The Farm

Breaking the Silence: Prioritizing Farmer Mental Health

Featuring Guest Insights from Dorothy Harms, Co-Founder of the Farmer Angel Network

The mantra around farm safety usually focuses on the physical hazards. The machinery, buildings, storage facilities, unpredictable animals or they physical toll the job takes. Physical hazards are only half the battle; mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being are equally vital to keeping our farm families and rural communities whole. This year the Mid-West Farm Report Network is focused on helping agricultural safety conversations expand beyond PTO shields, grain bin precautions, and slow-moving vehicle signs.

To dive deeper into the human side of farm safety, we sat down with Dorothy Harms, co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, to discuss her personal journey, the evolving culture of rural mental wellness, and how local grassroots initiatives are changing lives across agricultural communities.

From Personal Loss to a Purpose-Driven Mission

The origins of the Farmer Angel Network started with real-life heartbreak and community resilience. For Dorothy Harms, the turning point came after she lived through her dairy farmer husbands suicide. They had recently gone through a herd dispersal, and Don struggled finding his identity. Who was he if he wasn’t a dairy farmer. That question and depression and anxiety it created ultimately led Don to take his own life. The tragedy didn’t end there for Dorothy. Next, it was the tragic loss of a neighbor.

“Leon had struggled for years with depression—something that even his close friends didn’t fully recognize,” Harms recalled. “When he passed, it became a immediate call to action. The community came together—our local church, public health, extension agents, and fellow farmers—and said, ‘We have to do something. We don’t know what it looks like yet, but we can’t do nothing.'”

What started as informal gatherings over soup and sandwiches drawing 40 to 60 people at a time, proved that rural neighbors were hungry for support, connection, and solutions. Out of that shared grief, the Farmer Angel Network was born.

Breaking the Stigma Around Rural Mental Health

For generations, agriculture has celebrated self-reliance, independence – being able to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”. Obviously, that can make it very difficult for producers to ask for help when they’re feeling anxiety, depression, or burnout.

“In those early days, we had people driving two or more hours just to attend a meeting,” said Harms. “That spoke volumes about the stigma. People wanted help, but they were afraid to seek it in their own backyards where everyone knew them.”

While progress has been made over the last seven years, Harms emphasizes that the stigma around mental illness in farm country remains a persistent hurdle:

Tackling Self-Medication: Financial pressures, unpredictable weather, and isolation lead many farmers to cope in silence or turn to substance use, including alcohol, to get through tough seasons.
Reframing Mental Care: Seeking mental health care should carry no more stigma than visiting a doctor for a broken bone or calling a veterinarian for a sick cow.
Meeting Farmers Where They Are: Rather than expecting farmers to attend traditional support groups, the Farmer Angel Network brings awareness to county fairs, pasture walks, and community parades to build trust and normalize conversations.

Expanding Access and Local Support Networks

What began as a localized effort in Sauk County, has grown. The Farmer Angel Network now has helped establish additional chapters in Western and Southwestern Wisconsin, with interest spreading to other states.

By partnering with organizations like the Wisconsin Farm Center, local Extension offices, and farm advocacy groups, the network helps route producers to tailored, confidential support services.

“When a farmer calls a crisis line, they need to talk to someone who understands what farm life is actually like,” Harms noted. “That context makes all the difference.”

Practical Steps to Support Farm Safety and Mental Wellness

Farm safety isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a community effort. Here is how neighbors, agribusinesses, and farm families can cultivate a safer, healthier agricultural community:

Check in on Your Neighbors: A simple conversation over coffee or dropping by during harvest can alleviate the heavy burden of isolation.
Recognize the Warning Signs: Changes in mood, withdrawal from social events, neglect of farm routines, or expressed feelings of hopelessness are clear signs someone may need help.
Normalize Professional Help: Encourage loved ones to utilize specialized 24/7 agricultural hotlines and counseling vouchers designed specifically for farming families.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Rest: Fatigue significantly increases the risk of farm equipment accidents. Taking time to sleep, eat well, and recharge is a non-negotiable safety practice.

by The Farm

Conversations – Discussing More Than Weather – Ditzenberger

In farming – we’re accustomed to routine conversations. We like talking about the weather forecasts, crop yields, fertilizer costs, and harvest timelines. Those discussions are comfortable, predictable, and familiar.

