Economic Check-In: Cozy Nook Farm battles dry weather and a 'break even year' for dairy farms

July has been dry and hot, which aren’t ideal conditions for farmers or their cows. This, combined with uncertainty about a future Farm Bill and a 'break-even year' for dairy farmers, 2026 has provided many challenges for America's Dairyland.Tom Oberhaus is the co-operator of Cozy Nook Farm in Waukesha County. Cozy Nook is primarily a dairy farm, and it supplements its business with seasonal pumpkin and Christmas tree sales. Lake Effect’s Sam Woods last talked with Oberhaus at the beginning of the planting season and he checks back in with him now to see how the summer is going.This conversation is part of WUWM's commitment to covering issues our listeners say are top priorities, including the economy. As part of that coverage, we’re exploring how the economy is impacting Wisconsinites with different financial needs and concerns. Previous check-ins have explored the impact of high fuel prices and a 'break-even' economic forecast for dairy, federal aid to farmers and the economics of seasonal pumpkin and Christmas tree sales for a dairy farm.