Wisconsin Farm Center

Building Bridges

Bridging the Gap: An introduction to mediation
The goal of mediation is to help resolve issues by bridging the conflict gap to encourage communication. Mediation involves a neutral individual who helps facilitate negotiation and understanding between conflicting parties.

Building a Firm Foundation: The types of issues that may be mediated
The Wisconsin Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program can mediate farmer disputes ranging from creditor/debtor issues to environmental concerns to farm family conflicts.

Connecting Both Sides: Before, during, and after mediation
Every individual in mediation has the responsibility of being prepared through all phases of the process. Begin by being organized, carefully listen, and commit to finding a reasonable solution to resolve your conflict.

Supporting the Bridge: Financial counseling
In conjunction with the Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program assistance is available with feasibility analysis, enterprise analysis, along with restructuring and cash flow projections.

Assuring the Strength of the Bridge: Neutrality & confidentiality
The mediator assumes a neutral and nonjudgmental position and confidentiality is upheld throughout the mediation process.

Crossing the Bridge: Frequently asked questions
The Wisconsin Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program can answer your questions from “How much will this cost?” to “How long will this take?”

Mediation Alternatives: Arbitration
Arbitration is more like a court process, with a neutral arbitrator selected by the parties making the final decision to resolve the problem. Rarely used and usually done post-mediation.

Covering the Bridge: Farm Service Fact Sheet
An agricultural mediation program is active in nearly every state and assists farmers of all backgrounds.