MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

A business built on seven generations of hard work, resilience, and Wisconsin agriculture celebrates its 10-year anniversary of an initiative to fuel and produce local products to its community. Jenna Broege is the Sales and Marketing Specialist at Jones Market. She joins Kiley Allan with the history of the parent company, Jones Dairy Farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sobering statistic from RF-DASH is that people employed in agriculture are 5 times more likely to die on the job than the average US worker. They say non-fatal injuries are also high, and estimate that the total cost of farm injuries and fatalities is $11.31 billion every single year. Jerry Minor is the Chief at the Pittsville Fire Department. He tells us how Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health, otherwise known as the RF-DASH program, aims to give first responders access to information that saves critical time and lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Tyler Walker, the sky's the limit when it comes to possibilities of drone utilization in cranberries. He's the manager of Walker Cranberry Company in Cranmoor, Wisconsin. While he used to depend on airplanes and helicopters for all of their insecticide, fungicide, and fertilizer application, he now has transitioned to doing it all by drone. Now in his fifth year of the transition, he says that although there was a learning curve, the cost savings now are evident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Representative Maureen McCarville discusses the uncertainty Wisconsin hemp growers have with changing regulations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers know a good thing when they see it.  Farmland Preservation Tax Credits may not be a lot - but it's enough to encourage many farms across the state to be part of the program.  Amy Piaget, Land Conservationist for Dane County has seen the numbers climb.  Piaget says Dane County leads the state with the number of farms enrolled, but that creates a new issue.  Workload!  Piaget says that's why they've recently implemented a fee structure to help offset those administrative costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating health care can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for self-employed workers, farmers, and rural families. Adam VanSpankeren is the Navigator Program Manager at Covering Wisconsin. He recently shared how free local support helps state residents find affordable health insurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covering Wisconsin.  The name speaks to the mission of this UW-Madison Extension program that helps Wisconsinites navigate the independent health care system.  Adam VanSpankeren is the Navigator Program Manager.  He explains how their program works to provide no-cost, independent advice for anyone searching for health care options.  He tells Pam Jahnke that every county is different and requires a customized approach.  VanSpankeren will be joining the WI Farmers Union at an event Sunday dialing in on what rural residents and farm families need to know about health care access and affordability in the state.​ Stu Muck doesn't expect much from any rain storm that might roll.  Temperature-wise, conditions are ideal for all the county fairs continuing around the state. We're probably at least a week away from the beginning of the apple harvest in the state, and growers are ready for you.  Kiley Allan finds out about the dedication orchard owners have for the whole apple experience.   Deirdre Birmingham, Owns & Operates The Cider Farm.  Her orchard is in Mineral Point with a tasting location on the west side of Madison.  Birmingham explains her pursuit of an apple that offered more tannins for her cider.  When she couldn't find the variety she wanted, she created it! More disappointing numbers on the ProFarmer Crop Tour.  This time from Illinois and Iowa.  Andy Peterson is along for the ride and gives an update. Consumers seem to be giving dairy a bit of a cold shoulder these days.  Jenny Wackershauser, dairy analyst with EverAg in Platteville, says that trend has dominated summer buying. Today milk production figures are expected, and given the heat, she expects production numbers to be fairly flatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WI State Fair is always about celebration, but this year it really has many components to celebrate.  John Yingling, current chair of the WI State Fair Park Board, will be retiring this October.  That makes this years fair a little bittersweet.  Pam Jahnke talks with Yingling about his beginning with the fair board, and what he's proud of today.  Especially as they stand in front of a freshly remodeled Dairy Building.  The major remodel was funded entirely by state fair park funds.  Something that couldn't have been said when Yingling first joined the board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's some fancy new swag you'll see at the Wisconsin State Fair and many items come courtesy of Dan Elias.  He's been thinking up swell ways to celebrate the fair for years.  He tells Pam Jahnke about this year's unique series that will really make you work for the "unique" collector itemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Her title at the WI State Fair really does express just how much she does, with the help of many, many volunteers.  