Bob Bosold brings a growing season update with farmers from MN and IA.  Two different worlds despite being close geographically.

Apple production is looking to be ahead of normal bloom time and production level. This is according to Jacob Franzen, farm manager at Ski-Hi Fruit Farm in Baraboo. He talks to Charitee Seebecker about how the crop is looking but first tells us more about how Ski-Hi got started.


Pam Jahnke catches up with State Senator Joan Ballweg, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  The WI Ag Export Council has released its latest findings on improvements on exports with dairy witnessing a 47% increase in movement since 2021.

Bob Bosold brings a growing season update with farmers from MN and IA.  Two different worlds despite being close geographically.
Apple production is looking to be ahead of normal bloom time and production level. This is according to Jacob Franzen, farm manager at Ski-Hi Fruit Farm in Baraboo. He talks to Charitee Seebecker about how the crop is looking but first tells us more about how Ski-Hi got started.
 Pam Jahnke catches up with State Senator Joan Ballweg, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  The WI Ag Export Council has released its latest findings on improvements on exports with dairy witnessing a 47% increase in movement since 2021.

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!

WI Ag Export Council Sees 47% Increase In Dairy Exports - Ballweg

Tamarack Trail Farm in Waushara County has a rich history dating back to 1924 when Heidi Strauss's great-grandfather purchased it for $6,500. Back then, the farm had no indoor plumbing and only got electricity in 1942. A one-room schoolhouse on the property served as temporary housing for Heidi's grandparents while they renovated the farmhouse. Heidi, the fourth generation, acquired the farm in 2002. Originally, the farmstead had five to six buildings and raised corn, oats, and hay to sustain cattle and pigs, making it self-sustaining by growing what their animals and family needed. Today, the farm has transitioned to a poultry operation run by a dedicated team of women, continuing the legacy of family involvement and self-sufficiency.

Tamarack Trail Farm in Waushara County has a rich history dating back to 1924 when Heidi Strauss's great-grandfather purchased it for $6,500. Back then, the farm had no indoor plumbing and only got electricity in 1942. A one-room schoolhouse on the property served as temporary housing for Heidi's grandparents while they renovated the farmhouse. Heidi, the fourth generation, acquired the farm in 2002. Originally, the farmstead had five to six buildings and raised corn, oats, and hay to sustain cattle and pigs, making it self-sustaining by growing what their animals and family needed. Today, the farm has transitioned to a poultry operation run by a dedicated team of women, continuing the legacy of family involvement and self-sufficiency.

Heidi Strauss - Waushara  County Century Farm

Apple production is looking to be ahead of normal bloom time and production level. This is according to Jacob Franzen, farm manager at Ski-Hi Fruit Farm in Baraboo. He says despite the excess rain the state has been getting, they’ve been lucky to avoid severe flooding.

Ski-Hi Fruit Farm, established in 1907 by AK Bassett, continues to thrive as a family-owned farm. Now in its third generation of ownership, the farm is owned by Bassett’s granddaughter, Betty, who will be celebrating her 83rd birthday this September. Ski-Hi Fruit Farm is renowned for its diverse apple production, boasting 30 different varieties spread across 40 acres of orchard. 

"Despite the challenges posed by recent weather conditions, we are optimistic about this year's crop,” explains Franzen. “Last year's drought significantly affected our yields, but the rain this year has been beneficial. Although we've faced increased fungal pressure, our trees have responded well to the moisture."

Apple production is looking to be ahead of normal bloom time and production level. This is according to Jacob Franzen, farm manager at Ski-Hi Fruit Farm in Baraboo. He says despite the excess rain the state has been getting, they’ve been lucky to avoid severe flooding.
Ski-Hi Fruit Farm, established in 1907 by AK Bassett, continues to thrive as a family-owned farm. Now in its third generation of ownership, the farm is owned by Bassett’s granddaughter, Betty, who will be celebrating her 83rd birthday this September. Ski-Hi Fruit Farm is renowned for its diverse apple production, boasting 30 different varieties spread across 40 acres of orchard. 
"Despite the challenges posed by recent weather conditions, we are optimistic about this year's crop,” explains Franzen. “Last year's drought significantly affected our yields, but the rain this year has been beneficial. Although we've faced increased fungal pressure, our trees have responded well to the moisture."

Ski-Hi Fruit Farm Gears Up for a Record Apple Crop

Troy Farm has a rich history deeply rooted in the Madison community's dedication to preserving natural spaces for local use. Originally a vacant land owned by the City of Madison, the area was saved from development through a collective effort by local residents, organizations, and university members. Farm director Paul Huber says that today, Troy Farm thrives as a hub of community engagement, education, and innovative agriculture.

“It's amazing to see how the community came together to save this space and turn it into something so valuable,” says Huber. “It’s a living example of what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause.”

Since its inception in 2001, Troy Farm has aimed to demonstrate the viability of local, organic farming. Today, the farm produces a diverse range of crops, with an acre and a half dedicated to growing produce for donation to community centers on Madison's north side. The remaining acreage supports various organizations and initiatives, including youth empowerment programs, urban farming projects, and educational workshops.

Troy Farm has a rich history deeply rooted in the Madison community's dedication to preserving natural spaces for local use. Originally a vacant land owned by the City of Madison, the area was saved from development through a collective effort by local residents, organizations, and university members. Farm director Paul Huber says that today, Troy Farm thrives as a hub of community engagement, education, and innovative agriculture.
“It's amazing to see how the community came together to save this space and turn it into something so valuable,” says Huber. “It’s a living example of what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause.”
Since its inception in 2001, Troy Farm has aimed to demonstrate the viability of local, organic farming. Today, the farm produces a diverse range of crops, with an acre and a half dedicated to growing produce for donation to community centers on Madison's north side. The remaining acreage supports various organizations and initiatives, including youth empowerment programs, urban farming projects, and educational workshops.

WI Ag Export Council Sees 47% Increase In Dairy Exports - Ballweg

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