MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON Pam Jahnke

Between the impacts of supply chain disruptions, geopolitical shifts and more, the U.S. animal feed industry is doubling down on its commitment to flexibility, sustainability, and innovation. That's according to Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association. She tells us what she’s keeping an eye on internationally. But first she tells Mid-West Farm Report what the current feed landscape looks like.

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mick Hombs begrudgingly took over as General Manager of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative.  He's been a part of the milk procurement team since 2019, and was happy to stay in that role.  Now, he's using his expertise to move the cooperative forward.  He chats with Pam Jahnke.

Canadian rail workers are threatening to strike, putting all of agriculture on notice.  They say they're working shorthanded everywhere leading to safety concerns.

It's one of the earliest seasons ever for Wisconsin asparagus!  Nathan Bula of Adams is busy harvesting his 24 acres of asparagus.  He talks with Charitee Seebecker about the season so far.

The "Top Chef" effect is still at play for Wisconsin agriculture and restaurants.  Pam Jahnke visits with Rachel Kerr, Senior Branding Marketing Specialist for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  She says they worked with Travel Wisconsin to bring the show to the state.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you like asparagus, this is the year for you! Because this year’s asparagus season is shaping up to be good as harvest is even ahead of schedule. That’s according to Nathan Bula from Spears-R-Us in Adams.

Despite early season setbacks caused by unforeseen weather fluctuations, including abnormally warm weather in February followed by frost, Bula remains optimistic. Natural rain patterns have provided a boon, facilitating optimal nitrogen uptake for robust spear growth. While initial losses were incurred due to the frost, the farm's resilient asparagus plants are rebounding vigorously, promising a strong finish to the season.

“This asparagus season is the earliest it’s ever been as we started harvesting May 3,” says Bula. “Last year we started around May 10. We’re expecting to be harvesting until the end of June and get about two thousand pounds every day.”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the offseason, lawmakers are still at work reviewing the playbook from the previous session and getting the game plan together for the next time they meet. Representative Travis Tranel, chair of the Assembly Ag Committee, says he wants to add ARIP to the next state budget since it's been so popular this year. He says the committee will also revisit foreign farmland ownership. The next session begins in 2025. Right now, lawmakers are in-district talking with constituents and doing committee work. He reminds farmers to speak up on issues that are important to them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture or NASDA represents the ag departments in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. RJ Karney is the senior director of public policy for the NASDA. He says the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak in dairy cattle is taking top priority. But NASDA's attention doesn't stop at animal disease. The association is also addressing human and environmental health impacts of PFAS. PFAS are known as forever chemicals. These are substances that have been used in consumer products, like firefighting foam and nonstick cookware since the 1950s. Karney gives us an update on NASDA’s role in eliminating PFAS. Keeping the farm healthy also includes an adequate labor market. Karney says just like the agriculture industry, NASDA is sounding the alarm on the farm worker shortage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the United States works toward reducing emissions, the Renewable Fuels Association doesn’t want biofuels to get tossed aside. Troy Bredenkamp, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs, is focused on ensuring flexible fuel vehicles -- cars that can run on high blends of renewable corn ethanol -- earn the same sustainability credits as electric vehicles. Specifically, Bredenkamp is working on the Flex Fuel Fairness Act. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.