How does a changing climate affect agriculture in our state?
The farmlands that define Wisconsin’s landscape also shape the economy and the communities we call home. As the climate conditions change, so too does the growing season, the prevalence of pests, and how farmers reach consumers. Discover the outcomes of these climate change effects through the story of one family’s farm.
Explore the story
Questions to consider
Based on what you heard/saw in the video, how has the length of the growing season for crops in Wisconsin changed over time?
What do climate change and pests have to do with each other? What do pests do to crops on farms?
How does Kyle’s family sell the crops that they grow? Where do you buy the foods you eat? Do you know how they got to you or who worked to grow or prepare them for you?
On the map
Bangor, WI
Farms like Old Oaks Family Farm outside of Bangor contribute to the agricultural industry the state of Wisconsin is known for.
In their words
“Basically we’re their farmer for the summer. We’re growing their food that they eat.”
– Kyle Niedfeldt Zenz
For educators
Access the educator guide for this story for extension activity ideas, discussion questions, a background information essay, and standards supported.
Production credits
Producer
Finn Ryan
Videography
David Nevala
Editing
David Nevala
Photography
Finn Ryan
David Nevala
Music
Asche & Spencer
Captioning
Catie Pfeifer
Essay
Samuel Pratsch
Web Design
Charles Barrows
Web Development
John Vieth
Special Thanks
Kyle Niedfeldt Zenz
Jerry Niedfeldt
Old Oak Family Farm
Educator advisory cohort for 2024 updates
Illeana Alexander
Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
Odanah, WI
Darien Becker
Welty Environmental Center
Beloit, WI
Dolly Ledin
Education Chair, Wisconsin’s Green Fire
Madison, WI
Lisa Johnson
UW Climate Leadership Team and Dane County Extension Horticulture Educator
Madison, WI
Leigh Kohlmann
Retired Middle School Educator and Independent Science Education Consultant
Oakfield, WI
Lynn Kurth
John Muir Middle School
Wausau, WI
Victoria Rydberg-Nania
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Portage, WI
Cathy Techtmann
University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension Environmental Outreach and Community Development Institute
Pence, WI
Julie Uram
Nature At The Confluence
South Beloit, IL
Sarah Wright
Eagle School
Fitchburg, WI