Vegetable processors across the country are feeling price pressure due to tariffs on steel, according to the Midwest Food Products Association. It's amped up the competition with foreign processors. Wisconsin is one of the top states in the production of the major processing vegetables, notably green peas, snap beans, and potatoes. This year, at least two Wisconsin food processors are closing their doors. MWFPA President Jason Culotta represents food processors in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. He says in 2023, the U.S. became a net food importer for the first time. He says this is a problem because food processors cannot compete with the prices of foreign competitors.

Sydney Flick manages her family farm Jazzy Jerseys in Lodi. They milk about 800 cows. She says while 1 billion people will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 this year, it's something she lives every day. “We rely on the land to take care of our family and the cows.” Jazzy Jerseys has reduced water usage by recycling. They use cold water from the well to cool down the milk. That same water is used for the cows and calves. That water eventually ends up in the manure which helps the farm spread the nutrients on the field more evenly. In the field, Jazzy Jerseys utilizes buffer strips to prevent soil erosion and nutrient runoff. Buffer strips are narrow areas of grass that act as a physical barrier between fields, slowing the flow of water. The buffer strips don’t make it easier to farm – it can make things more tedious – but they preserve the soil. 

Decisions are being made today about county fair animals and exhibits you'll see later this summer.  Stephanie Hoff talks with UW-Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, Bernie O'Rourke, about getting started on the right foot and establishing a partnership with your veterinarian early. The College for Rural Wisconsin may not be a name you're familiar with but it's working to raise awareness.  Jennifer Blazek is the program director for College for Rural Wisconsin and tells Pam Jahnke what they're offering rural school districts to help offset financial constraints and lack of ample school counselors to help students make college or tech college decisions. Today is the final day to enter the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship, coming up Saturday in Dodgeville.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Jenna Vondra, Exec. Dir. of the Dodgeville Area Chamber of Commerce.  She says they're expecting at least 70 sandwich entries this year. Fits and jerks.  That phrase might describe what's been going on with cheese prices lately.  Mike North, president of the producer division of EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss.  North says consumers are signaling they'll cook at home more versus eating out.  That has an impact on not only cheese, but also products like cream.

There’s an artistry to making cheese. There’s also an art to sandwich making. And those two things come together at the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Sandwich Championship. Jenna Vondra, Dodgeville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director shares how this event got started and what attendees can expect for this year. The event takes place Saturday, April 20th, at the Lee Memorial Pavilion in Harris Park, Dodgeville. Doors will swing open at 10:45 a.m., kicking off a day filled with cheesy delights and culinary excitement. Admission to the event is just five dollars for individuals aged 16 and older, while children aged 15 and younger can enter free of charge. As an added bonus, general admission ticket holders aged 16 and older will receive discount cards valid at 10 participating businesses in the Dodgeville area, as well as a complimentary cup of soup and bottle of water while supplies last. "We've got a diverse panel of 14 judges, including certified barbecue experts and local food enthusiasts," explains Vondra. "It's all about celebrating the artistry and innovation of grilled cheese."

For those whose primary experience with corn is the butter-drenched corn on the cob variety, it might come as a surprise that other forms of sweet corn are in trouble. There has been an ongoing decline in sweet corn production for frozen and canned products and other processed vegetables. Bill Tracy is the Director of the UW Sweet Corn Program and works directly with processors on projects regarding canned veggies. He says this shift is due to changing consumer preferences.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is impacting more farm animals than poultry. Dairy cows in several states have also contracted the virus, and it has people concerned about the safety of dairy and meat. Adam Brock joins us, Administrator of the Division of Food and Recreational Safety. he says he’s been getting phone calls about whether eggs, milk, and meat are still safe to eat. He says yes, you can eat all of those things thanks to robust food safety measures.

