There's a dust up between the WI Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection and the states livestock marketing yards, dealers and truckers.  The challenge is over proposed increases on fees charged to these agribusinesses for licenses granted and oversight of their activities.  Pam Jahnke finds out about the conflict from Curt Larson, President and CEO of the Equity Livestock Cooperative Sales Association.  Larson says some fees are going up by more than 1600%.  He says this is not only extreme, it's unjustified.  Larson points out that any escalation in fees must be directly passed to the producers who use the services.  He says that because many of the functions of these licenses are about traceability, the expense should be shared by more than just producers.

A warmer weekend is on the way for Wisconsin.  Stu Muck says once the fog burns off, temperatures will easily move into the 80's with just a little rain on the way.

Silage harvest is underway and it's important to make notes on what you're seeing.  Dean Ebert from Helena Agri tells Pam Jahnke that he checks everything from tip fill to leaf disease as the harvest unfolds.  He also notes that they've finally started to see prices for 2026 inputs, but it's going to require a very sharp pencil.  Ebert says planning sooner before later may really benefit growers. Paid for by Helena Agri.

A Monroe area cheesemaker has become an example of what can happen if immigration reform isn't addressed.  John Umhoeffer, executive director of the WI Cheesemakers Association says last month, workers at W&W Dairy went on strike after new ownership required employees to verify their immigration status through E-Verify. John explains that E-Verify is a national program required for dairy plants that make products for the government. But he says the situation is highlighting a larger issue: America’s immigration system and what it means for the future of food production.

Bow season for deer is here and it sparks a lot of excitement among Wisconsin residents as one of the favorite fall past times. Although the season brings joy to many it also creates dangers. Ben Jarboe find out about this years hunt from DNR’s deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl is here to give a look at where deer hunters may have the most luck, but first he gives a look into some safety considerations to make sure everyone has an enjoyable hunt. He also says that we can expect above average antler growth from bucks this year due to the mild winter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A livestock farm turned Christmas tree and maple syrup operation isn’t a story you hear everyday. In the late 90s, Dave Cook transitioned his family’s cattle and hog operation to a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Dave Cook is the Owner and Operator of Cooks’ Woods. He tells us how he began making maple syrup and the success his business has seen from enrollment in the Something Special from Wisconsin program.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association, Tressa Lacy, has a small herd of Red Angus cattle with her husband in Rio, Wisconsin. Recently, she participated in a public hearing held by DATCP about proposed rules that would raise fees on local sale barns by as much as 1,700 percent. She tells us about her experience and concern for cattle producers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainability is something that farmers strive for and has even led to them creating groups with the common goal of keeping the waterways clean and conserving their land. One of these groups is the Yahara Pride Farms. Jeff Endres is the president of the Yahara Pride Farms committee. He shares what their group of 77 farmers are doing to better the environment and how their Cost Share program has allowed them to do this.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent worker strike at a Monroe cheesemaker highlights a larger issue regarding immigration, according to Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer. 

Last month, workers at W&W Dairy went on strike after new ownership required employees to verify their immigration status through E-Verify. Umhoefer explains that E-Verify is a national program required for dairy plants that make products for the government. He says the situation is highlighting a larger issue: America’s immigration system and what it means for the future of food production.

Umhoefer says dairy processing is growing, and therefore, it needs a growing workforce. Part of that answer is a smoother, modernized, year-round work opportunity for foreign labor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the roots to the leaves to the seeds, Wisconsin soybeans are American made. 

And that’s exactly what Wisconsin United Soybean Board (USB) Director Tony Mellenthin was emphasizing that when a Korean trade team visited his farm recently.  Jill Welke talks with him about the sustainability message he shared, as well as the technology piece that's critical in today's farming operation. 

“I hope that their No. 1 takeaway is that they have confidence knowing that when they buy U.S. soybeans, they’re buying not only the highest quality soybeans but the highest quality soybeans that are produced in the most sustainable manner,” said Mellenthin, who farms near Eau Galle. 

A little fog to start the day, but a beauty after that. Stu Muck is optimistic that the heat will return for a pretty nice weekend too.

Dr. Jay Makovec, part owner at Belleville Chiropractic and Wellness Center, grew up on his family's farm in Muscoda. He understands, firsthand, the hard work and dedication farmers pour into their livelihoods. When your body's check engine light comes on and slows down farmwork, he helps get you back on track. Dr. Jay walks Kiley Allan through common pain points farmers experience, when they should seek medical help and what they can expect from treatment. 

