Two Wisconsin farmers are hoping to make their farm more accessible to the public. Shawn Kuhn and Tommy Stauffer are co-owners of Vitruvian Farms in McFarland. They grow a variety of greens and mushrooms. “We got interested in farming while we were in college together and basically just learned that there’s a lot of problems with the food system,” …

Wisconsin’s very first dairy breakfast for the year is coming to Green County on Saturday May 25. The Mid-West Farm Report had a chance to visit Nimtz Dairy farm in Monticello, the host of this year’s breakfast. Jeff Nimtz, owner of the farm, shares more about what guests can expect but first he tells us about the history of their farm. The breakfa…

What started as an employee appreciation cookout at Metcalfe’s Market has now become the largest brat and music festival in the world featuring thousands and thousands of Johnsonville brats, among other food and family entertainment. Brat Fest is going on Friday through Sunday at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Michael Alexan…

Wisconsin's seen several visitors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture lately. Jill Welke caught up with USDA Under Secretary, Alexis Taylor, discussing specialty crops in Wisconsin and what they're doing to help keep them competitive in a global market. Cicadas have returned to Wisconsin. UW-Extension Entomologist, PJ Leisch, explains the hatch…

Peonies. Beautiful flowers that are turning into a business model for Michele Ovan of Beaver Dam. Stephanie Hoff visits with her about the challenges of establishing the crop, recent weather issues, and the big audiences her fields are expected to attract soon. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to discuss a dairy dispersal sale co…

Just like the colleges and schools that are wrapping up with graduations, the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program has another round of graduates. While we have over 1200 licensed cheesemakers in Wisconsin, for those seeking to reach the pinnacle of their craft, the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification is the ultimate achievement as Wisconsin…

The way things used to be – cows were milked twice a day, morning and night. Milking technology has since developed where the cow can decide when and how often she wants to be milked. What does milking frequency mean for milk production? That’s what the UW Dairy Innovation Hub has been exploring. Erin Kammann joins us. She’s a Madison native – educ…

Welcome back as we introduce you to the bounty of specialty crops that Wisconsin has to offer and the families who produce them. Ovans Peony Farm in Beaver Dam is one of the sweetest-smelling farms you'll visit. Here you’ll find more than 100 varieties of peonies. Michelle Ovans takes some time with us as she prepares for the Wisconsin Arts & Peony…

Instead of multiple tractors driving through farm fields, you may start to see multiple drones. The Federal Aviation Administration or FAA has planted the seeds for multiple large drones to be flown over fields or drone swarms. Preston Rice is the co-founder of Madison Area Drone Service, which specializes in agricultural drones. He says this rule …

"Midwest nice" now translates to how you pilot your drone. Preston Rice is the co-founder of Madison Area Drone Service. MADS sells and services drone products, specializing in agricultural drones. Rice says as the industry grows, so does the importance of safe and polite flying. He says even though the rules and regulations say you can fly pretty …

As the driving season picks up between Memorial Day and Labor Day, ethanol producers remind you that you can buy E15 at the pump this summer. Howard Boppart joins us, grain merchandiser with Marquis Energy out of Necedah. He says the news that E15 will be allowed year-round in Wisconsin from here on out is great not just for corn and ethanol produc…

When you think about NASA, the first images that probably come to mind are astronauts floating in space, rockets launching into the sky, or distant planets waiting to be explored. However, NASA's contributions extend far beyond the realms of space. In fact, they play a crucial role in supporting farmers here on Earth every day. Through advanced sat…

An agriculture educator from New Richmond has been named Teacher of the Year 2025. Bob Bosold visits with ag education veteran, Rachel Sauvola, about her teaching philosophy. The Rural Main Street Index went negative again in the month of April. Dr. Ernie Goss from Creighton University explains what the index is telling us about current economic co…

As the voice of farmer-owned cooperatives nationwide, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) is at the forefront of advocating for policies that support the success and sustainability of American agriculture. Chuck Conner, CEO of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says the pressing issues he’s watching are global competitiveness, t…

June Dairy Month is right around the corner but it’s a tradition that has been around for decades. Erika Schade, Community and Schools Manager for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joins us for this month’s check in with dairy checkoff to highlight some of the fun you can experience. But first she shares just how June Dairy Month came to be. See omnystudi…

Wisconsin's in a pretty good spot when it comes to detection of animal disease, communication about that disease, and mitagating movement of the disease. Stephanie Hoff talks to two state experts. Julie Sweney from the unique Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium, and Adam Brock, food safety director at the WI Dept. of Ag., Trade and Consum…