But when it comes to mental health, depression, and personal well-being, the conversation definitely isn’t, and shouldn’t be routine. Jeff Ditzenberger is a former farmer that faced his own mental health challenges. Challenges that nearly cost him his life. Today, he’s focused on getting more people to talk about things beyond the weather. Ditzenberger tells Pam Jahnke that there’s more tools available then when he faced his own mental health challenges, but the stigma keeping people from using them remains.

The Mid-West Farm Report Network and Rural Mutual Insurance, are reminding farmers and their families that physical farm safety and mental wellness go hand in hand.

Changing Conversations: Listening and Setting Expectations

Jeff Ditzenberger, founder of TUGS (Talk, Understanding, Growing, Supporting) based in Monroe, says the landscape of rural mental health has shifted over the past decade since he started the group. Talking about mental wellness may still be considered taboo by some, but there’s a shift happening. Conversations today are becoming more frequent, honest, and intense.

Farmers face a multitude of pressures they cannot control—volatile market prices, unpredictable weather, and shifting supply costs are a few examples. Remember, they’re also human beings that may be challenged with relationship issues, health challenges and other elements you can’t see. It’s complicated, but Ditzenberger still encourages people to wade in and listen.

Support, he says, takes different forms. This is an issue he believes requires the entire community. That’s friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances – maybe even complete strangers that notice something. When opening up or supporting a fellow farmer, he suggests establishing clear expectations right at the start of the conversation:

Ask direct questions: “What do you need from me right now? Do you want me to just listen, offer advice, or help you find solutions?”
Practice active listening: Often, the most powerful support you can offer a neighbor or family member is simply sitting down and giving them space to vocalize what they are experiencing.

Life Transitions, Social Media, and the Challenge of Isolation

Ditzenberger also wants people to remember that mental health struggles don’t recognize age. It can affect farmers at all stages of life. As farm operators age, new stressors emerge. Succession planning, shifting family dynamics, health changes, and financial pressure during life transitions.

At the same time, social media and digital communication may have taken away some of the isolation of farming – it also has changed how people interact. Ditzenberger says you can always send a quick text message to check in but it doesn’t replace the subtle vocal cues of a real voice-to-voice conversation. Texting “I’m doing okay” can easily hide real distress, whereas a phone call or an in-person visit allows you to hear how someone is truly feeling. He believes returning to direct, human-to-human connection is essential to breaking through rural isolation.

Resources for Support and Crisis Intervention

If you or someone you know is struggling, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. Professional and peer support systems are available:

TUGS (Talk, Understanding, Growing, Supporting): Founded by Jeff Ditzenberger, offering peer support and open conversations across rural communities.
Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Hotline: A free, confidential 24/7 resource managed by trained professionals who understand the unique pressures of agriculture. Vouchers for tel-health or in-person therapy sessions are also available.
- Hotline: 888-901-2558
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Immediate support available 24/7 via phone call or text.
- Number: 988

If you’re still hesitant, Ditzenberger is quick to point out, “The most difficult conversation to have is never about someone’s mental health or asking for help; the hardest conversation is the one a family has to hold at a casket or graveside.” Reach out, check in on your neighbors, and prioritize mental safety on the farm this week and every week.

by The Farm

High-Voltage Horizon For Wisconsin – Tim Fiocchi

You’re hearing the conversations everywhere. We need more electricity! Industrial growth, data center expansion, renewable energy – all of it stretching existing utility lines to its limits. Now, a prime example is unfolding in the Midwest, involving Wisconsin. Discussion is underway for proposed $1.2 billion transmission projects that would erect towers up to 200 feet high to create a massive 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission corridor. The projects getting the most attention in the state are the Maribel and BECI transmission lines.

Pam Jahnke wanted to better understand what’s being proposed, and what citizens, farmers and landowners should know about the projects. Tim Fiocchi is the Senior Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. He acknowledges that discussions are in the early stages, and anything that will move forward must receive approval from the states Public Service Commission(PSC). Despite that, communities have been drawing large crowds at “information sessions” that have already been held.

