MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The 3 weeks before calving and the 3 weeks after is known as the transition period in a cow’s yearly lactation cycle. It’s also when they experience the most stress and hormonal changes. Eliza Ruzic, the North District Sales Manager at Zinpro, walks us through how we can help our cows feel their best, and produce the most. during the transition period.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking another approach to solar arrays.  That's the goal of new legislation that's been introduced by Rep. Scott Krug and Sen. Pat Testin.  Testin is the chair of the Senate Agriculture and Tourism Committee.  He tells Pam Jahnke that his goal is to concentrate on using smaller parcels of ground for these solar projects, and focus on poor ground not productive farm soil.  Testin says this approach has worked in other states and he thinks it would help utility rates here.  Testin also sounds off on the recent announcement that DATCP wants to escalate license fees for livestock marketing associations and support industries statewide.  Testin calls it a "bonehead maneuver" he hopes DATCP rethinks.A little rain and thunder activity's rolling through the state this morning but shouldn't dampen an otherwise beautiful weekend.  Stu Muck says temperatures will even climb!Brittany Olson has been aware of mental health since she was a teenager.  When she married into husband, Sam's 5th generation dairy operation, she needed to rethink her mental health again.  Kiley Allen finds out that the stress of being a part of a registered 40 holsteins and jerseys dairy, with about 200 acres AND a 3 year old.  Olson also faced a little isolation in - southern Barron County.  To compensate, she started writing a blog to help process her emotions and found that it helped people feel less alone.  Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance. Shock and disappointment.  That's what Dan Schwandt felt Thursday when he learned that poultry shows in Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and Rock counties were suspended.  Schwandt was in the middle of setting up cages and unloading birds at the Jefferson Co. Fair Park when he started getting text messages from friends about the announcement.  Schwandt says he's shocked that he wasn't contacted directly by DATCP.  He says when previous suspensions were put in place, especially with a show 24 hours away, he was always contacted directly.Immigration reform is a constant conversation for production agriculture and agribusinesses.  Getting to a solution is difficult at best.  Ben Jarboe finds out about the latest attempt at middle ground from Wisconsin Congressman, Derrick Van Orden.  Van Orden introduced the Agriculture Reform Act of 2025.  He says with the threat of massive deportations impacting agriculture - this issue becomes national security.  No food is a security issue.  Van Orden wants to create an app that allows undocumented workers 1 year of protection, during which time they would need to leave the country and re-enter legally.  He proposes that it can only be used by those who have been here for a long period of time and whose only crime is entering the country illegally.  He says both the worker and the employer would need to pay a fine, but the payment would be good for up to 3 years of work.  Van Orden worries that the current shutdown of the federal government dims the hope of getting it passed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin dairy farmers, cheese makers and dairy processors continue to evaluate the international marketplace for opportunities.  Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin helps them pursue those opportunities. Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says despite tariff talk, demand for Wisconsin's specialty cheeses, as well as things like dried milk, keep finding favor in the international marketplace.  Vincent says continuing to focus on that arena is critical since approximately 95% of the global population is outside the United States. Making sure that industry partners understand what influences Wisconsin dairy is part of the mission of Ben Miller's work.  He's the Senior Vice President of Industry Relations for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  His job is to make sure wherever there's questions about Wisconsin dairy - informational and educational resources are there.  From helping lawmakers understand the needs of the dairy industry, to supplying food distributors stories about Wisconsin dairy - Miller's there to help.  He stresses that DFW is not allowed to lobby, but providing education and information helps everyone. ‘Born to Dairy’ is one new campaign that was launched during World Dairy Expo that should help everyone see themselves as a part of Wisconsin dairy.  With the creative help of Charlie Berens, the campaign highlights the different styles of Wisconsin dairy farmers that help drive the industry.  Berens says he's always intrigued by the different sizes, styles and types of dairies that he visits in Wisconsin.  He loves the products, but he really loves the stories behind the products.  He tells Pam Jahnke about what it took to help pull the stories together, and what he's looking forward to going forward. Forget Hollywood casting. The “Born to Dairy” campaign stars real Wisconsin farmers, families, and dairy community members, from DFW board members to Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) to the 78th Alice in Da­­iryland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor has been an ever-growing need in the agriculture industry in recent years, and the H2A program has been through some turmoil with making sure foreign workers can stay. This led to Congressman Derrick Van Orden introducing the Agriculture Reform Act of 2025. The Representative says that this new act would allow these workers to continue working given that they go back to their home countries and enter legally.