MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

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.

Every Febuary brings a new National FFA week, and, in turn, an opportunity to talk about the benefits of the organization. Max Luedtke is the Section 10 State FFA Vice President. He tells Kiley Allan what Wisconsin members can expect during this year's celebrations!

Wisconsin FFA in partnership with the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association recently wrapped up their second annual FFA auctioneering competition. The winner for this year's competition was junior Junie Kierce out of Waunakee High School. She shares her story of becoming a champion starting with a liking of the TV show Storage Wars. Her mentor Jenny Gehl, an auctioneer out of North Prairie, also shares what it was like to teach this unique skill and have her protégé become a champion. 

Sandhill cranes are known to reside in Wisconsin until they can no longer easily find their food. Scientists call the birds generalist omnivores. This means they eat grubs, insects, tubers, plants, small reptiles, rodents, and now the crops farmers have planted. Jackie Silvicke-Scott is the Private Lands Biologist with the International Crane Foundation. She tells us what farmers can do to prevent the cranes from making their fields a dining hall.

Jackie Silvicke-Scott from the International Crane Foundation tells Kiley Allan how a non-harmful, rhubarb-derived seed treatment effectively deters intelligent sandhill cranes from damaging corn crops. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for a winter advisory in southern Wisconsin until noon today. Be careful on your morning commute! Stephanie Hoff visits with Jesse Wagner, a third-generation maple syrup producer from Inthewoods Sugarbush, to discuss the delicate "freeze-thaw" balance required for a perfect harvest. Jesse explains why snow in the woods is a producer's best friend and how he uses long-range forecasts to time his tapping in Manitowoc. The DeLong Company recently expanded its Port of Milwaukee facility with an 800,000-bushel capacity and technological upgrades, allowing vessels to reach markets in Europe faster than ever before, explains General Manager Doug Kloepping. Ben Jarboe admits most men are not Bobby Flay in the kitchen. That's why Christy Paplow presented at the most recent Wisconsin Custom Operators event about how to feed large farm crews during the busy season. She emphasizes the use of grilling, bulk shopping, and travel crockpots to maintain efficiency. And guys, you can do it, too!

As traditional pesticides lose their effectiveness due to regulatory changes and increasing pest resistance, growers are searching for a new way forward. GreenLight Biosciences’ Jonathan Adamson tells Stephanie Hoff that RNA technology can control the pests that potato growers and other specialty crop farmers deal with regularly. Using RNA-based foliar pesticides, Greenlight Biosciences' products "send the wrong message" to invasive pests. In turn, these pests, like the Colorado potato beetle, will starve themselves.

Stephanie Hoff visits with Jesse Wagner, a third-generation maple syrup producer from Inthewoods Sugarbush, to discuss the delicate "freeze-thaw" balance required for a perfect harvest. Jesse explains why snow in the woods is a producer's best friend and how he uses long-range forecasts to time his tapping in Manitowoc.

So you're happy to see your business in a rural community expanding, BUT, where will your new employees live?  For many rural communities it's not just about the cost or quality, it's about availability at all.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about how some communities are approaching the challenge.  John W. Miller, president and CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. says they're rethinking rural housing.  Miller says  Wisconsin is facing significant demographic shifts and a labor shortage that hits rural areas particularly hard. Workforce development fails without a three-legged stool: a willing business, a trained employee, and a place for that employee to live. Affordable housing is identified as the single biggest hurdle to attracting and retaining residents in rural Wisconsin. Private developers struggle to get commercial loans for small-scale, low-margin projects, making state support a necessary vessel. Communities have a strong emotional attachment to old schools, banks, and libraries, making them prime targets for redevelopment and a source of pride for the town. WEDC promotes "second-story housing" to keep downtowns vital and businesses supported by nearby foot traffic. Building downtown is often more efficient because the water, sewer, and road systems are already in place, but older buildings often have "hidden surprises" and code compliance issues that make them more expensive to renovate than building new. WEDC grants provide that final push to get the projects moving. Moving seniors into smaller, accessible downtown dwellings frees up larger family homes for the incoming workforce. Winter weather advisories are back in our forecast.  Stu Muck says there is a good chance we'll see an accumulation of snow by the time we get midway through the weekend. The third annual "Wisconsin Best Burger" contest is underway.  Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the WI Beef Council tells Pam Jahnke that she's already been fielding calls from people ready to offer up their favorites.  Meanwhile her staff's organizing 4 regional direct marketing workshops for producers that want to work directly with consumers.  All of the details on both events are found at beeftips.com.  Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock. A Wisconsin farm equipment manufacturer is sharing mini versions of their real thing.  Troy Meyer, from Meyer Manufacturing, said they started making toy versions of their livestock equipment in 3-D printing.  Now they've moved to die-cast and he explains why they did it. Friday is the next USDA milk production report and the market is ready for some big numbers.  Cody Koster, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss.  While there's been a little uptick in cheese prices, it's been largely driven by this week's global dairy trade.  Koster says with the USDA report slated to be released on Friday after the close, Monday's open could be bloody red.  

Consumer demand for protein continues to fuel a lot of agricultural markets.  From beef to dairy - more protein is popping up on all kinds of labels.  That's carried over to the bison industry too.  Jill Welke finds out about how growers are dealing with the demand, and the lack of a skilled workforce to help harvest the animals.  Lee Graese from Northstar Bison in Haugen, WI shares his challenges. Rain gauges are back in action across Wisconsin this morning, with some lightning along for the entertainment.  Stu Muck says those showers won't stick around though.  Sunshines back on the way later this morning. Improving weather has farmers starting to move some of their equipment around in the shed and yard.  Maybe you've decided it's time to replace a piece or let go of something.  Steffes Group Auction is helping move those pieces with consignment auctions all across the U.S. and Canada.  Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that their ability to collect information piece by piece and feature it in their sales has led to great interest and super prices.  Paid for by Steffes Group. The Wisconsin FFA Alumni is heading to Middleton for its annual convention Friday and Saturday.  Pam Jahnke highlights some of the auction items that will be presented, all  created by the state FFA officers. Been there - done that.  It's a phrase that applies to Wisconsin's ginseng industry.  Will Hsu, president, Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises and Hsu Ginseng Farms, Wausau tells Stephanie Hoff about the market devastation the industry faced during the first Trump administration.  Now, with more tariffs back in play, Wisconsin's ginseng industry has become a little brittle.  He says they've turned to elements like agrotourism to try and fill the gaps they're missing in global trade.

While drones are becoming a common sight over our fields, insuring these 'small aircraft' is a whole different ball game than your standard farm policy. From weight limits to chemical drift, Stephanie Hoff sits down with Eric Greening at Family Insurance Center to break down the risks and regulations of an agricultural drone. He says drones are very new in the insurance world, as spray drones have only been around for the last five years or so commercially. Insurance companies are looking at how much risk they want to insure.

As commodity markets shift, many growers are looking beyond the standard corn and bean rotation to find new value in their land. Jeff Wienkes, regional sales manager with LaCrosse Seed, tells Stephanie Hoff how cover crops are evolving from simple 'soil savers' into strategic financial tools for grazing and soil health. The interview explores the shift toward targeted seed mixes and how grazing covers can provide a much-needed 'double win' for your bottom line.

The soybean industry has been subject to a lot of obstacles over the last year with tariffs, South America, and policy, but there are some good things coming. Scott Metzger, the President of the American Soybean Association, shares some of the biggest worries they have on Capitol Hill, and why farmers should be optimistic with lots of new crush plants coming online.

The DeLong Company recently expanded with an 800,000-bushel capacity and technological upgrades, allowing vessels to reach markets in Europe faster than ever before. General Manager Doug Kloepping tells Stephanie Hoff that increasing maritime efficiency is a rising tide for the local economy.

A tool that dairy farmers have relied on for decades is changing. At the Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference, March 4-5 in Madison, Tom Zwald is going to talk about how to navigate a major industry shift -- the disappearance of BMR corn. BMR corn, or brown midrib corn, is a variety of corn for silage. Tom tells Stephanie Hoff that his family farm, Bomaz Farms in Hammond, has found high-quality alternatives that don’t sacrifice milk production. This boots-on-the-ground experience sharing is one of the reasons Tom has attended the PDP Business Conference since he was a college student. 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.

