The first part of 2026 has flown by! The annual Bankers Meeting provided the opportunity to hear what extension specialists have learned from the past growing season, along with their predictions for next year. Cranberry growers gathered in Stevens Point for their Cranberry School. And the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells had information flowing between producers, suppliers and purchasers of the various commodities. Security Financial Bank hosted their annual conference where farmers, businesses and educators come together to compare notes on what is going on in agriculture.

The highlight so far this year has been my visits with the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Sarah Hagenow. She has come to the studio twice – once in January to promote potatoes and once in February to promote cheese. Beyond our discussions about Wisconsin products, we chat about her experiences during this year of service to our state. It has been a true joy to get to know Sarah and all the connections we have in common in support of Wisconsin agriculture.

Agriculture connections in January and February have included the weekly recordings of the “WAXX FFA on the Air” and “4-H on the Air” programs. I also had the honor to serve as a judge in District Leadership Development events – FFA’s speaking contests – in Cadott, Neillsville, Bloomer and Elk Mound. The growth of FFA members from their freshman year to their senior year in high school is amazing! It is truly an honor to be asked to help shape these young students as they prepare themselves for the future.

Moving one day closer to spring –
Jill Welke, WAXX Farm Department Team Member