MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

As summer approaches, and people plan road trips, there is a palpable excitement in the air. Sheila Everhart is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. She sits down with Kiley Allan to talk about a tool that helps people find the ideal stops for their road trips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

147,000 people in southwestern Wisconsin struggle with hunger. That's exactly why Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin works with their 300 partner agencies across 16 counties to make sure families, seniors, and children alike have access to enough food to thrive. Chris Tazelaar, along with us, he's the media and public relations manager. He tells Kiley Allan that there's been an increase in people turning to the food banks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weather looks good this holiday weekend - especially if you're planning outdoor activities.  Be careful though!  You're not alone.  Kiley Allan visits with UW-Madison Extension Entomologist, PJ Leisch, about this year's tick population.  Although Wisconsin's weather threw a challenge at the overall insect population, ticks got an early start on activity.  Leisch says his colleagues look like it's a "good year" for ticks - so protection is key.  Protecting from the bottom up is critical.  He says ticks don't fall from the air generally.  They crawl up, so shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves are important.

Today may be the coolest day of the holiday weekend according to Stu Muck.  Warmer temperatures may vault the state easily into the 80's.  There may be a stray shower here or there, but nothing that should stop your outdoor plans.

Amato Advisors just completed a survey of farmers across the U.S. asking their opinion on the direction of policy today.  Michael Amato, the founder, says it became very clear that farmers believe they are not being heard.  Amato says they found that 78 percent of producers across the country believe their biggest challenge are rising input costs.  75% also said they feel that elected official in Washington, D.C. do't understand what it's like to be a farmer right now, and they're not listening.  Pam Jahnke shares the details.

Okay - it's another part of warmer weather.  Mowing the lawn.  Or maybe you're just trying to get that lawn established!  What don't you know that you should?  Ben Jarboe gets his curiousity satisfied by visiting with UW-Madison Extension Turf Grass Specialist, Doug Soldat.  From the soil preparation to the seed you select, you need to think about everything according to Soldat.  Even the cutting blades on your mower can influence the feel of your lawn!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As spring lawn care season ramps up across Wisconsin, homeowners are beginning to mow, fertilize, and battle weeds in hopes of achieving a healthy yard. But according to Doug Soldat, an extension turfgrass specialist with University of Wisconsin–Madison, many people may actually be harming their lawns without realizing it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graduation has happened for many high school, tech college and college students!  Excitement and ambition abound, but what about job opportunities?  Ben Jarboe finds out about different ag related job fields from Tammy Jensen, CEO of AgriCareers, Inc. in Iowa gives an overview of high-demand spots.  She also has a little advice for graudates that might be in an area with a little more competition.

Memorial weekend is shaping up to look dry and warm.  That's the outlook right now from Stu Muck.

Keeping the job opportunity conversation going.  Stephanie Hoff finds out what successes some WI graduates have already found.  Rachel Weyland just graduated from UW-River Falls and is on her way to a job in the genetics field.  Weyland didn't take any opportunity for granted in River Falls.  Hands on learning was key to her finding employment.

6 Wisconsin dairy processors have scored some grant monies from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance.  Pam Jahnke gives a quick rundown on what they do and how they'll use the money.

Matt Tranel from EverAg is keeping an eye on nonfat dry milk powder.  This commodity has surged higher, but apparently it's topped.  What's next.  Tranel is watch the cold storage report for direction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Apple Pest Cooperator Network is a group of apple orchards throughout the state of Wisconsin that monitor insect populations through pheromone traps. Growers who participate in the program record the number of pests found in their trap and send those details to DATCP. From there, folks like entomologist Krista Hamilton record the numbers and publish the counts to their website and Field Notes newsletter. In turn, the numbers collected by the Apple Pest Cooperator Network provides a valuable tool for orchards across the state of Wisconsin. Krista sat down and explained to me exactly how the network works. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The highs and lows of farming aren’t easy, but Danielle Clark of Mayberry Farms says they’re worth it. When Danielle and her husband purchased their Mayville farm in 2017, it had a rich history of opening its gates to the community for a pick your own strawberry experience. With the goal of keeping the farm in production and raising their children in agriculture, the Clarks continued to raise pick-your-own strawberries as well as honeybees, row crops, and an apple orchard. Each year, they cover the strawberries with straw to protect them from the cold temperatures. This spring, when they pulled back the straw the berries didn’t seem quite right.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an Extension Entomologist, PJ Liesch spends a lot of time thinking about ticks. Technically arachnids, ticks are obligate blood feeders. This means they need to take a blood meal so they can go to the next phase of their life cycle. This means that many outdoor enthusiasts often run into them while getting some fresh air. Many people have been saying this is a good year for ticks. So I asked PJ if he's seeing the same.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woods Equipment designs and manufactures tractor equipment. They have things for earth-working, such as backhoes, but their bread and butter are products for mowing grass, brush, roadsides and even shredding crops. And that's exactly why it makes sense for them to celebrate their 80th anniversary by supporting UW-Madison's Turfgrass Association Field Day this coming August. Jillian Love, the Marketing Manager, and Rob Dewey, the Business Segment Director at Woods Equipment, tell Kiley Allan all about the celebration.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is a Wyffels Wednesday and Luke Bird, the District 17 manager, joins Ben Jarboe to talk about what's happening. He says in his area they are around 95% planted and are now looking for some rain. Wyffels is also celebrating it's 80th anniversary and Luke says they have some exciting things coming up.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.