In Sauk County, Roger Bindl farms about 300 acres of corn, soybeans, triticale, cover crops and rotationally grazes about 50 head of beef cattle. The owner and operator of RB Farms has been recognized for his conservation efforts. He sat down and told us about some of the practices he has seen success with on his operation. 

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Carla Schultz of the United Soybean Board and Stephanie Hoff explore how American farmers are navigating economic challenges through strategic innovation and collective investment. The discussion highlights the impressive $12.30 return on every checkoff dollar, showcasing breakthrough successes like biodegradable "soy foam" and the rising demand for bio-based consumer products. By bridging the gap between the field and the pharmacy or grocery aisle, research and global marketing are securing the future of the 500,000 soybean farmers across the country.

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There’s a political battle underway over health care subsidies, and it’s leaving rural Wisconsin at a crossroads. Here with some perspective is Ben Nelson, the new executive director of the Cooperative Network. CN is the trade association that supports cooperatives across Wisconsin and Minnesota across all sectors, including agriculture, energy, and rural economic development. Ben has a 20-year career behind him in the economic growth space, most of that time in Wisconsin. He actually grew up on a deer farm, but most recently, he was the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corp. Before Ben and Stephanie Hoff dive into what exactly is going on with the Affordable Care Act, he tells us what drew him to this role at CN. After the conversation, Ben says while the deadline for healthcare.gov may have passed, you can still audit your 2026 options. Consider a Health Savings Account to manage those high deductibles, or run your income numbers carefully to avoid the 'subsidy cliff,' as he calls it. In the meantime, he says the Cooperative Network is working to reopen the Farmers Health Cooperative.

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The crowning of this year's Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs looked a little bit different than the first one that took place 60 years ago. Connie McCallister was the first to wear the crown. She reflects on her experience and compares the program in its beginning to its current competition.

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Navigate the shifting landscape of the 2026 dairy market with expert insights from the perspective of agricultural lending. Trever Athorp, agricultural lender at BankFirst, and Stephanie Hoff explore the vital tools available for price protection, from Dairy Revenue Programs to DMC, and why understanding your cost of production is more critical than ever. Learn how to transition from a reactive mindset to a proactive partnership with your lender and advisors to secure your farm’s future.

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2025 was a year of uncertainty for farmers. Doug Rebout, President of the Wisconsin Soybean Association, sat down to explain the effect tariffs had on his operation. He reflects on the impact of 2025 policy and looks to 2026.

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Have you ever wished you could hire a multi-purpose landscaper? David Fisher is the Vice Chair of the American Lamb Board. He explains that sheep may be the solution. There are a multitude of grazing techniques. David explains what scenarios call for each technique.

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Controlling corn rootworm is not only a technical challenge, it's a financial risk for any agribusiness.  Farmers spend over $1 billion a year battling the insect that has the ability to change with its surroundings.  Research shows that populations can develop resistance to repeated use of the same traits.  That's why Syngenta started developing new technology years ago to try and overcome that resistance.

It's not something that happens easily.  Bruce Battles is the Head of Technical Data at the Syngenta Research Center in Malta, IL.  Battles and his team of research agronomists pour over years of collected data points to find the path forward in science.  Understanding the fundamentals of the insect is critical, but having the depth of science to develop the chemistry is complex.

The Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along is about exploring what new technologies Wisconsin farmers are investigating.  From product to software, AI to engineering - whatever it is, the Mid-West Farm Report wants to investigate.  Do you have a product that's taking Wisconsin farmer in new directions?  Contact Liz Matzke to inquire about a Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along in 2026!

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Autonomous machinery has been in the works for years and is currently being used on dairies and mowers. Brian Luck, an associate professor of Biological Systems Engineering for UW- Madison, says that he expects to see autonomous tractors in the fields in the next 3-5 years. He gives a look into what is currently happening in that space and why the idea of more farmers using them is becoming more real.

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The H2A program has been around for many years helping to make sure farmers have a way to get seasonal labor, but it is a lengthy process to get started. Emily Klingbeil, the Manager of Marketing and Client Relations for Great Lakes Ag Labor, gives a look into how they help farmers navigate the process and updates that have recently taken place to the program. One of the updates is the change in how the workers are paid.

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