The Wisconsin State FFA Executive Director Cheryl Zimmerman talks with Jill Welke about new charters, teacher changes and numbers, as well as the FFA's goals and Challenges. It is a Compeer Farm Friday and we hear from Bruce Peterson of Fair Oaks Farms in Fond du Lac County. He gives the story of his farm and what some of his fondest memories are. …

Why settle for a typical classroom pet when you can adopt a cow for free? Say goodbye to the guinea pig and hello to a 100-pound dairy calf as your new classroom mascot through the Adopt-A-Cow program. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Discover Dairy are thrilled to announce the return of the Adopt-A-Cow program. This engaging initiative offers classr…

We’re kicking off the fall ag-venture season here in Wisconsin, and what better way to do that than at a pumpkin patch? Today we head to a celebration in Bonduel called Farmtoberfest at Porter’s Patch. Troy Porter is our guest today who is gearing up for opening day on Sep. 20. He’s harvesting pumpkins now, and says he's happy with this year's crop…

The largest beef producer in Alaska markets about 600 animals a year. Scott Mugrage from Delta Junction tells Pam Jahnke that he'd love to market more animals but Alaska's infrastructure for processing just doesn't exist. Four finalists have been named for the 2024 WI Leopold Conservation Award. Bartling's Manitowish Cranberry; Full Circle Farm; Jo…

The sport of herding sheep with stock dogs is not going away any time soon. This month, the Crook & Whistle Stock Dog Trials competed for their 21st year in Wisconsin. It attracted more competitors than in years past. John Wentz organizes the competition. When he’s not helping at a stock dog trial, he’s raising the sheep to help train handlers and …

The USDA is estimating there to be over 24,000 bears in Wisconsin, and they're tracking them further and further south in the state. Randy Johnson, a large carnivore specialist in the state, explains what hunters should expect this season. As well as how they get their data, and how to prevent human-bear conflicts. See omnystudio.com/listener for p…

The Margan family farm in Grant County, Wisconsin, has a rich history spanning over a century. Purchased by Paul's father in 1924 from his grandfather, the 120-acre farm originally featured a log cabin, a granary, and a chicken house. In 1935, the log cabin was replaced with a new house. The farm operated as a dairy farm, with Paul's mother raising…

the issue of affordable and accessible housing in both rural and urban communities in Wisconsin. The person Pam will be interviewing is Darrin Wasniewski (WAZ-new-SKI), whose title is Senior Associate State Director-Community Outreach for AARP Wisconsin. The conversation about affordable and accessible housing is sweeping across the state of Wiscon…

Pictured: Racine County farmer Kevin Malchine The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its Herbicide Strategy. This is the plan the agency will use to decide if any restrictions should be added to product labels when registering or renewing an herbicide. These restrictions are “mitigation measures” to stop spray drift or erosion. The farme…

We’ve got happy campers at both the gas and diesel pump as the price per gallon continues to push lower. Patrick De Haan joins us. He’s the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy where they track fuel prices across the country. De Haan says the national average for gas prices has declined for six straight weeks. Some areas of Wisconsin see below $3…

The Wisconsin Grocers Association recently welcomed Mike Semmann as its new President and CEO. With a long-standing background in trade associations and a deep connection to the grocery industry, Semmann brings a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the organization. Semmann visits with Charitee Seebecker about some of the initial goals he's got…

Wisconsin corn grower, Shane Goplin, just returned from the summer meeting of the U.S. Grains Council in Salt Lake, Utah. The goal of the gathering was to continue to find new ways to access international markets for U.S. produced grain. Bob Bosold talks to Goplin about what take-aways he heard. The Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival was a success o…

A farm family in Delta Junction, Alaska, has taken on the personal challenge of trying to help the state combat food security. Bryce Wrigley and his son, Milo, have created the Alaska Flour Company to maximize their 1,700 acres of small grains and cover crops they grow. Initially it began as a flour milling operation, but has evolved into a package…

The effort to reform the outdated milk pricing model has been going on for a number of years, and now deadlines are approaching -- a signal we’re making progress. Chuck Nicholson joins us in-studio to talk about where we stand on the timeline for the Federal Milk Marketing Order reform process. Chuck is an associate professor and dairy economist at…

As the back-to-school season unfolds, Wisconsin's grocery stores are witnessing distinct trends among consumers. According to Mike Semmann, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, the two words that are top of mind for shoppers this year are "value" and "flexibility." "Consumers are extremely focused on value this year, much more so t…

Even though the dairy sheep program at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station came to a close in 2016, dairy sheep producers in Wisconsin are still working to improve genetics to grow sheep dairy and processing capacity across the U.S. Mariana Marques de Almeida at Ms. J & Co. is one example. She is truly a woman of all trades – co-founder of th…

The Johnson Family Farm out of Jackson County has been working hard for 107 years. Ray and Bill Johnson share some of the history of this farm and some of the memories they have from working and growing up on the farm. Whether it be hot summer days or playing basketball in the hay shed, these brothers say that they would not change their experience…

If you can recall old Christmas movies, imagine Santa’s curly white beard. That was likely made from Leicester Longwool fleece. The Leicester Longwools are a rare, heritage breed of sheep. This year, they took center stage at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival with their card grading event. Aby Breed chaired the event. She says this evaluation is …

Bruce Peterson explains the over 150 years of history of Fair Oaks Farm in Fon du Lac County. He says that surviving through the 80's and watching the community come together to help each other after terrible events are some of the fondest memories that he has. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Rick Zemlicka’s family sesquicentennial farm in Iowa County, has been a cornerstone of his heritage since his great-great-grandfather purchased the original 80 acres in 1874. Arriving from Bohemia with his parents in 1860, his ancestor expanded the farm to 320 acres over the years. The original farmstead included basic buildings and facilities for …

With the fall semester starting, UW-River Falls’ College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is ready for another year of hands-on education, shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Even though enrollment hasn’t changed much, CAFES Dean Mike Orth shares that interest in important agriculture programs is picking up. …

Just as growers are getting their equipment ready for the harvest season, so are implement dealers and service providers. Ryan O’Flanigan, store manager at Sloan Implement’s Monroe location, says his team is ready to rock and roll with a full staff, a full lot, and a full stock of parts. Sloan Implement also supports Farm Rescue, a nonprofit that h…

The Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival is coming up and there is no shortage of things to experience there. Stephanie Hoff talks to Hedge Becker, the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival coordinator, who explains the excitement around the festival whether it be the fiber art, producer education seminars, or baby lambs. The UW- River Falls Ag Program is…

Progress seems slow on connecting all corners of Wisconsin to high speed internet access. Stephanie Hoff gets an update from Brittany Beyer. She’s an Extension specialist in community economic development out of Rhinelander. She has been on the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access since it started in 2020, chairing the task force for the first…

Hemp is a newer industry that is seeing an increase in not only high cannabinoid demand, but also as a source for fiber and grain. Phillip Alberti, a research program manager at the University of Wisconsin Madison, talks about the trials that they are conducting that can help hemp reach its full potential. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

Wisconsin’s agricultural pilots can finally take a breath as the application season comes to a close. Curtis Meister is among them. Curtis is the president of Reabe Spraying Service in Plover and the president of the Wisconsin Agricultural Aviation Association. He gives us a bird’s-eye view of what the growing season looked like in the Central Sand…

Effective Nov. 5, newly applied cattle official ID tags will need to have both a visual and an electronic component. This means any time you need an official ID tag, it'll have to be an 840 RFID tag. DATCP has a limited supply available to help producers offset costs. https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/OfficialID.aspx Tressa Lacy, preside…

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson reminds us that another round of Agricultural Road Improvement dollars are available. FMMO decisions have yet to be finalized. And regional policy meetings are underway. Mid-West Farm Report and the Wisconsin Association of Fairs are teaming up to collect your fair story. You could win $500. Sub…

Megan Moucha and her grandfather worked on the Century Farm application together. Unfortunately, her grandpa passed before they accepted the award. But he was there in spirit -- and in a frame (pictured). Megan tells Mid-West Farm Report about her family's Bohemian heritage that led them to Cadott in Chippewa County. Megan, the fifth generation, sa…

Ron Patten is the fourth generation on his family's Sesquicentennial Farm that is 152 years old this year. He says since the beginning, when his ancestors cleared the land and built a home, the farm had been a team effort. Even in close quarters, family members have been pitching in since the beginning to continue the farming tradition in Boyd, loc…

North Crawford School District is making strides in enhancing the quality and sustainability of its school meals by incorporating locally sourced ingredients. The initiative began as a response to the disruptions in the food supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant shortage of food in grocery stores and schools alike…

Wisconsin 4-H Foundation President Charlie Crave says you do not want to miss the upcoming National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison the first week of October. He says this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for youth interested in agriculture. We introduce you to Sesquicentennial Farm in Seymour. Fifth-generational Brittney Muenster says exploring …

