Best Checkoff Podcasts (2025)

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Beef Checkoff Driving Global Demand & Classroom Science 8:41

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6d ago8:41

8:41

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board is intensifying its efforts to boost the industry’s bottom line by expanding international markets and investing in urban education. Through partnerships with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the Beef Checkoff is successfully marketing "the whole animal" by identifying international culinary needs that differ from domesti…

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Episode 44 - Behind the Numbers: The True Impact of the Dairy Checkoff 17:53

9d ago17:53

17:53

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, economist Dr. Oral Capps of Texas A&M University breaks down more than a decade of independent research measuring the impact of the dairy checkoff. Speaking from the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting, Dr. Capps shares how checkoff investments across food service partnerships, fluid milk innovation, whole-fat …

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WLIC & DATCP: Wisconsin's Livestock Health Dream Team 6:27

2d ago6:27

6:27

When disease outbreaks occur, it requires a team effort to make sure it is quickly and safely contained. The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) works alongside DATCP to ensure proper protocols are followed. Julie Sweney is the Executive Director at WLIC. She sat down with me to explain their role in livestock production health and…

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Sky-High Growth In Sustainable Aviation Fuel 8:13

2d ago8:13

8:13

How does a humble soybean in a Midwest field find its way into the engine of a commercial jet? Infrastructure and friendly policy. We’re talking about the massive boom in Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF and the hurdles that still stand in the way. Paul Winters, Director of Public Affairs and Federal Communications for Clean Fuels Alliance America,…

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2026 Brings Enhanced Federal Support For Crop Insurance 6:17

3d ago6:17

6:17

In an industry as unpredictable as agriculture, having a safety net isn't just a luxury, it’s a necessity. But what happens to that net when the government shuts down, or when a massive hurricane levels a season's work? Today, we’re sitting down with Tom Zacharias, President of National Crop Insurance Services. We talk about the 'shot in the arm' p…

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Reflecting on 2025 with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

4d ago

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State Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur: Leadership, Resilience, and the Road Ahead for Oklahoma Agriculture Ron Hays talks with Secretary Blayne Arthur- Looking back on 2025 and ahead to 2026 Blayne Arthur has never been just a bystander in Oklahoma’s agriculture scene. Since becoming Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture in December 2018—makin…

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Labor-Free Fly Control Starts Early 8:05

5d ago8:05

8:05

Flies aren’t just a nuisance; they cost the livestock industry billions in lost production, and the threat of diseased flies threatens the food chain. Brian Hupp is a national account manager at Central Life Sciences. He tells us why stopping flies in the manure is the ultimate labor-free solution for your operation. Whether you're battling pasture…

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USDA Clears Santa's Flight, But Ag Drones Are Under Pressure 49:50

5d ago49:50

49:50

Merry Christmas Eve from Mid-West Farm Report! The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a formal transit permit to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus. The permit grants a fleet of reindeer entry through any U.S. border port starting at 6 p.m. tonight. USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Rosemary Sifford says to keep American livestock safe, port personnel will b…

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Feed Industry Sees Vulnerabilities In Supply Chain 7:41

5d ago7:41

7:41

It turns out that what’s on the plate for livestock, and our pets, is caught in a geopolitical and regulatory tug-of-war. From a dependency on China for essential vitamins to the MAHA movement's potential impact on feed standards, the American Feed Industry Association is juggling a lot of topics with us today. Leah Wilkinson is AFIA's chief policy…

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What It Takes To Grow Christmas Trees & Beef Industry Finds Holiday Buys- Heinberg 50:00

6d ago50:00

50:00

This Christmas will be a bit warmer than usual but, that also means it will be safe travels with only a slight chance of ice on the roads according to ag meteorologist Stu Muck. 8 to 12 years. That's how long it takes for a Christmas tree to grow before it is ready for our around two months of holiday celebration. Stephanie Hoff joins the show with…

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Animal Ag Alliance Counters Plant-Based Trends 5:43

6d ago5:43

5:43

Animal Agriculture Alliance is doubling down on its efforts to promote the role of animal proteins in a balanced lifestyle. The organization recently launched a refreshed version of its "Meat Matters" guide, a resource designed to counter campaigns like "Meatless Mondays" that have gained traction in universities and K-12 schools. Communications Di…

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Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along - Syngenta's Durastak Development 9:58

6d ago9:58

9:58

Time for another Mid-West Farm Report Ride-A-Long. An opportunity to accept invitations to find out about the latest technology and innovations Wisconsin farmers are evaluating and using. Today we travel to Malta, IL and the site of the Syngenta Seeds Research and Development Innovation Center. Pam Jahnke finds out about the length of time required…

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More Genomic H5N1 Details Released And New Bill Brings Hope For Wedding Barns 50:00

6d ago50:00

50:00

Weeds remained an evolving challenge for Wisconsin farmers. Jill Welke gets a recap from UW-Extension Weed Specialist, Dr. Rodrigo Werle. Werle's making his rounds statewide sharing what they learned this growing season. He says there were some breakthroughs this year that proved to be challenging. Those breakthroughs were weeds overcoming existing…

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What's A Reindeer's Ration And By The Numbers - Feeding Local 50:00

9d ago50:00

50:00

Wisconsin farms feature a lot of different crops and animals, but despite our diversity - it doesn't normally include reindeer. Reindeer, otherwise known as caribou, take center stage for a lot of stories during the holiday season. Ben Jarboe takes a fun adventure to find out more about what reindeer eat and need before their grand flight. He gets …

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WFBF Sounds Alarm Amid Labor Shortages 5:26

10d ago5:26

5:26

"The number one issue that whenever I talk to farmers has always been labor," says Tyler Wenzlaff, director of national affairs with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. "We're not going to be able to survive if we do not have labor needs met." Wenzlaff explains that the traditional model of family-run operations has been upended via economic pressure…

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Wisconsin Farmers Union Sees Growth 5:22

6d ago5:22

5:22

The Wisconsin Farmers Union concluded its 95th annual convention, celebrating a year defined by both legislative hurdles and significant internal growth. Executive Director Danielle Endvick, who took the helm in May, tells Mid-West Farm Report that despite a volatile federal and state landscape, the organization is "busting at the seams" with new e…

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Sourcing Local For Convention 7:25

7d ago7:25

7:25

For its 95th annual convention, one Wisconsin organization decided to transform the standard hotel meal into a direct investment in its own membership. By partnering with Chula Vista Resort and several regional food hubs, the event successfully sourced 70 local ingredients, ranging from storage crops like garlic and potatoes to proteins and dairy, …

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Local Vets Reassure: Healthy Herds, Safe Milk 5:20

10d ago5:20

5:20

Unlike previous highly pathogenic strains seen in other regions, the specific variant at a Dodge County dairy farm appears to have a minimal impact on cattle health, according to a local veterinarian. Dr. Monty Belmer is one of the partners at Waupun Veterinary Service. Being in Dodge County, where Wisconsin detected its first bird flu case in dair…

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An Important Day For Wolves In Washington D.C. & HPAI From A Veterinarian's Perspective - Cody Koster 48:35

11d ago48:35

48:35

It's a big day in Washington D.C for wolves. The House of Representatives will vote on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act. Ultimately, the decision will determine if the gray wolf will stay on the endangered species list. Fabulous Farm Babe Pam Jahnke and Wisconsin DNR Large Carnivore Specialist, Randy Johnson, discuss Wisconsin's wolf population…

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Behind The Scenes Of A Recall 8:12

8d ago8:12

8:12

Think of your cheese going through TSA before it gets to you -- metal detectors, X-rays... and the careful eyes of the farmer, processor, and the dairy sanitation specialists with the state of Wisconsin. But sometimes, issues still happen. We’re getting a look at the recall process today with Elsie Lundquist. She’s one of 20 dairy sanitarians with …

