Many rural communities in Wisconsin face significant difficulties, with issues on the family farm to the added burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic and everything in between. The situation becomes even more challenging when these communities lack access to nearby rural hospitals. Marie Barry, the Director of Community and Economic Development for the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative sheds some light on the obstacles in rural healthcare and their ongoing efforts to help rural hospitals better serve their community.

Many rural communities in Wisconsin face significant difficulties, with issues on the family farm to the added burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic and everything in between. The situation becomes even more challenging when these communities lack access to nearby rural hospitals. Marie Barry, the Director of Community and Economic Development for the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative sheds some light on the obstacles in rural healthcare and their ongoing efforts to help rural hospitals better serve their community.

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!

Rural Healthcare: Building Welcoming Communities

Dairy farmers are wondering what will improve in 2026.  Jill Welke finds Dr. Leonard Polzin, UW-River Falls Extension Dairy Specialist, at the annual Western WI Bankers Conference.  Polzin says while world milk production stays high, producers should expect prices to stay low.

Bitterly cold wind chills will impact daily chores and travel this week around Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says it'll take until at least Wednesday before there's a break.


The antenna are up for many Wisconsin agribusinesses and farms with a large population of immigration agents in the Twin Cities.  What do farms need to do to protect their employees?  Pam Jahnke gets some pointers from Sam Moheban, immigration specialist at Ruder Ware law firm in Wausau.  Moheban says any employer should be double checking the accuracy of their mandatory I-9 forms from all employees.  After that, he recommends farms post signs, and have a plan if ICE agents show up at their farm gate.

The general public's being invited to join in the tasting fun of the World Championship Cheese event coming up March 3-4 in Madison.  Pam Jahnke shares the details.

Wisconsin dairy farmer Carolyn Alsteen joins the show to discuss the Born to Dairy campaign, a vibrant celebration of the grit, humor, and creativity that defines America’s Dairyland. Discover how Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is putting checkoff dollars to work, using unique personas to bridge the gap with consumers, and highlighting the authentic stories behind your favorite milk, cheese, and butter. DFW is preparing to launch 24 new farmer personas in 2026, including Carolyn's: Churned & Burned Farm Fit Farmer!  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of WI.

Dairy farmers are wondering what will improve&nbsp;in 2026.&nbsp; Jill Welke finds Dr. Leonard Polzin, UW-River Falls Extension Dairy Specialist, at the annual Western WI Bankers Conference.&nbsp; Polzin says while world milk production stays high, producers should expect prices to stay low.
Bitterly cold wind chills will impact daily chores and travel this week around Wisconsin.&nbsp; Stu Muck says it'll take until at least Wednesday before there's a break.
 The antenna are up for many Wisconsin agribusinesses and farms with a large population of immigration agents in the Twin Cities.&nbsp; What do farms need to do to protect their employees?&nbsp; Pam Jahnke gets some pointers from Sam Moheban, immigration specialist at Ruder Ware law firm in Wausau.&nbsp; Moheban says any employer should be double checking the accuracy of their mandatory I-9 forms from all employees.&nbsp; After that, he recommends farms post signs, and have a plan if ICE agents show up at their farm gate. The general public's being invited to join in the tasting fun of the World Championship Cheese event coming up March 3-4 in Madison.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke shares the details. Wisconsin dairy farmer Carolyn Alsteen joins the show to discuss the Born to Dairy campaign, a vibrant celebration of the grit, humor, and creativity that defines America&rsquo;s Dairyland. Discover how Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is putting checkoff dollars to work, using unique personas to bridge the gap with consumers, and highlighting the authentic stories behind your favorite milk, cheese, and butter. DFW is preparing to launch 24 new farmer personas in 2026, including Carolyn's: Churned &amp; Burned Farm Fit Farmer!&nbsp; Paid for by Dairy Farmers of WI.

