Sturgeon Spearing Opens February 8th

Sturgeon Spearing Opens February 8th

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is preparing for the sturgeon spearing season that will open Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, on the Winnebago System.

With one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America, the Winnebago System supports an annual spearing season that runs for a maximum of 16 days (it closes Feb. 23) or until any of the predetermined harvest caps have been met.

This year’s harvest caps are:

WATERBODY JUVENILE 
FEMALES 
ADULT
FEMALES 
MALES 
 Lake Winnebago 280 717 1,002
 Upriver Lakes 70 80 250
 Winnebago System Totals   350 797 1,252

If any harvest cap is met early, a closure notice will be posted to the DNR’s Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing webpage and sent to subscribers of the DNR’s Sturgeon Spearing Updates email list.

Subscribe online to receive DNR sturgeon spearing season updates by email.

Season Predictions

The sturgeon spearing harvest is usually dictated in part by water clarity and ice conditions on the Upriver Lakes and Lake Winnebago. This year’s assessments indicate poor water clarity, which could lead to a lengthy spearing season on Lake Winnebago. The DNR does not check water clarity on the Upriver Lakes, but due to their shallow water, clarity is usually not a major factor in predicting harvest on these waterbodies.

Spearers will be able to find the season forecast and daily harvest updates on the Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing webpage and via email.

Registration Information

The DNR reminds spearers that once they have successfully speared a sturgeon, the tag must be validated by tearing off the bottom portion, the sturgeon must then be brought to an official registration station and the spearer needs to be in line by 2 p.m. on the day it was speared.

Any sturgeon harvested from Lake Winnebago must be registered at one of the registration stations on Lake Winnebago, and any sturgeon harvested from the Upriver Lakes (lakes Poygan, Butte des Morts or Winneconne) must be registered at one of the Upriver Lakes registration stations.

Please check the 2025 sturgeon spearing regulations for specifics.

Stay Safe While Spearing

Spearers and spectators are reminded that no ice is 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so check with local fishing clubs and conservation groups for local ice conditions.


Wisconsin Beef Cattle Herd Grows 6%

Wisconsin Beef Cattle Herd Grows 6%

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

The much-anticipated January 1 Cattle Inventory report showed the U.S. cattle herd 1% lower than a year ago. Beef cows that have calved totaled 27.9 million head, 1% lower than January 1, 2023. Milk cow inventory was slightly higher. The number of beef heifers kept for replacement was 1% lower at 4.67 million head. Wisconsin led the nation in beef cow inventory growth by percentage. Wisconsin’s beef cow herd grew by 15,000 head to 275,000, an increase of 6%. It should be noted that the 1% growth in Texas and Oklahoma represents a much larger increase by head. The number of beef heifers kept for replacement in Wisconsin was 16% higher than a year ago at 65,000 head. Wisconsin’s milk cow inventory was 5,000 head fewer than last year. There were 640,000 cattle on feed in Wisconsin on January 1, an increase of 2%.

Negotiated bids were higher last week with another week of strong demand for quality fed cattle at area auction markets. The estimated weekly harvest of 600,000 head was 1,000 greater than the previous week and 32,000 fewer than last year. Wholesale beef prices showed some weakness with the Choice beef cutout averaging $329.65, a decrease of $1.58. 

High Choice and Prime Beef

Fed cattle markets were mostly steady. High Choice and Prime beef breed steers brought $195-$210/cwt with some packages selling from $211-$222/cwt. Choice steers and heifers ranged from $188-$194/cwt. Holstein steers were steady although without the extreme tops of the past two weeks. High grading steers brought $172-$184 with reports of some to $186/cwt. Lower grading steers brought $147-$172. Silage-fed, under-finished or heavy dairy breed steers brought $80-$146/cwt. Dairy x Beef steers were steady, bringing $155-$200 with some higher.

Cows were mostly steady. Most of the cows brought $103-$125/cwt with some to the mid $130s and a few beef breed cows higher. Lower yielding cows brought $70-$103/cwt.  Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $70/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were steady, selling from $200-$500/head with some heavier, well-managed calves selling to $875/head. Dairy breed heifer calves were steady, bringing $200-500/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were steady, selling to $1,080/head. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $15. 


Application Cycle For Cover Crops Rebate Program Closes

Application Cycle For Cover Crops Rebate Program Closes

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s RMA, DATCP recently closed the third application cycle for its Crop Insurance Premium Rebates program. These are for Planting Cover Crops.

Through 2021 Wisconsin Act 233, Gov. Evers created the cover crop insurance program. It is to help protect soil and water resources and support producers implementing cover crop practices. Since 2022, 160,000 acres of coverage, or $800,000, has been awarded annually on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program participants receive a $5 per acre rebate credit to their crop insurance premium for acres planted with cover crops, then subsequently planted to an insurable cash crop. All acres are verified for eligibility prior to the issuance of rebates.

