Dane County is moving forward on water quality efforts with a new Community Manure Treatment Feasibility Study from its Land and Water Resources Department. Watershed Manager Kyle Minks says the report identifies potential sites for a community digester based on factors like proximity to farms, utilities, transportation routes, and environmentally sensitive areas. Of the seven townships studied, the Town of Vienna ranked highest. The proposed 40- to 80-acre facility could process manure from about 20,000 animals, producing renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich byproducts for resale. While construction isn’t yet planned, the county says it remains committed to working with farmers on practical, long-term manure management solutions.

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In the Assembly Agriculture Committee, two key ag policy discussions are ongoing, from who can own farmland to what happens when your farm equipment breaks down. Assembly Ag Committee Chair Representative Travis Tranel joins us to talk about a proposal that would ban foreign adversaries from buying Wisconsin farmland, and another that would give farmers a “right to repair” their machinery. Plus, with all the uncertainty at the federal level on trade and the government shutdown, Tranel says it’s more important than ever for farmers to stay engaged.

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This year's Wisconsin Farmers Union Conference agenda is full of exciting news and discussion topics. To be held December 12-14, at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, the event is celebrating its 95th anniversary. Danielle Endvick, Executive Director of Wisconsin Farmers Union, says that with exciting conversations and a full agenda, there is something for everyone.

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Following the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington DC, nine groups traveled across the US to learn about the Ethanol Value chain. One of those groups was a delegation from Mexico. They found themselves, right here, in Wisconsin. One of their stops was Reeb Farms in Whitewater. There, they saw harvest in action. Walter Julián Ángel Jiménez is the Secretary For Energy Development For The State Of Tamaulipas. He tells us about the group’s experience in Wisconsin. His story is voiced by a translator from MD Translation.

Photo provided by: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council

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Making sure you are getting what you need out of your health care is very important for the rural community, but it may be hard to know exactly it is you do need. Those needs change if you have children or are a farmer. Stephanie Plaster a Business Development Outreach Specialist with extension says that not two situations are the same.

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Harvest is nearing its end and according to Brant Smith a District Sales Manager for Wyffels out of Winnebago, Boone and McHenry counties in Illinois it has come with variability. He says that they have seen a wide range of yields due to drought and disease pressure on fields. Smith also says that the last couple weeks of harvest look to bring good weather to close out the season. If you have any questions visit Wyffels.com.

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Wisconsin is getting more and more interest from data center developers. It's not new to the state. Michael Greif, fellow with the Midwest Environmental Advocates says that information transparency is critical for residents near these centers. He says knowing where power lines will be located is particularly important since utilities have been using "imminent domain" to secure land for power towers.

Another nice sunny day for Wisconsin. Stu Muck says although the weather's breezy and dry, some of our remaining corn and soybean fields aren't drying down.

Volume has picked up again with sales listings at the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that their latest catalog is ready to go! Interested parties can download it from the website or call for a physical copy. Paid for by the Steffes Group.

Households are trying to figure out how to manage their needs without SNAP/FoodShare assistance this week. Even if the federal government gets payments moving, it's going to take a few days/weeks/months to restore normal flow. That's having an adverse effect on our grocery stores. Stephanie Hoff talks to Michael Seeman, president and CEO of the WI Grocers Association about how stores are managing this disruption.

John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that the trade will start seeing some data release beginning next week. He notes that we'll get two dairy production reports, but there's still some uncertainty on the WASDE update content.

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Wisconsin soybean growers are closely monitoring what's happening specifically with US/China agriculture discussions. Friday the WI Soybean Association issued a statement expressing optimism about the progress, but also anxiety about market already lost. Bob Bosold talks with WI Soybean past president, Sarah Stelter, about her strategies facing these market issues. She stresses how important it is to stay involved in the process. She also explains different alternative uses soybeans are investigating including railroad fuel and firefightin soy-foam.

Warmer weather on the way for the front part of this week. Stu Muck explains what he sees developing for the week across the state.

33 days that the federal government's been shut down. Farmers are just like other citizens - nervous. Ben Jarboe speaks with Stephanie Plaster, UW-Extension Business Outreach Specialist, about how farms approach affordable health care. She says if it's just a husband/wife team, they usually don't plan on seeing a doctor. However, Plaster says when you introduce kids - that all changes.

The US Meat Export Federation is pleased to see some weekend development with China that could open more doors for US pork.

Two bills have been signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers designed to shore up rural responders and the services they provide. Pam Jahnke talks to WI Senator, Howard Marklein, about the listening sessions he conducted to find out about the unique challenges faced by EMS groups serving rural Wisconsin. Marklein says disparities on reimbursement for services provided, as well as reimbursing educational expenses that future emergency responders faced, are part of what the bills should address. He says he hopes it helps inspire people in rural communities to think about serving.

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