Tips On Handling ICE Farm Visits Plus Dairy Specialist Forecasts Future

Dementia is tragic for any family that has to deal with it, but if you're - in the rural community - there's more.  If you're a farm family dealing with a loved one that's suffering with dementia or Alzheimher's, you're really on your own.  Ben Jarboe talks about it with Dr. Julie Bobitt,  Assistant Professor Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at University of Illinois Chicago.  She explains that as farmers age, this challenge escalates.  Her research focused on just 10 families, but she says the results are telling of the challenges yet to come.

A little snow is swirling around Wisconsin this morning, but the winds will keep it swirling all weekend.  Stu Muck says get ready to bundle up!


Dairy Strong 2026 included about 400 dairy operations from across the state.  There's no lack of areas for them to focus their attention.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Erin Tomasik, community relations manager, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative/Dairy Business Association.  She says they've launched several initiatives and campaigns both in state and out that will require farmers to stay engaged in the conversation.


Focus on Energy is offering increased rebates, expanded projects they'll cover and a new "Farmer to Friend" campaign that will help spread the news on how to save money.  Jessica Mlsna, Focus on Energy advisor has a laundry list of things helping encourage farms and agribusinesses to tap into the program.  Paid for by Focus on Energy.

Dementia is tragic for any family that has to deal with it, but if you're - in the rural community - there's more.&nbsp; If you're a farm family dealing with a loved one that's suffering with dementia or Alzheimher's, you're really on your own.&nbsp; Ben Jarboe talks about it with Dr. Julie Bobitt,&nbsp; Assistant Professor Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at University of Illinois Chicago.&nbsp; She explains that as farmers age, this challenge escalates.&nbsp; Her research focused on just 10 families, but she says the results are telling of the challenges yet to come.
A little snow is swirling around Wisconsin this morning, but the winds will keep it swirling all weekend.&nbsp; Stu Muck says get ready to bundle up!
 Dairy Strong 2026 included about 400 dairy operations from across the state.&nbsp; There's no lack of areas for them to focus their attention.&nbsp; Stephanie Hoff talks to Erin Tomasik, community relations manager, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative/Dairy Business Association.&nbsp; She says they've launched several initiatives and campaigns both in state and out that will require farmers to stay engaged in the conversation.
 Focus on Energy is offering increased rebates, expanded projects they'll cover and a new "Farmer to Friend" campaign that will help spread the news on how to save money.&nbsp; Jessica Mlsna, Focus on Energy advisor has a laundry list of things helping encourage farms and agribusinesses to tap into the program.&nbsp; Paid for by Focus on Energy.

Dementia Challenges Farm Families Plus Dairy Agenda Shared At DairyStrong

Meet John W. Miller, the new president and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He emphasizes that the health of the state depends on the sustainability of its smaller towns. Miller says the economic challenges ahead aren't just finding workers, but ensuring those workers have a place to call home.

"Affordable housing is actually probably the number one issue that we have in attracting and retaining workers and residents in keeping our rural communities growing," he tells Mid-West Farm Report's Stephanie Hoff. 

The strategy involves "holistic" redevelopment, specifically repurposing iconic, vacant structures like former elementary schools and banks. By providing state grants, the WEDC helps private developers bridge the financial gap that often exists in smaller-market projects.

Meet John W. Miller, the new president and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He emphasizes that the health of the state depends on the sustainability of its smaller towns. Miller says the economic challenges ahead aren't just finding workers, but ensuring those workers have a place to call home.
"Affordable housing is actually probably the number one issue that we have in attracting and retaining workers and residents in keeping our rural communities growing," he tells Mid-West Farm Report's Stephanie Hoff.&nbsp;
The strategy involves "holistic" redevelopment, specifically repurposing iconic, vacant structures like former elementary schools and banks. By providing state grants, the WEDC helps private developers bridge the financial gap that often exists in smaller-market projects.

Rural Healthcare: Building Welcoming Communities

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