Starting in 2025, Focus on Energy is offering even greater rewards for improving the efficiency of your facilities. Take advantage of increased incentives when you upgrade your lighting, heating, and cooling systems with select prescriptive energy-saving equipment. These upgrades can significantly reduce your energy costs. Contact your Energy Advis…

Congressman Derrick Van Orden serves Wisconsin’s Third District. He’s also on the House Agriculture Committee. His to-do list in 2025 – reducing input costs, making the agricultural labor process more effective for farmers, and passing the Farm Bill that the House drafted during the last administration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor…

Applications are now being accepted for the 2nd Wisconsin Beef Leadership Institute. The Beef Leadership Institute is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Beef Council and the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association. It was created with these two organizations to train future champions of Wisconsin’s cattle industry. Those selected to participate…

UW Corn Specialist Hurkat Kuar is 5 months into her new position as Wisconsin's UW-Extension Corn Specialist. She's a native of India, but she's very happy to be in Wisconsin serving farmers. She talks to Jill Welke about her goals, initially, for some of her research. One area she's focused on is silage corn, and she says that Wisconsin farmers ha…

The 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected out of a group of 33 talented individuals. And she is Megan Salentine from the Kewaunee County Fair. Salentine will serve a one-year term, and her responsibilities include appearances at Fairs and events throughout the state, working with media, and promoting the importance of Wisconsin Fairs. Th…

Wisconsin is moving toward renewable energy such as wind and solar. This means there are more opportunities for farmers to add value to their business with solar arrays. But you’re going to want to proceed with caution. Kelly Wilfert is a farm law outreach specialist with the UW-Madison Division of Extension. Kelly is still engaged in her family’s …

Tonight, the Wisconsin Association of Fairs will crown the 59th Fairest of the Fairs. Roughly three dozen young women are in the running for the position. At the WAF annual convention in the Wisconsin Dells, we caught up with outgoing Fairest Kelsey Henderson of Racine County before she passes on the crown. She reflects on her year as Wisconsin's f…

The northern side of the state could see some flurries in the next couple of days and Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck gives the details on this lake effect snow. Autonomy is shaping the future of agriculture and full autonomy may be here sooner than we think. Ben Jarboe is joined by Brian Luck, a state extension specialist in biological machinery systems…

Dairy farms have long relied on sand bedding for their cows, and for good reason. Sand bedding provides crucial comfort and traction for dairy cows, especially as they move in and out of stalls. According to Renee Schrift, Global Director of Sales for Agricultural Systems at McLanahan Corporation, "Sand allows the cows to get in and out of the stal…

The cold weather is here to stay, and eastern Wisconsin could see a bit of snow. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Wisconsin is home to a healthy forest products industry and Stephanie Hoff talks with Scott Lyon, the DNR forest products team leader, on what the year has looked like and what can be expected in the future. The dairy industry…

Dairy farmers now have a powerful new way to enhance their genetic programs with an innovative embryo tracking system. This technology simplifies managing embryo inventory and tracking genetic data, enabling farmers to improve herd performance efficiently. It's called the embryo inventory module. Melissa Freitas, West & Northeast FPC Team Leader fo…

We’re seeing a cold front in Wisconsin, but there’s no snow cover to protect the forage crops, such as alfalfa. Division of Extension Crops and Soils Specialist Becky Brathal says there are some implications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Bởi Pam Jahnke

Just like the weather this year, alfalfa production varied around Wisconsin. And we're at the time of year now where if you didn't have enough hay for the winter, you're looking to find some. Becky Brathal is a regional crops and soils educator for Pierce, St. Croix, and Barron counties. She also authors the Division of Extension Hay Report every f…

It is still cold, but it looks like it will be slightly warmer than what we have been seeing with highs topping out in the mid 20s, Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck has the details. Dr. Laura Hernandez with the dairy innovation hub speaks on her research looking at cow/calf pairs and how leaving the calves with the momma cows for just a little longer may …

McFinn Technologies, founded by John McGinn and Leroy Finnegan, has introduced a groundbreaking solution to the dairy industry. The duo recognized a significant gap in the market for an improved milk pump that wouldn't damage the milk fat. This innovation marks a crucial shift in pump technology, benefiting both dairy farmers and processors. "Our p…

Most Americans agree that the U.S. should prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels. A recent Pew Research Center study puts that number at nearly 70 percent. Where the conversation gets divided is deciding where these renewable energy projects should go. Pete Moris, a Grant County resident, volunteers with a group hosting informational session…

On Jan. 13-14 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells, the Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic will welcome all confluences of the industry from throughout the Midwestern states. Wisconsin's premier agribusiness industry event boasts an attendance of nearly 1,000, says WABA Executive Director Grace Howe. The conference and trad…

