— Wisconsin crop forecasts for this year are down across the board, as farmers in parts of the state continue to grapple with drought conditions.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports state corn production is expected to be 515 million bushels, which would be 6 percent lower than last year’s total. Based on conditions at the start of the month, yields are predicted to average 166 bushels per acre, marking a decline of 14 bushels from last year.
And soybean production is predicted to be 104 million bushels — 11 percent lower than last year. The yield is forecast at 50 bushels per acre, which would be 4 bushels lower than 2022.
Meanwhile, winter wheat production is estimated to be 17.2 million bushels, for an 8 percent decline over the year. The yield is expected to be 70 bushels per acre, for a decline of 8 bushels from the prior year.
Production of oat for grain is forecast at 3.54 million bushels, which would be 26 percent lower than the previous year. The expected yield is 59 bushels per acre, down 15 bushels from 2022.
And production of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures for hay is predicted to hit 1.99 million tons this year, marking a 20 percent decline. With a yield of 2.4 tons per acre, that would be 0.70 tons lower than last year.
At the same time, the National Integrated Drought Information System shows nearly 18 percent of the state is experiencing “extreme” drought, the second-worst category for this measure. Aside from some small patches near the state’s northwestern border, the area of extreme drought stretches across parts of southwestern, south central and central Wisconsin.
While the NIDIS site also shows 35 percent of the state is seeing a moderate drought and 29 percent is seeing severe drought, just 0.3 percent of the state falls under “exceptional” drought conditions. That small area is located along the shoreline of Lake Superior.
About 5 million Wisconsin residents are currently living in areas of drought. That figure has risen 1.4 percent since last week.
See the report: https://www.wispolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/230811-crop.pdf
See the NIDIS site: https://www.drought.gov/states/wisconsin
— For the second year running, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese has received the Grand Master Cheesemaker Award at the State Fair.
The Waterloo-based cheese producer yesterday announced its performance in the State Fair Dairy Products Contest. According to the release, the award goes to the Grand Champion product from the top 40 first place winners in each product class.
The company was recognized for its chocolate mascarpone, which also took 1st place in the flavored soft cheese category.
“To be named the Grand Master Cheesemaker for the second year in a row is an honor,” Crave Brothers founder George Crave said in a statement. “Our commitment to crafting sustainably made, high-quality products is unwavering, and we’re proud to be recognized as a top dairy producer in such a strong industry.”
See more on the company here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crave-brothers-named-the-2023-wisconsin-state-fair-grand-master-cheesemaker-for-second-consecutive-year-301900042.html
— Sen. Andre Jacque is circulating a bill that he says would “provide a more level playing field” for food producers in Wisconsin.
In a cosponsorship memo sent to other lawmakers, the De Pere Republican argues food production regulations “should not favor big manufacturers or small home businesses” operating in the state.
“We need them all to have the broadest diversity possible in this economic sector to promote growth and food security, while protecting the public,” he wrote.
The legislation would raise the annual sales threshold for requiring a food processing plant license from $5,000 to $25,000, according to the memo. It would also exempt certain baked goods and food products — such as canned and pickled fruits and vegetables — from licensure.
Plus, the bill would add sesame to the list of common allergens listed in food product labels.
Jacque notes in the memo the bill is supported by the Midwest Food Products Association, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and the Wisconsin Bakers Association.
The cosponsorship deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 22.
— Workforce officials in south central Wisconsin and startup accelerator gener8tor are now accepting applications for the newly launched Skills Accelerator Program.
The six-week program starts Aug. 28 and runs through Sept. 29. The program is aimed at job seekers in the region who are looking to learn customer service and sales skills and receive job placement assistance, according to details from the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin.
Participants will receive one-on-one support from career coaches, LinkedIn Learning certificates, and in certain programs, have access to reduced fee exams to secure industry-recognized certifications.
Applications are being accepted until Aug. 20.
See more at Madison Startups: https://www.madisonstartups.com/gener8tor-launches-skills-accelerator-program/
<br><b><i>Top headlines from the Health Care Report…</b></i>
— Two projects aimed at improving the health of rural and tribal communities in the state are getting funding through UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Rural Partnership initiative.
<i>For more of the most relevant news on COVID-19, reports on groundbreaking health research in Wisconsin, links to top stories and more, sign up today for the free daily Health Care Report from WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com.</i>
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#TOP STORIES#
# Highest drought rating ever seen in Wisconsin recorded along Lake Superior
# Metalheads and pinball fans flip over Mad With Power Fest
# NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says 2025 draft will put Green Bay on ‘the biggest stage’
#TOPICS#
# AGRIBUSINESS
– Declining interest, revenue ended farm training course at UW-Madison. Now state lawmakers are pushing to fund it at UW-River Falls.
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=763&yr=2023
# CONSTRUCTION
– Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signs long-term downtown 2040 plan
– A drone’s-eye view of Baird Center, Couture and other major projects: Slideshow
# ECONOMY
– Wisconsin families face back-to-school shopping sticker shock
# ENVIRONMENT
– A proposed living breakwater along Milwaukee’s coast would make the city more climate resilient
# FOOD AND BEVERAGE
– Sweetgreen hosts its grand opening, with giveaways, Aug. 15 at The Corners of Brookfield
# HEALTH CARE
– Ascension Wisconsin has a new chief executive
– Ascension Wisconsin names replacement for Bernie Sherry
# MANUFACTURING
– Carmex manufacturer seeking Franklin help for new headquarters
– Maker of Carmex moves forward with plans for new Franklin HQ
# REAL ESTATE
– ThermTech purchases New Berlin building for $8.7 million
– Bishop’s Woods office building returned to lender
– These 4 City Center Plaza businesses have relocated as plans for transition to Fox Commons move forward
# RETAIL
– Kwik Trip ranks among nation’s largest convenience store chains
# SMALL BUSINESS
– New Pikkito makes Peruvian chicken in Middleton
# SPORTS
– ‘I surprise myself every day’: Father’s love for running inspires Casco woman to attempt marathon
# TECHNOLOGY
– Exclusive access offers new Facebook insights, but UW-Madison professor worries about limits
# TOURISM
– Chainsaw championships rev up in Eau Claire
# PRESS RELEASES
<i>See these and other press releases:
https://www.wisbusiness.com/press-releases/ </i>
