Community events are something we hold near and dear in rural Wisconsin. Whether it's your small town’s summer festival, a dairy breakfast, or a county fair. But those events can’t happen without people willing to give up their time, money, and energy to volunteer. Today we talk about the best way to recruit and retain good volunteers for your ag o…

Charitee Seebecker sits down with Chuck Connor, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. As we kick off 2025, he says farmers across the country are facing a mix of big challenges and new opportunities. For example, this year, $4 trillion in tax deductions will expire unless Congress intervenes. These include provisions cru…

2024 proved to be a good year for the meat and livestock industry with high prices, high demand, and good exports. Jeff Swenson, the meat and livestock specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, gives an overview of what the year brought to the table. He also says that 2025 looks to remain strong for th…

It’s only been a few weeks since state lawmakers were sworn in, but meetings with industry leaders and colleagues have already begun. Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Travis Tranel joins us for our monthly update on the buzz around the Capitol. At the Wisconsin Agriculture Outlook Forum, Tranel says it was refreshing to hear that urban and rura…

Changes are coming to the dairy economy – we have a new administration and new policies that will impact agriculture, and we have a new milk pricing structure starting in June. How can you best prepare your farm for some of the risk that comes with these changes? Leonard Polzin is a dairy economist with the Division of Extension. He’ll be walking u…

Simple things can play big roles in keeping livestock comfortable and healthy. Dairy farmers are constantly looking for ways to improve cow comfort, cleanliness, and overall farm efficiency. Charitee Seebecker talks withRenee Schrift, Global Director of Sales for Agricultural Systems at McLanahan Corporation, and shares valuable insights on how san…

As we kick off 2025, farmers across the country are facing a mix of big challenges and new opportunities. From changes in tax rules to the future of trade, there’s a lot up in the air right now. Through it all, it’s the strength of our farmers—and the policies shaping their work—that will make all the difference. Chuck Conner, president and CEO of …

Recently, the Biden administration passed a new rule to improve transparency within the poultry industry. This new rule in the Packers and Stockyards Act is set to take action on January 1st, 2026. It will allow producers to see information on other producers within the company in the tournament style bracket. The companies use this system to pick …

It wasn't that long ago when the pandemic upended supply chains, and caused real concern with consumers about how they were going to get their food. The meat processing was also in turmoil trying to get workers to come into the plants. That's when Michaela Hoffelmeyer was inspired to find out what meat processor owners could, or would, do to help t…

Farmers and landowners are finding the idea of solar panels on their bare land pretty lucrative from a financial standpoint. Kelly Wilfert, UW-Extension Law Specialist cautions potential partners to be careful and investigate before the sign any documents. She explains the potential risks and rewards to Stephanie Hoff. Mild is a good way to describ…

Wisconsin’s dairy industry remains a vital part of the state’s agriculture, built on hard work, innovation, and a strong sense of tradition. A new voice on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors is helping share fresh ideas and promote the importance of Wisconsin’s dairy products. Ali Straschinske, a dedicated dairy farmer, is joining us…

It may be only January, but students are already preparing their animal exhibits for the fair – lambing, farrowing, and calving season. Dr. Darlene Konkle is the state veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She reminds us of what to be aware of this year when mitigating animal disease outbreaks at home or th…

David Rice of Rice Rodeo Company provides rodeo entertainment for the Upper Midwest. Bull riding is their bread and butter. David tells us what it takes to raise these bucking bulls. He even has his own experience with bull riding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Autor: Pam Jahnke

Times have quickly changed in the agriculture and the business worlds, where now billboards and flyers don't cut it when trying to grow your brand. A trend that has grown with these changes is the use of social media. According to the Premier Co-op quality assurance and communications manager, Allison Young, the use of social media can have a great…

Picture starting your day with a glass of milk or a splash of cream in your coffee—simple, comforting moments that bring us together. But have you ever stopped to think about how that milk gets from the farm to your fridge? Behind the scenes, a complex pricing system affects the farmers, processors, and supply chains that keep our dairy industry ru…

Varying temperatures are coming Wisconsin's way getting up near 40 degrees then dropping to around 0 degrees. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck gives the details. Collin Aardema, a dairy market advisor with EverAg, joins the show to give a look into the dairy markets as we enter into 2025. He says that class 3 milk can expect to stay under 20 and butter is…

Green County Highway Commissioner Chris Narveson is leading a unique initiative for snow and ice removal, using cheese brine as a more effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional salt. “We have an agreement with Grande Cheese in Juda. They specially formulate the cheese brine to our exact specifications,” said Narveson. The ch…

