Small towns and rural communities don’t always have access to the same resources as others do, including things like healthcare and economic development.

Small towns and rural communities don&rsquo;t always have access to the same resources as others do, including things like healthcare and economic development.

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!

Save Your Small Town

Every year, a fleet of farm machinery begins a journey that follows the grain harvest from South to North. But custom harvesting is about more than just cutting wheat or corn. It’s a logistics game. And it involves cutting-edge data, complex labor laws, and a constant battle against the elements. Paul Paplow is the president of U.S. Custom Harvesters. He’s based out of Northwest Iowa, but he covers national ground. He reflects on a busy year. He explains that while the equipment is getting smarter and the data is getting more precise, the heart of custom harvesting still lies in the people.

Every year, a fleet of farm machinery begins a journey that follows the grain harvest from South to North. But custom harvesting is about more than just cutting wheat or corn. It&rsquo;s a logistics game. And it involves cutting-edge data, complex labor laws, and a constant battle against the elements. Paul Paplow is the president of U.S. Custom Harvesters. He&rsquo;s based out of Northwest Iowa, but he covers national ground. He reflects on a busy year. He explains that while&nbsp;the equipment is getting smarter and the data is getting more precise, the heart of custom harvesting still lies in the people.

Technology, Labor & The Future Of Custom Harvesting

As we get started in a new year, we’re continuing our look into risk management and the safety nets that keep farms running. Between shifting weather patterns and record government shutdowns, how stable is your coverage? We talk about it today with Stefanie Wolfe, a regional sales manager with Rural Community Insurance Services, or RCIS. We start with how she’s navigated government delays this fall. Wolfe also advises growers not to leave support on the table. Make sure your operation is protected for whatever the next season throws your way.

As we get started in a new year, we&rsquo;re continuing our look into risk management and the safety nets that keep farms running. Between shifting weather patterns and record government shutdowns, how stable is your coverage? We talk about it today with Stefanie Wolfe, a regional sales manager with Rural Community Insurance Services, or RCIS. We start with how she&rsquo;s navigated government delays this fall. Wolfe also advises growers not to leave support on the table. Make sure your operation is protected for whatever the next season throws your way.

Navigating Shutdowns, Replants & The New Premium Subsidy

Happy New Year's Eve! Mid-West Farm Report takes a trip down memory lane, looking at our most popular stories of 2025.

We start with No. 5 -- when a Wisconsin construction company was preparing for tariffs before a March 1 expected deadline.

In other news, FSA State Director Sandy Chalmers reviews 2025, including a look toward the rollout of Farmer Bridge Assistance.

The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update says cold temperatures are on the way tonight. Meanwhile, the weekend might feel like spring!

The No. 4 story of 2025 -- rural residents seeking more information on wind energy, and whether wind turbines belong in their communities.

This morning, the Steffes Group tells us how they are bringing in first-time online auction buyers with a buying guide.  

At No. 3, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski discussed the reason behind the proposed fee hikes for livestock markets, dealers, and truckers in early September. At No. 2, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association CEO Curt Larson said the 1,700% proposed fee hikes would be problematic for farmers. Since this coverage, DATCP announced it would rework its original proposal.

And the top story of the year -- celebrating Compeer Financial's 2025 GroundBreakers, a Fond du Lac couple, Evan and Taylor Schrauth. Find these top stories tonight at midwestfarmreport.com. 

Happy New Year's Eve! Mid-West Farm Report takes a trip down memory lane, looking at our most popular stories of 2025.
We start with No. 5 -- when a Wisconsin construction company was preparing for tariffs before a March 1 expected deadline.
In other news, FSA State Director Sandy Chalmers reviews 2025, including a look toward the rollout of Farmer Bridge Assistance.
The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update says cold temperatures are on the way tonight. Meanwhile, the weekend might feel like spring!
The No. 4 story of 2025 -- rural residents seeking more information on wind energy, and whether wind turbines belong in their communities.
This morning, the Steffes Group tells us how they are bringing in first-time online auction buyers with a buying guide. &nbsp;
At No. 3, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski discussed the reason behind the proposed fee hikes for livestock markets, dealers, and truckers in early September. At No. 2, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association CEO Curt Larson said the 1,700% proposed fee hikes would be problematic for farmers. Since this coverage, DATCP announced it would rework its original proposal.
And the top story of the year -- celebrating Compeer Financial's 2025 GroundBreakers, a Fond du Lac couple, Evan and Taylor Schrauth. Find these top stories tonight at midwestfarmreport.com.&nbsp;

Save Your Small Town

In 1 playlist(s)

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips