Connecting consumers to their food sources is more important than ever. The state legislature recognizes that and, in an effort to support farmers and healthy food for consumers, introduced several bills. State Senator Brad Pfaff spearheaded these initiatives to connect farmers to consumers and open up opportunities for everyone to enjoy Wisconsin made products. Senator Pfaff shares more about what these bills will specifically address and what he hopes they will do in the long run.

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Starting a new farm comes with many challenges and uncertainties. But one key factor to being successful is having solid financial numbers. It’s important to understand your cost of operation, know your inputs, and set realistic yield expectations. By having solid financial numbers and projections, you can make informed decisions that pave the way for your farming success.

Kevin Plante, Senior Agriculture Specialist at the Wisconsin Farm Center, says the first step new farmers should take is establishing a plan of action.

“Utilizing the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting framework can be a valuable tool,” explains Plante. “However, it's essential to approach this as a multi-year transition. Starting small and gradually scaling up is often a more realistic and sustainable approach.”

Plante adds, “For those with questions or seeking guidance on their farming journey, Wisconsin's Farm Center offers assistance. Our team is ready to engage in conversations, understand your needs, and help you chart your path to farming success.”

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To minimize ecological impacts of herbicides on endangered species and their habitats, EPA is proposing an Herbicide Strategy. This strategy aims to minimize erosion and runoff risk of herbicide. It would require on herbicide labels that growers gain 'efficacy points' by implement certain conservation practices. About 1,500 farmers from across the country have come together to tell EPA that their proposed herbicide strategy is a bad idea. Growers argue that the point system is too complex. Farmers were also concerned with the lack of affordable options so that growers could comply with the rules. The American Soybean Association says that for some, the proposed regulations could cost millions of dollars. For others, their location may not allow them to use herbicides at all. Kevin Malchine farms about 2,000 acres in Racine County. He was among the farmers who signed the letter to the EPA saying the framework is not a good idea. He says the blanket approach won't work for everyone, and it could negatively impact both agricultural production and existing conservation efforts.

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He's estimating more than 70% of his corn fields have been harvested.  That's the word from Dave Rolli, Regional Manager for Wyffels Hybrids.

Rolli says that he's been very impressed with yields, despite the dry weather.  He notes that the number one question he's fielding from growers is WHY is the corn performing so well despite the weather.  Rolli shares a few bullet points that his agronomy team have put together.

He also welcomes growers to follow up after the harvest at some Wyffels Post Harvest events coming to southern Wisconsin for face-to-face updates, good food and socializing.

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There's a new facing serving 4-H families across the United States.  Jill Bramble took over as president and CEO of the National 4-H Foundation in October.  Jill Welke finds out more about this multi-generation 4-H supporter and where she sees the challenges and opportunities for the foundation going forward.

While farmers are focused on the harvest, thieves are focused on them!  Craig Kamholz of Green County is a Rural Mutual Insurance agent that's had to fill out those claim forms.  He shares some tips on protecting your equipment and vulnerabilities farms don't always think about.

Dan Bauer, farm center supervisor at the WI Dept. of Ag., Trade and Consumer Protection tells Charitee Seebecker about an updated guide for beginning farmers in Wisconsin.

John Heinberg, broker/analyst with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend recaps the latest harvest data, and weak undercurrent battering commodity prices with Pam Jahnke.  Keep an eye on Argentina and Brazil.

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The Mississippi is just as important as any interstate highway when it comes to transportation.  Bob Bosold visits with LaCrosse Mayor, Mitch Reynolds, about discussion of funneling the valuable water that makes up the Mississippi to areas of the southwest.  Is this possible?  Legal?  The mayor explains what discussions are underway and why farmers and agribusinesses should be monitoring the situation.

Three Wisconsin FFA members are coming back from the National FFA Convention winners.  Congratulations to Ethan Lulich from Mauston on his national proficiency award in landscape management, Brooke Casey from New London with the national proficiency award in veterinary entreprenuership and Cody Hudziak from Weuayawega-Fremont FFA, national proficiency award winner in vegetable production.

Stephanie Hoff visits with Greg Schauf of Country Reflections in Sparta about proposed legislation that could negatively impact wedding barn and event centers across the state. He says pending bills would classify private land as a public space and take away his ability to keep his Century Farm economically viable.
Wisconsin honey producers wrapped up their state convention in Wisconsin Dells over the weekend and Charitee Seebecker was there.  One of their special guests was Allison Hager, an Iowa native currently serving as the American Honey Princess.  She explains the travel behind the position and why she's never done learning about beekeeping.

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Being a new farmer trying to start out can be scary. From the investment, market volatility, land prices, and even trying to live up to what others are doing. There are many organizations working hard to provide support and resources to help new and younger farmers succeed. However, for a young farmer, figuring out where to begin can be stressful. With limited time and resources, the question becomes: Who do I talk to first? To address this issue, Wisconsin's Farm Center partnered with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to create a valuable resource – the Wisconsin Beginning Farmer Resource Guide.

“This resource guide is a blueprint for aspiring farmers, offering a step-by-step approach to building a new farm or agribusiness,” explains Dan Bauer, Program Supervisor at the Wisconsin Farm Center. “It breaks down the journey into several key phases and has a dedicated section to networking to help connect these new farmers with those already in the industry.”

The guide covers the following topics:

• Brainstorming: Start by identifying your business idea. What kind of farm or agribusiness are you passionate about?
• Learning: Dive deep into understanding your chosen field. Education is crucial in any industry, and farming is no exception.
• Planning: Develop a business plan. A solid plan is the foundation for success in farming.
• Funding: Access to capital is essential. Whether it's for equipment purchases, marketing, or other expenses, you'll need financial support.
• Forming: This phase involves getting your legal and administrative affairs in order. You must establish your business as a recognized entity to reap the benefits.
• Operating: Once you have your idea, education, plan, and funding in place, you can officially start operating your business.

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The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat in their care. One of the four finalists, Joe Hovel, is a woodland owner who manages 3,300 acres of land in several Northwoods counties. In addition, he owns County Line Wood Products and serves as President and one of the founders of Partners in Forestry Landowners Cooperative. Hovel speaks about the conservation practices he has been leaning on for over 50 years. 

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Mark Noll describes his farm in the Driftless Region as a slice of heaven. But it didn’t get to be that way overnight. Noll’s Dairy Farm in Buffalo County has worked the land for generations to make sure that the soil stays in place, the oak trees grow tall, and the wildlife have a place to call home. 

The farm is one of four finalists selected for the 2023 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat in their care.

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Bees. Without them we wouldn’t have the over 125 crops we like to consume here in the U.S. Allison Hager is the 2023 American Honey Princess and has spent her year traveling the nation to help educate others about the importance of these busy bees. She says her passion for the industry started at the young age of 13.

As we head into the winter months, beekeepers are stocking up on food for the bees as a bee colony in Wisconsin needs a minimum of 60 pounds of extra food in order to survive. 

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