MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Wisconsin soybean growers are closely monitoring what's happening specifically with US/China agriculture discussions.  Friday the WI Soybean Association issued a statement expressing optimism about the progress, but also anxiety about market already lost.  Bob Bosold talks with WI Soybean past president, Sarah Stelter, about her strategies facing these market issues. She stresses how important it is to stay involved in the process.  She also explains different alternative uses soybeans are investigating including railroad fuel and firefightin soy-foam. Warmer weather on the way for the front part of this week.  Stu Muck explains what he sees developing for the week across the state. 33 days that the federal government's been shut down.  Farmers are just like other citizens - nervous.  Ben Jarboe speaks with Stephanie Plaster, UW-Extension Business Outreach Specialist, about how farms approach affordable health care.  She says if it's just a husband/wife team, they usually don't plan on seeing a doctor.  However, Plaster says when you introduce kids - that all changes. The  US Meat Export Federation is pleased to see some weekend development with China that could open more doors for US pork. Two bills have been signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers designed to shore up rural responders and the services they provide.  Pam Jahnke talks to WI Senator, Howard Marklein, about the listening sessions he conducted to find out about the unique challenges faced by EMS groups serving rural Wisconsin.  Marklein says disparities on reimbursement for services provided, as well as reimbursing educational expenses that future emergency responders faced, are part of what the bills should address.  He says he hopes it helps inspire people in rural communities to think about serving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re diving into the upcoming WWASH Conference, where Wisconsin agriculture comes together to advance water quality, soil health, and conservation. The conference is Dec. 16-17 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Now in its third year, WWASH combines the former Discovery Farms and Cover Crops conferences, creating one event focused on both research and real-world farming practices. Experience new features this year, including two farmer keynote speakers offering dairy and grain perspectives, a lunchtime talk from Wisconsin’s state climatologist on “weather weirdness,” and a stronger spotlight on producer-led groups driving conservation from the ground up, explains coordinator Laura Paletta. The conference also kicks off the 25th anniversary of Discovery Farms, celebrating a quarter century of on-farm water quality research and collaboration. Plus, regional guests from Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal government shutdown drags on, the uncertainty around FoodShare funding is rippling through Wisconsin’s grocery aisles. The Trump administration announced plans to partially fund SNAP benefits after payments were delayed on Nov. 1, but the impact is already being felt across the food supply chain. Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, joins us to explain how the disruption to FoodShare affects local grocers and the supply chain. Wisconsin’s grocery community is adapting in real time and urging Washington to bring stability back to the system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many know the Silicon Valley as a region in Northern California that is a hub for technology innovation, but have you heard of the Silicon Valley of Bull Semen? Sophie Eaglen, International Program Director at National Association of Animal Breeders tells us why Wisconsin and the US lead the world in dairy genetics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is pork month and Kiley Allan has a couple suggestions on how you can help celebrate!  She visits with Keri Retallick, executive director of the WI Pork Association.  Retallick explains the unique flavor profile that pork can offer a recipe.Some clouds and sprinkles may roll in today before trick-n-treaters hit the streets.  Stu Muck gives us our spooky forecast for a Friday and the weekend.Things can get a little spooky around this time of the year for Wisconsin drivers.  As the days shorten and the weather changes, deer start changing their movement patterns.  Ben Jarboe gives us some eerie details from Lt. Nate Henrikson, WI state patrol officer.  He says it's important to know how to handle your vehicle if you encounter a deer.  First, drive at a safe speed so you can stop.  Don't swerve for deer, but if you do hit a deer, pull to the side safely and dial 911.  Those are just a few of the officer's tips. Last year WI saw over 17,000 deer related crashes.  Waukesha county led the state with 937 of those crashes.The National FFA Convention wraps up on Saturday in Indianapolis and it looks like the maps advisors used to get there will be relevant for the future.  Cheryl Zimmerman, WI State FFA Exec. Director says they've inked a deal with the City of Indianapolis to have their annual convention there through 2040.  