Tailgaters and brat fans of Wisconsin, rejoice! One of the world’s leading sauerkraut producers is bringing a fresh spin on a local favorite. Flanagan Farms is owned by Fermented Food Holdings, which will be investing $13 million to expand manufacturing in Bear Creek and move its corporate headquarters to Madison. CEO Jorge Azevedo says the expansi…

It might be your shot to get that 30-point buck this year! The mild winter in 2023-2024 allowed for better fawn development, higher deer populations, and great antler development, says Wisconsin's Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl. The dry conditions this fall will allow hunters to access the low areas that deer typically hang out in. It also has…

Bats are a very important part of our ecosystem here in the Midwest and even help our farmers. Jennifer Redell, a Cave & Mine Specialist with the Wisconsin DNR, explains what the different species of bats found in Wisconsin are, as well as how White-nose syndrome has affected the population. She also explains why we should keep them around, and wha…

Special Agent Scott Mahloch of Milwaukee says the FBI pays careful attention to the many facets of the food supply chain, from technology to animals, that are at risk for attack. The FBI wants to get the word out that there are a lot of vulnerabilities within agriculture. This means there's room for an attack on our food supply from when a calf is …

Even in a weather challenged year like 2024, plant breeders can learn something. As the field data pours in, Dr. Brent Tharp, Technical Product Manager with Wyffels Hybrids is evaluating performance. Tharp says despite the wet conditions that spring planting confronted, tried and true Wyffels Hybrids are proving their worth this fall. See omnystudi…

Rick Adamski and Valerie Dantoin, the hardworking farmers at Full Circle Farm in Shawano County, have been named finalists for the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Their family farm, which has been around for over a century, shows a strong commitment to sustainable farming through creative conservation practices. Rick and Valerie talk with Cha…

Whether you’ve got 3,000 cows or three chickens, the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium is reminding you to update your premise ID if you have livestock. Julie Sweney is WLIC’s executive director. They are the organization that manages these premise registrations for the state. If there’s an animal disease outbreak, it allows the state t…

Farmers deal with all types of stress. Weather, prices. Monica McConkey is a rural mental health specialist and one of two state-funded farm counselors in Minnesota. She has some advice for us on how and when to get help before you or a loved one goes into crisis mode. After all, the agriculture community is even more susceptible to stress and depr…

In September, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the first time in four years. They cut rates by a half point to support the economy. But the move is likely to not play a role in stimulating the ag economy as farmers face low grain prices, explains agricultural banker Jeff Wilke of Green Bay. Wilke is the chair of the Agricultural Banki…

Landmark Creamery has officially moved into its new production space near Monroe and has started bulking up their sheep milk cheese production by nearly triple the amount. Anna Landmark is a cheesemaker and co-owner of Landmark Cheese. She says with support from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, they’ve been able to accomplish a long-awaited …

Dorothy Harms, the chairperson of the Farmer Angel Network says their goal is to help get the word out about farmer mental health and help families get the help they need for their loved ones. This also led to a sister chapter formed by Jennifer Webster who lost her father to suicide. They each tell their stories and give tips on how to recognize s…

Have you ever considered giving farm tours on your dairy? Joe Statz, an owner at Statz Brothers Dairy Farms in Sun Prairie, says it's rewarding. His family milks about 4,700 cows and farms 10,000 acres of land. He says farm tours are an opportunity to tell the farm’s history, share their pride, and showcase how they steward the land. Dairy farmers …

Beau Hartline, farm manager at Alsum Farms in Arena and Grand Marsh, says it was a bit of a mad dash to get the potatoes out of the ground before the frost on Oct. 15. He says the yield was average or a little bit below this year for many growers. Now, those spuds are going to be in storage for up to 10 months. In other news, the Idaho-based Lamb W…

As we transition into the winter meeting season, preparations are underway for a significant conference in Wisconsin Dells, set for December 17-18, which combines the Discovery Farms and Wisconsin Cover Crop conferences. This year’s focus will be on managing soil health and water quality while addressing challenges like herbicide-resistant weeds. W…

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is taking big steps to improve the roads that farmers rely on every day. Launched as part of the 2023 budget, the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), is set to upgrade around 490 miles of agricultural roadways. Joel Nilsestuen, Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Transporta…

The harvest this fall has come on fast with the dry weather, and cooperatives are working to make sure farmers have a place for their grain. Justin Friesz, the senior director of commodity training at CHS, explains that with this fast inflow of grain they are working to transport out grain as fast as possible to allow a place for farmers to store. …

While the county fair season may be over – it’s still on the mind of some. Jayme Buttke shares how this fair season went and what's next for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. Are you using your refrigerator drawers correctly? Are you extending the shelf life of your apples, onions, or squash to the best of your ability? Rachel Wandrei works with …

