The Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative report highlights five key areas where U.S. agriculture could become greenhouse gas negative. Dr. Chuck Rice, University Distinguished Professor in Agronomy at Kansas State University, discussed the findings.

“This report focuses on practices ready for implementation,” Rice said. “We’re not talking about waiting 30 to 50 years for research.”

The five areas identified are soil carbon sequestration, nitrogen management, livestock systems, energy use, and food waste reduction.

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Recent consumer trends show the demand for more plant-based products to hit the shelves. This has led to Organic Valley to introduce their first oat-based creamers. Dawn Burns the Organic Valley innovation manager gives details on what has led them to this new product that uses Midwest sourced oats. She explains that consumers are looking closer at what they are putting into their bodies which leads to some plant-based products. Through their analysis they saw that 76% of customers that buy dairy products are also purchasing a plant-based product. This showed the company that people want both options in their kitchens. Burns also gives insight into a new product coming in the near future as well as how they work to bridge the gap between consumer and producer.

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With a continuous need to produce more with less in the grain industry, one company has shifted focus to specific areas when developing corn seed. Rex Gray, the Golden Harvest, GHX, corn products manager gives a look at the new seed they have developed that is meant for northern states. Gray explains that with shorter growing seasons and colder weather that they wanted to make sure producers in the north get the best corn crop that they can. After the 7 years of development, they are ready to unveil their new line of hybrids which include the Hawk, the Grizzly, and the Wolf. Each one has specific trait packages designed to help northern producers get the highest yield possible.

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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. Joe Lopez, Communications Manager for Blain’s Farm & Fleet, shares everything you need to know to get your hives buzzing this spring.

"We’re excited to start delivering bees for the season," said Lopez. "If you order by March 16th, you can expect your bees between April 22nd and May 16th, depending on weather conditions."

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It's been almost a year since Wisconsin passed legislation to allow heavier weights of liquid dairy products on state roads. SB 431, passed in March 2024, extends the state’s current allowance for milk hauling of 98,000 pounds over six axles to include all liquid dairy products, such as liquid whey. Whey is a value-added ingredient in a wide range of food products. It comprises 31 percent of all the state’s dairy sales abroad. However, due to the cost of drying, whey is typically hauled from cheesemaking plants in liquid form for additional processing. Existing state regulations allow dairy haulers to transport milk at heavier weight limits but previously did not account for other liquid dairy products. Luke Buholzer, vice president of sales at Klondike Cheese, says the increased weight allowance has allowed them to plan for fewer trucks on the road, less water used in cleaning, and more time for staff to focus on other business matters.

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It’s almost kidding season at Rainbow Ridge Farm in Onalaska, and you wouldn’t believe the amount of people who are drawn in! It’s not just the cuteness of baby goats that gets people excited, it’s the chance to welcome new life onto the farm and get your hands dirty. Cindy Hoehne runs Rainbow Ridge Farm, a bed and breakfast, farm camp, and agricultural destination. She can relate to her guests who don’t come from a farm -- she says it was an accident that she and her partner became farmers. The dream was to operate a bed and breakfast. A partnership with the local 4-H opened up a larger opportunity to grow the dairy goat herd and connect people to where their food comes from. This podcast series is brought to you by Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more at gowiagtourism.com.

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The movie Green and Gold opened nationwide on Friday.  It's the story of a Wisconsin dairy farmers struggling to hang on to the farm, when he's offered a chance to bet it all on the Green Bay Packers winning a championship.  He takes the bet.  Pam Jahnke visits with one of the Upper Michigan brothers that produced and directed the film.  Davin Lindwall tells Pam about their commitment to shooting the film in Wisconsin, and how community members turned out to make it a success.  Craig Culver, who helped to financially support the movie, said the story resonated with him since he and his father were struggling at the same time in launching their restaurant.  Craig T. Nelson says the project was a labor of love and appreciation for farming - and that it's actually a part of his heritage.

Icy weather on the way for Wisconsin starting Wednesday.  That's the word from Stu Muck.

