Nestled in the countryside between Oshkosh, Ripon, and Berlin, Petals & Plows is more than just a farm; it’s an experience. Operated by Wade and Haley Kaufman's family, this multi-generational farm comes alive each season with opportunities for visitors to connect with Wisconsin agriculture. The greenhouse bursts with vibrant life in spring, and by autumn, the farm transforms into a destination filled with pumpkins, squash, gourds, and sweet corn. A highlight of the season is their one-of-a-kind FFA-logo corn maze—the only one in Wisconsin—making it the perfect stop for this year’s Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association’s Maze Challenge. Pumpkins take center stage in the fall, with the Kaufmans recommending visits between Sep. 20 and Oct. 17 for peak picking. This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.

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Federal Milk Marketing Orders set the rules for how milk is priced across the country, shaping returns for farmers, processors, and ultimately consumers. A historic update took effect June 1, and now that we’ve been under the revised system for a few months, what has it meant for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers? Mike Brown, vice president for dairy market intelligence at T.C. Jacoby & Company, says early projections showed Class III milk prices could drop by as much as 90 cents per hundredweight, or about 7.5 cents per gallon. Some producers may have seen that, he notes, but many other factors, like processor-producer negotiations, continue to influence milk checks. Regardless, Brown emphasizes the update was necessary. Looking ahead, he questions whether the Class III order will remain relevant given the strength of the cheese market, pointing out that growing demand for cheese and finding more value in whey, a byproduct of cheese, will be key to boosting returns for Class III dairy farmers. He also expects that negotiated contracts heading into the new year will help bring added premiums at the farm gate.

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As we move later in the growing season the weather has been a bit unusual compared to what we have seen in recent years with good amounts of rain. Although this helps soybeans grow, it also allows one of their diseases to grow. That being white mold. Research is ongoing to figure out the best way to deal with this fungus using biological control agents. Damon Smith, a professor in plant pathology, is here to share some information on their study that looks to find the best practices when using the agent commonly known as Contans.

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For many farmers in the state of Wisconsin Custom operators are necessary for their operation whether it be for tilling, manure spreading, or harvest. With the last of that list coming up soon Jeremy Heim a board member for the Wisconsin Custom Operators is here to share what can be expected from custom operators this fall, as well as a look into the current custom operator's world in regard to rates and regulations.

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Fall is approaching and it provides a great opportunity to do many things whether that's hiking, pumpkin picking, or composting. Statewide horticulture specialist Bruce Spangenberg is here to share more about the process of what happens during composting as well as the two main methods one can use to create this highly organic material.

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Harvest is right around the corner and across the state farmers are prepping which for some includes some purchases of machinery. Current trends show a higher demand for used equipment. Matt and Jim Gavin, the owners of Gavin Bros Auctions out of Reedsburg are here to share a deeper look into what trends they are seeing at auctions.

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Warmer temperatures are coming to Wisconsin, and they may bring rain with them. Ag meteorologist Stu Muck gives the details.

Kiley Allan has a conversation with Heather Quackenboss on the safety measures that you should be sure to take while canning your produce. She says that this process what started by Napoleon.

Pam Jahnke talks with Equity Livestock’s president and CEO Curt Larson on what the proposed fee increases from DATCP may look like. He says some increases may surpass 1,000%.

Chad Garteski, a recreational landowner and broker, gives a look at how much you may need to spend to buy good Wisconsin hunting ground.

Market Advisor John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins the show to give some valuable insight on what the grain markets are doing. He says with the next USDA crop report coming out on Friday, that the recent dry weather may bring down those yield estimates. Heinberg also shares some insight on the options farmers have for their crop this fall.

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DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski talks to Farm Director Pam Jahnke about the proposed changes to ATCP 10 and ATCP 12 to increase fees for livestock auction markets, dealers, and truckers. The public comment period starts Sep. 11. The rulemaking process can take up to 2.5 years. Romanski says there hasn't been a fee increase since 2008-2009. The fees bring revenue to support essential services, such as animal health administration, which is currently operating at a deficit.

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The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is proposing changes to ATCP 10 and ATCP 12. These are fee increases for livestock auction markets, dealers, and truckers. Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales CEO Curt Larson comments on the proposed changes with Farm Director Pam Jahnke. He says the only way to collect these fee increases will be to pass them on to the farmers, which he fears will force even more producers out of livestock. In addition, Larson says the proposed fee increases are excessive and well beyond “ordinary and customary,” ranging from 205 percent to 1,700 percent. "The department must realize they cannot make up for the loss of shared funding simply by increasing the user fees," he says.

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Farmers are gearing up for the harvest, and that means it’s go-time for equipment prep. For some, that includes picking up used machinery at auction. Matt and Jim Gavin of Gavin Bros Auctions in Reedsburg tell Ben Jarboe that demand is strong and prices have held steady. More farmers are focusing less on brand loyalty and more on value.

Today's Compeer Financial Ag Weather Update calls for a frost advisory before a warm-up, says Stu Muck.

The apple harvest is rolling along at Sunrise Orchards in Gays Mills. Owner Brent Seiser tells Kiley Allan that while frost can be a challenge in both spring and fall, especially for late-harvested apples, this season is shaping up nicely.

Have what it takes to be a Master Meat Crafter? Applications are open. Also, UW-River Falls students and staff spent some time in Thailand promoting Wisconsin dairy.

You can also be a part of the love for Wisconsin dairy through the Art of Cheese Festival! This features a variety of cheese-themed events, including hands-on workshops, creamery tours, an artisan cheese fair, and cooking demonstrations, alongside culinary excursions and a large-scale cheese ball, Jessica Pralle-Trimner tells Pam Jahnke.

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