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We're almost through the wet weather around Wisconsin, but the cooler temperatures are rolling in.  Frost/freeze warnings are everywhere in the state today. Stu Muck breaks down the next 24 hours and the weekend.

If you watch social media, you'll notice that plenty of people have questions on how to store some of the farm produce they've been able to purchase. Why not ask the farmer that grew it?  Larry Lee catches up with Rod Gumz of Gumz Farms in Endeavor.  That family has been growing potatoes, mint, carrots and onions for decades.  Rod makes a few suggestions on how to keep things fresh.

Let's go to Waupaca County this morning for a Century Farm visit.  Kiley Allan has a chat with Three Willow Tree Farm.  Robert "Sonny" Rasmussen Jr. tells her about how he and his siblings are still managing their 40 acres of the original farm which was purchased in 1914.  He says he remembers starting to drive tractor at the age of 7.  Stories brought to you by Compeer Financial.

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As the museum prepares to celebrate this incredible milestone on Saturday, October 24, it is asking its friends, fans and fellow mustard mavens to consider a $40 donation in honor of its 40th anniversary through its “$40 for 40 Years” campaign. Funds will support ongoing operations, new exhibits, and the digitization of its extensive collection so mustard fans can explore it from anywhere. Supporters can learn more and donate here. Admission to the museum remains free.

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Tonight Wisconsin starts experiencing some dramatic weather changes.  Winds pick up.  Rain moves in and temperatures drop.  Stu Muck says it's only temporary though.

Beginning next week, thousands of Wisconsin youth are heading to the 99th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.  If you're a parent that's not familiar with this event, you might worry.  Larry Lee visits with Cheryl Zimmerman, executive director of the Wisconsin FFA Association and also the National Secretary of the National FFA.  She says parents can rest easy that advisors and adult chaperones have things under control, and the National FFA makes a unified effort with Indianapolis to keep kids safe.

Milk prices are finally starting to rebound after a trough of tough weeks.  Pam Jahnke finds out why from Owen TeVelde, dairy market advisor with EA Risk.  He says that seasonal buying has finally moved in creating a swirl of activity focused on the holiday season.

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Festival Director Samantha Mulrooney and Organizer Francesca Long tell Teri Barr how more than 800 events connect agriculture, nature, and everyday life with science -- in communities across the state.

The Wisconsin Science Festival runs for 10 days, through October 25, 2026.

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You'll start to notice the change in Wisconsin's weather pattern today.  By the time we get to Friday night, almost everyone in Wisconsin will have experienced a frost if not a freeze.  Those are the warning words from Stu Muck.  Wet and cool before the frost though.

Wisconsin farmers have been using the mild weather to roll through soybeans.  The latest update from the WI Ag Statistical Service proves that.  Lucas Clayton with Wyffels gives Pam Jahnke an update from the fields.  The good news is that corn is drying down without costing farms energy.  Yields have been better than average from those farms already in that harvest mode.  Paid for by Wyffels.

During the harvest, growers aren't just focused on operating combines.  They're also sharing their adventures with thousands if not millions through social media.  Kiley Allan finds out how an Iowa grower began sharing his stories years ago.  While he admits, it's boring to other farmers, his content still attracts thousands that want to know what it's like being that combine operator.  Waiting in line at the elevator.  All daily tasks for most growers that fascinate people that aren't connected to agriculture.  Meet Dan Venteicher of Honey Creek Dairy in northeast Iowa.

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Chef Noah demonstrated how to break down a beef Chuck Roll and talked with participants about ways to use a variety of beef cuts.

The goal was to give both future culinary professionals and current foodservice professionals practical knowledge they can take directly into the kitchen.

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Clayton says the heat and dry weather have really helped on moisture within that ear - and the plant as a whole.  Keeping a plan in place for harvesting those fields that might have been compromised by weather events is important.  Stalk quality remains something to monitor.

While you're monitoring those stalks, Clayton reminds growers to share their harvest information at the Wyffels Harvest website.  No individual grower is identified, but information is aggregated to allow everyone a real-time sense of how the harvest is going.

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Another nice day for Wisconsin before things begin to change.  Stu Muck says we've got cooling temperatures and more rain moving in by Wednesday.

Canadian farmers are a little ahead of Wisconsin when it comes to the current harvest.  That means those growers are moving into auction mode already.  Pam Jahnke talks about it with Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Markets are still reeling from the huge corn numbers announced during the World Ag Supply Demand report.  John Heinberg, Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend weighs in on what's next.  Will be see a rally anytime soon?  What will it take to escalate these markets?  Are the USDA numbers for real?  Pam Jahnke goes after those answers.

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Monday should remain nice as the week begins, but Stu Muck sees things changing.  Not only will temperatures start to dip, but moisture starts circling back in over Wisconsin.

Farmers votes will matter this election no matter where they are.  While we've all heard what the candidates are promising, Chad Zuleger, Executive Director of Dairy Business Association, says they're planning what happens after the election.  Zuleger says the agenda they're prioritizing with members now is what they'll be presenting and educating the newly elected on.  Larry Lee finds out about some of those priorities.

Shock is the best way to describe traders reactions to the World Ag Supply Demand report released on Friday morning.  Rhett Montgomery, trade analyst with DTN, explains where the shock was focused. 

Pam Jahnke introduces us to the latest persona involved with the "Born to Dairy" campaign.  During World Dairy Expo, Green Bay Packers Lambeau Leap Legend, Leroy Butler, was introduced as that persona.  He tells Pam about his educational experience learning on Wisconsin farms.  Calves, cows and care where all new to him.  He says it was fascinating, educational, and inspiring.  Now he'll be spreading the dairy news as the LegendDairy Leaper.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

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Tom and Annaliese Wegner of Wegnerlann Dairy in Ettrick have plenty of both.  Through a welcoming family, Tom and Annaliese have found a place working with Tom's parents, Jeff and Betty.  Over time, they've been able to act on their dreams of exceptional calf care and use of technology to keep a critical eye on the dairies performance.

That's welcome news to Luke Schulte, Vice President - Business Banking, Bank First.  Luke's an idea man himself, and appreciates it when he's brought into the conversation.  He's even more grateful when his clients are prepared with a business plan like Tom and Annaliese.

Listen in as they share how they discovered one another on the agri-business byway.  Tom and Annaliese had done their homework, and shopped around for lending partners.  Through the vision of Luke Schulte, they've found a match that's help this fifth generation dairy operation keep growing.

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Yes there's some rain in the forecast today, but above average temperatures for the rest of the weekend.  Stu Muck says the rain coming into Wisconsin shouldn't be measurable, but it may stop the harvest equipment for a few hours.  After that, some unexpected 80';

Jeremy Sharp is the corn herbicide lead with Syngenta.  Kiley Allan visit with Sharp about the true costs of producing a crop.  Sharp says producers need to look at more than just the 'cost of the jug' when they look at weed control.  Sharp says the economic losses from an inferior product are real dollars lost. Paid for by Syngenta.

The Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector Borne Disease on the UW-Madison College of Ag campus just received a $3 million research grant. The goal to reduce tick populations in Wisconsin and elsewhere, and in turn, reduce tick borne diseases.  Pam Jahnke shares the announcement.

When one farm family exiting a Dodge County parcel, they left a dog behind.  That's how the story began with John and Carol Christian of Lebanon, in rural Dodge County.  They're celebrating 100 years of family ownership of that property that they took over when the  previous owners exited for California.  John says they're not sure why the Gnavocks left for California.  Regardless, the only thing the Gnavocks left behind, aside from the farmstead, was their dog!  The dog, according to John, was quite talented.  He said the dog would carry the lantern to the barn for milking everyday.  In fact the dog reportedly would nip if not allowed to "do his job".  John and Carol also recollect large butchering parties happening at their farm.  Surprisingly, perhaps, they butchered in the basement of the farmstead.  This century farm story sharing made possible by Compeer Financial.

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Wisconsin Farmers Union Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White tells Teri Barr why she's focusing on policy issues ranging from farm labor legislation, to food policy debates, and the upcoming election cycle -- which includes several close races that could reshape the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. 

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Learn the way WLIC maintains basic information on livestock owners -- and works with animal health officials to quickly track animal movements if a disease outbreak occurs.

Sweney also tells Teri Barr about the tools, like RFID tags, that give cattle a unique identification number, making it easier to trace where an animal came from and reduce the risk of disease spreading. This interview took place during World Dairy Expo.

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Long before he became famous for leaping into the stands, Butler had another game-day tradition: two Colby Jack grilled cheese sandwiches. Fuel for the leap, obviously.

At World Dairy Expo, Pam Jahnke caught up with Butler to  snap a photo and be among the first to collect his exclusive Born To Dairy™ LegenDairy Leaper trading card.  He also shared his passion for what Wisconsin dairy operators are doing and the great nutrition he and his family enjoy because of their efforts.

It’s a Wisconsin story that brings football, cheese and dairy farmers together—with one of the state’s most recognizable legends right in the middle of it.

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Sunshine reappears today, but we start to see a break in the pattern by tomorrow afternoon.  Stu Muck says the chance of showers is escalating for Friday afternoon but he doesn't expect a lot of rain.

Corey Scott is getting ready to take the reins of Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI).  Scott most recently was in charge of Midwest Dairy and says she's excited about projects that DMI is currently engaged with at the Mayo Clinic.  Teri Barr visits with the next leader.

There's a lot of focus on corn and soybean harvest, but cranberries are also floating in central Wisconsin.  Larry Lee got to visit Gaynor Cranberry Bog west of WI Rapids to see the event.  Heidi Slinkman says what you see floating is only part of the story.  She says that cranberry plant is already focusing on production for 2027.

Wisconsin dairy operators are still waiting for market response to low commodity prices on cheese and butter.  Traditionally there's a flurry of holiday buying by retailers, but Katie Burgess says its not happening yet.  Burgess, dairy analyst with EverAg now EA Risk Management, says retailers are anxious about consumer buying patterns going into the holidays.  Just the expense of getting products to locations is slowing down the buying process.  Kiley Allan presses for answers.

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The Mid-West Farm Report's Teri Barr joined a DMI news conference to learn why Scott says she is excited to represent the nation’s dairy farmers and to build on DMI’s work in science, innovation, consumer research, and demand-building for dairy. 

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More beautiful weather is on the way today according to Stu Muck.  He cautions that there's a chance of light rain that could move into eastern and southeastern Wisconsin on Monday.

Growers are encouraged to continue monitoring stalk quality as the harvest rolls on.  Larry Lee finds out about the stress test from Steve Quade, district sales manager for Wyffels Hybrids.  Corn silage harvest is complete, and some hi-moisture corn is being harvested now.  Quade advises growers to refer back to the agronomy information they routinely post on their wyffels.com website for updates on area conditions.  Paid for by Wyffels.

With the delayed harvest, it's important that growers know where things stand with drying options.  Pam Jahnke reports that propane supplies look plentiful right now.  That's the word from Michael Newland, director of Agriculture Business Development at the Propane Education & Research Council.

Yes - the harvest is moving. Yes - we don't want to waste a moment. BUT, if you're not careful with that combine you could cause yourself more problems with weed control next year. Pam Jahnke visits with Dr. Rodrigo Werle, UW-Madison Extension Weed Specialist, about why cleaning out the combine from field to field, or farm to farm, is so important. Werle says that waterhemp has become one of the biggest problems faced by farms. Everytime a combine "harvests" that weed, you could be spreading between 100,000-500,000 weed seeds into the next field or farm. That's why he stresses either hand harvesting the weeds before harvest (if there's just a few) or avoiding them with the combine. If you do pull them in, then clean that combine thoroughly before moving on.

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Esveld also explains how Esmilco, a small family-owned Wisconsin company, is working to provide high-quality nutrition for calves and other young livestock, including lambs, kids, and piglets.

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Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen tells Teri Barr, the Beef Council's educational outreach during the Expo, includes conversations with students about beef's nutritional benefits and the importance of protein. She says the Beef Council provides resources for dairy farmers who are raising and finishing more dairy-beef calves, 

The interview also touches on the council's work with culinary students and chefs to promote beef, including underutilized cuts, along with new ways to prepare popular cuts. Vaassen encourages consumers and farmers to visit beeftips.com for beef recipes, nutrition information, and details about the beef checkoff.

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Werle says that running equipment through mature waterhemp turns a combine into a high-powered seed spreader. A single, chest-high, female waterhemp plant growing in a Wisconsin soybean field can produce up to 100,000 seeds.  An isolated female plant along headlands or field margins without crop competition can yield up to 500,000 seeds. Driving a combine straight through a thick patch drags these massive seed loads directly across clean acres, restarting the infestation cycle.

Werle's also encouraging all growers to document what they're seeing and share it with them.  He says this is the best time of the year to see what worked, and what didn't.  That helps guide Werle's research for the future, so he's looking for real farmer data as the combines roll.

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Wisconsin should enjoy a pretty nice stretch of warm, dry weather according to Stu Muck.  Even overnight lows aren't going to be a concern for the next few days.

At least 100 auctions to handle before the end of the calendar year.  That's the workload ahead for the Steffes Group.  Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that their fall catalog is about to go to print and will be circulated across North America.  Paid for by the Steffes Group.

Wisconsin farmers are lagging behind on the harvest.  With just 8 percent of the corn off and 11% of soybeans harvested, the state's behind its five year average.  Other states are running into similar problems.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says all eyes are still on Iowa.  Not only is the harvest running behind, the quality of the crop is suspect.  Heinberg says growers need to advise their crop insurance managers if they think there will be quality issues or face consequences when that grain moves out of storage.

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Weather in Wisconsin should help the harvest advance.  Stu Muck says nothing by sunshine and dry weather dominates the forecast.

A dairy farmer and veterinarian from Indonesia had a career altering experience after attending World Dairy Expo.  Kiley Allan finds out about it from Dr. Deddy Kurniawan.  He's a Project Lead with the US-Indonesia Dairy Partnership.  He describes the current situation in Indonesia dairy where the average farm has 3 milking dairy cows.  Kurniawan says that's part of what must change if Indonesian dairy is going to feed their population.

USDA says it will now review all farmer funded checkoff programs and how funds are being investigated.  Pam Jahnke gets some detail from USDA Undersecretary Dudley Hoskins.  He oversees Marketing and Regulatory Programs.  

A Manitowoc County native was named World Dairy Expo's Industry Person of the Year.  Larry Lee finds out about the passion behind Corey Geiger's career.  He says it all began with showing his first calf on the home farm.

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And with help from their chaperone, the Howards Grove kids explore the cattle barns, learn about different breeds, try dairy products, and check out machinery while gaining an understanding about the hard work and opportunities within agriculture. 

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The project could include major updates to the Coliseum, additional mixed-use development, and a larger exhibition hall -- important upgrades as the show continues to grow.

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Teri Barr catches up with Keith Poulsen at World Dairy Expo to learn -- though the finding is unusual in cattle -- why there is little reason for Wisconsin farmers or consumers to be alarmed.

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In 1893, the family purchased 60 acres of land. Early generations raised dairy cattle, pigs and poultry, while also growing crops such as rye, oats, corn and navy beans.

Over the years, the farm became a hub of activity for the Princeton area. Brian Stibb’s grandfather was known as a jack of all trades, doing everything from threshing and corn shredding to baling and combining for neighbors. The family also grew cucumbers, watermelons and muskmelons, selling produce at farm auctions.

Today, Brian and his wife are carrying that history forward. Their son is the fifth generation and has taken over the crop operation while continuing to work with antique tractors and farm equipment. The family is active in tractor pulling.

They tell Pam Jahnke how the farm remains a story of German roots, changing technology, community agriculture, and five generations working to keep a Wisconsin farm tradition alive.

You can catch more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories on-air, and by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com. This special series is brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.

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Rain will drift in today across Wisconsin and bring lower temperatures overnight.  Stu Muck says you may need a slicker at World Dairy Expo today.

That wet, overcast weather is slowing Wisconsin's harvest.  With just 4% of the states corn harvested and 5% of the soybeans combined, we're lagging behind.  Andy Grebner, district sales representative for Wyffels Hybrids in Dane and Green County says it's time to monitor stalk quality and prioritize field harvesting.  Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.

Dane county is proposing nearly $200 million in improvements to the Alliant Energy Center grounds.  Home of World Dairy Expo and other major ag events like Midwest Horse Fair.  Dane Co. Executive Director Melissa Aagard says it will happen over phases.  Laura Herschleb, general manager of World Dairy Expo, says they'll be watching the first phase of improvements on the coliseum.  It could change how WDE operates for a year or more.

Meanwhile a look back at World Dairy Expo with the opening of a time capsule.  Kiley Allan watches as former WDE general manager, Tom McKittrick, reopens the milk can he closed some 30 years ago.  Trinkets inside include Holstein registration papers, Alice in Dairyland press releases and FFA memorabilia.

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Kiley Allan shares why the contents offer a fun look back at the Expo’s history.

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Teri Barr talks with Producer Sam Goldberg -- just before a premiere screening at World Dairy Expo. He shares why this is a story worth telling.

Learn more about 'Perfect Sundays' here. 

(Featured photo: Teri Barr and Producer Sam Goldberg at World Dairy Expo.)

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Couple that wet cob condition with weak stalks, and we could be facing some additional harvest challenges.  Grebner says with the humidity this spring, coupled with the exceptionally dry weather in the summer, plants are degrading quickly.  Managing which fields need to be harvested first is something each grower should be evaluating.

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Today will be the last dry day for Wisconsin's weather.  Stu Muck says the moisture starts rolling in tonight.

Land sales are popping up again on the Steffes Group website.  Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that these transactions can take a little longer than selling a tractor because of the process and the price.

2,477 dairy animals are now housed at World Dairy Expo 2026.  Pam Jahnke visits with Lisa Behnke, communications director for the show, about the generational stories to be told.  Not just the cow generations, but the family generations caring for those cows.

Heavy harvest pressure being felt in the marketplace.  John Heinberg, market advisor for Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke for a quick update on how yields look.  Also monitoring any new business internationally that can help use this crop. He says that the wet weather is taking its toll on Iowa farm fields.  Despite the 'less than expected' results of talks with China, there's still been some interesting movement in soybeans available for immediate delivery.

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Pam Jahnke talks with Lisa Behnke, communications manager for World Dairy Expo. Learn how her return to dairy -- and to World Dairy Expo -- highlights the lasting pull of an industry that continues to bring people back, year after year. 

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Nice Monday on the way but watch out for wet weather later this week. Stu Muck gives us a quick rundown.

With the tight margins farms are facing, you can't afford to miss any savings.  Larry Lee focuses on leasing land and the going rates with Jackie McCarville, UW-Madison Extension Agent.  McCarville says it's not just about entering into these land lease agreements, it's also about being to adjust them as time goes on.  It's also a mechanism for land owners to be able to exit when necessary.

World Dairy Expo's trade show may not begin until Tuesday but the dairy cattle action has already begun.  Pam Jahnke updates us on how some Wisconsin youth have been doing already in competitive events.

The phrase "influencers" has become a familiar.  Now those influencers are being called on by animal rights groups to sound off on farm policy development in Washington, D.C.  Pam Jahnke visits with Will Coggins, research director with CEW.  Center for the Environment and Welfare has found out that animal rights groups are paying basically anyone with a presence on social media to post comments about "Save our Bacon".  This is a policy piece that was part of the current farm bill being carved.  It would protect consumers from legislation like Prop 12 in California that limits production practices.  Coggins says their research shows consumers regret having Prop 12 in place. It's driven food costs up dramatically and limited access.  Coggins says these influences generally know nothing about agriculture let alone animal agriculture, but are trying to sway policemakers direction.

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Stu Muck says lower temperatures, and a little rain are possible going into the week of World Dairy Expo.

Carey Jones is still working the land of his Richland County farm in the Township of Richwood. He's raising beef cattle, growing corn and soybeans -- while also holding down a full-time job. It's important. The farm has gone through seven generations during the last 100 years. But at times, Jones had to fight to get pieces of it back. Paid for by Compeer Financial.

Is the next major health food cranberry juice? A Wisconsin grower thinks it may be. Larry Lee talks with the Warrens family.

To round out a series filled with impactful stories, Pam Jahnke visits with Dorothy Harms. She is the founder of the Farmer Angel Network. Mental Health Week series paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance. 

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When McKenna Reichling was 17 years old, she lost her older brother, Myles, to suicide. Although she was still in high school, she realized the importance of mental health and decided it was time to take better care of her own. Since then, she says she has become, “ an advocate for my family, for myself, and for, you know, our whole community just to advocate for mental health and resilience.”

This series is presented by Rural Mutual Insurance. 

What's going on?  With the holidays just around the corner, Wisconsin cheesemakers and the dairy farms that work with them are accustomed to escalated sales.  This year - it's missing.  Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says it's because of high diesel prices.  Reimbursement on freight shipments are meeting actual expenses, and companies are hesitant to make a move.  Wackershauser says that's the same pattern being witnessed in retail featuring of dairy products.

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Wackershauser says everyone in dairy country is worried about the prolonged impact this could have on dairy farm margins - which are already in trouble.  

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Stu Muck says there's beautiful weather on the way for the next few days.  Welcome relief for some people that suffered with those heavy rains earlier.

It's a Wyffels Wednesday!  Brent Tharp with Wyffels gives us a quick preharvest update.  He tells Kiley Allan that those rains didn't do a lot of damage, but they definitely added a few points of moisture to those cobs.  Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids.

