Category Archives: Ag News

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

Farmer stays resilient, says farm bill would help

A southwestern Wisconsin farmer says it has been challenging on the farm, but he remains positive.  James Edge farms with his wife, daughter, and father-in-law near Fennimore, where they raise about 130 head of beef cattle. Edge tells Brownfield even with low commodity prices creating lower feed prices, he has to pay close attention to…… read more

Baldwin confronts FDA officials on dairy labeling

A dairy state Senator remains critical of the Food and Drug Administration for failing to enforce dairy labeling standards. Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin confronted FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf and Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee hearing on the diabetes and obesity epidemics in America.  Baldwin says consumers…… read more

Olson remains Wisconsin Farm Bureau President

Wisconsin’s Farm Bureau President will serve a second term.  Board members re-elected Brad Olson from Frederic during Monday’s reorganizational meeting.  The board also picked Brian Preder from Weyauwega as President of Rural Mutual Insurance, replacing Kevin Krentz who did not seek re-election to the board. This means Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance will have…… read more

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