The farm bill discussion continues on capitol hill. And among those keeping a close eye on policy is the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Association Vice president of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says some of the key things they’re keeping an eye on are critical policy priorities, including the farm bill, tax policy, and emerging issues lik…

Part of the Wisconsin Farm Center, the Herd-Based Diagnostics Program helps Wisconsin dairy herds of all sizes and management types. The HBDP provides veterinary consulting and diagnostic testing services to Wisconsin dairy farmers, including issues related to stray voltage.​ Available at no cost to program participants, the Farm Center's licensed …

Wedding barns are popular hosts for events across the state but now their future is in doubt. Pam Jahnke talks to Lucas Vebber, deputy counsel for WILL, Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty in Milwaukee. He's representing two wedding barns that say a new law that will take effect in 2026 violates the state's constitution. Recycling wind turbine …

It's mushroom season in Muscoda! This weekend the community celebrates the fungus with a festival. Charitee Seebecker talks with mushroom master, Tom Nondorf, veteran who helps purchase morel's for the day-long event that benefits the local VFW. The World Food Prize Laureates were announced in Washington, D.C. The two honorees are focused in on pre…

The Fertilizer Institute is expecting good news price-wise for farmers this year. That's according to The Institute’s President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. He says we're heading into a more normal market period, however, he expects strong demand to continue. He added that with that, their biostimulant program is elevating product standards for grower…

Most of us have dealt with our local Farm Credit co-ops at some point. We know they function something like a bank that specializes in ag loans, but do we really understand what they’re doing? Todd Van Hoose, CEO and president of Farm Credit tells us about how they view the current farm economy and how they’re supporting farmers. "The generation on…

The American Farm Bureau Federation believes that long-term workforce stability will come through a more streamlined and flexible H-2A visa program. The association says workers should be allowed to continue with an employer for as long as the employer has a need – up to three years. This allows farmers with year-round labor needs, such as dairy fa…

The good news ahead of the summer driving season is that gas and diesel prices are lower than last year, and Wisconsin prices are below the national average. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy, a technology company that tracks fuel prices across the U.S. and Canada. He says he's watching a few red flags that could revers…

Wisconsin Senator Joan Ballweg from Markesan is ready for the conversations happening today at the state capitol. In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Ballweg cited two specific areas that she believes rural residents will want to watch. First, the ongoing battle over PFAS management. Ballweg says their goal with the veto override on PFAS funding foc…

The battle continues for acknowledgement and support of reformulated fuels in Washington, D.C. Charitee Seebecker talks to Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, about their strategies to try and get the facts to policymakers. Feed isn't something you think would involve international politics - but it does. Constance Cullman with the American Feed Asso…

Between the impacts of supply chain disruptions, geopolitical shifts and more, the U.S. animal feed industry is doubling down on its commitment to flexibility, sustainability, and innovation. That's according to Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association. She tells us what she’s keeping an eye on internationally.…

Mick Hombs begrudgingly took over as General Manager of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. He's been a part of the milk procurement team since 2019, and was happy to stay in that role. Now, he's using his expertise to move the cooperative forward. He chats with Pam Jahnke. Canadian rail workers are threatening to strike, putting all of agriculture on not…

If you like asparagus, this is the year for you! Because this year’s asparagus season is shaping up to be good as harvest is even ahead of schedule. That’s according to Nathan Bula from Spears-R-Us in Adams. Despite early season setbacks caused by unforeseen weather fluctuations, including abnormally warm weather in February followed by frost, Bula…

In the offseason, lawmakers are still at work reviewing the playbook from the previous session and getting the game plan together for the next time they meet. Representative Travis Tranel, chair of the Assembly Ag Committee, says he wants to add ARIP to the next state budget since it's been so popular this year. He says the committee will also revi…

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture or NASDA represents the ag departments in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. RJ Karney is the senior director of public policy for the NASDA. He says the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak in dairy cattle is taking top priority. But NASDA's attention doesn't stop at animal d…

As the United States works toward reducing emissions, the Renewable Fuels Association doesn’t want biofuels to get tossed aside. Troy Bredenkamp, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs, is focused on ensuring flexible fuel vehicles -- cars that can run on high blends of renewable corn ethanol -- earn the same sustainability credits as…

Many Wisconsin farmers have had an unfortunate experience learning about tar spot in corn. While there may be little known about the fungus in terms of prevention, DeKalb is conducting research now to try and find a combination of potential genetic answers. Jim Donnelly is a DeKalb Technical Agronomist. Pam Jahnke spoke with him from a farm field i…

Welcome back as we introduce you to the bounty of specialty crops that Wisconsin has to offer and the families who produce them. Today we’re heading to Mayberry Farms in Dodge County. That’s where you’ll find first-generation strawberry grower Danielle Clark. Her family of six started the adventure in 2017. Mayberry Farms in Mayville is known for i…

