Hendrickson’s of Wisconsin named Holstein Association USA’s Elite Breeder
BRATTLEBORO, Vermont ‒ Jeff and Kate Hendrickson of Jeffrey-Way Holsteins in Belleville, Wisconsin will be honored as the Holstein Association USA’s 2026 Elite Breeder. The family’s herd is built on decades of breeding high-producing, long-lived cows, with most tracing back to a single foundation cow, Inwood Taffy Apollo EX-93. The operation has earned national recognition for genetics, show success and industry contributions. Today, the multi-generational dairy continues to grow, guided by strong family involvement and a clear breeding focus, according to the press release.
Soaring fertilizer prices dim Brazilian farmers’ edge over US rivals
WINNIPEG, Manitoba ‒ Brazil’s vast, low-cost farmland has helped it overtake U.S. producers in key export markets, but that advantage is now under strain. Fertilizer prices are surging amid conflict tied to the Middle East, disrupting global supply and hitting import-dependent Brazil especially hard. Many Brazilian farmers are cutting fertilizer use, leading to declining yields, mounting losses and rising debt. Meanwhile, U.S. growers may be better positioned to weather the impact, aided by domestic fertilizer production and more resilient soils, Reuters reported.
Trump cuts tariffs on ag equipment to 15%
CHAMPAIGN, Illinois ‒ Tariff reductions on key industrial inputs like aluminum are expected to ease cost pressures across the agricultural supply chain, particularly for equipment manufacturers. Lower input costs could help stabilize machinery prices and encourage investment after a period of rising fuel, fertilizer and production expenses, Bloomberg reproted. In turn, farmers may benefit from improved equipment availability and slightly reduced price increases, though broader market headwinds remain. Overall, the temporary tariff relief could provide modest near-term support for ag-related goods while longer-term demand depends on input costs and farm income.
Two Wisconsin farms earn 2025 high production herd award
LA CROSSE, Wisconsin ‒ LA CROSSE, Wis. — Two Wisconsin farms were among the recipients of the 2025 High Production Herd Award for top combined fat + protein production. The Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference has named Bomaz Farms of Hammond and Jagiello Dairy Farm of Lena as winners. Shadycrest Holsteins of Utica, Minnesota also earned honors. The three operations averaged 8.25 lbs (Bomaz), 8.10 lbs (Shadycrest), and 7.91 lbs (Jagiello) of combined fat and protein shipped per cow in 2025, qualifying them for the elite 7+ lb. club.
The multi-generational Zwald/Schalla family operates Bomaz Farms and milks 1,700 registered Holsteins on 2,200+ acres. Features a 40-stall rotary parlor, sand-bedded freestalls, and elite quality home-raised forages in TMR. Recognized for elite genetics (multiple Herd of Excellence awards and 2023 Elite Breeder honors). The fifth-generation Jagiello/Wagner family farm milks 800 cows and runs 3,500 acres. They recently finished a new sand-bedded barn upgraded with advanced ventilation, sprinklers, and comfort features, plus activity collars and precision feeding tools.
Nearly 60 Idahoans sick after drinking raw milk in past two weeks
BOISE, Idaho ‒ Idaho health officials are investigating two raw milk–linked outbreaks that have sickened nearly 60 people in recent weeks. Most cases have been tied to unpasteurized milk from two separate dairies [that remained unnamed], with dozens confirmed as bacterial infections. So far, 45 of the people who got sick tested positive for campylobacteriosis, the Idaho Capitol Sun reported. Officials are working with producers to identify contamination sources while warning that raw milk can carry harmful pathogens. The outbreak highlights ongoing food safety concerns tied to unpasteurized dairy products.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Ag Briefs: Trump cuts tariffs on ag equipment to 15%
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer | USA TODAY Network
