MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

In northwestern Richland County, it lies a seven generation farm. What started as a small dairy has now grown into a maple syrup operation. They tap about 4,000 trees a year and that gets them 1,500 to 2,000 gallons of syrup every year. Connie Allen sat down with me. She's now the seventh generation taking the reins of the farm, but that wasn't always what she thought she would do.

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Will fullwider’s phone has been ringing with more and more questions about Camelina. He tells us that the hardy winter brassica can be planted much later than a lot of other cover crops. The timing can most similarly be compared to that of winter rye. The regional crops educator tells Kiley Allan about the potential benefits

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Bergmann's Greenhouses is a six-generation, family-owned Wisconsin business. Known for its
exceptional plant quality, customer service, and deep community roots, Bergmann's operates year-round. Its long-standing reputation is reflected in local awards, including Best Greenhouse/Nursery and Best Gardener in the Amery area.

Owners Jenny and Ivanna Bergmann were exploring a greenhouse project and requested an assessment to identify potential improvements. They partnered with Focus on Energy to find cost‑effective upgrades, determine rebate eligibility, and create a plan for long-term operational savings.  Once they started, they found that working with Evan Croft, Technical Reviewer with- FOCUS ON ENERGY® made everything simple and seamless.

Croft explains the key projects that the Bergmann's wanted to target, and how working with additional trade partners helped them take the project even further.

Jenny Bergmann says when they sit down and compare the numbers, it's almost shocking how much they're saving.  From the energy driving their furnaces, circulation of air through the building in all seasons, and creating more customer flow - it's been a resounding success.

Ready to start your energy audit?  Maybe you've got a new building on the drawing board?  Getting Focus on Energy involved in those early conversations with your contractors and trade partners can pay big dividends.  Start at Focus on Energy's website or call 800.762.7077.

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Graduation season is here which means college seniors are getting ready for their next step in life. Mia Dauphin is one of these students graduating from UW-Platteville, having majored in Agribusiness and Dairy Science. She shares how her experiences in school, which included a trip to Thailand, have helped set her up for success in her future within agriculture.

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Springtime in Wisconsin means that row crop farmers are getting in the field to start their season and maple syrup producers are ending theirs. Scott Walter sits down with me. He has an eight-generation family farm in northwestern Richland County. He says that the operation started as a small dairy farm and has evolved into something that can support his kids coming back to the farm, a maple syrup operation. He tells Kiley Allan about the family's business. 

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Saturday is the big day for UW-River Falls seniors – it’s graduation! The number one question they’re fielding from family and friends – what are you doing next? Here at the Mid-West Farm Report, we’ve been catching up with soon-to-be grads about their plans and what the job market looks like. Our UW-River Falls student today is turning a passion for livestock into a career of giving back to Wisconsin’s ag industry. Rachel Weyland even has advice for students that will be in her shoes in the coming years. First, she answers Stephanie Hoff's question of what’s next?

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This week we're celebrating all pets and "Pet Week".  The UW-School of Veterinary Medicine touts the phrase 'small but mighty' when it comes to their staff size and the research and innovations developed.  Star Cameron is the clinical assistant professor in veterinary neurology and neuro surgery.  She also recently became the assistant dean for clinical and translational research.  Pam Jahnke listens in as she explains the various types of research they undertake to help all animals.  Cameron says the entire team is driven by their passion for animals.

More ups and downs in the weather this week.  70's today with gusty winds, but back to the mid-50's tomorrow with more rain in the forecast.  Stu Muck gives us the rundown.

The U.S. House has concluded its work on the 2026 Farm Bill and now it's up to the Senate.  Arkansas Senator John Boozeman chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee and says things look different for his committee.  Boozeman specifically cites the filibuster they're working with and how quickly votes can move.  Boozeman says he's working to build consensus with the help of MN Senator Amy Klobuchar.Maria Woldt has been named the next director of the state funded initiative designed to help America's Dairyland maintain its industry.  Woldt will oversee the Dairy Innovation Hub which works with UW-River Falls, UW-Platteville and UW-Madison to integrate staff, research and innovations.