Again this year, Wisconsin's missing out on snow. Weather forecasters are paying attention, but so are winter tourism locations. Pam Jahnke visits with Natalie Chin and Austin Holland, two researchers from UW-Stevens Point, that have been interviewing ski lift operators in the state about how their business models and practices have changed with th…

Global Cow, a dairy exchange program founded over 30 years ago, offers unique international learning experiences on dairy farms. The program brings individuals from around the world to work and learn on U.S. dairy farms for one year. Participants gain hands-on experience, rotating through various areas of farm operations. Jill Stahl-Tyler, owner of…

The Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic has a new home - the Kalahari Resort in WI Dells. Stephanie Hoff finds out about the venue change from the new executive director of WABA, Grace Howe. Warmer weather is on the way later this week according to Stu Muck. The warmer weather is making ice fishing a challenge this year in Wisconsin. Ben Jarboe finds ou…

From Racine County to Kewaunee County - that's the transition of duties for the WI Fairest of the Fairs program. The Wisconsin Fair Association's annual convention wrapped up with the announcement of Megan Salentine from Kewaunee County as the 2025 Fairest of the Fairs, and Kelsey Henderson from Racine County says good-bye. Stephanie Hoff and Chari…

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) unveils the 2025 Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report, offering a forward-thinking analysis of the innovations, flavor trends, and consumer preferences driving the future of the cheese industry. Pam Jahnke visits with Rachel Kerr, vice president of brand marketing, about what the research show. Kerr says they've found fiv…

Starting in 2025, Focus on Energy is offering even greater rewards for improving the efficiency of your facilities. Take advantage of increased incentives when you upgrade your lighting, heating, and cooling systems with select prescriptive energy-saving equipment. These upgrades can significantly reduce your energy costs. Contact your Energy Advis…

Congressman Derrick Van Orden serves Wisconsin’s Third District. He’s also on the House Agriculture Committee. His to-do list in 2025 – reducing input costs, making the agricultural labor process more effective for farmers, and passing the Farm Bill that the House drafted during the last administration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor…

Applications are now being accepted for the 2nd Wisconsin Beef Leadership Institute. The Beef Leadership Institute is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Beef Council and the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association. It was created with these two organizations to train future champions of Wisconsin’s cattle industry. Those selected to participate…

UW Corn Specialist Hurkat Kuar is 5 months into her new position as Wisconsin's UW-Extension Corn Specialist. She's a native of India, but she's very happy to be in Wisconsin serving farmers. She talks to Jill Welke about her goals, initially, for some of her research. One area she's focused on is silage corn, and she says that Wisconsin farmers ha…

The 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected out of a group of 33 talented individuals. And she is Megan Salentine from the Kewaunee County Fair. Salentine will serve a one-year term, and her responsibilities include appearances at Fairs and events throughout the state, working with media, and promoting the importance of Wisconsin Fairs. Th…

Wisconsin is moving toward renewable energy such as wind and solar. This means there are more opportunities for farmers to add value to their business with solar arrays. But you’re going to want to proceed with caution. Kelly Wilfert is a farm law outreach specialist with the UW-Madison Division of Extension. Kelly is still engaged in her family’s …

Tonight, the Wisconsin Association of Fairs will crown the 59th Fairest of the Fairs. Roughly three dozen young women are in the running for the position. At the WAF annual convention in the Wisconsin Dells, we caught up with outgoing Fairest Kelsey Henderson of Racine County before she passes on the crown. She reflects on her year as Wisconsin's f…

The northern side of the state could see some flurries in the next couple of days and Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck gives the details on this lake effect snow. Autonomy is shaping the future of agriculture and full autonomy may be here sooner than we think. Ben Jarboe is joined by Brian Luck, a state extension specialist in biological machinery systems…

Dairy farms have long relied on sand bedding for their cows, and for good reason. Sand bedding provides crucial comfort and traction for dairy cows, especially as they move in and out of stalls. According to Renee Schrift, Global Director of Sales for Agricultural Systems at McLanahan Corporation, "Sand allows the cows to get in and out of the stal…

The cold weather is here to stay, and eastern Wisconsin could see a bit of snow. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Wisconsin is home to a healthy forest products industry and Stephanie Hoff talks with Scott Lyon, the DNR forest products team leader, on what the year has looked like and what can be expected in the future. The dairy industry…

Dairy farmers now have a powerful new way to enhance their genetic programs with an innovative embryo tracking system. This technology simplifies managing embryo inventory and tracking genetic data, enabling farmers to improve herd performance efficiently. It's called the embryo inventory module. Melissa Freitas, West & Northeast FPC Team Leader fo…

