It's been a clear message from dairy end users, they care about how dairy farmers tend their livestock and take care of the environment.  They want details on what and how practices are impacting the environment.  Through a partnership with the Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program, in field research is turning into valuable assets in sharing that story with processors and consumers vital to the future of Wisconsin dairy.

Amber Radatz, Agricultural Water Quality Program Manager, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension for Discovery Farms visits with Pam Jahnke about the 20 year history of work spearheaded by on farm research.  She also explains what projects are underway now, crisscrossing the state focused on nutrient management, minimizing soil loss, and now - capturing nitrogen.

Radatz says the partnership with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a great example of checkoff dollars being invested in enabling Wisconsin's dairy farmers and dairy industry to maintain strong presence with processors and consumers requiring documentation of sustainable farming practices.

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The Public Service Commission (PSC) received 74 applications to expand broadband access. This has been ongoing with grants being provided each year. PSC Chairperson, Rebecca Valcq, explains how the effort to provide broadband services in rural areas is going and why it is so important.

“We have been doing this now since 2019 and have awarded nearly $340 million in funding for projects to bring expanded or improved service to more than 390,000 Wisconsin homes and businesses.,” says Valcq. “A predominant portion of those locations are  in our rural areas.”

Wisconsin has a number of challenging areas to serve. From cranberry bogs and dense forests to steep granite that’s hard to traverse. The PSC has $14 million available currently under the state broadband grant program. Governor Tony Evers announced another round of broadband expansion grant dollars and proposed a $750 million investment into the state broadband expansion grant program. The Governor's budget also includes a digital equity portion as it's not just about access to the infrastructure itself, but also about affordable Internet service and adoption. 

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There's a think tank in Minnesota that's focused on helping the public understand the investment and costs behind some of the new energy platforms they're seeing like wind turbines and solar energy panels. Isaac Orr is part of the Center of the American Experiment Conservative Think Tank, and talks to Jill Welke about it.

Farmer led watershed groups are popping up all over Wisconsin, but what are they accomplishing?  Kim Meyer is the Watershed Programs Coordinator/Agronomist with Madison's Metropolitan Sewerage District and works with the Yahara Pride Farms watershed group - one of the oldest in the state.  She talks with Pam Jahnke about the amazing results this farmer-led group has seen through conservation and cover crops in reducing phosphorus in waterways and keeping it on the ground.

John Heinberg, Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing speaks with Pam Jahnke about how cattle prices continue to climb.  Weather in South America is still an issue, and conflict in Russia/Ukraine is continuing to roil the wheat market.

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The Midwest Horse Fair is just around the corner with a new executive director at the reins!  Teri Giannetti says everything's falling in place for another memorable event.  She updates us with Pam Jahnke.

Things like wind turbines and solar energy fields have gotten the attention of a lot of rural communities in Wisconsin.  While they may be controversial, they're also generating a new job field.  Charitee Seebecker talks to Amy Seeboth-Wilson, Grants Director at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, about where the jobs are.

It looks like the frenzied activity of a bee hive can actually have a calming effect on veterans. Stephanie Hoff talks to U.S. Army Veteran Adam Ingrao about the project that partners the two. 

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Scheduled for March 15-16, 2023, at the Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., the conference will feature nearly 60 keynote, break-out, hands-on and other sessions. Additionally, the Nexus® stage will feature the newest dairy innovations and the Preview Stage will highlight ongoing dairy-related university research.

The world’s political and economic landscape is evolving more quickly than ever and every change has implications for agricultural markets and dairy producers. Keynote sessions at the 2023 Business Conference presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) will further explore the geopolitical and economic forces at work around the globe and provide insights to help today’s dairy producers navigate the uncertain times ahead. Hands-On Hub sessions will introduce attendees to new technologies and tools to improve critical management practices.

Shelly O’Leary, Communication and Outreach Specialist for PDPW shares how the conference will prepare producers for 2023 and shape the future of the industry.