The 2024 Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors wrapped up their convention on Saturday in Madison and it was full of great meat offerings and great hands on learning.  Pam Jahnke talks to Dr. Jeff Sindelar, UW-Extension Meat Specialist, about the state-of-the-art Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Center that helped with hands on learning.  It acts as a shining gem attracting new meat processing talent to the state.  Jake Sailer, outgoing president of WAMP, says there's a lot of exciting developments coming this year including promotion of their "meat map". Greenhouses help people manage around the weather, and that's exactly why Dane County Extension pursued a greenhouse.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Lisa Johnson, UW-Extension Horticulture Specialist, about the new greenhouse and how they're using it. Auctions are still happening at a feverish pitch before farmers are focused full time on planting.  Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group updates Pam Jahnke on the trends they're seeing with equipment and land values.Paid for by Steffes Group. Are consumers changing their buying patterns because of inflation and higher beef prices?  Mike Simone, executive director of research for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, explains how checkoff investments help uncover consumer buying patterns and preferences before they become a problem for producers.  Paid for by Wisconsin Beef Council.

We all have a responsibility to use our resources wisely. And farmers are great examples of how it’s done because they work hard every day to meet the needs of tomorrow. Scott Timm joins us, he comes from a diversified farming operation in Green County and has prioritized environmental sustainability, including cover crops. He was named as one of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 under 35 for his work. He says he doesn’t do it alone – he belongs to a group of farmers that is committed to protecting the soil and the water.

Farmers make up less than 2 percent of the population, yet they are responsible for feeding the world. That’s why preserving natural resources for generations to come is vital in agriculture. For farmers, Earth Day is every day. Brooke Trustem joins us in-studio. She is a 6th generation farmer and works on her family’s dairy farm in Evansville, Larson Acres. She tells us how they've reduced the number of trucks on the road through innovative technology. The family does about 5-10 tours every month: https://larsonacres.com/. World Dairy Expo named the family the 2024 Producer of the Year.

Wisconsin 4-H is asking the state's businesses and agribusinesses to sound off on how 4-H can prepare future employees for their opportunities.  Jill Jorgensen, UW-Extension 4-H Specialist in Green Bay talks with Pam Jahnke about how the survey's constructed and what they hope it accomplishes.  Survey results are being gathered until the end of the month and will be shared once completed. Ashley Hagenow, current Alice in Dairyland, is starting to tally up her miles and her stories.  During the first few days of May, six candidates that want to be the next "Alice" will be going through their final phase of interviews.  Ashley remembers the feeling and shares her memories to date. Graduation is on the horizon for high school students as well as college grads.  The job market is ripe!  That's the word from Dean Mike Orth at UW-River Falls CAFES.  He shares the story with Stephanie Hoff about internships that turn into jobs, and the diversity of opportunities students have to choose from. The latest crop progress report shows 10% of Wisconsin oats planted, 11% of potatoes are in the ground.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke.  The market's monitoring the Iran-Israel situation.  No major issues with current planting pace in the U.S. but analysts are still monitoring what's really going on in Brazil and Argentina.

Jill Jorgensen, WI Youth Development 4-H Animal Science and Agriculture Outreach Specialist in Green Bay is helping spread the word about an important survey underway, gauging employers views on 4-H programming. University Extension 4-H programs from throughout the upper Midwest are conducting the survey on Food, Agriculture, & Related Businesses Workforce Needs. The information gathered in the survey will enhance 4-H initiatives in promoting career pathways in the agriculture, food & forestry career industries with a better understanding of the workforce needs. Ideally Wisconsin will get at least 300 participants with knowledge of their business to complete this study so that we have state level data.  Study results will be available once it is complete. 

Demand for beef has remained strong as consumers repeatedly claim they will continue purchasing beef, both in retail and foodservice settings.  Consumers continue to rank beef as a top source of protein, superior in taste, nutritious, and good for social gatherings and special occasions. At the same time, the beef industry is observing some decline in demand, as retail sales begin to slip in terms of volume of beef sold while prices trend higher.   The National Cattlemen's Beef Association invests beef checkoff dollars to find out about consumer trends and help guide the research, information and promotion they guide.  Mike Simone is the Executive Director of Market Research at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.  He explains decisions consumers are making today about their beef consumption habits.

Wisconsin has more than 500 independent large, medium and small meat processors that dot the state, and Jake Sailer, president of Sailer Meat's in Elmwood, wants all of them involved with the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors (WAMP)! Sailer is the outgoing president of WAMP, excited about what the board has lined up for 2024.  He highlighted some of the new messages they'll be sharing on Discover Wisconsin through the summer.  Sailer says, "I want every meat processor in the state involved in WAMP," because WAMP will help tell their story.  Sailer ways they've created a "meat map" to help guide visitors to the state, or someone investigating new territory, to their local meat processor. Sailer also helped bring the Wisconsin State Fair's Meat Products Competition to their annual meeting for judging and evaluation.  Sailer said it just made sense to let their judges also evaluate WI State Fair entries.  Normally the judging would have taken place at a separate time and separate location.  Sailer says this allows them to help bring more visibility and awareness to the competition from within WAMP, and also save time and energy getting products gathered, classified and judged. Sailer will now hand the reins of WAMP over to incoming president, Danny Geiss from Geiss Meats in Merrill as the new president of the organization.