Meet Jill Albanese is Director of Competitive Exhibits & Park Beautification at the Wisconsin State Fair. She visits with Pam Jahnke about some of the elements you might walk right by at the WI State Fair that have actually been thoughtfully created just for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of the cherries on top of her summer sundae.  Serving as the major ambassador for all fairs, our Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Kaelie Billingsley.  Billingsley has been crisscrossing the state finding the elements that make each county fair special.  At the Wisconsin State Fair, she welcomes everyone to experience all the unique experiences you have only at the WI State Fair.  Billingsley grew up showing multiple types of livestock and animals, and carries that practical appreciation for fairs with her everywhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wisconsin State Fair can definitely steal the show for its 10 days of education, entertainment and food.  Remember though, Wisconsin is home to many district and county fairs that also invite visitors in.  Jayme Butke, executive secretary of the WI Fair Association visits with Pam Jahnke about the economic value that fairs bring to communities.  Fairs are also sharing the message of the other "values" they bring to communities through civic grounds and youth organizations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Byproducts from biofuels were a big topic of conversation at the recent U.S. Grains & Bio Products Council in Milwaukee.  Jill Welke found out about the value those byproducts hold for farmers on the global scene - if we can get access to the markets.  Andrew Brandt, Dir. of Trade Policy for the groups said agriculture's getting more attention then usual on the trade front. Anywhere from a 1/2 inch of rain to just over an inch overnight.  Stu Muck chimes in with the rest of our rainfall reporters on what they received overnight.  The Sauk Prairie area was reporting a little wind damage overnight from the passing storms. Hopefully the weather will be beautiful for this weekend's 63rd annual Badger Steam & Gas Engine club show outside of Baraboo.  Teri Barr learns that this show is about more than just old iron.  It's about story-telling, living history, and sharing memories.  Judy Clark- Mente, a club member, explains why there are so many people dedicated to the success of the annual event. Disappointing numbers seemed to be the only thing consistent on the first full day of the Pro-Farmer Crop Tour.  Farm broadcaster Andy Peterson gets yield trends from both the east and west legs of the tour. It's no secret that beef cattle numbers are still historically low around the U.S.  That's forcing some tough conversations for the WI Beef Council and where it will invest its limited checkoff dollars.  Pam Jahnke gets the scope of programs looking for funding from Curt Larson, president of the WI Beef Council.  Larson is also President and CEO of the Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association.  He says the collaboration that occurs state-to-state and nationally to maximize the limited funds is amazing.  He explains how the process is currently unfolding.  Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock on behalf of the WI Beef Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USDA requires retailers to meet certain criteria when it comes to the food they stock, as it relates to the SNAP program. Kiley Allan sat down with Mike Semmann, he's the President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. He explains a rule that was published on May 8th, and while it was effective starting May 7th, the mandatory compliance date is in November. This is because the stocking process for stores often takes a long time to shift and move. He dives into the specifics a little bit more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthy soil and clean water go hand in hand, and the folks at the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance know that farmers are a critical part of the water quality solution. They work with producers across the basin to implement practices that are good for both their farm and improve water quality. Tim Burns, the Agricultural Conservation Coordinator, joins Kiley Allan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural Wisconsin needs more attorneys. Pam Jahnke sits down with Farm Law Outreach Specialist, Kelly Wilfert to dive into the issue. Some thunderstorms rolled through Wisconsin early this morning. Stu Muck tells us if we can expect more to round out the week. Century and Sesquincentennial Farms have stood the test of time in Wisconsin. At the Mid-West Farm Report, we are honored to have the opportunity to hear the legacy of the families who have built, and are continuing to build, Wisconsin agriculture. Farm Director Pam Jahnke hears the Vogt family's story of their 150 year old farm.There are some "musts" when you go to the Wisconsin State Fair.  