As the Mother’s Day weekend approaches, Kopke’s Greenhouse is gearing up for what promises to be another bustling season. Founded in 1981 Kopke’s began with just a couple of greenhouses aimed at supporting a vegetable truck farm. Over the years, the focus shifted towards ornamental flowers, prompting continuous expansion. Today, the operation boast…

The rural voice is really going to matter this election year - and that influence will ripple beyond the presidential decision. David Bowen, Associate State Director of Advocacy for AARP of Wisconsin is busy now making sure candidates understand where priorities lie. Bowen says big bullet items they want all Wisconsinites discussing with candidates…

The Farm Bill of 2023 has been delayed until 2024, but there seems to be a commitment to mark the bill up by Memorial Day. Stephanie Hoff gets the update from Mike Stranz, vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union. You may think pork chops, pork roasts - even a brat when it comes to your preferred pork, but that's not the case aroun…

As spring unfolds across Wisconsin, mushroom enthusiasts and farmers alike are buzzing with excitement over what promises to be an exceptional season for morel mushrooms. The combination of timely rainfall and late spring snowfalls has set the stage for a bountiful harvest. That’s according to morel mushroom buyer Tom Nondorf. "With the rainfall an…

India could be the next big market for Wisconsin ginseng. Kirk Baumann from Baumann Ginseng in Wausau just returned from a USDA trade mission to India. He says there's some similarities between India and China - Wisconsin's number one market. India also views ginseng as medicinal, but also incorporates it into teas and beverages. Baumann says it'll…

The agriculture industry continues to press the current administration on bolstering trade agreements. We hear from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that work is underway to build export relationships. Most recently, the U.S. hosted one of its largest trade missions ever to India. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely says Ind…

The National Pork Producers Council reminds us that international trade is crucial for pig farmers here in the U.S. Trachelle Carr leads international affairs with the organization. She says they’ve had some wins in 2023 when it comes to trade, but they’ve been lacking support from the federal government to pursue trade deals. See omnystudio.com/li…

The push to restore the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has taken center stage as a top priority for ethanol producers, corn growers, and advocates of a cleaner, greener economy. Enacted by Congress in 2005 and updated in 2007, the RFS stands as the bedrock law facilitating access to the marketplace for ethanol producers, driving growth not only in e…

Have you ever wondered how plants would grow when they’re not on Earth? In space, growing plants could be important for food, oxygen and even astronauts' psychological well-being – but growing anything beyond Earth is more difficult than it might seem. Science departments in Wisconsin have been sending tomatoes, lettuce and cotton into orbit for a …

Tastier salad greens and heat-resistant cattle. These are products of genetic engineering that can help our food system be more efficient and sustainable, says Beth Ellikidis, vice president of agriculture and environment with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. BIO represents about 1,000 stakeholders in genetic engineering, including compan…

Wisconsin county fairs may look vibrant from the outside, but they're struggling to find carnivals for entertainment. Jayke Buttke, Executive Director of the WI Fair Association says that between 2016-2023 50% of the carnival companies closed. Now they're working on legislation to try and help that segment of entertainment find the employees they n…

Today, many farmers are discovering new ways to showcase their produce and connect with consumers. From traditional farm stands to online marketplaces, and everything in between, the integration of value-added products stands out. But this can be a hard path to navigate and know what market strategy is best for you. Paul Dietmann, director of Emerg…

Wisconsin's home to both farmed and wild elk. Bob Bosold visits with Bill Knutson, an elk rancher in Holmen, about the market for the animals and the care they take. Brad Rippey, Chief Meteorologist at USDA, says we're seeing a pattern change in weather from El Nino to La Nina. He explains what that means for farmers. The 77th Alice in Dairyland is…

The 2023 Farm Bill drum has been beating for a while now as the deadline for this legislation has been delayed, and the timeline for when it will pass through Congress is still a question. Mike Stranz joins us. He’s the vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union, working on the Hill, but his roots are in northeast Wisconsin where he …

Wisconsin corn farmers are disappointed by a U.S. Department of Treasury decision that will limit ethanol’s contribution to low-carbon jet fuel. The update says that corn-based ethanol must be grown with additional on-farm conservation practices to apply for tax credits. But Sustainable Aviation Fuel producer Gevo says the industry is still ready t…

Wisconsin agriculture is watching policy development in Washington, D.C. with a Farm Bill on the horizon. Senator Tammy Baldwin says she’d focused on efforts to address pressing agricultural challenges and prioritize farmer well-being. Amidst the current agricultural landscape, one pressing issue commanding attention is the threat of avian flu, pos…