Are you using your refrigerator drawers correctly? Are you extending the shelf life of your apples, onions, or squash to the best of your ability? Rachel Wandrei works with a locally grown program within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. She tells us how to get the most out of our fall bounty, whether we grew it ourselves or picked it up at …

It's been 20 years since the cranberry was named Wisconsin's state fruit. Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association Executive Director Grant Holley tells Charitee Seebecker that the cranberry yield looks good as producers continue harvesting through the end of the month. The heat late in the season helped. After harvest, WSCGA will focus on imp…

Lucas Clayton joins us on a Wyffels Wednesday. Clayton is a district sales manager with Wyffels Hybrids in the Southwest corner of Wisconsin. As you plan for the 2025 growing season, Wyffels Hybrids can help you make the best decision for your field. Since no two growing seasons are the same, having multiple years of data behind a hybrids package i…

Elanco Animal Health has introduced Bovear, a new feed ingredient that helps dairy farmers cut down on methane emissions from their cows. This innovative product can reduce emissions by up to 30% without affecting milk production. Jose Simas, Executive Vice President of Farm Animal Business for Elanco says that if 1 million cows were fed Bovear, it…

Rick Adamski and Valerie Dantoin, operators of Full Circle Farm, have been honored as finalists for the prestigious Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. This recognition highlights their commitment to sustainable farming practices and their innovative conservation efforts on their family-owned farm, which has been in the Adamski family for over 10…

The Wisconsin cranberry industry, led by the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, continues to thrive amid challenging weather conditions and ongoing shifts in agricultural practices. Grant Holley, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, reflects on his experience and the resilience of the cranberry fa…

The Farmer Angel Network has helped bring the issue of farmers mental health to the forefront in Wisconsin. Dorothy Harms, the chairperson of the Farmer Angel Network of South-Central Wisconsin, explains that they started the network after one of her friends passed away by suicide and knew something had to be done to advocate for the issue. This al…

These last months before winter are key to a successful lawn for next year. Turfgrass Extension Specialist Paul Koch says mowing, mulching, herbicide application, and seeding this fall could improve your property for spring. Wisconsin may look forward to some much-needed rain this week. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Your neighbor isn't…

Dellait Animal Nutrition & Health has introduced 3D camera technology to help dairy farmers manage their herds better. This advanced tool monitors key health factors like body condition and weight for improved productivity and overall cow health. “This 3D camera has many uses on a dairy farm,” says Abbi Goldenberg, Dellait’s Business Development Ma…

Microorganisms -- good and bad -- are all around us. Farmers can harness these tiny organisms to their advantage by making the farm more productive, sustainable, or efficient. Kassidy Buse is a technical support specialist for Lallemand Animal Nutrition. She gives us real-life examples of how microscopic organisms are improving agriculture. It goes…

Farmers have long prioritized the health of their land, air, water, and animals, a tradition that spans generations. The recent Dairy Producer Survey shows that this commitment is still strong in Wisconsin's dairy industry. Joining us for this month's check-in with Dairy Checkoff is Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, who shares insigh…

It is Monday October 21st and it is going to be another hot day nearing record highs according to Stu Muck during the Compeer Financial Ag weather update. Bob Bosold joins the show with Peter Vitaliano, the vice president for economic policy and market research for the National Milk Producers Federation, to discuss FMMO policies and reform that is …

The UW-Madison Division of Extension is once again offering a valuable resource for Wisconsin farmers and agribusinesses with its upcoming Wisconsin Ag Law Update. This virtual event, scheduled for December 4th at noon, will provide crucial information on recent changes in agricultural law that could significantly impact the state's farmers. Kelly …

October is National Pork Month. It's a time to highlight the dedication of Wisconsin farmers and the delicious, nutritious pork they provide. Historically, October marks the time when pigs raised in the spring and summer were ready for market, which is why the month has become synonymous with pork. "While we promote pork year-round, October allows …

It's definitely interesting times in the dairy industry these days. Milk production remains flat. The overall cow herd number is down. Many dairies are pivoted toward beef production with their offspring versus replacement heifers. Is this a time for some dairies to consider growth? During World Dairy Expo, Pam Jahnke asked that question of two dai…

Calves are valuable no matter how you plan on using them, such as replacement heifers or beef. So how can you protect that investment in your own barn? It may seem obvious, but where there’s manure, there’s bacteria. And while manure is a natural element in a barn, it might have negative implications for your calves. Patrick Lecavalier is the vice …

Wind, moisture, and freezing temperatures can lead to ill chickens if you don't make preparations now to keep them comfortable. Division of Extension Poultry Specialist Ron Kean joins Stephanie Hoff in-studio with tips on how to prepare your backyard birds for winter. He walks us through recommendations on feed, heat, housing, and water. And he add…

