Uniting Ag and Conservation Through Education
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has launched a new training initiative. The program aims to improve conservation efforts across Wisconsin. Andrea Topper, DATCP’s Nutrient Management Outreach Specialist, explains that it targets conservation staff. The goal is to equip staff with agricultural knowledge to work more effectively with farmers.
In recent years, Topper noticed that many conservation staff lacked a farming background. This made connecting with farmers difficult. In response, DATCP partnered with organizations like Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Wisconsin Land and Water to create a specialized training program.
The new training program includes both online modules and in-person field experiences. The online modules, developed with Fox Valley Tech, cover essential agricultural practices. They include the differences between dairy, beef, and cash crop operations. They also incorporate conservation standards used by the NRCS. This online platform offers a flexible learning opportunity, making it accessible to anyone, including conservation staff across the state.
The in-person training component, scheduled for next summer, will provide hands-on experience in real-world settings. During the three-day session, participants will learn to identify resource concerns, understand different personality types, and use planning processes to address conservation challenges.
Topper emphasized that the program’s goal is to create a sustainable, collaborative approach to conservation. “We want to integrate agriculture and conservation in a way that benefits both farmers and the environment,” she said. The program aims to ensure that conservation practices are not only effective but also support long-term agricultural sustainability.
As the curriculum continues to develop, updates will be posted on the DATCP website. This training program marks an important step in strengthening Wisconsin’s agricultural and conservation efforts, helping to promote resilient, proven practices that benefit both the land and the people who rely on it.
Learn Measures To Stay Safe When Off-Roading This Summer
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages off-road recreationists to earn their ATV/UTV safety certification by taking an approved course.
In 2024 alone, 40 people died in ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin, with most of them not wearing helmets. Simple steps can prevent fatalities, highlighting the importance of a safety course.
“The primary focus of our safety education course is preventing crashes that lead to injuries and fatalities,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “We want folks to create positive memories and have a great experience on our trails, and that only happens if everyone returns home safely at the end of the trip.”
Any operator at least age 12 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, is required to complete a DNR-approved safety course and carry their proof of certification while riding. But the course isn’t just for youngsters. The DNR encourages all operators to brush up on their skills and knowledge.
Even operators who ride only a few times a year or at a relative’s house should take the course. Inexperience is a top contributing factor in many serious crashes.
View more statistics, including the 2024 Recreational Vehicle Annual Report, on the DNR’s ATV Crash Information webpage.
Visit the DNR’s website to sign up for a course or learn about becoming a safety education instructor.
How To Detect Labor Trafficking
By Stephanie Hoff
Wisconsin farms may be unaware that labor trafficking in agriculture could be happening right in front of them. Mariana Rodriguez, director of UMOS Latina Resource Center in Milwaukee, advises farmers on what to look for when hiring contract labor to avoid legal implications.
Rodriguez starts us off by explaining what labor trafficking is: the recruitment, harboring, and transporting of workers and using force, fraud, or coercion for labor services.
“It can happen without you knowing it,” she says. “Those are some of the things that we need to understand: what the experiences of the workers are? How were you recruited to this farm? How did you know about this job? What were you promised if you came into this job, into this farm?”
She says the trafficking culprit is often the recruiter.
“Workers have said, ‘The owners are very nice, but we don’t get to talk to them.’ When we’re looking at some of the farms that are working with an agency and a recruiter, they should do a lot more background on who they are. Who is that recruiter specifically? What are the workers saying?” Rodriguez says. “So, the employer does need to invest some time in interacting with workers.”
She says even if a farmer doesn’t know there’s labor trafficking going on, if it’s happening on your operation, you may be facing liability.
“At the end of the day, it’s their business. It’s their location. They are very much responsible for everything that happens in those farms,” Rodriguez says. “If they can take some time to ask the question: How safe are my workers? That’s the investment of resources that I said needs to happen.”
It’s Burger O’Clock: Madison Burger Week is Back
The Wisconsin Beef Council is once again teaming up with The Cap Times to bring back Madison Burger Week. This exciting event runs from May 16 through May 23 across the Madison area.
During the week, dozens of local restaurants, bars, and taverns will serve up their best burger creations. Some burgers are fan favorites, while others are brand-new and made just for this special occasion.
Angie Horkan, marketing director for the Wisconsin Beef Council, said the council is proud to support this event. “Madison Burger Week is a fun way to showcase the quality and versatility of beef,” she added.
