Happy New Year! We took a look at the most downloaded Mid-West Farm Report podcasts of 2025 — here’s what you listened to the most:
No. 1 — Fond du Lac Couple Named Compeer’s 2025 GroundBreakers
Evan Schrauth has wanted to farm since he was two years old. Today, he is, but not after more than a few setbacks and challenges.
Evan and his wife, Taylor, were recognized by Compeer Financial during their GroundBreaker 2025 forum in Rockford, IL. Their mixed-breed herd of Guernsey and Holstein dairy cattle forms the foundation that Evan is building for their future. He explains his dedication to keeping a sharp pencil on expenses, and making sure that he’s planning for technology to help him enjoy his young family as they grow. He acknowledges that their current location, just outside the Fond du Lac city limits, may pose some challenges, but Evan believes in always finding a silver lining. He says at least he’s always close to supplies when he needs them.
No. 2 — Equity CEO Sounds Alarm Over Proposed 1,700% State Fee Hike
In early September, the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection proposed changes to ATCP 10 and ATCP 12. These are fee increases for livestock auction markets, dealers, and truckers. Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales CEO Curt Larson comments on the proposed changes. He says the only way to collect these fee increases will be to pass them on to the farmers, which he fears will force even more producers out of livestock. In addition, Larson says the proposed fee increases are excessive and well beyond “ordinary and customary,” ranging from 205 percent to 1,700 percent.
No. 3 — Romanski: Fee Hike Necessary To Fund Programs Currently In A Deficit
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski responds to the criticism around the changes to ATCP 10 and ATCP 12 to increase fees for livestock auction markets, dealers, and truckers. Romanski says there hasn’t been a fee increase since 2008-2009. The fees bring revenue to support essential services, such as animal health administration, which is currently operating at a deficit.
No. 4 — Rural Residents Seek More Info On Wind Energy Projects
Most Americans agree that the U.S. should prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels. A recent Pew Research Center study puts that number at nearly 70 percent. Where the conversation gets divided is deciding where these renewable energy projects should go.
Pete Moris, a Grant County resident, volunteers with a group hosting informational sessions in Southwest Wisconsin about wind energy projects. During these sessions, Pete has found that rural residents are growing more uncertain about the oncoming wind energy developments popping up around the state.
He says, regardless of your feelings around renewable energy, it’s important to know all of the information and practice caution before signing on the dotted line.
No. 5 — Tariffs On Steel & Lumber Create Challenges For Construction Industry
As industries across the nation brace for potential new tariffs on March 1, Cleary Building Corp. is already feeling the effects of existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. Sean Cleary, owner and operator of Cleary Building Corp., emphasizes that these trade policies are impacting material costs and business operations.
“When tariffs increase, domestic producers tend to raise prices,” he explained. “That makes it harder to find alternative suppliers who can fill the gaps.”
Despite these challenges, Cleary remained cautiously optimistic about 2025.
“The agricultural industry, which we work closely with, is expected to be stable,” he said. “Leads are still strong, and we’re seeing continued interest in building projects.”