Zimmerman says the city has committed to continuing to grow its infrastructure to accommodate the current 72,000 attendees and grow for more.  Wisconsin's celebrating 4 national award winners. Hunters will be heading to the woods with increased frequency now.  Deer and wild turkey are just a few of the game they may be after.  Then what do you do with your prize?  Keeping our Hallwoeen theme, Stephanie Hoff shares some spooky mistakes that can be made if you make your own jerky.  UW-Extension Meat Specialist, Dr. Jeff Sindelair, has some safety tips to keep top-of-mind, as well as some recipe tips that might help make the most of your game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory syndrome, more commonly know as PRRS, is the most economically damaging disease to the US pork industry. According to studies done by Iowa State University, it is estimated that PRRS cost producers $1.2 billion dollars in 2024. That staggering statistic is exactly why Extension Swine Outreach Specialist Jeff Morris is invested in sharing information about the disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Halloween the scariest thing you see might not be a ghost, zombie, or a witch. It might be that 10-point buck on your trail camera standing in front of your car. Lt. Nate Henriksen with the Wisconsin State Patrol shares some tips to make sure that when you're driving between trick or treat locations you don't get a scare from a deer. He says to remember not to swerve if a deer walks in front of you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin potato growers are battling both uncooperative weather and tough market conditions this fall. Prolonged heat delayed harvest across the Midwest, forcing farmers to work overnight to protect crop quality, while the frost now threatens what’s left in the ground. Despite decent yields, prices have fallen under pressure from oversupply and reduced demand. Alsum Farms Manager Ryan Walther, out of Friesland, tells Stephanie Hoff that they’re hoping for a market turnaround soon. Sunshine again today with moderate temps.  Stu Muck says there is a sliver of a chance for rain by late in the weekend.10 Wisconsin FFA members are in the final phase of competition for National Proficiency awards in Indianapolis.  Tyler Leuch is one of those.  This young man from Waunakee says through some 4-H leadership as a kid, he's been able to hone his skills and build a custom clipping business that has earned him a place in Indianapolis.Jill Welke is in Indianapolis visiting with Thad Bergschneider from Illinois.  This young man is the current National FFA President.  While his term may have started out with all kinds of hopes and goals, things changed when he broke his arm playing basketball.  He explains how it forced him to pivot how he shared his FFA messages.The holding pattern continues for dairy traders according to Zach Bauers, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss.  Now the market faces increased anxiety over the potential pause in SNAP benefits.  Bauer says that program supports a lot of dairy investment by the government.  He also notes that MAHA is re-examining the potential for "food boxes" similar to what was distributed during the pandemic.  If that would come to pass, it would likely give a lift to dairy at least temporarily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits will not be reissued starting Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. Jackie Anderson joins us. She’s the executive director of Feeding Wisconsin. She says food banks are already seeing demand rise with the news that FoodShare benefits will be delayed indefinitely. Food pantries statewide are preparing for an influx of need from families. Many have never been to a food bank before, but will be going for the first time as their food assistance gets delayed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Wisconsin Farmers Union partnered with Farmers Union Enterprises to donate 35,000 pounds of pork to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Each year, the donation goes to a different part of the state. This year, the pork went to Appleton to be further distributed. Darin Von Ruden, the President of the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Farmers Union, says the donation comes at a crucial time with the SNAP program in jeopardy. The donation was part of a bigger donation that spanned across 5 states and totaled 175,000 pounds of porkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tracy Vinz and John Rosenow are just two of the many farmers in the state who are feeling the pinch in the labor force, highlighting the uncertainty that many are experiencing across the nation. Their words helped to spark the Grow It Here campaign aiming to find a sturdy labor force for farmers of all sectors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As farmers wrap up harvest and turn their attention to next year, many are finding themselves navigating extra challenges at their local Farm Service Agency offices. FSA plays a critical role for farmers, who rely on the agency for credit and crop reporting. Today, we visit with Lake Ridge Bank’s Senior Vice President of Agriculture Lending, Rene Johnson, and Vice President of Crop Insurance Jessica Sarbacker about the situation. FSA offices only recently reopened after closures, and limited staff are on hand. Rene and Jessica explain that this makes meeting key deadlines like the Nov. 15 crop reporting and crop insurance cutoff tricky during a time of peak financial pressure for farmers. They remind listeners to have patience and schedule an appointment with your local FSA office as they help farmers navigate the busy season with limited personnel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 98th National FFA Convention officially begins today in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Jill Welke is there with Wisconsin's State FFA President, Amalia Draxler.  