News - The Daily Cardinal

In dairyland, unsurprisingly, some of the most active and influential political groups in the state are those that represent the agricultural industry.

IN-DEPTH

Money and influence in America’s Dairyland

By Andy Goldsein | Apr. 12, 2018

In dairyland, unsurprisingly, some of the most active and influential political groups in the state are those that represent the agricultural industry. In the last two decades, agriculture lobbyists alone have shelled out about $7 million in political contributions, behind only financial institutions, business and real estate groups in their efforts to influence policy.

IN-DEPTH

Urban agriculture program helps UW-Madison students take farming to the city

By Allison Garfield | Apr. 12, 2018

Urban agriculture is a very specific term defining a very broad field: agriculture, from gardening to raising livestock, in a city or suburb surrounding an urban space. It is a practice that has spread over time — but it all started in Madison.

Members of Circadian Organics, pose on their farm in Viroqua, Wisconsin.

IN-DEPTH

Young farmers opt to scale back growth for economic, environmental sustainability

By Sydney Widell | Apr. 12, 2018

In January, Matt Kronschnabel, who graduated from UW-Madison in 2016, and three friends signed the deed to a four-acre organic farm in Viroqua, Wis. — in a region that saw the nation’s highest rate of farm bankruptcies last year, according to federal court data.

Milked twice daily by a milking machine — which is operated by student workers — the cows produce anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 pounds of milk per day.

IN-DEPTH

Student-run dairy farm offers hands-on experience in production of Babcock Hall dairy

By Kayla Huynh | Apr. 12, 2018

Though UW-Madison is well-known for its Babcock milk and ice cream, many students don’t know where their dairy products come from.

Hemp, a plant similar to marijuana but without any psychoactive qualities, was banned from cultivation in the U.S. in 1970 when Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, grouping hemp with marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug.

IN-DEPTH

The state has turned to hemp as a potential new crop, but snares exist

By Jon Brockman | Apr. 12, 2018

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is now accepting applications for farmers to participate in a research pilot program for industrial hemp after the state Legislature approved the program in November 2017.

In a couple of years, students who apply to the agriculture college at UW-Madison may see fewer majors and departments, while students applying to other UW System schools could see new options available to them.

IN-DEPTH

Reorganization at UW campuses prompts talks of department consolidation

By Samantha Nesovanovic | Apr. 12, 2018

In a couple of years, students who apply to the agriculture college at UW-Madison may see fewer majors and departments, while students applying to other UW System schools could see new options available to them.

Across Wisconsin, economic downturn means farms like the Bauman's are shrinking. In 2017, the number of farms in the state shrunk, but their average area increased — indicating that many have consolidated.

IN-DEPTH

Historical struggles deter next generation of farmers

By Sydney Widell | Apr. 12, 2018

Watching her parents grapple with relentless financial insecurity driven by low commodity prices, coupled with ever-increasing costs of input, swayed DeGolyer against following their path.

Students seeking a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Wisconsin cuisine, specifically staples such as the sauerkraut on brats and the beer flowing from taps and kegs, need look no further than UW-Madison’s own Food Sciences department.

CAMPUS NEWS

Bottoms up: Students develop real-world expertise in beer, fermentation

By Megan Provost | Apr. 12, 2018

Students seeking a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Wisconsin cuisine, specifically staples such as the sauerkraut on brats and the beer flowing from taps and kegs, need look no further than UW-Madison’s own Food Sciences department.

For local restaurant owners and chefs, direct access to local farmers and local agriculture is an incredible asset. But for some chefs, specifically those new in town, learning about those resources can be difficult. Bonanno believes it’s important they know where to look.

CITY NEWS

Throughout Madison, chefs unite in use of local agriculture

By Max Bayer | Apr. 12, 2018

For chefs, direct access to local farmers and local agriculture is an incredible asset. But for some chefs, specifically those new in town, learning about those resources can be difficult. Bonanno believes it’s important they know where to look.

Based in urban Madison, it can be hard for the university’s research to reach the far-flung areas of the state where farming and agriculture comprise the greatest share of the economy.

IN-DEPTH

Off Campus: Extension’s agricultural agents spread university research and resources to every corner of the state

By Cameron Lane-Flehinger | Apr. 12, 2018

Based in urban Madison, it can be hard for the university’s research to reach the far-flung areas of the state where farming and agriculture comprise the greatest share of the economy. UW Extension faculty members, who have the same academic training and background as campus faulty but live and work in the communities they serve, are well-positioned to bridge that gap.