It's likely the Milk House makes your list. Teri Barr stopped in for a refreshing glass of their flavored milk! Pam Jahnke sits down with Revolution Sustainable Solutions to talk about the history of the company, or, as she likes to call it, "the evolution of revolution." Paid for by RevolutionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It isn't easy, but Judy Clark-Mente keeps the show's daily tractor parade moving along every year! Teri Barr talks with the longtime volunteer, advertising coordinator, and club member to learn why she is one of many volunteers helping bring one of Wisconsin’s longtime celebrations of antique tractors, engines, and farm history to life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Fair, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation unveiled an exclusive, limited-edition Wisconsin State Fair 175th Anniversary Cabin Strength Bourbon produced in partnership with Central Standard Craft Distillery.  Only 75 bottles were made available to celebrate the milestone.  Pam Jahnke finds out more about what the foundation does to benefit experiences at State Fair Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes, the farm animals steal the show at the Wisconsin State Fair, but when you're done there - it's time for a treat.  Those treats may come from Nick Marking.  Marking has been a staple of creative food and drink at the fair for years.  You may recognize some of his successes at  Badger Bites and Buzzy Badger. This year Marking introduces Pam Jahnke to some of his award-winning specialty "dirty sodas,".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharing stories of farm families at the Century/Sesquicentennial Farm Celebration is a natural fit at the WI State Fair.  Sharing stories about Wisconsin agriculture is an equal fit for Wisconsin's Alice in Dairyland, Anastasia Poole.  She tells Pam Jahnke about the tasks she's undertaking every day at the big event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin classrooms may have guinea pigs, hamsters or even geckos as classroom pets. But through a free educational program, students can welcome a much larger pet to the classroom: a dairy cow. Wisconsin dairy farmer and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board member Tasha Schleis and her family have been participating in the Adopt a Cow program for three years now. She says it's something they really enjoy doing. Learn more: https://www.discoverdairy.com/adopt-a-cow/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of the state's ambulance services struggle with around-the-clock staffing.  Response times in remote areas can exceed 30 minutes, and over 78% of rural agencies rely heavily on mutual aid because local crews are unavailable or depleted.  This is the life of everyday emergency responders like Holly Ellickson.  Elllickson is the chief of the EMS for Cross Plains.  While considered a suburb of Madison, Ellickson still ends up responding to farm accidents.  In an effort to prepare for the fall harvest and potential farm calls, Ellickson is training her staff on how to respond.  She says things have changed in the last 20 years.  Now her volunteers seldom have had any exposure to a working farm.  That means she needs to train them on how to protect themselves from farm dangers, while they respond to injured people on that farm.  Pam Jahnke learns more.Dry today but more showers are in the forecast.  Stu Muck says while temperatures may seem cooler for August, there is heat that will be rebuilding.The 33rd Pro Farmer Crop Tour launches today.  Andy Peterson visits with Chip Flory, one of the agronomist' that will be hitting the trail to find out what the farm fields hold.  Flory says that he expects it could be difficult to see differences between non-irrigated and irrigated fields in some regions.Ethan Fitzgerald from Holman is one of the inaugural recipients in the Youth Impact Grant program.  It launched at the WI State Fair's Governor's Blue Ribbon Livestock auction.  Fitzgerald tells Pam Jahnke that the $1,500 helped him expand his farming operation.  As a first generation farmer, he says any help is welcome.  He's getting plenty too.  Fitzgerald says that other farmers, university staff and breed organizations have all reached out to help him advance his farming operation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI isn't something you imagine banks are paying attention to - but they are!  Bob Bosold finds out why from Lyn Paulson from Bell Bank explains why they see artificial intelligence as a tool, not always a solution.  Paulson says it does require investment and that's why banks are monitoring the appetite for technology. Weather stays calm today with a chance of rain creeping across the state.  Stu Muck gives us the moving patterns.It's all about who shows up.  Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group says that with online auctions, your audience grows exponentially.  He cites an example of a tractor sold to a WI operator.  Price was around $200,000 which was directly dictated by the open interest of others online.  Paid for by the Steffes Group.Congratulations to all the award winners from the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction at the WI State Fair.  Josh Hennings from Hennings Cheese in Kiel was named the Grand Master Cheesemaker!Markets reacted to a less than rosy picture of what crops look like from day one of the ProFarmer Crop Tour.  