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What Don't We Know About WI Wolves - Randy Johnson, DNR Large Carnivore Specialist 17:59

11d ago17:59

17:59

On Thursday, the full House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. is expected to consider removing the wolf from the endangered species list. This is a conversation Wisconsin has been watching unfold. With more and more deprivation reports coming from south of highway 29 in Wisconsin - what don't we know about Wisconsin wolves? Randy Johnson is th…

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New Year Comes With No New Farm Bill Plus Prime Rib Is A Holiday Staple 50:00

11d ago50:00

50:00

Despite the Farmer's Bridge Assistance program and the $11 billion it's bringing to farms, there's still no Farm Bill. Bob Bosold talks about the agenda yet to be tackled on farm policy with Rod Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. Larew was in Wisconsin for the 95th annual meeting of the WI Farmers Union. He says that while farms are gr…

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Assessing Cheese Market, Bird Flu Impact & Grain Outlook 49:50

13d ago49:50

49:50

The U.S. dairy industry is experiencing lower-than-usual commodity cheese prices, but Kim Heiman of Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield is betting on long-term growth driven by consumer demand for protein and significant industry investment. Higher-than-average temperatures mid-week may bring some precipitation, only to freeze later, says ag meteorologi…

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Pasteurization Keeps Dairy Products Safe After HPAI Detection 5:14

13d ago5:14

5:14

Wisconsin has gotten its first confirmed case of HPAI in a dairy herd in Dodge County, and that may leave a lot of you wondering, what does this mean for our cheese? Grace Atherton, the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association Communications Director, is here to share what these processing plants are doing to make sure our dairy foods remain safe. She sa…

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Wisconsin Gets A Handle On First Bird Flu Case In Dairy Herd 49:49

13d ago49:49

49:49

It's not just soybeans caught in the crosshairs of tariffs. The U.S. Meat Export Federation is battling against tariffs and phytosanitary challenges on the global scene, too. Dan Halstrom is the CEO of USMEF. He visits with Bob Bosold about the challenges and opportunities he sees. Halstrom notes that while some markets like China are still throwin…

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An International Friday: Wisconsin Ginseng In China & Soil Health In Ukraine 49:54

17d ago49:54

49:54

Sarah Hagenow, the 78th Alice in Dairyland, stamped her passport when she went to Shanghai, China with the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin. Kiley Allan catches up with Sarah and learns about her favorite parts of the trip. It's about to get colder. Ag Meteorologist Stu Muck walks us through our forecast. He reminds us to bundle up if you're going outsid…

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From Hatch To Dispatch, Feeding Probiotics Improves Livestock Efficiency 8:42

17d ago8:42

8:42

Ensuring animals get the proper nutrients and energy to grow and produce as expected, their feed must be particularly crafted to fit their needs. Dr. Steve Lerner, Senior Scientific and Business Advisor at Novonesis, breaks down how and why probiotics boost livestock efficiency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Taking A Prescriptive Approach To Crop Health 3:52

17d ago3:52

3:52

When it comes to caring for crops, a lot of curveballs are thrown farmers' way. Courtney Schriver, the Key Account Manager of Plant Health at Novonesis, says the problem solving is not throwing the kitchen sink at the field. He breaks down Novonesis's prescriptive approach to solving problems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along - Syngenta's Durastak - Matt Dolch 6:24

17d ago6:24

6:24

On this edition of the Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along, we head to northern Illinois to visit the Syngenta Seeds Research & Development Innovation Center. The question? How big of a problem is corn rootworm(CRW) for farmers today? What new technology's being developed to address that problem? Pam Jahnke is joined by Syngenta Corn Product Manager, M…

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For The First Time, World Snowshoe Championships Come To Wisconsin 6:59

