A Wisconsin farmer and equipment salesman continues his efforts to address the stigma surrounding mental health through his non-profit TUGS, or Talking, Understanding, Growing, and Supporting. Jeff Ditzenberger from Wisconsin attempted suicide following his military service during Operation Desert Storm, and then in 2014, a close friend died by suicide. “My organization is all about…… read more
A Wisconsin farmer known for experimenting with early soybean planting says his test plot looks good, and he’s ready to plant the rest of his soybeans. Ryan Nell planted a small eleven-acre field near Beaver Dam on March 3rd in what he called phenomenal planting conditions, nineteen days earlier than most of his early soybean…… read more
A Wisconsin farmer is speaking out in favor of keeping conservation program funding in the next farm bill. Jack Herricks milks about 600 cows and grows corn and an alfalfa-oats mixture in the very-hilly driftless region near Cashton, Wisconsin. He tells Brownfield the conservation programs are needed to help keep soil and nutrients in place,…… read more
Last week’s weather was not good for fieldwork, but the rain and snow was welcomed by farmers who were concerned about very dry soil conditions. USDA reporters says barely half of one day was suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Sunday because of the snow and rain. Statistician Greg Bussler says there was some…… read more
The first ocean-going vessel of the 2024 shipping season has left the Port of Duluth. The Barbro G arrived at the Ceres Riverland Ag Terminal April 1st and departed Friday for Algeria with 22,000 short tons of durum wheat. It has already crossed most of Lake Erie as of Monday morning. April 1st is the…… read more
A central Illinois rancher says diversifying his first-generation operation to meet consumer demand is growing his business. Sawyer Cottrell started Legacy Ranch in Eureka, Illinois in 2021, and says he found a market in Wagyu beef… “I wasn’t really making any money selling commercial cattle to the sale barn, and one thing that I’ve learned…… read more
A farm advisor says some families don’t begin the farm transition process correctly or early enough. Kevin Plante with the Wisconsin Farm Center tells Brownfield when families don’t properly lay out a plan, it often leads to conflicts and stress among family members. “The family members that are all up at odds with each other,…… read more
The wintery weather pattern that brought snow to much of Wisconsin this week has kept most farmers out of their fields. Ben Augustine has a dairy and crop operation near Sheldon in north central Wisconsin. He says, “Yeah, I can’t even do stuff outside yet. It’s too cold, wet, and rainy.” Augustine tells Brownfield there is…… read more
The early April weather is keeping most Wisconsin farmers out of the fields. This week’s storm system brought slushy, wet snow from an inch deep in southeastern Wisconsin to more than nine inches in a line from Shawano to Fond du Lac. Mark Hoffmann farms near Whitewater, west of Milwaukee. He tells Brownfield the fields…… read more
Wisconsin’s state veterinarian says with highly pathogenic avian influenza spreading, producers need to be aware of cattle importation rules in other states if they’re planning to move animals. Dr. Darlene Konkle Many producers buy and sell cattle across state lines, and others send their calves and heifers to warmer climates until they are ready to…… read more