To date, producers in 60 of the 72 Wisconsin counties have participated in the program, and each year, an increased number of cover crop acreage is submitted during the application period. This year, program applications exceeded 224,000 acres, demonstrating how interest in the program far exceeds the funding available.

“The cover crop insurance rebate program is a newer program, but it is quickly growing in popularity with farmers,” said Secretary Romanski. “Governor Evers recognizes the value this tool provides to farmers, and his 2025-2027 budget includes $1.6 million to continue the program. This program has received bi-partisan support in the past. As the next budget progresses, we are hopeful that bi-partisan support for these strategic investments in Wisconsin producers will continue.”

DATCP has worked collaboratively with applicants, insurance providers, and the RMA to improve the application process since the program’s inception. A copy of the web-based rebate application, information about eligibility, and FAQs are available on covercroprebate.wi.gov.  


Apply Now For Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program Grants

Apply Now For Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program Grants

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for the 2025 Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program grant through 11:59 p.m. on March 16, 2025. DATCP will award a total of up to $1.5 million through this program in 2025.

Funded in Governor Evers’ 2023-2025 state budget, the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program is designed to provide grants to nonprofit food assistance organizations for the purpose of purchasing and distributing food to tribal elders and supporting the growth and operations of food producers/processors from Tribal nations as well as all Wisconsin food producers/processors.

Funds must be used to support Tribal members and serve multiple Tribal nations in Wisconsin. Strong proposals will clearly demonstrate shared decision-making power among all project partners and that Tribal nations participating and receiving food have governance over food products moving through their pantries and to community members. Projects must collaborate with and partner on food security efforts with Tribal nations in Wisconsin. Purchased food must be distributed to Tribal members in Wisconsin at no cost. A minimum of 90% of the budget must be spent on food procurement. A maximum of 10% of the budget may be spent on other eligible expenses to implement or evaluate the project.

A total of $1.5 million is available and will be distributed through a competitive review process. These funds will bolster current efforts to purchase and distribute food to Tribal elders and support Indigenous-based food producers. There is no minimum request amount, and applicants may apply for up to $1.5 million. No match is required.


Two Industry Leaders to Join Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame

Two Industry Leaders to Join Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame

Members of Wisconsin’s livestock and meat industries are invited to celebrate two industry leaders at the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame induction. Dan Sutherland and Fritz Usinger will be honored for their lifetime contributions. The dinner and awards ceremony will be on Thursday, April 10. The event takes place during the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Annual Convention.

Dan Sutherland joined Johnsonville in 1982 as head of sow procurement. Over the years, he held key roles in plant management, sales, meat purchasing, rendering, and foreign market development.

Fritz Usinger is the president of Fred Usinger, Inc., a 144-year-old family-run meat processing company in Milwaukee. As the fourth-generation leader, he has driven the company’s growth and innovation.

Founded in 1993, the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s meat industry. The program is coordinated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery program, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and also the Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council (WLMC).

The April 10 celebration begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. Dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Madison West in Middleton. Registration is available online at WI-AMP Convention.


WSMB Gives Green Light To Research Projects 

WSMB Gives Green Light To Research Projects 

The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) continues to invest in research that helps soybean farmers stay competitive. At its February meeting in Wisconsin Dells, the board approved several research projects for fiscal year 2025.

“We’re helping to fund the tools for our farmers to be more profitable,” said Jonathan Gibbs, WSMB president. “As a board, we sponsor projects that battle production challenges and also improve our bottom line. That all comes from robust discussions, which we certainly had during this meeting.”

WSMB unanimously approved funding for several University of Wisconsin Extension research projects. These include developing an insect dynamics isoline map to predict real-time local pest densities and monitoring pests with award-winning insect eavesdropper technology. The board also funded research to improve white mold control.

The board approved funding for the Wisconsin Soybean Yield Contest, which had record participation in 2024. Dr. Shawn Conley, a University of Wisconsin researcher, will oversee the 2025 contest. Details will be announced later this spring.

WSMB also supported new research on soybean cyst nematode resistance and pest management using the Wisconet weather station network.

To be considered for funding, research proposals had to include a 250-word project overview, a communication plan, deliverables, a timeline, and a budget. All contracts will be valid for one year.


Funding Proposed to Reduce Crop Damage

Funding Proposed to Reduce Crop Damage

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced more than $80 million in proposed budget investments to support farmers, producers, and agricultural industries. As part of the 2025-27 Executive Budget, he included $3.7 million to reimburse corn farmers for up to 50% of seed treatment costs. This treatment discourages birds, especially Sandhill Cranes, from eating planted seeds.

