Farm Favorites: 5 Stories To Know
The Mid-West Farm Report is dedicated to keeping you up to date on all things Wisconsin agriculture. Everyday, we bring you the latest news and insights from the world of farming, from market trends to new technologies and everything in between. Here’s a look at this week’s top 5 stories that you won’t want to miss!
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Poultry Events Suspended Due To HPAI
In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry to other events in the following southern Wisconsin counties: Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha.
The suspension of events will continue through May 10, 2026. DATCP is closely monitoring cases of HPAI nationally and wild bird migration. The suspension of poultry exhibitions may be extended or expanded to include additional counties if further HPAI cases are identified. The full order, including a map of affected counties, can be accessed on DATCP’s HPAI in poultry website at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx.
Poultry owners and those working with poultry are strongly encouraged to continue practicing strict biosecurity to protect their flocks. When possible, poultry owners are asked to keep their flocks indoors to prevent contact with wild birds.
Signs of HPAI in infected birds include:
- Sudden death without clinical signs
- Lack of energy or appetite
- Decrease in egg production; soft, misshapen eggs
- Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Runny nose, coughing, sneezing
- Stumbling or falling down
- Diarrhea
To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, follow the instructions on DATCP’s Reporting Animal Disease webpage at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AnimalDiseases.aspx.
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Cash Rounding Guidance Provided After Final Penny Mint
Since the United States Treasury minted its final penny on November 12, 2025, some businesses in Wisconsin and across the country have begun rounding change in cash transactions to five-cent intervals, with different businesses utilizing different methods of rounding – some rounding up, some rounding down, and some a mix of both. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) have issued guidance to businesses that are considering implementing a rounding practice to simplify and standardize rounding practices in Wisconsin to provide greater predictability and protection for Wisconsin consumers.
Given pennies are no longer being minted, they may not always be available at cash registers to make exact change during cash transactions. This decision by the federal government has left many businesses in a difficult situation when processing cash transactions that would normally require penny change back to the consumer. Since there is no federal law currently in place mandating cash rounding or specific rounding practices, some businesses have implemented change rounding practices for when exact change cannot be provided. As a result, DATCP and DOR have issued guidance on cash rounding practices for Wisconsin businesses.
Cash rounding is applicable only to cash transactions where change is required after the total amount due (price plus tax) has been calculated and cannot be provided. While businesses can choose their rounding methodology, DATCP’s guidance to businesses suggests rounding down to the nearest five cents to ensure the customer is not negatively impacted by rounding practices.
Regardless of the methodology a business chooses to adopt for cash rounding, DATCP encourages businesses to post a clear and informative flyer conspicuously at entrances and any point of sale communicating any rounding policy.
Examples
DATCP suggests that businesses round down to minimize consumer harm and ensure fairness and consistency:
- $0.01, $0.02, $0.03, or $0.04 round down to $0.00.
- $0.06, $0.07, $0.08, or $0.09 round down to $0.05.
For Consumers
Consumers should refer to a business’s posted methodology for cash rounding in advance of making a cash purchase. Alternatively, consumers may choose to use a non-cash payment method, such as a debit or credit card, to avoid rounding.
For Businesses
DATCP will use discretion enforcing state regulations related to the Unfair Sales Act; Price Accuracy; and Untrue, False, or Misleading Representations complaints to ensure that all consumers are treated fairly.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Guidance
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) has provided additional guidance to retailers about the calculation of Wisconsin sales and use taxes due on cash transactions impacted by penny shortages. Cash rounding does not impact sales tax collection and remittance amounts to the State.
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JBS Strike Influences Beef Markets
Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Cattle
Fed cattle markets continue to be influenced by outside forces. About 3,800 workers at the JBS in Greeley, Colorado plan to go on strike on March 16. JBS cancelled all harvest operations this week ahead of the strike. The company announced that cattle would be diverted to other facilities. It is unclear if harvest numbers nationally will be impacted until the strike is settled. This comes at a time when harvest has been at levels usually seen only during holiday shortened work weeks. Wholesale prices have been on the rise. Last week’s Choice cutout average jumped from $9.69 to $386.41, was over $390 to open this week, and was $396.70 on Wednesday. Higher beef prices come at a time of concern over rising energy costs. There is speculation if higher gas prices are long-lasting beef demand would be impacted. Last week’s harvest was estimated at 521,000, making it 2,000 more than the previous week. (The estimate for the week ending February 28 was revised from 516,000 to 519,000.) The total was 53,000 head less than the same week last year. Year-to-date harvest is 10% below last year, with beef production trailing by 7.8%. Cash prices were lower last week. Early calls were for steady to lower prices this week. The Five Area Weekly Average sits about $40/cwt higher than this time last year, with the cutout value up $72.34 higher.
