MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Tom Miller, one of the original Miltrim Farms in Athens, has focused his attention away from dairy operations to tractor collecting.  Miller says although he may farm with John Deere, he's "colorblind" to brand and is collecting them all.  Miller's collection ranges from 2 cylinder engines to the actual implements that they used to pull.  Miller says he works with local artisans to refresh and refurbish any...

The state budget is complete, but really not finished.  Pam Jahnke finds out how crafting this state budget took a turn when the federal "Big Beautiful Bill" was being crafted at the same time. State Senator Pat Testin is vice chair of the Joint Finance Committee.  He also serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee.  He tells Jahnke that there were conversations or compromise throughout the ...

Wisconsin crop fields have been largely free of major insect outbreaks so far this season, but entomologists warn that could change as heat and moisture levels rise. Krista Hamilton with the DATCP Pest Survey Program says the second half of summer brings a new set of insect threats. Scouting in late July and early August should focus on rootworm beetles, second-generation armyworms, and corn earworm flights. Soybean growers should ...

Dr. Amy Radunz. a stocker cattle producer from Pierce County and Beef Cattle Technical Specialist for Purina. With decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the beef industry, Radunz has made a lasting impact both in and beyond Wisconsin. Her influence spans from state-level leadership to national representation. 

Radunz currently serves as President of the Wisconsin Beef Council and
as Vice President for NCBA&rsq...

There’s a livestock sale next week, but it’s not your typical animals on the auction block. The federal government is hosting its regular wild horse and donkey auction, but this go around, there will be a pick-up location and adoption event here in Wisconsin. The Bureau of Land Management within the U.S. Department of the Interior puts on these Online Corral auctions. The sale starts this week. Winning bidders can pick ...

When it comes to passing the farm down to the next generation, capital gains taxes can pack a punch. Farmland that's appreciated over decades could trigger a hefty tax bill if it's sold or transferred without the right planning. That’s why understanding capital gains is a key part of farm succession. Extension Farm Management Specialist Kelly Wilfert says agriculture welcomed a provision in the federal budget that spreads out...

The death tax, otherwise known as the estate or gift tax, kicks in when assets pass on after death. It can have big implications for family farms or small businesses trying to stay afloat for the next generation. Extension Specialist Kelly Wilfert joins us to break down how the tax works and why agriculture groups have been championing the adjustment Congress made in the new federal budget.

Before the federal budget passed, individ...

Brady Quam, vice president of the Lodi Agricultural Fair, has been involved with the fair since he was just a boy. He followed in his father's footsteps by being involved in the Fair Board. He says the fair is unique for a variety of reasons, mostly because it's free AND it's run entirely by volunteers. A trend he's witnessing is a drop in volunteers. This is challenging as the fair continues to grow. Popular events this year inclu...

Lori Ripp has been the secretary of the Lodi Agricultural Fair since 2013. She highlights popular events this week in the grandstand: rodeo, tractor/truck pull, and demolition derby.  After the fairgrounds built new barns about 10 years ago, they have continued to see an increase in exhibitors and are using additional tents. New this year, they have a goat playground that was brought to life by the Lodi Agricultural Fair inter...

The heritage tractor display at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days offers a nostalgic journey through agricultural innovation. The show is Aug. 5-7 at Clinton Farms in Bear Creek. Committee members Gary and LuAnne Knuth tell Mid-West Farm Report that more than three dozen machines and implements will honor Wisconsin's farming heritage. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike can get up close to these vintage workhorses, each with its own story...

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health has produced a statewide report revealing that fire departments across Wisconsin, especially in rural areas, are facing serious challenges that threaten their ability to respond to emergencies. The report is based on contributions from 418 Fire Chiefs representing 52% of departments statewide. It highlights a growing crisis in staffing, funding, and training that could impact public safety if no...

The Wisconsin cranberry crop is looking pretty good so far in 2025, but constant monitoring is necessary.  Kiley Allan visits with Wisconsin's cranberry extension specialist, Allison Jonjak, about what we don't know about cranberries.

Rain starts sneaking into Wisconsin today.  Stu Muck explains the volumes we can expect and when.

County fair season is in full swing with each offering its own unique history....

The budget is not perfect, but no budget ever is.  That simple statement sums up the bipartisan work that unfolded at the state capitol to craft Wisconsin's budget.

Pam Jahnke talks with State Senator, Pat Testin, about why negotiations were different this time around, and what elements Wisconsin's rural and agricultural circles should be watching.

Testin agrees that there's more work to be done, but also acknowledges and than...

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is Aug. 5-7 at Clinton Farms in Bear Creek. Ruth Trinrud is a dairy farmer near Waupaca. She’s heading up fundraising efforts for this year’s show – the dollars make it possible. Ruth tells Stephanie Hoff that people or businesses are invited to donate money or in-kind equipment, time, and materials. It also takes manpower to run Wisconsin Farm Technology Days – not just during...

It’s National Ice Cream Month! You can make it your mission to try a new ice cream flavor thanks to the partnership between Wisconsin 4-H and Cedar Crest Ice Cream. The Cedar Crest Ice Cream Flavor Creation Contest encourages 4-H groups to work together to develop and name a flavor. You can find the winner at a parlor near you today. Shannon Simon is the marketing manager for Cedar Crest Ice Cream – a Wisconsin-based co...

In the latest episode of our specialty crop series with the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, we visit Blue Ridge Growers in Troy, Wisconsin. Since u-pick blueberries opened July 4, people have been flocking to the farm to pick from over 800 bushes representing six unique varieties of berries. Jill Berke has been hosting people on the farm for decades. This year, she says the crop is coming along great, as is demand from ...

How do you convince a consumer to buy your product if they never come near it in the grocery store.  That was the dilemma facing Lonnie Holthaus of Milkhaus Dairy in Fennimore.  Through investigation inspired by his college son, they found out that their herd was producing A2 protein milk.  A2 protein milk is a product that lactose intolerant people can enjoy without side effects.  Those are the same people...

July is National Ice Cream Month, and while we enjoy those frosty treats, let's remember the hard working dairy farm families that help make it possible.  One of which is Kristen Metcalf, District 25 Director that sits on the board of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  She represents producers in Green, Rock and Walworth county and operates a dairy herself.

Metcalf says that although Wisconsin may be known for its cheese, ice c...