Dairy farmers are always on the lookout for ways to boost efficiency and sustainability in their operations. One often overlooked strategy may already be growing in their fields—alfalfa. Beyond being a reliable forage, this crop holds incredible potential to improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Marta Kohmann, UW-Extension forage specialist, dives into the science behind how alfalfa not only feeds livestock but also benefits the entire farming system. 

Dairy farmers are always on the lookout for ways to boost efficiency and sustainability in their operations. One often overlooked strategy may already be growing in their fields—alfalfa. Beyond being a reliable forage, this crop holds incredible potential to improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Marta Kohmann, UW-Extension forage specialist, dives into the science behind how alfalfa not only feeds livestock but also benefits the entire farming system.

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!

Unlocking Alfalfa's Benefits for Dairy Farms

With winter fast approaching, Wisconsin farmers are preparing for a season of unpredictable weather, following a warmer-than-usual winter last year. Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin’s State Climatologist, shares key insights into what the winter outlook holds.

"We’re not expecting the extreme warmth of last winter," Vavrus explains. "In fact, NOAA’s National Weather Service is forecasting an equal chance of a warm, cold, or near-normal winter. This doesn’t give us much to work with."

However, Vavrus notes that the Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin, could see a wetter-than-normal winter. "The eastern half of Wisconsin, in particular, is likely to experience above-average precipitation," he says. This could mean more snow, rain, or a combination of both, depending on how temperatures unfold.

The timing of this precipitation could be crucial for farmers. "If the soils freeze early, any rain or snow will run off. But if the freeze is delayed, moisture can infiltrate the soil, which is beneficial after this year’s drought," Vavrus adds. Currently, soils are warmer than usual, allowing rainfall and early snow to absorb more effectively.

With winter fast approaching, Wisconsin farmers are preparing for a season of unpredictable weather, following a warmer-than-usual winter last year. Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin’s State Climatologist, shares key insights into what the winter outlook holds.
"We’re not expecting the extreme warmth of last winter," Vavrus explains. "In fact, NOAA’s National Weather Service is forecasting an equal chance of a warm, cold, or near-normal winter. This doesn’t give us much to work with."
However, Vavrus notes that the Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin, could see a wetter-than-normal winter. "The eastern half of Wisconsin, in particular, is likely to experience above-average precipitation," he says. This could mean more snow, rain, or a combination of both, depending on how temperatures unfold.
The timing of this precipitation could be crucial for farmers. "If the soils freeze early, any rain or snow will run off. But if the freeze is delayed, moisture can infiltrate the soil, which is beneficial after this year’s drought," Vavrus adds. Currently, soils are warmer than usual, allowing rainfall and early snow to absorb more effectively.

Wisconsin Winter: Wet or Dry? Expert Weighs In

There's a new requirement for farms that are organized as an LLC or corporation.  Bridget Finke with Valley Crossing Law explains the details to Bob Bosold.

Wisconsin's staying above average with temperatures for the next 48 hours according to Stu Muck, ag meteorologist.
Cody Quam from Lodi has been recognized as the Outstanding Young Breeder by the American Angus Association.  The honors were presented during their annual convention in Fort Worth.  Ben Jarboe talks with Quam about how surprised and humbled he was to receive the honors.

There's some new faces on the WI Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Agriculturists committee.  Representatives from Dane, Wood and Shawano county have just been appointed to three-year-terms according to Pam Jahnke.

John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke.  The markets are still working through Friday's USDA World Ag Supply Estimates and factoring in potential Trump moves in 2025 that could impact international business.

There's a new requirement for farms that are organized as an LLC or corporation.  Bridget Finke with Valley Crossing Law explains the details to Bob Bosold. Wisconsin's staying above average with temperatures for the next 48 hours according to Stu Muck, ag meteorologist. Cody Quam from Lodi has been recognized as the Outstanding Young Breeder by the American Angus Association.  The honors were presented during their annual convention in Fort Worth.  Ben Jarboe talks with Quam about how surprised and humbled he was to receive the honors. There's some new faces on the WI Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Agriculturists committee.  Representatives from Dane, Wood and Shawano county have just been appointed to three-year-terms according to Pam Jahnke.
John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke.  The markets are still working through Friday's USDA World Ag Supply Estimates and factoring in potential Trump moves in 2025 that could impact international business.

Congratulations To Quam And Market Keeps Reacting To Election And WASDE - Heinberg

With colder temperatures arriving, homeowners may soon find themselves playing reluctant hosts to unwelcome guests like mice and squirrels. Marcus Mueller, owner of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, shares insight into why rodents become more active as winter approaches. “As soon as temperatures start to drop below freezing at night, we see a rise in rodent activity,” he explains. “They’re looking for warmth and shelter, just as we are.”

During the winter season, many animals seek food and protection from the elements. Mueller notes that homes offer everything they need. "Our homes provide shelter, warmth, and sometimes even food—exactly what they’re looking for,” he says. He explains that while homes aren’t designed to attract wildlife, their structure often unintentionally does. Attics, for example, can mimic a tree cavity, making them ideal for critters like squirrels.

For homeowners, identifying early signs of rodent activity can help avoid larger issues. “Scratching sounds in walls, chewed wiring, or visible droppings are often the first signs,” Mueller says. In extreme cases, even noticeable odors can indicate an infestation. He advises homeowners to check areas where animals might enter, like gaps in roofing or foundation cracks, and keep vegetation trimmed around the house.

With colder temperatures arriving, homeowners may soon find themselves playing reluctant hosts to unwelcome guests like mice and squirrels. Marcus Mueller, owner of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, shares insight into why rodents become more active as winter approaches. “As soon as temperatures start to drop below freezing at night, we see a rise in rodent activity,” he explains. “They’re looking for warmth and shelter, just as we are.”
During the winter season, many animals seek food and protection from the elements. Mueller notes that homes offer everything they need. "Our homes provide shelter, warmth, and sometimes even food—exactly what they’re looking for,” he says. He explains that while homes aren’t designed to attract wildlife, their structure often unintentionally does. Attics, for example, can mimic a tree cavity, making them ideal for critters like squirrels.
For homeowners, identifying early signs of rodent activity can help avoid larger issues. “Scratching sounds in walls, chewed wiring, or visible droppings are often the first signs,” Mueller says. In extreme cases, even noticeable odors can indicate an infestation. He advises homeowners to check areas where animals might enter, like gaps in roofing or foundation cracks, and keep vegetation trimmed around the house.

Unlocking Alfalfa's Benefits for Dairy Farms

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