Understanding the Scale of Mega-Transmission

Operating well above the state’s current high-capacity 345-kV lines, a 765-kV line represents the largest class of high-voltage transmission in North America. “A 765 is actually going to carry about six times as much power,” notes Fiocchi. “So it’ll be an enormous line… it will be a substantial mark on Wisconsin’s landscape.”

While regional grid operators argue that bulk power lines are necessary to connect western energy sources to eastern metro centers like Chicago, local residents are questioning who really benefits. Fiocchi says Wisconsin’s baseline electricity demand has remained flat. That makes landowners suspicious that local property is used for benefit beyond the states borders. As Fiocchi explains, “I think it’s really that data center conversation that has people on edge and really not feeling very trustful of any of this right now.”

Disruption to Agricultural Operations and Rural Homes

For agricultural operators, these 200 foot structures present really serious daily challenges. Fiocchi says he’s fielding questions about stray voltage, disruption of GPS-guided equipment and agricultural drones. Not to mention the massive tower bases creating physical obstacles for machinery during planting and harvest. “Our farmers’ farms aren’t just their businesses, they’re their homes,” Fiocchi points out. “And so the character of the land that you live on is going to be impacted by this if it comes through.”

He does include that projects of this magnitude usually face multi-year regulatory reviews. The PSC is likely the first step in Wisconsin before any construction or easement acquisitions begin. However, if approved, developers can eventually utilize eminent domain authority to secure routes. Because final routes haven’t been decided – those public meetings and forums will probably be influential in the outcome. Fiocchi urges impacted property owners to get involved immediately: “We’re also strongly encouraging people, particularly impacted landowners, to give that feedback to those companies because this may be your first and best opportunity to influence where this goes.”

More information on these site. It also allows you to share your opinion directly with the companies.

Wisconsin Public Service Commission – state regulator on such projects.

Maribel – potentially impacting Vernon and Crawford counties.

Beci – potentially impacting Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Dane and Jefferson counties.

by The Farm

Back To Brazil – Rodrigo Werle Hosting 2027 Farmer Tour

Wisconsin farmers are constantly looking for strategies to boost their yields. Field efficiencies are always being evaluated. Maybe there’s something you could learn from Brazilian farmers?

Dr. Rodrigo Werle, UW-Madison Extension Weed Scientist will be leading a tour group to Brazil looking for some of those insights. Werle, a native of Brazil, says you’ll see high-intensity cropping systems while you’re there, plus have access to the growers. Following a successful trip in 2025, organizers are planning a second educational tour for January 2–10, 2027. Participants will return in time for the Wisconsin Ag Classic on January 11.

The nine-day tour showcases Brazilian crop production across São Paulo, Paraná, and Mato Grosso. The focus will be on advanced technology, intensive irrigation, and multi-crop rotations. In some regions, farmers harvest five crops every two years. The trip focuses on the networks farmers/farms rely on – so anyone in agribusiness or production agriculture should consider coming along.

Werle says, “Information is priceless. You go, you share, and then you get some high-level information back that influences how you think and how you operate.”

This tour is already filling. Organizers encourage interested farmers, lenders, agribusinesses and crop consultants to reserve spots right away. To join the January 2027 tour, email Rodrigo Werle directly at [email protected].

by The Farm

Small-Scale Relationships Help Get People to Show Up

So have you ever been at a REALLY good field event – and literally no one is there? The struggle to motivate people to attend field days, educational conferences or even conventions is a challenge many organizations are battling. Building stronger people relationships in conservation is central to addressing this issue.

Agricultural outreach is undergoing a significant transformation. Large-scale field days and crowded winter conferences no longer deliver the same level of farmer engagement as a decade ago. Whitney Prestby is the Demo Farms Outreach Team Lead with the UW-Madison Division of Extension and Outreach Lead for the Fox Demo Farm. In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, she shares key insights into how conservation groups are changing things up to try and bring their audience in.

The evolution of farmer needs

Ten years ago, conservation leaders focused on driving excitement through large events. Promoted techniques like cover crops, no-till planting, and alternative manure management were relatively new to local landscapes. While big events effectively built initial enthusiasm, farmers now require practical implementation strategies for their own fields.

