Wisconsin agriculture is more than just numbers—it’s about hard work, community, and innovation. From family farms to growing global exports, it’s clear that our state’s farmers and producers are making a big impact. Senator Joan Ballweg joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the exciting progress in agriculture, the people driving it, and what’s next.

Wisconsin agriculture is more than just numbers—it’s about hard work, community, and innovation. From family farms to growing global exports, it’s clear that our state’s farmers and producers are making a big impact. Senator Joan Ballweg joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the exciting progress in agriculture, the people driving it, and what’s next.

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!

Wisconsin Farmers Lead the Way-Sen. Joan Ballweg

The data this year proves that countries around the globe want more red meat from the United States. Dan Halstrom is the president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He says export numbers for pork and beef have been inching up to a near-record. When asked about potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, Halstrom is optimistic. He says the USMCA from Trump's first term has been a success for meat exports. Meanwhile, Halstrom says trade partners are continuing to follow the science amidst the HPAI outbreak that has now infected backyard pigs. Countries still want quality, safe U.S. meat.

The data this year proves that countries around the globe want more red meat from the United States. Dan Halstrom is the president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He says export numbers for pork and beef have been inching up to a near-record. When asked about potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, Halstrom is optimistic. He says the USMCA from Trump's first term has been a success for meat exports. Meanwhile, Halstrom says trade partners are continuing to follow the science amidst the HPAI outbreak that has now infected backyard pigs. Countries still want quality, safe U.S. meat.

USMEF Outlines 2025 'What Ifs' After A Strong 2024

The Propane Education Research Council has the Propane Farm Incentive Program where producers get money back when they purchase categories of equipment for the farm. When there's a natural disaster, the industry steps up and doubles that farm incentive for people impacted. For example, chicken barns that were destroyed in the hurricanes this fall, can get double incentives when they replace the heat and power for those barns. Irrigation engines, for example, could result in $1,700 savings. The check will come in the mail, explains Director of Agriculture Business Development Mike Newland.

The Propane Education Research Council has the Propane Farm Incentive Program where producers get money back when they purchase categories of equipment for the farm. When there's a natural disaster, the industry steps up and doubles that farm incentive for people impacted. For example, chicken barns that were destroyed in the hurricanes this fall, can get double incentives when they replace the heat and power for those barns. Irrigation engines, for example, could result in $1,700 savings. The check will come in the mail, explains Director of Agriculture Business Development Mike Newland.

When Disaster Strikes, Propane Has Farm Incentives

Farmers evaluating corn silage now have an updated and more precise tool to guide their decisions. The MILK Index, developed at the University of Wisconsin nearly 30 years ago, recently underwent a significant update to better reflect modern dairy farming needs.

“The MILK Index provides one comprehensive value that predicts how a given corn silage can support milk production,” explained Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Ruminant Nutrition at UW-Madison. “This simplifies decisions for farmers by accounting for multiple nutrient factors and their digestibility.”

The updated model incorporates cutting-edge data and new testing methods, such as the use of undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF), which highlights the digestible portion of fiber. “This wasn’t available when the original model was created,” Ferraretto noted. “We’ve also improved starch digestibility predictions, ensuring a more accurate reflection of silage quality.”

Farmers evaluating corn silage now have an updated and more precise tool to guide their decisions. The MILK Index, developed at the University of Wisconsin nearly 30 years ago, recently underwent a significant update to better reflect modern dairy farming needs.
“The MILK Index provides one comprehensive value that predicts how a given corn silage can support milk production,” explained Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Ruminant Nutrition at UW-Madison. “This simplifies decisions for farmers by accounting for multiple nutrient factors and their digestibility.”
The updated model incorporates cutting-edge data and new testing methods, such as the use of undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF), which highlights the digestible portion of fiber. “This wasn’t available when the original model was created,” Ferraretto noted. “We’ve also improved starch digestibility predictions, ensuring a more accurate reflection of silage quality.”

Wisconsin Farmers Lead the Way-Sen. Joan Ballweg

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