Dairy risk management involves strategies and practices aimed at identifying and mitigating various challenges associated with operating a dairy farm. These challenges include fluctuations in milk prices, changes in input costs, weather impacting crop yield for feed production and regulatory changes, among others. Utilizing effective dairy risk management tools enables dairy producers to navigate uncertainties and protect their bottom line from market volatility.  

Today, we are joined by Tim Patchin, risk management specialist for Land O’Lakes, Inc., who will share insights for those looking to optimize their dairy risk management approach in 2024.  Be sure and check out all the information gathered in one spot on the new Land O'Lakes Finance Risk Management Site!

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Rich Joseph, owner and operator of Hop Garden Brew Pub and member of Wisconsin's Hop Exchange, is excited to see what producers for the top-rated foodie show, "Top Chef" found interesting about their visit to his hopyard last year.  It's likely to be a part of the inaugural broadcast of series 21 of the Bravo network program.

Joseph says the winter weather hasn't caused any disruption in his 2024 hop practices, but he warns that if the hops decide to emerge before Mother Nature's done with frost/freeze events - there could still be challenges ahead.

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Wisconsin's Rep. Mike Gallagher has announced he'll exit his duties in Washington, D.C. earlier than expected.  That further complicates trying to advance any policy - including the Farm Bill.  Pam Jahnke talks to Pete Kappelman, Manitowoc dairy owner and Senior Vice President of Member and Government Relations for Land O'Lakes about where policy stands and what's at risk.

The "Top Chef Effect" is about to sweep across Wisconsin with the airing of season 21 of the show on Bravo network.  The first episode will feature Wisconsin hops!  Rich Joseph from the WI Hop Exchange and owner of Hop Yard Brew Pub in Paoli and Evansville, is planning a watch party.  He explains the process of how the show reached out to him and what he hopes for in the end product.

John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss the mysterious disease outbreak on some Texas dairy operations and what we've learned.  He also focuses on planting data coming to the trade this week, and imported beef keeps coming into the U.S. - but where?

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Mauston School District has been awarded a Farm-to-School Turnkey Edible Garden Grant where they’re working to educate students about where their food comes from and encourage eating healthy local foods. Jacqui Peyer is serving as the farm to school coordinator and says she has had great feedback so far from students and community members about the impact it’s having.

The grant funding supports the employment of a part-time Farm to School Coordinator, who oversees various initiatives within the district. Additionally, a student gardener assists in garden maintenance, and equipment for the greenhouse has been procured to facilitate taste testing activities and enhance educational experiences.

The project's primary goal is to provide hands-on education opportunities for students across all grade levels. By introducing locally grown produce into the school food program, conducting taste tests, and engaging in after-school activities, students are encouraged to explore new foods and learn about healthy eating habits.

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Producers are gearing up for planting season and securing any last-minute seed, fertilizer, and plant protection products. Timing and success, however, is weather permitting. Crop consultant Eric Birschbach joins us. He owns and operates Ag Site Crop Consulting in Dane County serving farms in Dane, Iowa and Lafayette counties. He says you can't predict exactly what's coming your way in terms of weather, but we do know we're faced with a drought. And that should be influencing your field decisions. He recommends terminating cover crops if there's no moisture in the forecast. He recommends getting your soil tested because the warm winter may have limited nutrient availability. And he recommends scouting for insects that are likely to be higher in population this year.

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With the wacky winter and spring weather we’ve experienced, we’ve just about seen everything, including golfers in February. Eric Leonard is the golf course superintendent at TPC Wisconsin on the North side of Madison. They’ll be hosting the American Family PGA Tour beginning in 2025. He says public courses did open up for golfers, but TPC did not. They didn’t want to risk damaging the grass. So while their members may be holding out for opening day, Eric is on the fairway making sure the course is in good condition for the season. Drought has made irrigation a lifeline, he says. The grass came out of the winter okay despite low moisture. He expects insect populations to be up. Grubs are an issue for golf courses, and they attract four-legged pests as well, such as raccoons and skunks. As they battle the elements and the critters, golf courses also follow a nutrient management plan similar to farms to protect the water. Also similar to farming, equipment has become more technologically advanced -- they're not mowing with your average lawn mower.

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How do you prioritize traits like productivity, health or temperament in your breeding program? Whether it's dairy or beef, farmers face critical decisions regarding which traits to prioritize in their breeding endeavors. 

According to Dr. Silvia Abel-Caines, nutritionist for Organic Valley, the first step in any breeding program is a thorough analysis of the genetic makeup of the herd. 

“Identifying areas of improvement, whether it's longevity, milk solid production, or temperament, is crucial. Once the deficiencies are recognized, the selection of traits becomes more focused and purposeful.”

While advancements in genomic tools offer valuable insights into the genetic potential of animals, she advises a cautious approach. Rather than solely relying on new technology, maintaining a good record-keeping system is key. Tracking data on cow performance and health can provide invaluable guidance in decision-making without overwhelming farmers with excessive information.

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Farmers aren't quite ready to head to the fields yet, so there's time to try and make sure you're aware of what's happening (or not) with the Farm Bill.  Remember, the current working framework is actually the 2018 Farm Bill that's been extended until September.

A Republican lawmaker from Florida, Cong. Kat Cammack, told Agriculture of America, "mid-March being our timeline to have draft text presented, a full markup in committee, and then hopefully getting it on the House floor and across to the Senate."  Now, it looks like that may be a lofty goal. 

While farmers from corn to cows depend on critical safety nets within the Farm Bill, Pete Kappelman, Senior Vice President of Member and Government Relations for Land O'Lakes, says individual farmers need to focus their attention now on having conversations with their individual representatives.  Dairy Margin Coverage, Crop Insurance, Foreign Market Access - they all hinge on getting a Farm Bill completed.

If you want to find out more about everything the Farm Bill addresses - click here.

If you need help finding your federal representatives or senators -

click here for senate members.

congressional members are here.
 

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Farmers everywhere are trying to increase the value of their livestock. Bill Halfman, extension beef outreach specialist says the most important way to add value is simple: raise good-quality animals. 

"Putting together a good ration that aligns with the type of cattle and market goals is essential. Whether it's implementing a backgrounding program or transitioning to a finishing ration, producers need to ensure they strike the right balance of energy and roughage to promote optimal growth and minimize the risk of digestive disorders.

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Wisconsin’s farmers strive to be stewards of the land with good management practices and over the past 60 years Jerry Huth of Huth Polled Herefords in Oakfield has established a reputation for outstanding environmental stewardship. He grazes about 270 acres and says he does this because of the benefit it has not only for his cattle but his land.

"We've seen the ability to create better soils and increase our stocking rate on the property through rotational grazing. It's been a natural progression for us over the years.

One unique aspect of this farm is its partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Surrounded by DNR property, the farm entered into a long-term contract to graze adjacent land, facilitated through collaboration with regional DNR managers and grazing specialists. This partnership not only benefits the farm by expanding grazing land but also contributes to the ecological management of public lands.

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