Landmark Creamery has officially moved into its new production space near Monroe and has started bulking up their sheep milk cheese production by nearly triple the amount. Anna Landmark is a cheesemaker and co-owner of Landmark Cheese. She says with support from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, they’ve been able to accomplish a long-awaited dream. Landmark Creamery has moved into the former Deppeler's Swiss Cheese factory, renting from Chalet Cooperative. The move has streamlined milk hauling from Ms. J & Co. where Landmark gets sheep milk. They've grown from a capacity of 4,000 to 12,000 lbs of milk.

Dorothy Harms, the chairperson of the Farmer Angel Network says their goal is to help get the word out about farmer mental health and help families get the help they need for their loved ones. This also led to a sister chapter formed by Jennifer Webster who lost her father to suicide. They each tell their stories and give tips on how to recognize signs of mental distress. The state Department of Transportation is taking big steps to improve the roads that farmers rely on daily. The Agricultural Road Improvement Program is set to upgrade around 490 miles of agricultural roadways. Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen tells us just how much demand is out there for these types of funds. Today's dairy operations are changing to meet growing demand both here and internationally. Compeer Financial dairy lending specialist Brad Herkenhoff talks about milk production and how farmers are responding. Compeer Financial Dairy lending specialist Jay Retzer talks about how farmers can grow without building a new dairy operation. Paid for by Compeer Financial.

Have you ever considered giving farm tours on your dairy? Joe Statz, an owner at Statz Brothers Dairy Farms in Sun Prairie, says it's rewarding. His family milks about 4,700 cows and farms 10,000 acres of land. He says farm tours are an opportunity to tell the farm’s history, share their pride, and showcase how they steward the land. Dairy farmers looking to give tours have resources available to help them through Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Liza Schlintz, dairy farm communications manager with DFW, has the details.

Beau Hartline, farm manager at Alsum Farms in Arena and Grand Marsh, says it was a bit of a mad dash to get the potatoes out of the ground before the frost on Oct. 15. He says the yield was average or a little bit below this year for many growers. Now, those spuds are going to be in storage for up to 10 months. In other news, the Idaho-based Lamb Weston, the largest producer of french fries in North America, announced a restructuring plan on Oct. 1 that included immediately closing a production plant in Connell, Washington. Beau says it's too early to tell how that will impact the fresh table stock market that Alsum serves.

As we transition into the winter meeting season, preparations are underway for a significant conference in Wisconsin Dells, set for December 17-18, which combines the Discovery Farms and Wisconsin Cover Crop conferences. This year’s focus will be on managing soil health and water quality while addressing challenges like herbicide-resistant weeds. With over 400 expected attendees, including farmers, agronomists, and conservation professionals, the event aims to foster collaboration and innovation in agricultural practices. Additionally, topics like nitrogen optimization and the potential for carbon credits will be explored, reflecting the growing interest in sustainable farming methods.  Co-chair Dan Smith is eager to share details about this year’s event as registration is now open.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is taking big steps to improve the roads that farmers rely on every day. Launched as part of the 2023 budget, the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), is set to upgrade around 490 miles of agricultural roadways. Joel Nilsestuen, Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation shares more about the program and just how much demand is out there for these types of funds. The first round of applications saw a robust response, with $50 million awarded to support 37 projects across 28 counties in Wisconsin. These projects are expected to facilitate the transport of approximately 5.3 million tons of agricultural products valued at around $1.6 billion annually. Nilsestuen noted, “We are covering all aspects of the agricultural industry, from dairy and livestock to grains, feed, and even cranberry production." Currently, the second round of applications has closed, with $100 million available for projects. "We received 220 applications totaling about $370.5 million worth of work, impacting around 490 miles of agricultural roadways.

The harvest this fall has come on fast with the dry weather, and cooperatives are working to make sure farmers have a place for their grain. Justin Friesz, the senior director of commodity training at CHS, explains that with this fast inflow of grain they are working to transport out grain as fast as possible to allow a place for farmers to store. This is creating a stress on the transportation industry, but Friesz says overall they are handling it well. The dry fall also means the grain is coming in dryer, but Friesz explains that this actually helps them find more markets to sell to. 