Top Quality
Fed cattle were steady to lower this week. Top quality beef steers and heifers brought $223-$239/cwt, with tops of $245 reported. Mixed Choice and Select steers and heifers ranged from $210-223/cwt. High grading Holstein steers were steady to lower at $192-$215/cwt, with some packages selling higher. Lower grading steers brought $170-$192/cwt. Silage fed and under finished steers brought $90-$170/cwt. Dairy Beef cross steers were mostly $1 lower, bringing $190-$233. Cows were mixed. Most cows brought $114-148/cwt, with a few selling into the mid $160s. Lower yielding cows brought $65-$114/cwt. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $60/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were steady to higher, selling from $700-$1,750/head, with some higher. Dairy breed heifer calves brought $200-$800/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were steady from $800 to $2,100/head. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $60.
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Meet The New FISC Director
Mary Holle is the new program manager for the Farm and Industry Short Course at UW-River Falls, beginning a new chapter for the historic program. Holle is a Baldwin-based farmer and long-time dairy judging coach.
The FISC program is designed to provide intensive, hands-on training for the next generation of agricultural professionals. Holle, who operates a 480-acre farm with 50 registered Holsteins alongside her husband, brings a “boots-on-the-ground” perspective to the position. Her immediate goals include increasing program visibility and streamlining the application process.
“I think part of its biggest issue is really acknowledgement that yes, it did move and this is how you guys can find us,” she tells Mid-West Farm Report regarding her initial priorities. “I’m going to try to get at multiple different events… and really get our name out there. I looking forward to being the face for that.”
A defining feature of the FISC at UWRF is its immersion in real-world practice. Students spend roughly 80 percent of their time at the Mann Valley Lab Farm, learning from active industry professionals such as nutritionists rather than traditional professors. This focus pairs with a unique 16-week schedule that runs from late October to March. The schedule allows students to pursue their education during the agricultural “off-season” without missing the spring planting or fall harvest windows.
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 academic year, Holle plans to expand the curriculum beyond its current dairy focus. The roadmap includes adding electives in business, horticulture, agronomy, and soil science to attract a broader range of students. She also intends to reconnect with the program’s extensive alumni base to create new mentorship and networking opportunities.
“My hope is to give them the connections and the resources that when they do go home, they can better make an educated decision on how to manage and potentially transition into taking over that home farm,” she says.
Prospective students can expect a revamped website and application portal to launch by the end of this summer. In the meantime, direct questions here: [email protected].
The post Meet The New FISC Director first appeared on The Farm.
Peninsula Pride Showcases Results Of Sustainable Practices
Scott Jeanquart and his family are early pioneers in sustainable farming. They’ve always been open to trying new things on their dairy farm, Bryersquart Farm in Forestville, Wis., to improve soil health and sustain their farm for the next generation.
The Jeanquarts have been planting cover crops to help prevent soil erosion for over 30 years, long before sustainable practices became more widespread. They also installed filter strips over 40 years ago, which are still in operation today.
Scott and his wife, Stacie, became official partners on the farm with Scott’s parents in 2015. They have five boys, ages 13, 11, 7, 5 and 2, who are already passionate about the farm and involved in any way they can.
“I’ve always been committed to preserving our land for the next generation,” Jeanquart said. “I want my children to have an easy transition and be successful on the farm one day, so maintaining and improving our soil health is important for their future.”
Over the years, Jeanquart has continued to find new ways to improve soil health and increase organic matter content.
“We recently started incorporating more diverse crop mixes to improve our organic matter and strengthen the soil with various species,” he said. “We’ve added different plants, such as radishes, clover, ryegrass and hairy vetch.”
Jeanquart has been a member of Peninsula Pride Farms for over six years. He enjoys connecting and learning from other members of the group.
“I’ve had the opportunity to connect with members who manage farms of all sizes, and we’ve all benefited from sharing our experiences and knowledge with one another,” he said. “Attending different field days has also been rewarding and eye-opening. I often learn something new that I can apply to our farm.”