14d ago6:59

6:59

Wisconsin will be making its debut as host to more than a thousand snowshoe enthusiasts from across the globe when a world champion snowshoe race meets in Calumet County later this month. The World Snowshoe Championships, U.S. Nationals Snowshoe Championships, and Open Championships will be held on Dec. 18-21 at the Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion…

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A Year In The Life Of A Reindeer 17:58

14d ago17:58

17:58

Soon Santa will be taking to the skies with his eight magical reindeer to deliver presents to all the kids, but what does this care look like out of the season? Jeff Phillips, the owner of Reindeer Games out of Erin, Wisconsin gives a look at why these animals are so unique and what care looks like for them south of the North Pole. See omnystudio.c…

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How Ukraine Agriculture Is Combatting The Conflict 4:26

17d ago4:26

4:26

Since 2022 Ukraine has been locked into a war with Russia changing a lot of their daily lives. This includes within their agricultural operations. Mike McNeill the president of Ag Advisory limited, has spent time in Ukraine to help them change their practices so they can continue producing. He gives a look into how the conflict has impacted their a…

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Trade Squeeze Results In Negative Margins 3:51

18d ago3:51

3:51

The ongoing trade and tariff disputes are impacting Wisconsin's agricultural sector, with farmers reporting negative economic returns. Tyler Wenzlaff, director of national affairs for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, says the costs associated with tariffs are hitting producers from multiple directions. "It increases the cost of our inputs, it …

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Local Ordinances Create 'Unattainable Goals' For Farmers 6:33

18d ago6:33

6:33

Brad Olson, president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and a farmer in northern Polk County, is raising the alarm over a growing trend of local ordinances that stand to hurt the state's agriculture industry. These regulations, often appearing in a patchwork across communities in the western and northwestern portions of the state, are framed …

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WI Fairs Look For Economic Story And Protein Shines For Dairy - Zach Bowers 50:00

18d ago50:00

50:00

2025 was a pretty good year for most county fairs in Wisconsin. Jayme Buttke, executive secretary of the WI Association of Fairs, joins Pam Jahnke for a brief wrap-up. One major project that the state undertook this year was an economic impact study. What does a county fair mean financially to the county and the state? Buttke says they'll be sharin…

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Agenda Grows For Farm Issues At State House And Ag Lenders Stay Engaged 50:00

18d ago50:00

50:00

Farmers have a lot on their minds when it comes to state policy. Jill Welke gets some of the rationale behind their agenda from Trine Spindler, a dairy farmer from Marathon county. She says the development of solar arrays and data centers are some of the new items they wanted monitored and measured by state legislation. They're also continuing to l…

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Wisconsin Butter Makes Everything Better 5:53

18d ago5:53

5:53

Stephanie Hoff sits down with Alice in Dairyland Sara Hagenow, the official ambassador for Wisconsin's dairy industry, to talk about the state's proudest tradition: butter. Hagenow explains that Wisconsin butter’s superior richness and flavor come from high-quality cream produced by local farms with lush grasslands and dedicated farmers. Beyond its…

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Leveraging MAHA's Momentum To Boost Fresh Produce 8:43

18d ago8:43

8:43

The International Fresh Produces Association hopes to increase access and consumption of fruits and vegetables through the momentum of MAHA. Molly Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition & Health at International Fresh Produce Association, breaks down the market opportunities and the reaction expected by the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for …

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Strong Global Demand For US Meat 8:47

15d ago8:47

8:47

Global demand for US red meat is strong, according to Joe Schuele. He’s is the Senior Vice President of Communication for the US Meat Export Federation. He gives us insight to the demand for US meat in foreign markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Pam Jahnke

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Q3 Brings An Increase In Farm Lending 9:55

16d ago9:55

9:55

According from the Quarter 3 FDIC numbers, year-over-year lending has increased in all categories, including farm lending. Rose Oswald Poels is the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. She breaks down what these numbers tell us about the health of Wisconsin banks and why it matters to farmers. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