The lack of snow, and milder weather Wisconsin's been experiencing - wildlife has had it pretty easy.  Ben Jarboe finds out about the upland bird population hunters look for, and how they're doing with DNR game bird ecologist, Taylor Finger.

Brooke Rollins was confirmed by the Senate Agriculture Committee to continue the approval process toward being USDA's next Secretary.  She made comment during her review that the president is aware of the potential impact tariffs could have on farmers and agribusiness.  Rollins said that they've already discussed previous programs, like market facilitation payments, to help defer the injury caused.

John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, breaks down the latest reaction to the tariff announcements and the new measures that might go into effect against the European Union.

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Can a cooperative be an option for a farm succession plan? In some cases, it can work. It’s one of the areas that the UW Center for Cooperatives is looking into. Kelly Maynard is a cooperative development specialist with the center, which is part of the Division of Extension. In addition to research, outreach, and education, they also help people start new cooperatives. Kelly says while she doesn’t have an example yet of a farm converting to a cooperative, she has a list of several other rural businesses that have seen success with the transition. Learn more: https://uwcc.wisc.edu/   

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This is an exciting time of year as Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) partners with the WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) and WSN (Wisconsin Sports Network).  Dairy farmer, executive board member and WI representative on the National Dairy Board, Gail Klinkner, takes a moment to explain why this partnership is key from a nutritional standpoint, and a "next generation customer" position.

Klinkner begins by explaining the dairy farm that her family operates in Western Wisconsin in the community of Viroqua.  As a mom, Klinkner has 5 active kids - two of which are involved in high school sports themselves!

Klinkner explains that DFW has enjoyed a long standing partnership with WIAA and WSN.  Again in 2025, there will be a major messaging emphasis during State Tournaments!  Wisconsin Dairy farmers not only support these teams, individuals, and communities, but they also share Wisconsin Dairy Farming messages to audiences that may be removed from agriculture. Sustainability, dairy product nutrition, and economic impact are a focus of the outreach.

Appropriately enough, “Chocolate Milk is the official beverage of the WIAA”. Athletes at these state tournaments are provided chocolate milk. Promotion and consumption of chocolate milk and its recovery benefits for athletes and fans are showcased on television, social and in stadiums during these tournaments. 

Klinkner explains the partnership with WisSports.net that extends beyond the courts to the annual "Wisconsin Dairy Athlete of the Month".  This showcase allows dedicated Wisconsin dairy to highlight youth who grow and raise food for their communities.

WisSports.net is the go-to location for high school sports schedules, individual athlete and team statistics, as well as state rankings.  More than 35 million pages are viewed annually at wissports.net, providing a great platform for athletes, coaches, and fans to see positive dairy messaging and support for our local farmers and athletes across the state.

Wisconsin dairy will be recognizing two athletes every month during the campaign.  To find out how you can submit an athlete honoree, go to wissports.net, wisconsindairy.org or WSN social media platforms.

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Tariff developments over the weekend headline the hour.  Wisconsin depends on export sales to Canada, Mexico and China as their 3 big business partners.  Bob Bosold focuses on concentration in agribusiness doing that business with author Austin Frerick.  Frerick was a keynote speaker during the WI Farmers Union state convention. 

A little fog this morning starts our week according to Stu Muck.  Later this week though a mix of precipitation could make travel dicey.

Agriculture is on pins and needles watching some directives from the Trump administration unforld.  One of those, immigrants.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Cody Heller.  Heller is a dairy farmer and partner in Central WI Services.  He also consults with dairies worldwide, so it's important he keeps up to speed on policy.  Heller says he believes that the Trump administration will likely delay enforcement on dairy farmers and instead focus on criminals in the country illegally.  He does advise farms to know their rights though, in case ICE comes to their doors.

Wisconsin has been focused on building international markets for agricultural goods.  Pam Jahnke replays a conversation with Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and chair of the WI Ag Export Council.  Vincent explains the uniqueness of the state's agriculture, the business it attracts, and how they hope those relationships and qualities will continue to allow for transactions.

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