Annual survey results
As part of their PPF membership, the Jeanquarts participated in the 2025 annual Member Conservation Practice Survey. This is the seventh year the group has documented and shared its collective sustainability efforts and progress with the entire community.
The group, composed of 64 farmers, implemented various conservation practices, including planting 22,860 acres of cover crops, using no-till on 38,559 acres and planting into cover crops (otherwise known as “planting green”) on 9,203 acres. Members are also following a nutrient management plan on 88,407 acres.
The potential benefits of these practices:
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 5,603 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, equal to greenhouse gas emissions produced by 1,334 cars driven for a year.
- Prevention of sediment loss from farm fields of 51,046 tons, equivalent to 5,105 dump trucks worth of soil.
- Reduction of phosphorus runoff by 72,758 pounds, potentially preventing 36.4 million pounds of algae growth in local water bodies.
Data was analyzed by Houston Engineering, Inc. and Farmers for Sustainable Food.
Farmers interested in joining PPF can find out more information at peninsulapridefarmsinc.org.
By the numbers
Number of acres covered by conservation practices among Peninsula Pride Farms members:
- 2019 ― 197,405
- 2020 ― 224,242
- 2021 ― 371,783
- 2022 ― 388,789
- 2023 ― 289,996
- 2024 ―229,965
- 2025 ―331,559
*Multiple conservation practices can be used on a farm field
Potential impact of conservation practices in 2025:
- Phosphorus runoff reduction ― 72,758 pounds
- Sediment erosion reduction ― 51,046 tons
- Carbon dioxide emission reduction ― 5,603 metric tons
The post Peninsula Pride Showcases Results Of Sustainable Practices first appeared on The Farm.
Alice In Dairyland Finals Looking For Hosts For 2028-2030
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The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting bids from counties to host the Alice in Dairyland Finals in the following years: 2028 (81st Alice in Dairyland), 2029 (82nd Alice in Dairyland), and 2030 (83rd Alice in Dairyland). The request for proposals is available on the Alice in Dairyland website and proposals are due by June 1, 2026.
Each year, a different county hosts a series of Alice in Dairyland Finals events leading up to the selection of the next Alice in Dairyland. Local economic development organizations and promotional agriculture organizations are encouraged to consider this opportunity to welcome visitors and media professionals from around the state to their county. Crawford County, the most recent host county for the 78th Alice in Dairyland Finals in 2025, recorded a boost of more than $2 million in economic activity in their county over the three-day Finals.
Planning
The planning process for hosting Finals begins at least a year in advance, including scheduling the current Alice in Dairyland to attend monthly events in the county to promote the finals and learn more about the impact of agriculture on that county. In mid-March, the host county holds a press conference to officially announce the top candidates for the next Alice in Dairyland.
The hosting process culminates in a three-day Finals event, which includes agribusiness tours, media interviews, individual interviews, candidate presentations, and two public events: a public commodity showcase and impromptu question-answer session; and an Alice in Dairyland Finale banquet and program. These are both open to the public as ticketed events and include opportunities to showcase local businesses, agritourism, and other county highlights.
“Hosting the Alice in Dairyland Finals has been an incredible experience for Crawford County,” said Carol Roth, Chair of the 78th Alice in Dairyland Steering Committee. “Our committee not only helped others learn more about the Alice in Dairyland position and its legacy, but they also brought attention to the diversity and importance of agriculture throughout the county and state.”
Roth added, “Even though Crawford County is home to three former Alices, this was the first time the county hosted this event. It was an excellent opportunity to bring people together, enhance connections, and open doors for the future of the Alice in Dairyland program.”
Marathon County will host the 79th Alice Finals May 14-16, 2026.
The post Alice In Dairyland Finals Looking For Hosts For 2028-2030 first appeared on The Farm.
Training Series Empowers Ag To Save Lives
The National Farm Medicine Center has an upcoming series of suicide prevention trainings led by experienced trainers from AgriSafe Network. These sessions are designed to give community members the tools and confidence to recognize when someone may be struggling and to respond in a supportive, life-saving way.
These trainings are practical, approachable, and appropriate for a wide range of community members, from healthcare providers and educators to farmers, parents, community leaders, and anyone who wants to better support the people around them.
Training Courses: QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer)
Format: Live in person
Instructional time: 1 hour
Target audience: Community gatekeepers
QPR training is designed to teach the warning signs of suicide, increase the learner’s confidence when talking to someone in crisis, provide resources for community members, instill hope, and decrease stigma. A special veteran curriculum adapted for a rural community is available for this project.
CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means)
Format: Live in person
Instructional time: 1 hour
Target audience: This training is ideal for a variety of general audiences, community groups, suicide prevention coalitions, shooting clubs, parent groups and EMS/emergency responders.
While there is no clinical background needed for this one-hour version, it is a great alternative for health professionals with limited time. CALM is a practical intervention for increasing the time and distance between individuals at risk of suicide and lethal means, particularly firearms. CALM is the oldest and most widely used training on lethal means safety and teaches why access to lethal means matters. It also equips individuals to intervene effectively with those at risk of suicide, both before and during a crisis. This training teaches the learner how to recognize signs of distress and how to intervene, practice navigating difficult conversations about safety and strategies for limiting access to lethal means and providing community resources to support individuals in crisis.
CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)
Format: Live in person
Instructional time: 3.5 hours
Target audience: This training is a workshop format created for mental health clinicians, primary care providers, substance abuse counselors, and crisis intervention professionals.
The workshop includes case studies, clinical video vignettes, safety planning basics and offers opportunities to practice clinical conversations.
Training Dates
To register, please email [email protected] or call 715-532-2329.
March 23 – Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake, 1700 West Stout St.
11 a.m. – Question Persuade Refer (QPR)
Noon – CALM Conversations (lunch included for those registered)
1:30 p.m. – QPR
2:30 p.m. – CALM Conversations
March 24 – Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua, 9576 Highway 70
9 a.m. – QPR
10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – CALM Counseling (open to healthcare providers)
Lunch served around noon
3 p.m. – CALM Conversations
March 25 in Auburndale at Elementary School Auditorium, 10564 School St.
8:30-9:15am – check-in and networking – coffee and pastries provided
9:15 a.m. – QPR
10:30 a.m. – CALM Conversations
March 25 in Marshfield at Rembs Celebration Center, 250 S. Oak Ave.
1 p.m. – QPR
2 p.m. – CALM Conversations
March 26 – Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield, 1000 N. Oak Ave., (across the street at Froehlke Auditorium inside the Laird Center for Medical Research)
9 a.m. – QPR
10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – CALM Counseling (open to healthcare providers)
Lunch served around noon
3 p.m. – CALM Conversations
March 27 – Wausau at Elks Lodge, 414 Scott St.
8:30 a.m. – QPR
9:30 a.m. – CALM Conversations
The post Training Series Empowers Ag To Save Lives first appeared on The Farm.
A Guide To Drone Insurance
As heavy-duty drones become more widely used on farmland, the insurance industry is working on catching up. While small scout drones are common, the larger spray drones used to treat crops may pose unanticipated legal and financial requirements.
Standard farm and commercial policies typically carry a hard ceiling, says Eric Greening at Family Insurance Center. Most contain exclusions for any unmanned aircraft weighing over 55 pounds or any drone designed to dispense chemicals. Because of this, larger units are not covered under general equipment riders, Greening continues. Instead, they require specialized aviation policies, like what you’d get for piloted planes.
While general liability for a drone is relatively affordable, ranging from $500 to $1,500 annually, he says, the real cost lies in “chemical liability” to cover overspray and drift. These premiums can jump to $3,500 per drone. Despite the cost, the utility is proving undeniable, especially when weather prevents traditional machinery from entering the field.
“That’s been the biggest area where I think these things have become more and more useful is when it’s too wet to get a tractor in the field, you can send one of these out and take care of it,” Greening tells Mid-West Farm Report.
However, the regulatory environment can pose a challenge. Insurance carriers are implementing strict safeguards to protect themselves from the risks of unlicensed operation. If an operator’s FAA certification lapses, the insurance protection essentially vanishes instantly.
“What we’ve seen with the insurance policies for the drones is that there is very specific language in there that if you do not meet all requirements by the FAA… then the policy is null and void,” Greening explains.
The post A Guide To Drone Insurance first appeared on The Farm.
Calling All Dairy Students – Scholarship Opportunity!
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Applications are open for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, in addition to a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program.
Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2025-2026 academic school year and enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy are eligible. Relevant majors may include communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.
Find the application: dairycheckoff.com/about-us/scholarship
Completed applications must be received no later than May 15 at 11:59 p.m.
The post Calling All Dairy Students – Scholarship Opportunity! first appeared on The Farm.