While the county fair season may be over – it’s still on the mind of some. Jayme Buttke shares how this fair season went and what's next for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. Are you using your refrigerator drawers correctly? Are you extending the shelf life of your apples, onions, or squash to the best of your ability? Rachel Wandrei works with a locally grown program within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. She tells us how to get the most out of our fall bounty, whether we grew it ourselves or picked it up at an orchard, patch, or farmers market. And guess what? It doesn't take elbow grease! The latest dairy market trends show a slight decline in milk production in Wisconsin, while states like Idaho and Texas have seen increases. Matt Tranel, Senior Dairy Market Advisor with Ever.Ag, attributes Wisconsin’s drop to the rising trend of breeding dairy cows to Angus calves for beef production, driven by high beef prices. He also highlights the impact of the Global Dairy Trade Index on U.S. dairy exports and notes that consumer demand is shifting towards more economical options like mozzarella for frozen pizza. Looking ahead, new cheese plants and whey production could significantly affect milk prices, and Tranel advises farmers to monitor their margins closely amid strong 2025 projections.

Are you using your refrigerator drawers correctly? Are you extending the shelf life of your apples, onions, or squash to the best of your ability? Rachel Wandrei works with a locally grown program within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. She tells us how to get the most out of our fall bounty, whether we grew it ourselves or picked it up at an orchard, patch, or farmers market. And guess what? It doesn't take elbow grease!

It's been 20 years since the cranberry was named Wisconsin's state fruit. Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association Executive Director Grant Holley tells Charitee Seebecker that the cranberry yield looks good as producers continue harvesting through the end of the month. The heat late in the season helped. After harvest, WSCGA will focus on improving workforce development. Cocoa prices have doubled in the past 10 months due to adverse weather in West Africa, says Wells Fargo. That means companies will push non-chocolate candy this Halloween or adjust the recipe to use less chocolate. In today's Compeer Financial ag weather update, meteorologist Stu Muck says measurable rain is coming to Wisconsin tomorrow evening. Lucas Clayton joins us on a Wyffels Wednesday. He’s a district sales manager in the Southwest corner of Wisconsin. Since no two growing seasons are the same, having multiple years of data behind a hybrids package is valuable when planning for 2025. Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids. Mary Schrieber is Wisconsin's National FFA officer nominee. She tells us about the interview process at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this week. CHS director of commodity training Justin Friesz tells Ben Jarboe that just 30 days ago, no one knew that the corn and soybean crops were going to come off this fast. He says elevators have had to stay fluid and work their connections in order to successfully store and transport this year's grain.

Lucas Clayton joins us on a Wyffels Wednesday. Clayton is a district sales manager with Wyffels Hybrids in the Southwest corner of Wisconsin. As you plan for the 2025 growing season, Wyffels Hybrids can help you make the best decision for your field. Since no two growing seasons are the same, having multiple years of data behind a hybrids package is a valuable asset, Clayton explains. Plant your independence at wyffels.com.

Elanco Animal Health has introduced Bovear, a new feed ingredient that helps dairy farmers cut down on methane emissions from their cows. This innovative product can reduce emissions by up to 30% without affecting milk production. Jose Simas, Executive Vice President of Farm Animal Business for Elanco says that if 1 million cows were fed Bovear, it would be like taking more than 285,000 cars off the road for a year.

Rick Adamski and Valerie Dantoin, operators of Full Circle Farm, have been honored as finalists for the prestigious Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. This recognition highlights their commitment to sustainable farming practices and their innovative conservation efforts on their family-owned farm, which has been in the Adamski family for over 100 years. "My grandparents purchased the farm in 1900, and it has been a mixed farming operation ever since," Rick shared. "Dairy was the primary enterprise at the beginning, but we have adapted our practices over the years to meet changing conditions and demands."

The Wisconsin cranberry industry, led by the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, continues to thrive amid challenging weather conditions and ongoing shifts in agricultural practices. Grant Holley, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, reflects on his experience and the resilience of the cranberry farming community as the 2024 cranberry season unfolds. Wisconsin, which produces 61% of the nation’s cranberries and 30% of the world’s supply, has faced unique weather challenges this year. According to Holley, the season has been a rollercoaster. "We’ve experienced damage from hail, a warm winter, and a wet summer—it’s been the whole gamut for us," he explained. Yet, despite these hurdles, the farmers' adaptability shines through. "Farmers evolve and adapt to the weather as it comes, day by day. Luckily, they have the knowledge and experience to make it work." Holley highlighted the significance of this year marking the 20th anniversary of the cranberry being named the state fruit of Wisconsin. "It’s more than just a designation. Cranberries are a representation of Wisconsin and its people. It’s the community—processors, growers, neighbors—that makes this industry so strong. This recognition is a testament to that." As Wisconsin farmers head into harvest, Holley reflected on the potential outcomes for the season. "At the start of the year, we thought we might be around 5 million barrels, and then maybe 4.9. Now, with the late-season heat helping the berries grow, we might even surpass 5 million. It’s anyone’s guess, but that’s agriculture for you."