Large events often make it difficult for farmers to ask complex questions. Consequently, conservation networks across Wisconsin are shifting toward smaller, localized field days. These intimate gatherings foster one-on-one dialogue, allow host farms to share personal challenges, and create comfortable environments for addressing technical details.

Relationship building drives practice adoption

Events alone do not guarantee practice adoption. Prestby says real progress still relies on direct relationship building between conservation staff and agricultural communities. When local staff visit farms and deliver targeted resources directly to landowners, engagement increases significantly.

A multi-year study by the University of Illinois confirmed this trend across eastern Wisconsin. Researchers found that combining intensive technical support from agronomists with peer-to-peer learning yields higher adoption rates than financial incentive programs alone.

Balancing modern outreach tools

While physical, face-to-face interactions remain essential, digital channels provide valuable supplementary learning. Farmers frequently utilize podcasts, instructional videos, and social media content while operating equipment in the field. Leveraging digital tools alongside small-group networking creates a balanced approach that supports long-term conservation success.

—-> Do you attend events in person? Why or why not — please share your thoughts!

by The Farm

Volunteers For Agriculture Back Key Legislative Candidates

Wisconsin’s agricultural community has made its voice heard for the upcoming November 3rd general election. Volunteers for Agriculture® (VFA)—the political action committee of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation—has officially released its candidate endorsements for the state Assembly and state Senate races.

A dedicated panel of 18 farmers from across Wisconsin drives the VFA endorsement process. Built on a grassroots foundation, the committee evaluates candidates through local county Farm Bureau input, in-person candidate interviews, voting records, and key policy stances on agricultural issues. This hands-on process gives local producers a direct voice in electing leaders who understand and advocate for rural Wisconsin.

State Senate Endorsements (10 Candidates)

1st Senate District: Nic Cravillion (R)
9th Senate District: Amy Binsfeld (R)
11th Senate District: Ellen Schutt (R) *
13th Senate District: John Jagler (R)
17th Senate District: Howard Marklein (R)
19th Senate District: Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R)
23rd Senate District: Romaine Quinn (R)
25th Senate District: Erik Severson (R)
27th Senate District: Dianne Hesselbein (D)
29th Senate District: Cory Tomczyk (R)

State Assembly Endorsements (57 Candidates)

1st Assembly District: Joel Kitchens (R)
2nd Assembly District: Shae Sortwell (R)
4th Assembly District: David Steffen (R)
5th Assembly District: Joy Goeben (R)
6th Assembly District: Elijah Behnke (R)
10th Assembly District: Darrin Madison (D)
15th Assembly District: Adam Neylon (R)
18th Assembly District: Margaret Arney (D)
22nd Assembly District: Paul Melotik (R)
24th Assembly District: Dan Knodl (R)
25th Assembly District: Paul Tittl (R)
27th Assembly District: Lindee Brill (R)
28th Assembly District: Rob Kreibrich (R)
29th Assembly District: Treig Pronschinske (R)
30th Assembly District: Shannon Zimmerman (R)
31st Assembly District: Tyler August (R)
32nd Assembly District: Amanda Nedweski (R)
33rd Assembly District: Steve Wicklund (R)
34th Assembly District: Rob Swearingen (R)
35th Assembly District: Calvin Callahan (R)
36th Assembly District: Jeff Mursau (R)
37th Assembly District: Mark Born (R) *
38th Assembly District: Will Penterman (R)
39th Assembly District: Alex Dallman (R)
40th Assembly District: Karen DeSanto (D)
41st Assembly District: Tony Kurtz (R)
42nd Assembly District: Maureen McCarville (D)
44th Assembly District: Ann Roe (D)
45th Assembly District: Clinton Anderson (D)
46th Assembly District: Joan Fitzgerald (D)
49th Assembly District: Travis Tranel (R)
50th Assembly District: Bill Oemichen (D) *
51st Assembly District: Todd Novak (R)
55th Assembly District: Nate Gustafson (R)
57th Assembly District: Kevin Krentz (R) *
58th Assembly District: Bernie Newman (R)
59th Assembly District: Bradley Peterson (R)
60th Assembly District: Marty Ryan (R)
63rd Assembly District: Robert Wittke (R)
64th Assembly District: Tip McGuire (D)
67th Assembly District: David Armstrong (R)
68th Assembly District: Rob Summerfield (R)
69th Assembly District: Karen Hurd (R)
70th Assembly District: Nancy VanderMeer (R)
72nd Assembly District: Scott Krug (R)
74th Assembly District: Chanz Green (R) *
75th Assembly District: Duke Tucker (R)
80th Assembly District: Mike Bare (D)
83rd Assembly District: Dave Maxey (R)
85th Assembly District: Patrick Snyder (R)
86th Assembly District: John Spiros (R)
87th Assembly District: Brent Jacobson (R)
88th Assembly District: Benjamin Franklin (R)
92nd Assembly District: Clint Moses (R)
95th Assembly District: Cedric Schnitzler (R)
97th Assembly District: Cindi Duchow (R)
99th Assembly District: Barbara Dittrich (R)

* Indicates candidates who earned endorsement during the primary election.

by The Farm

Farmland Preservation Program – Why It’s Popular

Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program offers local farmers a straightforward tax credit of $10 per acre each year, provided they meet basic state eligibility and conservation standards. It’s become so popular, that administration fees are being asked by many counties statewide. Amy Piaget, County Conservationist for Dane County says it’s a good problem to have!

To qualify, participating farms must satisfy specific state agricultural performance standards. These include maintaining an active nutrient management plan, having proper manure storage facilities if necessary, and preventing agricultural runoff. Farmers must also be Wisconsin residents and meet established income criteria.

While the program is open to most operations, land eligibility typically relies on local zoning.

Zoning & Alternative Options

Farmland Preservation Zoning: Primary qualification comes from owning property within an officially designated farmland preservation zone.
Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs): For properties located outside zoned areas, landowners can qualify by forming or joining a state-designated Agricultural Enterprise Area to secure a tax certificate.

Understanding Program Administration and Compliance

Piaget says Dane County leads the state in participation, with roughly 1,000 farmers enrolled. Due to the high volume of participants and continuous administrative upkeep—such as updating certificates following property sales or entity name changes (like transfers to a family trust)—the county recently introduced a updated fee structure.

Rather than charging an annual fee like neighboring counties (which typically run $20 to $25 per year), Dane County links its fee directly to the state-mandated status reviews. Every four years, staff conduct required on-site compliance visits—amounting to roughly 250 to 300 site inspections annually. The review fee includes a base rate with a weighted addition of 50 cents per acre, reflecting the additional time required to evaluate larger operations.

How to Get Started

Tax preparers often alert farmers to the program during tax season. Because the state sets no enrollment caps or restrictions, any eligible farmer can join.

Landowners interested in enrolling or updating their certificate can contact their local County Land Conservation Office or reach out directly to the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department.

by The Farm

Helping Unlock Health Care Options For Farms And Rural Families

Navigating health care can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for self-employed workers, farmers, and rural families. Covering WI can help. Sunday, August 23rd, the Wisconsin Farmers Union is hosting, “Rural Voices: Health Care in Wisconsin’s Farming Communities”. The event will be at LaClare Family Creamery in Malone, and the goal is to answer questions and get people/families connected to critical health care resources they may be unaware of.

Adam VanSpankeren is the Navigator Program Manager at Covering Wisconsin. He will be one of the guest speakers Sunday. He recently spoke with Pam Jahnke about how they handle hundreds of calls everyday. Connecting people with benefits they don’t even know they have.

What Is Covering Wisconsin?

Covering Wisconsin is part of the UW–Madison Extension. It is the state’s main health insurance Navigator organization.

Funding comes from federal grants under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The group provides free, unbiased guidance year-round. They help residents enroll in and keep their coverage.

Navigators guide families through:

Public Programs: Free or low-cost care like Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus.
Marketplace Plans: Private health plans found on HealthCare.gov.

Better Options for Rural Families

In the past, self-employed workers had few health care choices. Today, the ACA marketplace offers broad coverage for pre-existing conditions. VanSpankeren says Covering WI will dive deep into providers in your area, and do whatever they can to connect you to the service you need.

