June depending on weather conditions. Houlihan reminds consumers that Wisconsin remains a major potato producer, ranking third nationally and leading the country in potato variety diversity.
By a vote of 224-200, the 2026 Farm Bill passed the U.S. House this week. 800 pages long, $390 billion deep with 12 different Titles encompassed. A Nebraska Congressman believes they'll take up the E-15 fuel conversation beginning in May outside of Farm Bill circles.
In 2025 43% of restaurants said they were unprofitable. The economic challenges continue in 2026. Pam Jahnke talks with Susan Quam, executive vice president of the WI Restaurant Association. She says that restaurants are maneuvering through high beef costs, increased labor expense and climbing energy costs. Staples like Saturday night prime rib have been impacted by the beef price. What some guests may also have noticed is the high price of fish! Quam says the cost for the actual fish in a Friday fish fry have gone up 150% in the last year. That's forced restaurant owners to think about differenty types of fish for their menu. She says guest need to understand that menu prices have gone up 20% for operators and the average profit margin is 1-3%.