John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing is monitoring those reports.  He says the market reacted immediately to news that yields were down compared to year-ago figures.  Heinberg says it's not just about the actual numbers, but instead the trends that are being revealed.  He also said the market is still very volatile after Tyson Foods announced a major plant closing in Illinois that will fragment cattle movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School bells are about to ring and just like students, teachers are getting ready.  Now, there's a way for parents and supporters of those agriculture teachers to get them started on the right foot!   Teri Barr visit with Pamela Stuttgen.  She wants to be sure her daughter walks into the classroom this fall, and finds a back-to-school gift box waiting for her there. The Colby, Wisconsin woman believes it’s a simple way to show — someone has noticed the work agriculture teachers across the state, do every day.  For the past three years, Stuttgen has sent this surprise to her daughter, Jessica. She’s an ag teacher in the Athens School District. But this year, Stuttgen decided to send a second box, celebrating another agriculture educator in the state. “Ag teachers play a very important role in our school system,” she said. “However, they are so underappreciated.” And this gift has become more than a box filled with supplies and surprises. It’s now a wonderful way to recognize teachers who spend countless hours helping students discover opportunities within the agriculture industry.  The last weekend of the Wisconsin State Fair will work with moderate temperatures and some rain.  Stu Muck says that pattern won't change until at least next week. Harvest may not have started, but farmers are getting a pretty good idea of what their crop will yield.  Pam Jahnke visits with Dr. Shawn Conely, UW-Extension Soybean Specialist about the 2026 WI Soybean Yield Contest.  Conley says the opportunity not only puts prize money in producers pockets, it also generates real-world information that can help Conley and his research team.  Paid for by WI Soybean Marketing Board. The Wisconsin Products building at State Fair Park features everything you'd like to enjoy from the state's farmers.  Kiley Allan takes a little time to find out how the cranberry growers are doing.   Holly Herline, Communications Director with Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association says the season looks good. Friendships forged at fairs, through 4-H.  There's stories all around with that nucleus as its start.  Pam Jahnke visits with a group of 6 Sheboygan County 4-H youth that bonded over their mutual love of poultry.  Katherine Arbuckle and Lyla How are two of the members.  While this group was exhibiting for different 4-H clubs, their mutual interest in poultry ultimately brought them together.  Once they showed side-by-side, they found out they also all played music!  That led to the beginning of "What's Up:  Chicken Butt Band".  The troup of poultry appreciators perform at different events all around Sheboygan County and also performed at the WI State Fair.  The passion these kids have for poultry has also ignited a new event at the Sheboygan County Fair through a new costume contest!  Lyla How tells Pam Jahnke that the best birds for the dress-up event are the "fluffy ones" - because they don't move around so much.  And now you know.  What's Up:  Chicken Butt Band does have its own social media page if you'd like to follow these 4-Her's friendships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin's voice is being heard on the national scene regarding use of beef checkoff dollars. Curt Larson, President & CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock also is serving as president of the WI Beef Council.  Larson explains to Pam Jahnke that discussion is currently ongoing about channels where beef producers checkoff dollars will be spent. Larson acknowledges that the entire industry is trying to do more with less.  Fewer cattle mean fewer investment dollars available overall.  That makes producer voices all the more important in the decision making process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Dairy Shrine is preserving agriculture stories from the past -- for the future. Teri Barr talks with Mike Opperman, executive director of the Dairy Shrine and Museum, to learn why everything from antique butter-making machines to a Dairy Hall of Fame, are so important.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most important steps when it comes to maximizing the yield you're getting out of this year's crop is to know what you're up against. Dr. Emily Bick sat down with Kiley Allan. She's Extension Specialist of Insects for Field and Forage Crops. She tells us what we're seeing in the fields right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The preservation of habitat is extremely important for Wisconsin wildlife. Nate Fore sat down with me. He's a Wetland Easement Biologist with Pheasants Forever. He tells me that they're primarily concerned with grasslands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leo Berger and Victor Cruz from Milwaukee keep coming back to the Flower Crew. What they describe as a 'fun summer job' is a crew of approximately 30 people that keep the fairgrounds beautiful and inviting!