Currently in Wisconsin there are 47 data centers proposed with one of these being in Janesville. These proposals have sparked concerns from the communities leading to rallies. Cassandra Pope is the organizer of the No Janesville Data Center group. She says one of the biggest worries is the not knowing.

Currently in Wisconsin there are 47 data centers proposed with one of these being in Janesville. These proposals have sparked concerns from the communities leading to rallies. Cassandra Pope is the organizer of the No Janesville Data Center group. She says one of the biggest worries is the not knowing.

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!

Proposed Data Centers Create Community Worries

With the legislative clock ticking down, Wisconsin State Senator Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point) is officially calling "go time."

With only a few weeks remaining in the session, Testin is leading a high-stakes charge to "unshackle" Wisconsin’s hemp producers. He warns that current federal language poses an existential threat that could "literally end the industry nationwide."

While other proposals on the floor aim to restrict production and marketing, Testin argues that the legislative path he’s carved out with Representative Tony Kurtz strikes the perfect balance. He describes their plan as the "just right" solution to provide long-term certainty for the farmers and processors driving Wisconsin's hemp economy.

With the legislative clock ticking down, Wisconsin State Senator Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point) is officially calling "go time."
With only a few weeks remaining in the session, Testin is leading a high-stakes charge to "unshackle" Wisconsin&rsquo;s hemp producers. He warns that current federal language poses an existential threat that could "literally end the industry nationwide."
While other proposals on the floor aim to restrict production and marketing, Testin argues that the legislative path he&rsquo;s carved out with Representative Tony Kurtz strikes the perfect balance. He describes their plan as the "just right" solution to provide long-term certainty for the farmers and processors driving Wisconsin's hemp economy.

It's Go Time!  WI Senator Pat Testin

We’re checking in with Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden, who says a win in the past year was that membership is growing, but that may be due to some of the headwinds that farmers are facing, which is drawing them to advocacy organizations. He says market disruptions, gaps in crop loss compensation, and a stalled Farm Bill are motivations to hit the ground running in 2026.

We&rsquo;re checking in with Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden, who says a win in the past year was that membership is growing, but that may be due to some of the headwinds that farmers are facing, which is drawing them to advocacy organizations. He says market disruptions, gaps in crop loss compensation, and a stalled Farm Bill are motivations to hit the ground running in 2026.

Uncertainty Comes With A Cost, Explains WFU President Darin Von Ruden

With 2026 being an election year, the window for legislative action in Madison is closing fast. We’re talking about it today with Michelle Ramirez-White, government relations director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. She previews their Farm & Rural Lobby Day on Jan. 14 and the hit list for topics, but first gives us the lay of the land when it comes to the state legislative calendar. 

With 2026 being an election year, the window for legislative action in Madison is closing fast. We&rsquo;re talking about it today with Michelle Ramirez-White, government relations director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. She previews their Farm &amp; Rural Lobby Day on Jan. 14 and the hit list for topics, but first gives us the lay of the land when it comes to the state legislative calendar.&nbsp;

Proposed Data Centers Create Community Worries

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