Coffee to Costa Rica is like milk to Wisconsin.  Bob Bosold visits with tour guide Miquel at Doka Coffee Estate about everything from weather to the best way to brew a cup. The Dane County Farmers Market kicked off its summer season on the Capitol Square Saturday.  Jamie Buegel, Farmers Market Manager, talks about the volume of vendors they have this year, as well as a waiting list for those that want to join the group. Farmers or land owners being approached by solar energy companies for leasing options should tap the brakes before signing.  Stephanie Hoff gets the caution flag from Bill Oemichen, ag attorney and instructor for UW-Madison Extension. Reputation takes a long time to establish but can go away quickly.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Ken Heiman, dairy producer, cheese plant owner and former Dairy Farmer of Wisconsin board member about how much attention goes into protecting Wisconsin's dairy reputation.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

The Dane County Farmers Market is ready to return to the Capitol Square. As the largest producer only farmers market in America, it will be celebrating its 52nd year on the square.  “The Dane County Farmers Market was founded in September of 1972 with just five farmers set up on the Capitol Square,” says Jamie Bugel, Market Manager for the Dane County Farmers Market. “Now, with over 250 producers, it has grown to be a tradition in Madison.” The Dane County Farmers Market returns to the Capitol Square Saturday, April 13 starting at 6:15 a.m. Bugel says vendors will be there until about 1:45 p.m., but if you've got something specific you're shopping for - get there early, while supplies are available. This year, the State Street corner of the Capitol Square – West Mifflin Street and North Carroll Street – will be closed to vehicle traffic each Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. until the end of the market at 1:45 p.m. Customers who use vehicles to pick up large orders from that corner of the Square can do so before 8AM, or arrange an alternative pick up site with the farmer. Through early May, East Mifflin Street will also be closed to vehicle traffic due to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station construction. BRT station construction on West Main Street will also impact traffic, with only one lane available, so she recommends avoiding this area until construction is completed.

The excitement on the UW-Rivers Falls campus is palpable as seniors wrap up their last semester and prepare to accept their diplomas. The news from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is that the job market for these grads is looking good. So good, that students have to weigh the benefits of each job offer carefully before deciding. College Dean Michael Orth tells us where the numbers are trending for agriculture students entering the workforce. We also talked with three graduating seniors about their job-hunting experience and what led them to choose their careers after graduation. Not one of them mentioned the word "salary" or "pay." It was all about how they connected with their future coworkers, their shared values, and how the job can help them transition from student to employee.  In a few weeks, Ben Steffes will hold his degree in animal science. He’s looking forward to working with ABS as a reproductive technician serving farms in Clark County.  Jaiden Miller will take her agricultural business degree to Syngtena following graduation. She’ll be a research associate helping with planting, harvesting, and pollinating plants in research trials. She says she applied for a lot of jobs through online career services, like LinkedIn and Indeed. But in the end, Jaiden decided to go with Syngenta, a company that she interned with. Similar to Ben, she points to the people as the reason why. After earning a degree in agricultural communications, Kendra Jentz is taking a position with Kwik Trip as their campus tour coordinator. She says the personal connection is important for her graduation class because they didn’t get it at the end of their high school careers or the beginning of college due to pandemic restrictions.  CAFES Dean Michael Orth says the unusual pandemic experience and high regard for connection in the workplace set these grads up for success. He says he’s noticed companies looking for these attributes.