The Farmer Angel Network has helped bring the issue of farmers mental health to the forefront in Wisconsin. Dorothy Harms, the chairperson of the Farmer Angel Network of South-Central Wisconsin, explains that they started the network after one of her friends passed away by suicide and knew something had to be done to advocate for the issue. This also led to a sister chapter being formed last year in western Wisconsin by Jennifer Webster who lost her father to suicide. Their goal is to help get the word out about farmer mental health and help families get the help they need for their loved ones that they feel are on the downhill slide. They each explain their stories and they share tips on how to recognize there is an issue with a friend or family member, as well as how to check on them and guide them in the direction for help. They want people to know it is ok not to be ok and that it is hard to take care of others and your farms if you are having a hard time taking care of yourself. The number of the suicide hotline is 988 if you or someone you know is going through a crisis. 

These last months before winter are key to a successful lawn for next year. Turfgrass Extension Specialist Paul Koch says mowing, mulching, herbicide application, and seeding this fall could improve your property for spring. Wisconsin may look forward to some much-needed rain this week. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Your neighbor isn't your No. 1 buyer anymore when it's time to sell equipment. The Steffes Group can connect you to the best customer and the best price. Ashley Huhn outlines today's auction trends. The UW-Madison Division of Extension is hosting a virtual Ag Law Update on Dec. 4. Farm law specialist Kelly Wilfert says the event will provide crucial information on recent changes in ag law that could significantly impact the state's farmers. The soybean harvest is a month ahead of schedule. The corn for grain harvest is 2 weeks ahead of normal. Market advisor John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing explains how the supply chain and the market are reacting.

Dellait Animal Nutrition & Health has introduced 3D camera technology to help dairy farmers manage their herds better. This advanced tool monitors key health factors like body condition and weight for improved productivity and overall cow health. “This 3D camera has many uses on a dairy farm,” says Abbi Goldenberg, Dellait’s Business Development Manager. “It tracks body condition in heifers for breeding and monitors lactating cows’ health, detecting early signs of lameness." By catching these early signs, farmers can act quickly, preventing more significant issues from developing. This technology helps improve feed efficiency and keeps cows healthier for longer, increasing overall profitability. “With rising costs, especially for replacement heifers, keeping cows in the herd longer is more important than ever," Goldenberg emphasizes.

Microorganisms -- good and bad -- are all around us. Farmers can harness these tiny organisms to their advantage by making the farm more productive, sustainable, or efficient. Kassidy Buse is a technical support specialist for Lallemand Animal Nutrition. She gives us real-life examples of how microscopic organisms are improving agriculture. It goes beyond agriculture, too. She says breweries, bakeries, and gardeners all utilize microorganisms.

Farmers have long prioritized the health of their land, air, water, and animals, a tradition that spans generations. The recent Dairy Producer Survey shows that this commitment is still strong in Wisconsin's dairy industry. Joining us for this month's check-in with Dairy Checkoff is Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, who shares insights on how the survey highlights Wisconsin's reputation as America’s Dairyland.

It is Monday October 21st and it is going to be another hot day nearing record highs according to Stu Muck during the Compeer Financial Ag weather update. Bob Bosold joins the show with Peter Vitaliano, the vice president for economic policy and market research for the National Milk Producers Federation, to discuss FMMO policies and reform that is needed in the dairy industry. Charitee Seebecker joins the show with Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin to discuss how sustainable agriculture is changing the dairy industry for the better, helping increase productivity.  Stephanie Hoff also joins the show with Paul Koch, the UW-Madison Extension turf grass specialist, to discuss how to best care for your lawn in the fall to have a good yard come spring.

