Wisconsin’s Farmers Union delegates made changes to their policy regarding anaerobic digesters for manure. Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden tells Brownfield delegates were able to settle on some policy language. “We got some language put back in (the policy book) that was taken out to make sure that there is still a possibility…… read more
Category Archives: Ag News
Dairy farmer says triticale’s feed value worth the extra effort
A Wisconsin farmer says it’s worth the extra effort to manage and harvest triticale as a cover crop he can harvest for his dairy cows. Joe Bragger from Independence, Wisconsin says, “I’m a real firm believer in the feed quality that we get off of growing that triticale for forage.” Bragger tells Brownfield his nutritionist…… read more
Gonzalez named outstanding Wisconsin Ag in Classroom teacher
A second-grade teacher in the Milwaukee Public School system, has been named the 2024 Wisconsin Outstanding Teacher by Wisconsin’s Agriculture in the Classroom program. Ag in the Classroom coordinator Beth Schaefer tells Brownfield Joshua Gonzalez helped River Trail School became Milwaukee’s first specialty agriculture school. “Mr Gonzales is a second grade teacher who has spearheaded…… read more
Corn stunt disease expanded U.S. presence in 2024
An extension specialist with the University of Missouri says corn stunt disease expanded its presence in the U.S. in 2024. Mandy Bish says the disease is carried by the corn leaf hopper. “We’ve been able to confirm it as far north as Wisconsin and New York, and it’s transmitted by the corn leaf hopper, so…… read more
Wisconsin reports 3rd poultry, 1st human H5N1 case
Wisconsin now has it’s third case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry this year, and second case in a week. The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection confirmed Wednesday that a backyard flock in Kenosha County is being depopulated after testing positive for the H5N1 virus. Ninety-six birds are affected. The agency confirmed…… read more
Farmers, researchers wonder if rotating prairie strips is beneficial
An Iowa State professor says planting native prairie plants in strips helps prevent soil loss and improves soil health, but farmers are asking if the rest of their fields can benefit. Dr. Lisa Schulte Moore tells Brownfield strips of native prairie plants strategically grown with traditional crops not only prevents soil erosion but helps improve…… read more
Farmers Union members source local food for convention
Wisconsin Farmers Union members get to enjoy the fruits of their labor, as well as the meat and vegetables during their state convention. Cara Vellender with Wisconsin Farmers Union says many years ago, members wanted to have more local food on the menu during the convention. She tells Brownfield 100% of their convention menu features…… read more
Farmers Union leader wants farm bill titles kept together
Some lawmakers are considering putting the commodity and crop insurance titles from the unfinished farm bill into other legislation to get them done, but some farmers oppose that. Commodities under Title I and crop insurance under Title XI might get added to either the disaster aid package or the continuing resolution, just to get these…… read more
Wisconsin prepares for milk testing
Wisconsin’s state veterinarian says state officials are getting ready for the federal order requiring raw milk testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Dr. Darlene Konkle says they are taking steps to begin H5N1 testing. “We’re currently evaluating the contents of the order and the supplemental information that we’ve received, and again, our division, the Division…… read more
HPAI detected in Wisconsin turkey flock
Wisconsin has a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a poultry flock. State Veterinarian Darlene Konkle says 13,507 turkeys are affected on a farm in Barron County. She says, “DATCP animal health officials are working with USDA animal health officials to respond to that detection in a joint response.” Konkle says further testing…… read more