The humble potato is getting a makeover as culinary experts work to move the vegetable from a simple side dish to the center of the plate.  At the "Spud Lab" in Denver, RJ Harvey, Culinary Director for Potatoes USA, is leading a movement to transform how major food brands, universities, and even the medical community view the potato. He tells Stephanie Hoff that the Spud Lab has identified key functional benefits of potatoes that go beyond flavor. In baked goods, potatoes are proven to improve moisture retention and shelf life, while in savory applications, they serve as "allergen solves." For example, potatoes provide creaminess without dairy or thicken soups without flour (gluten). More above normal temps on the way today, bringing with it a few showers.  Stu Muck says that will help draw out any frost that may remain in some soils across the state. A junior from Waunakee High School has become the 2026 WI FFA Auctioneer Champion.  Junie Kierce won this year’s competition and started well in advance preparing.  Kierce tells Ben Jarboe that her activity in public speaking helped out, but that the mentorship from an actual auctioneer was key.  Kierce was paired with Jenny Gehl, a professional auctioneer from SE Wisconsin.  Some of the challenge areas for Kierce were the actual items she had to sell.  She says not knowing what something was used for could've been a big obstacle if it weren't for the support and knowledge of other auctioneers.  Now with the win, she earned the opportunity to attend auctioneering school or compete at the International Junior Auctioneers Championship. A 3-day weekend didn't improve the attitude of traders apparently.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for an update.  One area that he's monitoring is the run up in soybean oil.  From food to fuel, that commodity is finding many avenues of use.

With low commodity prices and constricted global markets, farmers are under a lot of stress.  John Shutske, Professor and Extension Specialist: Safety Engineering & Agricultural Health, UW-Madison says it's important to remember your mental health resources.  He tells Kiley Allan that high levels of stress are being driven by chaotic trade policies and market unknowns, compounded by a "work harder" agricultural stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.  Waking up in the early morning with racing thoughts is the primary red flag that professional medical intervention is needed. He explains that stress-induced cortisol affects the brain's frontal lobe, leading to poor communication and childish behavior, which can result in a vicious cycle of bad business decisions. Wisconsin could hit the 60's today - not what you'd expect on February 16th.  Stu Muck says this balmy, mild weather will be the story for most of the week. Farmers got an early Valentines present on Friday when Glenn "GT" Thompson announced the release of the 2026 Farm Bill.  He's got it on a fast track, with mark up scheduled for February 23rd.  Pam Jahnke visit with Perry Aasness, vice president of legislative affairs for Compeer Financial on what this version contains. Some of the highlights include "fixing" Proposition 12, addressing farm labor needs and programs supporting them, plus creating new partnerships that can help rural infrastructure including things like child care. Junie Kierce is the state champion of the 2nd annual WI Auctioneering challenge.  She says she only knew about auctioneering after watching shows like "Storage Wars".  Now, she's completed a mentorship with auctioneer, Jenny Gehl, and has become engaged in the profession. Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.

Stephanie Hoff and potato grower Andy Dierks from Coloma, discuss how Wisconsin potato growers are gaining a competitive edge through the Healthy Grown program, a research-based initiative that now grants automatic sustainability clearance for Walmart suppliers. The program helps with the transition from traditional pest management to modern regenerative practices. It also provides invaluable one-on-one support provided by University of Wisconsin specialists.

Stephanie Hoff and Randy Fleishauer of Plover River Farms in Stevens Point discuss why a processor "bailing out" creates a domino effect that impacts soil preparation, local agribusiness, and long-term farm viability. There are state-level protections and the DATCP Producer Security Council that serve as a final line of defense for the grower community.

Host Ben Jarboe has a chat with Davion Freeman about each of their recent trips to Florida which included big bass and ocean fish. They also debate about the best baits for spring fishing and talk about the upcoming Wisconsin Fishing Expo.

As the agricultural landscape shifts away from international reliance, the American soybean industry is undergoing a domestic pivot driven by the rise of renewable fuels. American Soybean Association Chief Economist Scott Gerlt tells Stephanie Hoff about the intersection of D.C. policy and local production. He tackles everything from stalled EPA blending levels to the science-based defense of seed oils against "MAHA."

