The UW-Madison Division of Extension is once again offering a valuable resource for Wisconsin farmers and agribusinesses with its upcoming Wisconsin Ag Law Update. This virtual event, scheduled for December 4th at noon, will provide crucial information on recent changes in agricultural law that could significantly impact the state's farmers. Kelly Wilfert, the Farm Law Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison Extension, emphasizes the importance of staying informed. "Whether you're a farmer or an agribusiness owner, navigating legislation as well as understanding legal documents isn't always at the top of your to-do list. This update aims to make sure you're up to speed on any changes that affect your rights and responsibilities," Wilfert explains. The Wisconsin Ag Law Update provides a one-hour roundup of significant legal changes affecting Wisconsin farmers. The exact topics will be tailored to current issues at the time of the event. Wilfert previewed potential focus areas for the update. "We may cover reporting requirements for Wisconsin farm entities and new tax proposals," she said. "We might also discuss legal challenges affecting sectors like cranberry and poultry growers." It’s important to keep farmers informed, whether it's state or federal legislation, regulations, or case law changes," she says. For more information or to register for the event, visit go.wisc.edu/EXTAGLAWUPDATE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is National Pork Month. It's a time to highlight the dedication of Wisconsin farmers and the delicious, nutritious pork they provide.  Historically, October marks the time when pigs raised in the spring and summer were ready for market, which is why the month has become synonymous with pork. "While we promote pork year-round, October allows us to focus on generating excitement about our industry," Christina Meylor, President of the Wisconsin Pork Association explained. As Pork Month unfolds, Meylor encourages everyone to engage with the pork industry. "October is a great month to learn more about where your food comes from and support local farmers. Visit wppa.org to discover how you can participate in this celebration."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's definitely interesting times in the dairy industry these days.  Milk production remains flat.  The overall cow herd number is down.  Many dairies are pivoted toward beef production with their offspring versus replacement heifers.  Is this a time for some dairies to consider growth? During World Dairy Expo, Pam Jahnke asked that question of two dairy lending specialists with Compeer Financial.  Growth in dairy today looks very different then it did just a decade ago.  Now operations are looking at acquiring existing dairies that might be ready to retire or sell.  The expense of constructing a new dairy, and the permitting process is enormous - so being creative on expansion is key. Jeff Retzer and Brad Herkenhoff are engaged in these kinds of conversations and strategy planning sessions weekly.  What's their take on the current dairy terrain and where 2025 could take us?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calves are valuable no matter how you plan on using them, such as replacement heifers or beef. So how can you protect that investment in your own barn? It may seem obvious, but where there’s manure, there’s bacteria. And while manure is a natural element in a barn, it might have negative implications for your calves. Patrick Lecavalier is the vice president of market development with Acepsis. He explains that farms should look at biosecurity within their own farming system, and disinfecting pens/regions of the barn before bringing in a new group of young animals. He walks us through options for disinfecting the animal itself, its environment, and its water. In addition to stopping common calf sicknesses, these can also be solutions for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Patrick says.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wind, moisture, and freezing temperatures can lead to ill chickens if you don't make preparations now to keep them comfortable. Division of Extension Poultry Specialist Ron Kean joins Stephanie Hoff in-studio with tips on how to prepare your backyard birds for winter. He walks us through recommendations on feed, heat, housing, and water. And he addresses salmonella and HPAI prevention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall is a beautiful time of year for a drive in the country to witness a Wisconsin harvest with a backdrop of changing leaves. Badger Farms LLC in Deerfield sweetens the deal with a stunning and historical event barn overlooking 500 acres of canary grass. Dave Muehl says agritourism and the special forage crop business balance each other out to keep his farm alive. He adds the canary grass has brought value to fields that weren't ideal for growing crops. We're introducing you to these destinations courtesy of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. WATA is increasing the demand for and sales of specialty crops and agricultural tourism experiences through the 'Wisconsin, America's Agricultural Tourism Destination' campaign. Learn more at https://gowiagtourism.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Hovel has been dedicated to conservation and enhancing the environment for decades.  His work has not only safeguarded thousands of acres for future generations but also inspired a broader movement toward sustainable land management. Im Through a combination of hands-on stewardship and collaborative partnerships, Joe has made a lasting impact on the health of critical ecosystems and has been named a finalist for the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. He shares a closer look at his journey and the values that drive his efforts to protect some of the region’s most vital natural resources with Charitee Seebecker. Preliminary data shows more acres are enrolled in a farmland preservation program, according to Wednesday Coye, farmland preservation program manager with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. She says so far, they've seen more than 2,000 acres enter the programs since last year. She says it's due to the increased incentives the state Legislature passed in December 2023. Stephanie Hoff has the update.With seasonal holiday buying and consumption coming up, has the cheese market already peaked?  Ryan Yonkman, vice president of producer services at EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to break down what's breaking down in the cheese lane, and how retail sales are pacing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think cattle thieves, you probably think about old westerns and something that happens in wide open spaces.  Surprise!  It's happening in Wisconsin.  Just this spring, $20,000 worth of livestock were taken from a beef operation in Jackson County. Lt. Evan Mazur worked on the case. Stephanie Hoff gets the details. Harvest is nearly done with soybeans and about 30% complete with corn.  Cooper Humphries with Wyffels Hybrids gives Pam Jahnke a harvest update.  Paid for by Wyffels Hybrids. 476,000 chickens at farms in western Wisconsin have no place to go, and the farmers in charge of them have no money for feed.  That's after a Minnesota company they contracted to grow the birds for, went bust.  Pam Jahnke gets the complicated details from Randy Romanski, Secretary at the WI Dept. of Ag., Trade and Consumer Protection.  According to Romanski, the department's hands are tied, lacking regulatory authority to step in with financial resources.  He says they're doing what they can to help producers, and hopefully salvage the birds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) announced the Governor’s Proclamation of Cranberry Grower Appreciation Week, running from October 14-20, 2024. This week celebrates the hard work, innovation, and dedication of cranberry growers throughout the state, including prominent family-owned operations like Cutler Cranberry Company, founded in 1923 by Guy Potter. Lisa Potter, a representative of Cutler Cranberry, shared the proud history of their operation, highlighting its significant evolution over the past century. "We are one of the older marshes in the state, and a lot has changed over the years as it has been passed down through different generations. We started with hand harvesting cranberries and transporting them by horse-drawn cart, and now we’ve embraced innovation to remain competitive," she explained. Cutler Cranberry is not just a historical operation; it also exemplifies the spirit of innovation that is vital to the cranberry industry. Lisa noted, "Part of being a farm that has lasted this long is the necessity of innovation. We are constantly exploring new processes, equipment, and varieties of cranberries to improve our yield and efficiency."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of 20 Italian farmers were in Wisconsin over the past few days on vacation visiting agribusinesses.  Tour guide and translator Elio Mastrangelo says his travelers can't help but do some work on this trip asking questions about business since Wisconsin farmers are willing to share answers.  "When you visit a farm, you speak with the farmer... you have some questions," he says. "They are very open people, the local farmers in the United States. They don't have any kind of secrets."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.