Throughout the week, diners are encouraged to vote online for their favorite burger. The burger with the most votes will win the title of Madison’s Best Burger for 2025. The winning burger will be announced on June 4. As a bonus, one lucky voter will win a $25 gift card each day during the event.
To see the full list of participating restaurants, burger descriptions, and to vote, visit www.beeftips.com.
NTC Opens Cutting Edge Sawmill In Antigo
Pictured: Leaders from Northcentral Technical College, the Wisconsin Technical College System, UW-Stevens Point, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. during the ribbon-cutting event at the sawmill training facility.
Northcentral Technical College has opened a state-of-the-art sawmill at the NTC Antigo Campus. This marks a significant investment in hands-on, industry-aligned education for students entering or already employed in lumber manufacturing fields.
The new sawmill stands as the only commercial-scale training facility of its kind in the United States. It’s designed to prepare students for careers in the lumber industry. The facility features advanced commercial equipment and emphasizes safety, efficiency, and best practices without the pressure of full-scale production.
Logan Wells is the wood science program director at NTC. He tells Mid-West Farm Report why the sawmill is significant, including how students will use it to prepare for a career in the forest products industry:
Inside the sawmill, students work through the entire lumber production process—from debarked logs to finished, quality-inspected boards. Key equipment includes a 54” head saw, a horizontal band resaw, a two-saw optimized edger, and a two-saw trimmer. All machine centers are elevated for better teaching access. The machines are supported by a complete residue handling system that recycles byproducts.
The sawmill is being funded as part of the $8 million state Workforce Innovation Grant that UW-Stevens Point received to address the forestry industry’s workforce shortage. The WIG program is a joint effort between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and the Department of Workforce Development.
The sawmill supports multiple NTC programs, including the Wood Science Associate Degree, Wood Technology Technical Diploma, and various specialized certificates.
Learn more: www.ntc.edu/about/locations-facilities/wood-technology-center-excellence/sawmill
Milkweed Is Rare Plant Monitoring Program’s Plant of the Year
The DNR has announced milkweed as the Rare Plant Monitoring Program’s 2025 Plant of the Year. They encourage planting milkweed to help monarchs.
Milkweed is an important plant for monarch butterflies and a beautiful addition to any home garden. When combined with a few native plants that bloom throughout the spring and summer, your garden can support an even wider variety of pollinators.
Of the 13 native milkweed in Wisconsin, five are listed as endangered, threatened or special concern. Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is the state’s only nonnative milkweed.
“Monarch butterflies face several major threats, including habitat loss, pesticides and climate change,” said Jay Watson, DNR insect ecologist. “Planting milkweed can help create habitat for monarchs, other butterflies and bumble bees.”
Monarchs breed in Wisconsin throughout the spring and summer, and they need milkweed to survive. It’s the only plant that monarchs lay their eggs on, and it’s the only food that monarch caterpillars eat. Once a monarch reaches adulthood, they may still use milkweed for nectar. A variety of native plants that bloom from spring to fall are also important.
In late fall, monarchs migrate south to Mexico, where they overwinter in tight clusters. Each year, scientists estimate monarch populations by how much space they occupy, measured in hectares, while overwintering. While 2024-2025 numbers found 1.79 hectares up from .99 hectares the prior season, both are part of a decades-long decline in their population.
About The Program
The Rare Plant Monitoring Program is a group of trained volunteers who work with the DNR to locate, record and update the presence of rare plants throughout the state. The plant of the year becomes a focus for volunteers who can request rare milkweed surveys and contribute to a statewide status update on these species.
To find native milkweed plants near you, visit the lists of native plant sales and native plant nurseries around the state on our Native Plants webpage.
WI LFPA Has Provided Over $53,000 Of Local Food Since 2023
Building a resilient food system that works for all takes strong relationships and support for
communities and farmers. REAP Food Group, based in Madison, Wisconsin is doing just that,
recently with help from the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance (WI LFPA) Program.
Since 2023, Farm to Families Program has received over $53,000 worth of local food through
the WI LFPA Program.
In 2023 and 2024, the WI LFPA Program delivered $4.23 million worth of food to food access
sites in every county in the state. The program found its incredible success through strong
partnerships with farmers, food access sites, and community organizations, such as REAP.
REAP also benefitted from a WI LFPA Community Partner Grant in 2024. The grant project,
called Grow Local, Feed Local, was led by the Community Action Coalition (CAC), in
partnership with REAP and FairShare CSA Coalition. As a project partner, REAP assisted CAC
in identifying and communicating with eligible producers through their farmer network and
supporting producers throughout the funding cycle with wholesale readiness support.