The UW-Madison Division of Extension is once again offering a valuable resource for Wisconsin farmers and agribusinesses with its upcoming Wisconsin Ag Law Update. This virtual event, scheduled for December 4th at noon, will provide crucial information on recent changes in agricultural law that could significantly impact the state's farmers. Kelly Wilfert, the Farm Law Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison Extension, emphasizes the importance of staying informed. "Whether you're a farmer or an agribusiness owner, navigating legislation as well as understanding legal documents isn't always at the top of your to-do list. This update aims to make sure you're up to speed on any changes that affect your rights and responsibilities," Wilfert explains. The Wisconsin Ag Law Update provides a one-hour roundup of significant legal changes affecting Wisconsin farmers. The exact topics will be tailored to current issues at the time of the event. Wilfert previewed potential focus areas for the update. "We may cover reporting requirements for Wisconsin farm entities and new tax proposals," she said. "We might also discuss legal challenges affecting sectors like cranberry and poultry growers." It’s important to keep farmers informed, whether it's state or federal legislation, regulations, or case law changes," she says. For more information or to register for the event, visit go.wisc.edu/EXTAGLAWUPDATE.

October is National Pork Month. It's a time to highlight the dedication of Wisconsin farmers and the delicious, nutritious pork they provide.  Historically, October marks the time when pigs raised in the spring and summer were ready for market, which is why the month has become synonymous with pork. "While we promote pork year-round, October allows us to focus on generating excitement about our industry," Christina Meylor, President of the Wisconsin Pork Association explained. As Pork Month unfolds, Meylor encourages everyone to engage with the pork industry. "October is a great month to learn more about where your food comes from and support local farmers. Visit wppa.org to discover how you can participate in this celebration."

It's definitely interesting times in the dairy industry these days.  Milk production remains flat.  The overall cow herd number is down.  Many dairies are pivoted toward beef production with their offspring versus replacement heifers.  Is this a time for some dairies to consider growth? During World Dairy Expo, Pam Jahnke asked that question of two dairy lending specialists with Compeer Financial.  Growth in dairy today looks very different then it did just a decade ago.  Now operations are looking at acquiring existing dairies that might be ready to retire or sell.  The expense of constructing a new dairy, and the permitting process is enormous - so being creative on expansion is key. Jeff Retzer and Brad Herkenhoff are engaged in these kinds of conversations and strategy planning sessions weekly.  What's their take on the current dairy terrain and where 2025 could take us?

Calves are valuable no matter how you plan on using them, such as replacement heifers or beef. So how can you protect that investment in your own barn? It may seem obvious, but where there’s manure, there’s bacteria. And while manure is a natural element in a barn, it might have negative implications for your calves. Patrick Lecavalier is the vice president of market development with Acepsis. He explains that farms should look at biosecurity within their own farming system, and disinfecting pens/regions of the barn before bringing in a new group of young animals. He walks us through options for disinfecting the animal itself, its environment, and its water. In addition to stopping common calf sicknesses, these can also be solutions for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Patrick says.

Wind, moisture, and freezing temperatures can lead to ill chickens if you don't make preparations now to keep them comfortable. Division of Extension Poultry Specialist Ron Kean joins Stephanie Hoff in-studio with tips on how to prepare your backyard birds for winter. He walks us through recommendations on feed, heat, housing, and water. And he addresses salmonella and HPAI prevention.

Fall is a beautiful time of year for a drive in the country to witness a Wisconsin harvest with a backdrop of changing leaves. Badger Farms LLC in Deerfield sweetens the deal with a stunning and historical event barn overlooking 500 acres of canary grass. Dave Muehl says agritourism and the special forage crop business balance each other out to keep his farm alive. He adds the canary grass has brought value to fields that weren't ideal for growing crops. We're introducing you to these destinations courtesy of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. WATA is increasing the demand for and sales of specialty crops and agricultural tourism experiences through the 'Wisconsin, America's Agricultural Tourism Destination' campaign. Learn more at https://gowiagtourism.com/

Joe Hovel has been dedicated to conservation and enhancing the environment for decades.  His work has not only safeguarded thousands of acres for future generations but also inspired a broader movement toward sustainable land management. Im Through a combination of hands-on stewardship and collaborative partnerships, Joe has made a lasting impact on the health of critical ecosystems and has been named a finalist for the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. He shares a closer look at his journey and the values that drive his efforts to protect some of the region’s most vital natural resources with Charitee Seebecker. Preliminary data shows more acres are enrolled in a farmland preservation program, according to Wednesday Coye, farmland preservation program manager with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. She says so far, they've seen more than 2,000 acres enter the programs since last year. She says it's due to the increased incentives the state Legislature passed in December 2023. Stephanie Hoff has the update.With seasonal holiday buying and consumption coming up, has the cheese market already peaked?  Ryan Yonkman, vice president of producer services at EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to break down what's breaking down in the cheese lane, and how retail sales are pacing.

