Navigate the shifting landscape of the 2026 dairy market with expert insights from the perspective of agricultural lending. Trever Athorp, agricultural lender at BankFirst, and Stephanie Hoff explore the vital tools available for price protection, from Dairy Revenue Programs to DMC, and why understanding your cost of production is more critical than ever. Learn how to transition from a reactive mindset to a proactive partnership with your lender and advisors to secure your farm’s future.

Navigate the shifting landscape of the 2026 dairy market with expert insights from the perspective of agricultural lending. Trever Athorp, agricultural lender at BankFirst, and&nbsp;Stephanie Hoff explore the vital tools available for price protection, from Dairy Revenue Programs to DMC, and why understanding your cost of production is more critical than ever. Learn how to transition from a reactive mindset to a proactive partnership with your lender and advisors to secure your farm&rsquo;s future.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Proactive Management Needed To Navigate Dairy Volatility

We are right in the thick of the spring confectionery season, but if you’ve noticed your favorite Easter basket treats look a little different this year, or cost a little more, you're not alone. 

Billy Roberts, Senior Analyst of Food and Beverage with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division, tells Stephanie Hoff that in a world of volatile cocoa prices, the candy aisle landscape is changing. 

Faced with years of extreme cocoa price volatility, major chocolate manufacturers are increasingly leaning into non-chocolate alternatives, such as gummies and nut-filled confections, to protect their bottom lines.

We are right in the thick of the spring confectionery season, but if you&rsquo;ve noticed your favorite Easter basket treats look a little different this year, or cost a little more, you're not alone.&nbsp;
Billy Roberts, Senior Analyst of Food and Beverage with CoBank&rsquo;s Knowledge Exchange Division, tells Stephanie Hoff that in a world of volatile cocoa prices, the candy aisle landscape is changing.&nbsp;
Faced with years of extreme cocoa price volatility, major chocolate manufacturers are increasingly leaning into non-chocolate alternatives, such as gummies and nut-filled confections, to protect their bottom lines.

Chocolate Brands Diversify As Cocoa Market Swings

One of Wisconsin's most well known dairy businesses is celebrating a big milestone in 2026. Kiley Allan gets the review of the last 50 years of Cedar Crest Ice Cream with Shannon Simon, their Marketing Manager.

Rain is here and looks to hang around for the next couple of days according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. He also says to watch out for ice during travels.

This April rain provides a good chance to be a volunteer weather observer for CoCoRaHS. Stephanie Hoff gets the details on how easy it is to be a weather observer from Cynnara Montag.

Jan Prins a dairy broker from EverAg joins the show after a day of mostly higher dairy prices to talk with Ben Jarboe about how National and International happenings are affecting the markets. He says the Iran conflict is affecting butter the most.

One of Wisconsin's most well known dairy businesses is celebrating a big milestone in 2026. Kiley Allan gets the review of the last 50 years of Cedar Crest Ice Cream with Shannon Simon, their Marketing Manager.
Rain is here and looks to hang around for the next couple of days according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. He also says to watch out for ice during travels.
This April rain provides a good chance to be a volunteer weather observer for CoCoRaHS. Stephanie Hoff gets the details on how easy it is to be a weather observer from Cynnara Montag.
Jan Prins a dairy broker from EverAg joins the show after a day of mostly higher dairy prices to talk with Ben Jarboe about how National and International happenings are affecting the markets. He says the Iran conflict is affecting butter the most.

50 Years Of Cedar Crest Ice Cream & Iran Conflict Hits Dairy- Prins

Manure management is a standard part of Wisconsin farm life, but as operations grow and liquid storage systems become more common, the risks associated with manure pits are trending upward. This is according to UW-Madison Professor and Division of Extension Specialist Rebecca Larson.

Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a new hand, here are five critical safety tips to keep in mind before you head out to the pits.

Manure management is a standard part of Wisconsin farm life, but as operations grow and liquid storage systems become more common, the risks associated with manure pits are trending upward. This is according to UW-Madison Professor and Division of Extension Specialist Rebecca Larson.
Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned operator or a new hand, here are five critical safety tips to keep in mind before you head out to the pits.

Proactive Management Needed To Navigate Dairy Volatility

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