Farm Center: We're here for WI farmers

26 Mar 2018


Falling prices, rising input costs and a never-ending stream of dreary commodity outlook reports only add to the stress of being a farmer nowadays.

USDA's Economic Research Service on farm household income indicates that for the past 21 years, more than half of farm households are losing money from farming.

So, what's a farm family to do? The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) wants farmers to know that Farm Center staff are available to help them navigate the ups and downs of agriculture.

"We know that stress is high right now for dairy, livestock and crop farmers alike," said Farm Center Director Kathy Schmitt in a news release. "Sometimes it can be hard to see possible alternatives in tough situations. That is where we can help."

Each year the Farm Center hotline fields around 2000 calls from farm families. The hotline was established over 30 years ago during the farm crisis of the 80s, said Daniel Smith, administrator of DATCP's Division of Agricultural Development.

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