There's no better way to understand the dry winter then riding with a barge captain on the Mississippi.  Jim Cheatam is a barge captain with Western River who's also active sharing his stories on social media.  Charitee Seebecker talked with him about current water levels, what's moving on the waterway today, and what worries him about the 2024 season. Wisconsin Senator Joan Ballweg had some home runs and some misses in signed policy this spring.  She recaps fair funding, biofuels initiatives and the Farm & Industry Short Course future with Pam Jahnke. Wisconsin bison owners are trying to raise awareness about their industry.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Melissa Wienkes from the Seymour area.  She explains why bison's becoming a popular choice for consumers looking for lean protein. Pam Jahnke catches up with Volunteer State President of AARP, Leslie Spencer-Herrera.  One of her major areas of interest is consistent, high quality broadband for the entire state.  She says even today, there are huge geographic groups in Wisconsin that are trying to do without.  Spencer-Herrera says that's like asking people to survive without electricity today.  Paid for by AARP of Wisconsin. 

Imagine you're putting together your own engine. You've gone through the process of picking out the best products and start putting them together to build or rebuild your farm truck or tractor. But then you notice that something is off. Now you have to disassemble the engine and start from scratch. Sound familiar? Baril Engine Rebuilding can help solve those issues. Becky Monahan is the Marketing manager and says they help farmers before they even know they need it. 

Wisconsin Senator Joan Ballweg is summing up the work completed at the state house like the springtime sport we're watching - baseball.  In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Ballweg acknowledged there were some successes that crossed the plate like getting additional financial support for the states county fairs, but also missed opportunities due in part, to misunderstanding by Gov. Tony Evers.  Ballweg says a bill designed to protect farms from encroaching local policies limiting farm size was an example.  Ballweg says the bill was misconstrued by the governor to be about animal mistreatment, versus opportunity to expand.  It's an item she intends to readdress next session. Ballweg also noted that there were missed opportunities to support the Farm and Industry Short Course, now at UW-River Falls, but the program will keep moving forward.  She also laments the lack of a supportive signature on revisions to the state's Farmland Preservation Program.  Again, misunderstanding of purpose seemed to be part of the problem.  Ballweg tells Pam Jahnke that the goal of the bill was to allow farms to enroll in the Farmland Preservation Program for actual farmed acres, not ground dedicated to something like a solar project.

Derek Ahl owns and operates Northern Family Farms in Merrillan, WI.  His business focuses on the shrubs and ornamental trees that homeowners are looking for at this time of year.  Jill Welke visits the farm and finds out how the winter impacted their stock, and what customers are looking for this spring. North Carolina has become the seventh state that's detected High Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) in their dairy herd.  Dr. Mike Martin, NC State Veterinarian, says they're investigating to find out more about how this pathogen is being passed. The weather forecast is calling for gusty winds on Friday.  Spring storms can do major damage to farm barns, outbuildings and sheds.  Knowing what to do after the storm can be critical for clean-up and rebuilding efforts.  Chad Smith introduces us to Jeremiah Fairbanks from Morton Buildings on first steps after a storm. WI Sen. Joan Ballweg says county fairs will be getting a little more financial support from the state to pay their exhibitors the premiums they earn.  Ballweg says that will allow fair boards to reinvest in their facilities and programs for the general public. Katie Burgess, broker analyst with EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the cheese market movement on the international scene. 

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is circulating again, but it’s impacting more than birds. Several states have found this strain of bird flu in dairy cows. Wisconsin has not had a case yet this year, but it has a system in place to help prevent the spread of animal disease if it does come into our state. Wisconsin requires anyone with livestock – whether you have three chickens or 3,000 cows – to register where those animals live. It’s called the Premise ID Law. The database is run by the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC). Executive Director Julie Sweney says they require this information because it can be critical in stopping the spread of disease. You can update your premise information at https://wiid.org/

Another episode of Top Chef Wisconsin will air tonight on the Bravo Network.  Stephanie Hoff talks with some of the contestants on their impression of the event and the emphasis on Wisconsin commodities.  She also chats with some of the Wisconsin cheesemakers that made appearances on the show. High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is still making headlines nationwide.  Wisconsin sits in a unique position relative to communicating directly with farms and bird owners about their risks.  It's called the Premise ID and it's managed by the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium.  Their executive director, Julie Sweney, explains what they do and why. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group says they've got 21 more auctions to conduct this month, and then things quiet down for spring planting.  Great time to think ahead on your auction.  Paid for by Steffes Group. Federal Milk Marketing Orders are moving closer to some much needed reforms, hopefully before the fall.  Fellow farm broadcaster, David Geiger, talks to National Milk Producer Federation's economist, Stephen Cain, about what's being talked about most. Vinny Endres is a farm kid that's found his way to helping other farmers - with technology.  Endres talks to Charitee Seebecker about how his unique perspective on getting things done on the farm has helped him fashion answers for other farms and agribusinesses with technology.  

