Division of Extension Dean and Director Karl Martin tells Stephanie Hoff that Extension has lost about 20 percent of its staff in the past decade. He points to funding challenges as the reason for the loss of agents. Most recently, Iowa County has had to cut Extension funding. Martin says this is often because essential services, such as EMS, take precedence in a county's small budget. To reverse the trend, Martin says the Division of Extension is actively seeking out more funding opportunities. Extension has also been restructured to reduce the need for local general educators and instead has statewide or regional specialists. Soon, Extension will post a position for a specialist to guide rural entrepreneurs in Southwest Wisconsin. This short-term, pilot position is funded by a $300,000 donation.

More subzero weather for Wisconsin today.  Stu Muck explains the gritty details to Pam Jahnke.

That weather didn't stop about 200 FFA members from across the state from gathering at the state capitol to advocate on behalf of agriculture education.  Stephanie Hoff chatted with Joshua Capodarco, ag teacher and FFA advisor at Sun Prairie East High School. East and Sun Prairie West each have about 300 FFA students. They brought a handful from each chapter to talk about the importance of FFA and ag education in front of lawmakers. 

We also hear from two students in the group. Lydia Statz is the FFA President at Sun Prairie East, one of the very few students in FFA who grew up in production agriculture. Jada Danielson from Sun Prairie West serves as her FFA Chapter’s student advisor. While she doesn't have a background in ag, Jada is still passionate about FFA's role in developing young leaders, and she's working hard to bring FFA to local middle schools.

Today there's a primary election for the State Superintendent.  Three candidates are on the ballot.  Jill Underly, current State Superintendent, was at the FFA rally Monday.  She's supporting a budget that earmarks about $60 million for Career and Technical Education or CTEs. That would include additional support for FFA advisors and student activities.

John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke.  Today, a compromised Chernobyl drives wheat.  South America still struggles to get beans to the marketplace, and John's simple explanation on why eggs will remain expensive.

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State Superintendent Jill Underly is requesting $60 million in the state budget for Career and Technical Education programs in public schools - aka CTE. Wisconsin is one of six states that doesn't have ongoing funding dedicated to CTE. The budget request would also fund each of the state's six Career and Technical Student Organizations, including FFA. Dr. Underly says she sees the value in ag education as both of her children are members in FFA and they have a small hobby farm in Southwest Wisconsin.

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Despite the cold, more than 200 Wisconsin FFA members made the trek to the State Capitol with the task of advocating for agriculture education -- specifically $60 million in the state budget that helps support Career and Technical Education or CTEs.

Joshua Capodarco is the ag teacher and FFA advisor at Sun Prairie East High School. East and Sun Prairie West each have about 300 FFA students. They brought a handful from each chapter to talk about the importance of FFA and ag education in front of lawmakers. 

We also hear from two students in the group. Lydia Statz is the FFA President at Sun Prairie East, one of the very few students in FFA who grew up in production agriculture. Jada Danielson from Sun Prairie West serves as her FFA Chapter’s student advisor. While she doesn't have a background in ag, Jada is still passionate about FFA's role in developing young leaders, and she's working hard to bring FFA to local middle schools.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin snowmobile owners, trail operators, and local businesses are thrilled with the snow and the promising season ahead. Sam Landes, Director of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC), shared insights on the organization's vital role in maintaining the state’s extensive snowmobile trail system.

The AWSC, nearing its 60th year, supports nearly 600 clubs and manages about 25,000 miles of trails. Landes noted, “Three-quarters of our trails cross private properties, thanks to seasonal easements from landowners, especially in agricultural areas.”

The AWSC is a powerhouse of volunteers, with around 40,000 family members across 72 counties. “We have about 200 volunteers in Dane County alone, marking trails, working with landowners, and ensuring everything is ready for the season,” Landes explained.

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It's National FFA Week and Wisconsin chapters will be celebrating in fine fashion.  Jill Welke was a part of the crowd at the 2025 Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters state convention in Stevens Point.  She caught up with Wisconsinite Mary Schreiber who is currently serving as a National FFA Regional Vice President.  Schreiber, who hails from East Troy, said it's been a busy few months since she was elected.

Now that we've got the snow - here comes bone chilling temperatures.  Stu Muck tallies up the snow totals and tells us about the wind chills on the way.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin are focused on helping teachers share the dairy message.  Charitee Seebecker visits with dairy farmer and board member, Virgil Haag fro Mount Horeb, about some new educational aids that are not only fun - but carry the dairy messages.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Markets are closed for the President's Day holiday, but a brand new business is open in a Milwaukee suburb.  Ron Henningfeld from Hill Valley Dairy in East Troy has just opened a new 'cheese bar' and explains his connection to the Milwaukee location.

