Wisconsin dairy operators are trying to find their way to profitability through 2026, but it's complicated.  Stephanie Hoff asks some tough questions of Leonard Polzin, Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension. While  specific data is often private, the IDFA estimates roughly $11 billion  in capital expenditures across 50 projects in 19 states. Major processing growth is concentrated in a "T" shape: running through the middle of the country (Texas, Kansas, Dakotas) and across the Northern U.S. (Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin, and New York). The industry is grappling with "hazy" data regarding how much of this investment is truly new capacity versus replacement for closing plants, as well as the actual ramp-up time for these facilities. U.S. cheese exports saw a significant increase in 2025, but they are moving at steep discounts. This means exports are currently providing a price floor  rather than a price premium for farmers. Leonard suggests farmers ask their processors specific questions about their product mix (e.g., types of cheese) and target markets (institutional vs. retail) to understand where their individual price volatility is coming from. To add value beyond milk components—which can be limited by processor caps—many farms are increasingly looking toward beef-on-dairy crossbreeding to bolster the bottom line. 

What a difference a few days can make.  Welcome to spring 2026 in Wisconsin.  From historically deep snow on Monday to temperatures near 70 by tomorrow.  Stu Muck says that the weekend will be wonderful.  Slightly cooler temperatures on the way next week however.

Rosy Lane Holsteins of Watertown knows the benefits of partnering with the Focus on Energy program.  Terry Pernsteiner, Focus on Energy Advisor, helps Jordan Matthews find as many rebates and energy savings benefits as he can.  Their partnership is focused on regular maintenance and getting ahead of building projects before they begin.  The two share their perspective with Pam Jahnke.  Paid for by Focus on Energy.

Nebraska livestock owners are dealing with the aftermath of the 5th largest wildfire in U.S. history.  Craig Uden, President of the NE Cattlemen says normally they'd be putting cattle out on pasture, but now there's now pasture to use.  That's causing financial hardships for those farms impacted.

Wisconsin maple syrup producers are picking up the pieces from Blizzard Evelyn last weekend.  Pam Jahnke talks to Theresa Baroun, executive director of the WI Maple Syrup Producers Association.  She's got her own sugar bush near DePere.  She says right now it's all about battling through the remain snow drifts.  Weekend weather looks promising to restart the process.  Baroun says Wisconsin saw a surge during the pandemic when people decided to try sugar mapling, and stayed with it.  That's help Wisconsin move from number 4 nationally to the number 3 slot!