Wisconsin is moving away from carbon-based fuels such as coal, and moving toward renewable energy such as wind and solar. This means there are more opportunities for farmers to add value to their farms with solar arrays. But you’re going to want to proceed with caution. Bill Oemichen joins us in-studio. He’s a professor of law at the UW-Madison Divison of Extension. He says roughly 100 or more solar developers are seeking to do business with Wisconsin farmers to lease land for solar arrays. Bill says it’s important for farmers to think carefully before signing solar agreements. He comes at it with a cautionary lens because these are long-term contracts. He outlines common mistakes that people run into when signing these agreements. See a fact sheet: https://localgovernment.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/12/SolarFactSheetLandownersDec2023.pdf

Blake Foraker joins us. He’s an assistant professor of meat science at Washington State University. His expertise lies in beef on dairy cross animals and how to improve the traits in these cattle to keep their value in the beef market. He says beef on dairy cross animals isn’t new, but they haven’t been this popular until fairly recently.

Soil health remains a top-of-mind concern for farmers. With spring planting season just ahead, it’s important to take proper steps before and after planting to better control weeds.  Rodrigo Werle, UW-Extension Cropping Systems Weed Specialist, says recent snow and rain has helped soil moisture improve which will help farmers manage their weeds in the long-term. “According to the latest drought monitor released on April 4th, significant improvements have been observed in the southeast region of the state, where drought conditions have been alleviated.” While some areas continue to grapple with abnormally dry conditions, the recent moisture has been welcomed by growers across the state. The increased precipitation is expected to bolster soil moisture levels, providing a favorable environment for crop growth and development.

Agriculture has increasingly relied more and more on automation to improve safety, production, and quality. Regardless of the final product,  many growers, processors, and transporters use automated equipment or rely on support and utility systems. Vinny Endres is the president of Bitmasked Automation and uses his personal farm experience to help farms of all sizes reach their goals with automation.

Wisconsin apple growers are still on high alert over weather conditions that might jeopardize their crop.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Steve Louis from Oakwood Fruit Farm in Richland Center about what he's observing, and how he's preparing for what could be a dry spring. New technology is allowing farms to try and remove some of the punch neighbors experience as they're handling manure.  Strong Microbials is a company that sells live bacteria and enzymes that re-digest animal waste to reduce clumping and stop the smell. Renee Kusilek is the director of plant and animal health at Strong Microbials. She explains the technology. 4-H Camp - just saying the words can conjure up memories for people that have participated in a camp.  Now, post-pandemic, 4-H programmers and counselors are taking a little different approach to their campers mental health.  Pam Jahnke visits with Marie Witzel, Dodge County 4-H Extension Youth Specialist, about today's camp's and the mindful programming they are creating. Social media chatter over High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) has slowed and that's helped dairy to rebound. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend focuses on the quick runup we've seen in the price of cheese and butter.  He also updates us on South America's weather and how consumers continue to vote with their pocketbook on beef.

University Extension 4-H programs from throughout the upper Midwest are conducting a survey on Food, Agriculture, & Related Businesses Workforce Needs.  The information they gather in the survey will enhance 4-H initiatives in promoting career pathways in the agriculture, food & forestry career industries with a better understanding of the workforce needs. Pam Jahnke talks to Jill Jorgenson, WI Youth Development 4-H Animal Science and Agriculture Outreach Specialist with UW- Extension says they're looking for at least 300 participants with knowledge of their business to complete the study.  That will make sure that Wisconsin has state level information to work from. She say study results will be available once it is complete.   

Melissa Wienkes is the second generation on her family bison farm in Seymour, raising over 100 head. She’s also active in the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association, actively promoting and preserving the American bison in Wisconsin. Maybe you’ve had a bison burger from the association’s famous food truck. Melissa says you can check out your local bison producer for even more cuts and products. WBPA recently launched a new website wisconsinbison.com for producers and consumers to learn more about the industry. 