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. She also discusses the fact that the actual Farm Bill, the extended version, expired on September 30. Right now, we’re getting along on the Farm Bill elements that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Schwandt was shocked and disappointed Thursday, October 9 when he learned that poultry shows in Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and Rock counties were suspended. Schwandt was in the middle of setting up cages Jefferson County Fair Park when he started getting text messages from friends about the announcement. Schwandt says he's shocked that he wasn't contacted directly by DATCP. He says when previous suspensions were put in place he was contacted directly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're in the barn or the milking parlor, MagnaWave technology can be used to to treat aches and pains in our livestock. Jessi Shafer is the Affiliate Sales Specialist with MagnaWave. She walks us through how the technology works.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boots on the ground innovation. That’s what can make the difference in a sustainable farming business, not just for the environment, but your bottom line. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, otherwise known as SARE, has been helping farmers since the 1980s with grants and education that can turn on-farm ideas into real-world solutions. Cindy Bartel joins us from Hurtgenlea Holsteins in Elkhorn. She's also a researcher with Iowa State University. Cindy first learned about the SARE grant at a field day, and now she’s putting it to work in her own research. SARE grants open mid-October: https://northcentral.sare.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stepping off the colored shavings for the final time as a junior exhibitor brought a rush of emotion to Claire Betley. The junior at Iowa State University hails from Pulaski, Wisconsin. After exhibiting at World Dairy Expo for nearly a decade, she reflects on her journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everybody's bucket list looks a little bit different.  For Tina Vilter, World Dairy Expo 2025 took one major item off her bucket list - being a judge.  Kiley Allan visits with the Waukesha native about how she's grown up in the dairy industry always admiring the physique of the dairy cow.  Vilter started doing visual evaluation and explaining her position while helping her dad milk their Guernsey herd.  In 2025 she found herself on the colored shavings at center ring, not on the lead of an animal, but finally as a judge.Another cool start to our Thursday but more sun on the way.  Stu Muck also explains why weather station data may not be what you're waking up with in your backyard.Doug Rebout and his wife, Christine, adopted a 2-year old daughter in Ukraine.  She came home with them to Rock County facing physical and mental hurdles.  Doug shares his story about finding a way to network with his family, his community and other parents facing the challenge of raising a special needs child.  In rural Wisconsin, resources are few and needs may be great.  Rebout says he's extremely grateful for his farming family , both genetically and through the extended farm family in associations and organizations.  His message - keep talking, sharing and searching.  Don't give up.  Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance.Iowa Senator, Chuck Grassley, says there are more questions than answers when it comes to federal aid heading out to the nation's soybean growers.  Grassley says if the administration's talking about $10-15 billion, they need to remember the Commodity Credit Corporation only has about $4 billion in its coffers.  That means Congress would have to step in and provide a big chunk of the discussed aid.  With the government shut down, not much is happening anytime soon. The U.S. is back on the offensive when it comes to marketing dairy globally.  Jenny Wackershauser from the Platteville location of EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to discuss what Europe's been doing to jump start their export marketing.  Wackershauser says that the EU has experienced rapid growth in summer milk production and they're now undercutting U.S. dairy prices to get sales.  Meanwhile with the government shut down, the market is struggling to find new information that's reliable to trade on.  Wackershauser says the same thing happened in 2018, and the market traded sideways.  Without holiday demand to help give guidance, this market may stay stalled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fourth generation dairy farmers, McCarty Family Farms doesn’t take “feeding the world” lightly and strives to use their farm as a force for good. For them, that means producing high quality milk while prioritizing animal welfare, regenerative farming and implementing impactful business practices for their team and community. McCarty Family Farms exemplifies a modern dairy farm and continues to set the standard in social and environmental performance.  Bob Bosold talks to Clay and Ken McCarty about how their dairies have thrived and grown.Yes, the first frost has probably occurred for plenty of folks in Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says you can expect the same thing to happen again tonight.  Meanwhile, the sun will continue with temps in the mid-60's.It's a Wyffels Wednesday and Pam Jahnke's catching up with Steve Quade, Regional Sales Manager covering northern IL and southern WI.  He says the crop is dropping moisture points very quickly which is exposing vulnerabilities to things like stalk quality, tar spot and rust for the first time in his area.  He says Wyffels is also offering an online harvest tool to keep track of your individual data, and watch harvest progress on other operations around the Midwest.Are you a butter connoisseur?  Dr. Greg Brickner, veterinarian and grazing specialist, says that internationally consumers are looking for butter that's coming from cows raised on pasture.  Most of the butter that meets that requirement comes from outside the U.S., but he believes the potential is still there.It's National 4-H Week!  