Wisconsin Beef Council, in cooperation with Gather Wisconsin, is promoting a new tool to guide consumers to prime rib restaurants around the state.  Pam Jahnke explains the "Prime Rib Trail" mapping guide and how consumers can use it.

Dairy is starting to feel very bearish.  That's the vibe that Ryan Yonkman, vice president of EverAg, is getting these days.  With global production increasing and overall demand not yet appearing - it's sending ripples through the market taking prices lower.  He explains some strategies dairies should keep in mind, and what could yet happen with seasonal demand.  He's a guest with Pam Jahnke.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture plays a part in everything we do. Recently, I was surprised to learn that agriculture even has a role in tattoo art. Graham Cassellius joins us from his 34-acre farm named Cassell Hollow Farm in Vernon County. When he bought the farm more than a decade ago, he inherited about 3,500 hazelnut trees. It took a few years for him to decide that it was time to start making something with those hazelnuts. It took him into a niche market of helping people maintain their fresh ink. But it wasn't easy -- growing a unique specialty crop in Wisconsin comes with challenges. Luckily, he had help from the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative. Now, his valuable hazelnut skin oils will be featured at the Madison Tattoo Festival, September 12-14.

A little rain today depending on where you are in Wisconsin, but the good news - warmer weather's on the way.  Stu Muck explains the outlook in our Compeer Financial ag weather update.

Just before the harvest lies the sweet spot for some farm equipment sales.  Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group explains to Pam Jahnke that sometimes farms want to go into the harvest with a little "insurance" in the form of back-up equipment.  That can make for some robust auction prices.  He explains in this week's Steffes Group update.  Paid for by the Steffes Group.

Markets reflect the near ideal weather the crop's enjoyed and the international challenges some grains are running into.  Wisconsin's crop progress update shows a slight decline in the soybean readings, but the corn harvest has surpassed 10%.  Meanwhile the state's potato growers can pace themselves with the harvest as long as the weather stays cool and dry.  Pam Jahnke updates where numbers stand.

Wisconsin’s wine grape harvest is underway, and at Bailey’s Run Vineyard in New Glarus, manager Aimee Arrigoni is watching the weather closely. She oversees six acres and 3,000 vines. The early Edelweiss has already been picked, but later-ripening reds are still waiting on September warmth. Recent swings between hot and unusually cool temperatures have stalled sugar levels, raising the risk of fruit damage from birds, bees, and disease. Despite the challenges, Arrigoni says yields are strong and quality is high, with promising reds like Marquette and Petite Pearl set for harvest later this month into early October.

Shave them to save them.  The phrase isn’t talking about beards and moustaches in this scenario, but rather a program run by the livestock conservancy to save our sheep. Ben Jarboe visits with Jeanette Baranger, the senior program manager for the livestock conservancy which has been in existence for about 7 years.  She says one element they're promoting is how shaving the animal can actually help save them.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin farmers are facing several key updates in crop insurance and risk management this fall, says USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Patricia Swanson. There's a Sep. 30 deadline looming for fall-planted crops and new provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill. This includes extending the “beginning farmer and rancher” premium discounts from five to 10 years. Producers are also reminded that DATCP offers $5 per acre in premium assistance for cover crops planted outside of other federal programs. On the insurance side, a new Margin Coverage Option will debut this fall. Beginning in 2026, farmers will see an additional 3-5 percent premium support on underlying policies. Despite a season of weather swings, including a cool, wet spring and midsummer tornadoes, claims in Wisconsin have remained low so far.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Quakenboss, Extension Human Development & Relationships Educator, Canning is a great way to preserve food and provide a taste of summer all year long. However, there are some safety precautions to take into consideration. Quakenboss walks us through the importance of using the proper equipment and safe recipes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin’s wine grape harvest is underway, and at Bailey’s Run Vineyard in New Glarus, manager Aimee Arrigoni is watching the weather closely. She oversees six acres and 3,000 vines. The early Edelweiss has already been picked, but later-ripening reds are still waiting on September warmth. Recent swings between hot and unusually cool temperatures have stalled sugar levels, raising the risk of fruit damage from birds, bees, and disease. Despite the challenges, Arrigoni says yields are strong and quality is high, with promising reds like Marquette and Petite Pearl set for harvest later this month into early October.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.