A new ag education program has grown rapidly in one Wisconsin community. Ag instructor Brooks Lueck wanted to start a new ag education and FFA program right out of college, which led him to La Crosse, where the two high schools received one FFA charter last year. He tells Brownfield one of the big drivers…… read more
Category Archives: Ag News
Planting nearly complete in Wisconsin
Planting is winding down in Wisconsin. USDA says corn and soybean planting both reached 95 percent as of Sunday, with emergence of both crops slightly behind their respective five-year averages. Corn rated in good to excellent condition is at 74 percent, with 79 percent of soybeans called good to excellent. The post Planting nearly complete…… read more
Wisconsin FFA sets new membership record
Agricultural education is expanding in schools, even though fewer young people are growing up on a farm. Cheryl Zimmerman is the Executive Director for Wisconsin FFA, and also Secretary for the National FFA. She tells Brownfield this could be a record year for attendence with a large number of proficiency awards, FFA stars, and growing…… read more
Sheep dairies see success in Wisconsin
A dairy organization’s leader says not all dairy products start with the cows. Karen Nielsen with the Sheep Dairying Association of Wisconsin says her state also has the most dairy sheep and dairy goats in the country. “We are growing some of our flocks. I think as far as the number of producers, that has…… read more
Sartori buys Rumiano Cheese
Wisconsin-based Sartori Cheese has acquired Rumiano Cheese Company in Crescent City, California. Both companies are known for their high-quality artisan cheeses. Sartori Cheese CEO Bert Sartori says, “This acquisition aligns with our mission to make the Best Cheese in the World. We look forward to building upon Rumiano’s commitment to their Redwood Coast family farm…… read more
Wisconsin crops, soil conditions vary
Wisconsin crop conditions vary, as the May weather affected planting and emergence differently around the state. As June begins, Janesville farmer Doug Rebout likes what he sees. “I’m looking out over the fields right now and they’re all looking nice and green, and right now, pretty clean of weeds.” Rebout says his area missed out…… read more
Stripe rust found in Wisconsin wheat
A plant pathologist says Wisconsin has its first confirmation of striped rust in wheat for the 2025 growing season. Dr. Damon Smith with the University of Wisconsin told Brownfield there was already some head scab, and farmers should scout for striped rust. “We did have some striped rust epidemics last year in this state so…… read more
Ag lending up in early 2025
New data confirms more farmers are seeking financial help in the down agriculture economy. Rose Oswald Poels is President and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. She says a recent study by the Federal Reserve Banks in Chicago and Minneapolis shows more farmers are struggling with their finances now. “Farm credit conditions have really been…… read more
Early concerns about soybean, corn diseases
A plant disease expert says whether crops emerged weeks ago or this week, farmers should watch for signs of infection. Dr. Damen Smith with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield producers should scout for soybean plants that emerged and then died and wilted. “If you’re starting to see a number of those plants out there…… read more
Scout for signs of wheat diseases
A plant pathologist says farmers need to keep an eye on winter wheat as heads emerge. Dr. Damon Smith with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield the fungus that causes head scab likes moisture and warmer temperatures, which are in the weather forecast. “I think folks should really be out scouting, looking at that anthesis.…… read more