Agriculture exists everywhere in the world - but it can look different than Wisconsin.  Bob Bosold visits with Oscar Vargas, an agriculture guide in Costa Rica, about their labor force and the type of agriculture you'll see there. Today's solar eclipse could cause animals around the farm to act a little odd today, at least for the few minutes the eclipse occurs.  Beekeepers around the country are trying to monitor their hive activity with beedar.  Wayne Steiglman, a hobby beekeeper in Brown County, is one of those waiting to see what the bees do. The Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association(WBIA) had a big sale Saturday in Platteville, and online.  Allan Arndt, president of WBIA, says marketing of bulls today has changed. With spring planting just around the corner, our farm partners in the form of labor become increasingly important.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Linda Swindling, a professional negotiator that helps farms concentrate on keeping their employees, and keeping them happy too. Wisconsin's success as America's Dairyland takes a collective effort.  Pam Jahnke talks to Ken Heiman, owner and operator of Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield about how the Center for Dairy Research helps propel Wisconsin's dairy industry forward.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

As the weather starts to warm up, dairy producers face the looming challenge of heat stress in their dairy herds. With temperatures rising earlier than usual, the need to manage the heat becomes increasingly urgent. Heat stress poses a considerable risk to the health, well-being and production of dairy cows. As we approach the summer months, it’s critical to have prevention and control strategies in place to mitigate its impact.  Dr. Stuart Rymph, technical support dairy nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, joins Pam Jahnke to share prevention and control strategies to help producers prepare for the warm weather ahead.

In a heartwarming testament to the joys of farm life and family bonds, author Chase Pagel of Kewaunee announces the release of her debut book, "Rosco's Sweet Treats." Inspired by her own experiences growing up on a family farm, Pagel brings to life the endearing tale of her daughter Kylie and her beloved Jersey steer, Rosco. The narrative of "Rosco's Sweet Treats" revolves around Kylie's adventures on their family farm, particularly her special bond with Rosco, who really enjoys strawberry Pop-Tarts. Through storytelling and captivating illustrations, Pagel aims to showcase the diversity of farm life, emphasizing that not all farms fit the stereotypical image portrayed in children's books. Pagel says, "Not all farms look the same. It’s not just that red barn you normally see. I really wanted to make sure that the pictures in the book really look like what we farmers up here have." You can find more information by visiting Dairy Diaries LLC on Facebook. The book is also available on amazon.

Master Cheesemaker Pam Hodgson from Sartori Cheese has found her audience has expanded after her appearance on Top Chef. This season, the television series is all about Wisconsin. The latest episode focuses on Wisconsin cheese and features more than a dozen decorated specialty cheeses, including Sartori's Bellavitano Merlot. Hodgson was a celebrity guest. She says the exposure brought tremendous value. It was also a great plug for Wisconsin's one-of-a-kind Master Cheesemaker Program.

Top Chef contestant Dan Jones has been feeling the love from Wisconsin viewers during the season because of his Wisconsin roots. While he's competing on home turf, he says it isn't a walk in the park. He's still getting introduced to new ingredients and challenges. He recently discovered Wisconsin was a top producer of cranberries. Dan encourages his fellow Wisconsinites to enjoy the vibrant food culture and agricultural diversity that might be in their own backyard.

The latest episode of Top Chef Wisconsin was all about cheese, but there were some other products thrown in there as well, such as ginseng, Door County cherries, and Kikkoman soy sauce. Michelle Wallace, who scored a top spot in the most recent episode, says all she knew about Wisconsin agriculture before Top Chef was that it was the land of beer and cheese. That was just a fraction of her experience thus far in the competition. (She particularly enjoyed Miller High Life.) Michelle admits she was thrown for a loop with ginseng in one of the challenges. Wisconsin is the No. 1 producer of ginseng in the United States. It's a root that is traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It has a very earthy taste, but she was able to use it successfully. Michelle jokes she probably won't take that back home to her southern barbecue restaurant, but she is interested in the unique cheese she encountered. She uses a lot of cheese in sandwiches but has learned how to elevate a dish with specialty cheeses. Wisconsin makes over 600 styles and flavors of cheese.