Draxler previews some of the planned events and duties the state's officers will be undertaking to help the convention move along. Sunshine should dominate Wisconsin's weather today.  Stu Muck says the temperatures stay consistent but the winds pick up. Wyffels Hybrids brings us a field update with Stephanie Hoff.   Luke Bird is the Wyffels district manager out of Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties. He says that as the government continues to be shut down and we don’t get a crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wyffels Harvest Progress Report is a great resource for not just harvest updates, but yield estimates. While visiting the harvest report, don't forget to plug and play with new Wyffels Hybrid selections on the Yield Calculator, also available on the Agronomy tab. Mary Schreiber from East Troy is wrapping up her year of service as the Central Region Vice President on the National FFA Officer team.  She explains that she's covered about 90,000 miles in service so far.  One visit that sticks with Schreiber is a chapter visit in West Virginia.  She met an enthusiastic member who "bled blue and gold".  What Mary later found out was that the member was living with her grandparents after one parent died of substance abuse, and the other was still battling the disease.  Mary said the FFA advisors became surrogate parents to this member.  She admits that the story startled her and reminded her that the FFA is more than just agriculture and leadership - it's family. Data centers are popping up in more conversations across the state.  Some are small in scale - others are "hyper" in size.  Ben Jarboe travelled to Janesville this week where organizers were asking for answers and transparency on a proposed data center for a former GM plant location.  Cassandra Pope, organizer of No Janesville Data Centers, shares her perspective on the process and the project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently in Wisconsin there are 47 data centers proposed with one of these being in Janesville. These proposals have sparked concerns from the communities leading to rallies. Cassandra Pope is the organizer of the No Janesville Data Center group. She says one of the biggest worries is the not knowing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Varied progress so far on the corn for grain harvest in Wisconsin, according to the 2025 Harvest Progress Report from Wyffels Hybrids at https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/harvest-progress-report. Today, we’re catching up with Luke Bird, district manager out of Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties. He says that as the government continues to be shut down and we don’t get a crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wyffels Harvest Progress Report is a great resource for not just harvest updates, but yield estimates. While visiting the harvest report, don't forget to plug and play with new Wyffels Hybrids selections on the Yield Calculator, also available on the Agronomy tab.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What we're hearing across all sectors of agriculture is that having a reliable workforce remains a number one challenge today. Karen Gefvert, chief policy officer for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Voice of Milk, says it’s an issue the organization is deeply engaged in. In talking with Stephanie Hoff, Gefvert notes that this has been a 40-year battle. She says the current system doesn't work for dairy. Dairy farmers need an entry-level workforce. The only program that can address that is H2A, but dairy is prohibited from using it.Not much moisture in the latest forecast from Stu Muck.  Temperatures remain on track for the last few days of October.  Muck also notes a statewide FFA Foundation Auction that's happening now.Knowing a company's origins and roots can help explain how they do business.  Pam Jahnke talks with Ashley Huhn about how the Steffes Group actually got started, and why they take pride in creating their own systems not just relying on third party services to handle business.  Paid for by Steffes Group.Wisconsin dairy farmer, John Rosenow, has been a vocal proponent of immigration reform for decades.  His dairy operation in the Waumandee Valley of western Wisconsin relies heavily on immigrant labor.  