farming Archives - Wisconsin Watch

Black cows stand on a grassy hillside under a cloudy sky, with one cow's head in a water trough in the foreground.

How one program is working to bring Corn Belt farmers together for conservation agriculture

by Jess Savage / Northern Public Radio May 20, 2026May 19, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

The “farmer-led movement” aims to shape the agricultural landscape — by strengthening soils and building community.

A large green tractor is on a light brown field of crops, with wide tillage equipment attached as dust rises behind it, with bare trees and irrigation equipment in the background.

Economy, Environment

Already under financial pressure, Midwest soybean farmers are squeezed further by tariffs, Iran war

by Eric Ferkenhoff / Lee Enterprises and Josh Kelety / Associated Press April 14, 2026April 24, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Two green harvesting machines move across a large tan field, leaving parallel rows and dust clouds, with patchwork farmland and trees on the horizon.

Economy, Environment

China is investing billions in Latin America, potentially sidelining US farmers for decades to come

by Mónica Cordero / Investigate Midwest January 1, 2026January 15, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A person wearing a hooded sweatshirt with "STEIGER" on the front stands on grass in front of several large corrugated metal grain bins with "WESTEEL" on them.

Economy, Environment

Soybeans have been a top US ag export for decades. What happens when the top buyer stops buying?

by Cassandra Stephenson / Tennessee Lookout, Gabrielle Nelson / Buffalo’s Fire and Mónica Cordero / Investigate Midwest December 24, 2025December 16, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

People carry cut evergreen tree pieces near a truck platform, surrounded by tall pine trees.

Economy, Forward, Government

Farmers are feeling the squeeze from Trump’s mass deportations. Congress isn’t close to a fix.

by Manuela Silva / NOTUS and Jade Lozada / NOTUS November 20, 2025November 20, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Cows graze in a green pasture under a clear blue sky, with one black and white cow in the foreground wearing an ear tag labeled "53."

As cover crop use grows, many farmers struggle to commit to the practice

by Olivia Cohen / The Cedar Rapids Gazette November 20, 2025December 16, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Aerial view of a farm with red barns, greenhouses and neatly planted crop rows beside a road curving past a wooded area partially covered by fog.

Bill Watch, Pathways to success

Dream of buying a small farm in Wisconsin? New legislation aims to make the process easier

by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch October 24, 2025November 4, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

People work inside a garage or workshop, with one person writing on a clipboard and others handling tools and equipment near a red tool chest and shelving units.

Economy, Government

Farmers turn to flawed visa program in search for legal labor. Now the rules — and costs — are changing.

by Paul Kiefer / Wisconsin Watch October 23, 2025October 23, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Two people in blue shirts hold melons in a field of produce.

Environment, Government

Wisconsin county keeps healthy food program alive despite federal cuts

by Bennet Goldstein / Wisconsin Watch September 9, 2025September 8, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Man stands among green plants.

A warming climate is changing growing conditions, shifting planting zones northward

by Olivia Cohen / The Cedar Rapids Gazette July 25, 2025July 23, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Piglet nurses next to a large mama pig and other pigs.

Environment, News about Wisconsin Watch

Video: life, death and resilience at Wonderfarm

by Bennet Goldstein / Wisconsin Watch, Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch and Patricio Crooker for Wisconsin Watch July 16, 2025July 15, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A person pours feed from a bag into a muddy enclosure with several spotted pigs, surrounded by fencing and trees in the background.

Wisconsin pig farmer holds on at Wonderfarm as Washington breaks a promise

by Bennet Goldstein / Wisconsin Watch July 2, 2025August 20, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch