Wisconsin Farm Center Contact Information

​​​​​​​​Wisconsin Farm Center

Farm Center Contact Handout

2811 Agriculture Dr. 
P.O. Box 8911 
Madison, WI 53708-8911​ 
Phone: 1-800-942-2474​ 
Fax: (608) 224-5107​   

   

Program Supervisor

Dan Bauer​
Phone: (608) 400-9474 
Email: daniel.bauer@wisconsin.gov

​Raised on a dairy in central Wisconsin, Dan earned his bachelor's degree in dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He spent just under 15 years working for several different global dairy organizations with responsibilities including strategic planning and project management. Dan now leads the Farm Center as program supervisor. He is passionate about helping his team and its farmer clients achieve objectives through communicating effectively and developing action ​plans​​.

Learn more about Dan at: https://youtu.be/6Q9KtYhaKh8




Mike Lochner

Financial Consulting & Farm Transition Specialist

Mike Lochner

Phone: (608) 280-1296​ 
Email: michael​.lochner@wisconsin.gov

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1979, Mike spent the first 15 years of his professional career in the agronomy industry. He then went on to work for more than 20 years in agriculture lending with three different financial organizations. For the past 6+ years, Mike has enjoyed being able to use his vast experience in agriculture finance to provide services through the Farm Center where he delivers financial consulting and transition planning advice to Wisconsin farmers.

Learn more about Mike at: https://youtu.be/Omv3GqeDjJI


 

Financial Consulting & Farm Transition Specialist

Kevin Plante 
Phone: (608) 327-9814 
Email: kevin.plante@wisco​nsin.gov

Kevin Plante graduated from the University of Minnesota with bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural education. After graduating, he went on to work in education for 20 years. Prior to joining the Farm Center in 2019, Kevin also assisted farmers while working at the Min​nesota Department of Agriculture. His current work includes managing the Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program, and coaching farms on financial management and developing transition plans. 

​Learn more about Kevin at: https://youtu.be/6wMRkiO0CnM




Financial Consulting & Farm Transition SpecialistMarkSchmitz_3x4_4ccropped.jpg

Mark Schmitz, J.D. 
Phone: (608) 590-5287​ 
Email: mark.schmitz@wisconsin.gov

Born and raised on his family’s dairy farm in southwest Wisconsin, Mark Schmitz attended UW-Stevens Point and later graduated from the UW-Madison L​aw School. Prior to joining the Farm Center, he practiced law and helped manage and operate his family’s farm, eventually assisting them successfully transition from dairy farming to retirement. Mark’s on-the-ground experience, coupled with his educational and professional background, allows him to have a unique perspective on financial and transition planning and functional knowledge of the tools available to develop and implement effective plans.

Learn more about Mark at: https://youtu.be/3h3n7OrMs0M​



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KarenEndres_3x4_4ccropped.jpgFarmer Wellness Program Coordinator

Karen Endres 
Phone: (608) 982-6007 
Email: karenk.endres@wisconsin.gov

Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the UW-Madison and went on to work in marketing, communications, and public relations. As part of the Farm Center team, Karen uses her expertise in agriculture an​d wellness to coordinate programs that help farmers improve their mental health. Outside of work, Karen enjoys coaching, fitness, and raising her three daughters. Her husband Randy owns and operates a dairy farm with his brothers and their families.

​Learn more about Karen at: https://youtu.be/XwCkLpfVdB8