Pictured: The back window of the new Can-Am Defender features a custom mural of photos from past Racine County Fair memories.

Milwaukee PowerSports and Can-Am completed a grant for the Racine County Fair, resulting in the fair receiving a brand-new 2025 Can-Am Defender 6×6 UTV. This donation will help the Racine County Fair ensure that the event runs smoothly and successfully while enhancing the fairgoer experience.

Marketing director Maggie Vesey has the details, including the custom mural on the back window.

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It looks like the warmer weather will continue today, according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck.

Fair season is one of the favorites for Wisconsinites, and it takes a lot to make sure they are entertaining every year. Charitee Seebecker talks with Jayme Buttke, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, on how they're working to keep fairs relevant for the next generation.

The planting season is coming up fast, and the potato and vegetable industry is already preparing. Stephanie Hoff has a chat about new advancements with Tamas Houlihan, executive director of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association.

Farm Director Pam Jahnke is catching up with Randy Kath from the Steffes group. He shares what auctions they have coming up this spring, as well as what to focus on when thinking about having an auction.

Tariffs are top of mind, including in the manufacturing industry. Ben Jarboe has a conversation with Kip Eideberg, the Senior VP of Gov't & Industry Relations for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, on how the steel tariffs are not the biggest concern. The biggest concern is the retaliatory tariffs that would take place. This is because 1/3 of equipment made in the U.S. is exported.

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The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and camaraderie in the cheese industry. Contest Coordinator Kirsten Strohmenger emphasizes the unique spirit of the event, stating, “It’s a competition, but it’s friendly and encouraging. Cheesemakers take pride in their work while supporting one another.”

Held March 4-6 at the Resch Expo Center in Green Bay, this prestigious contest brings together top cheesemakers from across the country. This year, a record-breaking 2,000 entries from 31 states will compete for top honors. Entries range from classic cheddars to new and trending flavors, including the rising popularity of Nashville hot cheese.

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Cabin fever can mean you’re cooped up and looking at all the things you want to change about your home. Early spring is when many people are hunting for contractors for a home renovation. Unfortunately, scams, faulty contracts, and bad relationships can lead to expensive problems between homeowners and contractors. Michelle Reinen is the administrator of Wisconsin’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. She says consumer complaints regarding home improvement were a top issue in Wisconsin last year.

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Jacob Burks, partner at AgMarket.Net, casts a wide net of topics with the Mid-West Farm Report pertinent to farmers today. He says about 75 percent of farmers are currently taking advantage of risk management options ranging from tools through your local elevator to crop insurance to taking advice from your broker. The headlines shaking up prices today include the spread of bird flu, the threat of tariffs, and the harvest in South America. With a high grain supply projected for 2025, Jacob says the work of trade associations, such as Wisconsin Corn Growers, and Wisconsin Soybean, to grow demand is important.

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On a Tuesday morning, we hear from Sen. Patrick Testin at the State Capitol. He's the new chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee. He shares his excitement for the success of the ARIP program and producer-led watershed groups.
Ag meteorologist Stu Muck has a mild forecast for us this week. "Little clippers" won't add too much excitement.
Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke catches up with Cole Patrick of Compeer Financial. They're hosting an info session to help growers navigate crop insurance options.
Jacob Burks of AgMarket.Net says risk management options come in all shapes and sizes from tools at your local elevator to expertise from your broker. He tells us what his customers are calling him about today, including the livestock market and the South American grain crop.

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As industries across the nation brace for potential new tariffs on March 1, Cleary Building Corp. is already feeling the effects of existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. Sean Cleary, owner and operator of Cleary Building Corp., emphasizes that these trade policies are impacting material costs and business operations.

“By election day, we knew tariffs were going to be a factor,” Cleary stated. “We started working with our suppliers, both domestic and international, before the results were final. We needed to prepare for what was coming.”

“When tariffs increase, domestic producers tend to raise prices,” he explained. “That makes it harder to find alternative suppliers who can fill the gaps.”

Despite these challenges, Cleary remains cautiously optimistic about 2025. “The agricultural industry, which we work closely with, is expected to be stable,” he said. “Leads are still strong, and we’re seeing continued interest in building projects.”

However, uncertainties remain. “Economists predicted two interest rate cuts this year, but now it looks like maybe one—or none,” Cleary explained. “If tariffs continue, inflation could rise, and we might even see interest rates increase instead.”

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It has been a whirlwind of a first couple months for new Midwest Food Products Association president Nick Novak. He says that he has spent most of the time visiting with manufacturers and producers within the industry to hear their biggest concerns. Top of mind for the industry is labor shortage that all of agriculture is experiencing. Although, Novak was surprised to hear it is not due to the mass deportations. Novak also speaks to the new tariffs put on aluminum and steel. He says that they have sent a letter to President Trump asking him to reconsider because of unforeseen consequences which includes a large inflation on canned goods. 

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Wisconsin legislators are getting set to create a new budget for the next 2 years with a large focus on agriculture. Senator Brad Pfaff, of District 32, shares his big points for the future of Wisconsin agriculture. His biggest point being more accessible rural healthcare. In the next budget he would like to see more allocations for rural EMS services as well as more training programs to promote the EMS services. Senator Pfaff also says that finding new markets domestically for Wisconsin products with probable tariffs incoming is another huge point that needs focused on in the next biennium. When asked about labor issues, Senator Pfaff explained that he would like to see more effort in getting Wisconsin residents interested in agriculture with various programs through the state. 

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Prepare for the 2025 growing season with exclusive insights from Eric Snodgrass, senior atmospheric scientist at Conduit Ag on February 27. This one-hour virtual event will provide the weather forecast you need to plan your farm’s risk management strategy with confidence.  Pam Jahnke visits with Cole Patrick, Director of Insurance Strategies, Compeer Financial, about the important decisions producers need to consider for profitability and risk management this year.

What You’ll Hear

• A detailed look at weather patterns in the U.S. and South America for 2025
• How these patterns could impact soil moisture, planting timelines and yields
• Expert analysis on what the weather means for your operation
• Spring crop price announcements, county yield projections and livestock insurance updates

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