Rural nurses are the backbone of healthcare in agricultural communities -to celebrate them, and to promote rural health outcomes, AgriSafe is offering 125 continuing education scholarships for nurses who serve areas designated as “rural and medically underserved.” to take their Nurse Scholar program free of charge.  The deadline to apply for a scholarship is April 8, 2024. To be eligible to receive a scholarship, nurses must: • Be employed by a rural health clinic, FQHC, government agency, non-profit hospital or organization, or work in academia • Demonstrate an interest and ability to integrate learnings into their practices • Work in a rural and medically underserved area, as defined by the Health Resources & Services Administration

PepsiCo, Inc. is one of the leading multinational food and beverage companies. And they're zeroing in on consumer trends, including increased demand for sustainable food and agriculture. Director of Government Affairs Dan Christenson says the company's partnerships to meet consumer needs are happening at the local level, such as cutting carbon emissions at Frito Lay in Beloit and investing in ag education at the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover. 

It doesn't matter what area of agriculture business you're involved in. Chances are you've had to try and hire someone to fill a vacancy. And with spring planting just around the corner, finding quality employees on the farm is more important than ever. The question is, is your operation welcoming to them?  UW-Extension Farm Management Specialist, Jim Versweyveld, says there are simple things that you might be overlooking on the first day on the job that could undo all the work done to recruit those employees in the first place. “Sometimes things seem pretty straightforward and basic to the employer but to the employee, it could be all new information and so I think over-communicating is probably the side you want to air on with new hires,” he says.

A new company's planning a ground breaking on April 23rd in Portage that could lead to a brand new source of power for your clock, computer and eventually car!  The Wisconsin Battery Company is focusing it's energy on bringing a new hemp based battery to the marketplace.  Pam Jahnke visits with Jeff Greene, CEO of the Wisconsin Battery Company about their prospects. 3 billion eggs!  That's the number of eggs consumed, decorated or enjoyed just on Easter weekend!  Marcus Dresden from the American Egg Board explains why that holiday is their "Super Bowl". The wet/snowy weather Wisconsin experienced yesterday will help recharge soil moistures and maybe lessen the drought some areas witnessed - but what about water levels on the Mississippi?  Charitee Seebecker finds out with Captain Jimmy Cheatam, barge operator for West River. Wisconsin dairies continue to hemorrhage because of low milk prices, tied to massive cheese production.  Pam Jahnke discusses that and herd dispersals with EverAg's Ryan Yonkman.

Wisconsin farmers and rural communities have definitely responded to the opportunity for funding on improvements on their local roads and bridges. Pam Jahnke visited with Wisconsin Department of Transportation Assistant Deputy Secretary, Joel Nilsesteun, about where current application levels stand. Nilsesteun says that any completed application that isn't funded in the first round will automatically be considered during the second round of evaluation later this summer.

There's no better way to get a first-hand look at the water levels of the Mississippi River and the impacts on shipments than the pilot house of a river tow boat. Jimmy Cheatham, barge captain on the Western Rivers says they’re doing an excellent job at moving freight right now. However, despite this and the recent snowfall we’ve had, he’s still cautious about the future of the water levels. Regarding freight movement, Cheatham highlighted shifts in commodity transportation. "We've observed fluctuations in the movement of goods, with corn movement down slightly and increased demand for fertilizers and farm-related products," he stated. "Additionally, recent events like the Baltimore bridge collapse may impact regional transportation routes and harbor operations."

Wisconsin is still a patchwork quilt of have's and have-nots when it comes to broadband internet technology.  There are several parts of Wisconsin, especially rural areas in northern parts of the state, that have inadequate internet or no access to high-speed internet at all. Wisconsin needs to do a much better job of creating a stronger broadband infrastructure. The Internet is not a luxury. It's a necessary utility in today's society, just like heat and electricity. Without a strong internet, people will leave Wisconsin for other states. Leslie Spencer-Herrara is part of a committee looking at high-speed internet. She speaks with Pam Jahnke about about problems and solutions, and also the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers internet for $30 a month for those who can't afford it. The program will run out of money soon unless Congress takes action. She explains why this is important.

Five states have confirmed detections of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle. Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Idaho, and Michigan -- the closest state to Wisconsin. Some states, such as Nebraska, are enacting stricter import rules to control the spread. Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle says as of right now, Wisconsin officials don’t plan on making any changes. She says the food supply chain remains safe. The pasteurization of milk and cooking meat kills HPAI. One worker on an infected Texas farm did contract the virus, but Konkle says the risk to humans remains low. Farm employees can protect themselves from this virus and others with basic biosecurity measures. HPAI detected on farms across the five states was found to have been spread via wild birds. It's not just dairy cows that can contract the virus. Pets and wild animals have also gotten HPAI. Konkle underscores that this fact is why all livestock operations should bring biosecurity to the forefront. No deaths have been noted in infected dairy cows. Treatment is akin to the human flu -- rest and relaxation.

