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.

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