We’re seeing a cold front in Wisconsin, but there’s no snow cover to protect the forage crops, such as alfalfa. Division of Extension Crops and Soils Specialist Becky Brathal says there are some implications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Autor: Pam Jahnke

Just like the weather this year, alfalfa production varied around Wisconsin. And we're at the time of year now where if you didn't have enough hay for the winter, you're looking to find some. Becky Brathal is a regional crops and soils educator for Pierce, St. Croix, and Barron counties. She also authors the Division of Extension Hay Report every f…

It is still cold, but it looks like it will be slightly warmer than what we have been seeing with highs topping out in the mid 20s, Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Dr. Laura Hernandez with the dairy innovation hub speaks on her research looking at cow/calf pairs and how leaving the calves with the momma cows for just a little longer may …

McFinn Technologies, founded by John McGinn and Leroy Finnegan, has introduced a groundbreaking solution to the dairy industry. The duo recognized a significant gap in the market for an improved milk pump that wouldn't damage the milk fat. This innovation marks a crucial shift in pump technology, benefiting both dairy farmers and processors. "Our p…

Most Americans agree that the U.S. should prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels. A recent Pew Research Center study puts that number at nearly 70 percent. Where the conversation gets divided is deciding where these renewable energy projects should go. Pete Moris, a Grant County resident, volunteers with a group hosting informational session…

On Jan. 13-14 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells, the Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic will welcome all confluences of the industry from throughout the Midwestern states. Wisconsin's premier agribusiness industry event boasts an attendance of nearly 1,000, says WABA Executive Director Grace Howe. The conference and trad…

The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association has welcomed a new executive director, Grace Howe. She’s been with the association for a year and a half but started the leadership position this past November. Her predecessor Tom Bressner will stay on in an advisory role until he retires in July. Grace introduces herself and how her agricultural background …

Dr. Lawernce Williams, Dairy Beef Cross Specialist from Purina about how these animals are grading out thanks to advancement in genetics and more important proper nutrition. These cross animals are here to stay as they provide additional income for dairy farmers and consumers love them as prime and choice cuts of beef. It also makes a great story a…

Pam Jahnke chats with Olivia Gunther Schroeder from Purina about best practices for raising calves. Calves are valuable, so ensuring they have a strong start is key. She emphasizes the need for high quality colostrum to ensure a strong start and to keep them going strong with proper nutrition and sanitation practices. See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

On National Cream Puff Day, we bring back an interview with Kristin Chuckel of the Wisconsin State Fair about the heritage of this popular dessert and why it's an icon for Wisconsin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Autor: Pam Jahnke

Glynn Tonsor, of Kansas State University joins Jill Wielke to talk about the Meat Demand Monitor project, funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and Pork Checkoff. This initiative is helping the industry better understand consumer preferences and trends when it comes to meat purchases. What do a high-performance car and a dairy cow have in common? It’…

Cheese curds have long been a favorite snack of Wisconsinites, but not everyone in the world gets the same experience. By the time people out of state get the tasty treat the curd has already lost its squeak and freshness. Dr. Rani Govindasamy Lucey with the Center For Dairy Research is working to solve that issue. She explains how they teamed up w…

Pam Jahnke reflects on the past four years with Wisconsin's Farm Service Agency Director Gene Schreifer. COVID forced USDA agencies to adapt quickly to meet the needs of farmers. Snow is falling in southern Wisconsin, but it won't stick around, says ag meteorologist Stu Muck. There won't be snow cover for fields when the colder-than-average tempera…

Wisconsin’s show pig industry continues to grow, drawing families from farms, hobby farms, and even urban areas. Jeff Morris, UW-Swine Outreach Specialist, attributes this growth to the valuable skills youth gain from raising and showing livestock. “Families see the leadership skills and work ethic these projects instill in young people,” Morris ex…

Susan Springer of Suicide Prevention of Southwest Wisconsin discusses how to deal with loneliness and grief during the holidays. The Pacific Northwest is seeing its lowest pear production in 40 years. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for more dense fog advisories during your morning commute. This month alone, Wisconsin has had three po…

For over four decades, Randy Cutler of Cutler Fencing has been building fences across Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Minnesota. What began as a passion for farming in the 1970s evolved into a lifetime dedicated to creating reliable, efficient fencing systems. “I started out raising sheep and learning about rotational grazing and electric fencing…

Stray voltage on the farm could be disrupting your animals’ routine and your bottom line through no fault of your own. Bryanna Handel has first-hand experience at her farm B. Kurt Dairy in Barneveld. She realized there was a problem as soon as her cows started acting out of the ordinary this time last year.Flip on your fog lights! In addition to dr…