The Wisconsin Farm Center within the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection offers financial consulting and transition planning. Senior Ag Specialist Kevin Plante says these are among their most popular services. Plante works with farms on topics, such as farm viability, debt structure, ​cost of production, and cash flow. He tells us what call volumes look like this time of year.

Technology has helped dairy farmers be more efficient and make better management decisions for years. Now beekeepers are able to do something similar for their bees. “With younger beekeepers entering our industry, technology is starting to play a role in beekeeping management," says Wayne Steigelman, beekeeper from Brown County. I am using Broodminder sensors in my hives to monitor temperature, humidity, weight and even vibration of the hives to better monitor the health of the honeybees." By the placement of the sensors you can tell both the size and position of the cluster, which gives the beekeeper valuable management information without opening the hive. By using this technology, he has been able to increase his production.

As families start preparing for spring cattle exhibitions and county fair projects, there are some things to know before you show. Extension Livestock Specialist Bernie O’Rourke joins us. She wears a few hats during fair season. With Extension, she works with families involved in youth organizations who are getting involved with animal projects. At home, she’s a sheep producer and a mom to avid showmen. She walks us through a few reminders ahead of the fair season from proper identification to meeting auction requirements. She starts us off with saying: no matter the species you bring into the ring, having a relationship with a veterinarian is a must. She reminds families to read through the fair book -- not just first-time exhibitors but seasoned showmen as well because it might be updated. And finally, she encourages families to maintain a positive attitude through the whole process. Not everyone gets this type of opportunity to be involved with livestock or the fair community.

The latest crop progress report from USDA says a handful of Wisconsin farmers are beginning to put corn and oats in the ground in some areas. Spring tillage is also underway as we kick off the planting season. If you’ve got cover crops, there are some things to keep in mind this year before you plant. Daniel Smith is an outreach program manager with the Division of Extension. He specializes in cover crops. He walks us through cover crop termination, insect scouting, weed mitigation, soil tests, and herbicide residue.

More and more diaries in the state are turning to automation as a way to help on labor.  Doug Reineman, UW-Extension Specialist, is conducting a survey to try and find out how they can help with educating people using that technology.  Stephanie Hoff finds out details on the survey he's conducting. Critters and bugs may not be done with your home yet as a shelter from the elements.  Tracie Werner from Werner Pests in Seymour explains why insects and critters act the way they do in spring. Cold, winter-like weather crossing Wisconsin will definitely put a damper on not only spring planting, but any garden activity.  Charitee Seebecker finds out about how apiary managers are monitoring the health of their bees with a type of pedometer.  She visits with Wayne Steigelman, a hobby beekeeper from Brown Count. The WI Farm Bureau is expressing disappointment in two vetoes impacting the state's farmers.  They include stopping an update on WI Farmland Preservation, and negating language to protect farms from local ordinances limiting size and scope of farms. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to recap the Prospective Planting report from last week, and also review the first crop progress report of the season released Monday.

Farm Animals are great recyclers. They eat things that we can’t and then create quality products for us like milk and protein. And when farm animals get old and pass away, their contribution to recycling doesn't end there. Organic Waste Connections collects deceased animals from farms and facilities, converting them into nutrient-rich compost, thus promoting sustainable waste management practices and environmental stewardship. “We're not just a waste management company; we're a solution provider committed to helping farmers embrace sustainable practices," says Jeff Sauer, owner of Organic Waste Connections. "By converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, we're not only reducing costs for farmers but also minimizing environmental impact."

As the weather warms up, the bugs come out, the little brown bats migrate back to Wisconsin, and wild animals look for a place to nurse their babies. Tricia Werner owns and operates Werner Pest and Odor Control out of Seymour with her family. She walks us through the common spring pest issues and how to eradicate them. Werner says they work with customers across the spectrum when it comes to how bold they want to be with their pest control. There are options available for people who don’t want to harm their uninvited house guests.