Farmers Are Getting Antsy With Warm Dry Weather - Heinberg
Most potato producers in Wisconsin would never imagine managing their 2023 crop with temperatures in the 70's come February of 2024. Stephanie Hoff learns about the precision necessary to keep those potatoes in good condition for consumption from Mike Copas, agronomy manager for Wysocki Family Farms Company.
Protect Our Farms is an anthem you're hearing at the state capitol as farm organizations and commodity groups come together to prevent a patchwork of ordinances from constraining livestock production without merit. Jason Mugniani with the WI Farm Bureau says it stems from Prop 12 in California, and the Supreme Court not taking action to prevent each state from creating rules that dictate production practices beyond their state border.
Commodity prices are down more than 22% compared to 2022, and that's got Wisconsin farmers stressed. Add to it the current concern about exceptionally dry conditions going into spring - and you see why discussing mental health in the rural community is so key. Pam Jahnke introduces us to Dan Wexfeld, a trainer with Mental Health First Aid. On March 14th they're holding a daylong training session to identify signs of mental stress and potential suicide.
John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend steps in for an update. Farmers are getting antsy in Wisconsin to get started with spring chores, and the same is true farther south. Heinberg says there's reports of growers starting to plant cotton, and even some early season corn. His eye is focused on the sweeping weather changes planned for the mid-section of the U.S. where the wheat crop could get shocked. Heinberg's also watching money flow, and preparing for Friday's next cattle on feed report.
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