Wisconsin Farm Center offers variety of ag resources

MADISON — With Wisconsin farmers facing an unprecedented series of challenges brought on by low commodity prices, unfavorable weather patterns, uncertain global markets and now, challenges posed by COVID-19, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds farmers that support, information and resources are available through the Wisconsin Farm Center.

Since the mid-1980s, thousands of farm families have turned to the center, which provides an extensive array of services to farmers, often in cooperation with the university, governmental or private sector. Those services include, among others, financial and business consultation, farm succession planning, farm ownership transition planning, conflict mediation, production and herd-health challenges, legal and financial mediation and counseling vouchers.

These services are provided at no cost to farmers, and all information provided to the center is confidential. In recent years, the center has averaged approximately 2,200 calls annually.

“Each year brings its own unique set of challenges to farmers,” said DATCP interim Secretary Randy Romanski. “After the difficult circumstances of the past several years, no one could have predicted COVID-19. Farming is a complicated and demanding business, and it’s always helpful to have someone there providing support, suggestions and encouragement.”

Farmers and agribusiness owners can contact the farm center by phone at 800-942-2474. For information, go to https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/FarmCenterOverview.aspx.

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