Dr. Rich Beilfuss, President and CEO of the International Crane Foundation, praised the proposal. “We have long been committed to finding meaningful solutions to this issue both here in Wisconsin and globally. This budget proposal is an excellent step towards making this effective seed treatment more accessible to farmers.”

For three decades, the International Crane Foundation has worked with Wisconsin farmers to address crane-related crop damage. In partnership with Arkion LLC, the foundation helped develop Avipel seed treatment, available since 2006. Though effective, the treatment adds costs for farmers. The product, a harmless, non-toxic substance derived from plants, is applied to corn seeds before planting. Cranes avoid treated seeds but continue feeding on insects, worms, and waste grains in the fields.

This budget initiative aligns with findings from the Legislative Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes, where the International Crane Foundation served as a core member. Though pro-hunting advocates blocked the measure in committee, a separate program through the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection provides a clear path forward.

Some have promoted a Sandhill Crane hunting season as a solution to crop damage. However, experts who testified before the Study Committee confirmed that hunting would not reduce crop losses.

For over 51 years, the International Crane Foundation has focused on science-based crane conservation in wetlands and working lands. The organization remains committed to collaborating with all partners to implement real solutions.


Farm Policy in Focus

Farm Policy in Focus

As 2025 begins, key policy issues remain unresolved in Washington, D.C. These decisions will impact dairy farmers nationwide. Cassandra Kuball, Vice President of Torrey Advisory Group, which advocates for Edge Dairy Cooperative, shared insights on these pressing matters.

“The first major issue is the fiscal cliff,” Kuball said. “Congress must address government funding as well as the debt ceiling within the first few months of the year.” She explained that lawmakers may use a budget reconciliation package to pass funding measures with a simple majority.

Another concern is potential changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “SNAP is a major part of the farm bill,” Kuball noted. “If cuts happen, it could affect the entire bill’s progress.” Many lawmakers have already voiced opposition to reducing SNAP funding.

Farmers should also be aware of upcoming regulatory changes. “You don’t have to watch the Federal Register every day,” Kuball said. “However, working with advocacy groups helps ensure your voice is heard when key decisions arise.” She encouraged farmers to communicate their priorities to industry groups and their members of Congress.

The farm bill is another critical issue. “The cost of the farm bill now spans a trillion dollars over ten years,” Kuball explained. “Operating under extensions of the 2018 bill is not sustainable. Congress must recognize how much the farm economy has changed since then.”

Kuball remains hopeful that lawmakers will reach agreements on these pressing issues. “It can be done if there’s enough political will,” she said.


Top 10 Complaints DATCP Received In 2024

Top 10 Complaints DATCP Received In 2024

As the state’s primary consumer protection agency, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) responded to 11,374 written consumer complaints in 2024. The resulting mediations, enforcement actions, and settlements returned over $23 million to Wisconsin consumers through refunds and restitutions directly returned to consumers, and civil forfeitures deposited into the state’s common school fund for the benefit of public education.

The top ten complaint categories of 2024 are:

1. Landlord-Tenant Issues

With 2,525 complaints filed in 2024, landlord-tenant issues remained DATCP’s number one consumer complaint category. The most common disputes between landlords and tenants reported to DATCP include failure to maintain the premises, security deposit returns, unauthorized entry, mold and infestation, inadequate disclosures, and unsatisfactory service.

A recent case highlights the importance of landlord-tenant issues in Wisconsin. It is just one example of DATCP’s many efforts to protect consumers from predatory and illegal business practices. In December 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Justice announced a settlement of a $1.7 million lawsuit against Milwaukee-based Berrada Properties Management, Inc. after a referral from DATCP, whose investigators alleged the company had violated landlord-tenant law. The agreement with Berrada Properties Management included remediation and restitution programs requiring the company to return an estimated $850,000 to tenants, among other obligations. Landlords and tenants alike can learn more about their rights and responsibilities from DATCP’s free Landlord–Tenant Guide, available online at LandlordTenant.wi.gov.

In addition to landlord-tenant issues, DATCP received other housing related complaints including 45 complaints about manufactured housing and manufactured housing community concerns.

2. Telemarketing

Telemarketing was DATCP’s second most-reported consumer complaint category of 2024, with 1,513 complaints. Issues include phishing and spoofing, imposter scams, robocalls, harassment, and Do Not Call Registry violations. While the complaints in this category have generally decreased over the last few years, that does not mean the calls themselves are decreasing. Instead, consumers are using tools like the Do Not Call Registry and anti-spam technologies built into the latest cell phones to reduce those calls. Even if they use these helpful tools, it remains important for consumers to file complaints with DATCP. This helps the department combat illegal telemarketing and scam operations in partnership with other state and federal agencies.