In this episode, Mike Michalski from Migratory Bird Management explains to Stephanie Hoff how high-tech AVEX lasers provide a humane, non-lethal alternative to traditional bird deterrents like propane cannons or predator calls. He breaks down the unique biology of avian vision that allows these lasers to be perceived as physical threats, effectively clearing dairy barns, vineyards, and rooftops without harming the animals.

What do halal and kosher really mean? It's a practice focused on specific ethnicities and religious practices. Pam Jahnke sits down with Abdullah Hussaini, a commodity broker with Equity Cooperative and a lamb producer. He says as the ethnic makeup of the U.S. changes, these niche markets are exploding with opportunity for lamb if you know the calendar and how to grow it. The Love Shack might be the ice shanty for some folks this weekend - expect slush on the top of the ice with the warm, sunny temperatures, according to today's Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update with Stu Muck. Remember, no ice is 100% safe! The Archies say it best -- Oh, honey, honey! We take a peek inside the Old Farmer's Almanac and find out that honey can be a big help during cold and flu season. A hot toddy is the way to go! She thinks your tractor's sexy, but what if it drives itself? Ben Jarboe sits down with Brian Luck, an associate professor of Biological Systems Engineering at UW-Madison. Luck says he expects to see autonomous tractors in the fields in the next 5 years, and explains why the idea of more farmers using them is becoming more real. Is chicken, pork, or beef on the Valentine's dinner menu? Extension specialist and Professor Brenda Boetel says as beef and pork supplies tighten and prices climb, chicken is swooping in to fill the gap, thanks to its ability to scale production much faster than red meat. She also tells Kiley Allan that producers should keep a sharp eye on marketing strategies. In this volatile market, a positive margin is never a reason to fly on autopilot. All eyes are on the Winter Olympics... dairy will have its own version March 3-5. Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer previews the World Championship Cheese Contest with Stephanie Hoff!

John Umhoefer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, discusses with Stephanie Hoff the upcoming World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, a biennial event featuring over 3,300 entries from 25 countries. The competition relies on a highly specialized group of international judges and a "cold chain" volunteer effort to evaluate everything from traditional cheddars to exotic entries like Tibetan donkey cheese. Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a major economic driver, where a single gold medal can secure a lifetime of orders for cheesemakers.

It's projected that nearly 18% of households in the U.S. have at least one individual using GLP1 drugs.  That's a trend that's expected to continue, and it has implications for production agriculture.  Consumers have cut consumption of many food items, and increased in others. Ben Jarboe finds out how food grade soybeans are handling the adjustments from Scott Sinner the VP of Supply Chain with SB&B foods. Sinner says right now things look bright, and they're hoping the sentiment grows! Sunshine back in the forecast today with above normal temps.  Stu Muck says that trend shouldn't change through the weekend. A coalition including agricultural groups gathered just off the square to discuss the price tag the state's been presented for SNAP, known as FoodShare in the state.  Stephanie Hoff reports from the Capitol.  Approximately 165 entities including the WI Cheesemakers Assn., state Potatoe & Vegetable Growers and WI Pork spoke up on the need for the program.  Aside from ensuring families have adequate access to fresh, nutritional food, the program provides certainty for Wisconsin farmers.  Rebecca Sweeney, senior director of programs and policy for the WI Cheesemakers Assn. says 8-10% of all FoodShare dollars spent in the state go toward dairy products.  She notes that even a 5% drop in grocery store sales would create financial pressure for farmers, food processors and agribusiness. Beef is one of the brighter elements of production agriculture today, but you can always learn something new.  Dr. Amy Radunz, animal nutritionist and past president of the WI Cattlemen's Association, says hearing from growers outside the state is helpful.  That's why they've invited Tucker Brown, a cattle producer and agriculture advocate from Texas, to share what works for him - and might work in Wisconsin. Too much milk.  We're hearing it from analysts, processors and industry leaders.  Despite the volume challenges, there's more to come!  Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says that "spring flush" is just around the corner with more milk cows having calves and coming back into full milk production.  Where's it going to go? What's it going to do to prices, and do you have risk management tools in place to protect your operation.  She joins Pam Jahnke with some strategies.