A recent extensive study, conducted collaboratively with over 30 dairy producers during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, unveiled promising results for Pivot Bio's microbial nitrogen. The research demonstrated that replacing synthetic nitrogen with up to 40 pounds per acre of microbial nitrogen significantly enhanced silage tonnage without compromising quality. Results, presented at the Dairy Business Association’s Dairy Strong event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, revealed a 4.2% advantage in tonnage per acre and a reduced rate of nitrogen. The study highlighted a 3.4% rise in milk production as well. The study showcased consistent performance across varied weather conditions, soil types, and corn silage management systems.

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No matter who goes to the Super Bowl, Wisconsin potatoes are always going to be the winner. As we get our menus lined up for the NFL playoff party season, a comforting dish that beats the freezing temps is going to make all the difference. Homegrown spuds fit the bill. 76th Alice in Dairyland Ashley Hagenow joins us in-studio to remind us that Wisconsin potatoes are your game day’s best friend. You can find hundreds of unique and easy Wisconsin potato recipes online at https://eatwisconsinpotatoes.com/.

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After 30 years of service to Wisconsin corn growers, Dr. Joe Lauer, UW-Extension Corn Specialist, has retired.  Pam Jahnke visits with Lauer about how he came to become a part of WI agriculture, and how he believes corn production's changed.

Good turnout for the WI Farmers Union Farm & Rural Lobby Day on Wednesday.  Darren VonRuden, president of WFU, says it takes more than just A conversation to change policy like climate change support programs.  Governor Tony Evers joined the group and said allowing a legal way for immigrant labor to attain a driver's license might help with labor situations.

At DairyStrong in Green Bay, Pam Jahnke talked to Tim Trotter, CEO of Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Cooperative, about data management on the farm.  Trotter says that data can be monetized as more industry partners need it to tell the sustainability story.

Bryce Windecker, broker analyst at EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke live from South Dakota. He says that there's not much improvement noted in today's dairy markets.  We're still waiting on international buyers to capitalize on current low prices.

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In a celebration of agriculture and community, the Walworth County Fair became a hub of creativity and connection this past year, fostering a sense of belonging under the theme "There's No Place Like Home." Eileen Walsh Grzenia, fair secretary explains how their fair theme connected people to agriculture

"The fair theme brought attendees back to their roots, fostering a deep appreciation for agriculture. Visitors explored different barns, connected with exhibitors, and delved into the rich agricultural heritage of Walworth County."

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Farm & Rural Lobby Day was a success, according to Wisconsin Farmers Union. Members braved the cold this week to come to the State Capitol and talk to lawmakers about the policy priorities they established during their annual meeting. President Darin Von Ruden, a dairy farmer out of Westby, says he was happy with the turnout and the excitement in the room. He says lawmakers also look forward to meeting with their farmer constituents, but passing legislation won't be easy. He says funding on-farm efforts to combat climate change can be an especially difficult conversation.

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The state's largest general farm organizations are tagging health care as a primary issue in this legislative session. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is looking to have its own health care plan similar to several other state farm bureaus. And Wisconsin Farmers Union wants to expand BadgerCare by having Wisconsin join the more than 40 other states who have accepted federal Medicaid expansion funds. Gov. Tony Evers shares his thoughts.

In other news, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has seen leadership changes in the past few weeks. Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq will be leaving the Evers Administration effective Feb. 2. And the Wisconsin State Senate fired Commissioner Tyler Huebner. Evers says the transition shouldn't hurt the trajectory of getting Wisconsin connected to broadband.

Finally, the governor says in his travels across Wisconsin, labor needs continue to be a focal point among farmers. He's pushing the Legislature to make it feasible for farm workers to get driver's licenses.

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Insurance. It’s something you may not think about until you have to use it. Insurance for county fairs is a bit different than the insurance you have for your home or life. Andrew Vandepopulier of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance specializes in helping people understand just what their insurance policy really means. Since the pandemic there have been many changes to these policies that fair personnel need to be aware of.

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The warm and dry month of December gave farmers time to empty their manure storage for the winter. However, that doesn't mean you're in the clear through spring. Kevin Erb joins us, a conservation and nutrient management specialist with the Division of Extension. He recommends checking over your storage facility at least once a week to stay ahead of any maintenance issues. He says you don’t want to have to spread manure onto a thick bed of snow and lose those nutrients when it melts off the field.

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Wisconsin banks are signaling caution as we get started in a new year, but these bankers are still a lot more optimistic than they were ahead of 2023. Every six months, the Wisconsin Bankers Association surveys Wisconsin bank CEOs on economic conditions. Last year at this time, three-quarters of the respondents predicted the economy would worsen. Today, that number is less than half. WBA President Rose Oswald Poels says some of the positive economic signs are that inflation and interest rate hikes are slowing. However, the red flags for banks are similar reasons -- inflation and interest rates remain elevated. What should customers know? She explains to Stephanie Hoff that Wisconsin's community banks are financially sound, profitable, and diversified. They also have the liquidity to lend.

It may be hard to think of warm summer days and flashing carnival lights while facing snow and freezing temperatures, but members of the fair community recently gathered in Wisconsin Dells for the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention. Charitee Seebecker visited with Jo Reynolds, International Association of Fairs and Expo chair, about the changing landscape of fairs across the country and globally.

Bang!  That's the way traders reacted to the World Ag Supply/Demand report issued on Friday from USDA - like they were shot!  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend breaks down some of the key elements that hit the market hard on Friday, and continue to impact numbers today. The corn estimates were devastating to the market and Heinberg says there's no real easy or comfortable way for the farmer to react.

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It may be hard to think of warm summer days and flashing carnival lights while facing snow and freezing temperatures, but members of the fair community recently gathered in Wisconsin Dells for the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention.

Jo Reynolds, International Association of Fairs and Expo chair says, "It's challenging to compare pre-COVID times to now, but what we're witnessing is a resurgence in the strength of fairs, with sponsors returning."

Despite challenges like increased food costs and travel constraints for carnivals, the strength of fairs is returning. Visitors are eager to experience the hands-on, in-person joy of fairs after a virtual 2020.

When comparing Wisconsin to fairs in other parts of the world, Reynolds says what stands out most is Wisconsin’s strong agricultural focus.

"Wisconsin, with its emphasis on agriculture education and specialty crops, stands out as an active state. The dedication of leaders like Jamie Buttke has been instrumental in making Wisconsin a standout in the industry."

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