The Casper family’s century-old farm in Jackson County, Wisconsin, holds a deep legacy of resilience and love. Established in 1919, the farm has witnessed countless hardships, from the Great Depression to the daily struggles of farm life. Jane Casper fondly recalls her grandmother's unwavering strength, running the farm alone while her grandfather …

Ed Elfmann with the American Bankers Association, says the ACRE Act would help lower lending costs for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival highlights a heritage breed for the first time and is excited to celebrate a milestone with the Crook & Whistle Sheep Dog Trials. Ben Jarboe takes us to a hemp plot in Arl…

The Wisconsin Ag Coalition’s regional "Engage with Agriculture Series" events allow candidates running for state office this fall to visit farms, agri-businesses, and agricultural processing facilities to gain first-hand insight into modern agricultural production and practices. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Director of Government Relations Jaso…

The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival is celebrating 22 years -- Sep. 6-8 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Jefferson. Festival Coordinator Hedge Becker says the Leicester Longwool Card Grading Event is new this year, one of the first of its kind in the Midwest. There will also be several educational sessions offered by the Leicester Longwool pr…

Spring Creeks Cattle Company has been selected as the 2024 Cattlemen of the Year by the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association. With a legacy of excellence since 1992, this family-run operation has set a benchmark in cattle breeding and feeding, specializing in Limousin, Red Angus, and Black Angus breeds. Known for their high-quality genetics and commit…

When it comes to ice cream, everyone has a favorite flavor that brings back fond memories. But what many don’t realize is the incredible amount of work and innovation that goes into creating these delicious treats. Andrew Riley, Kwik Trip Dairy Production Manager, and Katarina Nemitz, a food scientist in the R&D department join Charitee Seebecker t…

Fifty million dollars is going to improve agricultural roads. Mike Koles with the Wisconsin Towns Association says in one application, the Agricultural Road Improvement Program would save the area farms 17 miles of travel per trip. Northern Montana might see snow this week. Pam Jahnke's Farm Tour in Alaska is seeing 60s and rain. But here in Wiscon…

The meat markets are having some interesting things happening as cattle numbers are down, but the weights are staying steady, and pork is strong, and lamb is also holding steady, which is unusual for this time of the year. Jeff Swenson a livestock and meat specialist with DATCP gives his insight on these markets and what we may expect in the future…

Wyffels Hybrids is about to kick off its seed harvest as its farm clients prepare for the corn harvest later this fall. Sales Development Manager Dave Rolli reflects on the growing season and predicts a bullish corn crop this fall in Wisconsin. In the meantime, Wyffels has expanded its partnership with Farm Rescue as the nonprofit just announced it…

Steve Galoff shares the story of his family farm in Pierce County See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Door Pam Jahnke

Gina Schreiber shares the story of her family farm in Dodge County. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Door Pam Jahnke

Diane & William Wipperfurth share the story of their family farm in Dane County See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Door Pam Jahnke

Carl Anderson Shares the Story of his family farm in St. Croix County. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Door Pam Jahnke

In Madison we have Babcock Hall which is famous for ice cream, but at Utah State University, they have an Aggie Chocolate Factory. This is the only chocolate type curriculum in the world. Andrea Leduc joins Bob Bosold to share more about this unique offering. According to the latest Wisconsin 4-H impact report, membership has grown to more than 26,…

And he says it's rewarding work. He takes two weeks of vacation to help out families in need. Farm Rescue is now serving Wisconsin. This nonprofit serves farm families who have experienced an illness, injury, or natural disaster. The volunteers help with planting or harvesting, hauling, or livestock feeding, to name a few. Peterson has been volunte…

Tera Montgomery, school of agriculture director at UW-Platteville joins Ben Jarboe to share more about some of the dairy hub fund research that UW-Platteville is conducting and what enrollment looks like for this fall. Patrick Schley is celebrating his family's Centennial Farm in Door County for our Farm salute Friday. He tells us the story of how …

Here in Wisconsin, beer is something we know and love. But you can’t have flavorful, aromatic beer without a very important specialty crop -- hops! August is a busy time of year in the hop yard. This is when the cones come off the vine and go to the brewery. But it’s more complicated than that. Today we’re heading to Four Winds Farm in Fitchburg wi…

4 Wheel Drive tractors have become a hot commodity the past few months with new technology and increased horsepower. Curt Blades, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors and Product Leadership, shares some of the possibles causes for this increase in sales and some advice for how farmers should go about …