MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON Pam Jahnke

Today, many farmers are discovering new ways to showcase their produce and connect with consumers. From traditional farm stands to online marketplaces, and everything in between, the integration of value-added products stands out. But this can be a hard path to navigate and know what market strategy is best for you. Paul Dietmann, director of Emerging Markets at Compeer Financial says it doesn’t have to be. He shares some tips on how to best market your farm products.
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Wisconsin's home to both farmed and wild elk.  Bob Bosold visits with Bill Knutson, an elk rancher in Holmen, about the market for the animals and the care they take.Brad Rippey, Chief Meteorologist at USDA, says we're seeing a pattern change in weather from El Nino to La Nina. He explains what that means for farmers.The 77th Alice in Dairyland is Halei Heinzel from Oconomowoc.  Carrie Mess was there for the announcement.  This marks the first time that an Alice comes from no farming background.Stephanie Hoff talks to U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack about plans to possibly compensate dairy farms that have lost production due to High Path Avian Influenza in Dairy H5N1.  He says it's critical that farms impacted share information with USDA.A Farm Bill is in the works at the nation's capitol, but it's taking time and a lot of work.  Charitee Seebecker chats with Wisconsin's U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin, about what she's advancing.
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The 2023 Farm Bill drum has been beating for a while now as the deadline for this legislation has been delayed, and the timeline for when it will pass through Congress is still a question. Mike Stranz joins us. He’s the vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union, working on the Hill, but his roots are in northeast Wisconsin where he grew up. He gives us an update on how the Farmers Union is using this extra time to press policymakers on consolidation in agriculture. NFU is focused on ensuring there's competition in agriculture to keep input costs low and keep farms independent. He’s optimistic that Congress can get a farm bill done this year, but time will tell. He does anticipate a markup draft of the bill from the House before Memorial Day.
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Wisconsin corn farmers are disappointed by a U.S. Department of Treasury decision that will limit ethanol’s contribution to low-carbon jet fuel. The update says that corn-based ethanol must be grown with additional on-farm conservation practices to apply for tax credits. But Sustainable Aviation Fuel producer Gevo says the industry is still ready to grow and can try to meet farmers where they’re at when it comes to conservation. Kathy Bergren, director of federal government relations at Gevo, tells us how the renewable fuel company is expanding its focus on SAF. This includes a new facility coming online in the Dakotas. 
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Wisconsin agriculture is watching policy development in Washington, D.C. with a Farm Bill on the horizon. Senator Tammy Baldwin says she’d focused on efforts to address pressing agricultural challenges and prioritize farmer well-being.

Amidst the current agricultural landscape, one pressing issue commanding attention is the threat of avian flu, posing risks to dairy herds nationwide. While Wisconsin has yet to report any cases, Baldwin says she's remaining vigilant, collaborating closely with federal agencies to safeguard farmers' interests and protect their livelihoods.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Farm Bill, Baldwin is focused on advocating for  initiatives that directly support Wisconsin dairy farmers. Central to these efforts is the reauthorization and expansion of the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, aimed at providing essential resources to small and medium-sized family dairy farms.

"As we navigate the evolving landscape of American agriculture, it is imperative that we stand united in support of our farmers and their invaluable contributions to our nation's economy and well-being."

She added that, "The Farm Bill is not just about farms; it's about farmers. It's about rural communities. It's about making sure that we have a safe, reliable, and affordable food supply for all Americans."
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We continue our focus on college graduates on our ag campuses across the state.  Stephanie Hoff checks in on UW-River Falls and the job outlook for graduates there with CAFES Dean Dr. Mike Orth, as well as students in the job market.Wisconsin ginseng growers may be some of the biggest growers in the world, but they battle more than Mother Nature. Kirk Baumann from Baumann Ginseng in Wausau explains what he saw on a recent trip to China, Vietnam and India.  All working on opening global markets and defending Wisconsin's quality product.

Odds just got better that the federal government may restore management of the gray wolf back to states.  Cong. Tom Tiffany tells Charitee Seebecker about the "Trust the Science" bill recently passed in Congress.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau is reminding everyone that May is Mental Health Awareness month.  They're looking for "Heroes of Hope", of people that have helped support farms or agribusinesses in a big or small way.Weather doesn't just impact farmers spring plans, it also can upend agribusinesses and their service to farmers.  Pam Jahnke talks to Dean Ebert from Helena Agri in West Bend about the challenges.  Paid for by Helena Agri.
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