Prepare To Apply For Dairy Business Grants
Grow your business with a new round of Dairy Business Builder grants. The grants, administered by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, open on Feb. 5. Small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors across 11 states, including Wisconsin, can apply.
The Center for Dairy Research and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association administer the funding.
The reimbursement grants are up to $100,000 each. They aim to support recipients in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and enhancing exports.
“These grants have helped small businesses with the support they need to grow and diversify,” says CDR Director John Lucey. “This program helps strengthen our cheese and dairy industry by supporting more value-added products and diversification.”
Application materials for the Dairy Business Builder grants will be available online: https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/dbia
Prospective applicants can join an informational webinar hosted by DBIA staff at 1 p.m. on Feb. 7. Applications will be due by 5 p.m. on April 4. Successful applicants will be notified by late May.
“Dairy Business Builder awards have helped kick-start growth for dairy farmers and processors all over the Midwest,” says WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “These grants are ideal for any dairy business owner looking to expand and improve their business.”
Meet Your Outstanding Young Farmers
Jacob and Jennifer Hoewisch of Fremont are the 2024 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmers. They got the award during the 70th Annual Awards Weekend Jan. 26-27.
The Outstanding Young Farmer Program began in 1954 as a National Program for the U.S. Jaycees. Wisconsin’s first winner was named in 1952 and has had 22 national winners during the program’s history.
As long as Jacob Hoewisch can remember, he has wanted to be a farmer. When he was in fourth grade, his dad and uncle combined their dairy herds and built a freestall barn and milking parlor creating Hoewisch Homestead Dairy LLC at Fremont.
The same year his parents decided it was best to homeschool Jacob allowing him to be around to learn and observe what was happening on the farm while also concentrating on his studies. That opened the door for Jacob to begin working toward his goal of joining the family business and eventually taking over. The family has a succession plan in place, and Jacob’s official job is salaried manager of the business.
Since taking over the management of the farm he has added cover crops and transitioned to no-till. As a result, everything on the farm is now green all year.
On the dairy side of things, he experimented with breeding the cows with A1 genetics to beef. In 2018 he started genomically testing the herd using tissue samples and using that information to decide which animals to breed to beef. This led not only to the milking herd to be A2/A2 status but also started the opportunity to direct market beef.
Jacob and Jennifer are active in the Waupaca County Farm Bureau. They are also WFBF state committee members and Jacob served as County YFA chair from 2011 to 2021. Both are also youth group leaders at their church. He is also a part of the Township of Caledonia farmer-led watershed group, and he serves on the Fox Valley Technical College Advisory Committee.
Additional Winners
Matt and Heather Reu were named the Speak Up for Ag Winner, plus they were also named the Wisconsin OYF Runner-Up. The Reu’s farm is near Fort Atkinson, where they have a 5000+ acre grain and beef operation.
Other Finalists
Abby Driscoll of Newton
Mitch and McKenzie Kappelman of Manitowoc
Scott and Katy Kohn of Medford
Ryan and Lacey Wendt of Pound
In addition to the important networking events and the awards portion of the program, OYF finalists participated in ag forums learning hands-on training on Farm Safety and Farm Mapping, which was led by Pittsville Fire Department Chief Jerry Minor.
They also toured the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover. After the tour of the facility, they had an opportunity to meet with Riesterer and Schnell, our Premium Sponsor. The tour concluded in the Cooking Lab at the Food + Farm Exploration Center. Our session was led by a representative of the Wisconsin Beef Council, where they prepared an appetizer and meal for their lunch.
The 2024 event was held at Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. The hosts for this year’s event were Travis and Melissa Marti from Vesper. Next year, the Hoewisch’s will host the Wisconsin OYF Awards Weekend in January 2025, central Wisconsin location TBD.
Wisconsin has finalists for the 2024 National OYF Awards in Ferndale, WA on Feb. 15-18. WI OYF 2023 Runners-Up Brody and Carolyn Stapel of Cedar Grove are finalists for the 2024 National OYF Award.
Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers Set A Date
Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers will review the group’s progress from the past year and explore strategies for building soil health while sustaining farm profitability on Feb. 9 during its conference and annual meeting.
Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers is a nonprofit farmer-led watershed conservation group in the Sheboygan River watershed in Sheboygan and Fond du Lac counties in Wisconsin. Members explore farming strategies that lead to improved soil health, greater farming efficiency, sustained profitability, and reduced environmental impact. The growers share information gained through field trials with fellow farmers and strive to foster an understanding of the role of agriculture in the community.
The annual meeting is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Amore Banquet Hall at 18 W Mill St. in Plymouth. You can register by emailing Laura Hensley at lhensley@voiceofmilk.com.
Agenda
- 10 a.m. — Welcome and year in review, Brody Stapel, president
- 10:15 a.m. — Conservation Outcomes in 2023, Shawn Wesener, Farmers for Sustainable Food
- 10:30 a.m. — Johnsonville Project update, Tricia Verville, The Sand County Foundation
- 11 a.m. — Monetizing Soil Health with Carbon Intensity, Carolyn King, Continuum Ag
- 12 p.m. — Lunch
- 12:45 p.m. — Open floor for sponsors
- 1 p.m. — Soil Health for Profitability: Revenues Beyond Commodities, Carolyn King, Continuum Ag;
Jeff Gaska, Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water; Cade Christensen, CAL Drones - 2 p.m. — Closing comments
Learn more: https://srpfarmers.com/
Make Plans to Attend the 2024 Symposium
Dairy, beef, and hay producers, as well as custom operators and nutrient applicators, should mark their calendars for February 19-21 for the 2024 Symposium. The event will take place at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. It is hosted jointly by the Midwest Forage Association (MFA), Professional Nutrient Applicators Association of Wisconsin (PNAAW), and also the Wisconsin Custom Operators (WCO).
The Symposium features an impressive lineup of university, industry, agency, and farmer speakers from across the Midwest. They will be discussing topics members have identified as being the most timely and relevant to their operations. The opening session will feature Jolene Brown, with her “Top Ten Mistakes That Break Up a Family Business.” Brown, often referred to as the “Dr. Phil of Agriculture,” is a hall of fame and award-winning speaker. She has devoted her career to making a positive impact on the lives of the people and industry of agriculture. Other forage session topics include (but are not limited to):
- Corn Silage Plant Density: 6 Things You Should Know
- How 2023 Will Shape 2024 Corn Silage Production
- Tradeoff Between Forage Quality & Risk of Rain
- What’s New in the Industry
- Will Herbicide Carryover be a Problem for Alfalfa in 2024
- Boosting Alfalfa Yields: Key Practices & Indicators
- Management considerations for Alfalfa Following Drought
- Updates from the forage Program at UW
- Solving the Mystery of Alfalfa Autotoxicity
- Much, much, more
The 2024 Symposium will also feature University of Wisconsin-Extension Manure Applicator Training 101 which will take place Monday afternoon, February 19, and is just $5 for participants who register for both Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. The event also features a Pump School instructed by Puck Enterprises.
Early bird registration for association members is only $130 if registered by February 5. Single-day and multiple-person farm/business registration options are available. Reserve a room by January 31 – call the Chula Vista Resort at 855.530.1706 (booking ID Code: J25502).
If you’re a forage farmer, nutrient applicator, or custom operator, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn more about your trade, network with industry experts, and also visit with peers. Make plans now to attend!
For a full agenda, more information, or to register online, visit the MFA website.
2024 Outlook: Cautious Optimism for Dairy Farmers
The year 2023 proved to be a challenging period for dairy farmers across the nation, marked by a substantial market decline from the high prices of the previous year. High feed costs further added to the difficulties, leading to margins reaching their lowest point since 2009. Despite this, Steve Nicholson, UW-Madison Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences Professor says there’s hope for 2024.
“Cow numbers are decreasing and the amount of milk per cow is remaining stable,” explains Nicholson. “Despite stable milk production per cow, innovative feeding and breeding strategies led to an 11% increase in butterfat per cow. This unexpected rise in butterfat has positively influenced the marketplace heading into 2024.”
While the high prices of 2022 influenced global markets, 2023 saw a decline in the rolling average of US dairy exports. Despite this, projections for 2024 indicate a more positive trend. Especially for major dairy products like dry whey, skim milk powder, non-fat dry milk, butter, and cheese. The US is positioned favorably compared to global competitors in these markets.
When it comes to milk prices, Nicholson says 2024 is showing signs of promise.
He says, “The milk price cycle, characterized by peaks and troughs, is expected to show signs of recovery in 2024. Projections suggest that the industry is past the low point of the cycle, offering hope for an upward trend in milk prices.”
Ongoing hearings since August 2023 regarding federal milk marketing orders have introduced potential changes to pricing formulas. The impact of these changes, particularly in the make allowance values and class one differentials, remains uncertain.
Nicholson says there are several wild card factors that are influencing how 2024 will play out.
“Several wild cards, including the global economy, weather patterns, and the pending farm bill, pose uncertainties for 2024. Economic growth, inflation control, and potential changes in the farm bill could impact dairy margins.”
Andis Foundation A Platinum Clover Donor
Andis Company’s Laura Andis Bishop is proud to support Wisconsin 4-H. She says, “Andis Foundation is honored to continue empowering and supporting the development of youth in our communities through our partnership with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. The positive impact Wisconsin 4-H has on personal growth and leadership is vital. We are grateful to take part in cultivating the next generation.”
You can find out more about Andis Foundation at their website, www.andis.org.
“We are truly grateful for the continued support of generous partners, like Andis Foundation,” adds Brenda Scheider, Executive Director of the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. “Andis Foundation helps 4-H create cutting-edge, relevant programs for young people to learn real-world skills that will prepare them for the challenges of today and tomorrow. This helps move communities, the state, our country and the world forward in ways no other youth organization can. We value our partners who help Wisconsin 4-H make a positive impact on our youth.”
4-H is one of the largest and oldest statewide youth organizations in Wisconsin. It offers a wide variety of programs in both urban and rural settings. Nearly 150,000 youth participate in the Wisconsin 4- H program each year, and more than 22,000 volunteers support the program.
The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, based in Madison, provides essential funding for 4-H programs throughout Wisconsin. By partnering with individuals, corporations and foundations, the Foundation supports 4-H leadership, youth development and community-building activities throughout the state. Learn more about the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation by visiting www.Wis4HFoundation.org.
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom “Sweetens” Essay Contest
Wisconsin fourth and fifth grade writers have a chance to win a Flex Farm hydroponic growing system for their school, when they submit an essay entry to the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest.
The annual essay contest is hosted by Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. It invites students to explore an aspect of the food and fiber that is grown and produced by Wisconsin farmers. For the past fifteen years, young writers have explored topics from health to harvest equipment, popcorn to potatoes, as well as all types of agriculture in between. This year’s contest honors the sweetest of Wisconsin’s agriculture commodities: fruit. The essay topic is Wisconsin Agriculture is Fruit-Full.
This giveaway is supported by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation and Fork Farms – the maker of the Flex Farm system.
Essay Information
“Wisconsin’s unique landscape and cultural heritage have directly contributed to the diverse agricultural crops and products that are grown and produced in our communities,” said Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator Beth Schaefer. “Fork Farms is one of the newest agriculture innovators to call our state home. We are proud to partner and offer a new giveaway as part of this annual essay contest.”
Essay entries are due April 15. Students can enter their essays online at wisagclassroom.org or send them directly to their local county Farm Bureau. Each qualifying student essay entry received will count as one entry for the giveaway drawing. The drawing will be held the week of May 20, 2024. Full contest details as well as rules can be found at wisagclassroom.org.
An additional opportunity to win the Flex Farm is being offered to educators who participate in “Fruit Fest” at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. The event for educators is being held on February 19. It offers educators the opportunity to learn more about hydroponic plant production and agriculture as a context for teaching core subjects including science, social studies and English Language Arts. Event information and details are found at farmwisconsin.org/event/fruit-fest-teacher-workshop.
