This week, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association announced the launch of FarmersForCleanWater.com, a new website that showcases the industry’s work to safeguard Wisconsin’s water resources.

“More than anyone -- as stewards of our state’s land and precious natural resources -- Wisconsin farmers are focused on finding solutions to the water issues facing our state,” says WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan. 

This week, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association announced the launch of <a href="http://FarmersForCleanWater.com">FarmersForCleanWater.com</a>, a new website that showcases the industry&rsquo;s work to safeguard Wisconsin&rsquo;s water resources.
&ldquo;More than anyone -- as stewards of our state&rsquo;s land and precious natural resources -- Wisconsin farmers are focused on finding solutions to the water issues facing our state,&rdquo; says WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan.&nbsp;

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!

WPVGA Launches 'Farmers For Clean Water'

The humble potato is getting a makeover as culinary experts work to move the vegetable from a simple side dish to the center of the plate. 

At the "Spud Lab" in Denver, RJ Harvey, Culinary Director for Potatoes USA, is leading a movement to transform how major food brands, universities, and even the medical community view the potato.

He tells Stephanie Hoff that the Spud Lab has identified key functional benefits of potatoes that go beyond flavor. In baked goods, potatoes are proven to improve moisture retention and shelf life, while in savory applications, they serve as "allergen solves." For example, potatoes provide creaminess without dairy or thicken soups without flour (gluten).

More above normal temps on the way today, bringing with it a few showers.  Stu Muck says that will help draw out any frost that may remain in some soils across the state.

A junior from Waunakee High School has become the 2026 WI FFA Auctioneer Champion.  Junie Kierce won this year’s competition and started well in advance preparing.  Kierce tells Ben Jarboe that her activity in public speaking helped out, but that the mentorship from an actual auctioneer was key.  Kierce was paired with Jenny Gehl, a professional auctioneer from SE Wisconsin.  Some of the challenge areas for Kierce were the actual items she had to sell.  She says not knowing what something was used for could've been a big obstacle if it weren't for the support and knowledge of other auctioneers.  Now with the win, she earned the opportunity to attend auctioneering school or compete at the International Junior Auctioneers Championship.

A 3-day weekend didn't improve the attitude of traders apparently.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for an update.  One area that he's monitoring is the run up in soybean oil.  From food to fuel, that commodity is finding many avenues of use.

The humble potato is getting a makeover as culinary experts work to move the vegetable from a simple side dish to the center of the plate.&nbsp; At the "Spud Lab" in Denver, RJ Harvey, Culinary Director for Potatoes USA, is leading a movement to transform how major food brands, universities, and even the medical community view the potato. He tells Stephanie Hoff that the Spud Lab has identified key functional benefits of potatoes that go beyond flavor. In baked goods, potatoes are proven to improve moisture retention and shelf life, while in savory applications, they serve as "allergen solves." For example, potatoes provide creaminess without dairy or thicken soups without flour (gluten). More above normal temps on the way today, bringing with it a few showers.&nbsp; Stu Muck says that will help draw out any frost that may remain in some soils across the state. A junior from Waunakee High School has become the 2026 WI FFA Auctioneer Champion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Junie Kierce won this year&rsquo;s competition and started well in advance preparing.&nbsp; Kierce tells Ben Jarboe that her activity in public speaking helped out, but that the mentorship from an actual auctioneer was key.&nbsp; Kierce was paired with Jenny Gehl, a professional auctioneer from SE Wisconsin.&nbsp; Some of the challenge areas for Kierce were the actual items she had to sell.&nbsp; She says not knowing what something was used for could've been a big obstacle if it weren't for the support and knowledge of other auctioneers.&nbsp; Now with the win, she earned the opportunity to attend auctioneering school or compete at the International Junior Auctioneers Championship. A 3-day weekend didn't improve the attitude of traders apparently.&nbsp; John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for an update.&nbsp; One area that he's monitoring is the run up in soybean oil.&nbsp; From food to fuel, that commodity is finding many avenues of use.

Chef Finds Passion In Potatoes And Soy Oil Rally Is Interesting - Heinberg

With low commodity prices and constricted global markets, farmers are under a lot of stress.  John Shutske, Professor and Extension Specialist: Safety Engineering & Agricultural Health, UW-Madison says it's important to remember your mental health resources.  He tells Kiley Allan that high levels of stress are being driven by chaotic trade policies and market unknowns, compounded by a "work harder" agricultural stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.  Waking up in the early morning with racing thoughts is the primary red flag that professional medical intervention is needed. He explains that stress-induced cortisol affects the brain's frontal lobe, leading to poor communication and childish behavior, which can result in a vicious cycle of bad business decisions.

Wisconsin could hit the 60's today - not what you'd expect on February 16th.  Stu Muck says this balmy, mild weather will be the story for most of the week.


Farmers got an early Valentines present on Friday when Glenn "GT" Thompson announced the release of the 2026 Farm Bill.  He's got it on a fast track, with mark up scheduled for February 23rd.  Pam Jahnke visit with Perry Aasness, vice president of legislative affairs for Compeer Financial on what this version contains. Some of the highlights include "fixing" Proposition 12, addressing farm labor needs and programs supporting them, plus creating new partnerships that can help rural infrastructure including things like child care.


Junie Kierce is the state champion of the 2nd annual WI Auctioneering challenge.  She says she only knew about auctioneering after watching shows like "Storage Wars".  Now, she's completed a mentorship with auctioneer, Jenny Gehl, and has become engaged in the profession.


Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production. 

With low commodity prices and constricted global markets, farmers are under a lot of stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;John&nbsp;Shutske, Professor and Extension Specialist: Safety Engineering &amp; Agricultural Health, UW-Madison says it's important to remember your mental health resources.&nbsp; He tells Kiley Allan that high levels of stress are being driven by chaotic trade policies and market unknowns, compounded by a "work harder" agricultural stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Waking up in the early morning with racing thoughts is the primary red flag that professional medical intervention is needed. He explains that stress-induced cortisol affects the brain's frontal lobe, leading to poor communication and childish behavior, which can result in a vicious cycle of bad business decisions. Wisconsin could hit the 60's today - not what you'd expect on February 16th.&nbsp; Stu Muck says this balmy, mild weather will be the story for most of the week.
 Farmers got an early Valentines present on Friday when Glenn "GT" Thompson announced the release of the 2026 Farm Bill.&nbsp; He's got it on a fast track, with mark up scheduled for February 23rd.&nbsp; Pam Jahnke visit with Perry Aasness, vice president of legislative affairs for Compeer Financial on what this version contains. Some of the highlights include "fixing" Proposition 12, addressing farm labor needs and programs supporting them, plus creating new partnerships that can help rural infrastructure including things like child care.
 Junie Kierce is the state champion of the 2nd annual WI Auctioneering challenge.&nbsp; She says she only knew about auctioneering after watching shows like "Storage Wars".&nbsp; Now, she's completed a mentorship with auctioneer, Jenny Gehl, and has become engaged in the profession.
 Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.

Farm Bill Is Moving And Mental Health Needs To Be Taken Seriously

Stephanie Hoff and potato grower Andy Dierks from Coloma, discuss how Wisconsin potato growers are gaining a competitive edge through the Healthy Grown program, a research-based initiative that now grants automatic sustainability clearance for Walmart suppliers. The program helps with the transition from traditional pest management to modern regenerative practices. It also provides invaluable one-on-one support provided by University of Wisconsin specialists.

Stephanie Hoff and potato grower Andy Dierks from Coloma, discuss how Wisconsin potato growers are gaining a competitive edge through the Healthy Grown program, a research-based initiative that now grants automatic sustainability clearance for Walmart suppliers. The program helps with the transition from traditional pest management to modern regenerative practices. It also provides invaluable one-on-one support provided by University of Wisconsin specialists.

WPVGA Launches 'Farmers For Clean Water'

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MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

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