Steve Roisum

Reporter, La Crosse

Steve Roisum works in the La Crosse Bureau. He grew up in West Central Minnesota.  He earned his undergraduate degree at University of Minnesota Moorhead,and his masters degree at North Dakota State University. 

 He has worked in public radio in North Dakota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He has covered a variety of events, including an execution in Illinois.  When he's not reporting on agriculture or other topics, he spends his time biking, writing, snowshoeing, and reading. He's married with one Wisconsin child borne of Minnesota native parents.  

608-785-8983

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Agriculture
7:00 pm
Thu May 23, 2013

Farmers Off To Slow Start Planting Crops

Credit Mark's Postcards from Beloit (CC-BY-NC-ND) / http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldonliner/256367206/
Heavy spring rains and a late winter have delayed crop planting for many farmers this spring.

  Some Wisconsin corn growers are still waiting to get into their wet fields to plant their crops.

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Agriculture
3:30 pm
Fri May 17, 2013

Wisconsin Congressmen Want To Cap Public Crop Insurance

Credit Crossn81 (CC-BY-NC-SA) / http://www.flickr.com/photos/crossn81/4721329676/
In the event of crop failure, most farmers are covered by both private and public crop insurance.

Two Wisconsin congressmen want to help cap how much taxpayers pay to insure farmers.

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Agriculture
5:00 am
Thu May 16, 2013

As Farm Bill Makes Its Way Into Senate, SNAP Remains At Fore Of Discussion

A new Farm Bill is on its way to the full Senate where it will likely pass. 

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Agriculture
6:00 am
Fri May 10, 2013

Drought Officially Over, Though Its Impact Lingers

Credit Madison Guy (CC-BY)
Last year's drought has officially ended, though low soil moisture remains.

Rain and snow have kept many farmers out of the fields, but the extra precipitation has served at least one good purpose: The drought is officially over.

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Economy and Business
6:00 am
Tue May 7, 2013

Wisconsin's Winter Farmers' Markets Flourished In 2012-13 Season

Credit John Benson, flickr (CC-BY)
Spuds are a common site at Wisconsin's winter farmers' markets, such as the one above in Madison.

Now that the winter farmers’ market season is officially over, organizers are able to call it a success.

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Environment
3:13 pm
Mon May 6, 2013

Why Are Honey Bee Populations In Decline?

Credit Lucas Zallio, flickr (CC-BY)
One of the reasons that honey bee populations are in decline is a parasite called the varroa mite.

A new government report is out that looks at honey bee health. It identifies a number of factors behind a huge decline in the bee population. 

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Life
4:27 pm
Fri May 3, 2013

Researchers Begin Study On Farm Children's Health

Credit Wisconsin DNR (CC-BY-ND) / http://www.flickr.com/photos/widnr/6549596845/
Children on farm have long been suspected of having healthier immune systems.

Researchers in Wisconsin have begun a study on the health of children who grow up on farms. 

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Economy and Business
5:01 pm
Mon April 29, 2013

Huge Surpluses, Weak Markets Leave State Cranberry Growers Worried

Credit Maureen McCollum/WPR
Cranberry farms in Wisconsin, such as the one above in Warrens, are facing grim markets as the demand for cranberries in the United States drops.

Wisconsin and other cranberry-growing states are sitting on a near-record surplus of their crop.

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Government
5:00 am
Fri April 19, 2013

Budget Provision Allowing Foreigners To Buy More WI Land Scrutinized By Dems

Credit legis.wisconsin.gov
Kathleen Vinehout is one of the Democratic state Senator who wants to hold public hearings for a budget provision that would let foreigners buy more Wisconsin land.

A group of senate Democrats wants to hear from the public on a provision in the budget that would allow foreigners greater opportunity to buy up Wisconsin land.

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Life
5:56 pm
Wed April 17, 2013

Heavy Rains Could Mean Heavy Flooding In Parts Of State

Credit National Weather Service

Some Wisconsin emergency officials are concerned that heavy rains will lead to major flooding in parts of the state.

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