Rural residents still face unique obstacles:

Travel Distance: Clinic and hospital locations vary widely by county.
Specialist Access: Finding local coverage for specific doctors requires careful planning.
Preventive Care: Marketplace plans cover free annual checkups and basic vaccines.

Common Health Insurance Questions

Wisconsinites usually ask two main questions:

“How much will this cost?” Costs depend on your location, age, household size, and income. Federal tax credits lower monthly premiums for most buyers.
“Is my doctor covered?” Navigators check if your preferred clinics, hospitals, and specialists are in-network before you sign up.

Get Free Local Help

Navigators offer phone appointments, web chats, and in-person visits across Wisconsin.

by The Farm

Rural Voices: Health Care, Goats, & Ice Cream

Scoops, Goats, and Good Health: Join Us in Malone!

Navigating healthcare shouldn’t feel like a solo chore. Join the Wisconsin Farmers Union for a resource-packed afternoon built for local farming communities.

When: Sunday, August 23rd | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: LaClare Family Creamery (W2994 County Rd HH, Malone, WI)
RSVP: Register by Wednesday, August 19th at wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events

Affordable health and mental healthcare keep family farms thriving.

“Healthcare services are harder to access in rural areas,” says event organizer LaToya Bates. “Farmers face higher rates of injury and stress. Connecting with local resources is vital.”

Heavy topics are easier to tackle over fresh food, ice cream, and goats.

Event Schedule

11:00 AM: Arrive at the visitor center.
11:30 AM: Optional lunch buffet ($18/person). Enjoy fresh sandwiches and salads. GF and vegetarian options are available.
12:30 PM: Free healthcare info session with Covering Wisconsin.
1:30 PM: Free farm tour. Pet the goats, shop, and sample goat milk ice cream!

Note: Lunch is optional. Feel free to join us at 12:30 PM for the free program.

Featured Partners

Covering Wisconsin: Get free, expert help navigating Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, and HealthCare.gov.
LaClare Family Creamery: Tour the facilities of a top local goat cheese producer and meet the herd.

by The Farm

USDA Grants Bring Fresh, Local Vegetables to Wisconsin Schools

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing grants to fund the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative (WFHC). This farmer-owned project delivers fresh, local vegetables directly to schools and childcare centers across Wisconsin.

Many producers in the Waupaca-based cooperative launched their businesses at local farmers markets before expanding into larger institutions. These markets serve as vital launchpads for growers expanding into schools, food pantries, and regional co-ops.

Athens-based Cattail Organics sells at the Wausau Farmers Market and actively supplies the WFHC initiative. Owner Kat Becker sees a distinct difference when kids eat locally grown produce.

“Once kids taste carrots that are freshly grown, it is a totally different experience,” Becker said. “They’re a lot sweeter and a lot more flavorful. Fresh vegetables… feeding our state make the biggest impact.”

Similarly, Red Door Family Farm in Athens participates in both the Wausau Farmers Market and the WFHC initiative. Co-owner Stacey Botsford emphasizes the long-term benefit for young students.

“It’s giving the kids in this county a lifetime of learning how to eat vegetables,” Botsford noted.

To support the broader community, both Cattail Organics and Red Door Family Farm will host the annual “Farm to Feast” dinner on August 8, 2026, at Rockridge Orchard in Edgar. Proceeds will benefit the United Way Hunger Coalition.

Other regional growers are also expanding their reach through the cooperative. Alsum Sweet Corn in Randolph sells at the Dane County, Westside Community, and South Shore farmers markets. The farm recently expanded its lineup with homegrown inferno Romaine lettuce and on-the-cob popping corn. The public can join their 50th-anniversary celebration on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Randolph farm.

To help more educators participate, the WFHC recently launched a dedicated website where schools can explore and join the program.

“This USDA investment will expand the availability of nutritious options for children across the state so they can learn and grow,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson.

In Fiscal Year 2025, the USDA invested nearly $2 million across nine Wisconsin projects through the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program. These grants help agricultural producers create new products, enter bigger markets, and boost overall farm income.

While VAPG application windows are currently closed, producers should organize their materials now for the next funding cycle. Interested farmers can visit grants.gov or contact USDA Rural Development specialists in Wisconsin at [email protected]. Additional investment data is available via the USDA Rural Data Gateway.

by The Farm