The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association has welcomed a new executive director, Grace Howe. She’s been with the association for a year and a half but started the leadership position this past November. Her predecessor Tom Bressner will stay on in an advisory role until he retires in July. Grace introduces herself and how her agricultural background …

Dr. Lawernce Williams, Dairy Beef Cross Specialist from Purina about how these animals are grading out thanks to advancement in genetics and more important proper nutrition. These cross animals are here to stay as they provide additional income for dairy farmers and consumers love them as prime and choice cuts of beef. It also makes a great story a…

Pam Jahnke chats with Olivia Gunther Schroeder from Purina about best practices for raising calves. Calves are valuable, so ensuring they have a strong start is key. She emphasizes the need for high quality colostrum to ensure a strong start and to keep them going strong with proper nutrition and sanitation practices. See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

On National Cream Puff Day, we bring back an interview with Kristin Chuckel of the Wisconsin State Fair about the heritage of this popular dessert and why it's an icon for Wisconsin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Bởi Pam Jahnke

Glynn Tonsor, of Kansas State University joins Jill Wielke to talk about the Meat Demand Monitor project, funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and Pork Checkoff. This initiative is helping the industry better understand consumer preferences and trends when it comes to meat purchases. What do a high-performance car and a dairy cow have in common? It’…

Cheese curds have long been a favorite snack of Wisconsinites, but not everyone in the world gets the same experience. By the time people out of state get the tasty treat the curd has already lost its squeak and freshness. Dr. Rani Govindasamy Lucey with the Center For Dairy Research is working to solve that issue. She explains how they teamed up w…

Pam Jahnke reflects on the past four years with Wisconsin's Farm Service Agency Director Gene Schreifer. COVID forced USDA agencies to adapt quickly to meet the needs of farmers. Snow is falling in southern Wisconsin, but it won't stick around, says ag meteorologist Stu Muck. There won't be snow cover for fields when the colder-than-average tempera…

Wisconsin’s show pig industry continues to grow, drawing families from farms, hobby farms, and even urban areas. Jeff Morris, UW-Swine Outreach Specialist, attributes this growth to the valuable skills youth gain from raising and showing livestock. “Families see the leadership skills and work ethic these projects instill in young people,” Morris ex…

Susan Springer of Suicide Prevention of Southwest Wisconsin discusses how to deal with loneliness and grief during the holidays. The Pacific Northwest is seeing its lowest pear production in 40 years. The Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for more dense fog advisories during your morning commute. This month alone, Wisconsin has had three po…

For over four decades, Randy Cutler of Cutler Fencing has been building fences across Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Minnesota. What began as a passion for farming in the 1970s evolved into a lifetime dedicated to creating reliable, efficient fencing systems. “I started out raising sheep and learning about rotational grazing and electric fencing…

Stray voltage on the farm could be disrupting your animals’ routine and your bottom line through no fault of your own. Bryanna Handel has first-hand experience at her farm B. Kurt Dairy in Barneveld. She realized there was a problem as soon as her cows started acting out of the ordinary this time last year.Flip on your fog lights! In addition to dr…

Groundbreaking research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is transforming the diagnosis and prevention of equine injuries. A UW-Madison-developed standing CT scanner, commercially available since 2019, is enabling safer and more precise imaging for horses, reducing risks associated with traditional methods. "Standing CT scanning allows us to i…

The Wisconsin bison industry is on the rise. According to the Census of Agriculture, Wisconsin is home to 6,754 bison across 83 farms. Patrick Ries, owner of Bluestem Bison and a member of the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association Board, tells the bison story from his farm's lens. Wisconsin is in a fog advisory this morning. That fog will turn to i…

Wisconsin’s Secretary of Agriculture, Randy Romanski, joins Pam Jhanke to reflect on how this past year has gone for the ag industry and what’s ahead. The Steffes Group has 200 employees that are ready to help you with your auction needs. Ashley Huhn of the Steffes Group says while they may be closed for Christmas, you can still find the informatio…

Agricultural groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, have tagged labor as the number one issue facing farmers in the new year. As agriculture relies heavily on guest workers, how does the Trump administration’s plan for deportation going to play out for farmers? Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Director of National Affairs Tyler Wenzlaff expl…

Hunting is a long-standing tradition in Wisconsin. Today we hear how farmers have an opportunity with their land and existing infrastructure to invite others to join in the hunt. Bill Hemling has transitioned his family’s six-generation farm in Dodge County to do just that. Bill raises gamebirds on his farm for hunt clubs and is starting his own hu…

Tracy Thompson is the owner and chocolatier of the Scandinavian themed chocolate house. She joins Ben Jarboe and explains why she started the business as well as the various treats they make, how they prepared for Christmas, and issues they are facing that are similar to farmers. Christmas puppies are something you only see in movies. People are ac…

If you've ever seen the fascination that kids have with tractors or farm equipment - how they pretend to farm while running their toys over carpet - then you might have a sense of what drives Tanner Johnson. 31 year old Tanner Johnson did not grow up on a farm, but he always knew he wanted to be a farmer. Throughout his life, he was a shadow to loc…

Wisconsin has recently confirmed a case of bird flu in poultry in Kenosha County, marking the first detection in the state in some time. Dr. Darlene Konkel, Wisconsin’s State Veterinarian, shared insights about the situation, emphasizing biosecurity measures for all livestock producers. The strain responsible, H5N1, has been circulating in North Am…

Wisconsin is celebrating a record-low unemployment rate, but more jobs need to be filled, including within the agriculture sector. Without more people, what solutions are out there? This is where artificial intelligence is coming in. Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek joins us today with how many Wisconsin businesses and wha…

The Farmers Union has always focused on creating a revenue stream for the organization beyond member dues. Bob Bosold talks to Dale Bednarek who runs Farmers Union Industries for 5 Midwest Farmers Unions--Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin. A snow storm is on the way for Wisconsin. Stu Muck breaks it down. The holidays are a great time to c…

Desire for a real Christmas tree remains strong! That's the word from Greg Hahn of Hahn's Christmas Trees in Oregon. He's a member of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association and says the volume of trees available this year is great! He details more about the trees, the markets and what consumers should know, with Ben Jarboe. Snow's on th…

Tractors on city streets, farmers camping out in their vehicles, and powerful demonstrations—Spanish farmers are making their voices heard in an extraordinary fight for their livelihoods. These protests go beyond agriculture, raising questions about food security, government policies, and the survival of rural communities. What’s driving this movem…

With ongoing labor shortages and the continuous need to produce more with less, there are currently well over 50% of U.S. crop farmers using some type of autonomy and that number continues to rise every year. Brian Luck the state extension specialist in biological machinery systems at UW-Madison explains that all the technology needed for full auto…

Heritage, innovation, and a passion for food production are just a few things pulling young farmers into agriculture today. For Anthony Panke, it’s all of the above—and more. As Vice President of Family Farm Defenders, he’s on a mission to keep small farms thriving while promoting food sovereignty. Though he teaches in San Francisco, Anthony’s root…

The holidays are filled with joy, family-time, and sweets. Specialty chocolates are always a fan favorite when Christmas comes around with fun shapes and flavors. Tracy Thompson, with Sjölinds Choclate House out of Mt. Horeb, explains why she and her husband started the business as well as how they prepare for the Christmas time. Thompson also give…

Today, internships are almost a requirement for most students aiming for a job right out of college. Dr. Tera Montgomery, director of the school of agriculture on the UW-Platteville campus, says that applying for internships is happening earlier and earlier in the school year. She says there's also more opportunity with remote work internships that…

The tin can that acts as a vessel for vegetables may be the most expensive component of the whole process! That's one of the insights Ben Jarboe found when speaking with Jason Culotta. He's the outgoing president of the midwest food products association. Dense fog will slow the commute this morning according to Stu Muck, ag meteorologist. It's trad…

There are a lot of things that attract young farmers into the industry. Heritage, new technology, philosophy on food and food production. All those things have kept Anthony Panke engaged. He's the vice president of Family Farm Defenders, an organization that focuses on food sovereignty and keeping small farms viable. Panke grew up on a farm in Fond…

As you’re planning your budget for next year, here’s something to think about: a tool that could save time, cut down on waste, and help improve your crop yields. It’s a fresh approach to a challenge every farmer deals with, offering benefits for both your fields and your finances. Kurt Grimm, CEO of NutraDrip Irrigation Systems, is sharing how thei…

For many years the Midwest Food Products Association has been working hard to make sure consumers get the nutritious produce they need. But this has not come without challenges. Jason Culotta, the President of the Midwest Food Products Association speaks on some of the key problems they are facing, including high costs of cans, false information on…

The holiday season brings family, friends, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate—and what better way to add a little extra cheer than with cheese? Whether it’s the centerpiece of a festive spread or the perfect gift for loved ones, cheese has a way of making the holidays even more special. Angie Edge, Dairy Company Communications manager for Dai…

Chef Kyle Julius, owner of Chef at Large Catering, has always been passionate about the connection between nature and food. “I’ve always been an outdoorsman, foraging for mushrooms and wild onions,” he says. Growing up in a hunting family, he learned the value of respecting food and utilizing everything. This respect is reflected in his work, where…