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University of Wisconsin-Extension

Policy, Marketing and Markets

News Updates

Revenue Protection Coverage Level Recommendations when combined with SCO and ECO

Revenue Protection Coverage Level Recommendations when combined with SCO and ECO

2026 Wisconsin Ag Outlook Forum to focus on trade’s impact on the state’s agricultural economy

2026 Wisconsin Ag Outlook Forum to focus on trade’s impact on the state’s agricultural economy

Wisconsin 2025 ARC and PLC Payment Projections

Wisconsin 2025 ARC and PLC Payment Projections

 

Articles

Identifying Factors of a Grain Marketing Plan

Identifying Factors of a Grain Marketing Plan

There are four major factors that influence a grain marketing plan. These are personal feelings and attitudes about marketing, the financial needs of the farm business, seasonal price patterns, and the current price outlook. Personal feelings and attitudes about marketing The first factor is your personal feelings and attitudes about marketing. Each farmer will differ […]

Defining a Grain Marketing Plan

Defining a Grain Marketing Plan

Most farmers develop excellent crop production plans each year, including strategies for weed control, fertilization, tillage, and match these practices with financial resources. A grain marketing plan identifies a farmer’s specific price objectives as the production and/or storage season progresses. The marketing plan identifies strategies available to achieve the specific price objectives. Like successful production […]

Fixed vs Variable Costs of Farming

Fixed vs Variable Costs of Farming

Fixed costs are those expenses that occur regardless if we grow a crop or not. Variable costs are those cash expenses needed to grow, harvest and store a crop

Using the Crop Enterprise Budget Tool

Using the Crop Enterprise Budget Tool

The Crop Enterprise Budget Tool spreadsheet developed by the Division of Extension at UW-Madison provides a straightforward method to arrive at a cost of production for crops on a per acre and per bushel basis.

Wisconsin Farming: Insights from the 2022 Census of Agriculture

Wisconsin Farming: Insights from the 2022 Census of Agriculture

Every five years the USDA undertakes a detailed inventory of farming operations across the country. The most recent 2022 Census of Agriculture provides a snapshot of the nation’s farming economy, including demographics, production practices, land use, and economic trends.

Setting Risk Management Goals for Your Farm Business

Setting Risk Management Goals for Your Farm Business

There are four strategies that can be pursued to help manage farm business risks.

Evaluating a Farmer’s Risk Tolerance

Evaluating a Farmer’s Risk Tolerance

Understanding how a farmer’s own risk preferences and that of others affect the risk management decisions made for the farm business is important.

Measuring Price Risk for Your Farm Business

Measuring Price Risk for Your Farm Business

Let’s look at the concept of price risk with an example of the average monthly corn prices in the United States.

Identifying the components and sources of risk on the farm

Identifying the components and sources of risk on the farm

The greater the uncertainty, the greater the risk.
The more likely a negative factor will occur, the greater the risk potential.

A Brief History of Crop Insurance

A Brief History of Crop Insurance

The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) provides insurance coverage for the production of most U.S. agricultural commodities against financial losses caused by adverse growing and market conditions.

A Brief History of Grain Markets

A Brief History of Grain Markets

Grain markets have been noted in history as early as during the Roman Empire.

2024 Dairy Margin Coverage: Enrollment and Policy Updates

2024 Dairy Margin Coverage: Enrollment and Policy Updates

Dairy producers need to stay informed about the latest developments of the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program so that they can make timely and informed decisions for their operations. 

The Dairy Situation and Outlook for 2024

The Dairy Situation and Outlook for 2024

This presentation given for Hoard’s Dairyman provides an overview of dairy markets, examining recent trends and future directions dairy demand and pricing could go.

House Passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

House Passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

The House of Representatives cast votes on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (House Resolution 1147) . Whereas, the bill revised requirements for milk distribution under the National School Lunch Program, managed by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Seasonal Spending and Its Impact on the U.S. Dairy Sector 2023 Outlook

Seasonal Spending and Its Impact on the U.S. Dairy Sector 2023 Outlook

There is typically a 3-5% increase in milk and butter sales in the United States during the fall months, compared to the summer period. This rise is largely attributed to the holiday season, with November and December witnessing a significant surge in dairy product purchases.

Summary of Proposals in Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Hearings

Summary of Proposals in Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Hearings

Understanding the proposals is critical for informed participation in the hearing process, effective advocacy, and the strategic planning of various stakeholders in the U.S. dairy industry. Testimony is in progress by subject area, in the following order proposal wise classified on the basis of 

A History of Dairy in the Farm Bill and What it Means for the Current Legislation

A History of Dairy in the Farm Bill and What it Means for the Current Legislation

The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. It provides an opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural and food issues. In addition to developing and enacting farm legislation, Congress is involved in overseeing its implementation.

September 2023 Dairy Market Update

September 2023 Dairy Market Update

Dairy markets are facing downward price pressures from increased milk production, slower demand, and competition in export markets.

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Division of Extension

Connecting people with the University of Wisconsin

  • Agriculture
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Agriculture at Extension

  • Agriculture Water Quality
  • Crops and Soils
  • Dairy
  • Horticulture
  • Livestock
  • Discovery Farms
  • Master Gardener

Other UW-Madison Resources

  • Department of Animal and Dairy Science
  • Department of Ag and Applied Econ
  • Renk Business Institute

Questions?

Contact us at farms@extension.wisc.edu

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