The first round of the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program grants is open! This application period will distribute $50 million in ARIP funding to support projects across the state focused on improving rural roads and culverts that are critical to moving and transporting agricultural and forestry products. The 2025-27 Biennial Budget included $150 million to continue this program created in 2023. This year, $30 million will be specifically targeted to bridge and culvert repair through the separate Local Bridge and Culvert Improvement Program. WisDOT is developing those program materials, which are expected to be available in the coming months, says Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen.  He tells Stephanie Hoff that the two completed projects of the 91 grants from the 2024-25 ARIP program are: Town of Sugar Camp in Oneida County and Town of Rockland in Brown County.

Not a lot of rain out of yesterdays' cloudy skies according to Stu Muck.  The threat of frost gets real for most of the state beginning tonight.  He also notes that we'll be enjoying plenty of sunshine and a little warmer temperatures for the rest of the week.

With 120 auctions to go before the end of the calendar year, Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group is staying busy.  He says that the fourth quarter has turned into one of their most active times of the year.  Why?  Farms decide they want to replace or upgrade certain pieces of equipment as the harvest concludes or right after.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Boneheaded maneuver!  That's the phrase that WI Senator Pat Testin uses to describe the proposed fee escalation WDATCP wants to levy against all livestock marketing locations, associated support businesses like livestock truckers, and farmers themselves.  Testin tells Pam Jahnke that after a Supreme Court ruling, the state legislature is powerless to override this agency directive.  He implores anyone in the livestock industry to voice their concerns before October 15th.

People in the farming community often struggle with discussing mental health.  It's important to get beyond that stigma according to Paula Hillmann, Counseling Psychologist with the Wisconsin Farm Center.  Housed within the WI Department of Ag., Trade and Consumer Protection, Hillmann says she reminds farmers that if trauma isn't treated it turns into PTSD.  She tells Kiley Allan it's important for farmers and their families to remember that people care about them and that there is help available.  She emphasizes that you're not alone if you're struggling.  Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance.

The government shutdown is disrupting some reports that traders normally expect.  The weekly crop progress report for example.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, tells Pam Jahnke that there are private tools available to supplement the data, but upcoming reports - or lack of - could change the atmosphere of trading.