Health insurance costs continue to climb for everyone in the U.S.  Farmers and their families can feel an incredible pinch just trying to get qualified for insurance.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about what's happening to provide options and alternatives to farm families from Stephanie Plaster, UW-Extension Outreach Specialist.

Beautiful weather ahead this week.  That's the word from Stu Muck.

Education doesn't end when the school bell rings for some students in Reedsburg. At Reedsburg High School, one senior found a way to turn hard work, real-world skills, and hands-on experience into a path for his future. Senior Jared Behn is in his second year of participating in their Youth Apprenticeship Program where he works for Joe Meyer & Sons. He shares more about his experience. 

It's Pet Week, and the UW School of Veterinary Medicine is hoping pet owners will contribute to continuing their research, education and compassionate care of all pets.  Pam Jahnke reports.

Grilling season has begun again in Wisconsin and the meat processors you turn to for grilling goodies are ready.  It takes more than you may think!  Ben Jarbo follows his nose to Bennett Fraboni, co-owner of Fraboni's Italian Specialties with his parents, brother, and sister.  Fraboni says they watch the news closely to make sure they're not surprised by supply issues or new consumer preferences.

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The Sauk Prairie FFA’s annual plant sale is back and bursting with color. This year’s sale takes place May 10–11 at the Sauk Prairie High School Jeff Hicken Horticulutral Learning Center and features more than 8,000 plants grown by local students.

Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Troy Talford says there’s something for everyone. “We have over 70 different varieties of plants,” Talford said. “From hanging baskets and annuals to vegetables and herbs—it’s a little bit of everything.”

Among this year’s favorites are coleus and begonias. “Coleus are always a big hit,” Talford shared. “We even dedicated an entire bench to them. Our dragon wing and angel wing begonias are also really popular and looking great this year.”

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The 151st running for the roses happens Saturday in the Kentucky Derby.  Bob Bosold gets a chance to visit with one of the people that will be trackside Saturday.  Brent Dodge is with "Talk Derby To Me" in Louisville.  He explains to Bosold that it's not about odds, it's about the condition of the horse the day it's going to be running.

Weather starts improving this weekend both rain-wise and temperature-wise.  Stu Muck gives us an update.

15 new high school seniors have been named to the WI Ag Youth Council.  Started six years ago, the council is about exposing students to agriculture topics in the state and career opportunities.  Charitee Seebecker speaks with Rylee Brattlie from Cambridge who just wrapped up her year on the council.  She said it was minimum commitment that provided a lot of insights into career options she wouldn't have otherwise known about.

China and the U.S. have drawn a line in the sand on tariffs, and nobody's budging.  Arlan Suderman with StoneX trading says a new propaganda video released in China is fanning the flames of nationalism there, and they aren't likely to turn back.

Summer camp enrollment is beginning to fill.  What many may not know is a Wisconsin farm organization owns and operates its own summer camp.  Stephanie Hoff finds out about this year's itinerary with the camp director, Elizabeth Yost.  She's one of two managers for Wisconsin Farmers Union's Kamp Kenwood on Lake Wissota. She’s finalizing the attendance for their scheduled camps this summer and organizing volunteers to get the property cleaned up for guests.

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The transition period is one of the most important times in a dairy cow’s life. It really sets the stage for how well she’ll perform in the lactation ahead. A smooth transition can lead to better milk production, improved reproductive results and overall herd health. And one piece that doesn’t always get enough attention? Gut health. When a cow’s digestive system is working well, she’s able to absorb more nutrients, support her immune system and handle the stress that comes with calving and starting lactation.

Dr. Kevin Dill, director of dairy technical innovation, and Dr. Katie Bradley, dairy adult cow R&D leader for Purina Animal Nutrition, join us today to share tips with producers of how to support gut health during transition periods.

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Legislation to incentivize grazing is getting traction in the State Capitol. We’re talking about it today with the Wisconsin Farmers Union. Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White joins us in-studio as the state’s Joint Finance Committee wraps up budget hearings across the state. Michelle tells us what’s likely to garner support either in the state biennium budget or as stand-alone legislation. She says 30 percent of legislators are new this session, which means farm groups make an effort to educate them about agriculture priorities.

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Wisconsin Farmers Union members have been vocal about wanting to continue farm programs that have lost federal support this year. Michelle Ramirez-White is the government relations director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. She joins us in-studio with a special focus on the Climate Smart program that's been reevaluated by the Trump administration, and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program that's been cut. Wisconsin Farmers Union has launched a special campaign to continue the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program at the state level, which helps food pantries, etc., purchase directly from farmers.

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The transition period is one of the most important times in a dairy cow’s life. It really sets the stage for how well she’ll perform in the lactation ahead. A smooth transition can lead to better milk production, improved reproductive results and overall herd health. And one piece that doesn’t always get enough attention? Gut health. When a cow’s digestive system is working well, she’s able to absorb more nutrients, support her immune system and handle the stress that comes with calving and starting lactation.

Dr. Kevin Dill, director of dairy technical innovation, and Dr. Katie Bradley, dairy adult cow R&D leader for Purina Animal Nutrition, join us today to share tips with producers of how to support gut health during transition periods.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance policies are all the same, right?  Wrong!  Craig Kamholz, a Rural Mutual agent celebrating 16 years with the company can tell you how different insurance companies and the policies they offer differ vary.

Kamholz grew up in rural Green County on his family's dairy operation.  His background makes conversations with farmers, agribusinesses and neighbors very comfortable.  Kamholz visits with Pam Jahnke about why he started as an agent with Rural Mutual, and why he believes their client base continues to grow.

Kamholz says weather events that have happened this spring prove just how responsive the Rural Mutual team is to getting answers and support quickly to their clients.  He also proudly shares stories about events and situations where the Rural Mutual dedication made all the difference.

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Recent consumer trends have shown that more people are wanting their food to be locally sourced and organic. This has led to increasing numbers of organic and small farms. With this increase of new farms how do you know you are on the right path to success? Anna Thomas a farm finance specialist with the Food Finance Institute shares the key things you need to keep track of on your farm. She says that keeping detailed records is the most important part of starting and running a farm. Off these records you can decide your pricing. She also says to do research to figure out the best method and place to sell your products.

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Imagine earning a paycheck, building a resume, and finding your career path—all before finishing high school. At Reedsburg High School, a growing number of students are doing just that through a hands-on program that’s turning traditional education on its head. Dave Anliker is the Reedsburg High School Youth Apprenticeship Program Advisor. He says this program gives students a jump on life after graduation.

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