The small community of Ashippun in Dodge County is struggling to maintain its farm land.  Stephanie Hoff finds out The town of Ashippun in Dodge County has successfully approved starting the process to transition to farmland preservation zoning.about measures it's deploying to try to slow down urban development on valuable farm acreage.  Robert Guenter is a dairy farmer and also a member of the Town of Ashippun Planning Commission.  The town of Ashippun in Dodge County has successfully approved starting the process to transition to farmland preservation zoning. The town is facing increasing growth pressures, including recent applications for a private golf course and a solar energy farm. Ashippun's growth is largely driven by its location directly north of the rapidly growing village of Oconomowoc. He says local studies have shown that every dollar collected in taxes on farmland costs the town about 75 cents in services, whereas every dollar collected from development land costs about $1.25 in municipal expenses.

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Wisconsin green thumbs are waking up this spring!  New varities, plenty of questions and a lot of ambition.  Kiley Allan finds out what's happening with Scott Trudell.  He works at the Plant Desk for The Bruce Company.  While  spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are hardy enough to survive fluctuating temperatures, deciduous shrubs (such as lilacs and crab  apples) are more vulnerable. If temperatures drop below the mid-20s, these should be covered with blankets or row covers to prevent damage.  Greenhouse inventory is arriving earlier than usual this year, featuring cold-tolerant flowers like pansies, sweet alyssum, and the increasingly popular hellebores.  There is a growing trend toward vegetable gardening, particularly with new disease-resistant varieties specifically bred for container growing, making gardening accessible for those in apartments or condos. Plants raised in a greenhouse are "soft" and should not be planted immediately. They require a week-long transition period, starting in the shade and gradually moving to direct sun to,  adjust to the wind and temperature changes. Scott notes a rise in backyard greenhouses, ranging from permanent structures to temporary "tent" models, which allow enthusiasts to start their planting season several weeks early.

Frosty start again this morning for Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says the frost/freeze warnings will stick around through Saturday morning at least.  Daytime highs will get back to "normal" temps with a chance of more rain next week.

Despite cool, wet conditions Wisconsin potato growers have been moving.  Ben Jarboe gets an industry update from Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director of WPVGA. Wisconsin potato planting is slightly delayed but not as bad as initially feared. Growers typically begin planting around April 10–15, but this year most started closer to April 20 due to wet conditions. Cold temperatures haven’t been a major issue—excess moisture in the fields has been the primary challenge. Many farms report being about five days behind schedule but expect to catch up quickly. Large operations can plant up to 150 acres per day, helping them stay on track despite delays. Farmers avoid planting in low or waterlogged areas to prevent disease and crop loss. Sandy soils in Central Wisconsin allow fields to dry quickly—often within 24 hours after rain. Northern regions like Antigo, with heavier soils, experience longer drying times and later planting windows, often starting in May. Some northern growers may plant as late as early June depending on weather conditions.  Houlihan reminds consumers that Wisconsin remains a major potato producer, ranking third nationally and leading the country in potato variety diversity.

By a vote of 224-200, the 2026 Farm Bill passed the U.S. House this week.  800 pages long, $390 billion deep with 12 different Titles encompassed.  A Nebraska Congressman believes they'll take up the E-15 fuel conversation beginning in May outside of Farm Bill circles.

In 2025 43% of restaurants said they were unprofitable.  The economic challenges continue in 2026.  Pam Jahnke talks with Susan Quam, executive vice president of the WI Restaurant Association.  She says that restaurants are maneuvering through high beef costs, increased labor expense and climbing energy costs.  Staples like Saturday night prime rib have been impacted by the beef price.  What some guests may also have noticed is the high price of fish!  Quam says the cost for the actual fish in a Friday fish fry have gone up 150% in the last year.  That's forced restaurant owners to think about differenty types of fish for their menu.  She says guest need to understand that menu prices have gone up 20% for operators and the average profit margin is 1-3%.

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Feeding the world is truly a labor of love. Farms take many hours and many hands to make sure food makes it from the field to the table. Bruce Dannenberg is the co-owner of Triple D Farms. He sat down with Kiley Allan to explain how he balances working his own operation as well as custom work. 

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The town of Ashippun in Dodge County was successful in approving the start of the process of switching to farmland preservation zoning. This is after conflicts with an incoming private golf course and solar energy proposals -- an issue that our guest says is becoming more common in rural Wisconsin. Robert Guenther, a local dairy farmer, is a member of Ashippun's planning commission. He tells Stephanie Hoff about what local leaders have been up against and how they're keeping a delicate balance between property rights, strategic growth, and farmland preservation.

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