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Do you get anxious about starting your spring yardwork or starting your garden seeds every time the temps get above 40? Mid-West Farm Report's Stephanie Hoff feels the same way. Dane County Extension Horticulture Educator Lisa Johnson says you've got to be patient. But if you are thinking about starting your seeds indoors, she's got a list of best practices to make sure your garden thrives this year. Johnson will also be teaching a variety of classes in the office's new greenhouse. Get more info: https://dane.extension.wisc.edu/

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The folks you rely on to tell you if there’s going to be a snow day at school in the winter or flooding in your area in the summer… actually get a lot of key information from you. The National Weather Service relies on volunteer weather observers to provide real time weather data. That data helps meteorologists make more accurate predictions about potential risks. Tim Halbach is the warning coordination meteorologist for NWS-Milwaukee. He says they’ve got a lot of technology to help them make forecasts, but nothing compares to what real people on the ground are seeing. NWS and Mid-West Farm Report are encouraging you to sign up! Just visit CoCoRaHs.org or wisconsinweatherwatchers.org, whichever is easier to remember -- they go to the same place.

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Teri Gianneti is smiling from ear to ear at the opportunity to lead the team behind the Midwest Horse Fair!  That grand event that draws thousands from across the Midwest is ready to go April 14-16 at the Alliant Energy Center grounds in Madison.

Pam Jahnke sits down with Gianneti to find out a little bit more about her background, and what she's excited about for the upcoming show!

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With agricultural energy expenditures climbing, farmers need to decrease expenses without sacrificing production. FOCUS ON ENERGY® can help with financial incentives to offset the installation of energy- efficient equipment.

Today we are going to talk about the following:

• Irrigation
• Pump Assessment Offering and VSD
• Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on Ventilation
• Grain

Irrigation Systems

Increase the efficiency of your irrigation system by using energy-efficient equipment or modifications to reduce unnecessary water use:

• Pump Motor Horsepower Reduction - $65/HP
• VFD, Irrigation Well Pump (≥500 Annual Operating Hour) - $30 - $50/HP.

Pump Assessment Offering and VSD Bonus

Are you struggling with an inefficient pumping system? Focus on Energy is offering a comprehensive assessment to identify performance issues and provide opportunities for improvement:

• $500/pump assessed, up to 100% of the assessment
• Qualifying motors must be:
  • 40 HP or
  • Operate a minimum of 500 hours per

Focus on Energy is offering customers who complete a pump assessment a bonus for installing a VSD on their pump system:

• 50% bonus, up to $2,000.
• Total incentive, including the bonus, may not exceed the equipment
• Projects must be completed within six months of the assessment (no later than December 31, 2023).

Schedule your pump assessment with a Focus on Energy Trade Ally and uncover the potential energy savings.

Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on Ventilation Equipment

Variable frequency drives should be installed at the same time as fans to reduce overall labor costs, ensure the design of the ventilation system is optimized prior to installation, and guarantee controls for the fans are compatible and integrated with other systems.

Customers can receive the following incentives:

• Ventilation/Exhaust Fan, Dairy and Other (non-dairy), ≥ 48” with Variable Speed –$250/fan.

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The fervor over growing and processing hemp in Wisconsin has waned a bit in the past few years.  Stephanie Hoff visits with Phil Alberti and discusses why enthusiasm for the crop has slipped.

Although the search for our next Alice in Dairyland is underway, current "Alice" Taylor Schaefer is busy beating the drum for March Madness sports and celebrating teams and gatherings with cheese - Wisconsin artisan cheese!  She visits with Charitee Seebecker about different recipes that can keep the fun going.

Speaking of flavors, the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Flavor Creation Contest has concluded with 4-H clubs across the state submitting recipes for consideration.  In the end, Pilsen Skylighters 4-H in Kewaunee County created  "Cow Lick"!  What's Cow Lick and when can you get it?  Stephanie Hoff talks with Cedar Crest Marketing Manager Jennifer Flierl about plans for the flavor later this year. 

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