When you think cattle thieves, you probably think about old westerns and something that happens in wide open spaces.  Surprise!  It's happening in Wisconsin.  Just this spring, $20,000 worth of livestock were taken from a beef operation in Jackson County. Lt. Evan Mazur worked on the case. Stephanie Hoff gets the details. Harvest is nearly done with soybeans and about 30% complete with corn.  Cooper Humphries with Wyffels Hybrids gives Pam Jahnke a harvest update.  Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids. 476,000 chickens at farms in western Wisconsin have no place to go, and the farmers in charge of them have no money for feed.  That's after a Minnesota company they contracted to grow the birds for, went bust.  Pam Jahnke gets the complicated details from Randy Romanski, Secretary at the WI Dept. of Ag., Trade and Consumer Protection.  According to Romanski, the department's hands are tied, lacking regulatory authority to step in with financial resources.  He says they're doing what they can to help producers, and hopefully salvage the birds.

The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) announced the Governor’s Proclamation of Cranberry Grower Appreciation Week, running from October 14-20, 2024. This week celebrates the hard work, innovation, and dedication of cranberry growers throughout the state, including prominent family-owned operations like Cutler Cranberry Company, founded in 1923 by Guy Potter. Lisa Potter, a representative of Cutler Cranberry, shared the proud history of their operation, highlighting its significant evolution over the past century. "We are one of the older marshes in the state, and a lot has changed over the years as it has been passed down through different generations. We started with hand harvesting cranberries and transporting them by horse-drawn cart, and now we’ve embraced innovation to remain competitive," she explained. Cutler Cranberry is not just a historical operation; it also exemplifies the spirit of innovation that is vital to the cranberry industry. Lisa noted, "Part of being a farm that has lasted this long is the necessity of innovation. We are constantly exploring new processes, equipment, and varieties of cranberries to improve our yield and efficiency."

A group of 20 Italian farmers were in Wisconsin over the past few days on vacation visiting agribusinesses.  Tour guide and translator Elio Mastrangelo says his travelers can't help but do some work on this trip asking questions about business since Wisconsin farmers are willing to share answers.  "When you visit a farm, you speak with the farmer... you have some questions," he says. "They are very open people, the local farmers in the United States. They don't have any kind of secrets."

The state’s farmland preservation managers are seeing more interest in the preservation programs thanks to the higher incentives approved by the state Legislature late last year. Tim Jackson is the agricultural land use planning and ordinance specialist and Wednesday Coye is a farmland preservation program manager at DATCP. They share with us some of the preliminary data that’s coming in.

Wisconsin’s agricultural community is banding together as a challenging situation unfolds for poultry producers across the state. The closure of Pure Prairie Poultry, a Minnesota-based processing plant, has left contracted growers in Wisconsin and surrounding states with an unexpected burden: thousands of birds to care for with no financial support. "Unfortunately, we’ve seen the story unfold with Pure Prairie," said Randy Romanski, Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. "The bankruptcy has affected farmers in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, leaving many in a lurch." With about 476,000 birds spread across 11 flocks in Wisconsin alone—equally divided between meat and breeder birds—producers are grappling with the responsibility of caring for their livestock without the expected income. The urgency of the situation has prompted the Department of Agriculture to step in and assist impacted farmers.

Get ready, cheese lovers! Today is dedicated to one of Wisconsin’s tastiest treasures — the squeaky, savory, irresistible cheese curd. Whether you love them fresh, fried, or flavored, National Cheese Curd Day is the ultimate celebration of this beloved snack. So, how are you planning to indulge in curd heaven this year? John Freeman, Director of Sales & Marketing for Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery shares a look at how they’re  making sure no curd fan is left behind on this special day!

Cooper Humphries is following the combines in Dodge, Columbia and Jefferson counties these days.  He says corn continues to dry down in the fields and he's just starting to get a look at some of his plots and the hybrids that are dominating.