Rosenow has joined a newly formed coalition called "Grow It Here" that's trying to advance meaningful immigration reform for agriculture.  Rosenow says of his 18 full-time workers, 13 are from Mexico.  Today's H2A visas don't work for dairy.The market's feeling more optimistic today after a weekend full of trade announcements out of SE Asia.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that it's good news for corn, soybean meal, pork and beef.  There's also still a buzz about potential trade developments with China.  Still the gorilla in the room according to Heinberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transportation of this fall's harvest faces some new challenges with market reconfiguration.  Ben Jarboe talks with Dean Beaver, grain merchandiser in southern Wisconsin, who says the international market glitches have changed the prices available to farmers.  That means that some are opting to store on farm, or in off-farm storage.  Beaver sales available capacity is going to be tight.  He also says monitoring water levels on the Mississippi is important, and watching basis price opportunities also plays a role.A little rain in this week's forecast, but temperatures will stay above average.  Stu Muck spells out what he thinks we'll be working with.Approximately 40 million people could be facing food insecurity by the end of the week if Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits go away.  In Wisconsin that program's called FoodShare.  It too will end on 10/31.  The Wisconsin Farmers Union, in cooperation with National Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprises, donated 35,000 pounds of pork to the Eastern Wisconsin Food Pantry in Appleton last week.  Darren VonRuden, WFU President, tells Kiley Allan why they want to focus attention on the precarious situation many households face without this program.With USDA Farm Service Agency offices open, dairy producers might want to consider signing up for the relatively new Dairy Beef Risk Insurance program.  Katie Burgess, dairy analyst with EverAg explains why that component of overall farm revenue is so key right now.With the threat of some big increases on fees levied against the states livestock marketing system, WI Assembly Representative, Travis Tranel, is trying to do what he can to head off the adjustments.  He visits with Stephanie Hoff about the feedback he's gotten from the industry and farmers that will be impacted.  He said although his hands may be tied as far as regulatory oversight, he can still implore DATCP to reconsider and deploy whatever legislative tools he's got to adjust the process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to conservation, the Brattset Family Farm doesn’t just talk the talk - they graze! In Jefferson County, this mother-daughter duo, Weenonah Brattset and Kirsten Jurcek, have been rotationally grazing beef cattle since 2005. The entire family has transitioned the farm into a thriving ecosystem of healthy soil, clean water, and biodiversity. Their efforts to integrate cropland into perennial vegetation have made the land more productive. These are among the reasons they’re one of four finalists for the 2025 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. This honor celebrates those who go above and beyond to care for the land, water, and wildlife. Kirsten Jurcek explains to Stephanie Hoff how their conservation journey took root. Yes, a good chunk of Wisconsin witnessed a killing freeze overnight.  The same pattern will repeat Friday night before temperatures moderate.  That's the word from Stu Muck.Ben Jarboe finds out that Wisconsin farmers didn't use a lot of propane to dry down their crop this year.  Cheryl Lytle, Executive Director of Wi propane gas association says 70% of propane is used to heat homes in the state.  Right now, she says it appears that prices will remain steady and supplies look ample.  She also stresses the safety element that must be respected when using propane for anything.The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources(DNR) has just concluded their annual state water survey.  With increasing presence of things like data centers in rural communities, Adam Freihoefer, Water Use Section Manager at the DNR, says it's important to look at water like you would any other commodity you're using on your property. Just like electricity. Meteor it so you know what you're using.  He says Wisconsin just came off one of the highest levels of groundwater since records were kept back in 1920.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the habits flies have of harboring and spreading diseases, it's no wonder people are annoyed when they buzz through their barn. Gene Spellman, Territory Sales Manager with Central Life Sciences, shares their company's simple solution: prevent flies before they start.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Armed with a facelift and an emphasis on precision ag, Supreme International's rebranding is hot off the press. Willem Van Der Kooi is the Territory Sales Manager for the Great Lakes Territory and the SE United States. He tells us about the company's new look and the technology they're leaning into.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.