MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

The sobering statistic from RF-DASH is that people employed in agriculture are 5 times more likely to die on the job than the average US worker. They say non-fatal injuries are also high, and estimate that the total cost of farm injuries and fatalities is $11.31 billion every single year. Jerry Minor is the Chief at the Pittsville Fire Department. He tells us how Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health, otherwise known as the RF-DASH program, aims to give first responders access to information that saves critical time and lives.

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According to Tyler Walker, the sky's the limit when it comes to possibilities of drone utilization in cranberries. He's the manager of Walker Cranberry Company in Cranmoor, Wisconsin. While he used to depend on airplanes and helicopters for all of their insecticide, fungicide, and fertilizer application, he now has transitioned to doing it all by drone. Now in his fifth year of the transition, he says that although there was a learning curve, the cost savings now are evident.

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Representative Maureen McCarville discusses the uncertainty Wisconsin hemp growers have with changing regulations.

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Farmers know a good thing when they see it.  Farmland Preservation Tax Credits may not be a lot - but it's enough to encourage many farms across the state to be part of the program.  Amy Piaget, Land Conservationist for Dane County has seen the numbers climb.  

Piaget says Dane County leads the state with the number of farms enrolled, but that creates a new issue.  Workload!  Piaget says that's why they've recently implemented a fee structure to help offset those administrative costs.

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Navigating health care can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for self-employed workers, farmers, and rural families.

Adam VanSpankeren is the Navigator Program Manager at Covering Wisconsin. He recently shared how free local support helps state residents find affordable health insurance.

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Covering Wisconsin.  The name speaks to the mission of this UW-Madison Extension program that helps Wisconsinites navigate the independent health care system.  Adam VanSpankeren is the Navigator Program Manager.  He explains how their program works to provide no-cost, independent advice for anyone searching for health care options.  He tells Pam Jahnke that every county is different and requires a customized approach.  VanSpankeren will be joining the WI Farmers Union at an event Sunday dialing in on what rural residents and farm families need to know about health care access and affordability in the state.​

Stu Muck doesn't expect much from any rain storm that might roll.  Temperature-wise, conditions are ideal for all the county fairs continuing around the state.

We're probably at least a week away from the beginning of the apple harvest in the state, and growers are ready for you.  Kiley Allan finds out about the dedication orchard owners have for the whole apple experience.   Deirdre Birmingham, Owns & Operates The Cider Farm.  Her orchard is in Mineral Point with a tasting location on the west side of Madison.  Birmingham explains her pursuit of an apple that offered more tannins for her cider.  When she couldn't find the variety she wanted, she created it!

More disappointing numbers on the ProFarmer Crop Tour.  This time from Illinois and Iowa.  Andy Peterson is along for the ride and gives an update.

Consumers seem to be giving dairy a bit of a cold shoulder these days.  Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says that trend has dominated summer buying. Today milk production figures are expected, and given the heat, she expects production numbers to be fairly flat

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The WI State Fair is always about celebration, but this year it really has many components to celebrate.  John Yingling, current chair of the WI State Fair Park Board, will be retiring this October.  That makes this years fair a little bittersweet.  Pam Jahnke talks with Yingling about his beginning with the fair board, and what he's proud of today.  Especially as they stand in front of a freshly remodeled Dairy Building.  The major remodel was funded entirely by state fair park funds.  Something that couldn't have been said when Yingling first joined the board.

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There's some fancy new swag you'll see at the Wisconsin State Fair and many items come courtesy of Dan Elias.  He's been thinking up swell ways to celebrate the fair for years.  He tells Pam Jahnke about this year's unique series that will really make you work for the "unique" collector item

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Her title at the WI State Fair really does express just how much she does, with the help of many, many volunteers.  Meet Jill Albanese is Director of Competitive Exhibits & Park Beautification at the Wisconsin State Fair. She visits with Pam Jahnke about some of the elements you might walk right by at the WI State Fair that have actually been thoughtfully created just for you.

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It's one of the cherries on top of her summer sundae.  Serving as the major ambassador for all fairs, our Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Kaelie Billingsley.  Billingsley has been crisscrossing the state finding the elements that make each county fair special.  At the Wisconsin State Fair, she welcomes everyone to experience all the unique experiences you have only at the WI State Fair.  Billingsley grew up showing multiple types of livestock and animals, and carries that practical appreciation for fairs with her everywhere.

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