Weather and breakdowns can shut the harvest process down quickly.  Ben Jarboe finds out what farm equipment suppliers are doing to help minimize the time lost with breakdowns.  He talks with Danielle Waterworth the vice president of Dealer and Customer Support for Case IH and New Holland Ag dealers. There might be a little rain in the forecast for this weekend, but Wisconsin is still very dry.  Dan Marzu is the north-central region nutrient and pest management outreach specialist with the Division of Extension. He talks with Stephanie Hoff about an incentive for farmers to get involved with a  Wisconsin Cover Crop Citizen Science Project. Two hurricanes within a month may be part of the "new normal" that markets have to prepare for.  Dan Basse, economist with Ag Resource Company, says as climate becomes more volatile around the globe, markets are going to react more vigorously to those events.  The goal of aging in place can be a real challenge for folks in rural Wisconsin.  Jim Flaherty, communications director with AARP of Wisconsin, joins Pam Jahnke to talk about policy pieces they're working on for the 2025 state session to try and help families age in place.  Paid for by AARP of Wisconsin.

Bird migration continues over Wisconsin.  Pam Jahnke talks with Ryan Brady, board member of Save Our Songbirds.  Thousands of birds fly over Wisconsin heading south - and most of their travel happens overnight. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group says they've got at least 122 more auctions before the end of the calendar year.  He updates Pam Jahnke.  Paid for by Steffes Group. It's National Cheese Curd Day and Wisconsin celebrates it in a big way.  Charitee Seebecker gets the details from the state's Cheese Curd Capitol - Ellsworth Coop Creamery's Cheese Marketing Specialist, John Freeman. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke.  Markets continue to trend lower.  Heinberg says the heavy crop reported last week in the World Ag Supply Demand Estimates continues to weigh on the market.  Meanwhile cattle remain robust.

Federal Milk Marketing Orders, a new Farm Bill, international conflicts.  It's all influencing where markets are going and what decisions farms need to make for 2025.  Bob Bosold visit with Dan Basse, ag economist with Ag Resource, to get direction. It's Wisconsin Science Fest week statewide and agriculture is it's focus!  One educational offering is Badger On Tap.  It combines Bingo, beer and science.  Stephanie Hoff gives us an update with Puleo Moyer. Ben Miller is a new staff member at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  He joins DFW from the UW-Madison campus.  His is the Senior Vice President of Industry Relations. In this role, Miller will lead relationship building and development with dairy and agriculture industry organizations, leaders, and stakeholders. His primary focus will be on ensuring the delivery of information and insights for DFW and the state's dairy farmers, with the ultimate goal of building trust and expanding markets through education, not lobbying, as DFW is not a lobbying organization. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

We're walking into a very stressful time of year between the harvest, the holidays, and the upcoming election. Monica McConkey is a rural mental health specialist and one of two state-funded farm counselors in Minnesota. She has some advice for us on how and when to get help before you or a loved one goes into crisis mode. After all, the agriculture community is even more susceptible to stress and depression due to the weather and crop prices.

Lely's Yellow Revolution introduces three new products for dairy farms. The new products – a manure robot that is also applicable for barns with sand bedding, an automatic feed pusher for large-scale farms, and a concept for smart monitoring of cows and barn operation – are the newest answers to the challenges that dairy farmers worldwide face. All products focus on further improving animal welfare, lowering the environmental impact of dairy farming, and improving farmer prosperity, says Ben Thorpe of Lely North America.

Imagine being able to predict when a calf isn't feeling its best – before it even shows signs of being sick. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, dairy farmers can now keep a watchful eye on their young stock around the clock, with smart tags that track each calf’s daily habits. Brant Kreuscher, Dairy Business Development Manager for Merck Animal Health says you can forget playing guesswork with sick calves – the SenseHub Dairy Youngstock technology catches even the smallest changes in behavior, helping farmers step in early to keep their animals healthy and thriving. It's like giving farmers a superpower to spot issues before they happen!

While it’s technically fall in Wisconsin, people are still out with their lawnmowers, sprayers, and hoses as if it’s already time to get ready for spring. It just so happens that these last months before winter are key to a successful lawn for next year. Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist Paul Koch works with commercial businesses and homeowners alike on their lawns. He says mowing, mulching, herbicide application, and seeding this fall could improve your property for spring. Paul gives us detailed instructions. 

Of the top four dairy producing states, Wisconsin is the only one to not have a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza case in dairy cattle. But America’s Dairyland producers can still be a part of the Dairy Herd Status Program. It’s a voluntary, incentive-based program that will monitor your herd so that you can stay ahead of HPAI if it does hit Wisconsin. Rosemary Sifford is a deputy administrator for veterinary services and the chief veterinary officer with USDA. But her jurisdiction is also global. She’s the U.S. delegate to the World Organization for Animal Health. She represents the United States in voting for international animal health standards. She says there are other animal disease outbreaks around the globe that the U.S. should pay attention to. But trade partners are also watching HPAI here at home.