Fall is a beautiful time of year for a drive in the country to witness a Wisconsin harvest with a backdrop of changing leaves. Badger Farms LLC in Deerfield sweetens the deal with a stunning and historical event barn overlooking 500 acres of canary grass. Dave Muehl says agritourism and the special forage crop business balance each other out to kee…

Joe Hovel has been dedicated to conservation and enhancing the environment for decades. His work has not only safeguarded thousands of acres for future generations but also inspired a broader movement toward sustainable land management. Im Through a combination of hands-on stewardship and collaborative partnerships, Joe has made a lasting impact on…

When you think cattle thieves, you probably think about old westerns and something that happens in wide open spaces. Surprise! It's happening in Wisconsin. Just this spring, $20,000 worth of livestock were taken from a beef operation in Jackson County. Lt. Evan Mazur worked on the case. Stephanie Hoff gets the details. Harvest is nearly done with s…

The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) announced the Governor’s Proclamation of Cranberry Grower Appreciation Week, running from October 14-20, 2024. This week celebrates the hard work, innovation, and dedication of cranberry growers throughout the state, including prominent family-owned operations like Cutler Cranberry Company, …

A group of 20 Italian farmers were in Wisconsin over the past few days on vacation visiting agribusinesses. Tour guide and translator Elio Mastrangelo says his travelers can't help but do some work on this trip asking questions about business since Wisconsin farmers are willing to share answers. "When you visit a farm, you speak with the farmer... …

The state’s farmland preservation managers are seeing more interest in the preservation programs thanks to the higher incentives approved by the state Legislature late last year. Tim Jackson is the agricultural land use planning and ordinance specialist and Wednesday Coye is a farmland preservation program manager at DATCP. They share with us some …

Wisconsin’s agricultural community is banding together as a challenging situation unfolds for poultry producers across the state. The closure of Pure Prairie Poultry, a Minnesota-based processing plant, has left contracted growers in Wisconsin and surrounding states with an unexpected burden: thousands of birds to care for with no financial support…

Get ready, cheese lovers! Today is dedicated to one of Wisconsin’s tastiest treasures — the squeaky, savory, irresistible cheese curd. Whether you love them fresh, fried, or flavored, National Cheese Curd Day is the ultimate celebration of this beloved snack. So, how are you planning to indulge in curd heaven this year? John Freeman, Director of Sa…

Cooper Humphries is following the combines in Dodge, Columbia and Jefferson counties these days. He says corn continues to dry down in the fields and he's just starting to get a look at some of his plots and the hybrids that are dominating. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Pam Jahnke által

Weather and breakdowns can shut the harvest process down quickly. Ben Jarboe finds out what farm equipment suppliers are doing to help minimize the time lost with breakdowns. He talks with Danielle Waterworth the vice president of Dealer and Customer Support for Case IH and New Holland Ag dealers. There might be a little rain in the forecast for th…

Bird migration continues over Wisconsin. Pam Jahnke talks with Ryan Brady, board member of Save Our Songbirds. Thousands of birds fly over Wisconsin heading south - and most of their travel happens overnight. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group says they've got at least 122 more auctions before the end of the calendar year. He updates Pam Jahnke. Pa…

Federal Milk Marketing Orders, a new Farm Bill, international conflicts. It's all influencing where markets are going and what decisions farms need to make for 2025. Bob Bosold visit with Dan Basse, ag economist with Ag Resource, to get direction. It's Wisconsin Science Fest week statewide and agriculture is it's focus! One educational offering is …

We're walking into a very stressful time of year between the harvest, the holidays, and the upcoming election. Monica McConkey is a rural mental health specialist and one of two state-funded farm counselors in Minnesota. She has some advice for us on how and when to get help before you or a loved one goes into crisis mode. After all, the agricultur…

Lely's Yellow Revolution introduces three new products for dairy farms. The new products – a manure robot that is also applicable for barns with sand bedding, an automatic feed pusher for large-scale farms, and a concept for smart monitoring of cows and barn operation – are the newest answers to the challenges that dairy farmers worldwide face. All…

Imagine being able to predict when a calf isn't feeling its best – before it even shows signs of being sick. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, dairy farmers can now keep a watchful eye on their young stock around the clock, with smart tags that track each calf’s daily habits. Brant Kreuscher, Dairy Business Development Manager for Merck Animal Hea…

While it’s technically fall in Wisconsin, people are still out with their lawnmowers, sprayers, and hoses as if it’s already time to get ready for spring. It just so happens that these last months before winter are key to a successful lawn for next year. Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist Paul Koch works with commercial businesses and hom…