Ten Farmer-Led Groups Get $100K
The Nature Conservancy is giving challenge grants to support farmer-led watershed groups in Wisconsin. The dollars help create innovative cost-share programs for agricultural conservation practices.
The programs aim to help farmers implement practices that support soil and water quality on their land. At the same time, the practices aim to benefit their economic bottom line. With support from the Sally Mead Foundation, TNC awarded grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 to 10 groups.
The groups receiving funding are:
- Rush Creek Watershed Conservation Council
- FDL Co. Watersheds Alliance
- Kenosha Regenerative Producers Group
- Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation
- Red Cedar Conservation Farmers
- Clean Farm Families
- Bad Axe Watershed Stewards
- Rock River Regenerative Graziers
- Farmers for Lake Country
- Coon Creek Community Watershed Council
Conservation practices include programs to incentivize members to plant multi-species cover crops, interseed cover crops into cash crops, plant green, and add one or more crops to their rotation. The grants will also support groups’ goals of developing equipment-sharing techniques to advance the adoption of conservation practices by members and incentivizing members to adopt new nutrient management practices that promote healthy soils and clean water.
Priority for awarding the grants was given based on the creativity of the cost-sharing programs and to
newer, less established groups.
Dodge Co. Farmers Hosting Soil Health Expo
Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water will review the group’s progress from the past year and explore what’s next for conservation during its Soil Health Expo on Feb. 7.
Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water is a nonprofit farmer-led conservation group whose members explore farming strategies that lead to improved soil health, greater farming efficiency, sustained profitability, and reduced environmental impact. Members share information gained through field trials with fellow farmers and strive to foster an understanding of the role of agriculture in the community.
The event is at the Juneau Community Center at 500 Lincoln Drive in Juneau from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Agenda
- 8:30 a.m. — Coffee/donuts, networking and vendors, poster sessions, registration
- 10 a.m. — Welcome and 2023 DCF year in review, Tony Peirick, president
- 10:15 a.m. — 2023 conservation outcomes, Shawn Wesener, Farmers for Sustainable Food
- 10:30 a.m. — Roots Not Iron: 50 Years of Cover Crops, Blake Vince, no-till farmer from Ontario, Canada
- Noon — Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. — Running the Numbers for Adding Wheat in Your Rotation, Jeff Hadachek,
UW-Extension specialist in ag and applied economics - 1:30 p.m. — Lightning Talks
— State agriculture department’s nitrogen optimization pilot project – nitrogen rate trial
for 2023, Bill Stangel, Soil Solutions Consulting
— Rye cover crop termination timing and weed suppression, Jim Stute, independent research agronomist
— Comparing soil sensor data: How soil health fields compared to conventional fields in the
2023 drought, Greg Olson, The Sand County Foundation field projects director - 2:30 p.m. — Closing comments, Tony Peirick
- 2:45 p.m. — Public program concludes
Get more information at the Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water’s website: https://dodgecountyfarmers.com/
Pork Harvest Totals Lower Than ’23; Lamb Up
The following report was prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP’s livestock and meat specialist. This report draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA reports. Edited by Mid-West Farm Report.
Pork
Cash hog prices were higher for the second week in a row. The pork cutout has moved higher each of the last three weeks. Last week’s value averaged $88.02, up $2.65 from the previous week, but was showing weakness by the middle of this week.
Last week’s estimated harvest of 2.652 million was 478,000 head more than the week before and 111,000 fewer than a year ago. The larger harvest run is a result of packers working through hogs backed up by the holidays and winter weather events. This week’s pace was running behind last year through mid-week.
It is worth mentioning that there is disagreement over the number of hogs on feed. Hog weights will indicate how current the hog supply is as weekly harvest totals continue to draw attention.
Lamb
Traditional market lambs were called $4/cwt lower last week while light lambs. Others were $10 to $30/cwt higher. The cutout was higher last week, gaining $2.76 for a net value of $466.08 last Friday. That is still over $8 lower than the beginning of the year.
Harvest was estimated at 33,000 sheep and lambs last week, 2,000 head below the previous week and 1,000 more than a year ago.
Market lambs were heavier $165 to $200, with a few higher.