Whether you're on the farm or at your desk, knowing about the economy is crucial for making smart choices in farming. And With changing global markets, shifting weather patterns, and new policies, keeping up with economic trends can greatly affect your farming business. Dan Basse, an agricultural economist at Ag Resource Company shares what farmers should pay attention to as we move into the fall and winter months.

Conservationist Joe Hovel has spent decades dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of forested lands across the Upper Midwest. His work has not only safeguarded thousands of acres for future generations but also inspired a broader movement toward sustainable land management. Through a combination of hands-on stewardship and collaborative partnerships, Joe has made a lasting impact on the health of critical ecosystems and has been named a finalist for the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. He shares a closer look at his journey and the values that drive his efforts to protect some of the region’s most vital natural resources.

There’s a chance for you to explore the world of agriculture while enjoying a beer or two. The Wisconsin Science Festival is going on Oct. 14-20. This is a statewide celebration of activities for all ages from hands-on science exhibitions to pub nights. This year, the theme of the festival is agriculture. Fran Puleo Moyer, associate director of outreach programs for UW Connects, says they are launching a Badgers on Tap series during the Wisconsin Science Festival where you can pair the science of farming with a pale ale.

Clara Hedrich of LaClare Family Creamery is our next guest in this specialty crop series with the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. Clara knows a thing or two about turning an idea into a thriving business model. Her experience starting a farm business, a goat milk cooperative, and an agricultural tourism destination is among the wisdom a farm can glean from joining WATA. In this episode, Clara tells us her farm's story, and how others can accomplish a similar dream. This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.

It is hard to start a new farm in today's world, with inflation and less land being available. There are resources available to help like the Food Finance Institute. Tera Johnson the founder of the Food Finance Institute explains why she started the resource with the University as well as how they are able to help new food businesses and farmers whether it be one on one consulting or through their boot camp. She also explains some interesting trends that she is seeing through the work they do at the FFI.

The U.S. Drought Monitor puts most of Wisconsin in an abnormally dry or severe drought. That's likely to get worse as there's no rain in the forecast. Dan Marzu is the north-central region nutrient and pest management outreach specialist with the Division of Extension. He says winter crops will struggle coming out of the ground if that soil moisture isn't at around 50 percent. The good news is that Wisconsin winter crops are meant to be hardy. As we start to exit the planting window for winter wheat and winter barley, winter rye will be a good choice for Wisconsin producers to get a cover on the ground to prevent runoff and erosion. Marzu also recommends becoming a part of the Wisconsin Cover Crop Citizen Science Project with the Michael Fields Research Institute. Part of the incentive is a stipend.

It's National 4-H Week!  Pam Jahnke finds out how membership and activities are trending in the state from Jessica Jens, WI State 4-H Program Manager.Hurricane Milton made landfall last night in Florida.  We get an update on the path of destruction from Stu Muck, ag meteorologist. October is Pork Month, but why.  Christina Meylor, president of the WI Pork Association and a producer herself in Darlington, tells Pam Jahnke about seasonal productivity and why October was selected as an emphasis month.  Paid for by WI Pork Association. There's another migration of birds coming over Wisconsin on Friday night, meanwhile a poultry processor in Minnesota's declaring bankruptcy and relinquishing control of about 1.3 million birds.  Now the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture's been given an emergency order to try and find shelter, food and care for the birds.Zach Bowers, dairy market analyst with EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to discuss influences on the dairy complex.  New developments this week on the toll HPAI in California dairy is taking on production.  Bowers says milk supply and consumer demand aren't correlating with cheese prices right now, but an adjustment is probably coming.

The migration of birds is currently peaking in Wisconsin, prompting a focus on avian health and conservation. Ryan Brady, a member of the Save Our Songbirds initiative, emphasizes the importance of this campaign. Over the past 50 years, North America has seen a dramatic decline in bird populations, with approximately one in three birds lost. The Save Our Songbirds campaign aims to raise awareness and suggest simple actions that can help. “Adding native plants around our homes can support local bird populations,” Brady suggested. “Planting trees and shrubs native to Wisconsin can provide essential food sources for birds.” Brady pointed out that millions of birds die each year from colliding with windows. “We can reduce window reflectivity with simple actions,” he added. “This can save countless birds, including those that frequent our neighborhoods.”