3. Home Improvement

There were 664 consumer complaints filed with DATCP in the home improvement category in 2024. Top concerns include quality of work, delays in performance, failure to provide services and materials. As well as failure to honor warranties, deceptive and misleading representations, and failure to disclose lien rights. One example of a DATCP investigation into home improvement complaints determined that a home improvement company called MD Construction received homeowner payments for projects. They then left the work unfulfilled. Instead, the business spent customer money on personal expenses and refused to provide refunds. The owner was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay over $128,000 in restitution.

4. Identity Theft

DATCP received 618 complaints of identity theft in 2024, an increase over the previous year. The top issue in this category remains online account takeovers, with many of the complaints involving compromised Facebook accounts. Social media profiles being taken over by a bad actor can lead to serious and long-term consequences, as the scammer could use a compromised account to access the owner’s personal finances, take control of their internet-based business, or spread the scam to their friends. Other major issues include fraud, data breaches, and compromised identification documents. While prevention is the best way to combat identity theft, victims of identity theft can contact DATCP for assistance with recovery and protecting their identity against further fraud.

5. Telecommunications

In 2024, DATCP received 527 complaints from consumers about their telecommunications services. Consumers reported issues about billing disputes, customer dissatisfaction, agreed-upon terms not being followed, deceptive and misleading representations, refund and adjustment policies, and denial of cancellation requests. Consumers should carefully read their contracts and policies to understand the extent and limitations of the services they purchase, and keep the original documentation for the length of their agreement and service plans.

6. Medical Services

Consumers filed 439 complaints related to medical services in 2024. The top issue in this category was medical billing disputes. Other topics include unsatisfactory service and misleading representations. In one 2024 complaint, a consumer was billed $1,900 for a procedure after being told it would be covered by insurance. However, after DATCP mediation efforts, the mistake was identified and the balance was waived.

7. Motor Vehicle Repair

There were 341 motor vehicle repair complaints filed with DATCP in 2024. Consumers reported issues such as unsatisfactory quality of work, damage and loss of property, failure to honor agreements or perform work, performance delays, and charges for work not permitted by the vehicle owner. Following one complaint about a vehicle that was allegedly damaged while in a repair shop’s care, DATCP mediated a resolution where the business agreed to waive more than $1,000 in towing costs and cover the full repair bill, which was over $3,000.

8. Motor Vehicle Sales (New and Used)

The eighth most common consumer complaint in 2024 concerned sales of both new and used motor vehicles. DATCP received 297 of these complaints in 2024. The most common issues cited in these complaints were inadequate disclosures, prize notice mailers, and untrue, deceptive and misleading representations. DATCP works closely with the Wisconsin of Department of Transportation (WisDOT) on motor vehicle complaints. WisDOT is the state agency responsible for regulating sales while DATCP handles issues of advertising and marketing.

9. Travel

DATCP received 244 travel complaints in 2024. The travel category covers a variety of areas such as airlines, hotels and lodging, auto rentals, and travel service bundles. Common consumer complaints include billing disputes, refund and adjustment policies, failure to provide services, failure to return deposits, and unsatisfactory service.

10. Motor Vehicle Accessories

DATCP’s tenth most common consumer complaint category of 2024, having received 141 complaints, was motor vehicle accessories. Refunds, failure to deliver products, and deceptive and misleading representations were the top issues reported by consumers.


UW-Madison Launches Nation’s First PhD Program in Science Communication

UW-Madison Launches Nation’s First PhD Program in Science Communication

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) recently received approval from the UW Board of Regents to launch its PhD program in science communication. This groundbreaking program is the first of its kind in the United States and offers students the chance to become leaders in the field. The inaugural cohort will begin in fall 2025.

The new program comes from a split of the previous PhD in Mass Communications, which was jointly administered by LSC and the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. In recent years, the two departments’ focuses have diverged, leading to separate offerings. Now, LSC will oversee the Science Communication PhD.

The name change better reflects LSC’s faculty expertise and the distinct identity of science communication as a field. As issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and genome editing become more prominent, the need for effective science communication grows. With rising student demand, the new program will better meet the needs of employers seeking experts in the field.

“This program fills a growing demand for science communication researchers and practitioners in a variety of fields,” says Nan Li, associate professor and director of graduate studies in LSC. “We are excited to support the next generation of students throughout their graduate career and beyond.”

The program is set to provide a flexible, customizable curriculum. Students will also have access to funded research and teaching opportunities. Graduates of the program will be prepared for successful careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.

“LSC is uniquely placed to offer a Science Communication PhD,” says Dominique Brossard, professor and chair of LSC. “Our faculty are top experts, and students will benefit from engaging in innovative research and cutting-edge content.”