National Dairy Shrine Salutes Industry Icons
The National Dairy Shrine has announced the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Pioneer Award. This award honors individuals and teams who have shaped the future of the dairy industry.
This year’s recipients are Dr. Joseph Lineweaver, the photographers of Agri-Graphics, the late Dr. David Selner, and geneticists Dr. Paul VanRaden and Dr. George Wiggans.
Dr. David Selner
Dr. David Selner, who passed away in 2023, was a leader in genetics, education, and youth programs. He grew up on a Wisconsin Holstein farm and later played key roles in genetic evaluation and sire development. He helped launch the first embryo transfer program and advised groups around the world.
Importantly, Dr. Selner had a gift for explaining science in ways dairy farmers could understand. He also worked with students, helping found the Dairy Challenge and announcing at World Dairy Expo. During his time as Executive Director of the National Dairy Shrine, he created new scholarships and helped digitize the museum’s archives.
Dr. Joseph Lineweaver
Dr. Joseph Lineweaver made major contributions to reproductive science in the dairy field. While at Virginia Tech and later with Blue Ridge Embryos, he helped set new standards for semen and embryo handling. His work led to the first registered Jersey calf born from embryo transfer.
Throughout his career, he supported youth and served in leadership roles in major dairy groups. Even in his 90s, Dr. Lineweaver continues to inspire others through his service and mentorship.
Agri-Graphics
Agri-Graphics is honored as a team for transforming how dairy cattle are photographed. Their photos helped farmers promote top animals and boosted genetic marketing worldwide.
Founded in 1963 by Danny Weaver and later led by Kathy DeBruin, Agri-Graphics gave many women photographers their start in a male-dominated field. Notably, photographers like Maggie Murphy and many others helped create powerful images that told the story of dairy excellence.
Their motto became, “We don’t take pictures, we make them!” Their work is now part of the visual history of the industry.
Dr. Paul VanRadn & Dr. George Wiggans
Lastly, Dr. Paul VanRaden and Dr. George Wiggans are honored together for advancing dairy cattle genetics. Their work helped improve traits like fertility, calving ease, and longevity. Because of them, breeders can now make faster and better decisions.
They also developed Net Merit and tools to track genetic health. Their research team spirit and mentorship have inspired scientists around the world. Over their careers, they wrote over 500 papers that shaped the future of dairy breeding.
All recipients will be honored at the National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet on Monday, September 29, in Madison. Their portraits will be added to the Dairy Hall of Fame in Fort Atkinson.
FarmBot Powers Hands-On Learning at UW-Stout
At the University of Wisconsin–Stout, the campus greenhouse is much more than a place to grow plants.
“It’s a research space. It’s a teaching space,” says Dr. Keith Gilland, Associate Professor of Biology and Greenhouse Manager. “Students can do independent projects, and we support classes in biology and environmental science.”
In fact, the greenhouse has become a hub of cross-department collaboration. Faculty and students from math and engineering are also involved in ongoing projects.
One of the standout features is a small robot called a FarmBot. It’s a computer-controlled device that helps automate small-scale agriculture.
“It looks a bit like a 3D printer,” Gilland explains. “It can be programmed to plant seeds, water plants, and even weed garden beds.”
Moreover, the FarmBot allows students to test ideas for how small-scale technology could influence large-scale farming in the future. The greenhouse is home to both tropical plants and native Wisconsin species. This includes snake plants, spider plants, and monsteras, alongside prairie shrubs used in conservation and restoration efforts.
“We have students working on native plant propagation,” says Gilland. “Many of these are going into local restoration projects.”
In partnership with Chippewa Valley Bean, students are also helping grow kidney beans. This collaboration brings together agriculture, robotics, and real-world industry research.
Another piece of equipment, the muffle furnace, helps students understand soil health. It heats soil samples to around 500 degrees Celsius to measure how much carbon is stored in the soil.
“This tells us how well our restoration efforts are working,” Gilland says. “It’s a simple but powerful way to track ecosystem health.”
Sandy Chalmers Returns To FSA State Executive Director Role
Sandy Chalmers serves as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Wisconsin. She has served in a number of leadership roles advocating for farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans, and she returns to direct Farm Service Agency operations in Wisconsin. Sandy previously served in executive positions at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Chalmers is returning to the role as the State Executive Director of the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency after a four-year hiatus. She has been reappointed to the role by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. From 2004 to 2011 Chalmers served as the FSA Executive Officer. She has also served as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of DATCP.
