An unexpected heavy rain in a short period of time is a factor in a recent Wisconsin manure spill. Ben Uvaas with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tells Brownfield the farm used low-disturbance manure injection, which performed well in most of the field. “There were a couple of parts of the field where that…… read more
Category Archives: Ag News
Midwest farmland values up slightly in first quarter
A policy advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says land values in the Seventh District were up slightly from a year ago in the first quarter of 2025. David Oppedahl says a few factors led land values 1% higher than the first quarter of 2024. “And up 4% from the fourth quarter.” He…… read more
Wisconsin’s milk testing to use existing collection system
State officials say Wisconsin’s participation in the national milk testing strategy for the H5N1 virus will have little impact on producers. Adam Brock, the ag department’s Division Administrator for Food and Recreational Safety says Wisconsin chose to use a milk collection and testing system that was already in place for testing milk quality. “Those samples…… read more
Wisconsin corn planting heads into final stretch
Dry weather helped spur planting and emergence across Wisconsin last week. USDA says 73 percent of the state’s corn is now planted, with 23 percent emerged. Soybeans are 66 percent planted and 19 percent emerged. Oats are 83 percent planted and 48 percent emerged, with condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. Potatoes are 84…… read more
Milk sampling to begin in Wisconsin
Milk from Wisconsin dairy farms will be tested for the avian influenza virus soon as part of the national milk testing plan. Ag Secretary Randy Romanski says as part of the national milk testing strategy, mandatory milk samples will be collected. “We’re going to be working with partners where we’re going to get one sample…… read more
Minneapolis Fed survey reflects continued weakness in ag economy
A survey of Upper Midwestern banks that specialize in ag lending shows net farm income decreasing along with less capital spending. Joe Mahon with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis says incomes have been declining for nearly two years in the 9th District, which includes Minnesota, the Dakotas, and parts of Wisconsin and Michigan. “We…… read more
Sarah Hagenow selected as 78th Alice in Dairyland
Wisconsin’s new Alice in Dairyland is Sarah Hagenow from Poynette. Hagenow was chosen from six top candidates during ceremonies held in Crawford County Saturday, and she tells Brownfield she’s ready to represent Wisconsin agriculture. “I’m just excited to show how my skills and capabilities will help the Alice program and also showcase a little bit…… read more
Lack of rain affecting weed programs
A University of Wisconsin weed specialist says the lack of rain has given some weeds an advantage over crops. Rodrigo Werle tells Brownfield it was dry for more than ten days before Thursday’s storm system, which was good for planting but not good for weed control. “We’ve planted a lot of crops. We’ve sprayed our…… read more
Farmer says ag service isn’t always there when needed
A Wisconsin farmer says parts and service need to be more available during key times like planting and harvest. Raymond Dietrich raises crops for his dairy near Green Bay. He tells Brownfield when it’s time to roll, a weekend breakdown can be a serious problem. “Down time for us is huge, and yet it seems…… read more
Northeast Wisconsin farmer delayed by wet fields
A northeastern Wisconsin dairy farmer says he needs a couple of dry days so he can get into the fields. Raymond Dietrich farms near Green Bay and tells Brownfield it’s a good day to fix a cultivator since the fields are not quite ready to apply manure or start tillage. “Eventually, we got some grass…… read more