Compeer Financial has selected a Fond du Lac County dairyman for their 2025 GroundBreaker award.  Presented to a farmer under the age of 35 that's been farming less than 10 years, Compeer highlighted producers from Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin.  Evan Schrauth of ClovenView Farms talks with Pam Jahnke about his dedication to farming since he was two.

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Evan Schrauth has wanted to farm since he was two years old.  Today - he is, but not after more than a few setbacks and challenges.

Evan, and his wife Taylor, were recognized by Compeer Financial during their GroundBreaker 2025 forum in Rockford, IL.  Their mixed breed herd of Guernsey and Holstein dairy cattle make up the foundation that Evan is building on for their future.  During a conversation with Pam Jahnke, he explains his dedication to keeping a sharp pencil one expenses, and making sure that he's planning for technology to help him enjoy his young family as they grow. He acknowledges that their current location just outside of the Fond du Lac city limits may pose some challenges, but Evan believes in always finding a silver lining.  He says at least he's always close to supplies when he need them.

Compeer created the GroundBreaker program to recognize young growers on the move.To be eligible, nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Have 10 years or less of farming or ranching experience
• Or generate less than $350,000 in annual gross sales

Compeer presented Evan and Taylor with a $5,000 check, and will present an additional $2,500 to a charity of their choice - the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders Association.

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No one wants to open their mailbox and find a swarm of bees, but for those passionate about beekeeping, that’s exactly what they’ll be hoping for soon. With the new year underway, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is helping beekeepers prepare for spring with their live honeybee orders for the 2025 season. Ordering early ensures bees will be ready to pollinate gardens, support crops, produce honey, and help the environment as soon as flowers begin to bloom. Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just starting, now is the perfect time to set your hive up for success. Charitee Seebecker talks to Joe Lopez, Communications Manager for Blain’s Farm & Fleet, shares everything you need to know to get your hives buzzing this spring.**Order by March 16 deadline to make sure they arrive between April 22 and May 16.

More snow on the way this weekend according to Stu Muck.

Happy Valentine's Day!  Although it may not be happy if you're a victim of a romance scam.  Stephanie Hoff gets the ugly details of how scammers target recent widows/widowers and divorcees, as well as senior citizens.  They create an online relationship that turns into a money swoop.  Michelle Reinen joins us. She's the administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection at the state Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection with details.

52 year old Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary on Thursday.  Rod Bain with USDA recaps some of Rollins comments about her priority items during her confirmation review.

Tariffs have increased anxiety for all of us, including Wisconsin farmers.  Trying to train your mind how to navigate through potential changes that happen fast and can impact markets is important.  Ben Duncanson, Senior Legislative Affairs Consultant at Compeer, explains details of an upcoming webinar on that subject with Pam Jahnke.  Paid for by Compeer.

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Consumers run into a lot of labels, but there's one that's unique to Wisconsin vegetables that's worth paying attention to. Deana Knuteson is a scientist with the Plant Pathology Department at UW-Madison. She's been coordinating the Healthy Grown program for more than two decades. Healthy Grown helps farmers promote their conservation practices with a unique label. It's been noticed by one of the largest retailers in the world.

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In recent weeks eggs have been top of mind for the food industry as well as consumers. What many may not think of is how it affects restaurants. Susan Quam the Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association explains how low supply and high prices are causing restaurants to raise their own prices. She explains that in some cases restaurants are putting specials on other food items to try to steer customers away from eggs. Bakeries are also in a difficult spot as most of their products require eggs to be used. Beef prices have also seen a hike in recent times causing an increase in many menu items. Looking at recent advancements in deportation by the Trump administration has also caused issues with labor whether it be in the restaurant or suppliers. Despite the difficulties being seen, Quam assures consumers that the restaurant industry is still growing with recent trends showing more carryout and delivery. 

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Welcome back as we explore stories of innovation and tradition in Wisconsin’s specialty crop sector. Today we’re heading to Retzer Family Farm near Fond du Lac. On the farm, you’ll find Ledgerock Distillery, where the Retzer family is producing craft spirits with their grain – think bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Bryce Retzer says inviting people to the farm to enjoy their product has been rewarding because it gives consumers a chance to ask questions about agriculture. He says farming has been a part of his family for generations, and the addition of the distillery has allowed the farm to continue.

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