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.

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