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know the difference between a bison and a buffalo? Learn more about the bison industry with the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association and Chef Andy Tenaglia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cranberries are a robust industry in Wisconsin! The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association are encouraging State Fair attendees to use all of their senses to learn about cranberries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volunteers at the Wisconsin State Fair's Milk House are serving up flavored milk! Teri Barr talks with Tami Garrison, the lead volunteer for a group of co-workers from Generac. She explains why sharing glasses of milk is a fair tradition, and how it also helps support Wisconsin agriculture.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This farm's legacy traces all the way back to Norway, where an ancestor emigrated from before arriving in Wisconsin in 1861. He officially purchased the farmland a few years later, in 1864, and built the operation from scratch on sandy and clay soil, eventually constructing nine outbuildings on the property. One of those original structures, a tobacco shed, is still standing today. The family also has a proud history of supporting the country's war efforts, from raising donkeys for the World War I effort to Pete's father serving in the Pacific for two years during World War II. Today, the farm is represented by siblings Susan and Pete Redinger. Their family moved to Wisconsin from New York in 1953, and officially purchased the farm in 1957 from Oscar Ryerson, their mother's uncle. Susan even took on the daunting task of filling out the 87-page deed and paperwork required to get the farm officially recognized. Now, Susan lives in Arkansas and Pete lives in Texas, but despite living out of state, the siblings return each spring, summer, or fall to keep up with maintenance, including painting the buildings and updating an old chicken coop. While visiting, they stay in the original farmhouse, which they humorously describe as "two steps up from camping." Now retired, Pete is heavily focused on maintaining the buildings and keeping the farm entirely out of debt, and both siblings have already made plans to ensure the farm is safely passed down to the next generation. You can catch more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five generations. One farm. Over 150 years of history. The Vogt family's story starts in 1862, when they left Bickenried, Germany, for a new life in America. The Civil War delayed their journey up the Mississippi, but by 1870 they'd built the farmhouse that still stands today in the tri-state corner of Southwest Wisconsin, where Al Vogt still resides. The farm has weathered a lot over the years, from losing 60 acres to the construction of Lock and Dam 11, to shifting from dairy to beef and hogs in 1955. Today, Al's son Louis runs the operation with about 40 head of beef cattle, plus hogs, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. And the next generation is already pitching in. Louis's kids, Colin, Eleanor, and Eric, are out cleaning pens and hauling hay, carrying forward a legacy that started with one family's leap of faith across an ocean. You can catch more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The original 80-acre dairy farm was purchased by Jane's maternal grandparents after they relocated from another farm just a mile down the road. Jane's father moved to the farm when he was only four years old, and he eventually took over, growing the property to its current 120 acres and milking a herd of about 30 cows. The family even came together to rebuild the main farmhouse after a devastating fire the year before Jane was born. Today, the farm remains proudly in the family, with a solid plan in place for Jane's children, and eventually her grandchildren, to take the reins next. If you're a neighbor in Fond du Lac County, be sure to give the Schied family a huge congratulations on this milestone! You can catch more Century and Sesquicentennial farm stories by visiting MidwestFarmReport.com, brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer and custom operator John Eron joins Midwest Farm Report's Larry Lee to discuss what he's doing differently when fertilizing corn, how the corn is doing so far, and how well-tuned older equipment is helping him succeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is America's Dairyland, so it's only fitting that it's showcased in a big way at the Wisconsin State Fair. Ann Schulz, Coordinator for the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board, tells us about the many ways you can experience dairy at the fair!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrie Goss, Steak Trailer Manager for the Cattlemen’s, says they have the best ribeye steak sandwich on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. While she is proud of the product they produce, Carrie also proud of the role each person in her family plays to make it happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education takes center-stage at the Wisconsin Goat Products booth. Amanda Fischer is the main organizer of the booth. She explains that there's more to goats than what people traditionally see on the internet. She invites everyone to come experience the many products produced by the Wisconsin goat industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curt Kluth, one of the partners at Saz’s Hospitality Group, describes the new Leinenkugel's Cream Puff Ale as "Wisconsin in a glass." In celebration of the Wisconsin State Fair's 175th Anniversary, fairgoers can taste this treat for themselves while supplies last.