Data shows that youth involved in 4-H are twice as likely to have a goal to become a leader, 3 times as likely to be involved in community activities and twice as likely to live a life with intentionality and purpose.We continue to focus on farmers' mental health with Rural Mutual Insurance.  Ben Jarboe discusses resources with  Megan Wolf. She is the owner of SoulGood counseling in Lafayette county. She says she has seen more farmers taking their mental health seriously and that farm succession has been a growing issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often do we sit back and notice the farming family? Doug Rebout and his wife, Christine, have made their life farming with his family just outside of Janesville.  Rebout says he loves talking about his family farm and how he works side by side with his brothers.  That's allowed him to enjoy some very special moments with his daughter, Natalia. Doug and Christine traveled to Ukraine to adopt Natalia when she was just 2 years old.  They were aware that she came with physical and mental challenges that they - and their families - would have to deal with.  Rebout says it's easy to talk about family farms and how special they are, but there is more to “family” than we may initially think about. Rebout says when Natalia was little, family flocked to assist in her care, but as she grew older - those resources became a little depleted.  He says that between her physical needs and mental issues, Natalia's care became more complex.  With fewer resources available in rural communities, many turn to their families for extra help.  He says he was very blessed that people were there, but reminds anyone facing this kind of personal challenge, to keep reaching out and sharing. Doug and his wife found some solace in a dance group that Natalia became involved with.  It wasn't just about watching their daughter perform with others, it was about sharing stories and getting advice from the other parents in the group on what they were dealing with, and how they were managing.   Rebout's message to other families facing these kind of personal challenges - just keep sharing.  Keep talking, keep looking for people and resources that can help you manage through the unique situation you're living in. This mental health series is spearheaded by Rural Mutual Insurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Forage Analysis Super Bowl has a long history with the World Dairy Expo and one of the judges has been part of the competition for nearly 40 years. Dan Undersander is here to recollect how this competition that recognizes great forage in North America has changed throughout his time with the event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are keeping a close eye on their milk checks after changes went into affect on June 1. Danny Munch, Economist for American Farm Bureau Federation, breaks down Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO). He walks us through the the recent changes and what they have meant for producers. He encourages farmers to stay engaged with local Farm Bureaus, state officials and market administrators if there's issues with your milk check.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being asked to step into the center of the ring and sort world dairy expo is a feeling like no other. Tina Vilter McDonald served as the Associate Judge of the International Guernsey Show. Tina walks us down the road that lead her to Madison and describes the qualities judges are looking for in the cattle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural Mutual Insurance wants to draw attention to the importance of mental health in agriculture. Brittany Olson's journey with mental health began in her childhood, and has translated to her adult life. She put pen to paper as a method to help process her feelings. After publishing those words to a blog, she learned that she helped others feel less alone by sharing her story. Brittany and her husband, Sam, and their 3 year old, Titus, milk about 40 head and farm about 200 acres in Southern Barron County.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the Rural Mutual Mental Health Week in Wisconsin, and it has us focusing on all aspects of mental health and the help that’s available. According to Megan Wolf the owner of SoulGood counseling in Lafayette County more farmers are realizing the importance of their mental health. She shares some of what the top issues conflicting farmers are.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are some key differences between President Trump’s first and second terms that agriculture should take note of? We’re hearing it today from someone who was inside the administration. Gregg Doud is the National Milk Producers Federation president and CEO. Before arriving at NMPF, he served as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative from 2018 to 2021. He outlines some shifts in priorities for President Trump this time around, including tax updates in the One Big Beautiful Bill, immigration reform, and Make America Healthy Again. Where does dairy fit in? Take a listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known for herd management software, Dart, DRMS is excited about their new flagship program. Asha Miles the Director of DRMS. She tells us about their program, Dart, as well as their new completely web-based platform - HerdHQ. Designed to help producers make fast, actionable decisions from anywhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Butter prices have fallen to their lowest level in four years, even as demand climbs heading into the holiday season. CoBank lead dairy economist Corey Geiger says the drop stems from strong milkfat supplies. Butterfat production on U.S. farms is up about 6 percent month over month, while butter sales are up 4.5 percent. Despite a 250 percent jump in butter exports helping to support the market, Geiger notes that the imbalance is pushing prices down. After nearly a decade where butterfat led milk checks, he expects protein to regain its top spot in dairy farmer revenues as the market adjusts to record-high component levels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.