In Elkhorn, Wisconsin, technology is meeting tradition at Hurtgenlea Holsteins. Adam Hurtgen and his fiancée farm alongside his parents, managing 100 acres and 300 dairy cattle, all with the help of cutting-edge tools like robotic milkers and a new farm application that tracks data straight from inside the cows themselves. The results? A healthier herd, a more efficient operation, and a glimpse into the future of dairy farming. Adam shares how the smaXtec bolus has transformed life on the farm and offers advice for others looking to make the leap into precision dairy technology.

In Elkhorn, Wisconsin, technology is meeting tradition at Hurtgenlea Holsteins. Adam Hurtgen and his fianc&eacute;e farm alongside his parents, managing 100 acres and 300 dairy cattle, all with the help of cutting-edge tools like robotic milkers and a new farm application that tracks data straight from inside the cows themselves. The results? A healthier herd, a more efficient operation, and a glimpse into the future of dairy farming. Adam shares how the smaXtec bolus has transformed life on the farm and offers advice for others looking to make the leap into precision dairy technology.

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!

This Wisconsin Dairy Is Milking Data For Success

USDA Rural Development investment helps Westby Cooperative Creamery modernize facility, increase production and support rural prosperity.

USDA Rural Development investment helps Westby Cooperative Creamery modernize facility, increase production and support rural prosperity.

Rural Investment Fuels Growth at Wisconsin’s Only Cottage Cheese Producer

We all know that yields can vary greatly depending on the conditions and circumstances of each growing season. Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration put together a program to help farmers dealing with these uncertainties. Sandy Chalmers is the State Executive Director at the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency. She tells us how we're seeing these dollars impact Wisconsin.

We all know that yields can vary greatly depending on the conditions and circumstances of each growing season. Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration put together a program to help farmers dealing with these uncertainties. Sandy Chalmers is the State Executive Director at the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency. She tells us how we're seeing these dollars impact Wisconsin.

Specialty Crop Growers Can Apply For Relief Dollars

What value does a farmers market have for a community?  Is it just about the transactions, or is there more?  A study funded by a USDA grant and involving UW-Madison researchers focused on that question.  Kiley Allan finds out about the results from Bret Shaw, UW-Madison Communications Specialist.  Shaw says the researchers conducted a national study to provide market operators with actionable data to boost attendance, increase consumer spending, and better communicate the community value of farmers markets to stakeholders. The research identified six consumer categories, highlighting the three groups most likely to visit: the "highly engaged" (who love the social atmosphere and local experience), the "health-focused" (who prioritize organic, local, and non-GMO produce), and the "emerging interest" group. The newly identified "emerging interest" demographic consists of younger shoppers who are less focused on buying raw ingredients to cook at home and more interested in the social environment and ready-to-eat prepared foods. To accommodate changing consumer preferences, markets are increasingly featuring vendors that sell prepared foods and specialized items (such as hot breads, baked goods, and meats) rather than strictly traditional raw fruits and vegetables. With over 8,600 markets operating nationwide, farmers markets are increasingly recognized by community leaders as vital hubs that promote healthier eating habits, foster a sense of local belonging, and build resilient regional food systems.


What are the 'dog days' all about?  That's the starter conversation with Stu Muck on a Monday morning.  The forecast isn't offering  much moisture this week to offset all the heat expected. Stu explains the cycle the states caught in.


In June the White House announced that John Rich, or Big N Rich country duo fame, became a USDA envoy working with farmers and landowners nationwide.  Rich says he was personally caught in a land dispute with the state of Tennessee, so he understands the disadvantage farmers face when someone wants their land.  He'll report directly to USDA's Brooke Rollins and the President.  He explains what he's heard so far.


Last week the WI State Fair Park announced that John Yingling would be retiring after 16 years of service, most recently as board chair.  Pam Jahnke visits with the fair veteran who started his relationship with the fair when he was a kid in the neighborhood.  Yingling says he never liked going to the fair with his mother.  He explains how that didn't stop him from making the WI State Fair, a big part of his life.

What value does a farmers market have for a community?&nbsp; Is it just about the transactions, or is there more?&nbsp; A study funded by a USDA grant and involving UW-Madison researchers focused on that question.&nbsp; Kiley Allan finds out about the results from Bret&nbsp;Shaw, UW-Madison Communications Specialist.&nbsp; Shaw says the researchers conducted a national study to provide market operators with actionable data to boost attendance, increase consumer spending, and better communicate the community value of farmers markets to stakeholders.&nbsp;The research identified six consumer categories, highlighting the three groups most likely to visit: the "highly engaged" (who love the social atmosphere and local experience), the "health-focused" (who prioritize organic, local, and non-GMO produce), and the "emerging interest" group.&nbsp;The newly identified "emerging interest" demographic consists of&nbsp;younger shoppers who are less focused on buying raw ingredients to cook at&nbsp;home and more interested in the social environment and ready-to-eat&nbsp;prepared foods. To accommodate changing consumer preferences, markets are increasingly featuring vendors that sell prepared foods and specialized items (such as hot breads, baked goods, and meats) rather than strictly traditional raw fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;With over 8,600 markets operating nationwide, farmers markets are increasingly recognized by community leaders as vital hubs that promote healthier eating habits, foster a sense of local belonging, and build resilient regional food systems.
 What are the 'dog days' all about?&nbsp; That's the starter conversation with Stu Muck on a Monday morning.&nbsp; The forecast isn't offering&nbsp; much moisture this week to offset all the heat expected. Stu explains the cycle the states caught in.
 In June the White House announced that John Rich, or Big N Rich country duo fame, became a USDA envoy working with farmers and landowners nationwide.&nbsp; Rich says he was personally caught in a land dispute with the state of Tennessee, so he understands the disadvantage farmers face when someone wants their land.&nbsp; He'll report directly to USDA's Brooke Rollins and the President.&nbsp; He explains what he's heard so far.
 Last week the WI State Fair Park announced that John Yingling would be retiring after 16 years of service, most recently as board chair.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke visits with the fair veteran who started his relationship with the fair when he was a kid in the neighborhood.&nbsp; Yingling says he never liked going to the fair with his mother.&nbsp; He explains how that didn't stop him from making the WI State Fair, a big part of his life.

This Wisconsin Dairy Is Milking Data For Success

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MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

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