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pork is a great place to get your protein, and the flavor profile is unlimited! Keri Retallick, Executive Vice President with Wisconsin Pork Association, says they'll serve at least 30,000 sandwiches at this year's Wisconsin State Fair. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new crop insurance product out that America's Dairyland producers might want to consider.  Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance explains the high value of alfalfa as a stand-alone crop to the nation's farmers.  Yet, despite that value, the crop rates very low on engagement with current crop insurance products.  That's hopefully changing with a new insurance product that allows farmers to protect against not only volume loss, but market value loss.  Nelson explains that there's a special webinar explaining the options tomorrow. Foggy start to a Monday morning with some rain on the way for the WI State Fair.  Stu Muck paints the picture. It's the time of the year when classic tractor collectors feel comfortable bringing their treasure pieces out of storage.  Larry Lee caught up with some old iron enthusiasts at the Rudolph Classic Tractor Show.  They explain why the passion for the tractors and the stories they represent remains strong. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has multiple engagement locations around the WI State Fairgrounds. Stephanie Hughes, dairy producer from Pittsville and board member of DFW explains to Pam Jahnke why the event's so important.  Hughes says from the practical information shared in the barns, to the dairy product highlight elevated in the Blue Ribbon Dairy Product Auction, you only see it all at the WI State Fair.  Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rudolph, Wisconsin Old Tractor Club hosts its Old Tractor Show on the second Saturday every August.  Club President Brandon Behrens, Secretary-Treasurer Tina Lassa, and longtime member Ron Linzmeier talk to Mid-West Farm Report's Larry Lee about the history of the show, how it benefits the community, and the volunteers who keep it going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz-Sandy Sikitch with Door County Cherry Growers and Liz Matzke from the Mid-West Farm Report discuss sweet and tart cherries, and the many treats available at the Wisconsin State Fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexandra Wolf with the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association talks with Liz Matzke from the Mid-West Farm Report, discussing apple varieties and the many apple treats available during the Wisconsin State Fair, including apple cider donuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacee and Sara Johnson discuss showing sheep and their jewelry-making at the Wisconsin State Fair with Liz Matzke from the Mid-West Farm Report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being called the ultimate cheese and meat road trip! Teri Barr talks with organizer Javin Krenn with United Process Piping in Marshfield. He shares why this first-of-its-kind event is important, and how it's meant to help you explore small, locally-owned Central Wisconsin businesses, collect cheese and meat along the way, and spend the time with your family, too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maple syrup is an industry that we typically hear about when the weather is a little cooler. However, producers plan for upcoming seasons well in advance. Teri Barr sits down with Thersa Baroun tos discuss the producers' survey. Stu Muck says it's going to feel like summer across the state this weekend. Cream puffs are a staple at the Wisconsin State Fair! Farm Director Pam Jahnke talks all about it with Colton Grebe. Wisconsin Pork Association is serving up protein at the Wisconsin State Fair. To Daniel Hanke, the land he farms is a lot more than "just" land. It represents grit, determination adn tradition that has kept their century farm alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Wisconsin's local food economy remained a priority during the latest legislative session. One area of continued attention is cottage food. Teri Barr talked with Michelle Ramirez-White, Government Relations Director with Wisconsin Farmers Union, to learn how it it can create new opportunities for home bakers while strengthening local economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas tree growers across the state are busy shaping the holidays. And Wisconsin is welcoming hundreds of growers and experts from around the country this month. Sarah Glitto, executive director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, tells Teri Barr why hosting this national gathering is a great way to put the spotlight on Wisconsin growers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.