You're the end of the line for the family farm.  That's a place many farmers don't want to end up at, but it happened to Randy Roecker of Loganville.  Roecker shares the elements that were brewing when he faced his own depression at the thought of losing the family farm.  He shares with Larry Lee how he managed to get through the very difficult transition, and use what he learned on the other side to help other farmers.  Sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance during National Farm Safety and Mental Health Week.

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Online agronomy tools can be found at wyffels.com.

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Stu Muck says the rain will likely stay away until the weekend! Will it be enough of a dryout for our crops?

A fourth-generation Wisconsin farm family is sharing a deeply personal story about the pressures of farming, mental health, and the importance of asking for help. Brian Reisinger says his family’s history of overcoming hardship also came with an expectation to simply keep going. Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance.

Pam catches up with Ashley Huhn. Although crops are starting to come out of the fields, there is still a lot of business to be transacted with the Steffes Group. Paid for by Steffes Group.

Global factors are the talk of the market early on a Tuesday morning. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, says there's a rumor that Iran is calling for peace. However, the source is not very reputable. More attention is turned to the US and China meeting scheduled for later this week. While primary discussion isn't expected to be agricultural, it's always an underlying factor.

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His wife, Barb, has been part of that journey, too. A farm girl herself and his high school sweetheart, she helped work the farm so he could maintain his full-time job.

They tell Teri Barr why keeping their farm in the family is now about future generations. And how it's also a way to help young people understand the importance of agriculture. 

You can catch more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.

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Ag meteorologist Stu Muck says weekend rain gave us some varying totals across the state. He's also keeping an eye on the first frost chances we're going to see in Northern Wisconsin.

Pam Jahnke is kicking off Rural Mutual Insurance Mental Health Week with Jeff Ditzenberger. The former farmer faced mental health challenges himself. Now, he's helping others have important conversations and leverage tools that are available. Paid for by Rural Mutual Insurance.

Wisconsin Original Barnyard Beautifier, Jody Miller, joins Kiley Allan to talk about Cheese Fair Off The Square. The event is set to take place September 26, and will feature two things that make Wisconsin special: the dairy and the people. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

We're talking about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) again. Dr. Keith Poulsen gives us an update on the protocol being followed be the infected farm near Rice Lake.

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Brian Reisinger says his family’s history of overcoming hardship also came with an expectation to simply keep going. But after learning his father had struggled with thoughts of harming himself following the loss of the family’s dairy herd, Reisinger realized -- the two had been standing side by side -- while each privately carried the same fear.

Now, as Reisinger shares that experience with Teri Barr, he explains why it's also meant to be a reminder for other farmers -- asking someone how they’re doing can be the first step toward getting help. 

(Note: This interview is part of a special series brought to you by Rural Mutual Insurance. The Mid-West Farm Report Network and Rural Mutual Insurance reminds farmers and their families that physical farm safety and mental wellness go hand in hand.

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More information about the Wisconsin Originals at https://wisconsindairy.org/

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Stu Muck says the rain will stick around into Monday for Southern Wisconsin.

A long-awaited farm bill has cleared a major legislative hurdle. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in a 12-11 vote. This action pushes the legislation, known as Farm Bill 2.0, to the full Senate. Paul Jarvis is a Wautoma farmer and president of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. He sits down with Larry Lee to break down what the bill could mean for Wisconsin farmers.

Dr. Rodrigo Werle, UW-Extension Weed Scientist, visits with Pam Jahnke about the field research he's been conducting to try and come up with answers for Wisconsin growers facing this tenacious weed that seems to keep spreading.

Corey William Janke is celebrating 150 years of his family farming the same land near Bear Creek, in the Union Township of Waupaca County. The fifth-generation farmer reflects on how it has evolved from steam-powered equipment and a family sawmill to a modern beef operation, which he started in 2018 after the dairy cows left the farm.

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The rain is back. Stu Muck says we can expect a rather rainy weekend as well.

CHS announced that Wisconsin is getting its first soybean processing plant. Larry Lee gets a peak behind the scenes with the folks at CHS.

Dairy Analyst Bryce Windecker with Ever.Ag tells us how the state of the overall economy has a direct impact on the dairy and cheese industry.

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Stu Muck says the rain won't be away very long.

Pam Jahnke  catches up with the folks at the Wisconsin Beef Council. Kaitlyn Kesler and Andy Gussert join her. Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock on behalf of the WI Beef Council.

Door County organic livestock farmer Josh Mechaelsen discusses why he’s traveling to Washington, D.C., with a group of Wisconsin farmers to meet directly with lawmakers. He also talks about the need for a new Farm Bill, changing farm policy to better support diverse and beginning farmers, and why having farmers personally share their stories with lawmakers can make a difference.

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Teri Barr talks with Hunger Task Force CEO Matt King to learn how the "Connecting Farms to Families" program is growing beyond anyone's expectations -- and why King is now working to keep these connections successful -- well into the future.  

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Janke says his goal now is to maintain the land and continue raising cattle, while highlighting the importance of family, longtime friendships, and the community that has helped build and sustain the farm for five generations. 

You can find more Sesquicentennial and Century farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.

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Wisconsin saw rain through the night and into the morning. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck expects things to dry out as the week progresses.

Pam and Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group discuss the importance of utilizing local opportunities and knowledgeable sellers. Paid for by Steffes Group.

Larry Lee and Doug Rebout discuss an exciting announcement for Wisconsin farmers. On Monday, CHS announced they will break ground on Wisconsin's first soybean processing facility. The plant is expected to process 80 million bushels of soybeans annually.

John Heinberg's attention is also focused on the announcement from CHS. A highly anticipated USDA report after the ProFarmer Tour and global dynamics continue to impact grain markets.

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Teri Barr talks with the Baileys Harbor man about being a beginning farmer who moved to Wisconsin from Iowa, and his firsthand perspective on the challenges facing today’s farmers. He talks about the need for a new Farm Bill, changing farm policy to better support diverse and beginning farmers, and how having farmers personally share their stories with lawmakers can make a difference.

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Cooler temperatures are making their appearance this week. Stu Muck is keeping an eye on rain that could impact harvest activities.

Larry Lee and Jackie McCarville talk about a few of the dos and don'ts of land lease agreements.

Last week's most listened to story was "Third Grade Teacher Brings Wisconsin Agriculture to Life in Her Classroom."

 
Pam sits down with our friends at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Jeff Betley dives into the many activities you can immerse yourself in at World Dairy Expo. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

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Farmers and farm families are accustomed to routine conversations like that. We'll talk about the weather forecasts, crop yields, fertilizer costs, herd challenges and harvest timelines. These discussions are comfortable, predictable, and familiar.

Mental health, depression, and personal well-being are usually not a part of that comfort zone of conversation. The Mid-West Farm Report Network and Rural Mutual Insurance, are reminding our valuable farming community that physical farm safety and mental wellness go hand in hand.

Jeff Ditzenberger, founder of TUGS (Talk, Understanding, Growing, Supporting) based in Monroe, emphasizes how the landscape of agricultural mental health has shifted over the past decade. Ditzenberger tells Pam Jahnke that while talking about mental wellness was once considered taboo, the conversations today are becoming more frequent, honest, and intense.

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For Dorothy Harms, the turning point came after losing her dairy farmer husband to suicide after thei herd dispersal, and then the tragic loss of a close friend and farming neighbor to suicide.

What started as informal gatherings over soup and sandwiches, drawing 40 to 60 people at a time, proved that rural neighbors were hungry for support, connection, and solutions. Out of that shared grief, the Farmer Angel Network was born.

This series made possible by Rural Mutual Insurance.

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Pam Jahnke explores the layers of opportunity that World Dairy Expo offers Wisconsin's dairy industry.  Betley highlights the global interactions that happen from the trade show floor to the straw strewn ally's of the barns.

Betley's also quick to highlight the educational opportunities available at World Dairy Expo.  He's amazed at the amount of free fluid milk enjoyed during the show, the educational tours offered to area school kids, the career possibilities highlighted in the trade show and the practical skills honed in the show ally.

World Dairy Expo returns to the Alliant Energy Center complex and the New Holland Pavilions September 29 through October 2. 

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Becker tells Pam Jahnke the festival includes more than 115 fiber arts classes, sheep breed demonstrations, working dogs, shepherd education, and even discussions about using sheep to graze around solar farms. She also explains how it has become an annual family reunion for many visitors, thanks to the shared love of sheep, fiber, and the people who come together around them.

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Tranel tells Pam Jahnke that there's a lot of information that could be gleaned from the upcoming World Ag Supply Demand Estimates that will be released from USDA.  While most of the emphasis is on corn and soybeans, dairy is included in the outlook.  

Tranel points to the corn and soybean estimates as a direct indicator of feed costs - which have gone up!  Will that mean dairies change their approach to animal management?

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She talked with Teri Barr about the importance of legislation while attending an on-the-farm event and celebration. 

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According to a new study from the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, 36% of the state (26 of Wisconsin's 72 counties) have no inspected red meat slaughter facility in their county at all. They site that other producers in the state have to travel up to 80 miles to reach a facility.

While this disconnect isn't a new issue, it seems as though it was amplified after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although producers have been looking for solutions long before that, Kelly Maynard joins me. She's a Cooperative Development Specialist for the UW Center for Cooperatives. She tells Kiley Allan about a unique experience she's had with two groups in different parts of the state who are looking to solve these problems for themselves. These groups, mostly consisting of livestock producers, are looking to open meat processing facilities.

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Rain has already been falling in some areas of Wisconsin this morning.  Stu Muck says this is a pattern that will repeat itself through the rest of this week.  Temperatures will stay on the moderate side.

Corn silage harvest has begun in certain areas of the state John Osterhaus, president of the WI Custom Operators Association says yields so far have been so-so.  Expectations are changing from one field to the next because of rain patterns that missed some of the state.

Corn fields may not look so hot, but many gardens look fabulous this year.  Wrapping your mind around trying to save all that goodness is a challenge for some gardeners.  Marissa DeGroot, Marketing & Operations Coordinator at Vitruvian Farms & Pickle Party Coordinator says a "pickle party" for family and friends has turned into a teaching tool.  She tells Kiley Allan that teaching food preservation techniques—including water bath canning, drying mushrooms, and lacto-fermenting—in a fun, social environment draws people in. While modern year-round produce availability has made food preservation a "lost skill," hosting a group event helps overcome barriers like lack of knowledge, equipment, or confidence through shared effort and accountability.  DeGroot says this isn't limited to people with gardens.  She's finding shoppers at farmer's markets buying in bulk, or people using "seconds" to fill their freezer and pantry by pickling and preserving the nutritious produce that's available now.

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In today’s conversation, we’ll take a closer look at the calf’s gut microbiome, why it’s so important to early-life health and how milk replacer and management practices can influence gut health. We’ll also discuss practical steps producers can take to support a healthy microbiome and give their calves the best possible start.

