MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Why is it so important to continue building trust and sharing stories of sustainable dairy farm practices in Wisconsin dairy?

Lisa Ramatowski, vice president of sustainability and export marketing at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says sustainability is not simply a global trend, it’s a lasting commitment that’s changing behaviors right here at home.

Roughly 43% of Midwestern consumers report a willingness to pay more for sustainably sourced food. This is good news for Wisconsin dairy farmers because they're using sustainable practices everyday! Sustainability is simply taking care of the land you love, the community you belong to and the animals you care about.

Research shows consumers' trust in the dairy industry and dairy farmers remains positive and stable. Many Wisconsin residents trust dairy farmers to provide nutritious, safe products, care about the environment and practice humane animal treatment.

Farmers telling their stories directly to consumers helps build connections and maintain consumer trust in dairy as we’ve seen from internal data where 90% of Wisconsinites trust dairy farmers to provide safe and nutritious dairy products.

It doesn't end there!  Additional research has confirmed a few more things about what today's consumers are thinking!  DFW conducted WI consumer research and this research confirmed 2 things. 1. Wisconsinites are proud of their Wisconsin dairy farmers and industry and trust WI dairy farmers 2. And they want to hear what WI dairy farmers are doing on farms, from their voices, on the sustainability practices they’ve implemented on their farms for generations.

For farm families that want to tell their story - Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is ready to help!  Simple examples of common sustainability practices could be:
* Reusing water to chill milk and water cows and crops
* Balancing cows’ diets with byproducts, such as cotton seeds and brewers’ grains
* Rotating crops, Planting cover crops, Reducing tillage
* Creating buffer strips
* Growing pollinator plots
* Selecting less water-intensive crops and reducing the use of fertilizers
* Developing nutrient management programs
* Providing stable employment with training and advancement opportunities in your local community.

Find resources and sustainability stories now at Wisconsin Dairy.

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Wyffels Hybrids have had an outstanding year performing in the challenge weather that was presented.  Luke Bird, District Sales Manager in Southeast Wisconsin, is proud of not only the yield numbers they've posted against competition, but also the story he shares about the company.

Bird says the fact that Wyffels is a U.S. Farm Family owned and operated company, was a difference maker when he joined the team.

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Before the temperatures dip, you’ll want to make sure your electric system can handle everything you throw at it this winter, from your holiday decorations to heated waterers for your livestock. Electrician Aaron Robarge with All Comfort Services says electricity usage surges in the winter. Hey says cost savings are possible this year. Consider calling a professional to make sure your farm and home’s electric system is up-to-date and safe.

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This year has brought on a hard-hitting harvest with close to record yields leading to an increase in production of ethanol. Erik Huschitt, the CEO of Badger State Ethanol, explains that with the influx of corn and a poor export market people are looking for a place to take the grain. This has led to the ethanol plants. The ethanol industry has been crushing record amounts of corn and has helped drive the price of fuel down.

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Wisconsin's been making progress in expanding international business for the ag community.  Chad Vincent currently chairs with WI Ag Export Council. Created in 2021, Vincent says Wisconsin's finding opportunity in unique markets that suit the states unique agriculture expertise.  He explains it to Bob Bosold.

November arrived in cold, wet and windy style. It looks like more wet weather's on the way according to Stu Muck.

Randy Cath from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to discuss a special Wisconsin-only consignment sale they're organizing for December.  Paid for by the Steffes Group.

Wisconsin beekeepers are preparing their hives for winter. It takes some time according to Nick Thill, president of the WI Honey Bee Association.2025 doesn't have a particularly bright economic outlook for a lot of agriculture. 

Ben Jarboe gets the forecast from Dr. Paul Mitchell, Renk Agribusiness Institute chair and UW-Ag Economist.

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Transportation funding will be a critical issue for Wisconsin agriculture going forward.  One successful project already seeing results is  the Agriculture Road Improvement Program.  Charitee Seebecker gets an update from DOT Deputy Secretary, Joel Nilsesteun.

It's going to be a rainy and windy election day.  Stu Muck, ag meteorologist gives us some rainfall totals so far.

There's a lot of motivation for farmers, agribusiness owners, and rural citizens to show up at the polls.  Jason Mungniani, executive director of government relations for the WI Farm Bureau Federation, gives Stephanie Hoff a rundown on hot topics at the state and federal scene to keep in mind.

Darrin VonRuden, President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, is reminding all votes to consider long term implications on food with their vote today.  VonRuden says he's particularly concerned about finishing a Farm Bill.

John Heinberg, market analyst with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, says it could be a wild ride with traders watching election results.  The rollercoaster could continue for at least the rest of this week.

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It’s Election Day 2024. Wisconsin farm groups are reminding us that agriculture’s voice matters at the polls, especially in our Battleground State. Jason Mugnaini joins us. He’s the executive director of governmental relations with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Jason says this is the day of the year when a ballot can protect the livelihoods of people who work in agriculture. He says you can get acquainted with your ballot ahead of time at My Vote Wisconsin -- myvote.wi.gov. While you’re there, you can also see your polling place and the hours of that location.  

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Wisconsin is experiencing a renewed enthusiasm for pork production, driven by young families and youth eager to explore agriculture. Jeff Morris, University Extension Swine Specialist says this growing trend is not just about participation in fairs but extends into broader educational efforts and year-round farm projects.

Despite past market challenges, the number of hogs shown at county fairs remains robust. Morris noted, “County fairs showcase the leadership qualities, work ethic, and agricultural interest these kids develop, building skills that serve them well into the future.”

Wisconsin boasts diverse pork production models, from large-scale commercial units in southern counties near Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa to smaller, pasture-based, organic, and seasonal operations in the northern regions. “Each operation, whether large or small, relies on similar husbandry skills,” Morris explained. “Programming must cater to all scales, ensuring every farmer has access to vital information.”

An upcoming event on November 12 at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station will focus on sow management from birth to weaning.

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The Manure Tracker app allows you to count and record manure applications on a field by field basis. It uses the GPS already in your phone. It was developed through UW Dairy Innovation Hub funds. Division of Extension Specialist Chris Clark of Northeast Wisconsin has the details. She says this free smartphone app can help custom operators, farmers, and nutrient management plan writers. Each manure application is counted on your smartphone and details can be sent as a .csv file to an email address for further record management and safekeeping.

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More grant opportunities are available for dairy producers through the Professional Dairy Producers' Your Farm-Your Footprint sustainability initiative. It's on a first-come, first-served basis.

A select group of dairy producers can receive grants of $9,750 per farm, covering up to 2,500 acres. The grants are available to the first 100 dairy farms who register for the program which opens today, Nov. 1: https://pdpw.org/your-farm-your-footprint/

Executive Director Shelly Mayer clarifies that, “Each farm will receive a private carbon footprint report, giving them a starting point to assess and improve their practices. Privacy is key—each farm’s data remains confidential, accessible only by the farm itself.”

Your Farm – Your Footprint is the only farmer-led sustainability initiative. It works directly and confidentially with producers to calculate their carbon and greenhouse gas metrics. Then, it determines how to use that information to position the dairy for the future. The initiative launched in February 2024 after a pilot program with dairy producers. All Your Farm – Your Footprint grants to dairy producers come through Dairy’s Foundation.

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