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Doctor Says Farmers Are At Highest Risk For Severe Illness 11:04

19d ago11:04

11:04

According to Dr. Arden Andersen farmers are at some of the greatest risk to develop illnesses and this is due to a multitude of reasons. Dr. Andersen uses his knowledge of being a physician and agricultural consultant to dive deeper into why our producers that feed the world are at such a high risk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati…

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ARIP, Fee Increases, And Water Quality: Update On WFBF Policy Work 11:10

19d ago11:10

11:10

This year brought on a lot of challenges for farmers and that kept the Wisconsin farm bureau busy trying to protect its members from the many repercussions that followed. Here to share some of their most recent policy work is Jason Mugnaini. He is the Executive Director of Governmental Relations, and some of this recent work included changes to ARI…

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Microsoft Agreement Indicates Carbon Credits Still Viable 10:19

19d ago10:19

10:19

Despite volatility in the voluntary carbon market, carbon sequestration remains a financial opportunity for farmers, according to Clay Craighton, agronomist and regional sales manager for Agoro Carbon Alliance. In an interview with Mid-West Farm Report, Craighton highlights a major new agreement as proof of the commodity's viability. Agoro Carbon r…

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USDA Announces Farmer Bridge Assistance But Market Doesn't React - Heinberg 50:00

20d ago50:00

50:00

Wisconsin hemp growers are facing going out of business if state leaders don't take action to protect them. Part of the comprehensive compromise bill that got the federal government open again contained language that would shut down the nation's hemp industry by this time next year. State Senator Pat Testin recognizes the value in the industry and …

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Alice Goes International And Soybean Growers Sound Off On Trade 50:00

20d ago50:00

50:00

Soybean growers are still anxious about international trade, especially with China. Bob Bosold finds out what the path forward looks like from the president of the American Soybean Association, Caleb Ragland. Ragland says they're optimistic that the Trump Administration will continue to pressure China to live up to its agreements. He also makes the…

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Consumer Cheese Trends For 2026 And Watch Your Online Shopping 50:00

20d ago50:00

50:00

Names can be deceptive when it comes to charitable organizations. What you think they do, they may not. Kiley Allan finds out about what to look for from Hannah Thompson-Weeman, President and CEO of Animal Agriculture Alliance. She says that animal rights extremist groups that oppose raising animals for food are seeing financial growth. The money t…

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How To Maximize Fertilizer Investment Returns 10:23

20d ago10:23

10:23

Recent policy changes are providing hope for farmers grappling with high fertilizer costs, particularly for phosphate. The removal of tariffs on phosphate imports is expected to ease pricing, though global demand remains high. "We're seeing that already," says Ben Pratt, vice president of public affairs at The Mosaic Company, adding that potash pri…

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Ethanol Producers Seek Clarity & Market Access 7:30

23d ago7:30

7:30

The American Coalition for Ethanol is actively engaging the EPA on the Renewable Fuel Standard, seeking final volumes and the reallocation of waived gallons to prevent demand destruction for ethanol producers and farmers. Katie Muckenhirn, vice president of public affairs, says ACE is also pushing Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel R…

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Pork Battles Patchwork Regs & MAHA Uncertainty 8:24

23d ago8:24

8:24

The National Pork Producers Council is engaged in multiple battles across the U.S., citing key concerns over labor, trade, and the impact of the current administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. A major concern is the proliferation of state-level animal housing regulations, led by California’s Proposition 12, which mandates specific…

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Cheesemaker Responds To Lower Prices 8:51

24d ago8:51

8:51

The U.S. dairy industry is experiencing lower-than-usual commodity cheese prices, but one producer is betting on long-term growth driven by consumer demand for protein and significant industry investment. The current market is seeing prices dip despite the typical holiday season rally. Kim Heiman of Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield says the effect wa…