When asked how he would describe the relationship between the city of Madison and the surrounding farms in a single word, Dane County Food Councilman Carl Chenoweth answered with just one word: “Opportunity.”

IN-DEPTH

Community, business, opportunity: Madison’s urban and rural culture meet in the middle

By J. Adam Wigger | Apr. 12, 2018

When asked how he would describe the relationship between the city of Madison and the surrounding farms in a single word, Dane County Food Councilman Carl Chenoweth answered with just one word: “Opportunity.”

“Not only do women make great farmers, but they also bring innovation, new ideas and hard work into this industry,” said Association of Women Agriculture Media Relations spokesperson Emily Matzke.

IN-DEPTH

Women agriculturists may be the answer for dwindling farm industry

By Robyn Cawley | Apr. 11, 2018

“Not only do women make great farmers, but they also bring innovation, new ideas and hard work into this industry,” said Association of Women Agriculture Media Relations spokesperson Emily Matzke.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin, formed through a partnership between the UW Extension and Easter Seals of Wisconsin, provides assistance to an estimated 38,740 Wisconsin farmers with limitations or disabilities — including chronic illnesses, agriculture or non-agriculture-related injuries, and mental health issues.

IN-DEPTH

For Wisconsin farmers with disabilities, AgrAbility is a viable solution

By Grace Wallner | Apr. 11, 2018

Farmers rise with the sun, sometimes as early as 3 to 5 a.m., labor in the fields or work with livestock for the entire day, and end their day around 8 p.m.

Larger farms have caused large environmental problems for water contamination and soil health, most presently caused by the huge quantity of manure in this state.

IN-DEPTH

As conservation concerns grow, some farmers are taking the lead towards a more sustainable future

By Jessica Lipaz | Apr. 11, 2018

However, this advancement has caused large environmental problems for water contamination and soil health, most presently caused by the huge quantity of manure in this state.

STATE NEWS

House Speaker Paul Ryan will not seek re-election

By Andy Goldstein | Apr. 11, 2018

House Speaker Paul Ryan will not pursue re-election, instead retiring after the end of his current term.

CAMPUS NEWS

After security breaches, new cybersecurity policy to protect vulnerable university data

By Grace Wallner | Apr. 11, 2018

Your social security number will be more secure in UW-Madison’s system once the university unveils their new Cybersecurity Risk Management Policy, which looks to protect other vulnerable information like legal and health data and research.

Madison Common Council approved a final decision Tuesday regarding two Confederate monuments located at Forest Hill Cemetary on the city’s west side.

CITY NEWS

City council approves removal of confederate monuments after contentious final debate

By Jon Brockman | Apr. 11, 2018

Madison’s Common Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Tuesday ordering the removal of two monuments honoring the Confederate soldiers buried in Forest Hill Cemetery on Madison’s west side.

CAMPUS NEWS

Sandeen says delayed UW System restructuring deadline will help student experience

By Bremen Keasey | Apr. 10, 2018

As UW College administration grapples with “thousands” of decisions in merging the state’s two-year colleges with four-year schools, Chancellor Cathy Sandeen said this week she is pushing to help her students get the help they need during this turbulent time.

CAMPUS NEWS

Students, administration discuss future of cultural centers on campus

By Sydney Widell | Apr. 10, 2018

Representatives from the Multicultural Student Center met UW-Madison officials and representatives from the Associated Students of Madison Tuesday to advocate for cultural centers for groups who will be displaced from their Red Gym locations by construction this summer. Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Berquam and Vice Provost Patrick Sims, among others, met with students who are interested in creating additional spaces for under-represented communities on campus, according to UW-Madison spokesperson Meredith McGlone.

Conservatives celebrate the signing of Gov. Scott Walker’s welfare reforms into law, which increase the work requirements and other eligibility standards required to receive public assistance.

STATE NEWS

‘Dignity of work’ welfare reforms signed into law

By Dylan Ayer | Apr. 10, 2018

Conservatives celebrate the signing of Gov. Scott Walker’s welfare reforms into law, which increase the work requirements and other eligibility standards required to receive public assistance.