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The third grade teacher tells Teri Barr how it started with her own interest in learning more about Wisconsin agriculture. And as she welcomes a new group of students to school, you may be surprised to find out why they are excited about learning more, too. 

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Pam Jahnke visits with Fairs.com founder/CEO, Scott Hillyer about how they got started, and where they hope to take the service.  Hillyer and his team were special guests at the 2026 WI Fair Association's Annual Convention.

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Stu Muck brings our Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update and says that the Labor Day weekend will be highlighted by some high September temperatures.

Let's talk technology on a Friday! Tyler Walker of Walker Cranberry Company is a 6th generation cranberry grower and in the 5th year of his transition of using drones on his operation. From precision application to inspecting irrigation and monitoring frost protection, he has seen increased efficiency and yield!

Teri Barr gives us a 60 second recap of the questions consumers and farmers are asking about imported beef.

150 years of a family farm is certainly something to celebrate!  Jason Baroun tells us the story of his family's Manitowoc County Sesquicentennial Farm. What began as a beef & swine operation has converted to a 130-cow dairy. They utilize robotic milking technology. While the expansion and success of the farm is critical to Jason, his pride and hopes for the next generation take an even greater importance.

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Also in studio, Andy Gussert, State Director of the WI Boys and Girls Club.  Gussert explains why this partnership is meaningful.  He notes that club locations stretch beyond the urban centers of Wisconsin.  He says this is not just an urban audience.  Gussert notes that they're serving over 138,500 youth, and two-two thirds are outside Milwaukee & Madison. Most clubs do gardening and hydroponics.

Listen in as they discuss the synergy between the two groups bringing high quality beef snacks to those young, hungry minds.

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A little rain moving in this morning to start what will be a scorching hot day.  Stu Muck explains that the heat will stick around, and so may the chance of rain.  Watch for thunderstorms.

While farmer growers may shake their fist at weeds, the conversations those weeds inspire help direct weed research in WI.  Pam Jahnke finds out that Dr. Rodrigo Werle, UW-Madison Extension finds research inspiration from those spirited conversations.  He says this is the time of the year he counts on WI farmers to share their challenges and what they're seeing with remaining weed pressures.  It may turn into the research projects he focuses on next year.

Now that the EPA has spoken, the renewable fuel industry is reacting. Geoff Cooper, the president and CEO of The Renewable Fuels Association, says it's a missed opportunity - one that should infuriate grain growers in the U.S.

Right now Wisconsin is awash with fresh produce.  From backyard gardens to farm fields, there's a lot of opportunity to capture summer flavors that can stretch through the winter and longer - if processed properly.  Kiley Allan finds out there's some new partnerships to help disseminate the information home canners are looking for.   Heather Quakenboss, UW-Madison Extension Human Development & Relationships Educator says UW Extension is partnering with Iowa State Extension.  The goal is to provide a resource people can call with any preservation questions they have.  The number is 1-866-540-4636.

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Hot and sticky describes the way we begin September.  Stu Muck also explains where the rainfall in the forecast is likely land.

When a farm or family experience an auction, or a land sale, they're faced with some tax questions.  How can they manage this sudden surge in income?  Can they use it to build for the future?  Ashly Huhn from the Steffes Group explains the tools they make available to help that transition happen.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Three Wisconsin Jersey operators captured national attention at the American Jersey Convention in Springfield, MO.  Pam Jahnke congratulates Jazzy Jersey's in Lodi, Glacier Ridge Dairy in Milton and All-Lynn Jersey in Reedsburg.

So the markets have plenty of topics for conversation today!  The latest crop progress report is out getting reaction.  EPA has just ruled that some small and mid-sized refiners are getting a pass on biofuels blends.  What's that doing to trade.  Plus the beef import issue hits front and center today.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tackles them all.

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Jason Baroun expanded the operation after taking over his family's farm, purchasing the neighboring dairy, bringing the property together. Today, Baroun handles much of the farm’s fieldwork and equipment work while continuing the family tradition of keeping the operation in his family's hands.

His father passed away in 2007, so he never saw the transformation. But Baroun believes he would be impressed that the family has not only maintained the farm, but continued to improve it.

Now, his own son is showing interest in carrying it forward.

For this farmer, that's the real measure of success. A farm isn't truly preserving its legacy if it can't give the next generation a reason to believe in its future.

Find more of our farm family stories on our website: midwestfarmreport.com

Presented by Compeer Financial.

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The Bohn family farm near West Bend has a history dating back to 1914, when George “Ben” and Veronica Bohn purchased an 80-acre farm on the corner of Highway P and Rusco Road. The farm transitioned over the years, from horses to tractors, added electricity and plumbing, and produced dairy cattle, chickens, crops and even hemp during World War II. Today, some of the land is being rented to others, but the entire property remains in the Bohn family -- Lynne Bohn, Davette Hrabak, Judith Hayton, and Maryann Bohn. They are marking 112 years of family ownership and earning their Century Farm recognition together.

You can find more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.

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Today, four generations of the family are still part of Woock Acres, including the grandfather, his son, grandson, and now a newborn great-granddaughter. This makes the 150-year milestone both a special family honor and a hopeful look toward the future. 

Find more of our family farm stories on our website: midwestfarmreport.com

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Sam Moheban, an immigration specialist with Ruder Ware in Wausau, tells Pam Jahnke about a new proposal and how it could help farmers with their labor issues.  

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Maybe a rumble of thunder here or there this morning, but otherwise a brilliant day ahead.  Stu Muck says this stretch of sunny warm weather should continue into the weekend.

Most of the insect issues are in the rear view mirror for Wisconsin farmers, but there's still something to be learned.  Larry Lee gets a season update from Krista Hamilton, entomologist with the WI Department of Ag., Trade and Consumer Protection.  Hamilton says corn rootworm numbers were a big topic of conversation this year and may influence what seed farmers decide to go with in 2027.

Putting a face with food has long been a goal for the Hunger Task Force. Today, through a more than 2-million-dollar grant Hunger Task Force is buying all types of produce from small- to-medium-sized locally based farms. The food, produce is then passed on to food pantries and non-profit organizations across the state -- more than 200 are now involved across close to 60counties!  Teri Barr talks with Matt King, CEO of the Hunger Task Force about the efforts.  He says feedback is beyond positive by everyone involved. 

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They say it's not just one commodity but many.  Another beautiful day on the way for all of Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says fog will burn off mid-morning for another sunny day.  There is a chance for some showers overnight, but not much in the way of total rainfall.

Despite headlines mourning commodity prices, auction items are still holding value.  Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group explains some individual items that have really performed well.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Monday is the deadline for farmers and land owners to be involved in changing their base acres.  Larry Lee visits with Sandy Chalmers, state executive director of the WI Farm Service Agency offices.  She says there's been few farmers or land owners that wanted to opt out of the update, but communication is key.

Despite a bearish report from the recent ProFarmer Tour, markets are lower this morning.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend breaks down where traders are focused - and it's not just grain. The announcement by the Trump administration that it's letting in Argentina beef to offset consumer prices infuriated the beef industry.  At the same time, the ProFarmer Crop Tour concluded with low expectations on corn and soybeans.  John says that's not a surprise.

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Not much to complain about in this week's forecast.  Stu Muck says temperatures will stay very moderate.  The chance of rain is minimal - so not much to slow down outdoor activities.

When farms get the go-ahead from their local NRCS officials on things like a waste storage plan, they want to act fast and get the project done correctly.  That's the same goal that JP Tank has.  Pam Jahnke introduces us to Josh Pipping, owner and operator of JP Tank.  Their entire focus is on big concrete projects around farms that help with manure management, feed storage and environmental protection systems.  Josh tells Pam Jahnke about JP Tanks close working relationship with NRCS offices to make sure projects conform to guidelines, making reimbursement for projects seamless.  Paid for by JP Tank.

Yield projections for the crop of 2026 are lower than we've seen over the past three years.  Farm broadcaster Andy Peterson wraps up the Pro Farmer Crop tour with corn and bean expectations.

Today, Dairy Business Association will endorse Tom Tiffany as their candidate for WI Governor.  While the campaigning continues, little work is getting done at the state capitol or in Washington on farm policy.  Will we get a Farm Bill 2.0 completed?  Teri Barr does a deeper dive on the possibilities with Mike Stranz, national vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union.  He thinks it's possible, but it's going to take focused attention from both parties to get it over the finish line.

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Beautiful weekend on the way!  Stu Muck doesn't think there's measurable rain in the Friday forecast, and the rest of the weekend looks cool and comfortable.  Great news for all the folks involved in local county fairs and the Badger Steam & Gas Engine show.

Farmers want to do their part to keep their neighborhood and farmstead clean.  Revolution Company wants to help.  The company rolled out a free service for Wisconsin farms just before the pandemic.  Landon Taylor, national sales director for Revolution Company says they've been field tested and improved thanks to Wisconsin farms.  Taylor says the company was basically going "where no one had gone before" with free collection bin distribution and free pick-up statewide. There were some challenges, but he says the one thing that made everyone stronger was sharing the stories, and making the improvements needed.  Brian Jordan can attest to that.  He's one of the managers at Jordan Ag in Monroe.  They're a partner with Revolution Company in bringing that recycled plastic full circle by selling items like bale wrap.  Jordan says when they heard the story of Revolution, they knew it fit their business model - and it has.

Wisconsin hemp producers remain on the bubble about their crops future.  Larry Lee attended the 2026 UW Hemp Field Day in Arlington which gathered researchers, interested growers and processors as well as policy makers.  He spoke with State Representative, Marueen McCarville from DeForest.  She says it's obvious the state has a vibrant hemp industry, and she hopes that the legislature will be able to find common ground when they return to work in September.  Protecting the industry may fall solely on the states shoulders if there's no resolution on the national scene.

The ProFarmer Crop Tour will announce their field results today in Rochester, MN.  Pam Jahnke previews some of their comments from Iowa and Minnesota farm fields.

We travel to Waupaca County today to recognize another Century Farm Family.  Teri Barr gets acquainted with  Paul and Linda Kirchner.   Paul and his family own one of two farms his grandfather purchased. Paul's brother owns the other farm, which was honored as a Century Farm a few years ago. Two family farms have now been awarded this special 100-year honor. Our Century/Sesquicentennial Farm Salutes are brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.

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Adam VanSpankeren is the Navigator Program Manager at Covering Wisconsin. He recently shared how free local support helps state residents find affordable health insurance.

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Stu Muck doesn't expect much from any rain storm that might roll.  Temperature-wise, conditions are ideal for all the county fairs continuing around the state.

We're probably at least a week away from the beginning of the apple harvest in the state, and growers are ready for you.  Kiley Allan finds out about the dedication orchard owners have for the whole apple experience.   Deirdre Birmingham, Owns & Operates The Cider Farm.  Her orchard is in Mineral Point with a tasting location on the west side of Madison.  Birmingham explains her pursuit of an apple that offered more tannins for her cider.  When she couldn't find the variety she wanted, she created it!

More disappointing numbers on the ProFarmer Crop Tour.  This time from Illinois and Iowa.  Andy Peterson is along for the ride and gives an update.

Consumers seem to be giving dairy a bit of a cold shoulder these days.  Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says that trend has dominated summer buying. Today milk production figures are expected, and given the heat, she expects production numbers to be fairly flat

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Anywhere from a 1/2 inch of rain to just over an inch overnight.  Stu Muck chimes in with the rest of our rainfall reporters on what they received overnight.  The Sauk Prairie area was reporting a little wind damage overnight from the passing storms.

Hopefully the weather will be beautiful for this weekend's 63rd annual Badger Steam & Gas Engine club show outside of Baraboo.  Teri Barr learns that this show is about more than just old iron.  It's about story-telling, living history, and sharing memories.  Judy Clark- Mente, a club member, explains why there are so many people dedicated to the success of the annual event.

Disappointing numbers seemed to be the only thing consistent on the first full day of the Pro-Farmer Crop Tour.  Farm broadcaster Andy Peterson gets yield trends from both the east and west legs of the tour.

It's no secret that beef cattle numbers are still historically low around the U.S.  That's forcing some tough conversations for the WI Beef Council and where it will invest its limited checkoff dollars.  Pam Jahnke gets the scope of programs looking for funding from Curt Larson, president of the WI Beef Council.  Larson is also President and CEO of the Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association.  He says the collaboration that occurs state-to-state and nationally to maximize the limited funds is amazing.  He explains how the process is currently unfolding.  Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock on behalf of the WI Beef Council.

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Some thunderstorms rolled through Wisconsin early this morning. Stu Muck tells us if we can expect more to round out the week.

Century and Sesquincentennial Farms have stood the test of time in Wisconsin. At the Mid-West Farm Report, we are honored to have the opportunity to hear the legacy of the families who have built, and are continuing to build, Wisconsin agriculture. Farm Director Pam Jahnke hears the Vogt family's story of their 150 year old farm.There are some "musts" when you go to the Wisconsin State Fair.  It's likely the Milk House makes your list. Teri Barr stopped in for a refreshing glass of their flavored milk!

Pam Jahnke sits down with Revolution Sustainable Solutions to talk about the history of the company, or, as she likes to call it, "the evolution of revolution." Paid for by Revolution

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Learn more: https://www.discoverdairy.com/adopt-a-cow/

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Weather stays calm today with a chance of rain creeping across the state.  Stu Muck gives us the moving patterns.

It's all about who shows up.  Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group says that with online auctions, your audience grows exponentially.  He cites an example of a tractor sold to a WI operator.  Price was around $200,000 which was directly dictated by the open interest of others online.  Paid for by the Steffes Group.

Congratulations to all the award winners from the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction at the WI State Fair.  Josh Hennings from Hennings Cheese in Kiel was named the Grand Master Cheesemaker!

Markets reacted to a less than rosy picture of what crops look like from day one of the ProFarmer Crop Tour.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing is monitoring those reports.  He says the market reacted immediately to news that yields were down compared to year-ago figures.  Heinberg says it's not just about the actual numbers, but instead the trends that are being revealed.  He also said the market is still very volatile after Tyson Foods announced a major plant closing in Illinois that will fragment cattle movement.

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Teri Barr visit with Pamela Stuttgen.  She wants to be sure her daughter walks into the classroom this fall, and finds a back-to-school gift box waiting for her there. The Colby, Wisconsin woman believes it’s a simple way to show — someone has noticed the work agriculture teachers across the state, do every day. 

For the past three years, Stuttgen has sent this surprise to her daughter, Jessica. She’s an ag teacher in the Athens School District. But this year, Stuttgen decided to send a second box, celebrating another agriculture educator in the state.

“Ag teachers play a very important role in our school system,” she said. “However, they are so underappreciated.”

And this gift has become more than a box filled with supplies and surprises. It’s now a wonderful way to recognize teachers who spend countless hours helping students discover opportunities within the agriculture industry. 

The last weekend of the Wisconsin State Fair will work with moderate temperatures and some rain.  Stu Muck says that pattern won't change until at least next week.

Harvest may not have started, but farmers are getting a pretty good idea of what their crop will yield.  Pam Jahnke visits with Dr. Shawn Conely, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist about the 2026 WI Soybean Yield Contest.  Conley says the opportunity not only puts prize money in producers pockets, it also generates real-world information that can help Conley and his research team.  Paid for by WI Soybean Marketing Board.

The Wisconsin Products building at State Fair Park features everything you'd like to enjoy from the state's farmers.  Kiley Allan takes a little time to find out how the cranberry growers are doing.   Holly Herline, Communications Director with Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association says the season looks good.

Friendships forged at fairs, through 4-H.  There's stories all around with that nucleus as its start.  Pam Jahnke visits with a group of 6 Sheboygan County 4-H youth that bonded over their mutual love of poultry.  Katherine Arbuckle and Lyla How are two of the members.  While this group was exhibiting for different 4-H clubs, their mutual interest in poultry ultimately brought them together.  Once they showed side-by-side, they found out they also all played music!  That led to the beginning of "What's Up:  Chicken Butt Band".  The troup of poultry appreciators perform at different events all around Sheboygan County and also performed at the WI State Fair.  The passion these kids have for poultry has also ignited a new event at the Sheboygan County Fair through a new costume contest!  Lyla How tells Pam Jahnke that the best birds for the dress-up event are the "fluffy ones" - because they don't move around so much.  And now you know.  What's Up:  Chicken Butt Band does have its own social media page if you'd like to follow these 4-Her's friendships.

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Curt Larson, President & CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock also is serving as president of the WI Beef Council.  Larson explains to Pam Jahnke that discussion is currently ongoing about channels where beef producers checkoff dollars will be spent.

Larson acknowledges that the entire industry is trying to do more with less.  Fewer cattle mean fewer investment dollars available overall.  That makes producer voices all the more important in the decision making process.

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Foggy start to a Monday morning with some rain on the way for the WI State Fair.  Stu Muck paints the picture.

It's the time of the year when classic tractor collectors feel comfortable bringing their treasure pieces out of storage.  Larry Lee caught up with some old iron enthusiasts at the Rudolph Classic Tractor Show.  They explain why the passion for the tractors and the stories they represent remains strong.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has multiple engagement locations around the WI State Fairgrounds. Stephanie Hughes, dairy producer from Pittsville and board member of DFW explains to Pam Jahnke why the event's so important.  Hughes says from the practical information shared in the barns, to the dairy product highlight elevated in the Blue Ribbon Dairy Product Auction, you only see it all at the WI State Fair.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

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Stu Muck says it's going to feel like summer across the state this weekend.

Cream puffs are a staple at the Wisconsin State Fair! Farm Director Pam Jahnke talks all about it with Colton Grebe.

Wisconsin Pork Association is serving up protein at the Wisconsin State Fair.

To Daniel Hanke, the land he farms is a lot more than "just" land. It represents grit, determination adn tradition that has kept their century farm alive.

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Alfalfa by itself is the nation's fourth most valuable field crop in the United States, but is not currently considered a Title One Row Crop.  It hasn't had much of a crop insurance option and because of that enrollment has been thin.  Until now.  Nelson says the new product that's been approved is brand new, and will ensure against yield and price losses - which is a first.

NAFA is holding a free webinar on Tuesday, August 11th to explain details and answer questions for any alfalfa and forage producers interested.  Register here, and remember the sales window for this specific product closes September 30th, so consult your crop insurance provider right away.

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Weather is going to be wet today!  Stu Muck says about a quarter to a half inch of rain is on the way.  We'll start off with a little fog this morning.

Wisconsin is getting ready to host the National Christmas Tree Growers Summer Meeting!  What do tree growers talk about in the summer?  Well a lot!  Teri Barr finds out what's keeping those tree growers going from Sarah Glitto, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA).  Robotics and speed are two key components they're focused in on!

The Mid-West Farm Report is a proud partner with the WI State Fair highlighting all of the century and sesquicentennial farms that have made that milestone this year.  Kiley Allan kicks off the story sharing by visiting with a Dodge County family celebrating their 100-year anniversary.  Meet Alan and Mark Strohschein (brothers), Strohschein's Pine Grove Farm.

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Dairy Lane remains a top destination for families visiting the fairgrounds. Through a partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board, DFW supplies educational materials, industry messaging, and trained ambassadors.

Accessible Milking Demonstrations

• Daily English Demonstrations: Conducted every day of the fair to showcase modern milking practices.

• Weekend Spanish Demonstrations: Offered each weekend to make agricultural education accessible to bilingual communities.

• Trained Ambassadors: On-site experts answer visitor questions about cow care, nutrition, and milk production.

In 2025 alone, Dairy Lane reached more than 800,000 fairgoers, fostering direct dialogue between consumers and local producers.

Celebrating Award-Winning Wisconsin Cheese & Butter

Wisconsin is world-renowned for its craftsmanship in cheesemaking and dairy production. DFW highlights these achievements through key fair traditions:

• Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction: Supporting top dairy producers and youth scholarships.

• Official Champion Cheeseboard: Showcasing award-winning cheeses for fairgoers and industry leaders to celebrate.

Special Activation: Born To Dairy™ Day

Mark your calendars for an exclusive event celebrating America's Dairyland:

• Date: August 14

• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Location: Outside the Cream Puff Pavilion & Dairy Building

• Event: Piggly Wiggly presents the Born To Dairy™ Activation, featuring farmer meet-and-greets, interactive learning activities, and family fun.

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Rain is already showing up on the margins of Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says it'll warm up today with the best chances of rain building into the afternoon.

The diversity of items on the Steffes auction site is pretty amazing.  Ashly Huhn joins Pam Jahnke to highlight a few unique items/groups that you won't often see, including professional nutrient handling equipment.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Seems like many neighborhood porches have bags and boxes of fresh produce waiting to be shared.  That's one way to use the overflow from gardens and farm markets.  That fresh produce only lasts so long though.  What about the baked goods we make, or the preserves generated.  That's where people have to be careful.  Teri Barr joins us with an update from the WI Farmers Union on efforts to update the "Cottage Food" guidelines in the state.  Michelle Rameriz-White says some of these rules need to be revisited to allow small scale food processors market access.

The harvest has begun in some areas of the U.S.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to discuss.  Did the rain come in time to save much of the corn crop?  Good question and one that the market's weighing this morning.  Heinberg also points to early anxiety about China's purchases of soybeans, but also interest in corn and wheat!

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Rain is finally on the way for a majority of Wisconsin.  Stu Muck breaks down the path of precipitation and volume we can expect.

To date there's more than 18,000 cases of cyclospora that the Centers for Disease Control is tracking in 45 different states.  The argument over whether it was food borne in lettuce continues. Do stories like this change the way consumers approach buying produce?  Teri Barr finds out from Kathy Bures of Bures Berry Patch in Barneveld. Despite the fact that their name has "berry" the farm is involved in fresh market sales year round.  Bures says her customers know their protocol and are comfortable that their food source is safe.

It's probably one of the most under appreciated crops we have.  Alfalfa.  Now, alfalfa and forage producers have a new risk management tool available after a lot of education.  Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance has a great "elevator pitch" to quickly educate staff members that might keep her from getting policy makers moving on program needs.  Pam Jahnke makes some notes on the high value of alfalfa.

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Matt Tranel, dairy analyst with EverAg is keeping an eye on it all.  A surprise jump in cheese inventories revealed in the latest cold storage report goes against trend in a big way.  Tranel says it's another sign of consumer purchasing distress.

Now dairy prepares for the reopening of our borders to Mexican cattle.  He's not convinced it will be a wall of cattle coming in to disrupt markets.  He is, however, very aware of how much revenue beef on dairy has brought to the bottom line of many operations.  Those margins have already started to shrink.

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More moderate weather today before we see a better chance of rain on Friday.  Stu Muck also recaps some of the storm data they've collected from Monday's severe weather episode.

If you're a fan of American Idol, you know who Hannah Harper is.  Recently the Missouri native captured the American Idol title and launched her "Sting Cheese Tour" based on her original song titled 'String Cheese'.  Teri Barr recaps the journey Harper made and how Wisconsin-based Sartori Cheese jumped in as her title sponsor!

Ice cream is a great way to take a break from the heat and humidity of Wisconsin's weather.  In honor of National Ice Cream Month, Cedar Crest Ice Cream has released their limited edition winner of the 2026 4-H Ice Cream Flavor Contest.  How does "Hold Your Horses" ice cream sound?  Well, it's the winner and Kiley Allan talks with Shannon Simon of Cedar Crest about the flavor combination the kids came up with!

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That commitment goes beyond the company's physical sponsorship of the show.  Pam Jahnke visits with two of the Rural Mutual agents that attended the event and helped staff the Rural Mutual booth in tent city.

Ryan Dilenbeck grew up in the area and is currently a Rural Mutual agent based in Thorp.  He's made his career with Rural Mutual. Why insurance? Dilenbeck explains that it started when he was a kid.  He says an insurance agent made a call to his parents home, and the way that agent handled his family left an impression on young Ryan. He knew that's what he wanted to do.  Help people.  Today, he's doing just that.

Also along for the conversation is Kyle Klieforth originally from Neilsville.  Today Kyle's been at Rural Mutual Insurance over four years, but he's known the people he's calling on for a lifetime.  He explains the training he's gone through to handle situations and protect his insured.  He also talks about those times when his job, the product he sells, and life events connect.  Making sure his friends and family are "taken care of" when something happens is one of the reasons why Kyle says it's the best move he's ever made for his family.

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We get a break from some of the heat today according to Stu Muck.  That will give folks in the Fox Valley a chance to clean up after a tornado rumbled through Menasha.  Rainfall reporters said they received anywhere from 1.5" of rain to literally nothing in the whirlwind weather activity that crossed the state.

Did you ever wonder if that farm equipment you bought a decade ago is worth what you paid?  Ashly Huhn from the Steffest Group did a little research.  He looked at 3 pieces of popular farm equipment and found out that the equipment's maintenance matters.  Huhn says if equipment has been maintained and cared for, many sellers recoup almost 80% of their investment in some cases.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Troy Runge has assumed a new leadership role on the UW-Madison campus as the interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.   Dean and Director Glenda Gillaspy announced that she will move into a new role serving as the university’s director of the Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute.

Hello Mexican cattle!  USDA has announced it will allow Mexican cattle back into the United States despite ongoing concerns over New World Screwworm.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says this sent the cattle market into a tailspin.  He notes that this sell off has been building.  He also says rain that moved across Nebraska overnight has taken a lot of the weather premium out of the grain trade.

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What are the 'dog days' all about?  That's the starter conversation with Stu Muck on a Monday morning.  The forecast isn't offering  much moisture this week to offset all the heat expected. Stu explains the cycle the states caught in.

In June the White House announced that John Rich, or Big N Rich country duo fame, became a USDA envoy working with farmers and landowners nationwide.  Rich says he was personally caught in a land dispute with the state of Tennessee, so he understands the disadvantage farmers face when someone wants their land.  He'll report directly to USDA's Brooke Rollins and the President.  He explains what he's heard so far.

Last week the WI State Fair Park announced that John Yingling would be retiring after 16 years of service, most recently as board chair.  Pam Jahnke visits with the fair veteran who started his relationship with the fair when he was a kid in the neighborhood.  Yingling says he never liked going to the fair with his mother.  He explains how that didn't stop him from making the WI State Fair, a big part of his life.

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No rain in sight.  Not what a lot of Wisconsin farmers or gardeners want to hear.  Stu Muck explains why we can't seem to wring a bit of moisture out of the atmosphere right now.

Everybody likes to get a gift, and our Wisconsin agriculture teachers are no exception.  Teri Barr explains how saying thank you to agriculture instructors and helping them start the new school year prepared, inspired a Pennsylvania company.  Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow and the Dairy Excellence Foundation teamed up to offer anyone a chance to "gift" a box to an agriculture instructor anywhere.

How much energy does the average 500 cow dairy operation use in a hot month like July?  You might be surprised!  Pam Jahnke talks with Matt Redetzke of No Joke Dairy in Stratford about that expense.  It's just one motivating point that encouraged the hosts of this year's WI Farm Technology Days to partner with Focus on Energy.  Kevin Weiler, one of four Focus on Energy advisors in the state says Marathon County has been taking advantage of the partnership!  Paid for by Focus on Energy.

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John Yingling has served on the WI State Fair Board for 16 years.  This October, he's announced he'll step away.

Listen in as Pam Jahnke finds out how it all started for Yingling, and what he sees today when he looks at the WI State Fair.

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Another really pleasant day in Wisconsin before heat starts to build back in.  Stu Muck says the smoke threat also seems to be lessening going into the weekend.  Don't get too comfortable though.  Stu says the heat returns next week.

Whether it's heat or cold, wet or dry, our specialty crop providers face it all.  The state has an abundance of potato, vegetable, cranberry and other specialty crop growers that have been maneuvering through weather challenges, as well as global market access issues.  Kiley Allan visits about the terrain with Sandy Chalmers, state executive director of the WI Farm Service Agency offices through USDA.  Chalmers says there's about $1.6 billion that's been set aside for those specialty growers.  Now, the key is to apply by the August 7th deadline.

Wow - big numbers in the June USDA Milk Production report.  Big cow numbers too.  Pam Jahnke visits with Katie Burgess, dairy analyst with EverAg, about the blow it brings to the dairy complex.  Burgess says Wisconsin has approximately 20,000 more milk cows this June compared to 2025.  Those cows are producing too.  The states June production was up 1.6%. 

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Teri Barr talks with Grace Moeller, manager of sustainability initiatives with the National Milk Producers Federation to learn how it could be an important management tool for your farm. 

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Pam Jahnke visits with Matt Redetzke, one of the brothers farming, about their fifth-generation family farm in Marathon County.  Through careful planning with Focus on Energy, the farm has achieved considerable savings on several projects around the farm. Focus on Energy Advisor, Kevin Weiler, explains the amount of energy saved - and the money that was kept in the farm families pocket!

Energy Efficiency Upgrades with Focus on Energy

No Joke Dairy has implemented a series of energy-saving improvements in partnership with Focus
on Energy:
• Livestock Waterers (Installed in 2022 and 2023)
o Installed new waterers that use less electricity and keep water from freezing in winter.
The cows always have clean water to drink, even during the colder months. These
waterers save money on energy bills and keep the animals comfortable.

• LED Exterior Lighting (2023)
o Replaced exterior lights with LED lights. LEDs make outdoor areas safer for everyone
and last longer, reducing the need to replace them as often.
• Refrigeration Heat Recovery (RHR) System (2020)
o Installed an RHR system that takes heat from the milk-cooling process and uses it to
warm water for the farm. The farm needs less electricity or fuel to make hot water
for cleaning.

• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Vacuum Pump (2019)
o Upgraded to a vacuum pump with a VFD to allow the milking system to run at the power
needed, instead of at full power all the time. This reduces electricity use and extends
equipment life.

• High-Bay LED Fixtures (2019)
o Improved lighting inside the barn with high-bay LED fixtures to create a brighter, safer
workspace while using less energy than traditional high-intensity lamps.

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Not much smoke in our forecast today!  Stu Muck says the cooler temperatures we're enjoying today also give us an air advisory break.  Muck says this pattern will stick around for about 36 hours, and then it's back to more heat and potentially more smoke.

Ice cream provides a nice, cool treat to break the heat of July.  Teri Barr reports that it's also acting as a conversation starter for the 79th Alice in Dairyland, Anastasia Poull.  Poull is using ice cream as the platform to educate consumes about Wisconsin's roll in delivering the tasty treat.

Beef cattle supplies will continue to be tight into 2027.  That's driving live animal prices even higher.  Pam Jahnke reports that the chair of the World Ag Outlook board is expecting those prices to keep ratcheting up into 2027.

One of the elements that attracts people to Wisconsin is our green space, including our forests.  What you may not realize is that more than 56% of all our forests in the state are owned by private land owners. That's between 9-11 million acres.  If those land owners don't have a plan on how to maintain and manage those lands, there's a problem.  Kiley Allan introduces us to Tony Johnson, Forestry Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison.  He says only 25% of Wisconsin woodland owners have a written forest management plan.  His goal is to help others create a blueprint for getting what they want out of their woods.

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Milder weather today gives Wisconsinites a break.  Stu Muck says what's missing is rain.  Although there were storms that moved through the state, it brought with it very little rain.  Muck says there's not much on the horizon either.

Christmas in July may seem like excessive planning, but auction planning in July is not.  Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to talk about it.  He says July has routinely turned out to be their busiest booking month.  Huhn says that kind of advance planning allows his team to work ahead on everything from pictures to descriptions.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

The Wisconsin State FFA Officer team just returned from Washington, D.C. and the annual Leadership Conference.  Cheryl Zimmerman, state executive director of the WI FFA Association, says they had an accelerated course on advocacy before heading to "the hill" for conversations.

It's all about weather and tariffs in the marketplace this morning.  John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing out of West Bend says heat and dry are the buzz words.  Crop quality ratings slipped a bit in some areas this week at a key time when some crops are at critical growth stages.  At the same time, the government has announced a 25% increase in tariffs against Brazilian soybeans/oil. That's caused the market to surge higher on domestic supplies.

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Smoke's still around but temperatures are moderating.  Stu Muck says we get back to "normal" temperatures this week with a little rain added in.

July is National Ice Cream month and Wisconsin will not be left out of the celebration.  Kiley Allan catches up with Carolyn Alsteen, who represents district 2 on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors and farms in Coleman.  She highlights some of the ice cream production consumers may not realize originates in Wisconsin.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Fairs continue around Wisconsin this week.  While you visit, keep your eyes open for informational plaquards that may be present.  It's part of a public education mission the WI Fair Association is on.  Pam Jahnke reviews with Jayme Butke, executive secretary of the WI Fair Association.  She says the financial footprint fairs have on the state is incredible.  Now they want to find out about the intrinsic value of fairs on communities.

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Temperatures may be a few degrees cooler today, but you won't notice much of a change with the smoke.  Stu Muck steers us through what the weekend has in store for with weather.

Beginning on Tuesday, Wisconsin is implementing some new restrictions on animals coming into the state from areas affected by New World Screwworm.  Teri Barr listens to what WI Ag Secretary, Randy Romanski, has to say about the plan.

Dairy farmer Mitch Breunig is one of those that's been spending long hours trying to keep his cows comfortable.  Breunig owns/operates Mystic Valley Dairy in Roxbury.  He tells Pam Jahnke that every piece of technology from high capacity fans to sprinkler systems has been key.  He even has deployed "fitbits" for cows to monitor their respiration and feed intake.

As the 2026 WI Farm Technology Days show drew to a close in Stratford, questions were already popping up on where the show will be in 2027.  Pam Jahnke talks with Janet Keller, show general manager, about that point and others.  Keller says they've got plenty of farms interested in hosting future shows, and she says the restructure they implemented three years ago is helping.ed

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The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced a temporary order which adds new health requirements for animals coming from states with active NWS-infested zones. The order takes effect on Tuesday, July 21, and will remain in place until it is lifted by the Wisconsin state veterinarian.

Teri Barr explains some details with Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Randy Romanski.

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Hot, sticky weather continues again today - coupled with noticeable smoke drifting in from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota.  Stu Muck explains what's happening and how long we can expect this combination in the state.

Mel Pittman has been a long time supporter of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. Today the retired dairy farmer from Plum City, WI is finding a new agriculture interest raising beef cattle.  Still, he's maintained an active presence on the WFTD Executive Board for over a decade.  Pittman talks with Pam Jahnke about the changes he's seen in the show, attendees, and the featured equipment.  Yes, he admits the show's facing some challenges, but he believes the combination of curious farmers and cutting edge technology still works.

You've seen the headlines.  The U.S. is experiencing the smallest beef heard in over a half a century. That small cattle herd also impacts available funds for the WI Beef Council.  Tammy Vaassen, executive director of WBC is already making plans for precision use of available dollars for 2027.  That involves partnering with the Cattlemen's Beef Board and their contracting partners to make dollars go further. She explains.  Plus, they're visiting with folks at WI Farm Technology Days as well!

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Smoke is back in the forecast for all of Wisconsin to varying degrees. Stu Muck explains the drift today.  He also sees rain developing as soon as tonight.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days concludes today in Stratford.  The show simply could not happen without volunteers.  Kiley Allan visits with one of them.  Maria Meyer is a volunteer along with her son.  It's a tradition that started the last time the show was in the area and her uncle asked her to help.  She explains that the volunteers receive compensation that goes directly to their charitable organization.  In Maria's case it's the Loyal EMS Dept.  Her son is volunteering to benefit his football team.

It's not just Wisconsin or the U.S. that's experiencing this heat.  Europe is as well.  Mike North, principal with EverAg out of Platteville, explains the milk loss we've already seen and how it's impacting the cheese market.

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No Joke Dairy is a fifth-generation family farm in Marathon County that has belonged to the Redetzke family since 1911. Otto and Ottelia Redetzke built the original barn, and the farm has remained in the family for over a hundred years. Although the family stopped milking cows in 2011, brothers Matt and Sam Redetzke chose to start the dairy again in 2015. They restored the herd and brought the farm back to life. Now, four generations work side by side, making it a family-run farm.

The farm cares for 400 cattle in total, including young animals, and has a milking herd of around 200 Jersey cows. The Redetzke family also grows crops on 660 acres to feed their animals, keeping the farm self-sufficient.

Kevin Weiler, Focus on Energy advisor visits with Pam Jahnke and FTD host, Matt Redetzke, about their investments.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades with Focus on Energy
No Joke Dairy has implemented a series of energy-saving improvements in partnership with Focus
on Energy:

• Livestock Waterers (Installed in 2022 and 2023)

• LED Exterior Lighting (2023)

• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Vacuum Pump (2019)

• High-Bay LED Fixtures (2019)

• Annual Energy Savings: 68,710 kWh
• Annual Cost Savings: $8,671*
• Environmental impact: Reduces 108,836 pounds of CO₂ each year. This is equal to taking 12
gas-powered cars off the road or powering 10 homes for a full year
*Savings are estimated using average statewide rates and may vary by site.

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Hunger Task Force, headquartered in Milwaukee, works vigorously to try and make sure it's ready for the spike up in demand when those families need help.  Jonathan Hansen, chief strategy officer at Hunger Task Force, says they will be using a portion of a $2.5 million grant to help offset demands.  Hansen tells Pam Jahnke that the funding — part of a $10 million investment in Wisconsin’s 2025-27 state budget created by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature — connects local nonprofit food assistance programs with local producers to keep pantry shelves stocked with nutritious and locally produced food.  

Hansen notes that through Connecting Farms to Families, Hunger Task Force will use 100% of grant funds to support hunger relief programs across Wisconsin — uniquely providing all food absolutely free of charge — including food pantries, meal programs, nonprofit organizations, Tribal Nations and members of the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin. All food purchased with the funding will come from small and mid-sized Wisconsin farmers and producers. This ensures producers have a reliable market for their crops and people across the state have consistent access to healthy food.

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Dangerous heat this week across Wisconsin. Stu Muck says unlike other fronts, this one will stay dry and miserable for man and beast.

It's board meeting time for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  Janet Clark, board chair and dairy farmer from Eldorado says that it's good when the board can pause and take a look back at what's been accomplished.  Some of the highlights that Clark points to are all the personal interactions during June Dairy Month activities, and the success they've found with trade missions.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Miss Wisconsin USA is using agriculture as her platform for interaction with the public.  Olivia Lulich is an agriculture instructor in Viroqua and the current Miss Wisconsin USA.  Through her appearances and social media, she's keeping the conversations going.

A new tool's available to try and help the state's dairy operators manage the heat this week.  Chris Vagasky, Research Program Manager with WISCONET, the state's weather network, says the "Cow Comfort Index" should help.  It takes several weather elements together to give farmers a "real feel" of what the animal is experiencing.  It's customized by geography and available on the wisconet.wisc.edu website free of charge.

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Chris Vagasky, Research Program Manager for Wisconet, says the state now has 79 weather stations dotting the state.  Each generates real-time weather data that can give guidance on animal handling and care.  Wisconsin is following models from other states and global systems, but uniquely creating tools specifically for the state.  

The "Cattle Comfort" tool available on the Wisconet website is the result of collaboration with dairy scientists in Wisconsin, and partnerships with dairy operations in Brillion, Darlington, De Pere, Durand, Marshfield, Montana, Rice Lake, and Wittenberg. 

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Over 2 inches of rain reported in places like Belgium, Valders and the Green Bay area yesterday.  Stu Muck says that moisture is leaving after today, but heat is right behind it.  Muck say we'll easily be back in the 90's by the weekend.

Over 700 youth from 44 states and Canada, plus around 2,000 head of cattle are making the Junior National Hereford Show a success in Madison.  A mom and Hereford enthusiast from Lancast, WI, is keeping things rolling.  Kiley Allan talks with Jaclyn Bevans, board member of National Hereford Women, about the benefits exhibitors see beyond the ribbons and trophy's.  Bevans puts the accents on the family time spent preparing animals, and the skills youth participants are picking up in the 1400 skill based contests they've held this week too.

HoHum.  That sums up the dairy market story lately.  Why won't if budge?  Ryan Yonkman, vice president of EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to talk it through.  Yonkman says consumer demand is flat at best.  Pizza sales have continued to slip, and the European Union is giving the U.S. plenty of price competition.  The good news is that U.S. dairy product continues to move in the export space, but will it continue.  Yonkman says a lot will depend on how the "holiday" buying season ramps up in the next few weeks.  He notes that schools will be starting to come back online in August, and the Labor Day holiday can be an indication of early holiday demand.

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That's one of the challenges facing Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council.  Vaassen, along with other state staff leaders, will be at the Summer Business Conference of the Cattlemen's Beef Board learning about projects that might fit with Wisconsin's direction.  Presenters will be from several different partners that contract with the Cattlemen's Beef Board.  Each with a particular area of expertise.

Vaassen explains to her board members and producers the simple fact that there's not as many cattle in the U.S. today as there has been.  That directly dictates the operating budget for the Wisconsin Beef Council.  By investigating partnerships with other checkoff funded partners, Vaassen can parlay her limited budget into a bigger bang for Wisconsin producers buck.  Any ideas that she believes are worth pursuing will be shared with her Wisconsin board members for final decision on funding.

In the past, for example, the Wisconsin Beef Council has used these partnerships to create reverse trade missions.  Brining foreign buyers to Wisconsin to learn about the unique system of beef production the state offers.  Vaassen and the staff at the Wisconsin Beef Council welcome questions or suggestions from producers or industry leaders.  The staff will be on hand in the Beef Tent at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days sharing educational materials with passersby.  You can also find more at their informative website - beeftips.com

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Done so through grants, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago hopes to incentivize the next generation of real estate developers to focus on the rural housing demand. Tashayanna Mixson sat down with me. She's currently one of their emerging rural development fellows, and she's working right here in Wisconsin. While the program itself focuses on both the rental and ownership side of the equation, Tashayanna tells me that she herself is focused on creating opportunities for affordable homeownership, a situation that she describes as a dire need for rural Wisconsin.

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There's already rain moving into western Wisconsin this morning.  Stu Muck says that the cold front moving in will bring measurable rain from LaCrosse to Green Bay throughout the day.  The rest of the state can expect it later tonight and into Thursday.

Anastasia Poull is officially on the job as the 79th Wisconsin Alice in Dairyland.  She's got a sweet task this month promoting July at National Ice Cream month.  Pam Jahnke is happy to participate!  Poull explains her background and passion for agriculture, and why explaining the state's role in ice cream production is a treat!

Affordable housing is a conversation plaguing many Wisconsin communities.  Finding affordable housing in rural communities is like finding a needle in a haystack - and nobody wants to talk about building more needles for that haystack!  Kiley Allan gets the background from Tashayanna Mixson, Emerging Development Fellow (Emerging Rural Development Fellowship).  The gap in available rural housing forces residents out of their hometowns and shackles local businesses from recruiting and retaining employees.  Sponsored by grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, the rural development fellowship trains the next generation of developers to tackle rural housing shortages with custom, community-tailored projects rather than massive, urban-style apartment complexes. To achieve affordable homeownership, she advocates for the Community Land Trust model—a system gaining traction in Wisconsin that operates similarly to a condo model and helps secure long-term, attainable housing.  Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Wisconsin's Office of Rural Prosperity projects that the state will require between 140,000 and 227,000 additional housing units by the year 2030.

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Wagenson farms near Bear Creek, managing just over 1,000 crop acres plus a beef operation. Now in his 12th year serving as a board member for Wisconsin soybean growers, Wagenson says he's got a more complete picture on how checkoff invested dollars are repaying growers today.  It takes time, and that's one thing he stresses when talking with other growers.

"The most exciting things I've seen in the past two years for us, other than research, is what Delong's doing in Milwaukee,"  Wagenson says.  "Getting the Great Lakes going.  Start cranking stuff out of the Great Lakes out of the St. Lawrence Seaway."  Wagenson says Wisconsin soybeans can now get to Africa and the EU faster than almost any state.  That's one of the stories he shares when growers ask about where their investments are going.

Wagenson says while the WI Soybean Marketing Board cannot invest in physical structures, they can support generating information that helps companies and businesses make decisions about those investment.  Find out more about how your soybean checkoff dollars are being spent in Wisconsin!

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Clark visits with Pam Jahnke about some of the campaigns DFW spearheads that dairy farmers might miss.  Those efforts include the direct connection DFW is facilitating in "meeting" customers where they're at.  Clark explains that they know sharing the story of Wisconsin dairy coupled with sampling product, leads to success.  This year, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has already engaged more than 200,000 consumers through community events and farm experiences. After attending these events, 97% said they intend to return, and 98% said they're more likely to purchase Wisconsin cheese. Those personal connections help build trust and confidence in how Wisconsin dairy farmers care for their animals, land, and communities.

It doesn't end there.  Clark says they recognize the need to start growing their next generation of customers.  That begins with the "Adopt A Cow" educational opportunity.  This is a personal favorite of Clark's.  It allows Wisconsin dairy farmers to bring school children into the barn virtually!  Again, so far this year, DFW has helped reached more than 55,000 students through programs like Adopt a Cow, connected with over 2,000 FFA students, and provided dairy education resources to 3,000 teachers. Clark believes that when young people understand where their food comes from, they become more informed consumers and future advocates for agriculture.

These are just a few examples that make Clark proud to represent Wisconsin dairy operations on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board.  These are just a few examples.  She encourages farmers and interested foodies to investigate more at wisconsindairy.org.

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A calm Tuesday on the way weatherwise for Wisconsin.  STu Muck say temps will still move to the upper 80's, and it will feel warm with little breeze today.  There is a developing chance of storms moving in by Wednesday evening.

July is an excellent time for preplanning your auction.  Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the process his staff is currently going through with a lot of operators looking at auctions later this year.  Huhn says once that contract is signed, they start promoting the auction and items offered immediately.  Paid for by Steffes Group.

Soybeans led the way up on Monday after rumors of a sale to China inspired traders.  So far, the gains have been maintained.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to explain what we know so far on the rumor.  He also focuses on areas that are starting to see stress in this weeks crop progress report.

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More wet weather will crowd our 4th of July outdoor plans according to Stu Muck.  The rain that moved through overnight also brought some minor hail.  Muck says that probably won't repeat this weekend.

They may not be on the guest list, but you know they'll show up.  Mosquitos.  Kiley Allan finds out how Wisconsin's dry May impacted early mosquito development from PJ Leisch, UW-Extension Entomologist.  Leisch says Wisconsin is home to about 55 different varieties of mosquitoes, so one is always finding weather it can handle.  He says the biggest risk humans have for disease transfer from mosquitoes is West Nile Virus.

Dairy country is dealing with the heat in different ways.  Matt Tranel, senior dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, tells Pam Jahnke that California is still relatively mild.  That's keeping its milk production moving along.  Meanwhile, in the EU, people and dairies are struggling against a wave of heat.  Tranel points out that many EU farms aren't equipped to handle bouts of heat.  He also brings an update on a dryer plant fire at a processor in Arizona.  Industry leaders are watching how and where that milk is temporarily relocated.

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Heat returns to Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says we won't likely reach the 90's but it will be warmer.  Things should stay dry until at least Thursday according to the forecast.

Today's investment in agriculture aren't just about technology and engineering.  Farms and farmers depend on people for good advice and service on the technology that they're investing in.  Our example today is Lake Effect Farm in the Plymouth area.  Brad Laack, the owner/operator of the farm, has placed a lot of trust in Tim Schultz, owner and operator of Schultz's Interstate Ag in Monroe.  Schultz's provides state-of-the-art grain handling technology across the Midwest, including Lake Effect Farm. Schultz visits with Pam Jahnke about the clear communication that's necessary on projects like this to make sure that a farmers dreamed are realized and maintained.  Paid for by Schultz's Interstate Ag.

Soybeans are rallying on a Monday morning!  An unconfirmed sale of over 500,000 metric ton of soybeans going to an undisclosed destination is inspiring traders.  Pam Jahnke also updates the conversations between the U.S. and Canada on renewing USMCA.

Agriculture technology isn't just limited to agriculture.  Kiley Allan finds out about the multi-use options for drones. Davis Napier, Owner and Operator at Seek, says he uses drones equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras and spotlights to locate downed deer for hunters who have lost the trail, want to avoid trespassing on neighboring land, or wish to minimize property disturbance. To stay within Wisconsin DNR regulations and avoid hunting with a drone, he requires clients to sign waivers and will only disclose a deer's location if the thermal imaging confirms the animal has already expired. Beyond recovery, the drone captures and stitches together thousands of images to create property maps that are significantly more detailed than satellite imagery, allowing landowners to see specific deer trails and terrain features. During the off-season, the technology is used for herd analysis to help landowners understand deer bedding patterns and population health (buck-to-doe ratios) without disrupting the animals during hunting season. Napier founded his business, Seeker, based on his lifelong passion for hunting and his childhood experience of the heartbreak associated with failing to recover a deer.

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Whippen shared tips and demonstrated how to cook Tri-Tips, Brisket, and burger
basics. These influencers can then take this knowledge back to their audiences and increase confidence at the grill or smoker.  It was very well received.

While giving hands-on skills to those grillers, the WI Beef Council also reached out through virtual experiences.  Kessler says WBC's partnership with the Wisconsin Agriculture in the
Classroom, Alice in Dairyland and Poppy Family Farms targeted elementary classrooms across the state with a virtual tour of a beef farm.

Hosted by Wisconsin’s 78th Alice in Dairyland, Sarah Hagenow, alongside farmer
Rebecca Poppy of Poppy Family Farms in Omro, the tour introduced students to
cattle, animal care practices and the role beef farmers play in producing a safe,
nutritious food supply. Preliminary participation estimates show approximately 35 classrooms and more than 600 students joined the live event. The recorded tour will be made available on BeefTips.com and wisagclassroom.org, allowing educators to access the content throughout the
school year.

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Hot and humid.  That sums up the forecast for this week according to Stu Muck.  Heat indexes will reach the dangerous category for people and animals.

School may be adjourned for the summer but the learning continues at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton.  Kiley Allan tells us about a recent donation of land that will be used for hands on education in environmental sciences.  Paul Groell, Department Chair Natural Resources Program, explains what their priorities are for the 160 acres.

Tomorrow is USDA's first estimate of planted acres in 2026.  One analyst thinks there were fewer corn acres planted then the government expected.  Josh McClure, head of brokerage and consulting at the Farmer’s Business Network, San Francisco, California says they expect 1.2 million fewer corn acres planted.  He also notes that soybean acreage didn't pick up those extra corn acres.

Even with the heat and humidity - fairs must go on.  This week the Stoughton Jr. Fair in Stoughton gets things rolling on Tuesday.  Pam Jahnke gives a brief itinerary update on where folks might want to go for those stories.

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Beautiful weekend on the way for the final gasp of June dairy events.  Stu Muck will be a part of those and paints a pretty decent forecast through the weekend.  He's also got cautionary advice to prepare for heat and humidity beginning on Monday.

From a dream to reality.  Meet Brad Laack from rural Plymouth, WI.  He grew up a little removed from agriculture, but found his passion helping to raise beef animals that were designed to make hay disappear.  Once Laack got involved in that, the dream of building his own farming operation started to hatch.  Today, Pam Jahnke visits with Brad at his cash grain and custom operator business just outside of Plymouth.  Over the last year, Brad has taken the next step to elevate his grain handling abilities with the partnership of Schultz's Interstate Ag in Monroe.  Laack says the time they've taken to work through specific details that he was concerned about have solidified this partnership.  Today, Laack and Schultz's Interstate Ag are getting ready for the next phase of grain handling equipment and bins to be installed.  Paid for by Schultz's Interstate Ag.

This week Wisconsin dairy operator's got a little good news in the way of a memorandum from the White House.  Pam Jahnke visits with Sam Moheban, immigration specialist with Ruder Ware law firm in Wausau.  The memorandum made clear that dairies that relay of foreign labor to keep things rolling should be sure they're following all the rules and guidelines within the H2A program.  Moheban says while it's not a silver bullet, it does make clear the direction the administration wants agencies to follow.

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Wow - wet, wild weather in Wisconsin overnight.  Stu Muck runs down rainfall totals, along with contributions from the Mid-West Farm Report Talk/Text line.  Green Bay ended up with streets flooded.  Other areas saw minor hail.  It's all gone now, though with pleasant weather ahead.

This year's 4th of July picnic is going to cost as much as it ever has according to the WI Farm Bureau Federation's Market Basket Survey.  Feeding 10 will cost over $75 in total.  Beef is the big leader on price increases, up over 23% compared to a year ago.  Explaining that high price on beef is exactly what they'll be focused on in the Beef Tent and WI Farm Technology Days.  The state's largest outdoor farm show will happen at Redetzkes’ No Joke Dairy in Marathon County.  Although it's a dairy operation - the beef tent will at the show will help attendees understand what's happening with beef production in the state and beyond.  Kiley Allan visits with  Dennis Breneman, Chairman of the Beef Tent and a member of the State Executive Committee @ Farm Technology Days.  He's managing his herd of Scottish Highland cattle and happy for the opportunity to educate consumers.

Another 2% increase in milk production announced for the month of May.  Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg says that's what the market has come to expect.  She notes that the U.S. cheese price remains competitive globally, and we'll need the international sales to stay robust.  She also notes that major dairy processing facilities are finding a way to pay the bills by offsetting lower cheese prices with the high value whey the process produces.

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