The crowning of this year's Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs looked a little bit different than the first one that took place 60 years ago. Connie McCallister was the first to wear the crown. She reflects on her experience and compares the program in its beginning to its current competition.

The crowning of this year's Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs looked a little bit different than the first one that took place 60 years ago. Connie McCallister was the first to wear the crown. She reflects on her experience and compares the program in its beginning to its current competition.

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!

First Fairest Of The Fairs Wore The Crown 60 Years Ago

There’s a political battle underway over health care subsidies, and it’s leaving rural Wisconsin at a crossroads. Here with some perspective is Ben Nelson, the new executive director of the Cooperative Network. CN is the trade association that supports cooperatives across Wisconsin and Minnesota across all sectors, including agriculture, energy, and rural economic development. Ben has a 20-year career behind him in the economic growth space, most of that time in Wisconsin. He actually grew up on a deer farm, but most recently, he was the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corp. Before Ben and Stephanie Hoff dive into what exactly is going on with the Affordable Care Act, he tells us what drew him to this role at CN. After the conversation, Ben says while the deadline for healthcare.gov may have passed, you can still audit your 2026 options. Consider a Health Savings Account to manage those high deductibles, or run your income numbers carefully to avoid the 'subsidy cliff,' as he calls it. In the meantime, he says the Cooperative Network is working to reopen the Farmers Health Cooperative.

There&rsquo;s a political battle underway over health care subsidies, and it&rsquo;s leaving rural Wisconsin at a crossroads. Here with some perspective is Ben Nelson, the new executive director of the Cooperative Network. CN is the trade association that supports cooperatives across Wisconsin and Minnesota across all sectors, including agriculture, energy, and rural economic development. Ben has a 20-year career behind him in the economic growth space, most of that time in Wisconsin. He actually grew up on a deer farm, but most recently, he was the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corp. Before Ben and Stephanie Hoff dive into what exactly is going on with the Affordable Care Act, he tells us what drew him to this role at CN. After the conversation, Ben says while the deadline for healthcare.gov may have passed, you can still audit your 2026 options. Consider a Health Savings Account to manage those high deductibles, or run your income numbers carefully to avoid the 'subsidy cliff,' as he calls it. In the meantime, he says the Cooperative Network is working to reopen the Farmers Health Cooperative.

Cooperative Network Explains The Affordable Care Act Debate

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.

Proactive Management Needed To Navigate Dairy Volatility

2025 was a year of uncertainty for farmers. Doug Rebout, President of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, sat down to explain the effect tariffs had on his operation. He reflects on the impact of 2025 policy and looks to 2026.

2025 was a year of uncertainty for farmers. Doug Rebout, President of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, sat down to explain the effect tariffs had on his operation. He reflects on the impact of 2025 policy and looks to 2026.

First Fairest Of The Fairs Wore The Crown 60 Years Ago

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